AFRL ATA-AI BAA (FA8750-24-S-7004)

Executive summary

AFRL's Information Directorate in Rome, NY funds AI and machine learning for next-generation target tracking under a roughly $99M BAA. Awards typically run $1M to $10M for up to 48 months. The BAA is open through July 12, 2029; white papers for FY27 funding are suggested by November 30, 2026.

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Submissions start with a white paper. Full proposals are by invitation only.

Solicitation at a glance

• Agency: Air Force Research Laboratory, Information Directorate (AFRL/RIED), Rome, NY
• Opportunity: Advanced Tracking Architecture Using AI (ATA-AI)
• Solicitation: FA8750-24-S-7004 (Amendment 5, July 29, 2026)
• Award vehicle: FAR contracts or Other Transactions (10 U.S.C. 4021, 4022 and 4023)
• Funding: About $99M total; awards typically $1M to $10M; up to 48 months; multiple awards expected
• Due dates: Open until July 12, 2029, 5:00 PM ET; suggested white paper dates November 30, 2026 (FY27), November 30, 2027 (FY28), November 30, 2028 (FY29)

Think your company qualifies? Talk with BW&CO before the November 30 FY27 white paper date.

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What is ATA-AI?

An open AFRL BAA for research into AI-driven tracking architectures that follow targets more accurately and in harder conditions.

What problem is AFRL trying to solve?

Current tracking systems struggle with dense, fast-changing and contested environments. AFRL wants AI and machine learning approaches that improve detection, association and tracking.

Funding and award terms

• About $99M total
• Awards typically $1M to $10M, up to 48 months
• FAR contracts or Other Transactions
• Small businesses can qualify for an OT without cost share

Eligibility

• Foreign participation is not allowed, including foreign-national employees and subcontractors, except for fundamental research.
• Foreign-owned companies have a possible mitigation path.
• Some work may require a Secret or Top Secret facility clearance.
• Export-control certification (DLIS) is required.

How to apply

• Read FA8750-24-S-7004 and Amendment 5 on SAM.gov.
• Write a white paper (double-spaced, 12-point, with your CAGE code and UEI).
• Email it to AFRL.RIEDBAA.2024@us.af.mil, ideally by November 30, 2026 for FY27 funding.
• If invited, submit a full proposal.

What happens after you submit?

• White paper review: AFRL invites full proposals from the strongest fits.
• Full proposal and negotiation: contract or OT award.
• Next cycle: later white papers are considered for FY28 and FY29 funding.

Is this opportunity a good fit for your company?

Strong fit for U.S. AI and machine learning companies working on tracking, sensor fusion, computer vision or point-cloud processing. Weak fit for teams with foreign nationals on the project or no path to handling export-controlled or classified work.

How BW&CO can help

BW&CO has helped deep-tech and dual-use founders secure more than $350M in non-dilutive funding. For AFRL BAAs like ATA-AI, we help you:

• Match your technology to AFRL's tracking priorities
• Write a white paper that earns a proposal invitation
• Choose between a FAR contract and an OT
• Plan for export-control and clearance requirements
• Time submissions to the right fiscal-year window

Plan your ATA-AI white paper

Frequently asked questions

Is ATA-AI open now?

Yes, through July 12, 2029, 5:00 PM ET.

When should I submit for FY27 funding?

AFRL suggests a white paper by November 30, 2026.

How large are awards?

Typically $1M to $10M, for up to 48 months.

Can small businesses get an OT?

Yes, and small businesses can qualify without cost share.

Can foreign nationals work on the project?

Generally no, except for fundamental research.

Do I need a security clearance?

Some work may require a Secret or Top Secret facility clearance.

How do I submit?

Email a white paper to AFRL.RIEDBAA.2024@us.af.mil.

Is a full proposal required up front?

No. Full proposals are by invitation after the white paper.

Can BW&CO help with an ATA-AI white paper?

Yes. We help teams match AFRL's priorities and write a white paper that earns an invitation. Book a call with our team.

Source: FA8750-24-S-7004 on SAM.gov