AFRL: “Networking the Fight” Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-24-S-7002
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is seeking innovative technologies that improve secure information sharing across multiple security domains and networks at the tactical edge through the “Networking the Fight” Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-24-S-7002. The goal is to enable mission-critical data to move across air, space, and ground networks while maintaining security across “red-black” boundaries.
This program supports the future Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) vision by developing software-defined networking capabilities that enable resilient, dynamic information transport in contested environments.
Companies will submit a 3–5 page white paper first, and only those invited by the government will be asked to submit a full proposal.
White papers will continue to be accepted until 11:59 PM EST on 14 FEB 2029.
How much funding would I receive?
Total anticipated funding across the program is approximately $70M.
Individual awards:
Typically $1M to $24M
Period of performance normally up to 36 months
Estimated program funding by fiscal year:
FY26: $24M
FY27: $17M
The government reserves the right to award zero, one, or multiple awards, depending on funding availability and proposal quality.
For the initial technical areas, AFRL anticipates:
3 awards for Technical Area 1
3 awards for Technical Area 2
1 award for Technical Area 3
What could I use the funding for?
Funding supports research, development, integration, testing, and evaluation of technologies that improve information sharing across security domains and heterogeneous networks at the tactical edge.
The BAA focuses on three technical areas:
Technical Area 1 — Next Generation Cross Domain Solution Broker
Develop a discoverable and reconfigurable broker service that enables data exchange across multiple security domains using certified cross-domain solutions.
Technical Area 2 — Highly Dynamic Red/Black Networking
Develop networking capabilities that enable resilient routing and prioritization of encrypted data across dynamic networks.
Technical Area 3 — Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis (MS&A)
Develop a non-proprietary modeling and simulation testbed to evaluate technologies from Technical Areas 1 and 2.
The program will advance technologies through a phased development approach to reach TRL 5 and TRL 6 demonstrations.
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
Possible benefits include:
Opportunity to transition prototype projects to follow-on production contracts or transactions if prototypes are successfully completed.
Potential awards in several forms depending on the proposed work, including:
FAR-based procurement contracts
Grants or cooperative agreements
Other Transactions (OTs) under 10 U.S.C. 4021 and 4022
Opportunity to collaborate with AFRL and other performers through shared testbed environments.
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
This BAA operates as a two-step process:
Step 1 — Submit a White Paper
White papers will continue to be accepted until 11:59 PM EST on 14 FEB 2029.
Step 2 — Submit a Full Proposal (Invitation Only)
Evaluation timeline:
Offerors will receive white paper evaluation results within 45 days of submission.
Program duration:
Phase 0: 9 months
Phase 1: 12 months
Phase 2: 15 months
Total potential period of performance: 36 months
Where does this funding come from?
Funding comes from the Department of the Air Force, specifically:
Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)
Information Directorate
Rome Research Site (Rome, New York)
The program supports AFRL’s mission to develop advanced warfighting technologies for air, space, and cyber operations.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is open to all qualified offerors that meet the requirements of the BAA.
Potential applicants may include:
Small businesses
Large businesses
Universities
Non-profit organizations
However, the BAA includes several participation restrictions:
The program is closed to foreign participation, including foreign ownership and foreign nationals, unless specific exceptions apply.
Contractors requiring access to AFRL facilities or government IT networks must be U.S. citizens, unless a waiver is granted.
What companies and projects are likely to win?
Proposals are evaluated based on four equally weighted criteria:
Scientific and technical merit of the proposed solution
Relevant experience related to Air Force mission needs
Openness, maturity, and assurance of the solution, including use of existing standards and capabilities
Reasonableness and realism of proposed costs
Solutions that demonstrate innovative approaches to secure cross-domain data movement and resilient networking in contested environments are likely to align well with the program’s objectives.
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Several important restrictions apply:
Foreign participation
The BAA is closed to foreign participation, with limited exceptions for fundamental research or approved mitigation structures.
Security requirements
Personnel may require SECRET or TOP SECRET clearances depending on the work performed.
Compliance requirements
Applicants must disclose current and pending research support for key personnel.
Proposals will undergo a security risk review to assess potential foreign influence risks.
Registration requirements
Offerors must be registered in System for Award Management (SAM) before receiving an award.
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
The initial submission requirement is a 3–5 page white paper, which is designed to minimize preparation effort before the government determines interest.
If invited to submit a full proposal, additional documentation and cost details will be required.
How can BW&CO help?
BW&CO can support your application through:
Assessing whether your technology fits Technical Areas 1, 2, or 3
Developing a competitive white paper aligned with AFRL evaluation criteria
Structuring your proposal for BAA compliance and technical clarity
Managing the full proposal preparation process if invited
How much would BW&CO Charge?
We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($13,000 + 5%) available.