Innovation Funding Database

Choose Your Area of Innovation:

  • Advanced Materials & Manufacturing

  • Aerospace & Spacetech

  • Agtech & Foodtech

  • Artificial Intelligence & Machines Learning

  • Biotech

  • Cleantech & Climatetech

  • Cybersecurity

  • Defensetech & Dual-Use Tech

  • eXtended Reality

  • Healthtech

  • Medtech

  • Other Tech

  • Quantum & Photonics

  • Robotics & Autonomous Systems

Inactive, Broad Topic Josiah Wegner Inactive, Broad Topic Josiah Wegner

Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Office-Wide Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)

Deadline: White Papers Due June, 22nd

Funding Award Size: Est. $500K to $5M

Description: This BAA solicits innovative basic research, applied research, advanced technology development, and prototype efforts that advance naval aviation capabilities and directly support Department of the Navy mission needs.

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

Executive Summary:

The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Office-Wide Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) is open through June 22, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET, with white papers accepted on a rolling basis throughout the open period.

This BAA solicits innovative basic research, applied research, advanced technology development, and prototype efforts that advance naval aviation capabilities and directly support Department of the Navy mission needs.

NAWCAD may make awards using contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or Other Transaction (OT) agreements depending on the nature of the work and the level of government involvement required.

Funding & Award Structure

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.

Research Areas

Advanced Manufacturing (Priority). Areas of research include but are not limited to the following: multi-functional aircraft components to enable mission flexibility and platform interoperability, aircraft part digital repository and large-scale complete part printing, and manufacture-on-demand of Naval aviation assets.

Aeromechanics. Areas of research include but are not limited to the following: aerodynamic and flight controls (manned and unmanned), aeromechanics modeling and analysis tools, flight performance, rotorcraft aerodynamics and performance, ship/aircraft aerodynamic interactions, and unmanned aviation and integration including pilot augmentation and automation and UAV autonomous landing flight mechanics.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML) (Priority). Areas of research include but are not limited to the following: AI/ML-driven signal and analysis type sensing, complex reasoning, multi-agent based operation and decision making, airspace integration including sense and avoid algorithms, deep reinforcement learning, neural networks, and demand forecasting.

Autonomy (Priority). Areas of research include but are not limited to the following: autonomous air-to-air refueling, autonomous system development, testing, evaluation, verification and validation tools, airworthiness and risk quantification/acceptance, collaborative autonomy, and autonomous system precision takeoff and landing.

Avionics, Sensors & Electronic Warfare. Areas of research include but are not limited to the following: multi-modal sensors, passive and active sensor systems (RF, EO/IR, and acoustic), advanced or alternative precision navigation and timing (PNT), advanced computational and open system architectures, advanced signal and image processing, flight information and control systems, and advanced concepts in electronic warfare systems.

Cyber (Priority). Areas of research may include but are not limited to the following: high accuracy threat detection, cyber effects modeling, reverse engineering, behavioral analysis, intrusion, adaptive cybersecurity, simulation and interface research, concolic testing, and systems configuration management.

Data Science & Visualization. Areas of research include but are not limited to the following: predictive modeling algorithms, complex big-data environments, data access, storage and retrieval, data visualization techniques, risk assessment and uncertainty quantification, and statistical analysis.

Digital Engineering (Priority). Areas of research include but are not limited to the following: advancements in the use of Digital Twin technology to support predictive maintenance, automated sustainment environments, diagnostics and prognostics, digital communication of system requirements using model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and Systems Modeling Language (SysML) views, and engineering models and virtual environments to test designs across broader parameters than what live testing permits.

Human Systems. Areas of research include but are not limited to the following: human performance assessment and modeling, cognitive performance and workload, human-machine interface and teaming, protective equipment, controls and displays, ergonomics, anthropomorphic measurement, virtual environments, human factors engineering (social, behavioral, health, and cultural), cognitively enhanced operator-state monitoring, prediction, and recommendation, and human-machine fusion AI-supported operator enhancement.

Hypersonic Systems. Areas of research include but are not limited to the following: external and internal high-speed aerodynamics, multi-physics modeling and simulation, hypersonic system testing and evaluation, high-temperature and high-specific-strength materials, structures and coatings, guidance, navigation and control, and advanced air-breathing propulsion.

Materials and Aircraft Structures. Areas of research include but are not limited to the following: additive manufacturing, corrosion prevention, non-destructive inspection, structural repair and repair processes for metals and ceramics, polymers and composites, analysis and simulation of aircraft structures, structural mechanics, fouling, low observable materials, high-temperature materials, low-temperature icing-resistant materials, and life management of airframes.

Mechanical Systems. Areas of research include but are not limited to the following: fire and ice protection for aviation systems, fuel containment, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, and landing gear systems analysis.

Power and Propulsion Systems. Areas of research include but are not limited to the following: reliability engineering, fuel systems, prognostics and diagnostics, energy storage and efficiency, air-breathing engines, fuels and lubricants, electrical power generation, auxiliary power, low observable signature technologies, propulsion life management, mechanical and drive systems, and affordable small- to medium-scale propulsion systems.

Quantum (Priority). Areas of research may include but are not limited to the following: precise self-reliant onboard navigation and threat detection, secure communication and sensing capabilities, nitrogen vacancy diamond sensing, quantum encryption, and quantum computing.

Secure Communications & Networks (Priority). Areas of research include but are not limited to the following: resilient data and communications networks for command and control, architecture, analysis and software development, information assurance including blockchain networks and security, platform and system health monitoring, effective data transfer of communications and video, and end-to-end security integration in software development for autonomous applications operating in dynamic and contested environments.

Support Equipment. Areas of research include but are not limited to the following: launch and recovery equipment, forward-deployed sustainment and resupply, rapid assessment and repair technologies for contested environments, electromagnetics, high-energy generation and control, environmental sensing, prognostics and health monitoring, automatic testing of hardware and software, displays, advanced maintenance technologies, information systems and intelligent agents, and advanced computer and data processing applications.

Test and Evaluation Engineering. Areas of research include but are not limited to the following: telemetry, communications, data links and data acquisition, signature technologies, mission system testing, system-of-systems testing environments, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), extended reality (XR), target engineering, airborne threat simulation, integrated battlespace simulation (Live Virtual Constructive Environments), hardware-in-the-loop testing, flight instrumentation, ground radar analysis, test article configuration, navigation and identification, manned-unmanned teaming, advanced training systems including instructional techniques and strategies, and game-based training.

Warfare Analysis. Areas of research include but are not limited to the following: operational suitability, signal extraction, clutter reduction, modeling and simulation, maritime effectiveness, vulnerability and capability-based assessment, and conceptual aircraft design.

NAWCAD may also consider submissions outside these areas if the white paper involves the development of novel-based capabilities with potential to enhance naval capabilities.

Who Should Pay Attention

  • Small businesses, startups, and non-traditional contractors (explicitly encouraged)

  • Mid-size and large defense R&D firms

  • Universities and research institutions

  • Teams with novel sensing hardware, algorithms, or system concepts

This is an unrestricted solicitation. Cost sharing is allowed but not required. Foreign entities may not serve as primes.

Deadline

White Paper Deadline: June 22, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET. Only proposers whose white papers are deemed of interest will be invited to submit a full technical and cost proposal.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals are evaluated using the following criteria, in descending order of importance:

  1. Technical Approach – Innovation, feasibility, completeness, and risk mitigation

  2. Potential Contribution & Naval Relevance – Alignment with NAWCAD and Navy mission needs

  3. Cost – Realism and consistency with the proposed technical approach

Proposals are not evaluated against each other but on their individual merit and relevance.

Bottom Line:

  1. NAWCAD has flexibility to award OTs, which can be more startup-friendly than FAR-based contracts

  2. Successful prototype OTs may be eligible for noncompetitive follow-on production awards

  3. White paper quality is critical; there is no guarantee of a Phase II invitation

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

For a first-time applicant on your own, preparing an White Paper under this BAA will likely take 20–50 hours in total. BW&CO offers services to save you time and increase your likelihood of success.

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 $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.

Read More
Active, Broad Topic Josiah Wegner Active, Broad Topic Josiah Wegner

NAWCAD WOLF Airborne Systems Integration BAA – U.S. Navy (NAVAIR)

Deadline: April 9, 2026

Funding Award Size: $500K - $5M

Description: Funding for research and development supporting advanced naval air platforms, sensors, computing, security, and mission systems for manned and unmanned aviation.

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

Executive Summary:

The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Webster Outlying Field (WOLF) Airborne Systems Integration (ASI) Division is soliciting white papers for research and development projects supporting advanced naval air platforms, sensors, computing, security, and mission systems. This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) supports rapid development, integration, and demonstration of technologies relevant to manned and unmanned naval aviation. Phase I proposal abstracts may be submitted on a rolling basis through April 9, 2026, with Phase II full proposals by invitation only.

How much funding is available?

Estimated: $500K to $5M. Award amounts are not predetermined. Multiple awards are anticipated, and funding levels will depend on the technical merit of the proposal, relevance to Navy needs, and availability of funds. Funding may be provided incrementally and may include options for follow-on work.

What could I use the funding for?

The NAWCAD WOLF ASI Division is interested in, but not limited to, researching the following areas:

Platform Related Areas of Interest

  • UAS/Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV)/Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) autonomous operations, unique payload capabilities, Size Weight and Power (SWAP), powertrain, flight dynamics, and engine enhancements

  • UAS powertrain improvements to include improvements in safety, flight duration, solar technologies, alternative power technologies, power capacity, increased performance, and or logistical improvements

  •  Manned and UAS audio, visual, heat, and/or RF noise dampening/cancellation techniques

  •  Contested airspace payload/remote payload delivery

  • Expendable/low-cost surveillance, communications relay, and/or edge processing capabilities

  • Innovative technologies for disadvantaged platforms

  • Capabilities, improvements, or technologies to increase air systems operational availability and or decrease air platform life cycle cost

  • Roll on or bolt on capability enhancements to existing manned and unmanned systems.

  • Enhancements in air system survivability

2.1.2 Payload Related Areas of Interest

  •  Non-acoustic Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) sensors and systems

  •  Acoustic ASW sensors and systems

  •  Magnetic sensors and systems

  •  Research involving the interrelationship of acoustic and non-acoustic phenomena applicable to ASW

  •  Acoustic and optical Mine Counter Measure (MCM) sensors and systems

  •  EO systems engineering methodologies, technologies, and techniques

  •  Laser Identification Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) components and systems

  •  Hyperspectral components and systems

  •  Laser components and systems

  •  Electronic Warfare (EW) and cyber capabilities

  •  Enhanced airborne networking of autonomous vehicles, manned aircraft, and ground/afloat systems

  •  Adapted commercial networking technologies on military platforms

  •  Unattended remote controlled sensor technology

  •  RF techniques and radar technologies for land and maritime target detection, geolocation, Moving Target Identification (MTI), Multi-Moving Target Identification (MMTI),

  • Inverse Synthetic-Aperture Radar (ISAR), passive bi-static or multi-static, tracking, and imaging

  •  Data link communication technologies and techniques that provide reduced probability to detect, anti-jamming capability, high data throughput, or resilient communications

  •  RF antenna technologies and communications techniques

  •  Lightweight sense and avoid technologies

  •  Low SWAP edge computing with reduced power consumption and heat generations

  •  Alternative position, navigation, and timing technologies

  •  Passive sensing technologies

  •  Reduction of size, weight, power, and cost of proven technologies for implementation in small UAS

2.1.3 Advanced Computing and Processing Areas of Interest

  •  Signal processing

  •  Information processing

  •  Telemetry methods for off-board sensors to and from various platforms

  •  Mathematical modeling and techniques for analyzing ASW effectiveness and performance

  •  In-sensor acoustic signal processing

  •  Techniques for quantum encryption, coding, and computation

  •  Multi-domain and UAS networking and communications technologies and techniques

  •  Sensor correlation, dissemination, reduction, and recording technologies and techniques

  • Insertion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques into airborne sensors for situational optimization

  •  Multi-source data correlation fusion including tracks, sensors, and other multi-spectrum inputs

  •  Rapid precision detection, identification and targeting technologies and techniques

  •  Computational electromagnetic modeling and analysis techniques

  •  Precision geolocation technologies and techniques

  •  RF analysis and fusion technologies and techniques

  •  RF Signal analysis and processing technologies and techniques

  •  Machine or deep learning for raw data and/or pattern analysis

  •  Autonomy techniques, algorithms, or capabilities that increase lethality, readiness, or effectiveness

2.1.4 Advanced Air System Security and Protection Areas of Interest

  •  Technologies or techniques to increase sensor and airframe survivability to include advancements in countermeasure techniques.

  •  Near real time Cross Domain Solutions

  •  New kinetic and non-kinetic techniques for defeat

  •  Technologies or techniques to reduce airframe detection from active and passive remote sensors to include techniques to reduce airframe RF, visual, infrared, and acoustic signatures.

  •  Advancements in secure communication, storage, and tamper resistant non-recoverable system hardening.

  •  Advancements in tools, techniques, and technologies that provide enhanced Multi-Level Security (MLS) and Multiple Independent Level of Security (MILS).

  •  Advancements in cyber hardening techniques and technologies that improve system integrity and survivability against cyber threats

  •  Technologies or techniques that reduce security concerns with high probability of loss unmanned vehicles and sensors and or expendable unmanned vehicles and sensors.

Specific Areas of Interest

Proposals are being solicited in the following areas but are not limited to:

  • 2.2.1 Collaborative multi-sensor payloads with onboard enhanced data fusion and autonomous operations focused on reducing data throughput on disadvantaged communication links, reducing operator workload, and enhancing multi-domain critical information sharing.

  • 2.2.2 Enhanced manned and unmanned airborne payloads providing greater maritime situational awareness with increased effectiveness, reduced SWAP, and reduced total ownership cost.

  • 2.2.3 Modification of Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) UASs for military application to include ruggedization, adaptation of engines utilizing non-explosive fuels, hybrid or long endurance engines, implementation of cyber safe software coding and UAS controls, implementation of secure data links, improvements in battery and solar technologies, improved shipboard launch and recovery, and multi-system collaboration and automation.

  • 2.2.4 UAS solutions that significantly decrease launch and recovery and support equipment footprint while expanding capability for launch and recovery to alternative operational sites that lack an organic UAS capability and support structure.

  • 2.2.5 Advancements in UAS and UAS technologies that provide new and unique capabilities to the Warfighter.

  • 2.2.6 Advancements in technologies that provide precision geolocation and network timing in a contested environment, increase airframe survivability, and decrease probability of system detection.

  • 2.2.7 Persistent air, ground, and ship communications data links that enable the warfighter to share data securely amongst unmanned and manned assets within line of sight and Over The Horizon (OTH) to include advancement in technologies, techniques, or alternative methods to automate, reduce, secure, and/or condense mission critical information and/or increase throughput, reduce probability of detect, increase availability, or miniaturize OTH communications.

  • 2.2.8 Enhanced naval capabilities that can be implemented within a minimally invasive roll-on or bolt-on configuration to existing or emerging naval platforms utilizing open or existing standards and protocols.

  • 2.2.9 Technologies or techniques that support increasing operational availability for existing or emerging platforms and or reducing total ownership cost.

  • 2.2.10 Manned and unmanned systems, sensors, and sensor technologies that increase naval capabilities by providing new systems or advancements to existing systems through advanced data processing and detection, advanced algorithms, reduced processing and dissemination time, improved detection, reduced SWAP, increased detection range, increased survivability, decreased probability of detection while reducing total ownership cost.

  • 2.2.11 Provide technologies, techniques, or alternative methods to provide lightweight low-cost expendable air launched, ship launched, or ground launched UAS and sensor technologies to provide sense and avoid, provide early warning detection, increase lethality, increase probability to detect, support increased survivability of nearby protected platforms, act as force multiplier and/or improve existing naval capabilities at lower total ownership cost.

    2.2.12 Advancements in human-machine teaming technologies, autonomy, machine learning, or advancements focused on reducing threats to Warfighter, increasing effectiveness, consolidation of mission critical actionable information, increasing lethality, and/or acting as a force multiplier.

    2.2.13 Advancement in technologies, techniques or alternative methods to provide a robust immersive training, maintenance, and operational simulation environment focused on providing realistic venues to increase Warfighter proficiency, increasing capabilities to conduct complicated and or high-risk scenarios in a virtual environment, low-cost risk reduction, and provide remote support in a contested environment.

    2.2.14 Novel approaches to improve readiness, improve resilience, or add capability to existing naval air platforms that can be fielded in a rapid manner with minimally intrusion into the air platform.

    2.2.15 Novel approaches to mission system and communication systems that improve cyber resilience, reduce size weight and power, and provide open systems approach that enables an agile and adaptable mission system to support the fleet with capabilities needs for now and in the future.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond direct funding, successful awardees gain strategic validation from the U.S. Navy and NAVAIR, demonstrating alignment with priority naval aviation needs. Participation positions companies for future prototype awards, follow-on production contracts, or Other Transaction (OT) agreements without further competition, where applicable. Projects also gain exposure to Navy program offices and potential transition sponsors, strengthening long-term defense market positioning.

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

Phase I proposal abstracts may be submitted at any time through April 9, 2026, at 4:00 PM EDT. Proposals are evaluated periodically, with government feedback typically provided within approximately 60 days of submission. Phase II full proposals are by invitation only and do not guarantee an award.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Defense, specifically through the Department of the Navy, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), and the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD).

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include U.S.-based organizations registered in SAM, including:

  • Small businesses and large businesses

  • Nontraditional defense contractors

  • Universities and nonprofit research institutions

Proposals must begin at TRL 4 or higher and comply with all BAA submission and registration requirements.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Projects are evaluated on the following criteria:

  • Scientific and technical merit aligned with stated areas of interest

  • Relevance and potential operational impact for Navy and DoD missions

  • Readiness for rapid demonstration, experimentation, or field testing

  • Affordability and feasibility of transitioning to the fleet

  • Realism and reasonableness of proposed cost and schedule

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

This BAA is not for general capability statements or engineering support services. Work must qualify as basic research, applied research, or limited advanced development under FAR Part 35. Certain projects may include publication or data restrictions depending on whether the work is considered fundamental or non-fundamental research. SAM registration and compliance with DoD security and export control requirements are mandatory.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

A Phase I proposal abstract is limited to five pages, plus a one-page quad chart, and without BW&CO’s assistance would normally take 20–40 hours, depending on technical complexity and internal approvals.

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?

For Full Support, $5,000 Initial Fee for the Phase I proposal.

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

See the solicitation here.

Read More
Active, Broad Topic Josiah Wegner Active, Broad Topic Josiah Wegner

Carderock BAA - NAVY

Deadline: February 27, 2026

Funding Award Size: $500K+

Description: Funding for basic and applied research supporting Navy ship, submarine, and maritime technology priorities, including digital ecosystems, hydrodynamics, naval platform integrity, design, signature management, and unmanned systems.

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.

Additional Resources

Read full solicitation here.

Read More