NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER AIRCRAFT DIVISIONAIR SYSTEMS GROUP, PROPULSION & POWER ENGINEERING BAA
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
This is a Fiscal Year 2026 Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) from the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) focused on propulsion and power technologies for future Naval aircraft. It is a rolling opportunity covering multiple technical areas (BAA 121–125) with a continuous submission window until 30 September 2026.
The Navy is actively seeking white papers and proposals across electrical power systems, fuels and lubricants, operational energy, maintenance/health monitoring, and propulsion systems. Awards are made on a rolling basis, and funding availability is uncertain—so early engagement is critical.
How much funding would I receive?
Number of Awards: Multiple awards anticipated
Estimated: $500K to $5 million. Award Size: Not predetermined; varies based on technical merit, relevance, and available funding
Period of Performance: Varies by project
Possible Award Instruments:
Procurement contracts
Grants
Cooperative agreements
Other Transaction (OT) agreements for research or prototypes
The Government reserves the right to fund all, some, or none of the submitted proposals and may fund efforts incrementally or with options.
What could I use the funding for?
Funding supports R&D programs aligned to five technical areas:
BAA 121: Advanced aircraft electrical power systems
BAA 122: Fuel and lubricant technology
BAA 123: Aircraft operational energy technology
BAA 124: Condition-based maintenance, diagnostics, and health monitoring
BAA 125: Advanced propulsion system technology
Across these areas, funding can be used for:
Concept feasibility studies
Modeling and simulation
Design and engineering
Prototype development
Testing and demonstration
Data analysis and validation
Programs are expected to include structured phases such as design, fabrication, and verification.
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
Opportunity to transition technology into Navy aircraft systems
Potential for follow-on funding tied to program success
Direct alignment with Naval Air Systems Command priorities
Ability to structure proposals with optional components for incremental funding
Additional benefits are not explicitly specified beyond contract award and potential transition opportunities.
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
Submission window: Open continuously until 30 September 2026
Process:
Step 1: Submit White Paper (≤30 pages)
Step 2: If invited, submit full technical and cost proposal
Expected award timing: Fiscal Years 2025–2029
Awards are made on a rolling basis depending on funding availability and program interest.
Where does this funding come from?
Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD)
Air Systems Group, Propulsion & Power Engineering Department
U.S. Navy / Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR)
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include:
Private companies and contractors
Educational institutions
Small businesses and disadvantaged businesses
HBCUs and Minority Institutions
Veteran-owned and women-owned small businesses
Requirements:
Must meet Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) responsibility standards
Must be registered in SAM prior to award
Must have adequate accounting systems (for cost-reimbursable contracts)
Not eligible:
Foreign governments or foreign entities
What companies and projects are likely to win?
Proposals are evaluated primarily on:
Primary criteria (equal weight):
Scientific and technical merit
Relevance and contribution to Navy propulsion, power, and energy objectives
Secondary criteria:
Team capabilities and past performance
Cost realism and reasonableness
Winning projects will:
Align tightly with one of the defined BAA technical areas
Demonstrate clear military utility and transition potential
Show strong technical feasibility and ROI
Be ready for transition (especially for operational energy topics targeting near-term deployment)
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Foreign entities are not allowed to apply
Organizational conflicts of interest must be disclosed and mitigated
SETA contractors cannot simultaneously perform R&D without approval
Subcontracting plans required for proposals over $700,000 (with small business participation goals)
Cost-reimbursable contracts require compliant accounting systems
Government is not obligated to provide requested equipment
Failure to disclose conflicts or meet requirements may result in rejection without evaluation.
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
White Papers are expected to be a few pages up to ~15 pages (max 30 pages)
Full proposals (if invited) require detailed technical and cost volumes
Preparation time is not explicitly specified, but the two-step process is designed to reduce upfront effort by screening via White Papers first.
How can BW&CO help?
BW&CO can:
Identify the strongest-fit technical area (BAA 121–125)
Develop a compliant and compelling White Paper
Position your technology for Navy transition and ROI
Build a full technical and cost proposal if invited
Structure optional work packages to maximize award likelihood
How much would BW&CO Charge?
Our full service support is available for a flat fee of $5,000 for the White Paper 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.
