U.S. Army Futures Command (AFC) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) - W519TC-25-S-0001

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

Executive Summary:

The U.S. Army Futures Command (AFC), Artificial Intelligence Integration Center (AI2C) has released Broad Agency Announcement W519TC-25-S-0001 for Basic, Applied, and Advanced Scientific Research in artificial intelligence.

This is a continuously open five-year announcement valid throughout the period beginning 01 May 2024 – 31 May 2029, with proposals accepted through 11:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time on 31 MAY 2029.

AI2C is actively seeking white papers and proposals that advance Army-relevant AI technologies across autonomy, AI/ML, decision support, human-AI integration, distributed AI, and related foundational research areas.

Because this BAA is continuously open, companies can submit at any time before 11:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time on 31 MAY 2029, but new start awards are normally obligated early within each fiscal year . Early submission within the fiscal year cycle may improve timing alignment with available funds.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation does not specify a minimum or maximum award amount , but most awards range from $500k - $5m

Awards may be made using a variety of instruments, including:

• Procurement contracts

• Grants

• Cooperative agreements

• Technology Investment Agreements (TIAs)

• Other Transactions (OTs)

There is no stated funding cap, award ceiling, or target award size in the BAA.

New start awards are normally obligated early within each fiscal year.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding supports Basic Research, Applied Research, and Advanced Research in AI-related areas.

The BAA defines:

• Basic Research: Systematic study directed toward greater knowledge of fundamental aspects of phenomena without specific application in mind.

• Applied Research: Systematic expansion and application of knowledge to develop useful materials, devices, systems, or methods aligned to recognized Army needs.

• Advanced Research: Development of subsystems and components integrated into prototypes for field experiments or simulated environments, generally at Technology Readiness Levels 4, 5, or 6.

Foundational Research Topics of Interest include:

• Autonomous Platforms

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Algorithms (AI/ML)

• AI/ML Decision Support

• Human-AI Integration

• Synthetic Environments

• Distributed AI

• Underpinning Methodologies

• Special Topics (posted separately as amendments on SAM.gov)

There are no funding restrictions associated with this BAA.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Depending on the instrument type, benefits may include:

• Potential use of Other Transactions (OTs), which may allow negotiation of expanded intellectual property protections.

• Technology Investment Agreements (TIAs) tailored for commercial firms or research involving commercial application.

• Opportunity for cost sharing, in-kind labor, or facility sharing (optional unless required by instrument type).

• Potential transition into acquisition pathways if research demonstrates military utility.

The BAA also envisions collaboration agreements where no funds are exchanged, such as Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs).

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

This BAA is a continuously open five-year announcement valid throughout the period beginning 01 May 2024 – 31 May 2029.

Proposals will be accepted through 11:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time on 31 MAY 2029.

New start awards are normally obligated early within each fiscal year.

There is no guaranteed award timeline specified. Award start dates are determined at the time of selection and award notice.

Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to submit a White Paper (limited to three pages) prior to submitting a full proposal.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is issued by:

• U.S. Army Futures Command (AFC), Artificial Intelligence Integration Center (AI2C)

• Issuing Acquisition Office: U.S. Army Contracting Command – Rock Island Division

The CFDA Number and Title is:

• 12.630 – Basic, Applied, and Advanced Research in Science and Engineering

Awards are issued under statutory authorities including 10 U.S.C. 4001, 10 U.S.C. 4021, and 10 U.S.C. 4022.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Institutions of higher education

• Non-profit organizations

• For-profit organizations

• Domestic or foreign entities

However:

• Government laboratories

• Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs)

• U.S. Service Academies

are not eligible to participate as prime contractors or recipients .

Foreign organizations and foreign public entities may face security restrictions. Countries on the U.S. State Department List of Countries that Support Terrorism are excluded .

Generally, cost sharing is not required and is not an evaluation factor, except where required by certain instrument types such as OTs or TIAs.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Proposals are evaluated on:

1. Scientific and Technical Merit (most important factor)

2. Potential Contribution to the Army mission

3. Qualifications and Capabilities of the team and institution

4. Cost (realism, affordability, appropriateness)

5. Past performance

All evaluation factors other than cost, when combined, are significantly more important than cost.

Projects that:

• Demonstrate clear Army relevance

• Advance state-of-the-art AI capabilities

• Show feasibility and potential transition value

• Align directly with identified foundational research topics

are most aligned with stated evaluation criteria.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions and requirements include:

• No classified submissions .

• Registration in SAM is required prior to award .

• Unique Entity Identifier (UEI/DUNS) required .

• Human Subjects and Animal Use protections apply where relevant .

• Export control (ITAR) compliance may apply to contracts .

• Grants and cooperative agreements are subject to Army Research Risk Assessment Program (ARRP) review for foreign influence risk .

• Proposals must comply with strict formatting limits (e.g., 23-page technical limit) .

Failure to meet submission requirements may result in rejection.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The BAA includes a three-stage process:

1. Obtain UEI and register in SAM.

2. Optional White Paper (maximum three pages).

3. Full proposal submission (technical volume + cost volume) .

The technical portion (Abstract, Background, Application Potential, Technical Approach) is limited to 23 pages.

The BAA does not estimate preparation time. Preparation time will depend on:

• Whether you submit a white paper first

• Whether cost documentation (e.g., DCAA-accepted accounting system) is already in place

• Whether you pursue a contract, grant, cooperative agreement, TIA, or OT

For new DoD performers, preparation can be documentation-intensive.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support:

• Topic alignment to AI2C foundational research areas

• White paper drafting (3-page compliant format)

• Full technical volume development (23-page limit compliance)

• Cost volume structuring aligned with FAR/DFARS requirements

• OT and TIA strategy positioning

• Army relevance framing and transition strategy

• Risk mitigation narrative development

We ensure strict compliance with BAA formatting, eligibility, and evaluation criteria while positioning your technology for maximum Army relevance.

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.