Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD) is seeking research proposals for innovative technologies that improve military training systems, simulation, and training methodologies. The opportunity is released as Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) N61340-26-S-0001.

Funding is available for basic and applied research related to training simulation technology, including areas such as adaptive training systems, simulation technologies, computer applications, and STEM education programs. The Navy is specifically interested in research that advances training effectiveness, simulation fidelity, distributed training systems, human performance modeling, and related technologies.

Unlike traditional grants with a fixed deadline, proposals can be submitted on a rolling basis until the BAA expires.

Application Deadline: 25 January 2031.

Companies, universities, nonprofits, and research organizations with innovative training technology concepts should consider engaging early with NAWCTSD technical points of contact to determine potential interest before submitting a full proposal.

How much funding would I receive?

The funding amount normally ranges between $500k - $5m

Awards will be determined based on:

• Scientific and technical merit

• Importance to Navy programs

• Availability of funding

• Reasonableness and realism of cost

The solicitation states that contracts may be issued for research proposals but does not specify the number of awards or typical award size.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding supports research and development related to training systems and simulation technologies that improve Navy training effectiveness.

The BAA identifies four major research areas:

1. Training Technology and Methodology
Examples include:

• Adaptive simulation-based training and assessment

• Advanced distributed learning

• Human social cultural and behavioral modeling

• Intelligent tutoring systems

• Games and gaming for training

• Team training and performance measurement

• Leadership development

• Mobile learning technologies

• Performance measurement for training

• Maintenance training technologies

2. Simulation Systems
Examples include:

• Display projector technology

• Helmet-mounted displays

• Live/Virtual/Constructive (LVC) training integration

• Sensor simulation technology

• Vehicle dynamic simulation

• Visual simulation technology

3. Computer Applications
Examples include:

• Human behavioral representation

• Anti-submarine warfare and submarine operations modeling

• Simulation networking

• Speech recognition technology

• High performance computing

• Reusable software for training systems

4. STEM Education
Examples include:

• K-12 STEM outreach activities

• Curriculum development for STEM education

• Programs connecting DoD scientists and engineers with schools

• Activities encouraging student participation in STEM fields relevant to DoD missions

Projects should be investigative and explore innovative technology concepts. Development of specific hardware systems is not allowed under this BAA.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential additional benefits include:

• Collaboration with NAWCTSD scientists and engineers

• Opportunity to transition technologies into Navy training systems

• Potential follow-on research opportunities

• Participation in a program focused on advancing next-generation military training technologies

Collaborative arrangements between universities and industry are encouraged.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

Proposals may be submitted at any time while the BAA is active.

Application Deadline: 25 January 2031

The recommended process includes four steps:

Step 1 – Technical Dialog (Email Communication)
Initial discussion with a Navy technical point of contact.

Step 2 – Technical Dialog (Informal White Paper)
The Government may request an informal white paper to assess technical merit.

Step 3 – Submission of Formal Research Proposal
If the concept is of interest, the contracting office may issue a request for a formal proposal.

Step 4 – Contract Award for Selected Projects

Evaluation process:

• Initial review to assess scientific merit, relevance, and funding availability

• Peer review of proposals not declined in the initial review

The solicitation states that:

• Initial review generally occurs within 60 days after receipt

• Full processing of proposals may take up to 120 days

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD) within the U.S. Department of the Navy.

The BAA is issued under:

• Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 35.016

• FAR 6.102(d)(2)

The Navy may use contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements depending on the nature of the research.

Who is eligible to apply?

The solicitation states that NAWCTSD contracts with:

• Educational institutions

• Nonprofit organizations

• Private industry

Organizations must meet minimum standards related to:

• Financial resources

• Ability to comply with the performance schedule

• Technical skills

• Facilities and equipment

• Organizational integrity and operational controls

Small businesses, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and small disadvantaged businesses are encouraged to submit proposals.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Proposals are evaluated using the following criteria (listed in descending order of importance):

1. Proposed Research

   • Scientific and technical merit

   • Adequacy and effectiveness of the technical approach

2. Potential Contribution

   • Contribution to the Navy mission

   • Alignment with NAWCTSD training system research priorities

3. Offeror’s Qualifications

   • Capabilities, facilities, and technical expertise

4. Personnel

   • Qualifications and experience of key personnel

5. Past Performance

   • Record of performance on similar efforts

6. Cost Realism

   • Reasonableness of proposed costs and fees

Projects should focus on innovative research that advances training systems technology and provides insight for optimizing the use of training systems.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• Proposed efforts must be investigative research exploring innovative technology concepts

• Development of specific hardware systems is not allowed

• Only a Contracting Officer may obligate the Government to expend funds

• Non-U.S. citizens may not participate if the research involves:

  • Critical technology

  • Sensitive unclassified information

  • Classified information

  • For Official Use Only material

Research proposals may have a period of performance up to five (5) years.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation does not specify a required preparation timeline.

However, the process typically includes:

• Initial technical dialogue

• Possible white paper submission

• Full research proposal preparation

Preparing a formal research proposal generally requires assembling:

• Technical research plan

• Administrative documentation

• Detailed cost proposal

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support companies through the full BAA submission process, including:

• Identifying promising research concepts aligned with NAWCTSD priorities

• Drafting white papers for early technical engagement

• Preparing compliant technical research proposals

• Structuring the cost proposal and administrative documentation

• Managing communication with NAWCTSD technical contacts

• Positioning the project to align with the evaluation criteria used by Navy reviewers

How much would BW&CO Charge?

We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($15,000 + 5%) available.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.