Executive Summary
The Army's aviation and missile center (DEVCOM AvMC) funds applied R&D on rotorcraft engines, supplemental power and drive systems under its BAA topic SPEED. Small and large U.S. businesses can apply. Concept papers must arrive before December 14, 2026 for an FY27 award.
A November 10 amendment adds an invitation-only Collaboration Step between the concept paper and any request for proposal, so the concept paper is the decisive document.
Solicitation at a Glance
- Agency: U.S. Army DEVCOM Aviation & Missile Center, through ACC-Redstone
- Solicitation: Aviation & Missile R&D BAA W911W6-25-R-0006; topic SPEED (Supplemental Power, Efficient Engines, and Drives), Amendment 0004 to W911W626RA002, posted November 10, 2026
- Award vehicle: Contracts or cooperative agreements under the BAA
- Funding (topic budget attachment): FY26 $2,838,399; FY27 $1,400,000; FY28 $2,500,000; FY29 $3,600,000; FY30 $2,700,000. "FY27 awards are anticipated to utilize FY27, FY28, and FY29 funding."
- Technology maturity: TRL 3 to 4 at start, TRL 5 at end
- Period of performance: 12 to 24 months
- Due: Concept papers before December 14 of each year, for an award in that fiscal year
Think your company qualifies? Talk with BW&CO before the December 14 cutoff.
What Is SPEED?
SPEED is one of the revised topics in the Army's aviation and missile R&D BAA. It funds applied research on engines, supplemental power and drive systems for Army rotorcraft, with examples including additively manufactured gearbox housings, ceramic matrix composites, turbine materials and physics-informed prognostics.
Funding and Award Terms
The topic's budget attachment lists yearly lines, not a per-award ceiling. The FY27 to FY29 lines that FY27 awards will draw on total $7.5M. Awards depend on available funds.
Eligibility Requirements
- Who can submit: Small businesses and large businesses (topic audience)
- Primes: U.S. firms only as prime contractors
- Information handling: The work requires controlled unclassified information (CUI); it is not fundamental research
- Transition: Proposers must show a transition path into Army rotorcraft
How to Apply
- Read: The BAA and SPEED attachment on SAM under W911W625R0006
- Pick: The topic area your technology fits
- Submit: A concept paper on SAM before December 14, 2026
- Prepare: For a possible invitation to the Collaboration Step
What Happens After You Submit?
- Concept paper review: The Army evaluates the concept paper
- Collaboration Step: By Government invitation only, not a request for proposal: technical approach, risks, scope, statement of work and rough cost
- Request for proposal: Issued to selected offerors
Is This Opportunity a Good Fit for Your Company?
It fits companies with engine, drivetrain, power or high-temperature materials technology at TRL 3 to 4 that can reach TRL 5 in 12 to 24 months.
How BW&CO Can Help
BW&CO has helped deep-tech and dual-use founders secure more than $350M in non-dilutive funding. For Army BAAs like SPEED, we help you:
- Match your technology to the topic area with the best fit
- Shape a concept paper that earns the Collaboration Step invitation
- Prepare for the collaboration discussions on scope and cost
- Plan registrations and CUI handling
- Write and review the full proposal if invited
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a per-award ceiling?
No. The attachment lists yearly budget lines only.
When exactly is the deadline?
Concept papers must arrive before December 14, so plan for December 13.
Can small businesses apply?
Yes. The topic audience is small and large businesses.
Can a foreign company lead?
No. Only U.S. firms can be prime contractors.
What is the Collaboration Step?
An invitation-only phase added on November 10, between the concept paper and the request for proposal.
Is the work CUI?
Yes. The topic is not fundamental research.
How long are awards?
12 to 24 months.
Can BW&CO help with a SPEED submission?
Yes. We help teams pick the right topic area, write the concept paper and prepare for the Collaboration Step. Book a call with our team.
Source: SAM.gov notice W911W626RA002, Amendment 0004 (SPEED topic)