National Defense Stockpile (NDS) Research & Qualification BAA – DLA
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Strategic Materials office is seeking white papers under its National Defense Stockpile (NDS) Research and Qualification Broad Agency Announcement to fund research, development, and qualification of strategic and critical materials that strengthen domestic supply chains. Awards may support early-stage research through higher-TRL qualification efforts, with individual awards up to $10 million. The BAA is open from January 30, 2026 through January 30, 2029, with white papers due no later than May 1, 2028.
How much funding would I receive?
Individual awards are expected to range from relatively small research efforts up to $10,000,000 per award, with multiple smaller awards more likely than a single large award. Phase I efforts are limited to the Simplified Acquisition Threshold ($250K) and up to 12 months, while Phase II efforts may be funded for up to $10 million with periods of performance up to 24 months.
What could I use the funding for?
Funding may be used for research, development, demonstration, and qualification activities related to strategic and critical materials according to the following priorities:
Priority 1: Antimony, Bismuth, Gallium, Germanium, REEs and REE Magnet Materials
Priority 2: Graphite, Battery Materials, Magnesium, Refractory Metals, Energetics
Priority 3: ZOC and Related Materials, Indium, PGMs, Neon, Manganese
Priority 4: High Purity Aluminum, Beryllium, Cobalt, Scandium and Yttrium, Fluorspar
Areas of interest for the above materials are:
(1) Refining, Processing, and Beneficiation:
The research of, assessment of, evaluation of, development of, demonstration of, or establishment of:
(a) Processes to enhance the quality of materials, improve efficiency of production processes, refine or benefit from material, or mitigate recurring problems.
(b) Impacts of and solutions to external “bottlenecks” in raw material supply chains addressing materials that have been delayed, duration of the shortages, effect on production lead times, prices and impact on delivery of finished products.
(c) Impacts of and solutions to internal “bottlenecks” in materials refining processes related to converting feedstock into sellable product considering issues such as incorrect or inferior feedstock, equipment failures, lack of skilled work forces, etc.
(2) Recycling, Conservation and Substitution Options:
Identification of, evaluation of, developing methods for, and establishing domestic capabilities to:
(a) Material substitutes in active use by domestic and trade-friendly international processors and manufacturers; include limitations and common issues associated with use of the substitute material.
(b) Research to develop or qualify materials as acceptable substitutes including use of existing and emerging products.
(c) Recycling opportunities, including industrial infrastructure and logistical perceived limitations.
(d) Recycle and recover neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) or Samarium Cobalt (SmCo) magnets or recovery of rare earths or its alloys. The specifications should include the total rare earth metals (TREM) present in the recycled magnets. As well as identification of energy magnetic density of the recycled magnets.
(3) Qualification of Materials:
(a) Qualification of Research to Department of Defense Programs of Record. Projects will require letters of support from known DOD Programs of Record indicating intent to utilize the qualified material upon successful completion of the work.
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
Beyond the formal contract award, there are meaningful indirect benefits to receiving a DLA Strategic Materials award:
Government Validation and Credibility: Selection signals technical merit and relevance to U.S. defense supply-chain priorities.
Stronger Position in Defense Supply Chains: Successful projects can lead to qualification for DoD Programs of Record, unlocking long-term procurement opportunities.
Nondilutive Technology Advancement: Companies can mature materials and processes without equity dilution.
Improved Exit and Acquisition Potential: Government-validated materials qualification can increase strategic value to primes and acquirers.
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
The BAA is open from January 30, 2026 through January 30, 2029. White papers may be submitted on a rolling basis but must be received by May 1, 2028. White papers are evaluated as received, and selected offerors may be invited to submit full proposals. All evaluations cease on August 1, 2028, and awards must be made by September 15, 2028.
Where does this funding come from?
Funding is provided by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Strategic Materials program under its authority to support the National Defense Stockpile and strengthen domestic strategic and critical materials supply chains.
Who is eligible to apply?
Any responsible domestic source capable of performing the required research may submit a white paper. Eligibility includes businesses, nonprofits, and educational institutions that are registered in SAM.gov. Foreign-owned firms may participate subject to foreign disclosure review. There is no set-aside for small businesses, though small and disadvantaged businesses are encouraged to participate.
What companies and projects are likely to win?
Successful proposals typically demonstrate:
Strong scientific and technical merit that improves strategic materials supply-chain resilience
Clear alignment with one or more stated Areas of Interest and listed strategic materials
Innovative, feasible, and non-duplicative technical approaches
Qualified teams with relevant facilities, experience, and past performance
Reasonable and realistic pricing supported by deliverables
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
White papers must be unclassified and may not contain proprietary information. A white paper submission is mandatory to be eligible for a full proposal. Projects are limited to a maximum of three years, depending on phase.
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
For first time applicants, white-papers will likely take 35 to 50 hours without BW&CO assistance.
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?
Fractional support is $300 per hour.
For startups, we offer a discounted rate of $250 per hour to make top-tier consulting more accessible while maintaining the same level of strategic guidance and proposal quality.
Additional Resources
Review the solicitation here.