Carderock BAA - NAVY
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
The Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division (NSWCCD) is soliciting proposals under its FY26 Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for basic and applied research aligned with Navy ship, submarine, and maritime systems priorities. Awards are made as grants or cooperative agreements, with a minimum award size of $500,000 and no stated maximum. The BAA supports research across digital ecosystems, hydrodynamics, naval platform integrity, ship and submarine design, signature management, and unmanned systems. Proposals must be submitted by February 27, 2026.
How much funding would I receive?
Individual awards vary by technical scope, merit, and fund availability. The BAA lists a minimum award size of $500,000, with no stated maximum award ceiling. NSWCCD may make multiple awards, and funding levels depend on proposal quality and available funds.
What could I use the funding for?
Funding may be used for basic and applied research in the following areas:
Digital Ecosystems
High speed, intelligent, data-driven decision making for complex operations
Data discovery, information and knowledge management
Rapid adaptable policy and enforcement for digital environments
Hydrodynamics
Computational hydrodynamic tools
Seakeeping and loads in extreme seas
Maneuvering and control
Maneuvering in waves
Cavitation
Hull-propulsor interaction
Hydrodynamic modeling of operations: in an ice slurry; multi-body interactions; propulsor hull system optimization; appendage characterization and scaling; near-surface and near-shore maneuvering and control modeling development
Naval Platform Integrity
Naval metals and alloys; structural composites; corrosion resistant materials; and/or high-temperature ceramics
Manufacturing, including additive and other advanced manufacturing, and the relationship between processing, microstructure and materials properties, including Modelling & Simulation
Structural assessment and monitoring
Weapons effects and ship protection
Non-destructive testing and/or inspection
Maritime lethality
Structural reliability
Ship environmental treatment systems, management, and safety
Bio-fouling and bio-fouling hydrodynamic effects
Development of artificial intelligence and machine learning models to advance naval platform integrity
Battery development and safety
Naval platform energy and power
Ship and Submarine Design
Ship/Submarine design tools
Ship/Submarine design processes and methods
Design evaluation/assessment capabilities
New and non-traditional platforms
Novel ship/submarine designs and missions
Signature Management
Underwater and topside signatures
Mobile sensors
Unmanned Systems
Low-cost perception and situational awareness systems
Autonomy and AI/ML decision making and computations
Swarming capabilities
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
Beyond the formal funding award, there are meaningful indirect benefits to winning a NSWCCD Carderock BAA award:
Government Validation and Credibility: Selection signals strong technical credibility and alignment with Navy and DoD research priorities, which can accelerate future partnerships and follow-on funding.
Nondilutive Technology Advancement: Funding supports research without equity dilution, allowing organizations to mature technology while preserving ownership.
Positioning for Follow-On Navy Opportunities: Successful research may inform future Navy programs, contracts, or applied development efforts.
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
The BAA is open until February 27, 2026. Proposals may be submitted at any time before that deadline. Performance is expected to begin no earlier than three months after cost proposal submission, subject to award negotiations and fund availability.
Where does this funding come from?
Funding is provided by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division (NSWCCD) under the Department of the Navy for basic and applied scientific research (Assistance Listing 12.300).
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include:
Public and private institutions of higher education
Universities (including University Affiliated Research Centers, unless restricted by contract)
Small and large organizations
Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), Navy labs, and other DoD or civilian government laboratories are not eligible as prime applicants, though teaming arrangements may be allowed.
What companies and projects are likely to win?
Proposals are evaluated using a peer or scientific review process based on:
Overall scientific and technical merit of the proposal
Importance and relevance to NSWCCD programs
Availability and affordability of funds
Technical merit is the most important factor, with cost realism and reasonableness also considered.
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
This BAA is for research only and not for system acquisition or operational support services. No fee or profit is allowed. Some topics may involve export-controlled technologies, limiting participation to U.S. persons under ITAR. Intellectual property assertions must be clearly disclosed, and organizational conflicts of interest must be identified and mitigated.
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
For a first-time applicant, preparing a competitive pre-proposal without assistance from BW&CO will likely take 200–250 hours in total.
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 $15,000 + 5% Success Fee.
Fractional support is $300 per hour.
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.