Air Force: AFRL/RX Functional Materials Open BAA
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Materials & Manufacturing Directorate, is seeking white papers under the AFRL/RX Functional Materials Open BAA (FA8650-22-S-5002). This is a two-step, rolling Broad Agency Announcement focused on innovative functional materials that enable new warfighting capabilities and improve size, weight, power (SWaP), reliability, maintainability, and lifecycle cost.
White Papers may be submitted at any time upon issuance of this BAA until 28 October 2026 3:00 PM Wright-Patterson AFB, OH Local time . Early submission is encouraged.
Total anticipated funding under this BAA is approximately $48,000,000. Multiple awards are anticipated, but the Air Force reserves the right to award zero, one, or more contracts.
If you are developing advanced photonic materials, nanoelectronic materials, quantum materials, soft matter, biomaterials, or related enabling technologies aligned with AFRL/RX core competencies, this is an open, flexible vehicle to secure non-dilutive federal R&D funding through 28 October 2026 3:00 PM Wright-Patterson AFB, OH Local time .
How much funding would I receive?
This BAA has total anticipated funding of approximately $48M across FY22–FY26 .
FY26: ~$8.5M
The solicitation does not specify minimum or maximum award sizes per project.
The Air Force anticipates awarding multiple awards but reserves the right to award zero, one, or more contracts .
Each award is anticipated to be between 12 to 60 months for the technical effort plus an additional 3 months for reporting .
All funding is subject to availability and Government discretion .
What could I use the funding for?
Funding supports research aligned with the AFRL/RX Functional Materials mission, including:
Photonic Materials Core Competencies
Optical materials and processes
Hardened materials and processing
Electro-Optic/Infrared (EO/IR) sensor protection
Laser materials and structural protection
Nanoelectronic Materials Core Competencies
Nanoscale transport materials and processes
Ultra-wide bandgap semiconductors
2D materials
Magnetoelectric and memristor materials
Heterogeneous integration
Quantum Semiconductor Materials and Processes
Quantum-enabled sensors and electronics
Infrared sensing and hyperspectral imaging
Secure communications and electronic warfare
Quantum memory or transduction systems
Soft Matter and Biomaterials
Stimuli-responsive polymers
Flexible/stretchable electronics
Wearable sensors
Bioelectronics and biofunctionalization
Biomanufacturing and biodegradation
Synthetic biology for materials development
Work may include studies, research, experiments, characterization, processing, modeling, software, proof-of-concept development, and prototype hardware and software .
Deliverables may include data, software, prototypes, demonstration components/systems, and material samples, as required .
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
Potential benefits include:
Flexible award instruments: FAR-based contracts, Other Transactions (OT) for Prototype, OT for Research, grants, or cooperative agreements
Anticipated use of Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts
Opportunity to transition technologies to future Government needs (explicitly evaluated in proposal review)
Direct engagement and dialogue with AFRL prior to proposal submission
The Government will receive Unlimited Rights in noncommercial technical data and software developed exclusively with Government funds , which is important to consider in your IP strategy.
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
This is a two-step process.
Step 1: White Paper
White Papers may be submitted at any time upon issuance of this BAA until 28 October 2026 3:00 PM Wright-Patterson AFB, OH Local time .
Government review is anticipated to take 30 working days .
Offerors will be notified whether they are recommended to submit a full proposal on or about 30 days after receipt .
Step 2: Full Proposal
Only offerors who submitted a White Paper are eligible for award .
Full proposals must be submitted within 30 working days of the proposal request .
Award timing is not specifically stated and depends on funding availability and successful negotiations.
The BAA remains open and effective until 28 October 2026 .
Where does this funding come from?
Funding comes from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Functional Materials Division (AFRL/RXA) .
Broad Agency Announcement Number: FA8650-22-S-5002
CFDA Number: 12.800 Air Force Defense Research Sciences Program .
Who is eligible to apply?
This is an unrestricted solicitation .
Small businesses are encouraged to propose .
There are no limits on the number of white papers/proposals an offeror may submit .
Cost sharing is not required .
Foreign participation:
AFRL is authorized to exclude all foreign participation at the prime contractor level .
Foreign contractors are advised to notify the Contracting Officer before responding .
Export control laws may apply, and a Certified DD Form 2345 may be required .
Government agencies must pursue participation outside this announcement .
What companies and projects are likely to win?
White Papers are evaluated (equal importance) on:
Whether the technical approach is consistent with the technologies listed in the BAA
Whether the research is of interest to the Government
Whether appropriate funding is available
Full Proposals are evaluated primarily on Technical merit, including:
Unique and innovative approach
Advances in knowledge and state of the art
Transition potential to future Government needs
Understanding of scope
Sound technical approach and risk mitigation
Qualifications of personnel
Availability of necessary facilities
Cost/Price is a substantial factor but ranked second to technical merit .
Projects that demonstrate innovation, transition potential, and alignment to AFRL functional material core competencies are most competitive.
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Key restrictions include:
Strict White Paper page limit: 4 pages plus 1 Quad Chart (5 total pages) .
Strict Technical Proposal page limit: 20 pages plus 1 Quad Chart (21 total pages), plus separate 10-page SOW .
Export control requirements (ITAR/EAR) may apply .
Program security classification may be up to and including SECRET .
Data rights: Government receives Unlimited Rights in noncommercial technical data and software developed exclusively with Government funds .
GFP is not anticipated .
Late submissions due to installation security delays will be considered “late” .
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
White Paper (Step 1):
4 pages plus 1 Quad Chart
Requires technical summary and Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate .
Full Proposal (Step 2):
20-page technical/management volume + 1 Quad Chart
Separate 10-page Statement of Work
Detailed cost/business proposal with full cost element breakdown .
The solicitation does not estimate preparation time. Preparation time will depend on complexity, internal cost systems, and whether certified cost or pricing data is required.
How can BW&CO help?
BW&CO can support you by:
Aligning your technology to the correct AFRL/RX core competency
Shaping your White Paper to pass peer/scientific review criteria
Structuring your Quad Chart for clarity and impact
Developing a compliant 20-page technical proposal and 10-page SOW
Building a defensible cost model aligned with FAR and DFARS requirements
Managing data rights assertions and export control positioning
We focus on positioning your innovation for Selectable categorization under AFRL’s technical-first review process.
How much would BW&CO Charge?
We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($4,000) available.