Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) Multi-Spectral Sensing Technologies R&D (MuSTeR) BAA
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
The Air Force Research Laboratory is seeking innovative research and development in advanced radio frequency (RF) and electro-optical / infrared (EO/IR) sensing technologies to support future air, space, and command-and-control sensor systems.
White Papers submissions are due May 20th, 2026 at 5:00pm ET.
This BAA supports basic research, applied research, and advanced technology development, with an emphasis on advancing the state of the art and transitioning capabilities to future Air Force systems.
How much funding would I receive?
Total Program Value: ~$250M (across all awards)
Typical Award Size: ~$100K to $10M
Period of Performance:
Individual awards: 12–48 months
Overall BAA effort: up to 60 months
Award Volume: Multiple awards anticipated (but not guaranteed)
Research Areas
Multiband Multifunction Radio Frequency Sensing (RYMF)
1. Multiband Multifunction Array Development
2. Fully Adaptive Radar
3. Advanced Digital Multifunction Arrays
Laser Radar Technology (RYMM)
4. Laser Radar Imaging, Systems, Components, and Applications Passive Radio Frequency Sensing (RYMP)
5. Passive Radio Frequency Sensing Distributed Radio Frequency Sensing (RYMS)
6. Waveform Phenomenology, Design and Applications
7. Sensor Information Processing and Integration
EO Target Detection & Surveillance (RYMT)
8. Passive Electro-optic and Infrared Sensor Technology
9. Novel EO/IR Hardware and Algorithms
10. Hyperspectral Imaging Technology
11. Standoff High Resolution Imaging (SHRI)
12. Infrared Search and Track Technology
13. Passive EO/IR Space-Based Sensing
Who Should Pay Attention
Small businesses, startups, and non-traditional contractors (explicitly encouraged)
Mid-size and large defense R&D firms
Universities and research institutions
Teams with novel sensing hardware, algorithms, or system concepts
This is an unrestricted solicitation. Cost sharing is allowed but not required. Foreign entities may not serve as primes.
How the Process Works
Step 1: White Paper
Rolling acceptance through May 20, 2026
6 pages, technical summary + ROM cost
Used to determine Air Force interest
Step 2: Full Proposal
Invitation-only
Requested from white papers that meet AFRL needs
Technical merit is the top evaluation factor
How Proposals Are Evaluated
White Paper Criteria (Equal Weight):
Alignment with BAA technical areas
Government interest
Novelty and technical advancement
Availability of funding based on ROM
Full Proposal Criteria (Descending Priority):
Technical innovation and approach
Understanding of scope and risks
Transition potential to Air Force systems
Cost realism
Bottom Line:
This is a long-running, high-dollar AFRL BAA designed to continuously onboard cutting-edge sensing technologies. If your company is building novel RF, EO/IR, or multispectral sensing capabilities, this BAA is a durable entry point into Air Force R&D funding—starting with a relatively low-cost white paper.
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
For a first-time applicant on your own, preparing an White Paper under this BAA will likely take 20–50 hours in total. BW&CO offers services to save you time and increase your likelihood of success.
How can BW&CO help?
Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:
Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development
Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations
Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth under Federal & State R&D Initiatives.
How much would BW&CO Charge?
Our full service support is available for a flat fee of $5,000 for the Abstract Submission.
Fractional support is $300 per hour, with most AFRL proposal projects requiring 10-20 hours of expert support from strategy through submission of full proposal.
For startups, we offer a discounted rate of $250 per hour to make top-tier grant consulting more accessible while maintaining the same level of strategic guidance and proposal quality.
Additional Resources
Review solicitation here.