Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) Multi-Spectral Sensing Technologies R&D (MuSTeR) BAA

Updated October 2026: The AFRL MUSTER BAA (FA8650-21-S-1180) was updated May 20, 2026 and is open through January 20, 2027.

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

Executive Summary:

The Air Force Research Laboratory is seeking innovative research and development in advanced radio frequency (RF) and electro-optical / infrared (EO/IR) sensing technologies to support future air, space, and command-and-control sensor systems.

White Papers submissions are due May 20th, 2026 at 5:00pm ET.

This BAA supports basic research, applied research, and advanced technology development, with an emphasis on advancing the state of the art and transitioning capabilities to future Air Force systems.

How much funding would I receive?

Total Program Value: ~$250M (across all awards)

1. Typical Award Size: ~$100K to $10M

2. Period of Performance:

   • Individual awards: 12–48 months

   • Overall BAA effort: up to 60 months

3. Award Volume: Multiple awards anticipated (but not guaranteed)

Research Areas

Multiband Multifunction Radio Frequency Sensing (RYMF)

1. Multiband Multifunction Array Development

2. Fully Adaptive Radar

3. Advanced Digital Multifunction Arrays

Laser Radar Technology (RYMM)

4. Laser Radar Imaging, Systems, Components, and Applications Passive Radio Frequency Sensing (RYMP)

5. Passive Radio Frequency Sensing Distributed Radio Frequency Sensing (RYMS)

6. Waveform Phenomenology, Design and Applications

7. Sensor Information Processing and Integration

EO Target Detection & Surveillance (RYMT)

8. Passive Electro-optic and Infrared Sensor Technology

9. Novel EO/IR Hardware and Algorithms

10. Hyperspectral Imaging Technology

11. Standoff High Resolution Imaging (SHRI)

12. Infrared Search and Track Technology

13. Passive EO/IR Space-Based Sensing

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.

How the Process Works

Step 1: White Paper

• Rolling acceptance through May 20, 2026

• 6 pages, technical summary + ROM cost

• Used to determine Air Force interest

Step 2: Full Proposal

• Invitation-only

• Requested from white papers that meet AFRL needs

• Technical merit is the top evaluation factor
  

How Proposals Are Evaluated

White Paper Criteria (Equal Weight):

• Alignment with BAA technical areas

• Government interest

• Novelty and technical advancement

• Availability of funding based on ROM

Full Proposal Criteria (Descending Priority):

1. Technical innovation and approach

2. Understanding of scope and risks

3. Transition potential to Air Force systems

4. Cost realism
   

Bottom Line:

This is a long-running, high-dollar AFRL BAA designed to continuously onboard cutting-edge sensing technologies. If your company is building novel RF, EO/IR, or multispectral sensing capabilities, this BAA is a durable entry point into Air Force R&D funding—starting with a relatively low-cost white paper.

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 Abstract 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.

Tactical Technology Office (TTO) Office-Wide BAA - DARPA

Updated October 2026: DARPA TTO posted a new office-wide solicitation (DARPA-PS-26-123) on August 31, 2026, open through June 17, 2027. A Proposers Day is scheduled for October 27, 2026.

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

Executive Summary:

The DARPA Tactical Technology Office (TTO) is soliciting innovative executive summaries and proposals to demonstrate revolutionary defense platforms, systems, and manufacturing approaches that enhance the nation’s ability to rapidly build, adapt, and sustain force structures. Awards may be made using multiple instrument types, and proposals are accepted on a rolling basis through June 22, 2026.

How much funding would I receive?

Est. $500K to $5 million. DARPA anticipates making multiple awards, but no minimum or maximum award size is specified in the solicitation. Award amounts will be determined based on technical scope, merit, and cost realism.

What could I use the funding for?

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Tactical Technology Office (TTO) is soliciting innovative executive summaries and proposals in the following focus areas:

1. Design/Build/Buy – Using innovative design approaches throughout the system lifecycle to acquire new defense systems, from disrupting systems engineering processes to reimagining test, certification, and accreditation. This includes (1) new design approaches to make manufacturable designs or to dramatically reduce human engineering effort; (2) new approaches to fabrication that enable rapid start-up, reduced production lead times, and frequent changes to military systems; (3) testing and validation approaches that dramatically shorten the timeline from initial delivery to full military utility.

2. Surge and Sustain – Developing technologies that make existing military systems easy to replenish and abundantly available at time of need. Builds upon the legacy of public and private cooperation for national security to make and maintain existing systems rapidly, on-demand, and at high volume, ensuring that the U.S. can win a long-term conflict. This focus area includes (1) development of manufacturable lower-cost systems with “good-enough” capabilities; (2) adaptive manufacturing solutions that allow shifting production seamlessly among products; (3) approaches to broaden and revitalize the supply chain to permit ready use of alternative suppliers for defense products and components; and (4) methods to rapidly leverage non-defense production capabilities and knowledge for defense applications.

3. Long Range Effects – Creating new systems and approaches that enable decisive military effects at distances from the tactical to strategic in areas where anti-access and area-denial (A2/AD) strategies are employed by an adversary. This includes (1) approaches that increase range, or which provide alternative paths for access that circumvent A2/AD; (2) systems or technologies to enable constant presence within an adversary’s A2/AD zone; and (3) innovative approaches to re-engineer or re-configure existing systems to confound adversary defenses.

4. Disruptive Innovation – Rapidly fielding novel engineering, technology, and systems approaches that disrupt the battlefield in unexpected or non-obvious ways and change the traditional calculus for military advantage. This focus area includes (1) low-cost autonomous systems that can use mass to overwhelm defensive systems; (2) approaches that disrupt the escalation of hide-and-seek between sensors and stealthy platforms by using decoy and deception or new sensing modalities; (3) capabilities that undermine the readiness or efficacy of adversary systems, creating doubt and deterring attacks.

Submissions that identify potential rapid technological disruption to the tactical battlefield are of interest.

Proposed research should investigate innovative approaches that enable revolutionary advances in science, devices, or systems. Specifically excluded is research that primarily results in evolutionary improvements to the existing state of practice. Individual submissions are not required to include the focus areas outlined above, but proposers are encouraged to address at least one of them, and to make clear which are being addressed.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond direct funding, awardees gain significant strategic advantages:

Government Validation & Credibility
DARPA selection signals elite technical quality and national-security relevance — often accelerating partnerships with primes, OEMs, and investors.

Enhanced Market Visibility
Awards frequently lead to increased visibility through DARPA communications, publications, and industry attention.

Ecosystem Access & Collaboration
Awardees join a national innovation community spanning quantum, photonics, microelectronics, and advanced materials — opening doors to long-term collaborations and follow-on opportunities.

Stronger Exit & Acquisition Potential
Non-dilutive support enables deep tech maturation without equity loss. Companies validated by DARPA historically see improved valuation, stronger commercial traction, and increased acquisition interest.

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

• Executive Summary Due: April 17, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET

• Full Proposal Due: June 22, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET

DARPA will generally respond to Executive Summaries within 45 calendar days and notify proposers of Full Proposal selection decisions within 60 calendar days of receipt.

Where does this funding come from?

This funding is provided by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) within the U.S. Department of Defense, specifically through the Tactical Technology Office (TTO).

Who is eligible to apply?

All responsible U.S. and non-U.S. organizations capable of satisfying DARPA’s needs may apply, including commercial companies, startups, universities, and research institutions, subject to export control, security, and regulatory compliance. Historically Black Colleges and Universities, small businesses, and minority institutions are encouraged to participate.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

DARPA evaluates proposals based on the following criteria (summarized from Section II):

• The technical approach is innovative, feasible, and clearly defined

• The work supports DARPA’s mission to create or prevent technological surprise

• The team demonstrates strong expertise and execution capability

• Technical risks are identified with credible mitigation strategies

• Costs are realistic and aligned with the proposed technical approach

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Research must be revolutionary, not incremental

• Full Proposals require a signed “Encourage Full Proposal” letter from DARPA

• Non-conforming or duplicative submissions may be rejected without review

• Certain entities (e.g., FFRDCs and UARCs) are highly discouraged except by exception

• Proposers may not misrepresent data using AI or automated tools

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

For a first-time applicant, preparing an executive summary under this BAA will likely take 20–50 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 $5,000 for the Abstract Submission.

Fractional support is $300 per hour, with most DARPA 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.

Space Propulsion Research and Innovation for Neutralizing Satellite Threats (SPRINT) – U.S. Air Force

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

Executive Summary:

The SPRINT Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) is an open, long-running U.S. Air Force research program supporting the development of in-space propulsion technologies to improve spacecraft resiliency and counter satellite threats. The program funds studies, experiments, and R&D contracts across chemical, electric, and multi-mode propulsion systems through white paper submissions and targeted calls during the BAA’s open period.

How much funding is available?

Individual awards are anticipated to range from $100,000 to $10 million per contract, with no predefined minimum or maximum award size. Multiple awards are expected over the life of the BAA, subject to funding availability.

What could I use the funding for?

The SPRINT program seeks to improve the utility of spacecraft propulsion technology for resiliency applications. This includes, but is not limited to, a broad range of technologies, different degrees of development efforts, ground and/or space experiments, studies, and modeling and simulation activities. Topic areas of specific interest include:

• Chemical monopropellant thrusters, thruster system components, and/or complete propulsion systems and their expected interactions with spacecraft systems

• Chemical bipropellant thrusters, thruster system components, and/or complete propulsion systems and their expected interactions with spacecraft systems

• Electric propulsion thrusters, thruster system components, and/or complete propulsion systems and their expected interactions with spacecraft systems

• Multi-mode thrusters, thruster system components, and/or complete propulsion systems and their expected interactions with spacecraft systems

• Plume phenomenology including experimental and/or modelling and simulation (M&S) studies

• Mission utility of propulsion research concepts and any associated operational constructs and/or architectures

Some areas, or specific calls, associated with the SPRINT BAA may require access to classified information up to and including Top Secret, Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI).

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond the direct contract funding, participation in the SPRINT program provides indirect benefits such as engagement with Air Force propulsion research stakeholders, opportunities to mature technologies to higher TRLs under government sponsorship, and visibility within the national security space R&D ecosystem through ongoing technical collaboration and review.

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

Submit white papers as soon as possible before existing funding is allocated. This is an open BAA with a 20-year open period. Funding decisions and award timing depend on proposal evaluation, successful negotiations, and the availability of funds. Specific calls may include defined proposal due dates and anticipated award timelines.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Defense, through the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Aerospace Systems Directorate, and administered by the Air Force Test Center.

Who is eligible to apply?

This is an unrestricted solicitation. Small businesses are encouraged to apply. Foreign persons or foreign-owned firms are not eligible to propose.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

White papers and proposals are evaluated based on:

• Alignment with the propulsion technology areas listed in the BAA

• Relevance and interest of the research to Air Force needs

• Availability of appropriate funding

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Some areas or calls may require access to classified information up to Top Secret / SCI. Certain projects may involve ITAR, EAR, OPSEC, and specific data rights requirements. Foreign ownership is prohibited, and classified or ITAR-restricted information must not be submitted without prior coordination.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Without BW&CO assistance, a typical white paper will take between 35-50 hours for first time applicants.

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?

Full support is available for the white paper for a $4,000 initial fee.

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.

STEM K-12 (NSF)

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

Executive Summary:

NSF’s STEM K-12 program is accepting proposals anytime (due by 5 p.m. submitting organization’s local time) to fund fundamental, applied, and translational research that advances STEM teaching and learning across formal (preK–12) and informal learning settings. NSF anticipates ~40 awards totaling ~$30,000,000, with most individual awards typically ranging from $25,000 to $750,000 and lasting 1–3 years.

How much funding is available?

NSF anticipates that most awards will range between $25,000 and $750,000 (typical duration 1–3 years). Suggested request ranges include:

• Research and/or Development proposals: $350,000 to $750,000 for 2–3 years

• Conference proposals: $25,000 to $99,000 for up to 2 years (investigators must contact a STEM K-12 Program Director prior to submission)

What could I use the funding for?

I. Introduction

The NSF STEM K-12 program encourages innovative, multidisciplinary, and potentially transformative projects that build theory, generate new knowledge, and inform education practices in a rapidly evolving technological landscape with advances in emerging technologies including artificial intelligence (AI). It supports fundamental, applied, and translational research that enhances STEM teaching and learning and across the human lifespan and in a range of formal and informal learning settings. In addition to building theory and informing practice, the program seeks projects that produce new tools and frameworks; harness exemplary formal and informal learning; and unlock new avenues of scientific inquiry and discovery in STEM education to strengthen the Nation's standing as a global leader in STEM innovation.

Proposals submitted to the STEM K-12 program may focus on learning or instruction in any field(s) of STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) and may involve a variety of contexts in which teaching and learning take place, including formal education (pre-K to 12) and informal learning environments. The program also supports projects that identify and address salient issues involved in translating research into educational practice for any STEM field, as well as projects that leverage insights from educational practice to drive fundamental research.

Additionally, the program seeks proposals that explore how AI and other emerging technologies can be effectively leveraged to study and enhance STEM teaching and learning. The U.S. must prepare its citizens to thrive in a digital society by providing early learning and exposure to AI (Executive Order 14277 Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth, April 23, 2025). Integrating AI into education systems and institutions will help prepare both youth and adults to contribute to an AI-driven society and sustain the Nation's leadership in technological innovation.

II. Program Description

The NSF STEM K-12 program encourages multidisciplinary collaborations that bring together expertise and methodological approaches from various fields, including education research, social and behavioral sciences, implementation sciences, computer science, and all STEM disciplines. In addition, the program encourages partnerships that integrate perspectives from education research, education practice, and industry, as well as perspectives of learners and other critical stakeholders who would benefit from the work.

The program also welcomes quantitative, qualitative, mixed method approaches, and a range of research and/or development efforts across broad areas of scientific inquiry, including but not limited to:

• foundational studies that advance theory or build new conceptual frameworks related to STEM learning and teaching;

• design-based research that iteratively develops and refines learning environments, instructional models, systems, or approaches;

• projects aimed at cultivating the skills, dispositions, and knowledge needed to succeed in computer science, AI pathways, and technology careers, and more generally build capacity in the STEM workforce;

• development and study of innovations for teaching and learning (e.g., curricula, assessments, professional learning resources, technologies, media, etc.) for any STEM field;

• investigations of teaching and learning processes, including cognitive, motivational, or social aspects of learning;

• development and use of advanced research methods and analytical frameworks and tools, such as data science methods and machine learning, to study learning at scale or in complex learning environments; and

• the study of deeper learning and more effective teaching to create opportunities for all Americans everywhere.

Proposals submitted to the program should, as appropriate:

• be grounded in relevant theories and frameworks that inform the project's research focus and design;

• exhibit coherence across research questions, design, analysis, and interpretation;

• employ rigorous methodologies that align strategies for data collection and analysis to the study's context, aims, and guiding research questions;

• describe how the chosen research method(s) will yield trustworthy findings and recommendations that may advance future research and/or contribute to practices in STEM learning and teaching; and

• consider a translational process that includes plans for dissemination to benefit both science and society, with possible extensions to other settings or demographic groups.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond the award funding itself, NSF awards can provide meaningful indirect value because they:

• Signal external validation through NSF’s competitive merit review process (often helpful for partnerships and credibility).

• Support dissemination of findings and products (a built-in emphasis of the program), which can increase visibility across education and research communities.

• Enable development of reusable tools, frameworks, curricula, assessments, and methods that can strengthen follow-on funding competitiveness (the program explicitly supports work that produces “new tools and frameworks” and plans for dissemination).

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

Submission timing: Proposals are accepted anytime, due by 5 p.m. submitting organization’s local time.
Review timing: NSF states it “strives to be able to tell proposers whether their proposals have been declined or recommended for funding within six months.” The interval begins on the “deadline or target date, or receipt date, whichever is later.”
Award timing: If recommended, proposals undergo business/financial/policy review; awards are issued by an NSF Grants and Agreements Officer

Where does this funding come from?

This is a federal assistance program from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), under CFDA 47.076 — STEM Education, within NSF’s Directorate for STEM Education (EDU).

Who is eligible to apply?

Proposals may be submitted by:

• Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs): Two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the U.S.

• Non-profit, non-academic organizations: Independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies, and similar U.S.-located organizations directly associated with educational or research activities

• For-profit organizations: U.S.-based commercial organizations (including small businesses) with strong capabilities in scientific/engineering research or education and a passion for innovation

• State and Local Governments

• Tribal Nations (as defined in the solicitation)

What companies and projects are likely to win?

NSF uses the two National Science Board merit review criteria: Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts. Reviewers will consider (summarized from the solicitation):

• Clear articulation of what you want to do, why, how, how you’ll measure success, and potential benefits if successful.

• Evidence the project is creative/original and potentially transformative, with a well-reasoned and well-organized plan.

• Strong team/organizational capability and adequate resources to execute.

• Credible potential for broader impacts (societal outcomes) alongside scientific contribution, consistent with NSF’s mission.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions and compliance notes stated in the solicitation include:

• Human subjects / IRB: The Human Subjects box “must be checked” and NSF notes that “No awards will be made without” required IRB approvals/exemptions as applicable.

• Supplementary documents: Letters of collaboration are allowed (from project partners), but “Letters of support… are not allowed.” Including other disallowed supplementary material can result in the proposal being “returned without review.”

• Build America, Buy America: NSF notes domestic sourcing requirements for “infrastructure projects” under an award.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation’s public burden statement estimates an average of 120 hours per response (including time for reviewing instructions). This is without BW&CO’s 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?

For Full Support, $9,000 Initial Fee for the Research 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.

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

Updated October 2026: The current WOLF Airborne Systems Integration BAA (N68335-26-R-0458) accepts white papers and proposals through April 10, 2027.

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.

FBI Enterprise Technology Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) – Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Updated October 2026: A June 10, 2026 notice extended the FBI Enterprise Problem Sets BAA through May 16, 2027.

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

Executive Summary:

The FBI’s Enterprise Technology Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) is open through May 16, 2026 and accepts white paper submissions at any time during the open period. The program seeks innovative R&D concepts from industry and academia across multiple FBI problem sets (including AI, cybersecurity, biometrics, counterintelligence, digital exploitation, and enterprise data fabric). Submissions are emailed to BAA@FBI.GOV and follow a two-step process: Step 1 is a white paper (or recorded oral presentation), and selected applicants may be invited to Step 2 to submit a full proposal.

How much funding is available?

Although not explicitly mentioned in the solicitation, typical awards range from $500k to $2m for periods of performance ranging from 6-24 months

What could I use the funding for?

Funding supports R&D efforts aligned to the FBI’s “Problem Set Areas”. See an overview below and full description here:

1. Leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its Sub-Fields

• Content Extraction and Triage

• All-Source Data Management

• Workflow Automation

• Actionable Analysis and Alerting

• Semi-Autonomous Multi-Sensor Fusion

• Business Operations

• Data Science

• Knowledge Management

• Open-Source Information Gathering

• Correspondence Management from Multiple Sources

• Dynamic Threat Analysis

• Human Resource (HR) Recruiting

• Signature Identification

• Cybersecurity

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance

2. Enhance Counterintelligence and Security

• Counterintelligence (CI) Capability

• Personnel Assessment and Evaluation

• Cyber Behavior

• Foreign Contacts

3. Mission-Enhancing Science and Technology

• Digital Exploitation

  • Document and Media Acquisition

  • Human Language Technologies

  • Computer Vision

  • Digital Signals Processing

  • Data, Process, and User Artifact Analysis

  • Document and Media Exploitation (DOMEX)

• Directed Energy Weapons (DEW)

• Biometrics

• Weapons of Mass Destruction

• Electro-Optical Detection

• Pulsed Power Detection

• Radio Frequency Detection

4. Improve Mission Support Capabilities

• Information Technology (IT)

  • IT Governance

  • Data Management and Analytics

  • Infrastructure and Cloud Management

  • Information Assurance and Cyber Defense

  • Operations Support

  • Strategic Information and Operations (SIOC)

• Cyber Capability Requirements Process

• Enterprise Common Data Fabric Solutions

5. Increase Organizational Effectiveness

• Performance Management

  • Applicant Screening

  • Career Advancement

  • Workplace Learning and Performance

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond the formal funding award, there are meaningful indirect benefits to winning an FBI BAA award:

• Government validation and mission alignment: Selection indicates the FBI sees strong technical merit and mission value in your R&D approach, which can accelerate future government relationships and contracting credibility.

• Partnership acceleration: The FBI explicitly encourages partnering among industry and Government to speed adoption of new science and technology into fielded systems—awardees may benefit from stronger collaboration opportunities.

• Higher valuation via nondilutive R&D: Funding supports R&D without equity dilution, allowing companies to mature technology and strengthen valuation narratives for future financing or acquisition (general commercial benefit; not explicitly stated in BAA).

• Positioning for follow-on work: Award performance may strengthen eligibility and competitiveness for future FBI or broader federal procurements in adjacent mission areas.

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

BAA open period: Effective 5/17/2023 – 05/16/2026.

1. When to submit: White papers may be submitted at any time during the open period to BAA@FBI.GOV.

2. Two-step process:

   • Step 1: Submit white paper

   • Step 2: If selected, FBI requests a formal proposal (do not submit full proposal unless requested)

3. Selection timing: FBI may make selections anytime during the open period and up to six months after closing for white papers submitted during the open period.

4. Funding receipt timing: Not specifically stated; awards depend on selection, negotiations, and funding availability.

Where does this funding come from?

This is a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Broad Agency Announcement run through the FBI Finance Division | Procurement Section.

The BAA is conducted under the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) for R&D.

Who is eligible to apply?

The BAA is intended to encourage participation by:

• Science and technology firms

• Educational institutions

Additional eligibility-related requirements include:

• Offerors must be registered in SAM prior to submission and maintain active SAM registration.

• Offerors may propose subcontracting and teaming arrangements, including industry-academia and industry-government partnerships.

• Submissions are generally expected to be UNCLASSIFIED, but classified approaches require prior FBI approval.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The FBI evaluates white papers using three equal factors:

• Technical Approach: strong scientific/technical merit, innovation, sound concept, awareness of state of the art, understanding scope, and potential FBI mission benefit.

• Capabilities and Relevant Experience: evidence the team/facilities can execute and safeguard controlled unclassified/classified info (if applicable), and prior work can be leveraged.

• Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM): cost realism based on total estimated labor, materials, subcontracts, ODCs, indirect, and fee/profit.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions and compliance items include:

• White paper page limit: written submissions must not exceed 10 pages (pages beyond are not evaluated).

• Communications must be UNCLASSIFIED and emailed to BAA@FBI.GOV; do not email classified info.

• Security requirements: work expected unclassified, but some efforts may require personnel clearable to Top Secret (TS) and potentially SCI access with NDAs and polygraph.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Not explicitly stated, but the required Step 1 white paper format suggests typical preparation time depends on complexity:

• Written white paper: up to 10 pages plus additional sections (program plan, experience, ROM).

• Alternative format: a pre-recorded oral presentation up to 10 minutes may be submitted instead of written format.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can provide fractional or full support to increase the likelihood of success and save you a significant amount of time in the application process. Most clients don’t spend more than 3 hours a week in their engagement with us and our success rates are 2x-3x the national average. We collect your data, write an initial draft, have your team approve, and then move on to the next deliverable.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

Fractional support is $300 per hour. For full grant writing support, we would charge a $9,000 fee for submitting the initial white paper. If you receive an invitation for a full submission, there would be a follow-on payment of $9,000 to submit the full proposal with a 5% success fee contingent on award.

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.

Strengthening America’s Manufacturing and Defense Industrial Base (SAMDIB) – Cornerstone Consortium (DoD)

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

Executive Summary:

The Cornerstone Consortium is accepting white papers on a rolling basis under the Strengthening America’s Manufacturing and Defense Industrial Base (SAMDIB) initiative to fund prototype projects that enhance U.S. defense manufacturing capacity, workforce resilience, and supply chain security. Awards are made via Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) to eligible consortium members to address priority industrial base sectors supporting DoD mission readiness. White papers may be submitted anytime while the CIR is open, with evaluations conducted periodically based on Government need.

How much funding would I receive?

$2 million to $200 million. The Government does not disclose a fixed award size or total budget for this initiative but past awards reflect a range of levels from $2 million to $200 million. Funding levels vary by project scope, technical maturity, and negotiated milestones, and multiple awards may be made subject to availability of funds.

What could I use the funding for?

Cornerstone accelerates research, development, prototyping, demonstration, qualification and integration of manufacturing capabilities and capacities into the US Industrial Base and supply chains. Cornerstone integrates the diverse and currently fragmented collection of industry sectors across a range of manufacturing disciplines to ensure Industrial Base resiliency and assurance and a robust manufacturing innovation ecosystem. To this end, the technical focus of Cornerstone shall be comprised of, but not limited to, these Sector and Requirement Focus Areas:

Sector Area 1: Aircraft

Fighters, bombers, cargo, transport aircraft, combat/combat support/combat services helicopters, unmanned aircraft systems/vehicles and the associated components, equipment, networks and personnel to control unmanned aircraft.

Sector Area 2: Radar and Electronic Warfare

Semiconductor, captive monolithic microwave integrated circuits, and the related microelectronic manufacturing/assembly facilities required for continual upgrade of military radar, electronic warfare, and other related equipment.

Sector Area 3: Shipbuilding

Aircraft carriers, submarines, surface combatants, amphibious warfare, combat logistics force, and command and support vessels.

Sector Area 4: Ground Vehicles

Tactical vehicles, armored multi-purpose vehicles, and the associated products required for improvements to legacy systems such as the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, M1 series tank, High-Mobility Multi-Purpose Vehicle and Light Armored Vehicle.

Sector Area 5: Soldier Systems

Personal protective and individual systems such as clothing, boots, helmets, parachutes, chemical protective clothing, sensors and lasers, body armor, small arms, shelters, rations, clean water, laundry, and food services.

Sector Area 6: Space

Satellites, launch services, ground services, satellite components & subsystems, networks, engineering services, payloads, propulsion, and electronics.

Sector Area 7: Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN)

Passive protection, contamination avoidance and mitigation measures taken and the applicable associated equipment used in situations where CBRN hazards may be present.

Sector Area 8: Critical Minerals & Materials

Minerals, materials, production technology, and the associated international trade supply chains that are integral to the U.S. manufacturing base and the Nation’s overall economic and national security.

Sector Area 9: Machine Tools

Machines for shaping, machining, cutting, boring, shearing, extruding, turning and the associated tools/fixtures required for holding/constraining/guiding the work piece being machined.

Sector Area 10: Cyber for the Industrial Base

A body of technologies, processes and practices designed to protect networks, computers, and programs essential to military communication and data systems from being compromised.

Sector Area 11: Optics

Enhanced night vision goggles, thermal weapons sights, monocular night vision devices, aviator’s night vision imaging systems, sniper night sights, multifunction aiming lights, mini integrated pointed illuminator modules, integrated laser white light pointers, individual and crew served weapons lights, aircrew laser pointers, green laser interdiction systems, family of weapons sights, laser target locators, lightweight laser designator rangefinders, small tactical optical rifle mounts, micro-laser rangefinders, and joint effects targeting systems.

Sector Area 12: Advanced Technology and Advanced Manufacturing

Items of equipment developed with the most advanced technology available and used by the majority of the economy. Advanced technology and advanced manufacturing advances the state of the art and, therefore, has the most growth potential.

Sector Area 13: Electronics

Consumer electronics, computers, automotive, industrial/medical equipment, telecommunications, and aero/defense. The industrial base consists of engineering companies that design integrated circuits (IC); front end companies that manufacture ICs; back end manufacturers that assemble ICs into packages; IC vendors that design and market ICs; systems integration companies that combine ICs into electronic systems; and others as applicable.

Sector Area 14: Command, Control, Communication, and Computers (C4)

Major defense acquisition programs and major automated information systems that integrate doctrine, procedures, organizational structures, personnel, equipment, facilities and communication designed to support commanders.

Sector Area 15: Munitions and Missiles

Smart bombs, tactical cruise, air-to-air, air-to-ground, and surface-to-surface missiles as well as dumb bombs, ammunition, mortars, and large caliber rounds.

Sector Area 16: Industrial Base and Manufacturing Skills

Collaborative efforts to engage the highest industrial, academic, and Government technical resources to define and address strategic manufacturing value chain vulnerabilities and program specific technical issues in support of the defense industrial base.

Sector Area 17: Trusted Capital

U.S. or NTIB Integration-partner capital. Efforts will focus on identifying relevant sources of innovation, identifying and leveraging trustworthy sources of capital, and bringing together the right sources of innovation with the right trustworthy sources of capital to accelerate financial arrangements that obviate adversary strategies.

Sector Area 18: Special Operations Forces (SOF) Operational Requirements

Capabilities that rapidly explore any relevant technologies that provide material solutions for Electronic Warfare, Intelligence/Surveillance/Reconnaissance, Computer Network Operations, C4, Weapons, Visual Augmentation Systems, Fire Support Systems, SOF Enablers, and Mobility Systems.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond direct nondilutive funding, Cornerstone awards offer several strategic advantages:

Government Validation and Credibility: Selection through a DoD-managed OTA consortium signals strong alignment with national defense industrial base priorities and increases trust with primes, partners, and investors.

Enhanced Visibility Across DoD: Awardees gain exposure to multiple DoD programs and stakeholders through a standing, Government-managed consortium vehicle.

Faster Contracting and Flexible Terms: OTAs allow negotiated data rights, milestone-based payments, and streamlined acquisition compared to FAR-based contracts.

Follow-On Production Potential: Successful prototype projects may be eligible for non-competitive follow-on production OTAs or transition to FAR-based production contracts, though follow-on awards are not guaranteed.

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

White papers (15 pages) may be submitted at any time while the CIR is active. Submissions are typically evaluated within three months of receipt. If invited, full proposal timelines are set by the Government based on project complexity. Funding is received through negotiated milestone payments after OTA award.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Defense through the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) Program and executed by Army Contracting Command – Rock Island in support of DEVCOM Chemical Biological Center.

Who is eligible to apply?

Only Cornerstone Consortium members with an executed Consortium Management Agreement, active SAM registration, and favorable responsibility status may apply. Eligible organizations include:

• Small and large U.S. businesses

• Non-traditional defense contractors

• Traditional defense contractors

• Academic institutions

• Federally Funded Research and Development Centers

• Private capital entities

Foreign participation is restricted and approved only on a case-by-case basis.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Competitive selections prioritize projects that:

• Address one or more priority industrial base sectors with clear DoD relevance

• Demonstrate strong technical merit and feasibility

• Strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity or supply chain resilience

• Present reasonable cost sharing and milestone plans

• Offer innovative or differentiated technical approaches

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Yes. Key restrictions include limits on foreign participation, export-controlled information handling, cybersecurity compliance (NIST SP 800-171), restrictions on non-U.S. research programs, and Government Purpose Rights for technical data unless otherwise negotiated.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Most first-time applicants should expect 80–120 hours of effort over 8–12 weeks, including technical writing, budget preparation, and internal reviews.

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 the 15 page white paper for a flat fee of $9,000. Upon invitation, full proposal is an additional $9000 + 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

Learn more about the program here.

ERDC BAA - ARMY

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

Executive Summary:

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is issuing a continuously open Broad Agency Announcement to fund basic, applied, and advanced research across a wide range of engineering, environmental, and defense-relevant technology areas. Awards are made on a rolling basis through cooperative agreements, subject to the availability of funds so interested companies should submit as soon as possible.

How much funding would I receive?

ERDC does not specify a standard award size. Individual awards may range from small research efforts to very large, multi-year programs, with an overall program ceiling of $1 billion. Funding levels are determined based on technical scope, relevance, and available funding within the sponsoring ERDC laboratory.

What could I use the funding for?

To be eligible for consideration and possible contract award, the technology or methodology shall be either basic research, applied research, advanced technology development not for a specific system/hardware, or demonstration and validation.

If your technology is novel and fits into one of the following Areas of Interest, you could potentially be funded:

Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory (CHL)

• Overview

  Research is performed in the areas of hydraulic structures such as locks, dams, outlet works, control gates, stilling basins, spillways, channels, fish handling systems, and pumping stations, flood control channels, navigation channels, riverine and estuarine hydrodynamics and transport processes, groundwater, hydrology; dredgingrelated equipment, and on coastal problems related to coastal storm hazards and risk management, beach erosion, navigation, sedimentation, Regional Sediment Management, inlet stabilization, and construction, operation and maintenance of coastal structures (breakwater, jetties, groins, seawalls, etc.). Major areas of interest include coastal hydrodynamics (wind waves, tides, currents, wind related water levels); coastal sedimentation (longshore transport, inlet sedimentation); coastal geology and geomorphology; design and stability of coastal structures; erosion and storm reduction potential and life-cycle performance of natural and nature-based features; system optimization methods and performance metrics for coastal operations; coastal resiliency; and interaction of structures and coastal processes. Other activities include descriptions of coastal processes; theoretical studies; watershed and regional sediment and water systems studies; numerical and physical model techniques; data collection and analysis techniques; and development of laboratory and prototype instrumentation and equipment. The following sections contain information on these research areas and specific research thrusts.

• A. Physical Processes in Estuaries (CHL-1)

  Research in estuarine physical processes deals with the hydrodynamic and transport characteristics of water bodies located between the sea and the upland limit of tidal effects. Research is directed toward knowledge that will improve field measurements and predictions of these processes. Specific areas of required research include the following physical processes in estuaries and other tidal waters. Specific areas of required research include the following physical processes in estuaries and other tidal waters. a. The propagation of tides. b. Transport of salinity, mixing processes, stratified flows. c. Transport, erosion, and deposition of sediments, including settling velocity, aggregation of sediment, consolidation of sediment. d. Behavior and characteristics of sediment beds, including movement, consolidation, armoring, bonding, physical chemical characteristics, density, erodibility. e. Flow between aquifers and surface waters.

  Specific areas of required research include the following activities with respect to the physical processes listed. a. The effect of human activities, including dredging construction, vessel traffic, flow diversion, training, structures, and protective structures. b. Measurements of parameters that are indicative or descriptive of the processes listed in the 2nd paragraph by in-situ and remote methods in the lab and field. c. Prediction of processes listed in the 2nd paragraph by analytical methods, physical models, numerical models, and other techniques. d. Conceptual and mathematical descriptions of the processes listed in the 2nd paragraph. e. Development of materials, equipment, and methods that potentially lead to applied research that would make human activities listed safer, more economical, or more effective. f. Development of methods, techniques, and procedures that enable the treatment of an estuary as a system.

• B. Inland Hydraulic Structures (CHL-2)

  Research in hydraulic structures is related to the hydraulic performance of locks, dams, outlet works, control gates, stilling basins, spillways, channels, bank protection, riprap stability, pumping plants and other hydraulic structures, and with physical and/or numerical model studies to predict and analyze the physical water quality aspects of water resources projects. Specific areas of required research include the following: a. Conduct physical and numerical hydraulic model investigations of a wide variety of hydraulic structures to verify proposed designs and develop more effective and economical designs. b. Analyze model and prototype data and inspection of field installations to develop design criteria for hydraulic structures. c. Develop methods of correlating theoretical and experimental information with design methods used by the Corps of Engineers to improve existing procedures and provide material for inclusion in appropriate manuals. d. Develop physical and/or numerical models to predict and analyze the water quality aspects of water resources projects and design appropriate hydraulic structures to control water as well as water quantity while satisfying the desired objectives. e. Conduct research and/or develop numerical codes to advance techniques for analyzing physical aspects of water quality in lakes and rivers through a better understanding of the hydrodynamics in density-stratified environments and for improving water quality within and downstream of density-stratified reservoirs and to investigate the ability of existing and proposed water resources projects to satisfy established water quality standards. f. Conduct basic studies for development of hydraulic design and operation guidance for hydraulic structures used in inland waterways for navigation and flood control purposes, including wave forces/loads on gates (tainter, miter, etc.). g. Conduct/analyze tests, both model and prototype, of the performance of hydraulic appurtenances to flood control and navigation dams such as spillways, outlet works, energy dissipaters, and approach and exit channels, to develop design guidance that will provide structures of maximum efficiency and reliability with minimum maintenance. h. Develop innovative methods to prepare and revise engineering manuals for hydraulic design of various hydraulic structures. i. Develop innovative methods to conduct training courses on design of various hydraulic structures. j. Develop innovative methods to prepare technical reports of all work conducted.

• C. Open Channel Flow and Sedimentation (CHL-3)

  Research in open channel flow and sedimentation includes basic studies related to development of hydraulic design guidance for designing modifications to natural stream channels to provide for local flood risk reduction. Emphasis is placed on channel stability as well as channel flow capacity. Specific areas of required research include the following: a. Studies related to the development of effective methods to analyze a natural stream's response to modifications made for flood control purposes. b. Studies applicable to development of stream bank and streambed protection methods where channel instability exists. c. Studies applicable to development of sediment transport, local scour, and stream form relationships for a broad range of stream types, bed and bank materials, and meteorological and hydrological conditions. d. Collection and analysis of data that aid in evaluating existing methods and/or developing new methods to analyze channel stability for the variety of channel flow conditions and stream types existing in natural stream systems.

• D. Dredging Research (CHL-4)

  Protection and enhancement of the environment associated with operation and maintenance of navigable U.S. waterway infrastructure through dredging activities is a national priority. Dredging operations and environmental requirements of navigation projects are inseparable. Research is required to predict the time-dependent movement of non- contaminated sand and sand/silt mixtures of dredged materials placed in the nearshore zone, and all materials placed in the offshore region. The cost of dredging operations attributable to compliance with environmental windows that are determined to be over-restrictive, inconsistent, or technically unjustified can be reduced. More effective contaminated sediment characterization and management will reduce costs and enhance the reliability of methods associated with the assessment, dredging, placement, and control of sediments from navigation projects. Better instrumentation for dredge and site monitoring is required to implement automated dredge inspection and payment methods and accurately monitor placement of contaminated materials. Emerging technologies regarding innovative equipment and processes should be expeditiously introduced into the dredging arena. Enhanced ecological risk management for dredging and disposal projects through technically sound approaches for characterizing, managing, and conducting risk-based evaluations are required for expanding options regarding both contaminated and non-contaminated dredged materials.

• E. Navigation Channel Design (CHL-5)

  Research in navigation channel design involves basic research to develop design guidance for the design of new channels and modifications of existing waterways. It involves identifying maneuvering requirements in restricted waterways that affect the channel dimensions, alignment, and location of appurtenances in the navigation channel under various environmental and vessel traffic conditions. It also involves identifying the stability of the channel, maintenance requirements and designing structures that reduce or eliminate the maintenance requirements. Finally, it involves quantifying the flow and pressure fields generated by a tow or ship passing through a waterway and the related impacts on the sediment resuspension in the channel, channel border, and side channel/backwater areas. Studies involve deep and shallow draft navigation channels and physical and mathematical models. Human factors are included in research and project studies using a ship and tow simulator.

  Specific areas of required research include the following: a. Physical model investigations of a wide variety of navigation channel configurations in many environments with different type vessels to verify proposed designs and to develop more efficient and safe designs and to lower environmental impacts. b. Development and enhancement of mathematical models of vessels, both ships and push-tows, for use on the simulator to add vessel types not available or to increase the accuracy with which the model reproduces the vessels response. c. Development of methods and modeling techniques to predict the currents and sediment transport characteristics of various channel designs and integrate this with the navigation model studies, including those generated by the vessel movement. d. Development of methods and modeling techniques to predict the currents and sediment transport characteristics of various channel designs and integrate this with the navigation model studies. e. Development of methods and techniques to prepare and display visual information for the pilot on the simulator projection system. f. Development of methods and measurement equipment, techniques for measuring scale model performance in physical model navigation studies. g. Development of methods and techniques to improve the ship simulator and increase reliability of design estimates, including data and tools for ship motions, draw down, squat, ship-generated waves, and ship maneuvering. h. Development of methods and techniques for the analysis and evaluation of model results to optimize the channel design and to determine the level of safety, or conversely, risk involved with the various designs and ship transits.

• F. Computer-Aided Hydraulic Engineering (CHL-6)

  Research in this topic area develops computer-aided design tools that can be used by hydraulic engineers in planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of navigation and flood control projects. The scope includes open channel and closed conduit flows, equipment, structures, and sediment transport analysis and modeling.

• G. Groundwater (CHL-7)

  Research in groundwater is structured to enhance understanding and prediction of the flow of water and various transported constituents through the environment, including groundwater issues from contaminant remediation to levee erosion as well as surface water problems from flash flooding to nearshore coastal flows. Primary tools are computer models that solve (approximately) conservation equations for mass, momentum, and energy in various physical systems. Work includes developing the numerical methods for solving these equations, writing the computer code to implement the approximations in desktop and high-performance computing environments, and applying the models as part of engineering studies to investigate processes like levee erosion and overtopping, seawater intrusion, and flow through vegetation.

• H. Hydrology (CHL-8)

  Research in this area primarily addresses military applications related to mobility, counter mobility, and water supply. Specific research involves the following areas: a. Large-scale hydrologic modeling. b. Rapid procedures for flood forecasting. c. Groundwater-surface water interaction processes. d. Multi-scale, multi-physics hydrologic modeling. e. Remote sensing and quantification of precipitation. f. Development of spatially varying precipitation hydrology models. g. Visualization of results for hydrology and dam break models. h. Interfacing with existing and new hydrology models. i. Interfacing watershed models with water quality and other environmental models.

• I. H&H GIS/Database Development (CHL-9)

  Research involves the following areas: a. Electronic Navigation Charting. b. Integration of GIS/Database and H&H models. c. Watershed management for erosion control. d. Larger River System management for flood control navigation. e. Visualization Techniques

• J. Coastal Hydrodynamics, Coastal Processes (CHL-10)

  Research in this area includes: shallow water wave estimation; forecasting and hindcasting of wind generated waves for oceanic to local regions; wave theory; statistical distribution of wave parameters; simulation of spectral and phase resolved conditions in wave basins; infragravity (free and bound) waves; nearshore currents; wave breaking; wave/current and wave structure interactions; wave and sediment interactions with natural and nature-based features; long and short waves in ports and harbors; tsunami modeling; wind generated currents; storm surge; tidal circulation; twoand three dimensional numerical simulation models (including finite difference, finite element, finite volume and curvilinear coordinate techniques); coastal meteorology; explosion generated waves; ship response to winds, currents and waves; moored ship response; mooring design and analysis, ribbon bridge hydrodynamics and turbulence.

• K. Coastal Inlets, Navigation Channels (CHL-11)

  Research includes sediment shoaling in coastal inlet channels; stability and performance of inlet channels; scour at structures; sediment transport modeling; influence of structures such as jetties and breakwaters on wave, current, and sedimentation processes. Numerical modeling of inlet hydrodynamics and sedimenttransport processes, including long-term geomorphologic evolution of inlet channels, shoals, and adjacent beaches, and the interaction with navigation structures. Nearshore placement of dredged sediment to foster wave reduction and sediment supply to adjacent beaches. Short- and long-term dune evolution in vicinity of coastal inlets. Shoreline evolution modeling and storm erosion of beaches, particularly concerning over wash and breaching near inlets; wind and wave generated sediment transport; sediment budget analysis; coastal and inlet geomorphology; and PC-, workstation-, and mainframe-based automated coastal engineering software (including relational and GIS data bases)

• L. Coastal Structure and Facility Design (CHL-12)

  Research includes development of functional and stability design criteria for coastal structures and facilities (breakwaters, seawalls, jetties, groins, harbors, marinas, etc.); wave run-up, over-topping, refraction, diffraction, transmission, reflection, etc.; design of floating breakwaters; breakwater stability; application of spectral wave conditions to coastal engineering; stability of riprap to irregular wave attack; stability and functional design of overtopped rubble mound breakwaters; scale modeling of armor unit strength; analysis of structural data for floating breakwaters; investigation of numerical structural models for floating breakwaters; development of wave run-up gage for rough and porous slopes; investigation of attenuation/mooring force models of floating breakwaters; development of materials and techniques to produce high quality breakwater model armor units; analysis of wave run-up overtopping, refraction, diffraction, transmission and/or reflection data on coastal structures and beaches and design of structures for Logistics-Over-The-Shore (LOTS) operations.

• M. Field and Laboratory Measurements, Data Collection, and Analysis (CHL13)

  This topic area includes research in technologies, instrumentation, and monitoring systems in coastal and riverine settings for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating data related to measurements of coastal waves, surface currents, water levels, water quality, sediment, and wind, primarily in the field, but also in a sediment laboratory; advanced data analysis (spectral and non-spectral) techniques; remote sensing techniques; bedload and suspended sediment transport; monitoring and evaluating technical and structural stability of coastal projects; advanced hydrographic survey techniques, field measurement of coastal processes; bathymetric survey systems.

• N. Experimental Coastal Model Equipment, Operation and Analysis (CHL-14)

  Research includes development of equipment and techniques for specialized model construction, experimental wave generation equipment, specialized data acquisition and analysis systems, advanced model operations techniques, and laboratory and scale effects in movable bed model studies.

• O. General Coastal Engineering, Coastal Geology, Dredging Investigations CHL-15)

  This topic area includes topics such as sand bypassing systems and equipment; beach fill design; coastal geology and geomorphology; functional design and evaluation of coastal works and coastal structures; methodologies to assess and track coastal resilience performance; littoral transport; coastal and offshore dredging studies; agitation dredging systems and equipment; physical monitoring of dredged material; physical processes in coastal wetlands; application of Geographic Information Systems; design of nearshore and offshore dredged material placement; evaluation of dredged material disposal sites; analysis of dredging operations management.

• P. Regional and Watershed Sediment Management (CHL-16)

  Regional Sediment Management (RSM) research is intended to provide knowledge and tools that the Corps and the Nation need for effective water resource projects. RSM implies the holistic management of sediment within systems or regions to produce environmentally and economically sustainable projects. Goals include improved project design, operation, and maintenance methods, minimized disruption of natural sediment pathways and processes, and mediation of natural processes that have adverse environmental or economic impact. The approach of the Corps research is to produce targeted R&D serving multiple Corps business areas; to employ ongoing projects’ experience (including Demonstration Projects) to provide data and lessons learned; to use enabling technologies of localscale products and tools, including those generated by other R&D programs within and outside the Corps; to generate technologies that integrate the best available knowledge on sediment behavior and regional morphology into management decision support tools for a) regional and basin scale analyses and b) evaluation of the impacts of projects and management decisions on and by long-term, large-scale sedimentation processes. A key element in ERDC research is full coordination with other organizations with sediment management or monitoring expertise.

• Q. Marine Transportation Technologies (CHL-17)

  Research in this topic area serves one of the USACE’s primary missions, to provide safe, reliable, efficient, effective, and environmentally sustainable waterborne transportation systems for movement of commerce, national security needs, and recreation. To accomplish this mission, the USACE requires R&D to facilitate tracking of vessels on inland waterways (shallow draft) and coastal ports (deep draft). Knowing what vessels are arriving, when, the commodities being carried, etc., will provide lock operators and operations project managers valuable tools to improve safety, efficiency, asset management, and help to make decisions on performance-based funding for navigation project maintenance and improvements. Work in this area focuses on software that uses the United States Coast Guard’s (USCG) Automated Identification Systems (AIS) vessel mounted transmitters which broadcasts a radio signal with the vessels name, position, heading, velocity, and a wide range of other information. Proposals are sought for developing the following: a. Capability that will take the full suite of standard CG AIS messages and provide them in near real time to the Corps facilities in the immediate area of the vessel. b. Capability to allow collection of the full suite of standard AIS messages simultaneously at all pertinent Corps Inland and Deep Draft facilities. c. Capability to customize user interface to allow the Corps operations staff to view vessels in the vicinity of the Corps facilities to make decisions on the order in which to allow commercial tows to pass through lock. d. Provide the capability for Corps facilities to transmit pertinent information to the vessels in the immediate vicinity of the Corps facilities via AIS. e. System optimization methods and performance metrics for vessel operations. Special Considerations: The level of understanding of AIS technology and signal processing, the number of successful installations of similar AIS software processing capabilities; experience with USCG staff, facilities, regulations, and procedures.

• R. Post-Wildfire Hydrologic, Sediment, and Geomorphologic Management (CHL-18)

  Post-Wildfire research is focused on improving understanding of post-fire impacts through exploitation of affordable data acquisition methods and enhancement of numerical modeling capabilities to assist with planning, management, and mitigation in post-wildfire environments. Immediately following a wildfire, vegetation is removed, organic soil horizons are reduced to ash, and hydrophobic soils combine to result in increased water and sediment discharge and debris, mud, and hyper concentrated flows. In the years following a wildfire, ecotone shifts, gully formation, and channel incision alter the hydrologic system response, resulting in dramatic changes in hydraulic and sediment impacts down system. Wildfires represent a significant perturbation to natural systems that dramatically alter the morphologic, hydrologic, and sediment regimes of impacted watersheds. The overall purpose of this area of research and development is to investigate post-wildfire impacts on hydrologic and hydraulic response, geomorphic evolution, and sedimentation, with specific research needed in the following areas: a. Studies related to cost-effective (in situ and remotely sensed) data acquisition and processing methods. b. Studies related to better understanding the longer-term geomorphic impacts and subsequent recovery processes in post-fire environments. c. Studies related to hydrological physical processes, empirical approaches, and numerical modeling. d. Studies related to hydraulics and sediment transport physical processes and numerical modeling.

• S. Nearshore Coastal Research in Support of the U.S. Coastal Research Program (CHL- 19)

  Proposals are invited to address nearshore coastal research needs within three broad research themes as identified by the U.S. Coastal Research Program (USCRP) (see Nearshore Process Community, 2015 for more details). Nearshore systems include the complex interactions of physical, biological, chemical, and human influences within the transition region across the land and the continental shelf, spanning (from onshore to offshore) coastal plains, wetlands, estuaries, coastal cliffs, dunes, beaches, surf zones, and the inner shelf. Worldwide, nearly 1 billion people live at elevations within 10 m of present sea level, an elevation zone in need of engineering solutions that reduce risks to life and property produced by various extreme events. The nearshore is a societally relevant region that requires and improved understanding of the feedbacks and couplings that shape, sustain, and alter coastal landscapes. The three broad research themes include a need to understand, better predict, and respond to (1) Long-term coastal evolution due to natural and anthropogenic processes; (2) Extreme Events including: flooding, erosion, and the subsequent recovery; and (3) The physical biological and chemical processes impacting human and ecosystem health. Each is detailed below a. Long-term coastal evolution due to natural and anthropogenic processes: As storms impact increasingly urbanized coastal communities, an understanding of long-term coastal evolution is critical. Improved knowledge of long-term morphological, ecological, and societal processes and their interactions will result in an improved ability to simulate coastal change and develop proactive solutions for resilient coasts and better guidance for reducing coastal vulnerability. b. Extreme Events including flooding, erosion, and the subsequent recovery: U.S. coastal extreme event related economic losses have increased substantially over the past decades. Addressing this research theme will result in an improved understanding of the physical processes during extreme events, leading to improved models of flooding, erosion, and recovery. Utilization and application of the improved models will produce societal benefit in the form of more resilient coastal communities. c. The physical, biological, and chemical processes impacting human and ecosystem health: Nearshore regions are used for recreation, tourism, human habitation, and provide habitat and valuable ecosystem services. These areas must be sustained for future generations, however overall coastal water quality is declining due to microbial pathogens, fertilizers, pesticides, and heavy metal contamination, threatening ecosystem and human health. To ensure sustainable nearshore regions, predictive real-time water- and sediment-based pollutant modeling capabilities must be developed, which requires expanding our knowledge of the physics, chemistry, and biology of the nearshore. The resulting societal benefits will include better beach safety, healthier ecosystems, and improved mitigation and regulatory policies.

• T. Comprehensive Water Risk Management (CWRM) (CHL- 20)

  Proposals are invited to develop and explore the application of next generation technologies, methods and approaches that lead to the creation of a seamless national hydro-terrestrial capability within the USACE and partner agencies. CWRM includes advanced data collection, prediction and management technologies that can provide water managers the tools required to minimize, mitigate, and better manage water hazards under present and future design requirements. Proposals for research in the following specific areas are needed: a. Inland and Coastal Compound Flooding: Research to support the inclusion of inland and coastal compound flooding in the reduction of comprehensive flood risk from riverine flows, precipitation, coastal storms, groundwater emergence, sea level change, snowmelt, wildfires, subsidence, and other natural as well as anthropogenic events. b. Data Collection: Research to support the collection and analysis of water data through in-situ and standoff measurements including satellite, and various uncrewed systems (UxS). For UxS this includes sensing, perception, control, and data process techniques. Needs include data collection techniques for snowpack analysis, soil-moisture determination, wave environment, estimation of under-water bathymetry, reservoir capacity, etc. c. Probabilistic Modeling – Uncertainty quantification and Data Assimilation: Research to support development of methodology for quantifying numerical uncertainty and forward propagation of that uncertainty into numerical prediction. Additionally, research to develop methods for assimilating observations into probabilistic numerical methods to refine predictions for wave, circulation, and morphologic models. d. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) Technologies: Research to support the use AI/ML technologies to increase the accuracy and efficiency of hydrologic and hydraulic numerical models. Capabilities include advanced data assimilation technologies for error reduction and longer forecasts. e. Flash Flooding: Research to improve the technologies to predict and mitigate water hazards due to flash flooding. Research requirements include downscaling of weather forecasts including precipitation, wind speeds, atmospheric pressure, etc. f. Cold Weather Water Hazards: Research to improve the performance of predictive techniques in cold regions including the arctic. Research requirements include the effects of ice cover on wave and storm mitigation, the effects of the permafrost on hydrologic processes, the effects of flood risk mitigation features on freshwater sources, etc. g. Arid Region Water Hazards: Research to improve the performance of predictive techniques in arid regions. Research requirements include infiltration processes, groundwater and surface water interaction, aquifer recharge, wildfire hydrology, etc. h. Numerical Model Coupling Techniques: Research to improve the performance of numerical model coupling methods. Research requirements include inter and intra-model communication for inter-agency model collaboration.

• U. Innovations in Sediment Management (CHL- 21)

  Proposals are invited to develop leap-ahead innovative and sustainable dredging and sediment management solutions to dramatically reduce costs, increase channel/infrastructure reliability, and add significant economic, environmental, and social value to the Nation. Proposals for research in the following specific areas are requested: a. Coastal/ Hydrodynamic Engineering Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) and Hybrid Solutions: Research to inform the development of tools, techniques and guidance behind designing and engineering nature-based solutions (NBS) and hybrid solutions. This R&D will help in the development of methods and standards which support effective planning, designing, construction, and O&M of NBS/hybrid solutions to support the reduction of coastal and inland flooding risks. This research should focus on exploring the potential for integrating NBS/hybrid solutions within existing hydrodynamic engineering and land use planning practices. b. Innovative Dredging Technologies/ Autonomous Methods: Research to develop technologies and techniques for improved dredging operations. R&D can address evaluating next-generation technologies and dredging operations (e.g., hydrodynamic dredging), real-time dredge position and bottom mapping techniques, autonomous dredging to reduce costs, increase beneficial use of dredged material, sediment transfer and placement equipment to facilitate more beneficial uses (e.g., thin layer placement, strategic placement), reduce channel and reservoir infilling to reduce dredging need, or renewing reservoir capacity through application of technologies developed for navigation channel maintenance. Proposals are invited to develop leap-ahead innovative and sustainable dredging and sediment management solutions to dramatically reduce costs, increase channel/infrastructure reliability, and add significant economic, environmental, and social value to the Nation. Proposals for research in the following specific areas are requested: a. Coastal/ Hydrodynamic Engineering Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) and Hybrid Solutions: Research to inform the development of tools, techniques and guidance behind designing and engineering nature-based solutions (NBS) and hybrid solutions. This R&D will help in the development of methods and standards which support effective planning, designing, construction, and O&M of NBS/hybrid solutions to support the reduction of coastal and inland flooding risks. This research should focus on exploring the potential for integrating NBS/hybrid solutions within existing hydrodynamic engineering and land use planning practices. b. Innovative Dredging Technologies/ Autonomous Methods: Research to develop technologies and techniques for improved dredging operations. R&D can address evaluating next-generation technologies and dredging operations (e.g., hydrodynamic dredging), real-time dredge position and bottom mapping techniques, autonomous dredging to reduce costs, increase beneficial use of dredged material, sediment transfer and placement equipment to facilitate more beneficial uses (e.g., thin layer placement, strategic placement), reduce channel and reservoir infilling to reduce dredging need, or renewing reservoir capacity through application of technologies developed for navigation channel maintenance. c. Hydrodynamic and Geomorphologic Response of Biomaterials: Research into the use of bio-based materials, such as biopolymers, to enhance and increase the resiliency of NBS, including earthen levees, coastal dunes, and dam embankments. This research should focus on the hydrodynamic and geomorphologic response of biomaterials to the impacts of hydrological and meteorological extremes. Considering the performance and sustainability of biobased materials, we seek to understand the potential of bio-based materials to reduce the risk and cost of rehabilitating and maintaining these structures and increase their resiliency against potential threats. We invite research that furthers our understanding and application of bio-based materials for this purpose, as a component of comprehensive water risk management and abilities to adapt to dynamic environmental forcing requirements. The research should be designed to provide evidence and support decision making. It should be based on research available at existing open-source platforms, or data that is proposed to be collected for the research. d. Monitoring of NBS and Beneficial Use of Dredged Sediment Projects: Research to improve the understanding of the performance of NBS and beneficial use of dredged sediment projects through monitoring. Monitoring could include the project’s response to storm events and the post-storm recovery. Monitoring techniques will vary based on the project but may be comprised of satellite data, remote sensing measurements, in-situ measurements, or engaging the public to crowdsource data collection. The monitoring research may also include the development or testing of innovative sensors or monitoring techniques.

• V. Next Generation Water Management (CHL-22)

  Proposals are invited to explore the application of next generation technologies, methods and approaches that are aimed at improving water management practice within the USACE and partner agencies, including efforts that support research, development and implementation of capabilities to support Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO). FIRO is a management approach that seeks to improve water supply, enhance flood risk reduction and achieve additional ecosystem benefits through application of advanced weather and watershed forecast capabilities in water management practice.

  FIRO envisions advanced observation and prediction technology that can provide water managers more lead time to selectively retain or release water from reservoirs based on longer- term forecasts. When storms cause moderate-to-high reservoir levels, normal operation is to release water to re-establish flood control space. FIRO pilot studies have demonstrated that some of that water can be retained for future supply as long as no major precipitation is expected and it can be shown that the retained water can be released past downstream flood prone areas prior to the arrival of the next storm. This strategy permits earlier supply capture in some years, improving supply reliability for downstream water users and improving the timing and volume of releases to protect water quality and provide flows needed for ecosystem benefits. Proposals for research in the following specific areas are needed: a. Improvement of forecast skill to support advanced water management, including meteorological phenomena that are major drivers for floods in various regions across the country including atmospheric rivers, tropical storms/hurricanes, clusters of long-lived thunderstorms and Nor’Easters. This can also include improvements in weather observations and numerical weather forecasting models that result in improved forecasting lead times for water management decision-making.

  b. Improvements in data synthesis, decision support systems and data visualization capabilities to enhance water management decision-making.

  c. Hydrologic and reservoir model development and application, including improvements in watershed monitoring to enhance hydrologic and reservoir models.

  d. Application of FIRO screening process tools to regions of the United States where FIRO has not previously been applied or tested.

  e. Application of FIRO viability assessment processes to systems of dams where multiple dams are operated within a watershed to achieve overall system water management objectives.

  f. Research to support updates to USACE Water Control Manuals (WCMs) using FIRO approaches, scenarios and principles. Updates to WCMs require numerous studies in areas of meteorology, hydrology, hydraulics, ecology and economics. Incorporation of next generation approaches such as FIRO require research efforts to identify best management practices on how to safely and effectively incorporate these new approaches into water management practice as defined in WCMs.

Geotechnical & Structures Laboratory (CHL)

• Overview

  Research performed by the Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory’s (GSL) eight branches consists of investigations in the areas of soil mechanics, engineering geology, geophysics and seismology, earthquake engineering, pavements (both expedient and permanent), mobility and traffic ability of military vehicles, structural design and performance of structures under both static and dynamic loadings, earth dynamics, and the uses and performance of concrete, cement, and other construction materials. Research areas also include measurement and analysis of seismic and acoustic signals to locate airborne and ground military targets and buried objects (including unexploded ordnance) and to characterize earth media. Research on concrete and cement is predominantly related to current recognized needs, both civil and military. Military expediency focuses additional attention on ease and speed of concrete placement, development of very high-strength materials, and use of non-traditional, indigenous, and other special materials in concrete construction. Civil works research focuses primarily on the need to improve the performance of both new and old concrete structures. Structures research involves development, testing, and evaluation of a broad class of structures to resist the effects of static and dynamic loads induced by earthquakes and other sources. The Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory also conducts research involving all aspects for improving the survivability of fixed installations.

• A. Earthquake Engineering (GSL-1)

  Research areas of interest include the dynamic behavior of soil and rock; liquefaction of soils, including coarse-grained and fine-grained soils; in-situ testing to evaluate properties related to dynamic behavior; centrifuge scale-model testing using a multi-waveform shake table; in-situ testing to evaluate susceptibility to liquefaction; methods of analysis of dynamic behavior of earth materials; methods of analysis of dynamic soil- structure interaction; risk-based and probability-based methods of analysis; seismic wave propagation in earth materials; seismically induced settlements in soils and remedial treatment of soils potentially susceptible to earthquake-induced instability or strength loss; computer visualization and dynamic simulation; site response analysis; and strong motion instrumentation.

• B. Geophysics (GSL-2)

  ERDC supports research in the development of land, air, or waterborne geophysical methods to be used for characterization of hazardous waste sites, detection and monitoring of seepage, nondestructive investigation of archeological sites, location of groundwater, and detection of buried objects; analytical and data-processing techniques, borehole surveys, cross hole seismic imaging, electromagnetic detection of anomalies, seismic surveys, sub bottom profiling, and acoustic impedance surveys; and uses of microgravity.

• C. Mobility of Vehicles (GSL-3)

  The Mobility Systems Branch addresses engineering research on the performance of vehicles operating cross country and on-road, and/or in negotiating dry and wet obstacles in worldwide terrains. This is a highly specialized technical area involving engineering mechanics, vehicle dynamics, mathematics, statistics, computer specialties, geology, and soil mechanics. Research in this area includes developing fundamental relations between soil and vehicle running gear; improving criteria concerning the effects of vehicle vibration and ride shock on sensors and data streams from rapidly moving sensors over rough terrain; developing algorithms describing weather effects on terrain, multi-vehicle movements along road nets, stochastic processes describing influence of uncertainties of data elements, and developing modeling and simulation capabilities for near real-time assessments of mobility and counter mobility for battlefield operations and operations other than war.

• D. Pavement Technology (GSL-4)

  Research in this area is conducted in support of the Corps mission to design and construct roads and airfields worldwide and other related engineering functions. This research includes the development of engineering criteria for the design, construction, evaluation, maintenance, and rehabilitation of permanent and expedient airfields, pavements, and ports. Research areas of interest include improved design procedures, structural performance modeling, material characterization and evaluation, nondestructive testing, rapid repair of structures, expedient surfacing (to include novel, composite, and metallic systems), aircraft and vehicular ground flotation, access/egress systems, gravel surfaced and non-surfaced areas, the use of geotextiles and geomembranes, grid-confining systems, soil stabilization, dust-control materials and techniques, advanced binder systems, remote assessment, earth anchoring, pavement evaluation, and advanced testing, monitoring, and evaluation equipment, software, and methods to support pavement and pavement related functions.

• E. Soil and Rock Mechanics (GSL-5)

  Research is needed to: (a) improve methods for prediction and control of erosion of unlined spillway channels during uncontrolled releases; (b) develop innovative methods for flood protection and flood fighting, including field evaluations of promising technologies; (c) develop guidance for applications of trenchless technology (e.g., micro tunneling, horizontal directional drilling, pipe ramming, pipe jacking, auger boring, etc.) on Corps structures, including measures to ensure safety and stability of Corps structures when trenchless technology is used to install pipelines, cables, or conduits through or beneath levees and other structures;(d) develop improved methods, including risk-based methods for analyzing earth and rock fill dams and other water control structures for both static- and earthquake-induced stresses; (e) improve the state of knowledge of physical and engineering properties of soil, rock, and clay shales; earth-rock mixtures, granular filters, cohesive and non-cohesive fine- grained soils susceptible to liquefaction; and soils susceptible to drastic volume changes (collapse, consolidation, swell); (f) develop rational analytical procedures and more reliable prediction of behavior of partially saturated soils; (g) determine the response of soils in situ to static and dynamic loading and unloading; (h) determine the susceptibility of earth dams to cracking, hydraulic fracturing, and internal erosion; (i) evaluate improved defensive design measures in use of materials, particularly in filter and transition zones and impervious barriers; (j) improve procedures for monitoring and analysis of the performance of new and existing structures, particularly the use and interpretation of observations and data from specialized instrumentation, and expedient systems for rapid inspection and evaluation of the integrity of dams; (k) improve the understanding of the aging processes in dams and the influence of aging (particularly deterioration of safety-related features) on long-term maintenance and/or rehabilitation requirements for dams; (l) develop a better understanding of failure mechanisms to improve design of defensive measures, to provide information for remedial repairs, to assess potential damages resulting from failure, and to provide a basis for emergency actions; (m) develop expedient remedial measures when hazardous conditions are identified and, thus, reduce the damages and catastrophic potential of dam failures; (n) develop methodology to evaluate forces exerted on structural elements by adjacent soil masses that result from long- term variation in soil properties; (o) develop improved methodology for design and construction procedures for shallow and deep foundations, including mats, footings, piers, and piles for buildings, hydraulic structures and waterfront structures; (p) large-scale physical and numerical modeling of deep underground structures (tunnels, shafts, chambers, and intersections); (q) predictions of rock mass dredgability; (r) acoustic emission (micro-seismic) applications in geotechnical engineering; (s) geotechnical aspects of hazardous and low-level radioactive waste disposal; (t) evaluation of rock for use as riprap; (u) grouting of soil and rock masses; (v) sliding stability of gravity structures, and (w) centrifuge modeling of structures founded on or in rock.

• F. Dam Research (GSL-6)

  Research is conducted in support of the Army’s Dams and Transportation Infrastructure Program, specifically the Dam Safety subcomponents. Research covers design, construction, maintenance, repair, and inspection procedures of Army dams as well as other engineering functions as they relate to transportation structures. This involves the formulation of engineering criteria for the design, construction, evaluation, maintenance, and rehabilitation of dams. Research areas of interest include improved inspection procedures, material characterization and evaluation, nondestructive testing, rapid repair, scour, unknown material properties, unknown foundations, and underwater inspection.

• G. Engineering Geology (GSL-7)

  The GSL conducts a broad range of research in the field of engineering geology in support of federal or other Government technical missions. Specific areas of interest within this field include application of remote sensing to geologic and geomorphic assessments; geo-archeological investigations; applied and numerical geomorphic analysis; computer applications in geotechnical engineering; 3-D visualization systems; uses of geographic information systems; geo hydrology in military and civil applications; including water quality and supply issues; geologic mapping; geologic applications of mathematical techniques and geo statistics; groundwater monitoring, including well installation and design; geologic application of groundwater models; integration of geological and geophysical subsurface exploration techniques; land-loss studies; remedial measures at groundwater contamination sites; seismic hazard characterization and evaluation; subsurface exploration methods (drilling and sampling techniques); test site selection; conceptual and geologic and hydro geologic models.

• H. Excavation, Structural Demolition, and Obstacle Creation (GSL-8)

  Current criteria for improved demolitions call for significantly reduced manning levels and preparation times to accomplish assigned missions. Cost effectiveness, versatility, and safety are also of great importance. Current efforts involve technologies for the standoff creation and reduction of all types of battlefield obstacles, and the excavation of fighting positions. A prime consideration is the development of more efficient means for the application of various types of energetic materials to targets of interest. In addition, modern materials and design principles used in typical target structures must be incorporated into future plans and guidelines for demolitions. Typical missions of interest are road cratering, anti-tank ditching, bridge and tunnel demolition, and the breaching of walls, bunkers, levees, and dams.

• I. Ammunition Storage Safety (GSL-9)

  The military services must store large amounts of munitions, both for war reserves and for training purposes. New conceptual designs for components or systems for storage are needed to reduce the likelihood of an accidental detonation of stored munitions, limit the propagation of air blast and fragments, or mitigate the safety hazards produced by an accidental detonation. In addition, test data and simulation techniques are needed to aid in the definition of the safety hazards from such detonations, and the mechanics of blast propagation among munition stores. Obsolete munitions are often disposed of by deliberate, controlled detonation. Research is needed on new methods for safe, efficient, and environmentally acceptable methods for deactivation of a wide variety of munition types.

• J. Physical Simulation of Munition Phenomenology (GSL-10)

  The mechanical effects induced by munition detonations are physically simulated using a variety of energy sources. Simulations are performed at full- and small (1/2 to 1/10) scale. The mechanical effects from conventional energetic materials are normally performed at small scale. These studies could benefit from improved (better fidelity, less expensive) simulators and simulation techniques. They could also enhance the development of test methodology for micro-scale (1/100 to 1/10) testing including centrifuge testing. Micro-scale test methodology includes the miniature high- fidelity energy sources, miniature sensors, advanced optical techniques, high-fidelity construction techniques for miniature structures, and theoretical developments in the scaling of material behavior.

• K. Geophysical Phenomenology - Multi-Modal Geophysical Phenomenology, Modeling, Data Processing, and Data Management (GSL-11)

  The objectives include detecting, classifying, and locating airborne and ground military targets and buried objects using geophysical methods for homeland defense and homeland security applications. Also included are invasive and non-invasive approaches for measuring and quantifying the geophysical/geologic signatures of diverse geo-environments. This can include the development of new and/or improved analytical and numerical models, rapid data- processing techniques, and new subsurface imaging techniques that include active and passive sensor modalities in a variety of rural and urban terrains.

  Of particular interest is the broadband propagation of energy including, but not limited to seismic/acoustic/infrasonic/electromagnetic/ thermal/chemical, under variable conditions using a variety of sensing platforms (fixed, mobile, airborne, space). The development of new tactics, techniques, and procedures for the employment of novel sensing methods as well as the development and/or verification of empirical testing and evaluation techniques is also desirable. Data management and multi-mode integration techniques and platforms are also of interest.

• L. Laboratory Tests and Constitutive Model Development for Geologic Materials (GSL-12)

  This research requires the formulation of mathematical constitutive models to simulate the mechanical behavior of geological and structural materials and incorporation of models into application-oriented prediction/analysis techniques. Also of interest are the development of dynamic test equipment and techniques and the experimental evaluation of geological and structural material response to high-pressure transient loadings.

• M. Projectile Penetration (GSL-13)

  Theoretical and experimental studies of projectile stresses and trajectories due to impact and penetration into geologic and man-made targets and development of design criteria for shield systems include development of equipment and diagnostic techniques to examine the response of targets to low- and high-velocity impact of penetrators, rods, etc.

• N. Computational Structural Mechanics for DOD Applications (GSL-14)

  The efficient use of scalable computers will require fundamentally new concepts in computational mechanics algorithms. Research includes mathematical formulations and development of scalable computational mechanics algorithms in the areas of structural response, penetration, contact impact, structure-medium interaction, multi-scale, multi-physics, and interdisciplinary flow-thermal-structural interactions. This research area also includes development of computational models for new materials and composite construction (consisting of concrete, composite, and/or geologic materials), as well as the behavior and control of structures composed of such composite construction for military applications.

• O. Concrete Materials (GSL-15)

  Research in this area includes improving the performance of concrete materials and systems. Performance could include very high tensile or compressive strength, high ductility, high fracture toughness, low shrinkage, rapid hardening, very low permeability, resistance to abrasion and erosion durability, chemical resistance, shock-attenuating properties, ultra-low density, thermal insulation properties, workability, and other unique attributes. This includes improvements in the materials typically used in a concrete mixture such as aggregate, cement, supplementary cementitious materials, and chemical admixtures. Aggregates could include waste and/or manmade materials such as fly ash (traditional, blended, or reclaimed), silica fume, ground granulated blast-furnace slag, recycled concrete, lightweight aggregates other potentially low cost and/or green materials. Micro- and Nanoscale aggregates, inclusions, pozzolans, cements and reinforcements such as microspheres, nanosilicates, microfibers and low-cost nanotubes or nanofibers would also be included in this research area. Chemical admixtures such as water reducers, set retarders, set accelerators, air-entraining admixtures, and foaming and defoaming agents that lend unique properties would also be considered in this research area. Since reinforcement is a critical element to the ductility and durability of concrete materials, advanced reinforcement materials that enhance these properties fall under this research area. Additionally, this topic area would include research involving nontraditional cement binders including polymer- impregnated concrete, polymer or resin concrete, polymer Portland-cement concrete and geopolymer concretes.

• P. Concrete Properties and Analysis (GSL-16)

  Research in this area if focused on the development of new nondestructive and destructive test methods and analysis techniques to better characterize the properties and performance of concretes and the constituents that they are composed of at scales ranging from the nano-level to the macro-level. There are a vast number of topics in testing and analysis that could be included in this area as related to the physical and chemical properties of aggregates, cements, pozzolans, admixtures, fibers, and their interaction during the mixing, placing, curing, and service phases of a concrete. This could include but is not limited to: 1. Developing test methods and analysis techniques to better quantify material properties at aggregate-paste and fiber-paste transition zones.

  2. Developing tools, test methods and analysis techniques to non-destructively define the spatial distribution of components in a concrete specimen.

  3. Developing better assessment tools and criteria for predicting durability and longevity of concrete and grout.

  4. Developing better methods to define and classify chemical admixtures by chemical composition and mechanism of performance.

  5. Developing innovative systems to construct concrete materials and structures more economically.

  6. Developing theoretical, computational, and experimental methods for effectively characterizing stress, strain, progressive damage, and fracture of engineering materials subjected to static and dynamic loads.

• Q. Maintenance, Repair, and Rehabilitation of Concrete (GSL-17)

  Forensic analyses such as assessment of remaining life, maintenance and minor remedial measures, repair and rehabilitation, and surveillance and monitoring are topics of interest. Structures of interest include concrete locks and dams and appurtenant concrete and steel structures (outlet works, retaining walls, gates, piles, bulkheads, tunnels, intakes, etc.), other horizontal and vertical concrete infrastructure, and metals and polymer systems related to those concrete components.

• R. Other Areas of Materials Research (GSL-18)

  Research is needed in the development, properties, and performance of a range of materials for military and civil applications. Needed materials research for concrete applications includes such materials as: curing compounds, coatings, and overlays; polymers or other agents for improving bond between old and new concrete; water stop materials for use in hydraulic structures, and methods for characterizing and testing such materials; grouts for injection underground in very fine fracture systems or porous media; organic and inorganic composites that are used in construction; and grout materials and technologies for waste-disposal and containment such as for both commercial and defense-related low-level and high-level radioactive wastes.

  Other materials research needs include the development, testing, and prototyping of metals, composites, or other novel materials exhibiting advanced mechanical, thermal, rheological, chemical, electrical, and multi-functional properties, and performances. Research is performed on energy absorbing materials for impact, ballistic and blast resistance; hierarchical, multi- layered, and functionally graded material systems; multi-scale reinforcement for macro performance; self-sensing and self-healing materials; and materials demonstrating advancements in durability, high strength-to-weight, fatigue resistance, and ease of application.

• S. Bridge Research (GSL-19)

  Research is conducted in support of the Army’s Dams and Transportation Infrastructure Program, specifically the Bridge Safety and Waterfront Facilities subcomponents. Research covers design, construction, maintenance, repair and inspection procedures of Army bridges and waterfront facilities worldwide as well as other engineering functions as they relate to transportation structures. This involves the formulation of engineering criteria for the design, construction, evaluation, maintenance, and rehabilitation of permanent and expedient bridge and port facilities. Research areas of interest include improved inspection procedures, material characterization and evaluation, nondestructive testing, rapid repair, scour, unknown material properties, unknown foundations, traffic safety, underwater inspection, fracture critical and fatigue evaluations, load capacity, load testing, and load ratings.

• T. Structures Research (Civil Works) (GSL-20)

  Research is conducted in assessing the performance of critical structures to extreme loads, such as those resulting from seismic, terrorist attack, and storm events, as well as the effects of flow-induced vibrations. Efforts include assessing sensitivity of structural design and analysis procedures, vulnerability of structures, and critical design parameters to develop appropriate load-resistance factors. Techniques for retrofit, including use of new and innovative materials, of structures to resist extreme loads is of interest. Also, a better understanding of long-term behavior and deterioration of civil structures is needed, including factors such as material interactions, thermal stresses, and any issues affecting design of new structures and operation and maintenance of existing structures.

  Nonlinear and linear system identification research includes vibration testing, data acquisition, data processing, and analysis techniques for determining linear and nonlinear dynamic and static response properties of structures and structural systems subjected to earthquakes, blast effects from mining (or other) operations, other transient random, harmonic dynamic loads, and static or pseudo static loads.

• U. Structures Research (Military) (GSL-21)

  1. Research is needed on the response of aboveground and shallow-buried structures subjected to military dynamic loads; specifically, the prediction of the load and response to failure of aboveground and shallow-buried structures. This effort will involve the following research:

  a. Development of techniques to simulate military dynamic loads on aboveground and mounded structures.

  b. Development of design procedures for components in semihardened and protected facilities.

  c. Analysis of structural loading and damage resulting from internal or external detonations.

  d. Development of fast-running models for PC based applications to predict the response of structures, both hardened and unhardened, to single and multiple explosive detonations.

  2. Research on deeply based structures and hardened existing systems involving the following:

  a. Development of comprehensive structural design for deeply buried and surface-buried structures subjected to air blast-induced and direct-induced ground shock from surface and shallow earth-penetrating high-energy sources.

  b. Formulation of computer models for SSI and pre- and post-test analysis of structural response to include correlation and comparison with experimental data.

  3. Research on surveillance and intrusion detection sensors involves the constraints of the environment on sensor systems used to detect intruders and placed along the perimeter of high-value military installations. Improved methods for rapid and accurate measurement of predetermined influential environmental parameters must be developed. Analytical techniques relating to specific sensing phenomenology’s and target/nontarget-generated signatures and signature wave interactions to variations in environmental characteristics are required. Of particular interest is the integration of multiple sensor systems (both detection-type and environmental/background monitoring transducers) that use various sensing phenomena for enhanced target detection and classification and increase nuisance and background signature rejection. Research studies are required in the determination of automated techniques for monitoring sensor system response and sensitivity to provide optimum and consistent performance as a function of time varying changes of influential environmental characteristics.

  4. The Corps of Engineers is involved with research on the design of military facilities for protection from high-energy sources. These efforts include the following research:

  a. Prediction of the response of structural elements common to conventional or expedient construction to military loads.

  b. Methods of retrofitting conventional buildings to harden them against nearby military high-energy sources.

  c. Development of innovative design of structural components, such as windows and doors, subject to high-energy sources.

  d. Development of analytical methods for predicting the effects of forced entry devices on structural components.

  e. Development of innovative designs using low-density materials for expedient protection of troops and equipment from the effects of military high- energy sources.

  f. Development of microprocessor-based software/hardware and supporting documentation to aid in the assessment of structural survivability to the effects of conventional and advanced weapons systems. The software will address the integration of databases, weapons effects calculations, and operational factors associated with engineer survivability missions.

  g. Development of a procedure to ensure robust codes, user-friendly interfaces, and supporting documentation for use in the testing and development of microprocessor-based survivability and structural assessment software/hardware.

  5. Composite Materials for Force Protection-Research in this area includes developing, characterizing, modeling, and testing of layered composite materials for protection against air blast and penetration/fragmentation. These materials are intended for use in lightweight expedient protective systems to protect against improvised explosive devices and conventional weapons such as small arms, standoff weapons, fragmenting weapons, and shape charges. It is envisioned that panels of these materials could be incorporated into protective structure designs to increase survivability of personnel or to protect mission-critical assets. Performance measures include such attributes as build time, low mass, cost, penetration resistance, ductility, and environmental durability. Additionally, this topic area includes methods to develop appropriate material anisotropic and or non-homogeneous material models for incorporation into advanced computational models such as Abaqus, LS-DYNA, and EPIC. Protocols for evaluation and performance testing of composite materials subjected to energetic, high-strain rate events are desired.

  6. Worldwide Construction Practices- This research includes capturing typical construction practices and construction material properties worldwide. Information of interest is material properties of structural components, building types and construction techniques, building footprints, construction timeframe/era of buildings, and location of the building (country, world region, urban terrain zone).

• V. Multispectral Camouflage Research (GSL-22)

  This research area involves all aspects of fixed-facility survivability incorporating signature management and other technical effects. Fixed facilities include stationary and relocatable high-value targets. The general goal is to directly and indirectly increase the survivability of U.S. and Allied facilities and improve the U.S. and allied counterintelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (counter-ISR) capability against adversaries. Multispectral refers to those areas of the electromagnetic spectrum used by the United States and potential adversaries in reconnaissance and surveillance and in attack platform target acquisition and detection. Major objectives include: quantifying or otherwise evaluating counter-ISR technology effectiveness; investigating materials and techniques for signature modification; developing technical effects and physical countermeasures, procedures, and applications; developing computer-based analytical procedures for simulating scenes; developing instrumentation for and conducting target/background signature measurements; assessing the United States and threat operations and sensor capabilities with both currently fielded and new design reconnaissance and surveillance and attack platform sensors and systems; developing applications for intelligence information for military missions; providing guidance to field commanders and information for the RDT&E community; and studies of the interaction of camouflage technology with other operational factors, particularly in determining operational supportability, costs and manpower, interoperability, and joint interoperability requirements.

• W. Advanced Maneuver Technologies (GSL-23)

  This research addresses ground vehicle maneuver in urban environments which poses many new operational and tactical challenges for the Army and Joint Forces. While many improvements have been made in protecting ground vehicles in the last decade, these improvements come with a cost, namely limited situational awareness due to reduced visibility and limited maneuverability in tight spaces because of larger vehicle size. Both of these constraints seriously reduce the mobility of ground vehicles in urban environments. To address these constraints, research is needed to develop technologies to identify nearby dynamic hazards for ground vehicles in urban environments and provide early warning to ground vehicle operators or autonomous driving systems. Specifically, this research will address methods and procedures to develop advanced technologies that will be used for detecting dynamic hazards in urban environments such as traffic flow rates and congestion, pedestrians, buried threats, constricted roads, and other obstacles or anomalous objects in real-time. In addition, further research is needed to develop technologies that will deliver the information in a consolidated or data excerpt manner and report the locations of interest and concern to the driver and or operator. The performance of emerging technologies in sensors and data processing to provide better situational awareness in near real-time to ground vehicle operators maneuvering in dynamic urban terrain is also of interest.

• X. Railroad Technology (GSL-24)

  Research in this area is conducted in support of the Corps mission to design, construct, and operate railroad systems worldwide. This research includes railroad design, construction, inspection, evaluation, maintenance, and rehabilitation. Research areas of interest include advanced and composite materials, rapid repair, non-destructive evaluation, geotextile use in construction, in-situ additive manufacturing of components, soil stabilization, GIS, and remote assessment.

Environmental Sensing

• Overview

  Current research is in the acquisition of information by remote sensor systems, the impact of the environment on imaging and other sensor systems, and advanced signal processing. Sensors using electromagnetic, seismic, and acoustic energy forms are of interest. In addition, work is conducted to determine terrain and other environmental effects on high- technology sensor systems. Sensor systems include optical and infrared millimeter wave (active and passive). Briefly described below are specific research areas.

• A. Sensing (EL-1)

  The EL has an ongoing program to develop and demonstrate advanced technologies that support the Army’s requirements for improved detection and discrimination of unexploded ordnance (UXO), depleted uranium (DU) munitions, radiological threats, and deployment platforms. Additional research work is needed for subsurface (land-based) and underwater (proud and buried) UXO sensing, data analysis, display, and platform navigation/positioning. Special areas of interest include novel sensing concepts for the detection and relocation of buried objects (DU, metallic, and nonmetallic targets) using magnetic, electromagnetic induction, ground penetrating radar, seismic/acoustic, chemical, and/or radiological methods or a combination thereof. Fundamental measurements and models that define/predict the performance of these sensing methodologies in varying environmental conditions for UXO, DU and radiological targets are also of interest. Research is also needed to develop advanced data analysis techniques that can significantly reduce the number of false positives arising from natural anomalies and man-made sources.

• B. Environmental and Military Sensing (EL-2)

  1. Research in this area includes basic and applied research to develop environmental sensing, characterization, and monitoring capabilities necessary to quantify environmental site conditions and trends at local and regional scales. In the military area, research is conducted on basic signature research, to better understand target and environmental background signature characteristics.

  2. Specific areas of required research include:

  a. Development, integration, and application of remote sensing technologies and the use of these data in geospatial models to characterize site conditions over large areas.

  b. Development of innovative data fusion approaches, particularly the combined use of hyper spectral and bathymetric and/or topographic LIDAR data for the extraction of environmental information.

  c. Research to identify, model, and mitigate the effects of the environment on novel sensing techniques that address environmental and military requirements.

  d. Development of ground-based and airborne remote sensing approaches, and associated modeling, for unexploded ordnance detection, minefield detection, military targets and vehicles, and smart weapons development.

  e. Rapid collection, analysis, and visualization of sensor data for environmental quality and military applications.

• C. Environmental, Sensing, Characterization, and Modeling (EL-3)

  There is growing need to utilize and develop artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies for enhanced characterization of forested environments. Novel technologies should leverage remotely sensed and high fidelity in-situ data to improve understanding of complex forest conditions. Numerous benefits for military defense, environmental stewardship, forest resource monitoring and evaluation, and military readiness exist from identifying, quantifying, visualizing, and understanding forest data. Research is needed to capitalize on recent developments in AI-based big data analytics to characterize forests and forest-dwelling species and habitats data to better understand vegetated ecosystems that is traditionally obtained through in situ sampling. Research is needed to capitalize on recent developments in AI based big data analytics to characterize forests and other ecosystems.

  Specific areas of required research include:

  a. Developing novel forest modeling frameworks that utilize remote-sensing and in-situ field data to inform and validate forest characterization—to include vertical stratification.

  b. Quantifying forest characteristics and associated forest-dwelling fauna—to include threatened and endangered species. Provide specialized expertise in the application and deployment of advanced environmental sensors to detect and monitor rare and sensitive species—particularly focused in tropical forested habitats.

  c. Demonstrated experience deploying, managing, and analyzing data from remotely deployed autonomous environmental sensor platforms, including paired acoustic/visual monitoring systems such as Autonomous Recording Units (ARUs), omnidirectional microphones, trail cameras, and related technologies to document rare and sensitive species presence, behavior, and responses to anthropogenic noise disturbances and military training activities.

  d. Tailoring sensor arrays to rapidly detect, evaluate, and quantify both acoustic and visual data in Pacific Island forested ecosystems.

• D. Environmental Instrumentation (EL-4)

  1. Research and development in this area includes basic and applied research and technology demonstrations that support rapid measurement of biological and chemical hazards of the environment.

  2. Specific areas of required research include:

  a. The integration and interoperability of environmental instrumentation with future and existing military robotic systems: this includes unmanned aerial systems, ground robotics, autonomous submersibles, and robotic surface watercraft.

  b. Provide new applications that support faster processing on small low-power hardware to triage environmental measurements to immediately identify biological and chemical hazards.

  c. Techniques that support biomimicry in robotic systems and the differentiation of biotic from abiotic systems. Instruments that are low-power, small, and compact to assess the biological and chemical characteristics of water, soil, and air, in surface and subterranean environments.

  d. Research into sensing of aerosols and/or plumes from either ground or airborne platforms.

  e. Research into novel uses of unmanned aerial systems for environmental characterization and change detection - including fusion of active and passive modalities.

Contaminated Site Characterization, Assessment & Remediation

• Overview

  An extensive research and development program is being conducted by the Department of Defense to assist in the cleanup of contamination at military installations. The EL is developing technologies for characterizing, monitoring, and applying physical, chemical, and biological treatment of toxic and hazardous waste in contaminated surface and ground waters and soils. The EL is also developing, evaluating, and verifying numerical models and guidance for solid waste disposal systems.

• A. Innovative Technology for Environmental Sensors and Tools. (EL-5)

  The EL has an ongoing research program to develop advanced technologies for environmental sensing, characterization, and monitoring in order to quantify environmental conditions at sites of interest. The program is actively developing field-based tools and sensors to conduct rapid site characterization/screening for environmental contaminants. Additional research is needed in the areas of novel sensing technologies for detection of chemical and biological contaminants allowing for rapid field-based data acquisition. Also, research is needed to develop technologies and platforms allowing for rapid data analysis/interpretation/reporting. Fundamental measurements and models that define/predict the performance of new sensing methods in soil, water and air are also of interest.

• B. Innovative Technologies for Treating Contaminated, Sediment, Soil, Surface Water, Ground Water, and Hazardous Waste (EL-6)

  Presently, EL is continuing to conduct research, develop technologies and apply strategies to treat complex organic- and metal-contaminated hazardous liquids, off-gases, soils, sludges, sediments, and residuals from past disposal practices. Research is divided into two major categories: technologies for treating contaminated soils and sediments, and innovative technologies for treating contaminated surface and ground waters. Areas of R&D include: (1) physical and chemical technologies to destroy/detoxify or reduce the quantity and/or toxicity of the contaminated materials, (2) biological processes and methods to detoxify/destroy hazardous waste constituents, (3) techniques for in situ treatment of groundwater aquifers, (4) laboratory design criteria for and field implementation of piloting equipment for promising technologies, (5) computer-based techniques to assess operational performance of various treatment processes/systems and (6) improved analytical chemistry techniques and methodology to assess treatment technologies.

• C. Design, Evaluation, Verification and Modeling of Solid and Hazardous Wastes and Contaminated Sediments (EL-7)

  Efforts are continuing to develop water balance and leachate models for solid waste disposal systems and dredged material disposal facilities. Additional work is needed to model innovative designs, nonsoil surface materials, cobbled surfaces, preferential flow through heterogeneous waste materials and other layers, and effects of complex mixtures of vegetation including trees. Similarly, additional work is needed to verify the existing models.

Sediment Geochemistry and Biological Effects

• Overview

  Potential adverse environmental impacts of disposal of contaminated sediments must be assessed prior to permitting operations. This includes the determination of the impacts that contaminated dredged materials exert on the environment prior to dredging.

• A. Environmental Risk Assessment (EL-8)

  Current research on the fate and effects of environmental contaminants occurs under the general paradigm of Environmental Risk Assessment. Specific studies fall into one or more of the following areas:

  1. Hazard Identification. This is the process of showing causality (i.e., a chemical or complex mixture can cause some adverse effect). If this causality can be demonstrated, the chemical is referred to as a "hazard." If there is no causal link, risk need not be quantified. Important target receptors are also identified by this stage (for example, humans, endangered species, and ecologically or economically important species). Research is conducted to develop the technology for hazard identification and the establishment of causality.

  2. Effects Assessment. While Hazard Identification decides if a chemical or complex mixture is toxic; Effects Assessment establishes the relationship of the toxicant dose and associated biological response. This is accomplished via experimental research in which surrogate species are exposed to gradients (spatial, concentration, etc.) of the hazard in question, and biological effects are monitored. Biologically important endpoints measured include survival, growth, reproduction, and population-level parameters. These endpoints must be accompanied by technically sound interpretive guidance. Results are expressed in dose- response or exposure-response relationships. Research is conducted to develop the necessary experimental/statistical designs, technically sound tests (for example, chronic sub lethal sediment bioassays) and appropriate extrapolations (for example, high dose to low environmentally realistic exposures, and surrogate test species to receptor of interest). Analysis of the uncertainty associated with these effects assessments is also conducted.

  3. Exposure Assessment. In Exposure Assessment, the magnitude, frequency, and duration of contaminant exposure relative to the target receptor(s) are determined. This research is model-intensive, with both descriptive and quantitative models being used to evaluate pathways and routes. A pathway exists if the hazard travels between the initial source of contamination and the ultimate biological receptor. An exposure route is pathway that the chemical contacts the receptor (for example, ingestion, inhalation, dermal absorption, bioaccumulation, trophic transfer). Analysis of the uncertainty associated with these exposure assessments is also conducted.

  4. Risk Characterization, Management, Communication, and Analysis. Outputs from the Effects Assessment and Exposure Assessments are joined in Risk Characterization to yield an estimate of risk. Research is conducted to determine the best ways to characterize risk both numerically and descriptively. Also, uncertainty analysis is undertaken to identify the qualitative and quantitative important sources of uncertainty. Techniques employed include error propagation, probability distributions, sensitivity analysis, Monte Carlo simulation and others. Once environmental risk has been quantified, management action may be required.

  5. Research is conducted to develop management alternatives, which range from no action to extensive (and expensive) remediation. Results of the Environmental Risk Assessment are weighed and balanced with other factors such as applicable laws and regulations, engineering feasibility, potential benefits, costs, economic impacts, and the socio-political decision environment.

  Risk Communication is a dialogue that occurs at two levels: between the risk assessor and the risk manager, and between the risk manager and the public. Research is conducted to identify optimal procedures for communicating environmental risks, including an appreciation for the limits and uncertainties of the numerical results. Risk Analysis is a broad, inclusive term encompassing the processes of Risk Assessment, Risk Management, and Risk Communication as well as any field verification or monitoring activities. Field verification is a study or studies carried out to determine the accuracy of laboratory observations and predictions. Field monitoring (in the context of Risk Assessment) is undertaken to ensure that steps taken to manage the chemical risks were successful. Field research studies are carried out for both verification and monitoring purposes.

  6. Engineering With Nature® (EWN®) Research Supporting Innovative Field Sampling Practices, Natural Infrastructure (NI) Construction/Deployment and Related Technologies. Conduct a broad array of EWN research and development that may include, but is not limited to: research pertaining to placement of scientific instruments and/or pursuit of novel experiments that advance field-based sampling and laboratory practices for the purpose of measuring and archiving the performance of natural infrastructure (NI); conduct research and/or test innovative instrumentation that records/monitors natural and engineering processes resulting from the placement of NI and/or hybrid infrastructure; conduct research and test new technologies that result in accelerated construction/placement of natural and nature based features and/or improved placement strategies for dredged sediment used to construct EWN projects.

  7. Technology Transfer Development for Engineering With Nature® (EWN®) Research Areas. Research, develop and analyze technology transfer concepts; analyze target audiences for technical information; test innovative methods of transferring EWN research results and technology to supplement conventional technology transfer. Included may be such items as interactive internet and PC technology applied to training and general information transfer; technology applications of electronic media using the Internet; and innovative public information systems/products. Audiences include Corps of Engineers and the Department of Defense; Congress and other Federal, State, and local agencies; port and transportation authorities; universities; environmentalists and other public interest groups; and the general public.

• B. Sediment Water Interactions (EL-9)

  Sediment/Soil Water Properties. Current research encompasses a wide range of investigations designed to increase understanding of sediment-water interactions. Emphasis is on conduct of investigations for determining the impacts that sediment/soil properties have on sorption and transformation of explosives and release of semi-volatile contaminants to the atmosphere. Factors responsible for sorption and transformation of explosives include redox potential, pH, and the geochemical characteristics of the soil or sediment. Factors affecting the release of semi volatile contaminants from soil or sediment to the atmosphere include relative humidity, wind speed, contaminant concentration, moisture content, porosity, and organic carbon content. Research is also conducted on colloidal system contaminant transport, accelerated sediment oxidation, and the role of solution chemistry in contaminant partitioning between sediment and water.

  Diverse research activities focused on characterizing microorganisms and microbial communities in natural and engineered environments relevant to contaminant transformations, biogeochemical cycling, host-microbiome-contaminant interactions, bio- enabled materials, synthetic biology, and environmental biological threats are currently underway.

  1. Biodegradation of Contaminants. Studies in the biodegradation area emphasize destruction of organic contaminants for remediation purposes. Emphasis is on (1) bioinformatics of microbial community diversity and activities in various ecosystems; (2) delineating biodegradation pathways, enzymes, and genes; (3) determining intermediate and final end- products; (4) assessing the role of environmental and genetic factors regulating the pathways utilized and the rate and extent of destruction of the parent compound; (5) determining the survival and activity of microorganisms added to ecosystems, and biotreatment systems; and (6) enhancing biodegradation to obtain the maximum destruction of organic contaminants within a soil, sediment, or treatment system.

  2. Microbial Sensing. Novel microbial, cellular, molecular and/or genomic approaches are sought and developed for the rapid functional and DNA-based identification, detection, and monitoring of microorganisms in various environmental matrices including soils, sediments, and surface waters. Novel ecological approaches to detect, monitor and predict prokaryotic/eukaryotic microbes are sought that combine physiology, molecular tools, biochemistry, modeling, and remote sensing for the management of high biomass events and environmental toxins.

  3. Biomaterials and Composite Structures. Novel biological materials and/or techniques are sought to manipulate bioprocesses and biomineralization pathways as additives to aggregate and composite products. These products will support advancements in material structural properties that support civil works and military operations.

  4. Insect and plant field collections, insect husbandry, plant maintenance with greenhouse access is sought for various microbiome projects. Needs will be seasonal and very specific to limited insect or plant systems as dictated by internal projects.

  5. Soil, Sediment and Environmental Chemistry. Research interests broadly center on deciphering environmental processes that shape the emergent chemical, physical and biological properties of soils and sediments in natural and built environments. Studies aim to bridge the gap between fundamental science and practical engineering solutions to enhance understanding of environmental processes, improve infrastructure resilience, and promote sustainable practices in soil and sediment management.

  a. Geochemistry of Soils and Sediments. Topics of interest include understanding i) the cycling of nutrients, metal(loid)s, and radionuclides in soils and sediments, ii) the impact of dynamic chemical conditions on soil physical properties, and iii) complex interactions between chemical reactions and dynamic fluid flow (reactive transport). Of particular interest are soil systems impacted by seawater inundation, wildfire, and other natural and anthropogenic disturbances, which alter the productivity, erodibility and trafficability of soils, and soil characteristics that influence military operations and natural disasters. Studies employ the use of novel field measurements, laboratory experiments, and advanced methods of soil analysis, such as synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy, -X-ray diffraction, and X-ray fluorescence microprobe analysis. Molecular to field-scale processes occurring in soils and sediments are modeled using computational tools such as geochemical and reactive transport modeling.

  b. Soils and Sediments in the Built Environment. Research broadly focuses on the function and characteristics of soil and sediment within built environments, including dynamic urban coastal zones. In the built environment, soils and sediments are altered by human activities and/or derived from human-transported materials. Anthropogenic impacts on soil may be intentional (e.g., engineered for a specific purpose) or unintentional (e.g., accidental release of waste). Our research aims to decipher both intentional and unintentional consequences of anthropogenic activities on the health and function of soils and sediments. Focus area includes (1) standardizing approaches to soil health assessment (2) methods to enhance soil functions in nature-based features such as carbon sequestration and water retention, and (3) fate of legacy contaminants such as lead.

• C. Techniques for Contaminated Dredged Material Disposal and Treatment (EL-10)

  1. Development/implementation of innovative technologies to reduce or eliminate contamination present in surface sediment and/or dredged materials. Research to include 1) technologies for cost effective in situ treatment of surface sediments to reduce bioavailability/toxicity; 2) ex situ treatment technologies to reduce contamination and facilitate expanded opportunities for beneficial use of treated material.

  2. Development or enhancement of computer models to be included in the Automated Dredging and Disposal Alternatives Modeling System (ADDAMS) to evaluate the environmental impacts of dredged material disposal. Evaluations include water quality impacts of initial release in open water, effluent discharge, runoff and leachate, benthic impacts, plant and animal uptake, and volatilization.

  3. Development and/or application of new or improved environmental chemistry methodologies to assess contaminant concentrations of dredged material and other complex matrices (e.g., elutriates, bioaccumulation tissues, etc.) focusing on specific compounds or classes, cost effectiveness, quality assurance, lower detection limits, and removal/reduction of challenging matrix interferences.

• D. EMERGING CONTAMINANTS IN THE ENVIRONMENT (EL-11)

  1. Presently, EL is continuing to conduct research, develop technologies and apply strategies to address emerging contaminants (ECs) in the environment. Research falls into for 5 broad categories:

  a. Detection and Measurement:

  b. Development and application of technologies for the detection and measurement of ECs in environmental media at environmentally relevant concentrations.

  c. Application of innovative technologies to discern source of EC contamination.

  d. Screening level methodologies to facilitate near real time detection and measurement of ECs in the field.

  e. Development of forensic methodologies and computational approaches for detection, measurement, prediction of EC precursors and/or degradation products in environmental media.

  2. Exposure Assessment:

  Development and application of technologies for measuring/predicting the movement and fate of ECs in the environment.

  3. Effects Assessment:

  Development and/or application of technologies for establishing the effects of ECs on important ecological and human health receptors/endpoints.

  4. Risk Characterization/Management:

  a. Development and/or application of innovative technologies for characterizing risk of ECs in environmental media. Development and/or application of decision-making tools to support EC related risk management decision-making.

  b. Development and/or application of innovative technologies to remove, concentrate, and/or destroy ECs in environmental media.

  c. Development and/or application of innovative technologies to assist in identification of safer alternatives.

Environmental and Water Quality Modeling

• Overview

  The Corps of Engineers is involved in research and development related to water quality and contaminant fate/transport modeling for surface water, watersheds, and the subsurface, or groundwater. This encompasses a wide range of environmental issues, such as water quality and ecosystem linkages, contaminant transport and fate, eutrophication, effects of land use/management on watershed runoff quality, total maximum daily loads (TMDLs), and ecological and human health risk assessment as related to contaminants in the environment. Research may include model development and field and laboratory investigations to improve model descriptions and to provide required data for model validation.

• A. Numerical Water Quality and Contaminant Modeling (EL-12)

  This area of work is oriented toward development and application of water quality and contaminant fate/transport models for surface water and the subsurface, or groundwater. Surface water modeling includes watersheds and receiving waters, e.g., riverine, reservoir, wetland, estuarine, and coastal water bodies. Groundwater modeling includes modeling both the unsaturated and saturated zones, as well as multi-component flow and transport. Models are utilized for conventional water quality (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, carbon, dissolved oxygen, etc.) and contaminants, i.e., toxic substances, such as organic chemicals, trace metals, radionuclides, explosives, and other military unique compounds. Emphasis includes the following: formulation of appropriated physical, chemical, and biological algorithms; improvement of mathematical and numerical methods; collection and assemblage of data for model evaluation; conduct of field and laboratory process investigations designed to develop/improve model descriptions, dynamic linkage of water quality and biological models, including biomass-based, individual-based, and population- based biological models; integration of contaminant exposure models with biological effects data or models to quantify risk; incorporation of uncertainty analysis into modeling; linkage of physical/chemical models with biological population models; linkage of cross- domain models for system wide modeling; development of routines/linkages to include the effects on water quality of watershed landscape features (e.g., buffer zones) and vegetation management; development of a risk assessment modeling system; and development of software to provide graphical user interfaces and modeling environments to enhance model utility and ease of application.

• B. Complex Adaptive Systems (EL-13)

  The central goal of this effort is to identify the rules and feedback processes that govern how interactions between modular components in natural system shape important holistic properties, like the global resiliency to disturbances, and, invariably, the fate of the individual components themselves. These tasks are central to basic research efforts in Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS); an area that impacts a wide range of critical needs in both military and civil works (e.g., immune system responses, decision-making, social feedbacks, and ecosystem management). Current research focuses on ecological systems in which the use of different species and study systems is encouraged to provide diverse and novel solutions to understanding, predicting, or improving the resiliency of complex systems. Recent case studies range from a contaminant’s (e.g., altered water quality, noise, chemical) impacts on individual development and performance, the social roots of information cascades in social vertebrates (spanning from fish and humans), to overall ecosystem functioning based on infrastructure design, overharvesting, or mismanagement. This topic area is inherently interdisciplinary and emphasizes team efforts in the combination of analytical, numerical, and laboratory experiments to test competing hypotheses.

• C. Water Quality and Behavior Modeling (EL-14)

  This research topic focuses on developing early warning indicators to demonstrate how changes in water quality can affect critical ecological processes, thereby raising the subsequent risks imposed on animal populations. We focus on demonstrating when environmental quality is not merely a potential hazard, but how it elicits a functional (e.g., physiological) change during early exposure stages that can impact future performance and, invariably, population survival. Anthropogenic disturbances would include sediment plumes, temperature spikes, or contaminants. Animals typically display stable and, generally, predictable physiological and behavioral patterns in non-stressful conditions.

  However, sub- lethal (including chronic) or acute environmental changes can drastically alter behavior and activity, remain undetected, and invariably introduce unacceptable levels of error in model predictions. Current methodologies range from simple bioassays to more complex physiological consequences at the individual level, to long-term costs/benefits at higher ecological levels (i.e., habitat use, populations, and communities). Hypothesis testing based on a combination of laboratory and modeling is encouraged, along with field data when possible. Findings from these efforts play an important role in both civil works and military activities.

Environmental Impact Prediction, Assessment and Management

• Overview

  This research program addresses environmental impact prediction, assessment, and remediation and is intended to provide Corps, Army, and other field operating elements with techniques and methodologies for environmental assessments and EIS preparation, guidance on selecting appropriate planning, design, construction, and operation alternatives, and implementation of the planning function pursuant to NEPA and other legislation and guidance. Specific objectives include:

  A. Developing, verifying, and demonstrating practical prediction and assessment techniques including applying and refining habitat-based evaluation methods, evaluating mitigation measures, developing streamlined frameworks for environmental monitoring, applying ecosystem simulation principles to environmental analysis, and estimating future habitat quality.

  B. Documenting and quantifying environmental effects associated with various types of Corps, Army, and other activities. Research has included the effects of aquatic habitat modification on anadromous fishes, the effects of selective clearing and snagging on in stream habitat, and t h e benefits of channel modification for aquatic habitat in reservoir tail waters and local flood control channels.

  C. Developing and demonstrating design, construction, and management alternatives that will minimize adverse effects and protect natural and cultural resources. Research has included techniques for managing wildlife habitats, preserving archeological sites, and stabilizing eroding shorelines.

  D. Developing, validating, and demonstrating novel systems biology-, computational biology- or bioinformatics-based approaches to understanding and quantifying toxicological impacts of environmental contaminants in environmentally relevant organisms.

• A. Biotechnical Shore Stabilization (EL-15)

  Biotechnical (sometimes called bioengineering) shore stabilization is the use of a combination of live vegetation and structural materials (for example, breakwaters, geotextiles, erosion control fabrics/mats, building materials) for erosion control of shores. Shores of particular interest are those of streams, lakes, or dredged material deposits and subject to erosion from waves, surface runoff, and wind. Research is needed to determine the causes and amounts of erosion and to identify and assess cost-effective biotechnical erosion control methods. Studies may include, but are not limited to, identifying, developing, and cultivating appropriate flood- tolerant plants and varieties or cultivars and cost-effective installation procedures of biotechnical techniques.

• B. Freshwater Fishery Investigations (EL-16)

  Primary areas of research are predicting environmental impacts of navigation and flood control projects on fishes, freshwater mussels, and other aquatic fauna; benefits of restoring aquatic habitat including environmental flows; conservation of endangered fish and mussel species; evaluating freshwater and coastal wetland fish communities; management of invasive species movement and colonization including Asian Carp; and fishery management in vegetated waterbodies. New and innovative approaches to determine physiological, behavioral, population and community level responses of fishes to habitat variables are of interest, along with technological advancements in sampling and multivariate data analysis capabilities. Demographic and landscape habitat models are anticipated products of this research.

• C. Freshwater Macro invertebrate Investigations (EL-17)

  Research focuses on assessment of aquatic and terrestrial invertebrate communities, with emphasis on insects and mussels. Studies include stream and river biotic assessments, terrestrial and aquatic insect surveys, assessment of threatened and endangered invertebrate populations, feeding ecology of fishes, and evaluation of stream and river food webs and energetics. Assessments of environmental effects of USACE activities, including stream and river impoundments and structural changes, are also performed using naturally occurring macroinvertebrate and mussel communities as indicators of current and past ecological shifts. Restoration and management recommendations are also made through the analysis of these invertebrate communities in both freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. Technical and analytical advancements, including sampling and data analysis are of interest.

• D. Mitigation (EL-18)

  An avoidance, minimization, and/or compensation process is required for impacts from water resources projects on ecological resources (fish, wildlife, habitat, or installation activities). Planning and implementing mitigation are a complex process, and new ideas that contribute to success of mitigation are invited. Subjects such as Best Management Practices for avoiding or minimizing impacts, planning for mitigation based on impact analysis, incremental analysis to justify mitigation, mitigation banking, future predictions, and mitigation for indirect or cumulative impacts are included.

• E. In Stream Flow Requirements for Aquatic Biota (EL-19)

  Research focuses on development and application of fish habitat assessment methods. Currently, the most widely used system, the Physical Habitat Simulation System (PHABSIM), is used to assess the effects of reservoir operations on downstream fish habitat. Research is needed to better quantify the relationships for fish preference and flow conditions, as well as habitat requirements for aquatic invertebrates. When appropriate, laboratory-based studies can support field-based modelling efforts. Verification studies of these models will be required as development continues. Assessment methods must be able to evaluate the impacts of a variety of reservoir operations such as base load or peaking hydropower releases and at multiple scales from single project to basin – wide studies.

• F. Behavioral and Structural Fish Barriers (EL-20)

  Entrainment of fish at Corps hydropower projects may result in passage of fish through turbines with attendant death or injury from impact with runner blades, pressure changes, or shear forces. Evaluations of a number of behaviorally based technologies and structural barrier designs conducted under laboratory and field conditions have yielded results that are generally inconsistent. Consequently, there currently exist no consistent guidelines for selection of appropriate technology for site-specific applications at Corps dams. Research is required to relate effectiveness of different technologies to size and species of fish, dam design, operations, season, and other site-specific conditions. The information produced by this research will be used to develop specifications and guidelines for fish protection technologies at Corps dams to reduce entrainment and mortality. This effort may involve literature synthesis, laboratory research, design and fabrication of prototype systems, or field studies as well as simulation analysis of fish movement/passage patterns.

• G. Fish Guidance and Bypass Systems (EL-21)

  CE water resource activities may result in blockage of historical fish migration routes through waterways. These blockages, with associated fragmentation of habitats, may have severe impacts on anadromous and catadromous fish populations. A variety of bypass system technologies are available to guide fish around dams. However, many of these systems operate at reduced efficiencies because they damage fish, fish are unable to locate entrances to the systems, or because fish become disoriented and "fall back" after an initial successful passage. Research is required to better understand the hydraulic and behavioral characteristics of fish bypass systems, including the use of behavioral technologies to guide fishes towards these systems and to successfully orient them within the system.

• H. Coastal Ecology (EL-22)

  Research topics in coastal ecology include multidisciplinary investigations of the environmental impacts of engineering activities in the coastal zone, such as dredging, dredged material disposal, and construction of coastal structures (e.g., jetties, breakwaters, groins, seawalls, marinas). Emphasis is placed on improved technologies for assessment, protection, and management of fish and shellfish resources and their habitats. Of particular relevance are proposals dealing with endangered species (e.g., sea turtles, marine mammals), beneficial uses of dredged material and habitat restoration in the coastal zone (e.g., marsh, oyster reef or mudflat creation), and application of population dynamics and ecological models for impact prediction and assessment at population/community/ecosystem/watershed levels. Other areas of interest include effects of beach nourishment and use of offshore borrows areas, seasonal restrictions on dredging and disposal operations, artificial reef technologies, and cumulative impact determination and mitigation techniques.

  Other focus areas include:

  a. Effects of beach nourishment on benthic communities and surf-zone (near- shore) fishes,

  b. Active and passive fisheries acoustics to assess fish migratory patterns, spawning habitat, fish density and spatial distribution patterns near dredging operations and placement sites.

  c. Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) protection from increases in turbidities and suspended sediments.

  d. Fish entrainment

  e. Behavioral changes to marine organisms (e.g., migratory blockage of migratory fishes due to the presence of the dredge, particularly in narrow or constricted waterways).

  f. Underwater noise impacts to aquatic species due to dredging and disposal operations.

  g. Ecosystem restoration (e.g., filling offshore/near-shore borrow areas to natural bathymetry).

  h. Artificial reef creation using dredged rock and other suitable material to enhance fisheries and shell fisheries resources.

  i. Thin-layer placement, re-contouring natural bathymetries. Increased costs associated due to compliance with environmental windows/seasonal restrictions imposed on dredging and disposal operations, and cumulative impact determination and mitigation techniques.

• I. Techniques for Designing, Operating and Managing Dredged Material Disposal Facilities and Beneficial Use Projects (EL-23)

  1. Refinement and verification of techniques for designing, operating, and managing dredged material disposal areas.

  2. Development of a computerized economic database for costs associated with dredging sediments; disposing of dredged material; and constructing, rehabilitating, and operating and managing dredged material disposal areas.

  3. Development and refinement of computer models for dredged material management and beneficial use to be included in the ADDAMS.

• J. Systems Biology, Computational Biology, and Bioinformatics for Environmental Impact Assessment (EL-24)

  A wide spectrum of research in systems toxicology, biological networks, synthetic biology, predictive toxicology, genomics, bioinformatic data mining of next-generation sequencing data, adverse outcome pathway development, toxicological modes of action discovery, herbicide resistance mechanisms, structural biology, chemoinformatics, and molecular modeling is currently underway. Proposed research in mechanistic/predictive toxicology, structural biology, bioinformatics, or computational biology would complement current research areas.

  1. Novel genomics, epigenetics and synthetic biology approaches are sought and developed to assess biochemical, physiological, or other toxicological (adverse) effects on the biota at molecular, cellular, tissue/organ, individual, population, community, or ecosystems levels.

  2. Novel in silico modeling and data mining approaches that are based on computational biology, biophysical or bioinformatics principles and techniques are sought and developed to systematically analyze and interpret big data generated using cutting-edge and high- dimensional biotechnologies such as next-generation DNA sequencing, hybridization-based microarray, proteomics, and metabolomics technologies. Novel mathematical approaches and analysis methodologies are also sought to interpret or describe data generated using novel experimental protocols, and which may account for internal forces, energy and information flows that regulate biological, biophysical, or bioenvironmental processes.

  3. Tools for assessing environmental impacts of synthetic biology. This work involves identifying synthetic biology technologies and understand their current state of use, development, technology readiness, as well as their potential environmental impact. This includes hazard identification, effects assessment, fate, transport, and transferability of various technologies. Moreover, the work entails quantifying environmental impacts of synthetic biological technologies through experimental and modeling approaches. This includes establishing screening mechanisms for genetic and physiological traits for synthetically derived systems, microcosm experiments with tractable organisms to assess potential for spread/transfer of synthetic constructs.

Environmental Criteria for Stream Channel Alteration Projects

• Overview

  The Corps of Engineers is involved in the alteration of stream channels for flood damage reduction, navigation, channel stabilization, and ecosystem restoration, as well as alterations performed by others as part of the Clean Water Act. Modifications to channels include removal of snags and vegetation, channel alignment (straightening), channel enlargement, construction of levees, stream bank protection, and grade control. The Corps is also involved in regulating and furnishing technical assistance to States in regard to other types of channel alterations such as gravel mining. Work at the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s Environmental Laboratory (EL) and elsewhere has generated environmental design criteria for stream channel alterations to improve the net effect of these projects. Examples of environmental design features include low-flow channels, combinations of structure and vegetation, management of cutoff bend ways and other backwater areas, and recreational trails.

• A. Riparian and In Stream Habitat Restoration (EL-25)

  Current research includes formulating guidelines for stream restoration and environmental enhancement of flood control and aquatic ecosystem restoration projects. Among the general issues addressed are, in-stream and riparian habitat assessment; benefits of habitat improvement, structures, and techniques; impacts of vegetation on flow conveyance and/or sustainability, channel stability, and sediment transport; construction practices; and monitoring and maintenance. Proposals are invited in these general areas and related efforts. In addition, specific needs include the following: (1) Techniques to quantify habitat and other environmental benefits of restoration efforts, as well as quantification of adverse impacts to the aquatic environment, (2) Algorithms that account for momentum losses at vegetated floodplain/channel interfaces, (3) Data supporting evaluations of the hydraulic impacts of in-stream structures, (4) Development and refinement of related computerized databases and models, and (5) Calculating impacts to and identifying vulnerabilities of riparian systems.

• B. Assessing Benefits of Channel Modifications (EL-26)

  Dams and local flood control structures may degrade aquatic habitat conditions in tail waters and streams. In some cases, habitat degradation can be eliminated, stabilized, or reversed through channel modification for aquatic habitat (i.e., construction of low-cost, low head weirs to create pools) with minimal changes in dam operation or flood channel design. However, there are no widely accepted methods available to incrementally relate in stream aquatic habitat value, channel modifications, and in stream flows to allow trade-off analyses among cost, design, and habitat benefits. It is desirable to modify existing in stream flow methods or develop new methods that will allow incremental assessment of habitat values, alternative flows, and different channel designs. This work may involve data collection, analysis, interpretation, and software development.

More topics in progress (see solicitation for all topics).

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond the direct funding, ERDC awards provide meaningful strategic advantages:

Government Validation and Technical Credibility:
Selection by ERDC signals strong alignment with U.S. Army and national infrastructure priorities, which can materially strengthen your credibility with customers, primes, and investors.

Non-Dilutive Technology Maturation:
Companies can advance core technology without equity dilution, preserving ownership while increasing enterprise value.

Long-Term Government Relationship Building:
ERDC BAAs are often a gateway into follow-on DoD contracts, reimbursable work, and sole-source opportunities.

Increased Visibility Across DoD and Civil Works:
Successful projects frequently expand beyond a single lab, creating exposure across USACE, DoD, and federal infrastructure stakeholders.

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

This BAA is continuously open until January 1, 2027, and all submissions initially enter the process as pre-proposals. Pre-proposals may be submitted at any time through the ERDCWERX portal and are limited to five pages, plus a one-page executive summary.

ERDC conducts a preliminary technical review of pre-proposals as they are received. Offerors can expect a response within 60 days of submission, either encouraging submission of a full proposal or advising that the pre-proposal was not favorably reviewed.

If a pre-proposal receives a favorable review, ERDC will issue a formal invitation from the Contracting Office to submit a full proposal. Full proposals then undergo scientific peer review, cost evaluation, and funding availability assessment.

There is no fixed award cycle or batch deadline. Awards may be made at any time following successful evaluation and are subject to availability of funds.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) through its Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) and supported DoD research programs.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is unrestricted, meaning any qualified U.S. or international entity may apply, subject to statutory and regulatory requirements. This includes:

• For-profit companies

• Startups and small businesses

• Universities and nonprofit research organizations

What companies and projects are likely to win?

ERDC evaluates proposals based on:

• Clear alignment with ERDC mission and stated research areas

• Strong scientific or technical merit

• Demonstrated capability of the proposing team

• Practical relevance to military or civil works challenges

• Realistic scope and cost relative to expected outcomes

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• ERDC may limit awards based on funding availability in specific technical areas

• Some projects may be subject to export control, security, or publication restrictions

• Proposals must clearly identify whether research is considered “fundamental”

• Full proposals must be submitted only through designated laboratory channels, not directly to technical staff

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

For a first-time applicant, preparing a competitive pre-proposal under this BAA will likely take 20–40 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 $4,000 for the Pre-Proposal Submission.

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

See solicitation on sam.gov

Michael J Fox - Parkinson’s Disease Therapeutics Pipeline Program (TPP)

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

Executive Summary:

The Parkinson’s Disease Therapeutics Pipeline Program (TPP) is The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s (MJFF) flagship therapeutic development funding program designed to accelerate promising Parkinson’s disease (PD) therapies from preclinical development through early clinical proof-of-concept. The program supports both disease-modifying and symptomatic interventions and can also fund biomarker activities that directly inform therapeutic development decisions. Funding is intended to de-risk programs, generate evidence that advances key development milestones, and attract follow-on investment.

Applications begin with a rolling pre-proposal process. For the current review cycle, the application deadline is January 8, 2027 for applicants submitting pre-proposals during the period September 19 – November 27.

Companies developing differentiated Parkinson’s therapeutics with a clear path to a meaningful development milestone over the next 2–3 years should strongly consider this opportunity.

How much funding would I receive?

Funding ranges from $1M to $5M depending on development stage and project scope.

Development Stage Maximum Budget Maximum Duration

Early preclinical discovery $1M 2 years

Development candidate selection $3M 2 years

IND-enabling studies $5M 2 years

Early clinical development $5M 3 years

Final funding decisions may differ from these amounts following reviewer feedback and discussions with MJFF staff.

What could I use the funding for?

MJFF prioritizes pre-clinical and clinical programs that may slow, stop, or prevent disease progression, efforts that address moderate-to-advanced motor or non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s not well-managed by current treatments such as advanced gait disturbances (e.g., balance issues linked to falls, freezing) and cognitive changes. Activities within scope of this program include:

• Pre-Clinical: Identifying, validating and/or developing novel pharmacological and non- pharmacological interventions through pre-clinical development from early screening topre-clinical characterization and testing.

• Clinical: Progressing promising interventions with strong preclinical packages into/through initial clinical assessment exploring pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, safety/tolerability, or early proof of biology and/or clinical efficacy.For novel targets, MJFF is particularly interested in de-risking programs by supporting early proof of concept in patients to gain insight into the therapeutic potential, including exploration of biomarker-based or clinical endpoint-based efficacy.

Any intervention may be considered based on clear patient need, rationale and strong mechanism-of-action understanding. Interventions may be pharmacological (small molecules), biological (biologic, gene therapy) or non-pharmacological including surgical approaches, technology-enabled therapeutics and neuromodulation approaches. Competitive non- pharmacologic proposals will have compelling, existing data from human studies with strong potential for clinical adoption. Applicants may also propose testing of repurposed or repositioned therapies but should propose clear and robust biomarker-enabled testing strategies.

Funding supports therapeutic development activities for Parkinson’s disease across multiple stages of development. Eligible activities include:

• Disease-modifying therapies intended to slow, stop, or prevent PD progression.

• Symptomatic therapies intended to improve quality of life and daily functioning.

• Small molecules, biologics, gene therapies, surgical approaches, neuromodulation approaches, and other technology-enabled therapeutics.

• Repurposed therapies with robust biomarker-enabled and/or clinically meaningful outcome strategies.

• Preclinical activities including hit identification, lead optimization, mechanistic studies, and clinical trial-enabling work.

• Clinical-stage activities evaluating safety, biological activity, and early efficacy signals in people with PD.

• Biomarker activities that support translational readiness, dose selection, patient stratification, mechanism confirmation, and other development decisions.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond direct funding, MJFF awards offer meaningful strategic advantages:

• Strong Scientific and Patient-Centered Validation: Selection by MJFF signals rigorous scientific merit and strong alignment with patient-driven therapeutic priorities in Parkinson’s disease.

• De-Risking for Follow-On Capital: MJFF explicitly positions this program to de-risk therapeutic programs and catalyze follow-on investment from venture capital, strategic partners, and other funders.

• Access to MJFF’s Ecosystem: Awardees gain access to MJFF’s extensive network of clinicians, researchers, industry partners, patient advisors, and proprietary research tools, datasets, and biosample repositories.

• Enhanced Exit and Commercialization Potential: Government- and foundation-validated programs often command higher valuations during licensing, acquisition, or later-stage financing due to reduced technical and clinical risk.

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

Pre-proposals may be submitted at any time and are typically reviewed within three weeks. If invited, full proposals are submitted during one of five annual review cycles. Funding decisions are communicated within three months of full proposal submission.

Upcoming full proposal deadlines include:

• June 25, 2026 → Funding decision September 2026

• August 20, 2026 → Funding decision November 2026

• October 30, 2026 → Funding decision January 2027

• January 8, 2027 → Funding decision March 2027

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is provided directly by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, a nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating cures and better treatments for Parkinson’s disease through aggressively funded translational research.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to:

• Industry applicants (biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, or other for-profit companies), or

• Academic teams partnered with an industry collaborator capable of commercial development.

Both U.S. and non-U.S. entities are eligible. The for-profit entity is expected to serve as the primary grantee and commercialization lead.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Successful applications typically demonstrate:

• A strong biological rationale for the therapeutic target, supported by genetic or in vitro/in vivo validation data.

• A clearly differentiated therapeutic approach believed to be superior to existing or pipeline therapies.

• Robust translational biomarker strategies to measure target engagement and mechanism of action.

• Clear preclinical-to-clinical translation potential with a realistic commercialization pathway.

• For clinical programs, a patient-centered development plan incorporating patient input.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

MJFF will not fund:

• Large-scale target discovery efforts (e.g., genomic or transcriptomic screening).

• Target validation using only tool compounds with no path to drug development.

• Reformulation of commercially available drugs via new routes of administration.

• Studies evaluating dietary supplements.

MJFF does not intend to serve as the sole funder and expects applicants to pursue complementary funding sources.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

For a first-time applicant, preparing a competitive pre-proposal for this opportunity will likely take 20–40 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.

Additional Resources

See Request for Applications Here.

Defense Sciences Office (DSO) Office-wide BAA – DARPA

Updated October 2026: DARPA DSO posted a new office-wide BAA (HR001126S0015) on August 28, 2026. It replaces the earlier BAA and is open through August 27, 2027.

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

Executive Summary:

DARPA’s Defense Sciences Office (DSO) is soliciting proposals under its Office-wide Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) to fund revolutionary basic or applied research that enables breakthrough advances in science, devices, or systems for national security applications. Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis through August 27, 2027, 4:00 PM ET, and may be submitted as executive summaries, abstracts, or full proposals. This BAA is designed to capture novel, high-risk, high-reward ideas not already addressed by existing DARPA programs.

How much funding would I receive?

DARPA anticipates making multiple awards, but no fixed award size or funding range is specified in the BAA. Award amounts, duration, and structure are determined based on the proposed technical scope, cost realism, and selected award instrument. An accelerated award option is available for select proposals not exceeding $2,000,000, with awards made within approximately 30 days of selection.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding may be used to pursue innovative basic or applied research concepts that enable revolutionary (not evolutionary) advances aligned with DARPA’s mission. Proposals may address, but are not limited to, the following DSO technical thrust areas:

• Materials, Manufacturing, and Structures - Breaking the tension between performance and efficiency for critical parts, production processes, energetics, superconductors, and propulsion

• Sensing, Measuring, and Affecting - Developing and leveraging new science to overcome existing barriers limiting the performance and/or practicality of sensing, measurement, and control, to achieve orders of-magnitude improvement in operational capabilities.

• Math, Computation, and Processing - Enabling quantum, reimagining classical, and developing entirely new forms of computing for enhanced efficiency and new capabilities. Solutions may range from new approaches to hardware (implementation) to representation and computation.

• Complex, Dynamic, and Intelligent Systems - Creating new scientific capabilities for classes of systems that evolve and adapt and for which traditional reductionist, data-driven, and statistical methods fail. Systems of interest include, but are not limited to, foundations of intelligence, human-AI ecosystems, homeostatic mechanisms, and global systems.

Proposals focused primarily on incremental improvements or manufacturing scale-up are explicitly excluded.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond direct funding, selection under a DARPA DSO BAA provides substantial indirect value:

• DARPA Validation and Credibility: Being selected signals strong technical merit and alignment with DARPA’s mission to create or prevent technological surprise.

• Increased Visibility: Awardees gain visibility within the national security R&D ecosystem and among DARPA program managers.

• Access to DARPA Engagement Pathways: Participation can lead to future invitations to targeted DARPA programs, Disruption Opportunities (DOs), or Advanced Research Concepts (ARCs).

• Nondilutive De-Risking: Advancing frontier technology with nondilutive capital can materially improve company valuation and future exit outcomes.

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

1. Review Process: Rolling through August 27, 2027, 4:00 PM ET

2. Accelerated Award Option: Awards made within ~30 days of selection for qualifying proposals

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is provided by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) within the U.S. Department of Defense, through the Defense Sciences Office (DSO).

Who is eligible to apply?

1. U.S. and non-U.S. organizations may apply

2. Small businesses, startups, universities, and large firms are eligible

3. FFRDCs, UARCs, and Government Entities (including National Labs) are not eligible

4. Non-U.S. participants must comply with export control, security, and nondisclosure requirements

What companies and projects are likely to win?

DARPA evaluates proposals based on the following criteria:

• Scientific and technical merit of a novel, feasible, and well-reasoned approach

• Relevance and contribution to DARPA’s mission and national security impact

• Clear articulation of technical risk and credible mitigation strategies

• Strong alignment between scope, cost, and schedule realism

• Ability to enable revolutionary—not incremental—advances

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Incremental or evolutionary improvements are not of interest

• Manufacturing scale-up is explicitly excluded

• Some projects may involve Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and require compliance with NIST SP 800-171

• Projects involving human subjects or animal research must follow DARPA approval procedures

• DARPA retains discretion to determine whether work is fundamental or non-fundamental research

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

For a first-time applicant, preparing a competitive submission under this BAA will likely take 120–160 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 $5,000 for the Abstract Submission.

Fractional support is $300 per hour, with most DARPA proposal projects requiring 80–100 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

See solicitation on sam.gov

Emerging Weapons, Munitions Systems, and Soldier Lethality BAA

Updated October 2026: DEVCOM Armaments Center now runs a broader Emerging Technologies BAA (W15QKN-26-S-1AZR, Amendment 03 issued October 5, 2026) that covers munitions and lethality topics through March 4, 2031.

Executive Summary:

The U.S. Army’s Emerging Weapons and Munitions Systems & Soldier Lethality BAA invites industry and academia to submit innovative R&D concepts that advance a wide variety of critical armament technologies. The program remains open through March 17, 2026, and white papers may be submitted at any time.

How much funding would I receive?

The BAA does not specify individual award ceilings. Awards may be:

• Contracts for basic/applied research

• Other Transactions for Research or Prototypes (including cost-share requirements in some cases)

• Multi-year efforts, typically up to three years, with incremental funding.

The scope and cost depend entirely on the proposed technical approach and feasibility.

What could I use the funding for?

The U.S. Army Futures Command’s Army Modernization Strategy (AMS) will catapult the U.S. Army forward to meet its enduring responsibility as part of the Joint Force to provide for the defense of the United States, and retain and secure its position by 2035 as the globally dominant land power. The end state is a modernized Army capable of conducting Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) as part of an integrated Joint Force in a single theater. The MDO concept describes how the Army will support the Joint Force in the rapid and continuous integration of all domains of warfare – land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace – to deter and prevail as we compete short of conflict, and fight and win if deterrence fails.

The modernization strategy shifts the top focus to mid-term modernization, while maintaining readiness for current operations. The six Army modernization priorities – long range precision fires, next generation combat vehicles, future vertical lift, network, air and missile defense, and soldier lethality are the pillars of our future success. Additionally, the Army will continue to reform its business processes, shifting from Industrial Age to Information Age approaches.

It is anticipated that many future technology developments will be made in conjunction with the tools of the Information Age. Modeling and Simulation (M&S) is considered as a key tool needed to bring next-generation technology to the warfighter on time, and at minimal costs.

M&S should be incorporated into technology developmental efforts whenever possible. Additionally, it is believed that concepts like the Containerized Software Applications & Orchestration, DevSecOps, Government Cloud Software Factories, Internet of Things (IOT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cyber Security (CS) will play increasingly more prominent roles in many of the technologies that will be developed to provide the battlefield overmatch that we need, and to keep our warfighter safe.

The U.S. Army Armaments Center’s Business Interface Office is looking to identify and develop technologies for the purpose of addressing key elements of the Army’s modernization priorities. Efforts under this BAA should focus on the development and demonstration of technology for current and future generation munitions and armament systems, including Logistics. This shall be accomplished via investigative research efforts in the following general technology areas:

• 1. ADVANCED MATERIALS

  The Government has the need for investigations and research into the development and demonstration of advanced materials for weapons and munitions applications. This shall include advanced alloy systems, polymers and composites that can reduce parasitic weight, increase performance (lethality, range, etc.), extend shelf life, reduce item costs, conserve strategic materials, etc. Materials of interest include, but are not limited to: titanium, tantalum, tungsten, steel, nickel, aluminum, magnesium, ceramics, cermets, rare earth metals, polymer-based composites, filled composite materials and metal-matrix composites. Processes and production systems to manufacture, as well as specialized tools and methodologies for characterization, testing, and analysis of these advanced materials, are also desired.

  The Government is interested in materials that will reduce weight, improve ballistics or provide protection to extend the service life of the barrels and other components of small, medium and large caliber weapon systems. These materials may be associated with coatings e.g. cold spray, plasma spray, laser deposition, high velocity oxygen fuel, laser peening, etc.; surface modification i.e. superfine finishing, or material substitutions such as ceramic, polymer and/or composite materials. The behavior of materials in service conditions such as crack initiation and growth, as well as fatigue behavior of materials is of interest. Additionally, nano-materials hold great promise either in themselves or in combination with other materials to increase the performance of the base materials. Processes, which produce unique material characteristics with a nano-size grain structure are of interest.

  EXAMPLE TECHNOLOGIES: Of unique interest at this time are materials for hypersonic applications, materials subject to high thermal stress, active countermeasure materials, frangible ammunition alloys, thermoelectric materials, high efficiency insulation materials etc.

• 2. ELECTRONICS / SENSORS

  The Government has the need for efforts addressing fabrication technology R&D for micro- system chips based on the silicon, deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) process. This technology is to be utilized for miniature electronic board applications. Processed chips will be applied for microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices for Safe and Arm and micro-initiation components. The Government has the need for efforts in the R&D of anti-tamper systems for remote armament systems. Anti-tampering systems are needed in increasing numbers, as military priority capability needs for autonomous tactical behaviors, autonomous movement, and manned/unmanned lethality are growing. Solutions are being sought to protect remote armament systems on the battlefield, in urban environments and in storage. The R&D efforts should include a capability that tracks tampering attempts made on unmanned systems. Anti-tamper systems that are capable of deactivating battery-operated unmanned systems are needed as well. The Government has a need for efforts in the R&D of micro-system packaging and micro-system architecture for input into remote armament systems. Novel optical, electrical and hermetic sealing techniques and capabilities will be needed to support this effort.

  The Government also has need of efforts in the R&D of advanced distributed sensors (radar, electro-optics, infrared, direction finding) to provide fire control solutions supporting existing and emerging DEVCOM-AC weapon systems. Different sensors must provide detection range (minimum and maximum), angular coverage (ideally hemispherical or better), update rates, and measurement accuracies necessary for a given application within the appropriate timelines to assure that countermeasures are effective against a wide variety of threats including ground vehicles, unmanned air systems, direct and indirect fire. The sensors must also operate within size, weight, and power constraints of target platforms. Designs should also be developed with cost in mind. Sensor systems should also, to the extent possible, operate on the move. The sensors must operate in a variety of environments (dust, fog, rain, etc.) and should meet MIL- STD requirements for electromagnetic interference, electromagnetic compatibility, temperature, pressure, other environmental conditions, etc., as appropriate. In particular, sensors must be capable of operating in increasingly congested electromagnetic environments. They should be capable of multiple modes, missions, and applications, and, as such, should be easily configurable/re-programmable. The sensors must have good clutter/background cancellation capability and be able to discriminate amongst targets – allowing accurate, automatic identification of threat targets, while rejecting targets that are not of interest. Along with discrimination, there is also a need for sensors to be able to determine threat intent. Both discrimination and threat intent, in turn, require labeled data sets for algorithm development and/or training of machine learning (ML)/artificial intelligence (AI) processors. Sensors should use open, modular, scalable architectures to the extent possible. In addition, for specific missions, sensors should be compliant with appropriate standards or architectures (e.g. the U. S. Army’s Modular Active Protection System framework). They should also be designed for manufacturability, maintainability, upgradability, and flexibility. Sensors should be designed such that they can be used on a variety of platforms with the appropriate integration packages/kits.

  DEVCOM-AC continues to seek new, innovative methods for enhanced lethality by disrupting anti access area denial (A2AD) systems at extended ranges in contested operational environments. This includes munitions delivered non-kinetic effects to deceive, degrade, and deny adversarial sensor systems and infrastructure. The capability should be scalable, focused on peer adversaries in a major conflict by employing a complex diversity on non-kinetic effects for offensive purposes, such as directly defeating adversary capability, delaying and degrading counter fire, and creating uncertainty and confusion. Munitions delivered non-kinetic effects will require distributed, collaborate, and autonomous behaviors to engage a peer adversary, and enhance diversity of the effects. Development of key enablers will be required in the domain of distributed autonomy, including munitions hardened hardware, field upgradeable software, tactics, primitives, and algorithms. In addition to offensive EW capability, the USG also has a need for non-kinetic effectors for use in counter unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) scenarios and in defensive postures.

  As capability increases and munition payloads become more complex, the USG anticipates that there will be an added emphasis on the miniaturization and capability of all on board electronic components. This would include, but is not limited to, the payload capabilities listed above, onboard sensors and onboard electronics.

  EXAMPLE TECHNOLOGIES: Of particular interest at this time are unique technologies that address:

  a. Low phase noise oscillators

  b. High-efficiency power amplifiers

  c. Small tunable bandpass filters

  d. Distributed local oscillator architectures

  e. Advanced clutter and multipath mitigation techniques

  f. Machine learning/artificial intelligence techniques supporting discrimination, threat intent, etc.

  g. Special-purpose integrated circuits, including RF systems on chips

  h. Advanced lightweight materials

  i. Additive manufacturing

  j. Active electronic phased arrays

  k. Digital antenna array architectures

  l. Precise antenna calibration techniques

  m. Advanced electronic protection techniques

  n. High-performance, heterogeneous processing “backends”

  o. Built-in test and diagnostics

  p. Collaborative non-kinetic techniques

  q. Sense, Target, Engage Autonomy

  r. Munition hardened payloads and antennas

  s. Scalable and field upgradeable software frameworks

  t. Beyond Line of Sight Techniques

  u. Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems

  v. Data Fusion

  w. Artificial Intelligence deep learning for classifications

  Additional items include gun launchable sensors, environmental sensing technologies, flexible printed/hybrid electronics, novel inks for printed electronics applications, interconnects for flexible electronics, novel substrate materials, and low power electronic components.

• 3. MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

  The Government has a need for research efforts to establish the science behind the manufacture of quality weapon and munitions components, and the integrated data environment that will allow the process knowledge to be retained by the Army in a central repository for future use. These efforts shall address the identification, definition and understanding of materials, equipment, processing and procedures associated with the manufacture of weapons and munitions components; and the capture of that information so that this knowledge can be readily transferred to the industrial base for use in component manufacture using qualification and certification practices to instill quality, reliability, and safety. Efforts shall also address the integration of the 3D-Technical Data Package philosophy in the design to manufacturing cycle, and the sharing of digital information across dissimilar systems. Efforts that enhance DEVCOM-AC’s ability to understand the underlying science of component manufacture or further DEVCOM-AC’s capability to document and transfer manufacturing processes are desirable. Additionally, efforts that establish manufacturing science test beds, including Additive Manufacturing, to complement DEVCOM-AC’s prototyping capabilities are encouraged.

  The Government is interested in proposals for advancing the state of the art in manufacturing and fabricating components for weapon and munitions systems. Of high interest are technologies that will extend the life of high-value components, such as small, medium and large caliber gun barrels. These technologies may be associated with coatings e.g. cold spray, plasma spray, laser deposition, high velocity oxygen fuel coating, laser peening, intensive quenching, etc.; and surface modification, i.e. superfine finishing, or material substitutions such as ceramic materials. Also, processes that reduce weight of system components, or extend performance either in terms of life, ballistics, or protection are of interest. Finally, the Government is interested in emerging technologies that can eliminate the use of Cr+6 based (hexavalent chromium) surface treatments used on weapon system components to include, but not limited to, gun barrels, recoil mechanisms, aircraft landing gear assemblies, etc. These processes shall be environmentally- compliant and provide equivalent, or better, performance as compared to Cr+6 -based surface treatments.

  Further, the Government is interested in manufacturing processes to reduce cost, cycle time, and fabricate parts where price is independent of quantity. Examples of such processes include rapid prototyping technology, and free forming technology whether laser based, plasma based, or polymer based. Our vision of the future requires a “paperless process” from designer to machine. Inherent in this process are several subsets including a “model centric” design environment, including intelligent machining, joining, and processing. One goal is to add intelligence to machine tools to enable them to do a self-assessment, self-programming, self- diagnostics, self-scheduling, and in-process monitoring using both software and sensor tools capable of surviving in the harsh processing environment. Lastly, the Government is interested in fiber optic technology, and remote sensing or optics necessary for such systems; and technologies that instill intelligence in processes or machine tools e.g. modeling, data analysis, data fusion, etc.

  The Government is interested in proposals to support our “model centric” design environment to rapidly advance the state of the art in modeling, simulation, design, manufacturing, and field support of components for weapon systems. Specifically, the Government has interest in technologies that transition from development to production of advanced design methodologies, and ensure that this transition occurs seamlessly and with the greatest possible understanding of manufacturing process capability in relation to design intent. It will be essential to establish process capability relative to design intent baselines and goals (i.e., Cp, CpK) and put the disciplines, methodologies, and tools in place to meet these goals. Additionally, the Government is interested in design expertise, methodologies and tools to achieve “quality” hardware from the very start of production and throughout the program production life cycle. The expertise and tools may include the capability to define and flow complex requirements at the characteristic level through multiple layers of the supply chain. It will also include the ability to simulate optimum processes and tooling for material and machined parts, seamlessly document process capability in relation to design intent, and provide for continuing improvement of both design and manufacturing processes; and provide the capability to capture, link, trace, analyze, and manage requirements to manufacturing processes.

• 4. POWER AND ENERGY

  The Government has a need for efforts in the development and demonstration of Novel Power, Energy Harvesting, Energy Storage and Energy Management Systems, i.e., develop and demonstrate the critical components for improved reserve batteries, hybrid power sources, and other novel power sources to include micro generators, super and ultra-capacitors, power harvesting and power distribution concepts. Fuel cell and Lithium (or Li Ion) battery research and manufacturing technology development are also possible areas for projects.

  The Government is interested in proposals for advancing the state of the art in materials and technology for sustainable energy and environmental protection. Specifically, the Government is interested in materials and technology that will provide for improved power density, energy efficiency, reduced logistics and/or weight burden, and overall sustainability of energy sources during military deployment, and with a clean environmental footprint. Additionally, future concepts will require technologies that support significantly extended range with performance at elevated temperatures, increased performance at cold temperatures, and the survivability of the Power and Energy subsystem through the dynamic launch event. Technologies of interest include, but are not limited to, those for power and energy conversion, power generation, energy storage and recovery, renewable energy, and hybrid intelligent management technologies.

  Materials of interest include, but are not limited to, coatings/materials to improve efficiency of photovoltaic and/or thermo-electric generators, novel materials for weight reduction and improved performance in batteries, materials for forward deployable sustainable energy systems, etc. Technologies proposed should demonstrate dual-use applications and have direct application to the Warfighter. Additionally, the Government is interested in innovative research that can lead to portable, efficient, and compact power technologies that enhance the military’s reach, decrease the logistical burden, and improve energy efficiency at all levels. Specific areas of interest include, but are not limited to, innovative energy conversion, energy harvesting, micro- scale power sources, storage and recovery technologies, renewable energy, including solar and wind, energy harvesting/scavenging technologies, hybrid intelligent management technologies, alternative energy systems, fuel cells, and micro-grid forward deployable energy solutions. Also, the development of advanced novel electric and magnetic materials and coatings/materials that improve energy efficiency and enable sustainable power and energy technologies is of interest as well as novel coatings/materials for photovoltaic and thermo-electric generators, advanced nano- composites for turbine technology, enabling coatings/materials for advanced oil-free turbo- machinery or alternative approaches, or high temperature materials to reduce weight and increase efficiency of high temperature engines, novel battery materials, etc. In addition, the Government is interested in innovative research that can lead to portable, efficient, and compact power technologies that increase our military’s reach, decrease the logistics burden, and improve the overall efficiency of our war fighting forces, especially for distributed and net-centric operations.

  EXAMPLE TECHNOLOGIES: Of unique interest at this time are Improved thermal reserve and liquid reserve battery chemistries, micro-generators, capacitors, flexible/conformal batteries, thermoelectric materials, energy harvesting processes, batteries with improved cold weather performance (down to -40C), etc., while supporting significantly extended range, and performance at elevated temperatures.

• 5. ENERGETICS INNOVATION

  The Government is interested in advancing the state of the art in Energetic Material technology within the entire lifecycle of explosives, propellants, and pyrotechnics, from concept through disposal. Potential areas of interest include new methodologies in modeling and simulation such as packages to calculate the performance and signature properties of propellants, pyrotechnics, or explosive properties of ideal and non-ideal explosives. In addition to modeling and simulation, the Government has a desire to build and test the new propellants. This would include both static and dynamic testing. The Government also has a need for new synthesis methods; design and synthesis of energetic molecules, oxidizers, and binders; novel scale up synthesis and crystallization techniques, new analysis methods and specification modernization, and non- CHNO very high energy density materials. In terms of energy output, novel concepts that result in much greater energy density and/or energy availability within timeframes and volumes of typical high performance explosive, pyrotechnic, and propellants is desired. Tailored and tailorable burn properties for propellants and pyrotechnic signatures are desired for a variety of systems. Multi-purpose effects from a single explosive or warhead are also desired, such as blast, fragmentation, metal pushing, and electromagnetic effects. In the realm of formulations for propellant, explosive, and pyrotechnics, there is a need for energetics and mixtures that exhibit extreme compressive strength and toughness; new binders and additives for pressing, curing, and strengthening formulations; tailored surface and mechanical properties, and improved aging and high temperature and severe environment resilience. Novel processing technologies are needed in the following areas: higher throughput of melt pour, cast cure, and pressed explosive, propellant, and pyrotechnic formulations; creation and characterization of amorphous and nanoscale formulations, filling advanced geometry warheads, and tailoring of flow properties.

  New ideas in the realm of novel disposal and energetics recycling and repurposing are also of interest, such as on-demand or reversible chemical bonding for demilitarization technologies.

  The Government has a need for development and demonstration of reliable energetic quality verification methods in an industrial environment. These efforts shall address both verification of bulk ingredients and final formulations. The demonstration shall include considerations of the issues resulting from increasing production quantities and sampling method selection decisions.

• 6. REVOLUTIONARY ARMAMENT DESIGN CONCEPTS

  The Government has the need for efforts that address the R&D of Advance Design Technologies. The technologies for R&D efforts include threat recognition, targeting, system communication of mission commands, remotely operated platforms, weapon systems and weapon systems security, control unit systems, battlefield automation systems, software/performance analysis, emerging software technologies, embedded systems, navigational guidance platforms, integrated user interfaces and processors, computer based systems, orientation and ranging technologies, enhanced software algorithm development and software sustainment/supportability as each relates to embedded software residency in weapons, improvements to existing systems and development of new systems, including the design, development, fabrication of hardware and electronics of these systems. Mission objectives are to enhance supported platforms, reliability, performance, capability, response time, and accuracy in meeting the Army’s Vision.

  As part of the Advanced Design Technologies, airframes that have the capability to maneuver more and fly further, plus reach targets at hyper-velocities, would be of interest. The airframes can also have embedded novel propulsion technology, in order to reach the targets in a faster time. Novel material technology shall be explored for the purpose of launch survivability for hypervelocity launches, for actuation, and for shape changing of the outer mold line during flight. The motivation behind shape changing is the elimination of moving parts such as actuators which can be a burden on internal volume, and also can be an expensive item for the munition. Maneuvering capabilities can be enhanced through the use of the advanced morphing materials, since macro changes on the body shape can be accomplished instead of relying on deflecting canards using conventional motors. Ultimately, it will be essential to validate the performance through testing.

  EXAMPLE TECHNOLOGIES: Of particular interest at this time are technologies associated with the following concepts:

  a. Novel Propulsion Design

  b. Morphing airframes for optimizing maneuvers

  c. Advanced material for weight reduction and launch survivability improvement

• 7. FUZE TECHNOLOGY

  The Government is interested in next-generation technologies that will address pressing needs in fuze technology development. As seen below, miniaturization, reliability, manufacturability, and the ability to survive high “G” (G = acceleration of gravity) gun launch are critical attributes to be addressed. Specific research needs are outlined below.

  7.1 Initiation Technologies

  The Government has a need for research efforts addressing the R&D of in-line multi-point initiation technology that can accommodate 10’s of initiation points. Of specific interest are multi-point architectures that will scale up to 30-50 points of initiation while minimizing integration burden and volume in the warhead assembly. Initiation point simultaneity, selectivity and the ability to withstand gun launch “G” loads are key attributes that must be satisfied.

  The Government is also seeking technology for the research, development, integration and demonstration of improved Electronic Safe and Arm Devices (ESADs) and advanced ESAD components. Of specific interest are technologies that will reduce the technical risk and improve the reliability and performance of ESADs while also reducing the size and cost of ESADs. One goal of these technologies is to allow ESADs to be utilized in high-G hard target applications such as artillery and other indirect fire munitions. Miniaturized passive first-safety-environmental sensors are a priority along with the next generation of G- hardened Exploding Foil Initiators. Research to develop miniaturized, high voltage components such as low cost switches, capacitors, and transformers is also needed. Novel integration techniques that will reduce the cost or size of today's component technologies will also be considered.

  7.2 Improved Fuzes and Components for Hand Grenades, Sub-Munitions, Mortars and Artillery

  The Government is seeking proposals for the research and development of an improved miniature Micro-Electromechanical Systems (MEMS) Safe and Arm (S&A) device including necessary energetics for gun launched munitions. The ability to survive gun launch, size minimization and manufacturability are key attributes that the technology must address. The Government is also interested in research into design improvements for improved manufacturability including energetics integration into MEMS devices that can be used across the whole portfolio of munitions.

  The Government is also seeking proposals for the research into and the development of improved highly reliable sub-munition fuzes. Proposals should address improvements in the areas of design, manufacturability, loading, and assembly of sub-munition fuzes, and related components. The goal of this research is to increase the Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) of sub-munition fuze assembly to MRL6. This effort supports the development of Science & Technology (S&T) concepts under DEVCOM-AC’s Cluster Munition Replacement Technology effort.

  Further, the Government is seeking proposals for the research into and the development of fuzes and fuze components that will improve producibility, performance, accuracy, consistency or function requirements of hand grenades. Research will include development of prototype hardware components including, but are not limited to, fuze assemblies (inert or live), fuze bodies, levers, hinge pins, strikers, springs, pull pins, pull rings, energetic components or energetic compositions that will demonstrate improved capabilities such as pull-force, delay time, and fuze outputs along with improved producibility.

  7.3 Fuze Power Sources

  The Government is seeking proposals for research into the development of low cost, robust prototype power sources for advanced extended range munitions. The Government is interested in novel thermal and liquid reserve battery technologies and energy harvesting technologies that demonstrate extended run times greater than 3 minutes over temperature extremes of interest. Solutions which demonstrate a higher energy density and power density through integration of new electrode materials, insulation materials or novel construction of battery/power source are of interest to meet this requirement.

  7.4 Advanced Proximity / Height of Burst Sensors

  The Government is seeking proposals for research into the development and demonstration of advanced proximity / Height of Burst sensor systems capable of being integrated into munition systems. Areas of interest include Radio Frequency, Optical, and Image based proximity sensor technologies. Custom components for use in these systems are also of interest to include transmitters, receivers, apertures, and signal processors (digital and analog Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Solutions which demonstrate high levels of integration and being capable of integration into a wide variety of munitions are of highest interest.

  7.5 Fuze / Mission Setters

  The Government is seeking proposals for research and development of secure spread spectrum wireless fuze mission setting capability. Also of interest is wireless power transfer for systems within near field ranges (less than 10m). Demonstration of this technology would be in support of long range precision fires auto-loader integration goals within the Army.
  

• 8. AUTONOMY; GUIDANCE, NAVIGATION AND CONTROL

  The Department of Defense, DOD, has been for many years been researching, developing and manufacturing smart munitions that can withstand thousands of “g” loads during launch. The development of these munitions has focused in areas such of power, electronics, inertial measurements, actuators, rocket motors and seekers. The DOD has been able to make great strides in all these areas with the result being the testing, manufacturing and fielding of gun launched smart munitions for the U.S. Army. With that said, areas such as autonomy, and state- of-the-art guidance, navigation and control technologies will need significant R&D efforts.

  Since there is a need for long range precision guidance, technologies that will enable a munition to fly faster and further, be more accurate in acquiring targets, with the ability to conduct midcourse corrections (with and without the use of GPS), will be essential. Autonomy can be introduced into the field of operations by designing a munition that is not only smart, due to its electronics and navigation, but will also have the ability to communicate with other munitions in flight. An example may be a leader / follower scenario where you have several smart munitions that are fired in a volley. The leader munition will then be communicating with the other munitions, and will be providing them with information of targets so they, in turn, can make corrections in flight in order to prosecute various targets. This area is a new field of study called “Collaborative Control”. Because of the increase in launch velocities needed for longer ranges, longer flight times and enhanced maneuverability to go after moving targets, R&D efforts to define more accurate robust navigation and position transmission technologies will be necessary especially if munitions need to communicate with one another. Methods of accurately measuring the projectile flight dynamics can include state-of-the-art technologies that will improve projectile on board state estimation without GPS satellite data. In this GPS denied scenario, terrain mapping can be a method in improving accuracy. With that said, downloading maps to the munition, and having the munition recognize optically the sites on the ground in order to improve its position estimation will be of critical importance. Another possibility can be to use celestial navigation in conjunction with terrain mapping. However, there is a need for innovative research into terrain mapping, celestial navigation or other state of the art methods in order to improve accuracy for the smart munitions.

  EXAMPLE TECHNOLOGIES:

  a. Collaborative Control

  b. Terrain mapping for position estimation accuracy

  c. Celestial navigation

• 9. DISRUPTIVE LETHALITY CONCEPTS

  The Government is interested in research into next generation warhead and lethal mechanism technologies that contribute to providing more energy on target, enabling multi-domain lethality against a wide range of target sets, and maintaining lethality as warhead volumes are reduced in size to accommodate other munition system components.

  EXAMPLE TECHNOLOGIES: Of particular interest is research to develop the technologies associated with the following concepts:

  a. Warhead scaling effects and optimization

  b. Fabrication using novel materials

  c. Advanced modeling & simulation capabilities that account for the use of novel materials

  d. Collaborative lethal effects

  e. Warheads with multiple modes of operation

  f. Novel initiation schemes

  g. Survivability in extreme environments

  h. Advanced fragmentation

  i. Split Hopkinson Bar Technology

  j. Advanced lethality modeling

  k. Long standoff, aero-stable warhead concepts

  l. Anti-armor warhead concepts

  m. Counter-UAS/Counter-RAM technologies

  n. Advanced warhead testing and diagnostic capabilities description

• 10. ADVANCED FIRE CONTROL

  The U.S. Army is interested in research proposals related to emerging Fire Control technology. Specific areas for research include: (1) Advanced Technical Fire Control; (2) Position / Navigation; (3) Advanced Algorithms; (4) Advanced System Controllers; (5) Biometric and Human Machine Interface Technologies; (6) Photonics and Quantum Science Technologies, and (7) Live, Virtual and Embedded Fire Control Trainers

  Specific research needs are outlined below.

  10.1 Advanced Technical Fire Control

  The Government is in need of research to develop direct view Optics, Electro-Optic, Sighting systems or their components in support of the military’s mission to provide superior military equipment to our warfighters. Research topics of interest are:

  a. Develop Optics material and/or equipment

  b. Develop state of the art electro-optics, fiber-optics and sighting system technologies

  c. Advance study of threat capabilities

  d. Develop better understanding from analysis gained from experimentation

  e. Air & Ground Platform Signature Reduction

  f. Dismounted Target Acquisition Optical Capability

  g. Improved Soldier Protection

  h. Sensor/effects packages (to deny access to critical points and provide force protection)

  i. Soldier Signature Reduction

  j. Use modeling and simulation to determine survivability

  k. Bio-mimicry advances in flexible Photo-detectors, Smart Optics, Adaptive Optics, Advanced Weapon Sight (aiming reticle)

  l. Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS)

  m. Improved Situational Awareness

  n. Improved position sensors

  For the Advanced Technical Fire Control subtopic the Government is in need of research to develop direct view Optics and new sighting technologies in support of the military’s mission and ground based platforms.

  10.2 Position / Navigation

  The Government is in need of research to develop position or navigation sensors such as, but not limited to, non-magnetic compasses, gyroscopes, inclinometers and accelerometers in support of the military’s mission to provide superior military equipment to our Warfighters.

  This research is directed to advance the capabilities of PNT (Position, Navigation, Timing). The emphasis is to develop advancements in laser gyros, next-Gen ASIC chipsets and capabilities to function in anti-spoof and anti-jam environments.

  10.3 Advanced Algorithms

  10.3.1

  Architecture

  The Government is in need of research to demonstrate rapid sensor-to-shooter target hand-off at all echelons that can support the military’s mission to protect the nation and/or the warfighter from any threats. Research topics include:

  a. Reduced soldier/leader cognitive work load

  b. Seamless integration of manned and unmanned effects assets

  c. GPS denied soldier tracking

  d. Lethal UV integration

  10.3.2 Target Acquisition

  The Government is in need of research to demonstrate an auto-tracker in small, medium and large weapon sighting systems and improved target range information that can support the military’s mission to protect the nation and/or the warfighter from any threats. Research topics of interest are:

  a. Closed Loop Fire Control / Data Links

  b. Projectile tracking and closed loop improvement

  c. Correcting for miss distances

  d. Target State Estimation (TSE) / Prediction

  e. Auto Tracking

  f. Auto / Aided Cueing

  g. Aiming Aides

  h. Ballistic Algorithms / Computation

  i. Advanced Meteorological Measurements and Prediction

  j. Multiple/many target handing/prioritization (ie swarm)

  k. Automated target detection, recognition and identification

  10.4 Advanced System Controllers

  The Government is in need of research to develop an innovative system controller that can support the military’s mission to protect the nation and/or the warfighter from any threats. Research topics of interest are:

  a. Small Footprint

  b. Reduced Power Consumption

  c. Ruggedization Technology

  d. LRM Form Factor

  e. Expandable Interfaces

  f. Standard Architecture

  g. Simultaneous Multiple OS

  h. Self-Diagnosing/Self Reporting BIT

  i. Remote Display/User Input Capability via Standard Interface (e.g. Ethernet)

  10.5 Biometric and Human Machine Interface Technologies

  a. The Government is in need of research to develop biometric and human to machine interface systems for Armament Systems or the individual components that can support the military’s mission to protect the nation and/or the warfighter from any potential threats. Research topics of interest include: Sensors that can collect biometric information, while on the move and/or stationary, about personnel, or other potential threats.

  b. Software and/or hardware systems that can store, analyze biometric data, detect and/or classify threats, and/or any other information useful for the warfighter

  c. Weapon systems with biometrics capabilities

  d. Human machine sensor interface technologies that can receive and/or provide input directly between weapon systems and warfighter organic sensor network

  e. Brain machine interface technologies that allow neurologic link directly between warfighter and fire control systems

  10.6 Photonics and Quantum Science Technologies

  The Government is in need of research to develop photonics and quantum science technologies for Armament Applications. Some areas of interest are:

  a. Photonics and quantum based technologies for potential Fire Control Technologies including but not limited to target acquisition and tracking, signature reduction, and potential spoofing technology.

  b. Integrated photonics for the reduction of size, weight, and power for Fire Control and other Armament Systems.

  c. Advanced computer hardware technologies for high performance, power efficient computing, particularly in austere environments.

  d. Photonics and quantum based technologies for the next generation of PNT technologies for Armament applications.

  e. Target acquisition technologies for obscured targets, either obscured by environment or camouflage.

  f. Photonics technologies for the advanced control of laser wave fronts for Fire Control applications.

  g. Software technologies appropriate for the analysis of low photon target image processing and associated machine learning approaches for target recognition.

  h. Photonics technologies for laser protection.

  10.7 Live, Virtual and Embedded Fire Control Trainers

  The Government is in need of research to develop embedded interfaces and advanced visualization systems that utilize fire control systems for areas of live, virtual and embedded training that meets the military's need to maintain readiness of the warfighter as expert system operators and able to maximize lethality potentials of armament systems. Some of the areas for research are:

  a. Computer vision and graphics

  b. Small Footprint

  c. Ruggedization Technologies

  d. Low bandwidth secure networking

  In conclusion - For the Advanced Fire Control Topic: Of unique interest at this time is research associated with the following:

  a. Unmanned & autonomous systems that can provide advancements in target info to Fire Control

  b. Sensor fusion methods and networks to increase fire control and diagnostic effectiveness

  c. Down range wind sensors

  d. Dynamic Fires Planning and Execution

  e. Real time localized MET and environmental data for Fire Control corrections

• 11. NEXT GENERATION LOGISTICS AND SUPPORTABILITY TECHNOLOGIES

  The Government is interested in proposals for advancing the state of the art in force sustainment capabilities technologies that enhance armament supportability; ammunition health monitoring; ammunition packaging, storage, transportation and handling; ammunition forecasting; weapon rearm / resupply; battlefield manufacturing; sense and respond supply chain management technologies and methodologies that directly support providing Warfighters with the armaments, ammunition, and other equipment they need, when they need them and in the right condition.

  Specifically, the Government is interested in research into technologies and approaches that address the planning, setup and operation of supply nodes, tools based on best practices to evaluate and optimize the performance of supply operations throughout the entire armament and ammunition enterprise, and aggressive sustainment capabilities to improve the responsiveness and agility of sustainment operations at all echelons.

  The Government is also interested in researching technologies that provide ammunition health monitoring capabilities to understand the readiness of the ammunition stockpile and to ensure only fully functional ammunition items are issued and utilized. These monitoring capabilities may address exposure to (but not limited to) temperature, vibration, shock, humidity, and radiation, as they effect both existing and/or developmental systems.

  The Government requires technologies that help analyze, interpret, and evaluate the supportability implications of a system; predictive maintenance technologies; and technologies that improve how a system is supported. Additionally, the Government is interested in technologies and approaches to allow for quicker and advanced battlefield manufacturing processes and materials. Finally, the Government is interested in technologies that allow for automated rearm and resupply of armament systems.

  The research may address any or all aspects of the supply chain including production, transport, storage (short and long term), supply node operations, tactical distribution, and retrograde. The proposals may span from software/AI based planning, optimization and execution tools, to hardware-based distribution enablers to hybrid electro-mechanical systems, or any combination thereof technologies that improve how armament systems are supported.

  The Government has the need to establish and expand its quality presence in mitigating supply chain cybersecurity risks in the development, test and deployment of both software intensive systems (including hardware) whether for weapon system application, information system deployment or manufacturing internal control systems (hardware and software). We are looking for research into strategies equivalent up to and including, the State-of-the-Art Resource for Software Vulnerability Detection, Test, and Evaluation, a.k.a. the “Software SOAR,” program, for software assurance, and analogous strategies for hardware assurance. The ultimate goal of the research is for the AC to become competent and relevant practitioners in the deployment of solutions for supply chain challenges from both an information and an operation technology perspective.

  EXAMPLE TECHNOLOGIES:

  a. Environmental sensing, recording and logging technologies

  b. Systems to collect data from sensors that monitor the environment that an armament system and ammunition have been exposed to

  c. AI-based systems to manage the health of the ammunition stockpile through analyzing large datasets

  d. AI-based systems to aid with storage, planning and execution of the movement of ammunition horizontally and vertically throughout the ammunition supply chain against current and forecasted needs/consumptions

  e. AI-based systems to aid in the identification and prediction of supportability drivers and considerations for armament systems

  f. AI-based systems to provide predictive maintenance and repair information and solutions

  g. AI-based systems to aid in design and development processes

  h. Planning and execution hardware and software systems to optimize the planning and operation of supply nodes and maintenance facilities at all echelons

  i. AI based planning and execution systems that assist in planning and executing armament sustainment/movement operations

  j. AI based planning and execution systems that specifically target tactical ammunition distribution operations to ensure the ammunition supply chain is efficient, agile and responsive in direct support of tactical operations

  k. Systems that improve the ability to retrograde ammunition

  l. Material technologies for container/palletization

  m. Packaging/Pallet designs and interfaces that allow for more efficient containerization, palletization, or transportation of ammunition

  n. Hardware and software technologies that allow for faster printing and high fidelity of 3D printed parts

  o. AI-based decision systems to determine best supply alternative (Rapid Fabrication in field, DLA, local source, cannibalization, etc.) for repair to achieve optimum readiness

  p. Hardware and software technologies that allow for automated rearm and resupply

  q. Automated tracking of expenditures of serial–numbered items

  r. Solutions that monitor and prevent Cyber-attacks on the supply chain

  s. Data collection and analytical systems that determine optimal use of appropriate personnel and skills necessary to support armament systems

  t. Solutions that identify need for new, refresher, remedial, or other training for users of armament systems and then can deliver the exact training needed, when it is needed, in the most efficient manner

  u. Solutions to aid in the identification/prediction of obsolescence of hardware and software components for armament systems

• 12. ENVIRONMENTAL AND DEMIL TECHNOLOGIES

  The Government has interest in research into innovative technologies that improve environmental sustainability of life cycle stages for weapons and weapons systems. This includes manufacturing, production, maintenance, storage, use, demilitarization and disposal of ordnance such as mortars, flares, smokes, grenades, ammunition, energetics and explosives.

  Innovative technologies are intended to lead to new capabilities that improve Military readiness while protecting human health and the environment.

  EXAMPLE TECHNOLOGIES: Of particular interest at this time are technologies associated with the following:

  a. Wastewater treatment to reduce or eliminate soluble and insoluble concentrations of compounds such as RDX, HMX, DNAN, NTO, ANSOL, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia and other explosives and explosive degradation products

  b. Identify and eliminate emerging contaminants in munitions such as PFAS, hexavalent chromium, asbestos and methods to prevent air, water, or soil contamination during disposal by open burn, open detonation or incineration

  c. Process modeling or other methods to better understand treatment mechanisms and improved prediction of outcomes and effects on environmental safety and human health (ESOH)

  d. Novel technologies for enabling stand-off, remote or autonomous methods to disarm, and disassemble known, unknown, or undocumented munitions

  e. Research on the use of artificial intelligence for process control and predictive operations

  f. Surveillance methods to monitor the condition of air emissions, wastewater quality, and effectiveness of demilitarization processes to ascertain compliance with regulatory requirements

  g. Novel engineering to improve processing rates

  h. Innovative technologies for closed disposal of munitions

  i. Simultaneous demilitarization and disposal of mixed ordnance

  j. Research for methods to reduce impact of open burn or open detonation disposal of energetic and non-energetic materials on human health and the environment

  k. Eliminate the use of toxic chemicals such as Cr+6 based (hexavalent chromium) surface treatments used on weapon system components to include but not limited to gun barrels, recoil mechanisms, aircraft landing gear assemblies, etc. These processes shall be environmentally-compliant and provide equivalent, or better, performance as compared to Cr+6 -based surface treatments.

• 13. BIOMETRIC COLLECTION, MATCHING, ANALYSIS & SHARING

  DEVCOM-AC provides the Software Supportability mission for the PEO IEWS, PM DoD Biometrics - Biometrics Enabling Capabilities program of record. Consequently, the Government has the need for research into the development of biometric and identification technology. This shall include efforts that advance the state of the art in the ability to detect, identify, characterize, and track items, activities, conditions, and events worldwide which will provide direct benefit to the warfighter. The Government has the need research efforts that analyze, improve, verify and validate biometric technology supporting the collect, match, analysis, and sharing functions of the DoD’s Biometrics Enterprise, including next generation tactical handheld collection devices. Current biometric technologies assist in providing these capabilities but are limited to the degree of which they can scale and meet future needs. More advanced biometric collection, storage, matching, analysis, and sharing systems will allow the Government enhanced situational awareness, and identity superiority on the battlefield for today’s mission as well as mission requirements far into the future.

  EXAMPLE TECHNOLOGIES: Of unique interest at this time are technologies associated with the following concepts:

  a. Fingerprint, Face, Iris, Palm, Voice, DNA capture, feature extraction, templating, and matching

  b. Modular, scalable, lightweight, and portable imaging platforms

• 14. CONTAINERIZED SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS & ORCHESTRATION

  The Government has the need for research efforts in the advancement of software container and container orchestration technology to increase the development, deployment, scalability and cybersecurity, of software applications of any size. Current software applications are difficult to scale and secure flexibly as mission requirements change resulting in significant requirements, architecture, design and implementation rework when using traditional software development technology and methodologies. Container & container orchestration technology will provide the Government modern capabilities to rapidly, flexibly, and securely deliver solutions to the warfighter at an unprecedented scale. Leveraging containerized software applications & orchestration supports the DoD Enterprise DevSecOps Initiative and USD AT&L Better Buying Power.

  EXAMPLE TECHNOLOGIES: Of unique interest at this time are technologies associated with the following concepts:

  a. Open Standards Compliant, Cloud Agnostic Container and Container Orchestration

  b. Embedded Application & Safety Critical Container Implementations

• 15. GOVERNMENT CLOUD SOFTWARE FACTORIES ENABLING DEVSECOPS

  The Government has the need for basic and applied research in support of leveraging Government owned and managed cloud based software factories enabling and promoting the use of DevSecOps to increase the development, testing, accreditation, and Authority To Operate approval of modern software applications. DevSecOps is the union of people, process, and products to enable continuous delivery of value to end users including cybersecurity accreditation. Current software development processes & tools in use by DEVCOM-AC require far too much manual human involvement which adds cost, time, and risk to the process of rapidly developing, deploying, and maintaining quality software. Under the current cybersecurity and fiscal austerity landscapes, usage of DevSecOps concepts has become prohibitive for organizations to manage locally. Basic & applied research is required to determine the best GOTS, open source, and COTS tools specific to the application domain that would benefit the most from its use as well as developing best practices for implementation and widespread usage in an organic Government software development environment with additional classification, safety, cybersecurity restrictions currently not experienced by most organization implementing DevSecOps today. Government cloud based software factories enabling DevSecOps will allow organic developers of modern technology the ability to learn, fail, and remediate fast to deliver modern capabilities to the warfighter that have been continuously accredited to minimize the risk of adversarial exploitation that will soon touch all aspects of software development at

  DEVCOM-AC. Leveraging Government cloud software factories & DevSecOps supports the DoD Enterprise DevSecOps Initiative and USD AT&L Better Buying Power.

• 16. SMALL ARMS LETHAL TECHNOLOGIES

  The Government has the need for applied research efforts in the development of future Small Arms Lethal Technologies and capabilities. This shall include novel approaches and solutions to make the individual Warfighter or Platform more lethal against lightly armored, infantry level targets. This includes advanced technologies which will increase probabilities of hit and incapacitation, while decreasing the overall time to engagement. The Government has the need for applied scientific studies and experimentation directed toward increased knowledge of desired metrics with regards to weapon operation and maintenance, weapon signature, ammunition (interior, exterior, and terminal ballistics), fire control (acquiring targets, determining range, marking/tracking), and human factors / maneuverability. The research technologies should address the battlefield for today’s mission as well as mission requirements far into the future.

  EXAMPLE TECHNOLOGIES: Of particular interest at this time are unique technologies that address:

  a. Training, Aides, Devices, Simulators, and Simulations (TADSS)

  b. Ergonomics and Human-Systems Interface

  c. Increased Maneuverability

  d. Breaching

  e. Weapon System Power

  f. Networked Weapon Systems

  g. Remote and Externally Powered Weapon Systems

  h. Advanced Weapon and Battlefield Sensors

  i. Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning and Algorithmic Computation

  j. Aim Augmentation

  k. Counter UAS/UGS

  l. Weapon System Controllability

  m. Advanced Weapon System Operation Technologies

  n. Barrel Technologies

  o. Weapon System Signature Reduction

  p. Subterranean and Dense Urban Environments

  q. Interior Ballistics

  r. Exterior Ballistics and Guidance, Navigation and Control

  s. Terminal Ballistics

  t. Counter Defilade

  u. Alternate Incapacitation Mechanisms

• 17. DIGITAL ENGINEERING

  The Government is interested in research relative to Digital Engineering technologies, specifically technologies that support the development, management, and use of the Digital Thread. The Digital Thread is the product’s data and their relationships captured as links or connections over the course of the product’s lifecycle. Product data includes CAD, software, requirements, architecture, documents, engineering analysis, and production data. The ability to integrate product data across various engineering disciplines enables the generation of the Digital Thread, a driving factor for successful implementation of Digital Engineering, which is a major thrust area for the U.S. Army and DoD. Technologies that facilitate the integration of data and models across the product life-cycle are of interest.

  The Government seeks to advance the state-of-the-art and/or increase knowledge in how disparate engineering models and data can be "integrated" or linked together regardless of any specific software tool the models and data are created or stored in. Of particular interest at this time are technologies associated with semantic integrations across different domain-specific modeling languages, across various levels of model fidelity and multiple levels of abstraction. Other technologies of interest include tool-agnostic Data Exchange Standards, Linked-Data, Ontologies, Open Services for Lifecycle Collaboration (OSLC), Application Programming Interfaces (API’s), and Extract-Transform-Load technologies.

• 18. TESTING METHODOLOGY

  The Government has the need for research efforts addressing destructive and non-destructive testing technology. This shall include efforts that advance the state of the art for performing natural and induced environmental testing of explosive and inert armaments, munitions, and fire control devices at the system and component levels, and developing and implementing new non- destructive evaluation techniques for product evaluation (including, but not limited to: ultrasonic, Eddy current, Radiography, Mag particle, Penetrant, thermography, acoustic emission); dimensional analysis; joining technology; and additive manufacturing.

  The Government has the need for research efforts addressing advanced capabilities associated with armament system ballistic test and evaluation (T&E). These efforts shall address the complete infrastructure associated with a fully functional state-of-the-art ballistic test facility. Focus shall be on improving T&E efficiency by reducing cycle time, increasing the reliability of data capture, minimizing environmental impact, incorporating state-of-the-art instrumentation and technique and integrating virtual participation while maintaining the standards required by Government regulation and licensing permits. Introduction of novel T&E equipment and methodology is encouraged.

  The Government also has the need for research into physical inspection in support of non- destructive testing. The efforts shall address new developments in programmable inspection equipment (CMM, laser scanners, Romer Arms, and hand/held portable devices) which allow for increasingly efficient inspections with high levels of accuracy. Additionally, advancements in this area will be considered for use in expedited resolution of malfunction investigations as well as reverse engineering applications.

  Recognizing that certain work activities need to continue even in light of a pandemic, the Government would like to explore ideas or industry and/or academia experiences with virtual monitoring, and lab sharing. Most of the software testing is conducted with a computer, tablet, or electronic equipment (oscillation scope, power supply, etc.). Most equipment has an output port to a screen, which means that whatever is on the screen can be broadcast with conference/chat software. Video recording/streaming can also be utilized to stream the test events. Independent verification & validation subject matter experts should be able to monitor the screen remotely instead of witnessing the software testing physically. In light of the current health concerns which calls for social distancing and remote work activity, the need for office space is lessoned. If this strategy can be made effective and efficient it can be continued even after the current crisis has subsided. We must also recognize that testing requires a person to operate the equipment even during a pandemic. How do we design a safe space for a single person or necessary team to operate under such conditions as well?

  The Government has the need for efforts addressing automated SW testing technology especially within Agile SW development environments. This shall include efforts that advance the state of the art for planning and executing automated SW testing and developing/implementing new SW automation techniques (ex. AI) for verification and validation of Armament and IT SW. Strategies must explore and/or identify automated tools that can aid in code reviews/analysis, white, grey and black box test activities. The automatic test equipment and deployment strategy must identify skill levels and training requirements for usage to include cost and license requirements.

• 19. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

  The Government has a need for efforts in research and development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) software and systems. This shall include research and development in algorithms and AI models, resiliency of deep learning algorithms, and mitigation to attacks against AI. Key additional aspects include research on identification of poisoned data sets and input manipulation impacts, and identification of critical features. Current AI models have shown weakness to specialized adversarial attacks, which lead to invalid and detrimental results for the user.

  The Government is also interested in research that address the ability to understand and explain an AI model for adherence to trust, ethical, and safe utilization. This should include an understanding of why an AI model generates specific outputs and the confidence level in understanding that reason. Many AI models do not have the ability to provide enough “understanding" for a user or evaluator to understand how a specific decision was reached.

  The Government has a need for research to address the development of certification of data sets for Artificial Intelligence training, validation, and testing. Areas of interest include technologies and approaches that address, but are not limited to, certifying data sets are complete and competent for a given program and developing the means to ensure that the test and evaluation of an AI enabled system has satisfactory coverage of expected stimuli and potential outcomes to ensure the fielding of safe, suitable, and supportable materiel. Applications may include image recognition, decision making, prioritization, and resource management.

  The Government is also interested research into alternative software quality models for use with software systems that incorporate or rely on Artificial Intelligence or machine learning solutions to achieve system functions and capabilities. This shall include research into algorithm and AI model development, resiliency of deep learning algorithms, and mitigation to attacks against AI. Models shall utilize metrics for machine learning solutions in lieu of traditional software traceability. Such models shall ensure the requirements are satisfied by expected functionality to predefined levels and present a comprehensive list of all potential failure outcomes should the system behave in an unexpected way. As a result of the research software developers would have a path for certifying the quality of a software system employing various levels of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning without being hindered by the lack of traceability. The Government is also interested in a new acceptance standard for an AI based system that permits software to be evaluated without concrete traceability from requirement, through the source code to the function.

• 20. TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

  The purpose of this area is to identify user requirements and operational deficiencies in a variety of operational areas that are amenable to solution through application and exploitation of the existing technology base. The intent is, to the greatest extent possible, to leverage existing technologies and where possible provide for early application and entry of these technologies in to the field. Concomitant with this need is the requirement to actually solve identified problems and deficiencies. These solutions will often take the form of complex, multi-disciplinary and multi- agency collaborations, to include Government, industry and academe. However, due to the complex nature of these collaborations, it will be necessary to have single, or very limited, spans of control, coordinating these efforts to optimize the resources spent and return to the Government on investment, yet still efficiently and effectively meeting the needs of the end user.

  To most effectively meet this evolving mission area, it will be necessary to assess, evaluate, and exploit existing resources and capabilities, focusing on integrating in innovative and unconventional ways existing and evolving technologies, but also being able to identify and implement research plans to fill gaps in existing tech base capabilities and resources.

  However, where it is not practical or desirable to use existing tech base resources, accelerated efforts building on already existing programs will be employed. Particular emphasis will be applied to the various and diverse array of technologies and programs extant within a variety of environments, including but not limited to DOD and other Governmental agencies. While the focus is on long range, high risk, high-payoff programs there are nonetheless numerous opportunities for early transition of programs towards focused requirements. Effort will be made to identify both candidate technologies and programs to which this paradigm will apply. Failing this, however, focused research efforts to fulfill specific needs and bridge identified gaps in the tech base, will be implemented. Ultimately, final efforts will consist of a combination of acquisition, advanced development and basic research, all focused on achieving an end capability to fulfill a defined deficiency.

  Scientific and Technical Areas of Interest:

  Assessment of the needs of the various user communities has shown value in providing support for technology identification and program management and integration functions in a variety of areas. These areas include the following:

  20.1 Research proposals for advanced and innovative technology review

  This would include maintaining an understanding and innovative utilization capability of advanced technologies. Efforts might consist of supporting and coordinating meetings with other Government agencies, contractors, and educational institutions, as well as any other source of information or technology deemed useful. These meetings will provide a primary source of information concerning both technologies and requirements.

  20.2 Research proposals for technology utilization support

  This would include the process of identifying and analysis of opportunities for Government program managers, as well as evaluating transition potential for existing and new technologies. Efforts would include gathering and correlation of data on a wide array of technologies, as well as assisting in assembly and evaluation of requirements from all users. Other efforts might include obtaining various technologies, through whatever means appear appropriate, and assess and evaluate their utility. This will be done through a variety of means including purchase, custom-design, development, and integration of existing systems. Evaluation will be under a variety of conditions including operational and laboratory.

  20.3 Research proposals for the prototyping, manufacturing, assessment and delivery of systems for use by the Government

  Efforts would focus on use of various technologies transitioned from other arenas. Efforts may include location and identification, analysis and assessment, assembly of multi- disciplinary teams and management of integrated efforts to achieve an end capability in as optimal manner as possible.

  20.4 Research proposals to evaluate operational environments and requirements Efforts would focus on supporting the evaluation of operational environments for determination of technology transition and support opportunities. These might include observation, participation, and evaluation and analysis of operational situations, primarily involving training scenarios, but potentially involving actual operational missions. Mission areas may include military, Federal Agency, and civilian missions as appropriate and required.

  20.5 Research proposals to develop and implement processes for rapid response and prototyping needs of critical, high priority missions

  Focus would be on developing a capability to meet rapid response to prototyping requirements as well as assist in the methodology implementation of a wide array of users and mission oriented agencies. This will include evaluation of existing capabilities, development of a method of scheduling and coordination of work, support of design conception and implementation, managing of the manufacturing process, evaluation final product and iterative design changes as required to meet user needs.

  20.6 Research proposal focused for the integration and implementation of multi- disciplinary, multi-agency and multi-jurisdictional integrated efforts to meet complex program needs

  This would include the analysis and identification of key problems and solution approaches, the creation of integrated program implementation and problem solution plans, and the overall management of resources, assets, and creation of programs to meet these needs. This may include a combination of in-house assets and resources, subcontracting to various industrial and academic centers, and coordination and collaboration of and with various Government agencies and organizations. The efforts will consist of overall analysis, management and integration of highly complex and diverse resources to meet the needs of the end user. This process may culminate in products ranging from prototypes of materiel solutions through complete delivery and IOC to analysis and recommendations of doctrinal or procedural changes.

• 21. NETWORKED LETHALITY

  21.1 Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI/ML)

  Armaments Center is seeking AI/ML algorithms to continuously analyze the data in the Command Post Computing Environment (CPCE), display ongoing trends and predict where future events may occur. These AI/ML algorithms can be further extended for Course of Action (COA) recommendation based on the output of the aforementioned trend analysis.

  AI/ML algorithms should take into the following data attributes at a minimum in the analysis of trends and COA recommendations: account for temporal and geospatial tagged data, confidence level of data, and source of data.

  21.2 Intelligent Networking

  The Armaments Center is seeking a method to manage data transmission over a Disconnected, Intermittent, and Low Bandwidth (DIL) network. In a tactical environment, sometimes network connectivity can be extremely limited and, at times, intermittent. In these situations, prioritizing the data going over the network becomes extremely important.

  A solution that notifies the Command Post Computing Environment (CPCE) operator of the network characteristics/changes and impact on data transmission is desired. The solution should allow the CPCE administrator to determine which prioritized data to transmit for a given scenario, or if certain CPCE front end capabilities should be suspended.

  21.3 Cloud Computing

  The Armaments Center is seeking solutions to architect the Command Post Computing Environment (CPCE) to operate in a cloud environment, to include the Amazon’s Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure clouds. This effort would take a look at leveraging some of the native cloud services when CPCE is deployed in a Cloud environment. We would look to leverage native Cloud services such as Azure Kubernetes Services, Azure Active Directory, Azure SQL Database, Azure Container Registry, and Azure Key Vault (or equivalent AWS or other Cloud services).

  21.4 Containerization

  The Armaments Center is looking for ways to reduce the Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWaP-C) characteristics of the Command Post Computing Environment (CPCE) through the utilization of containers. Additionally, containers will increase performance while minimizing resource utilization. The resulting solution will demonstrate the CPCE software and services running in containers, while identifying the SWaP-C savings.

• 22. WEAPONS SYSTEMS

  The Government is interested in research and development of small, medium, large caliber, non- lethal and directed energy weapon systems and its subsystems. These weapon systems include artillery, mounted mortars, infantry/soldier-borne armaments, combat vehicle mounted armaments, directed energy weapons, electro-magnetic weapon system, force protection weapon system, counter explosive hazard armaments, air defense armaments, and aircraft weapons systems; for both lethal and non-lethal applications.

  These include hand guns, rifles, carbines, machine guns, chain guns, crew served weapons, grenade launchers, multi-barrel Gatling guns, remote/robotic weapons systems and gun pods, mounted mortars, cannon caliber indirect fire systems (e.g. towed artillery and self-propelled artillery), electro-magnetic launch systems, non-lethal weapons/devices, and directed energy weapon systems (e.g. High Power Microwave, Radio Frequency weapons, laser weapons, high voltage/electrostatic discharge weapons) to damage/destroy materiel targets.

  Weapon systems components or subsystems include: cradles, gun mounts, gimbals, gun pods, manned/unmanned turrets, bi-pods, tri-pods, recoil mechanisms, elevation and traverse systems, equilibrators, suppressors, mounting rails, upper carriages, lower carriages, cabs, gun drives, electronic control systems, ammunition handling and loading systems, laser ignition systems, HPM/Radio Frequency (RF) sources, beam control, antennas, pulse power components, power supplies, operator station and controls, fire control integration, and supporting hydraulic, electric, structural, and protective subsystems.

• 23. ADVANCED MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGIES

  The Government is in need of research to develop advanced at platform automated maintenance systems that can support the Government's mission to protect the nation and / or warfighter from any potential threats with maintaining operational armament systems. Some of the areas for research are:

  a. Visual and Audio Interfaces

  b. Non-intrusive sensors

  c. Secure Wireless Communications

  d. Real-time Machine Learning Sensor Data Analytics

  e. Artificial Intelligence Fault Resolution Algorithms

  f. Secure distributed data collection

• 24. AUTOMATED TEST SYSTEMS (ATS) TECHNOLOGY

  The Government is in need of research to develop advanced automated test systems and sub- systems that can support maintaining readiness and availability of DoD platforms and achieve the goals of the National Defense Strategy. Some of the areas for research are:

  a. Electrical Optical test

  b. Radio Frequency test

  c. Augmented reality in automated test

  d. Parallel Test

  e. Cybersecurity

  f. Mechanical/Electrical Sensors

  g. Prognostics Data Collection Technology

• 25. ADVANCED MUNITION PAYLOADS

  As future engagements shift, a focus of smart munitions that include advanced payloads and deployed sensor packages will be necessary. The Government has a need for multi-unit collaboration among deployed assets while utilizing artificial intelligence during autonomous mission engagements. In order to prosecute missions, the USG has an interest in the following, but not limited to, topics:

  a. Advanced Target Recognition

  b. Vision Based Navigation for Unmanned Aerial and Terrestrial based Systems (UAS and UGV)

  c. Obstacle Avoidance

  d. Mission Prioritization

  e. Collaborative Engagement.

• 26. OPERATIONS RESEARCH SYSTEM ANALYSIS (ORSA) MODELING & SIMULATION TOOLS

  The Government is interested in enhancements and state of the art developments in Operations Research System Analysis (ORSA) and Modeling and Simulation (M&S) frameworks, models, methods, analysis and toolsets in support of weapon system evaluations in a Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) context.

  Item Level including sub-system model characterization (source code or black box executable) with an emphasis on novel warhead technology methodology and assessments, enhancements to existing M&S framework including high fidelity threat system modeling, and improvement to visualizations of simulation outputs.

  Operational Level including force on force combat simulations and visualizations, stand-alone or federated over High Level Architecture (HLA) / Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) protocols providing battlefield assessments of current and future weapon system technologies.

  Applications of methods, models and tools supporting a live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) modeling paradigm, incorporating of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning techniques and algorithms into combat models including sensor / shooter pairings and decision making, agent behaviors, and advanced targeting techniques.

• 27. JOINT PROGRAM EXECUTIVE OFFICE ARMAMENTS AND AMMUNITION (JPEO A&A) ITEM RESEARCH

  The Armaments Center intends that this BAA be used as a research tool for efforts in support of the Joint Program Executive Office Armaments and Ammunition (JPEO A&A) and the general items under their control. Note 1 below outlines the JPEO A&A organization. Note 2 lists the general items of interest, and associated technologies with a summary of short, mid, and long term objectives. Note 3 provides the specific needs of the Assured Precision Munitions branch of the JPEO A&A.

  Note 1: The JPEO A&A is organized under the following Program Management (PM) offices:

  • Project Manager Combat Ammunition Systems (CAS)

  • Project Manager Close Combat Systems (CCS)

  • Project Manager Maneuver Ammunition Systems (MAS)

  • Project Lead Joint Services

  • OEDCA- Executive Director Conventional Ammunition

  ➢ Single Manager for Conventional Ammo (SMCA)

  Note 2: General items of interest and associated technologies of interest for R&D efforts, some with short through long term objectives:

  1.Flares & Signals

  a. Tunable countermeasures (multi-purpose)

  b. Fully tunable effects (user selectable)

  2.Tank Ammo

  a. Depleted Uranium (DU) alternates

  b. Advanced Kinetic Energy (KE) and Advanced Multi-Purpose (AMP) technology

  c. Guided extended range for advanced targets

  3.Small Caliber

  a. Extended range guided with user tunable effects

  b. “Trace” capability in smart sight on the weapon vs. on the round

  c. “Ammo on demand” for User to “produce” the ammo as needed

  4.Artillery & Mortars

  a. Advancing the capabilities of precision cannon munitions

  b. Alternative Navigation (Alt-Nav) correction algorithms

  c. Ultra-Long range and Hyper-Velocity artillery

  d. Autonomous Networked Weapons

  5.Demolition

  a. Non-kinetic neutralization of explosives from standoff

  6.Bomb Technology

  7.Medium Caliber

  a. Collaborative/swarming effects

  b. “Ammo on Demand” logistics improvements

  8.Non-Lethal Technology

  9.Counter Explosive Hazard (CEH)

  a. Increased speed, autonomous operations and standoff for detection marking; associated lower cost technologies

  b. Detection and non-kinetic neutralization of explosives from standoff

  10.Grenade Technology

  Note 3: Assured Precision Weapons and Munitions PNT (Position Navigation and Timing) and NAVWAR Technology needs:

  1.Alternative sources of Position, Navigation, and/or Timing other than GPS for weapons and munitions (RF and non RF based)

  2.Assured Position Navigation and Timing (GPS and non GPS solutions) threat protection solutions

  3.PNT Software Defined Solutions for weapons and munitions

  4.Weapons and Munitions NAVWAR technologies supporting penetrating, disrupting, and disintegrating A2/AD environments and enabling situational awareness

  5.M&S tools facilitating NAVWAR analysis of weapons and munitions with possible integration into command and control constructs enabling optimal target and weapon/munition pairing in NAVWAR challenged environments

• 28. TECHNOLOGY EXPLOITATION

  The Government is interested in basic and applied research that involves the adaptation of advanced and innovative technology, processes and procedures from the private sector for military applications. Additionally, research that has transition potential of adapting existing military technology for unique warfighter needs are encouraged. Further, prototyping efforts, including state-of-the-art Additive Manufacturing, that assess manufacturing technologies and R&D systems at Government facilities are wanted. Finally, efforts that provide rapid response technologies to fulfill needs in critical, high priority missions that can maintain the quality and reliability of the systems are needed. This may also include coordinated efforts that evaluate operational environments and requirements in relation to a proposed technology.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond the direct award, companies benefit from:

Government Validation & Technical Credibility
Being selected by DEVCOM Armaments Center signals that your technology aligns with Army modernization priorities—significantly strengthening credibility with primes, integrators, and investors.

Non-Dilutive Technology Maturation
Awards allow companies to advance high-risk, high-impact technologies with non-dilutive capital, increasing enterprise valuation and accelerating commercialization.

Access to Army Technical Stakeholders
Awardees collaborate with government engineers, program offices, and test facilities—creating opportunities for future transition paths, follow-on funding, and insertion into Army programs of record.

Increased Visibility & Notoriety
Participation in Army-funded R&D often enhances visibility with Congress, DoD stakeholders, and defense industry partners.

Strengthened Exit / Acquisition Potential
Demonstrating government-backed R&D progress increases the likelihood of strategic partnerships or acquisition by major defense primes.

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

• BAA Open Period: Open until Mar 17, 2026.

• White Papers: May be submitted any time during the open period.

• Evaluation: Approximately 3 weeks after submission.

• Proposal Requests: Only if the white paper is rated Promising, though any offeror may voluntarily submit a full proposal.

• Awards: Rolling, contingent on available funding; multi-month contracting timelines should be expected.

Because the BAA is continuously open, funding timing varies but generally follows white paper evaluation → proposal submission → negotiation → award.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is provided by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Armaments Center, located at Picatinny Arsenal, under federal R&D authority including FAR 6.102(d)(2), 10 U.S.C. 2371/2358 (Other Transactions), and applicable DoD research statutes.

Who is eligible to apply?

All responsible sources may apply, including:

• Traditional and nontraditional defense contractors

• Small and large businesses

• Universities and research institutions

• Nonprofits

The BAA encourages participation from HBCUs and Minority Institutions.

SAM.gov registration is required prior to award. White papers and proposals must be submitted via email to the contracting POCs.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Highly competitive proposals will:

• Directly address one of the 28 detailed technology areas (e.g., advanced materials, energetics, AI/ML, fire control, autonomous munitions, logistics, digital engineering).

• Provide innovative, non-incremental research concepts

• Demonstrate feasibility, technical merit, and Army relevance

• Show strong organizational capability, facilities, and past performance

• Include clear pathways to future Army integration

Funded efforts typically target high-impact, dual-use, defense-relevant technologies aligned to Army modernization priorities such as long-range precision fires, soldier lethality, next-generation combat systems, and advanced energetics.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• Some OT awards may require cost share (e.g., 50/50 for research TIAs).

• Classified submissions require prior approval and special handling.

• Possession of a SECRET facility clearance is recommended for potential future phases (not needed to get started).

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Typical preparation timelines:

• White Paper: 2–6 weeks depending on complexity.

• Full Proposal (if requested): 6–12+ weeks for technical, cost, and contractual documentation.

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 to submit a white paper for a flat fee of $4,000.

Fractional support is $300 per hour, with most scout card projects requiring 10-12 hours of work.

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

See solicitation on sam.gov

DLA Military Unique Sustainment Technology III (MUST-III) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)

Updated October 2026: Amendment 0003 (August 13, 2026) reopened the MUST III BAA (SP4701-26-B-0001) for white papers. It stays open through December 2, 2030.

Executive Summary:

The Defense Logistics Agency’s MUST-III BAA provides up to $50M over five years for R&D that improves the military’s clothing and equipment manufacturing ecosystem. Companies may apply during the initial 45-day window (through Jan 16, 2026) for IDIQ consideration, or later through rolling White Paper submissions once the BAA reopens.

How much funding would I receive?

The BAA does not specify individual award ceilings, but it does specify:

• Total available program funding: up to $50M over 5 years.

• Awards are issued as cost-type contracts, which commonly support multi-hundred-thousand- to multi-million-dollar R&D projects.

• Each Short-Term Project (STP) is typically 3–24 months.

Historically, DLA ManTech STPs are substantial technical efforts—often sized to fully execute a discrete R&D solution (e.g., digital thread capability, manufacturing prototype, supply chain modeling tool).

What could I use the funding for?

Projects must align with one of the three Technical Areas of Interest:

• Digital as an authoritative source

  Establishing a single, trusted digital version of clothing and individual equipment specifications, manufacturing data, and sourcing details to reduce errors, increase speed, and enable automation throughout the supply chain.

  o This includes transitioning from traditional technical documents to digital data as the primary source of truth, ensuring all design, sourcing, and production information is timely, accurate consistent, accessible, and secure.

  o Emphasis should be placed on integrating model-based systems engineering, digital twins, and digital thread technologies. This transformation should rely on IT architectures that support interoperability, cybersecurity, and protection of intellectual property.

  o Advanced technologies such as augmented reality, AI, and machine learning could be utilized to bridge business and technical workflows, enhancing accuracy and operational efficiency.

  o Establishing secure, “time of need” information sharing capability e.g. Application Program Interfaces to enable distribution of technical data over the product lifecycle.

• Supply chain resilience in clothing and individual equipment

  Developing and demonstrating adaptive manufacturing capabilities and buffer strategies—like material stockpiles or alternate sourcing—that help the industry continue operating during surge requirements, large-scale conflicts, disasters, or disruptions.

  o Research in this area could focus on mapping supply chains, identifying critical bottlenecks, or developing models to simulate and respond to various disruptions. Tools like digital twin simulations of the supply chain and predictive analytics could be utilized to proactively address labor shortages, material delays, and capacity issues.

  o Researchers might also examine how to incorporate surge readiness, excess capacity strategies, and prepositioned material stockpiles to ensure stability in times of crisis.

  o Supplier categorization using digital platforms could support diversified sourcing and highlight alternative production pathways when traditional channels are compromised.

  o Develop capabilities to manufacture for low-volume or “made to measure” items, cost effectively with the very short lead-time needed to meet mission requirements (e.g. training goals).

• Innovation in clothing and individual equipment

  Encouraging research and development in novel materials, garment designs, and production methods (e.g. 3D knitting, advanced wearables, automated sewing) to enhance the performance, comfort, and scalability of military clothing and individual equipment.

  o Efforts should prioritize interfacing and coordinating with the Military Services on the development of cutting-edge textile technologies, next-generation uniform systems. This includes advanced manufacturing techniques. containerized and point-of-need manufacturing capabilities that allow rapid setup and deployment in remote or austere environments.

  o Research to encourage exploration into wearable technologies, self-healing fabrics, and automated production techniques such as 3D knitting and robotics. Digital representations of product lifecycles and materials performance, paired with a workforce trained in AI and digital tools, will ensure that new capabilities are both scalable and resilient.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond direct funding, companies gain several strategic advantages:

Government Validation & Credibility
Selection under DLA’s Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) program is a strong technical endorsement. This validation can accelerate partnerships with primes, OEMs, and investors who trust government-vetted innovation.

Visibility & Industry Notoriety
Awardees participate in DLA working groups and may be highlighted in federal program materials—raising national profile within the defense textile and advanced manufacturing ecosystem.

Access to DLA Experts & Ecosystem Collaboration
IDIQ awardees join a 5-year Working Group, providing direct collaboration with DLA program managers, CIE stakeholders, and other innovators—unlocking future contracting and transition opportunities.

Stronger Long-Term Valuation & Exit Potential
Advancing technology under nondilutive federal funding de-risks the product roadmap and strengthens valuation in future equity rounds or acquisition discussions—especially with defense, apparel manufacturing, or automation companies.

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

Initial Deadline:

• Full technical & cost proposals due January 16, 2026 (45 days after Dec 2, 2025 posting).

• These proposals are for IDIQ contract consideration.

After Initial Period:

• The BAA temporarily closes for evaluation.

• It then reopens for rolling White Paper submissions for the remainder of the 5-year period.

Award Timing:

• After evaluation, DLA notifies offerors of selection.

• Task orders (STPs) may or may not be immediately issued to IDIQ holders.

• Additional STPs may be awarded after White Papers → requested proposals → evaluation cycle.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) under the Department of Defense (DoD) Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) Program.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any responsible U.S. source capable of meeting government requirements, including:

• Large businesses

• Small businesses (including WOSB, HUBZone, SDB, VOSB, SDVOSB)

• Nonprofits

• Universities / Minority Institutions

• HBCUs

There is no set-aside.
Must meet minimum standards in: financial resources, accounting system adequacy, technical capabilities, past performance, and compliance with FAR Part 9.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Competitive applicants typically include companies with:

• Expertise in digital engineering, textile manufacturing, AI/ML, automation, or supply chain analytics.

• Demonstrated DoD or CIE manufacturing experience (digital data, prototyping, supply chain modeling).

• Capabilities aligned tightly to Technical Areas of Interest.

• Strong past performance and ability to transition solutions into the production environment.

Examples of strong project types:

• Digital twin implementation for apparel manufacturing

• Secure digital technical data environment (authoritative source of truth)

• Surge production capability modeling

• Automated sewing or 3D knitting demonstrations

• Wearable sensor textiles

• AI-enabled supply chain forecasting for CIE items

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key requirements include:

• Cybersecurity compliance (DFARS 252.204-7012, NIST SP 800-171, CMMC).

• No compensation for proposing STPs (including White Papers).

• Subcontracting plans required for large businesses on proposals > $750,000.

• Projects must be executed within U.S. regulations for export controls, IP, and data rights.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

For a first-time applicant, preparing a full proposal under this opportunity will likely take 150-200 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 + a 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.

Resources

See the full solicitation here.

DARPA Strategic Technology Office-Wide Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)

Updated October 2026: DARPA STO replaced its BAA with an office-wide Innovation Solutions Opening (DARPA-PS-26-09), which accepts submissions through December 18, 2026.

Executive Summary:

DARPA’s Strategic Technology Office (STO) BAA is soliciting breakthrough research concepts that create new mission-level capabilities beyond the current state of practice. The agency will fund a limited number of high-risk, high-reward proposals across a broad range of defense and national-security technical domains. Applications are due December 19, 2025.

How much funding would I receive?

DARPA does not publish fixed award amounts for this BAA. STO funds a limited number of proposals, and budgets are determined by the technical approach, the scope of work, and alignment with STO priorities.

What could I use the funding for?

DARPA's STO seeks innovative ideas and disruptive technologies that provide the U.S. military and national security leaders with trusted, disruptive capabilities across all physical domains (Air, Space, Sea, and Land) and across the spectrum of competition. STO programs deliver solutions at speed and scale for today's warfighters while developing the resilient "breakthrough" systems and technologies needed for future battlespaces. STO does not focus on one area of responsibility or phenomenology. Rather, STO programs capture the strategic, logistical, and tactical complexity of today's national security environments. STO is a "systems office" seeking to create new "proof-of-concept" mission systems. Its goals are to develop and demonstrate new capabilities that expand what is technically possible.

Research areas of current interest to STO include, but are not limited to, the following topics:

•  Acoustic communication and sensing

•  Adaptability

•  Advanced computing

•  Additive manufacturing

•  Architecture and advanced systems engineering

•  Artificial intelligence

•  Autonomy and control algorithms

•  "Big data" analytics

•  Combat identification

•  Command and control (C2)

•  Communications and networking, virtual and adaptive

•  Complexity management

•  Critical infrastructure defense

•  Decision aids and C2 technology

•  DevOps and novel software development and integration

•  Directed energy (DE)

•  Distributed autonomy and teaming (machine-machine, human-machine)

•  Economic security

•  Effects chain functions (disaggregated find, fix, finish, target, engage, assess)

•  Electro-optic/infrared sensors

•  Electromagnetic warfare (EW)

•  High-frequency (HF) communications and sensing

•  High voltage electric power systems and architecture

•  Human behavior modeling

•  Human-machine symbiosis

•  Industrial engineering

•  Integration and reliability technologies

•  Interoperability

•  Logistics

•  Modeling and simulation

•  Microwave and millimeter wave communications and sensing

•  Novel kinetic effects

•  Non-kinetic effects (EW, DE, cyber)

•  Optical technologies

•  Photonics

•  Radio technologies (especially software-defined and novel waveforms and processing)

•  Radar and adaptive arrays

•  Resilient systems

•  Robotics

•  Seekers and other expendable sensors and processing

•  Sensors and analytics

•  Signal processing

•  Space sensors, communications, autonomy, and architectures (especially supporting proliferated low earth orbit constellations)

•  Strategy analysis technology

•  Supply chain analytics

•  System of systems

•  Undersea and seabed technology

•  Tactics development technology

•  Testing and data collection

•  Very low earth orbit (VLEO) technology

•  Very low frequency (VLF) technology

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond the direct award, DARPA funding offers significant strategic advantages:

Government Validation and Credibility:
Receiving a DARPA award signals exceptional scientific and engineering merit, which accelerates engagement with primes, integrators, strategic partners, and investors.

Enhanced Visibility and Notoriety:
DARPA programs are frequently highlighted in federal communications, technical conferences, and defense media—boosting your company’s profile across the national security sector.

Ecosystem Access and Collaboration Opportunities:
Awardees gain access to DARPA program managers, government labs, test ranges, and a high-level innovation network—opening doors to future contracts and partnerships.

Stronger Exit and Acquisition Potential:
Nondilutive funding that matures breakthrough technology, combined with the DARPA “stamp,” often increases valuation and attractiveness to large defense, aerospace, semiconductor, and AI-focused acquirers.

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

Applications are due December 19, 2025.

DARPA does not publish a fixed award timeline.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) under the Strategic Technology Office (STO), a DoD organization responsible for advanced mission-level systems and emerging technologies.

Who is eligible to apply?

The BAA does not restrict eligibility. Typical DARPA BAAs accept proposals from:

• U.S. businesses of any size

• Universities

• Nonprofits

• Federally-funded research and development centers (with limitations)

Foreign entities may be subject to additional restrictions depending on classification and export-control considerations.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

DARPA will select proposals that score highly on scientific merit, mission relevance, and cost realism.

• High Scientific & Technical Merit: Innovative, feasible, and well-justified approaches with clear deliverables, identified risks and credible mitigations, and a team with the expertise to execute.

• Strong Contribution to DARPA’s Mission: Efforts that meaningfully advance U.S. national security capabilities, show a credible transition path to U.S. defense applications, and include an IP strategy that does not hinder government use.

• Realistic, Well-Substantiated Costs: Budgets that accurately reflect the level of effort, materials, labor, and technical scope—avoiding artificially low estimates and demonstrating efficient use of prior research and existing capabilities.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Proposals must not duplicate existing STO programs or other active STO BAAs.

• Research that yields incremental or “evolutionary” improvements is specifically excluded.

• Offerors are strongly encouraged to review current STO programs and speak with program managers before applying.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

For a first-time applicant, preparing a competitive submission under this BAA will likely take 120–160 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 Project + a 5% Success Fee.

Fractional support is $300 per hour, with most DARPA proposal projects requiring 80–100 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

See solicitation on sam.gov

CIRM CLIN2: Funding Opportunity for Clinical Trials

Updated October 2026: CIRM CLIN2 is open again. The mandatory pre-application consultation must be completed by October 23, 2026, and applications are due October 30, 2026 at 2 PM PT.

Executive Summary:

CIRM’s CLIN2 program provides up to $15M to advance interventional Phase 1–3 clinical trials for stem cell–based and genetic therapies addressing serious unmet needs. Applications are accepted quarterly, with 2026 deadlines falling on the last business day of January, April, July, and October at 2:00 PM PST.

How much funding would I receive?

Funding depends on the stage of your clinical trial:

• First-in-Human: Up to $8M (for-profit) / $12M (non-profit)

• Phase 2/Subsequent Phase 1: Up to $15M

• Phase 3/Pivotal: Up to $15M

What could I use the funding for?

The CLIN2 award supports completion of an interventional phase 1, 2 or 3 clinical trial for a stem-cell based or genetic therapeutic candidate and may also fund an associated natural-history comparator or lead-in normal healthy volunteer study. Applicants are encouraged to use accelerating trial designs where appropriate, such as basket trials or adaptive design dose-escalation protocols.

The CLIN2 Program aims to advance clinical candidates that have the potential for transformative patient impact and that address barriers to access and affordability. To support this goal, align with Proposition 14’s mandate, and remain responsive to an evolving scientific and regulatory landscape, funding preferences will be set on an annual basis. These preferences will be guided by portfolio analyses and other strategic considerations in a cyclical manner.

For fiscal year 2025-2026 CLIN2 cycles, the following modalities and project features will be prioritized:

• Pluripotent stem cell-derived therapies

• In vivo genetic therapies

• Therapies using non-viral nucleic acid delivery

• Projects addressing diseases of the brain and CNS

• Applications from California organizations

• Projects progressing from CIRM-funded IND-enabling or earlier phase clinical trial awards

• Projects with Fast Track, RMAT or Breakthrough designations

• Projects proposing pivotal clinical trials (as agreed-to by the FDA)

• Required Activities

  • All clinical operations activities needed to complete the trial according to the proposed timeline

  • Outreach, enrollment, and retention activities to achieve trial enrollment demographics reflecting the target patient population

  • Treatment of patients with the therapeutic candidate (or control) and follow-up visits per the clinical protocol

  • Sharing of any non-clinical as well as clinical data per the CIRM data sharing requirements

  • Establishment and regular convening of a Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) with clinical development expertise to provide forward-looking strategic advice

  • Activities associated with managing, preserving, and sharing data and knowledge from the study

  • Activities associated with access and affordability planning for the therapeutic candidate in the proposed indication

• Allowable Activities

  • Natural history studies needed for baseline or control data for the interventional trial

  • Lead-in studies in normal healthy volunteers for the interventional trial

  • Studies to develop biomarkers, understand mechanisms of action and develop a potency assay

  • Regulatory activities including FDA interactions and requests for designations

  • Non-clinical studies required by the FDA (FDA documentation required)

  • Strategic planning activities

  • Manufacturing activities to supply the current clinical trial, including technology transfer and FDA-approved comparability studies, if needed

• Conditionally Allowable Activity

  Manufacturing for the next phase trial. Funding of that activity will be conditioned on 1) an interim evaluation by CIRM and a panel of independent experts of the clinical trial data to date, and 2) provision of 50% co-funding for this activity, if co-funding is required as specified in “Award Amount and Duration” below

• Unallowable Activities

  • Costs incurred on or before the date of ICOC approval

  • Discovery or translational research

  • Activities already budgeted or paid for under a prior, existing or future CIRM award

  • The costs of activities performed by a separate out-of-state organization that retains intellectual property or independent publication rights in any intellectual property (e.g., invention, technology, data) arising out of the CIRM-funded project

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Government Validation and Credibility
CIRM’s rigorous review provides a powerful credibility signal to investors, strategic partners, and clinical collaborators.

Enhanced Visibility and Notoriety
Awardees benefit from increased recognition through CIRM communications and visibility across the state’s stem cell and gene therapy ecosystem.

Access to CIRM’s Specialized Infrastructure

• Alpha Clinics Network for trial acceleration and patient access

• GMP Manufacturing Network for cell and gene therapy manufacturing

• Industry Resource Partners including preferred CROs and CDMOs

Stronger Exit and Valuation Potential
Nondilutive capital allows companies to advance high-value programs without dilution, often increasing valuation and improving partnership or acquisition outcomes.

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

Applications Accepted: Quarterly

• 2026 Deadlines: Last business day of January, April, July, October at 2:00 PM PST

• GWG Scientific Review: ~90 days after deadline

• Board Approval: ~60 days after review

• Project Start: Within 60 days of approval

Total time from submission to project kickoff: ~6 months.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is provided by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) through Proposition 14, which supports the advancement of stem cell and genetic medicine programs statewide.

Who is eligible to apply?

For-profit or non-profit organizations

1. FDA-cleared IND (or submitted IND for CIRM-funded programs with clearance within 30 days)

2. PI with ≥15% effort

3. Project Manager with ≥50% effort

4. Data Project Manager

5. Applicant must be the IND sponsor

6. At least one California trial site

7. Must begin work within 60 days of board approval

8. Must meet co-funding and solvency requirements

What companies and projects are likely to win?

CIRM scores applications across five scientific merit categories:

1. Value Proposition – Whether the therapy offers meaningful clinical improvement over existing options, addresses unmet need, and is practical for real-world uptake by patients, providers, and payors.

2. Scientific Rationale – Strength of the biological justification, robustness of supporting data, and evidence of disease-modifying activity from relevant models or prior clinical studies.

3. Project Plan & Design – Whether proposed activities efficiently advance development, enable clear go/no-go decisions, support timely enrollment, include appropriate manufacturing plans, and can be delivered within the proposed budget, timeline, and risk-mitigation strategy.

4. Team & Resources – Expertise and coordination of the project team, access to required facilities (including manufacturing), and track record with stem cell or gene therapy programs.

5. Population Impact – Understanding of the affected population and strength of plans for representative outreach, enrollment, and retention.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

No funding for discovery or early translational research:

1. No pre-approval costs

2. No out-of-state work where the external organization retains IP/publication rights

3. Co-funding required for for-profits (30–50%)

4. Only one CLIN2 application per PI per cycle

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

For a first-time applicant, preparing a competitive proposal will likely take 150–250 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.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

Our full service support is available for $15000 Initial Fee + a 3% 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

View the Funding Announcement Here.

ARPA-H Health Science Futures (HSF) Mission Office BAA

Executive Summary:

The ARPA-H Health Science Futures (HSF) Mission Office is accepting Solution Summaries and full proposals for revolutionary health R&D under its Innovative Solutions Opening (ISO), ARPA-H-SOL-24-104. Multiple awards are anticipated via Other Transaction (OT) agreements. The ISO remains open through March 5, 2029, and you must submit a short Solution Summary and receive written feedback before a full proposal. Submissions must align with HSF focus areas (e.g., breakthrough technologies, transformative tools, and adaptable platform systems) and are expected to be high-risk, high-impact—incremental or clinical-trial-stage efforts are out of scope.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation does not specify dollar amounts or funding ceilings. Awards are made as Other Transaction (OT) agreements at the government’s discretion, with specific payment structures negotiated individually. As a rule of thumb, companies should request only what they need to reach a meaningful technical or commercialization milestone—a concrete point that clearly demonstrates feasibility, enables transition, or unlocks follow-on investment.

What could I use the funding for?

This ISO seeks solution summaries and proposal submissions for projects that fall within the general scope of the ARPA-H Health Science Futures (HSF) mission office. The HSF mission office expands what is technically possible by developing approaches that will remove the scientific and technological limitations that stymie progress towards the healthcare of the future. The HSF mission office
supports cutting-edge, often disease-agnostic research programs that have the potential for translational real-world change. Specifically excluded from consideration are proposals that represent an evolutionary or incremental advance in the current state of the art, or technology that has reached the clinical trial stage. An example of this type of proposal might include the request to fund clinical trials of an otherwise developed product. Additionally, proposals directed toward policy changes; traditional education and training; center coordination, formation, or development; and construction of physical infrastructure are outside the scope of the ARPA-H mission.

The following areas define the ground-breaking research that HSF seeks to support:

• Breakthrough Technologies

  Paradigm shifting technologies that will change how we approach the diagnosis, treatment, and impact of diseases and conditions.

  • Novel approaches to improve maternal and fetal medicine, decrease maternal morbidity and mortality during birth, and the post-partum period. Efforts should include new technology to monitor, detect, and/or treat maternal and/or fetal complications with less invasive and traumatic methods.

  • Foundational advances in genetic, epigenetic, cellular, tissue, and organ replacement therapies that enable personalized medical interventions at scale in a manner that is accessible, cost-effective, and designed to impact the communities of greatest need.

  • Interventions that target and reverse disease pathogenesis and/or enhance plasticity to address diseases of the nervous, neuromuscular, skeletal, lymphatic, cardiovascular, and other organ systems.

  • Novel approaches to definitively diagnose and cure chronic diseases including, but not limited to, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, etc.), and cancer.

  • Technologies that expand the precision, scale, and accessibility of brain circuit mapping technologies that enable causative neuropsychiatric links to mental health disorders leading to definitive diagnosis and reliable therapeutic monitoring.

• Transformative Tools

  Novel, agile solutions that will move from bench to bedside quickly, facilitating revolutionary advances in medical care.

  • Development of tools that counter idiosyncratic, off-target, or chronic effects of medicines that are commonly used or that are being used experimentally to treat or prevent disease.

  • Development of bionic or biohybrid devices that enable direct integration and communication with the body to activate restorative pathways that restore lost senses, physical abilities, immune functions, and other organ functions.

  • Site-selective neuromodulation to regulate specific physiological functions and treat chronic health conditions such as inflammation, pain, and metabolic or endocrine disorders.

  • Synthetic biology approaches incorporating novel logic mechanisms, disease targeting and response methods, and robust control strategies to diagnose, and/or cure a multitude of diseases.

  • Imaging or other technologies engineered from discoveries at the forefront of physics and/or chemistry that reduce cost, improve size and/or portability, increase availability, expand capability, improve resolution, reduce exposure to radiation, and accommodate pediatric patient populations.

  • Integrated sensing and therapy delivery devices for addressing chronic health conditions, including mental health conditions or substance use disorders.

• Platform Systems

  Adaptable, multi-application systems and technologies that are reconfigurable for a wide variety of clinical needs.

  • Novel molecular platforms to target and cure diseases, including the modulation of physiological systems, delivery to targets with spatial and temporal precision, and mitigation of off-target effects to accelerate interventions that dramatically improve health outcomes.

  • New approaches to accelerate and routinize mammalian and microbial cellular engineering to enable next generation therapeutic applications, develop multiscale interventions, and automate hypothesis generation and discovery to expand those applications to disease states in which cellular therapies have not traditionally been employed.

  • Innovative approaches at the intersection of artificial intelligence, high performance computing (including quantum computing) and biological systems, including enabling de novo design of biomolecules with entirely new phenotypes.

  • Revolutionary omics platforms that enable unprecedented spatial and temporal scales and resolution of physiological and disease mechanisms.

• Other Technologies

  Other high-quality submissions that propose revolutionary technologies that meet the goals of HSF will be considered even if they do not address the other listed topics.

  Proposals in response to this Innovative Solutions Opening (ISO) are expected to identify innovative approaches to enable revolutionary advances in medicine and healthcare and the science and technologies underlying these areas. While approaches that are disease agnostic are encouraged, ARPA-H welcomes proposals that offer radically new insights to address specific health conditions, including (but not limited to) cancer, cardiovascular, diabetes, infectious and neurological diseases, and pediatric and maternal/fetal health.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond the formal funding award, there are significant indirect benefits to receiving an ARPA-H Health Science Futures (HSF) agreement:

• Government Validation and Credibility:
  Being selected by ARPA-H—the nation’s newest high-impact biomedical research agency—signals exceptional scientific credibility and alignment with the federal government’s most forward-leaning health innovation priorities. This “ARPA-H validation” often accelerates partnerships with major healthcare systems, research institutions, and investors who recognize the rigor and selectivity of government-vetted innovation.

• Enhanced Market Visibility and Notoriety:
  Award recipients are frequently featured in ARPA-H announcements, federal health innovation communications, and national press coverage. This visibility positions your company as a recognized leader in translational health technology and attracts new collaborators, talent, and private-sector investment.

• Ecosystem Access and Collaboration Opportunities:
  ARPA-H performers gain access to a broad innovation ecosystem spanning federal health agencies, academic research centers, and industry partners. These relationships foster collaboration, facilitate regulatory readiness, and open pathways to follow-on contracts, pilot deployments, and commercialization opportunities within the U.S. health system.

• Nondilutive Growth and Strategic Leverage:
  Because funding is nondilutive, companies can scale and validate core technologies without giving up equity. This validation and maturity achieved under government sponsorship often lead to higher valuations and greater leverage in future fundraising or acquisition discussions.

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

Open period: now through March 5, 2029.

• Step 1 (required): Submit a Solution Summary via the ARPA-H Solution Submission Portal. ARPA-H strives to provide written feedback within 30 business days of submission.

• Step 2: If encouraged, you’ll generally have 45 calendar days from feedback to submit a full proposal (unless ARPA-H specifies otherwise).

• Review cadence: ARPA-H reviews proposals on a rolling basis and strives to issue a decision within 60 calendar days of receiving a full proposal.

• Award timing: After selection, final negotiations for an Other Transaction (OT) award are completed rapidly, and invoicing is handled through Payment Management Services.

Because of this streamlined process, most ARPA-H applicants move from initial Solution Summary to award decision in approximately 4–5 months—making ARPA-H one of the fastest federal funders for high-impact health innovation projects.

Where does this funding come from?

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), a federal R&D agency within HHS, issuing awards under the authority of 42 U.S.C. § 290c(g)(1)(D) via OT agreements.

Who is eligible to apply?

Academia, non-profit organizations, for-profit entities, hospitals, community health centers, and non-federal research centers. Non-U.S. entities may participate if compliant with all applicable laws.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Reviewers assess (in descending importance):

1. Scientific/technical merit—innovative, complete plans with clear deliverables, risks, and mitigations;

2. Contribution & relevance to ARPA-H’s mission—transformative potential, unmet need, commercialization/transition thinking, and IP/software approaches that enable adoption (preference for open standards/OSS where appropriate);

3. Team capabilities/experience—track record delivering similar efforts on budget/schedule;

4. Cost/budget alignment with the technical approach. ARPA-H encourages proposing the best technical solution over low-risk/minimal-uncertainty concepts.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Standards & IP: strong preference for open, consensus-based standards (e.g., FHIR/TEFCA, DICOM) and commercial-friendly open-source licenses when feasible; proposals must justify any deviations/standard extensions and may need a pre-submission meeting for exceptions. Provide good-faith IP rights representations; pre-publication review may be required when sensitive info could be disclosed.

• Compliance: Human Subjects (IRB), Animal Subjects (IACUC), NIH Genomic Data Sharing (if applicable), CUI handling, research security disclosures (including CHIPS/NPSM-33 requirements), and OCI disclosures/mitigation.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

For a first-time applicant, preparing a competitive full proposal under this BAA will likely take 120–160 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 $4,000 to submit a solution summary.

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.

Continuing Enabling, Enhancing, Restoring and Sustaining (CHEERS) Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA)

Executive Summary:

The Air Force Research Laboratory’s Human Effectiveness Directorate (AFRL/RH) and the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM) are awarding up to $1 billion in total funding under the CHEERS Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA) to support U.S. companies, universities, and research partners advancing technologies that enhance human performance, resilience, and health in aerospace and defense environments.

White papers are accepted through September 30, 2027, and proposal invitations are issued on a rolling basis. Companies should submit white papers as soon as possible in order to have the highest likelihood of funding.

How much funding would I receive?

Funding is project-dependent and determined by the technical approach propose. Typical awards will range from $300,000 to $5,000,000.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding can used for the full range of R&D activities from basic and applied R&D to prototype and experimental testing. See a list of focus areas below:

• Airman Systems Directorate (RH)

  Activities within the 711HPW are organized into research areas which are categorized based on the technology readiness level (TRL). Product lines focus on advanced technology development and identifying paths for technology transition while the CTC’s and CRA’s focus on basic research through early applied research. Each division further breaks down the research into Lines of Effort (LoE) or Product Area (PA) for each CTC or PL, respectively. Descriptors of PL, CTC and CRA are provided below:

  • Product Line (PL): An organizational construct within the Airman Systems Directorate for engineering and transition of technology to the Department of the Air Force and Department of Defense. A Product Line organizes and manages inter-related technology demonstrations and transition paths for Airman Systems Directorate technologies at late applied and advanced technology development stages. The product line may integrate research and engineering tasks across several CTCs within AFRL.

  • Core Technical Competency (CTC): CTCs represent the technical foundation that is difficult to duplicate and allows AFRL to provide unique technical leadership. They span basic research, applied research, and advanced technology development encompassing the people, information, facilities, equipment, and programs allowing AFRL to solve critical AF and national security problems.

  • Core Research Area (CRA): A subset of the Core Technical Competencies within the Airman Systems Directorate. CRAs represent a focused group of basic and early applied research, focused on investigating revolutionary, higher risk concepts. The CRAs mature new foundational technologies and transition promising research to product lines of the organization.

  Airman Biosciences (RHB)

  • Aerospace & Operational Medicine PL1: Matures and transitions aeromedical knowledge, technology, and materiel solutions in force health protection, human health and performance, and aeromedical evacuation & enroute care in order to enable, sustain, enhance, and restore operational and aeromedical health and human performance for Airmen executing Air Force missions across all operational domains. Objectives focus on generating high performance Airmen and Guardians through medical availability, enhancing joint combatant commander capabilities, and maximizing human capital and strategic resources by aligning resources to strategic and workforce development. The goal is to transition products that address validated AF/AFMS requirements by focusing on stakeholder engagement to ensure clear demand signals and to create and maintain extensive partnership network to ensure rapid execution and flexibility.

    • Air & Space Austere Environment Patient Transport (En Route Care) PA1: Advances combat casualty care in the air through biomedical research into interventional strategies and technologies that mitigate the risks for additional insult due to aeromedical evacuation. Transitions promising Science and Technology (S&T) into knowledge and material products that promote the recovery and return to duty of injured or ill service members, from point of injury back to definitive care. Research within this program includes but is not limited to ground medical operations in agile combat employment, autonomous care of patient movement, and optimization of patient movement.

    • Air & Space Force Health Protection (FHP) PA2: Medical development and biomedical technology investments seek to deliver an improved FHP capability across the full spectrum of operations with research that prevents injury/ illness through improved identification and control of health risks. Under FHP, subproject areas include Occupational Hazard Exposure (Includes Flight Hazards and Integrated Risk), Targeted Risk Identification, Mitigation and Treatment (Formerly Pathogen ID and Novel Therapeutics and includes Big Data), FHP Technologies Development and Assessment (Assay and disease detection), and Health Surveillance, Infection, Injury & Immunity. FHP also includes Innovations and Personalized Medicine. Operational medicine is focused on in garrison care – our next most critical issue post OIF/OEF – and how to care for the whole patient and consideration of comorbidities in treatment of wounded warriors and dependents.

  • Biotechnology for Performance, Research, and Demonstration PL2: Develops and delivers capabilities to enhance human performance in near-peer conflict. Objectives focus on modular systems that integrate with warfighting platforms and maintaining and enhancing end-user engagement to ensure relevance and realism all while working in close sync with DoD and external partners to deliver high value solutions. The goal is to build momentum for Wearable technology, continue to develop and advocate for human assessment & tracking, strategically plan for product usage in austere environments, and expand on current platform products to develop and connect capabilities with operational challenges.

    • Airman Sensing & Assessment PA1: Develop and demonstrate advanced prototype products that integrate physiological, cognitive, behavioral, and environmental sensing capabilities with validated analytics, assessments, and intervention capabilities to sustain and enhance air and space operator performance.

    • Human Performance Augmentation & Development PA2: Develop and deliver capabilities to enhance human performance in near-peer conflict by focusing on modular systems that integrate with warfighting platforms. Working in close sync with DoD and external partners to deliver high value solutions to maintain and enhance end-user engagement to ensure relevance and realism.

    • Air & Space Physiology, Medicine, and Human Performance (HP) PA3: Enables, sustains, and optimizes performance of Airmen through elevation and alleviation of health effects associated with AF operational missions. Addresses operational environments such as the mitigation of stress in AF personnel, to include aircrew, care providers, aircraft maintainers, intelligence, surveillance and cyber operators, as well as remote piloted aircraft operators. Research within this project includes but is not limited to airman performance and readiness, advancing air and space medicine, and medical operator performance digital engineering. Advanced technology development to enable, sustain, and optimize cognitive, behavior and physiologic performance in highpriority career fields for the United States Air Force (USAF) and in multidomain operations. The sub-project areas include cognitive and physiologic performance under operational and environmental stressors, detection and improvement of physiological performance, and safety via sensor systems and targeted conditioning, which includes training techniques for optimal performance. This project also develops and demonstrates technologies which ingest health status monitoring data to provide scalable situational awareness of individual, unit, and group medical readiness in support of command and control and develops strategies to mitigate performance limitations through physical, pharmacological/non-pharmacological, or behavioral medical interventions and/or technological augmentation.

  • Medical and Operational Biosciences CTC1: Develops, validates, and enhances medical and operational biosciences and emergent biotechnologies for transition into advanced development products in the Air and Space operational environment to lead to a highly resilient and medically ready force. These products can sense, assess, sustain, and segment warfighter physiological-cognitive performance in multi-domain operations. Deliverables will be enhancing and researching new technologies and concepts to sustain, augment, and restore the multi-domain Airman & Guardian Health and Performance. Customers, end-users, and stakeholders include the DHP and DAF 6.3 programs and product lines: Human Performance/Medical Readiness, Force Health Protection, and En Route Care as some of the primary users.

    • Biotechnology for Health and Performance CRA1: The Biotechnology for Health and Performance CRA utilizes multivariant, systems biology approaches to provide advanced science and technology solutions to understand the warfighter’s biologic state and the underlying mechanism of responses with the goal of enabling, enhancing, and sustaining the human's ability to dominate air, space and cyberspace.

    • Applied Cognitive Neurosciences CRA2: Develops and validates technologies in cognitive neuroscience and physical performance to sustain, augment, and recover operator performance and determine medical attributes/metrics for optimal career field alignment.

    • Health and Performance Sensing and Assessment CRA3: Develops sensing technologies in a variety of form factors to identify, validate and monitor human signatures related to Airmen's and Guardians’ health, exposures and physical/cognitive performance in their associated environments. The research from this CRA will develop sensing solutions optimized for real-time, noninvasive and autonomous sensing and assessing capabilities to enhance and protect Airmen and Guardians in a variety of operational environments.

    • Biomedical Impact of Air and Space CRA4: Conducts research investigating Airman and Guardian performance degradation resulting from exposure to air and space environments and seek understanding the fundamental mechanisms driving environmental and operational risks. Develop technologies to mitigate or eliminate the root physiologic causes of these degradations and to ultimately optimize Airman and Guardian performance resulting in the capability to fly faster, higher, and longer than our adversaries.

  Bioeffects (RHD)

  • Bioeffects PL: Creates and demonstrates developmental technology & tools to generate products/applications. These products provide optimized design requirements for weapon systems & personal protection device developers, risk and collateral hazard assessments for directed energy systems, and analysis libraries for the representation of humans as part of model-based systems engineering approaches and within engineering-level models of system performance, informing overall system performance impacts and adding fidelity to concepts in wargames. Approaches include the integration of components in engagement and mission-level simulation tools within USAF and DoD software architectures, and model-based systems engineering artifacts to enable future integration and technology transition. Key technologies include directed energy bioeffects systems characterization and risk assessment, directed energy bioeffects components of modeling and simulation tools, and human representation in digital engineering.

  • Bioeffects CTC1: The Bioeffects CTC will conduct research to enable the maximum safe exploitation of the electromagnetic spectrum for nation defense by protecting personnel & communities and assessing weapons applications. CTC research will focus on characterizing fundamental bioeffects, optimizing the safety/effectiveness of directed Energy systems, developing/assessing dosimetry tools, modeling & simulation of products/applications, protecting device development and providing science-based information to national & international safety standards.

    • Directed Energy Bioeffects Modeling, Simulation, & Analysis CRA1: The directed energy bioeffects modeling, simulation, & analysis core research area emphasizes research that focuses on new modeling, simulation, and analysis techniques which represent and optimize concepts of directed energy systems employment from the bioeffect standpoint, develops capabilities for studies and means of measuring of effectiveness and suitability for directed energy systems to include direct, scalable, and collateral effects. Research areas include highperformance/ high-fidelity multi-physics simulations, advanced electromagnetic dosimetry models, mechanistic theories & models of injury, thermal/thermoregulatory response models, physics-to-physiology color vision theory, component models of human response to directed energy, statistical approaches for risk assessment, near-real-time numerical approaches and surrogating complexity through machine learning.

      • Directed Energy Bioeffects Modeling Simulation & Analysis LOE1: Develop and mature physics & engineering-level models for directed energy dosimetry & the resulting biological effects; create algorithms encapsulating empirical datasets & physics-level models of directed energy dose response; supports directed energy modernization campaign and enables the Directed Energy Weapons Review and Approval (DEWRAP) process.

      • Directed Energy Bioeffects Dosimetry LOE3: Develop novel dosimetry to better understand directed energy interactions and injury to inform software approaches enabling simulation of dynamic scenarios; supports directed energy modernization.

    • Directed Energy Bioeffects & Mechanisms CRA2: The directed energy bioeffects & mechanisms CRA provides fundamental knowledge of mechanisms of interaction of directed energy with molecules, cells, tissues, and organs in support of military directed energy systems and enables future weapon systems with scalable, disruptive, and ultra-precise effects. Research areas include: discovery science for understanding mechanisms, neurobiological & behavioral response to directed energy, hardening of biological targets to directed energy, mechanistic response of human vision to directed energy, epigenetic response to directed energy exposure, membrane and ion channel response to rapid onset exposures, supra-threshold response – severity of effects, and human factors in technologies for protection.

      • Research in Directed Energy Multi-Interaction Systems LOE2: Develop and deliver an integrated modeling environment and studies to address critical national defense interests & prevent technological surprises. Study radio frequency, combined or synergistic responses, and their interaction with biology.

      • Directed Energy Hazard & Protection Assessment LOE4: Feedback & expertise for DoD to optimize safety/performance trades for directed energy systems; evaluation of dose-response of directed energy exposures to achieve specific endpoint; understand human vision response to optical radiation and related protective devices; elucidate margin of effectiveness and safety to meet DoD mission success. Assure no technology surprise.

      • Directed Energy Weapon Effects LOE5: Feedback & expertise for DoD to optimize safety/performance trades for directed energy systems & provide scientific basis for risk criteria definitions; Allows directed energy weapon modernization & enables review and approval processes for weapons systems.

  Warfighter Interactions & Readiness (RHW)

  • Airman-Machine Integration PL1: Delivers advanced, situationally-adaptive and scalable interface technologies and decision aiding tools. S&T is focused on ABMS compliant, intuitive user interfaces, and intelligent aided decision support to provide rapid, accurate battlefield awareness, maximized distributed human-machine team performance and decision superiority. Operator-centric interfaces increase human combat capabilities while managing human cognitive workload in complex, degraded environments. Key technologies include human-autonomy collaboration and trust in autonomy, development of successful distributed, heterogeneous teams with metrics of team performance, exploitation of human perception and enhancement of operational communication. These efforts address the critical needs for ABMS and JADC2 with optimal human-machine teams ready to operate.

  • Readiness PL2: Develops and extends technologies and tools for improving the cognitive effectiveness, performance and proficiency of airmen in current and potential future operational mission contexts. Aims to deliver operationally relevant, unobtrusive, integrated metrics, software, & hardware to assess proficiency & readiness in real-time. Develops methodologies to create models & algorithms for performance prediction, training support, & automated instruction. Key technologies include the ability to support multi-capable airmen resilience and mission performance in austere deployed contexts and develop standards for sharable scenario content, data, models, & metrics.

  • Analytics PL3: Identifies & matures software that streamlines workflow & enables cognition at the scale of war, enabling airmen effectiveness in the air, space, & cyberspace domains for effective C2ISR in Multi-Domain Operations. Develops analytic tools that optimize human cognition with the power of machine computation, thereby enabling consumers to better visualize, interpret, and act on information. Aims to deliver software that is open-architecture, modular, networked, and distributed; able to leverage statistics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence; and focuses on speed, accuracy, insight, and action.

  • Warfighter Interfaces and Teaming CTC1: The Warfighter Interfaces and Teaming CTC will conduct research to enable robust decision superiority across our Air and Space Forces by dynamically optimizing the integration of Warfighter cognition with increasingly complex and intelligent machines/systems, creating maximally effective and resilient warfighting teams. CTC research will focus on discovering, developing, evaluating, and transitioning advanced adaptive warfighter interface technology, mission-optimized distributed team performance enhancements, communication management processes, and context-tailored intelligent decision aids/analytics in order to achieve and maintain decision superiority in uncertain environments against peer threats.

    • Distributed Teaming and Communication CRA1: The Distributed Teaming & Communication CRA emphasizes research that explores the rapid formation, real-time assessment, and dynamically optimized performance of distributed heterogeneous teams of warfighters as well as human-machine teams in order to enable rapid, agile & robust mission operations. Research areas will include: methods to enable the rapid formation of mission-effective heterogeneous teams, dynamic monitoring / assessment of team performance via optimal assemblage of novel and existing metrics, adaptive tactics for recovery from real or predicted team performance degradations, and novel distributed communication & collaboration tools, technologies and management methods that are responsive to variable network environments.

      • Dynamic Team Performance Assessment LOE1: Enable the rapid formation, real-time assessment, and dynamically optimized performance of distributed heterogeneous teams of warfighters as well as human-machine teams in order to enable rapid, agile & robust mission operations. Research areas include methods to support the rapid formation of mission-effective heterogeneous teams, dynamic monitoring of team performance via optimal assemblage of novel and existing metrics, and real-time contextual aids from team communication.

      • Team Optimization and Recovery LOE2: Design, develop, and evaluate team optimization and recovery technologies to enhance communication, coordination, and improve decision making among distributed teams. Research areas include interfaces to support joint tasking and team shared awareness (SA) across multiple domains as well as conversational AI technologies to enable high bandwidth natural communications.

    • Human Machine Interactions CRA2: The Human-Machine Interactions CRA emphasizes research to identify principles of human interaction with highly complex systems, including advanced automation & increasingly intelligent AI enabled machines. The goal of this research is to achieve and sustain decision superiority across complex & uncertain mission environments. Research areas include identifying, characterizing and overcoming key challenges to warfighter interactions with complex and intelligent systems such as situationally-adaptive interface design and usability, knowledge representation across sensory modalities, system observability & transparency, directability, joint cognitive decision making, and maintaining calibrated trust across changing conditions.

      • Rapid Joint-Cognitive Awareness LOE1: To develop human-centric interfaces and interaction strategies for improved AI/automation transparency, closed-loop adaptive systems that are responsive to warfighter state, and advanced techniques for effectively visualizing large, complex data sets.

      • HMI-enabled Decision Superiority LOE2: To develop capabilities for continuous planning for C2, next generation interfaces for complex intelligent platforms, and interfaces tailored for emerging Cognitive Warfare (CogWar) concepts.

  • Human Learning and Cognition (HLC) CTC2: The Human Learning and Cognition CTC enables more lethal Air and Space Forces through research on human multisensory perception, learning, information processing, and action. The research seeks to maximize mission effectiveness by (1) Establishing a persistent, global training and test ecosystem that creates the foundation for personalized, proficiency-based readiness for multi-capable Airmen and Guardians in joint all-domain operations, (2) Creating capabilities that allow teams of humans and machines to adapt and learn together in real time in training and operational settings, & (3) Advancing considerations of human performance in system development and operational planning with digital models of perception, cognition, & action.

    • Digital Model of Cognition CRA1: The Digital Models of Cognition Core Research Area emphasizes research to identify computational and mathematical mechanisms to represent human perception, information processing, and behavior, including the integration of models that reflect the role of internal and external factors that modulate performance efficiency and effectiveness. The goal is to develop holistic models that support quantitative understanding and prediction of mission effectiveness across domains and at different levels of abstraction for improved systems engineering, wargaming, and operational planning.

      • Holistic Models for Decision-Making LOE1: Develop models of cognitive systems that support quantitative understanding and prediction of mission effectiveness for decision superiority.

      • Information Mastery in Cognitive Warfare LOE2: Analytic methods, models, and tradecraft that enables operators to improve Information-Related Capability (IRC).

    • Learning and Operational Training CRA2: The Learning and Operational Training Core Research Area emphasizes learning and understanding in the context of evolving technology. This includes research to establish an ecosystem that maximizes mission effectiveness while minimizing costs by matching technologies to learning and performance needs; supporting high resolution human and system measurement and quantitative, proficiency-centric readiness assessment and prediction at the individual and team levels; and exploring how to enable human and machine co-learning to support mutual adaptation and understanding in human-machine teams.

      • Warfighter Learning Technologies LOE1: Research, demonstrate, & transition learning technologies, methods, & infrastructure for personalized, proficiency-based readiness.

      • Co-Learning for Adaptive Human and Machine Teams LOE2: Establish the foundation for interactive learning and collaborative training of humans and AI-enabled machines to enable uniquely effective human-autonomy teams.

• United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM)

  Aerospace Medicine and Physiology

  • Aerospace Physiology: Solutions relating to physiologic assessment of aircrew in high altitude Fighters/Trainers.

    • Assessments of the physiologic response to exposures and stressors from the fighter/trainer environment; can cover any of the following: including effects of fluctuating pressure, high O2, air quality, breathing resistance, thermal burden, dehydration, rest/sleep (physical fatigue), cognitive fatigue, Aircrew Flight Equipment (AFE) integration (how AFE impacts in-flight physiology, and how AFE components interact with each other to impact physiology and aircrew performance), and combined stressors on performance and decision making in ground-based testing and operational environments, including the analysis of potential countermeasures to optimize pilot performance and eliminate sources of risk.

    • Solutions to sustain Aircrew performance in extreme environments.

    • Conduct comprehensive technology assessments of the current military health system simulators that can monitor and track physiologic responses from training student pilots.

    • There is a strong demand for wearables that are cross compatible across multiple systems to collect physiologic data, that are reliable and validated in the operational environment. Offerors are to conduct a comprehensive technology assessment of commercial off the shelf products, including their suitability for use in the operational environment and their validated measurement capabilities, to help aid aircrew and decision makers on what can be flown in the aircraft and what can be accurately collected from those sensors.

    • Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention and Treatment for Aircrew and Maintainers: Neck and back pain is a known occupational hazard for the high-performance aircraft community. The government seeks solutions, including tools to prevent, reduce, screen and diagnose musculoskeletal condition as well as alternative/integrative medicine approaches, for prevention or treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. Proposed solutions shall focus on providing reliable measurements to determine platform-specific neck/back dysfunction and improvements due to embedded care.

    • Gender-specific operational aircrew considerations

    • Assessment, modeling, detection, and/or mitigation Aircrew and Operator fatigue

  • Precision Medicine and Medical Standards: Development of solutions relating to the following areas:

    • Surveillance of conditions, indications, clinical practice guideline adherence, and outcomes to support cost benefit analyses for Air Force population.

    • Genomics for mishap investigations (gene expression, subtracting human and molecular autopsy).

    • Studies providing data to support evidence-based aerospace medicine standards and waivers.

    • Psychological Performance and Mental Health (solutions should relate to at least one of the following areas)

      • Mental health and psychological disorders amongst airmen and potential influence on readiness and retention.

      • Neurocognitive diversity; cognitive testing and correlates with mental health and other outcomes.

      • Assessment of the feasibility of integrating the use of personality data and wearable technology to facilitate adjustment and success during career specific training. Personality assessments and wearables both as tools to facilitate readiness via positive change, wellbeing, and performance by increasing self-awareness.

  Public Health and Preventative Medicine

  • Development, optimization, and validation of pathogen detection methodologies

  • Cancer analysis in the Air Force population

    • Development and evaluation of prototypes that can identify carcinogenic toxins or hazardous materials associated with military flight operations from shipboard or land bases or facilities.

    • Development and evaluation of prototypes that can identify exposures to ionizing radiation and nonionizing radiation from which airmen could have received increased radiation amounts.

    • Establishment of guidelines for carcinogen exposure as it relates to demographics for each airman to include duty stations, duties and aircraft flow.

    • Establishment of guidelines that outline the duties and potential exposures of airmen that are associated with higher incidence of cancer.

    • Development and evaluation of screening tools and/or methods that relate to carcinogen exposure to airmen.

  • Assess methodologies to prevent wound infection.

  • Assess infectious disease conditions in Air Force populations.

  Occupational Medicine and Bioenvironmental Engineering

  • Enhancement of capabilities to detect, measure, and assess occupational and environmental health hazard contaminants and extreme environmental conditions.

    • Assess technologies to enhance capabilities to detect and identify chemical, biological, toxins, radiological, directed energy, poisons and physical hazards on surfaces (including soil and powder), in liquids and in the air in near real-time at the detector's point of operation and notify end user of risk.

    • Assessment of Aviation-Specific Exposures

    • Develop, test and evaluate real-time health threat surveillance and reporting system inclusive of all available health information/databases to identify risks/outbreaks and provide decision support to operational commanders.

  • Evaluation/development of mitigation technology capable of reducing or eliminating occupational and environmental health hazard risks.

  En Route Care/Expeditionary Medicine/Prolonged Field Care: Needs in this area include medical capabilities to support in route care to/from remote, austere settings, and in extreme environments.

  • Training methodologies to improve operational readiness for individuals and teams responsible for delivering basic and advanced en route care capabilities within the aeromedical evacuation system.

  • Technology assessment/development to support the Air Force Surgeon General’s medical modernization priorities with a focus on modernizing outdated technologies and techniques to promote en route care growth/preparation for future peer/near-peer conflicts involving mass casualty care.

  Education and training technologies and methodologies to support efforts to generate, develop, and maintain skillsets across the AOME.

  Applications of data science to analyze medical and operational data and outcomes across the AOME, which may include implementation of AI and machine learning to answer operationally relevant questions.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond direct funding, CHEERS participation offers significant indirect advantages for growth and strategic positioning:

Government Validation and Credibility:
Selection under AFRL’s CHEERS program signals strong technical merit and alignment with Department of the Air Force human performance priorities—an endorsement that enhances your credibility with defense primes, OEMs, and investors.

Enhanced Market Visibility and Notoriety:
Awardees benefit from exposure in federal announcements, AFRL communications, and defense industry press—raising visibility and positioning your company as a trusted innovation partner in the human-performance and aerospace ecosystem.

Ecosystem Access and Collaboration Opportunities:
CHEERS projects operate within a national network that includes top-tier military researchers, AFRL directorates, and medical readiness centers. This access often leads to future R&D partnerships and contracting opportunities.

Stronger Exit and Acquisition Potential:
By advancing your technology with nondilutive support and demonstrating government-backed validation, companies can increase valuation and strengthen their position for acquisition or strategic investment by defense and medical technology leaders.

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

• White Paper Deadline: Rolling through September 30, 2027. This means applicants should apply as soon as possible before funds are fully expended.

• Review Period: Technically 180 days for AFRL to review white papers - but it could also be reviewed faster.

• Proposal Invitation: AFRL will invite full proposals only from offerors whose white papers align with Air Force needs.

• Proposal Deadline: Defined in each Request for Proposal (RFP).

• Award Timing: Awards are issued once funds become available; no awards are made until funding is confirmed.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is issued by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) under the following authorities:

• Open Period 1: 10 U.S.C. 4001 / FAR 35.016 (Broad Agency Announcement).

• Open Period 2: 10 U.S.C. 4023 (Procurement for Experimental Purposes).

These authorities allow AFRL to fund both research contracts and prototype agreements, depending on project maturity and experimental needs.

Who is eligible to apply?

1. Open to U.S. companies, universities, and research organizations.

2. Foreign participation is allowed subject to export and security controls.

3. Cost sharing is not required.

4. Offerors may submit multiple white papers, provided each represents a distinct technical approach.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Offer innovative, defense-relevant solutions that measurably enhance warfighter performance, medical readiness, or operational resilience.

1. Demonstrate clear technical feasibility, transition potential, and sound risk mitigation.

2. Show strong alignment with AFRL’s human effectiveness and medical research priorities.

3. Have experienced teams capable of performing under experimental or prototype authorities.

Evaluation criteria (in descending order of importance):

1. Uniqueness and innovation.

2. Understanding of scope and technical approach.

3. Technical soundness and team qualifications.

4. Transition potential.

5. Cost realism and value.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Export Control: Some projects may require U.S. or Canada Joint Certification (DD 2345).

• Human/Animal Subjects & Hazardous Materials: Approval requirements vary by project and will be outlined in each solicitation.

• S&T Protection: AFRL’s Science and Technology protection and OPSEC rules apply.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

For a first-time applicant, preparing a competitive white paper + full proposal will likely take 120–200 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.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

Our full service support is available for the White Paper for $3000. Full proposal quoted upon invitation.

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

View the Funding Announcements:

• Continuing Human Enabling Enhancing Restoring and Sustaining (Master Announcement)

• CHEERS Open Period 1 - All Technical Areas

• CHEERS Open Period 2 - All Technical Areas

CHIPS Research & Development Office (CRDO) Broad Agency Announcement

Executive Summary:

The CHIPS Research and Development Office (CRDO) at NIST is awarding at least $10 Million per award—via Other Transaction (OT) agreements—for research, prototyping, and commercialization projects that advance U.S. microelectronics, including work tied to AI, quantum, biotechnology/biomanufacturing, commercialization of innovation, and standards. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis which means companies should submit white papers ASAP. Receive a complimentary assessment to see if your company and project is a fit for this funding.

How much funding would I receive?

Budgets should be at least $10 million and reflect actual project needs. CRDO may fund only a portion of total costs and can fund multi-phase projects incrementally based on satisfactory progress, mission fit, and availability of funds. Awards are negotiated as OT agreements. Cost sharing is not required for all awards, though CRDO may choose to fund only part of a project.

What could I use the funding for?

Eligible activities include research, prototyping, and commercialization efforts that strengthen U.S. leadership and the domestic semiconductor ecosystem. Priority topic areas include:

• Semiconductors (e.g., advanced testing/assembly/packaging, next-gen devices and memory, design co-optimization, automation/AI in fabs, secure supply chains)

• Application of AI for advanced microelectronics R&D (e.g., compute efficiency, edge AI, cryogenic ops, fab acceleration)

• Application of quantum technology (e.g., scalable quantum computing, quantum networks/sensing, domestic production of quantum hardware)

• Application of biotechnology/biomanufacturing for microelectronics (e.g., bioelectronics, implantable devices, scaling domestic bio-electronics manufacturing)

• Commercialization of innovations (e.g., adopting and commercializing federally funded discoveries, including through consortia)

• Standards development (e.g., quantum manufacturing, data/design/provenance/security standards).

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond the formal funding award, there are significant indirect benefits to receiving a CHIPS R&D Office (CRDO) award:

• Government Validation and Credibility:
  Being selected by NIST’s CRDO signals strong technical credibility and alignment with national semiconductor priorities. That stamp of approval often accelerates partnerships with OEMs, primes, and investors who trust government-vetted innovation.

• Enhanced Market Visibility and Notoriety:
  Award recipients frequently receive public recognition in federal announcements, CHIPS R&D Office communications, and industry press. This visibility helps position your company as a trusted, strategic player in the microelectronics ecosystem.

• Ecosystem Access and Collaboration Opportunities:
  CRDO-funded projects are part of a national innovation network—creating opportunities to collaborate with leading researchers, manufacturers, and other awardees. Such access can unlock supply chain partnerships and future contracting opportunities.

• Stronger Exit and Acquisition Potential:
  By maturing technology under nondilutive support and demonstrating government-backed validation, recipients often achieve greater value at exit—especially when positioning for acquisition by larger defense, semiconductor, or AI hardware firms.

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

Applications (beginning with a required White Paper) are accepted on a rolling basis through September 30, 2029 via Grants.gov. If a White Paper shows sufficient merit and relevance, CRDO may invite a Pre-negotiation Package (detailed technical and cost proposal). Awards are made on a rolling basis as packages are evaluated and terms are finalized. A specific funding disbursement date is not specified. Maximum project period is up to 5 years.

Where does this funding come from?

U.S. Department of Commerce, NIST—through the CHIPS Research and Development Office (CRDO)—under authority including 15 U.S.C. § 4656 and related CHIPS R&D statutes/policies. Assistance Listing: 11.042 CHIPS R&D.

Who is eligible to apply?

Domestic entities only: for-profit organizations, non-profits, accredited higher-education institutions, FFRDCs, and Federal entities (with conditions). Individuals and unincorporated sole proprietors are not eligible. Subawardees may include the above and foreign partners not otherwise prohibited, subject to security and other requirements.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Projects that:

• Advance national and economic security and U.S. technology leadership by strengthening domestic semiconductor supply chains and workforce

• Demonstrate strong scientific/technical merit with clear deliverables

• Show feasibility (experienced team, realistic costs, risk mitigation)

• Have credible commercial viability (market demand, transition plan)

• Show financial viability (sound capex, financial health, credible capital plan).

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Domestic production and control of IP: Foreign entities can apply but should develop and own the IP in the US.

• Security restrictions: no funds to foreign entities of concern; compliance with research security disclosures; prohibition on malign foreign talent recruitment programs

• CRDO may require return-on-investment instruments (e.g., equity, warrants, IP licenses, royalties/revenue sharing)

• Scope: general AI projects not directly tied to advanced microelectronics R&D are out of scope

• Reporting: financial, performance, and/or technical reports are required.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

For a first-time applicant, preparing a competitive submission under this BAA will likely take 120–180 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 CHIPS R&D initiatives.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

Our support is available at $300 per hour, with most CRDO proposal projects requiring 80–100 hours of expert support from strategy through submission.

For non-VC backed 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

• Webinar - How to Win $10M for R&D from the New CHIPS CRDO BAA

• View Solicitation on Grants.Gov