DOE // The Genesis Mission: Transforming Science and Energy with AI (DE-FOA-0003612)

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

Executive Summary:

This Department of Energy (DOE) funding opportunity—“The Genesis Mission: Transforming Science and Energy with AI” (DE-FOA-0003612)—is a large-scale, multi-agency initiative to fund interdisciplinary teams using AI to accelerate scientific discovery and energy innovation.

You can apply for FY26 Phase I by April 28, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern.

This is a high-priority federal AI + energy program with $293.76 million in total funding available, targeting sectors like advanced manufacturing, biotech, nuclear, fusion, semiconductors, and energy systems.

If you are building AI-enabled science or energy technology and can form a strong multi-institution team, this is a flagship opportunity with significant funding and long-term follow-on potential.

How much funding would I receive?

• Phase I: $500,000 to $750,000

• Phase II: Envisioned as 3 to 5 times the Phase I award

• Total program funding: ~$293.76 million

• Project duration:

  • Phase I: 9 months

  • Phase II: 3 years

• Number of awards: Not specified (depends on merit and available funds)

What could I use the funding for?

Funding supports R&D using AI models and frameworks to accelerate scientific discovery and energy systems innovation.

Eligible work includes:

• AI-driven scientific workflows and models

• Integration of AI with experimental and computational research

• Development of digital twins, simulations, and predictive models

• Automation of research, experimentation, and analysis

Topic areas include:

• Advanced manufacturing

• Biotechnology

• Critical materials

• Nuclear fission and fusion

• Quantum information science

• Semiconductors and microelectronics

• Energy systems and discovery science

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

• Potential integration into the American Science Cloud (AmSC)

• Access to DOE/NNSA National Laboratories, datasets, and infrastructure

• Participation in the Genesis Mission ecosystem and consortium collaborations

• Opportunity for Phase II expansion (3–5x funding scale)

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

Key deadlines:

• FY26 Phase I Applications: April 28, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern

• FY26 Phase II Letters of Intent: April 28, 2026, at 5 PM Eastern

• FY26 Phase II Applications: May 19, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern

• Phase II (from Phase I awards): December 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern

• Selection timing: Not specified in the solicitation

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from multiple DOE offices, including:

• Office of Science (SC)

• Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation (CMEI)

• Office of Environmental Management (EM)

• Office of Electricity (OE)

• Office of Nuclear Energy (NE)

• Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office (HGEO)

Funding is issued using DOE’s Other Transaction Authority (OTA).

Who is eligible to apply?

• All types of domestic applicants (with exceptions noted below)

• DOE/NNSA National Laboratories

• FFRDCs and other federal agencies (with specific rules)

• Industry, universities, and nonprofits

Key requirements:

• Must form multi-institutional teams

• Phase I teams must include partners from at least two of three categories:

  • DOE/NNSA National Lab or user facility

  • Industry

  • IHE / nonprofit / other

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Competitive applications will:

• Demonstrate clear AI advantage in scientific or R&D workflows

• Show quantifiable improvements (e.g., predictive power, speed, automation)

• Leverage DOE data, infrastructure, or national lab capabilities

• Include strong interdisciplinary, multi-institution teams

• Align with one of the defined topic and focus areas

Phase I specifically favors:

• Proof-of-concept workflows

• Measurable indicators of future scalability and impact

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Cost share requirements:

  • Not required for most applicants

  • For-profit entities must provide:

    • ≥20% cost share for R&D

    • 50% for demonstration/commercial activities

• Teaming requirements are mandatory

• Limits on submissions:

  • One lead application per focus area per institution

• Restrictions on PI roles and institutional participation apply (as detailed in the solicitation)

• Applications may be declined without review if requirements are not met

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Based on requirements:

• Multi-institutional coordination

• Technical proposal + budget + compliance documentation

Preparation will likely require significant coordination across partners (not quantified in the solicitation).

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can:

• Identify the best-fit topic and focus area

• Structure your multi-institution team strategy

• Translate your technology into DOE-aligned AI advantage narratives

• Develop a clear, competitive Phase I proposal

• Support partner coordination, budget strategy, and submission compliance

How much would BW&CO Charge?

We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($13,000 + 5%) available.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

CDMRP: Toxic Exposures Research Program (TERP)

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

Executive Summary:

This is a pre-announcement for the FY26 Toxic Exposures Research Program (TERP), signaling upcoming funding opportunities but no application deadline is provided at this stage. Founders and researchers should begin planning now, as future funding opportunity announcements will include required pre-application and full application deadlines once released on Grants.gov.

The program will fund high-impact research with clinical relevance focused on preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions related to military-related toxic exposures. Awards span clinical trials, translational research, and investigator-initiated studies.

How much funding would I receive?

Funding depends on the award mechanism:

• Clinical Trial Award

  • Up to $4.5 million total costs

  • Maximum 4 years

• Translational Research Award

  • Up to $1.5M total costs

  • Maximum 3 years

• Investigator-Initiated Research Award

  • Up to $800,000 total costs

  • Maximum 3 years

Total costs include direct and indirect costs.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding supports research aligned with at least one program goal:

• Predict and prevent

  • Monitoring and prevention strategies

  • Risk factor identification

  • Multigenerational and reproductive effects

  • Exposure tracking technologies

• Diagnose

  • Biomarkers and diagnostics

  • Disease progression understanding

  • Multi-exposure and stressor interactions

• Treat

  • Therapeutics and interventions

  • Preclinical models (non-clinical trial mechanisms only)

  • Strategies to reduce symptoms and disease progression

Projects must also address at least one topic area:

• Neurotoxin Exposure

• Gulf War Illness and Its Treatment

• Airborne Hazards and Burn Pits

• Other military-related toxic exposures (e.g., pesticides, organophosphates, metals)

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

• Partnering PI option available for Clinical Trial and Translational Research Awards (two PIs, separate awards)

• Strong encouragement for:

  • Collaboration with military and/or VA researchers and clinicians

  • Inclusion of a clinician on the team

  • Participation of a military or Veteran consumer (required/encouraged depending on mechanism)

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

• This is a pre-announcement

• Application deadlines are not specified

• Future funding opportunity announcements will include:

  • Pre-application (required) via eBRAP

  • Full application (by invitation only)

Additional timing details:

• Clinical trials are expected to begin within 12 to 18 months of the award date

Where does this funding come from?

• FY26 Defense Appropriations Act

• Managed by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP)

• Under the Defense Health Agency Research and Development – Medical Research and Development Command (DHA R&D-MRDC)

Who is eligible to apply?

• Independent investigators at all career levels

No additional eligibility restrictions are specified.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Projects that:

• Address at least one program goal and one topic area

• Demonstrate clinical relevance and impact on patient outcomes

• Include preliminary data (required across all mechanisms)

• Align with:

  • Prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of toxic exposure effects

• Incorporate:

  • Collaboration with military/VA stakeholders

  • Clinical expertise

  • Consumer (Veteran/military) input where encouraged

Clinical Trial Awards specifically favor:

• Trials ready for rapid implementation

• Studies evaluating products, drugs, biologics, devices, or clinical approaches

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Preproposal is required; full application is by invitation only

• All applications must include preliminary data

Mechanism-specific restrictions:

• Clinical Trial Award

  • Must include a clinical trial

  • Cannot include preclinical studies (including animal research)

• Investigator-Initiated Research Award

  • Cannot include clinical trials

• Translational Research Award

  • Cannot include clinical trials

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Not specified in the pre-announcement.

However:

• A pre-application is required first, followed by an invited full application

• Investigators are encouraged to begin planning now due to the staged process

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support you by:

• Interpreting TERP priorities and aligning your project to program goals and topic areas

• Structuring a competitive preproposal to secure invitation

• Developing a full application strategy grounded in clinical impact and reviewer expectations

• Positioning collaborations with military, VA, and clinical stakeholders

• Ensuring compliance with CDMRP and eBRAP submission requirements

How much would BW&CO Charge?

We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($13,000 + 5%) available.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

CDMRP: Military Burn Research Program (MBRP)

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

Executive Summary:

The FY26 Military Burn Research Program (MBRP) will fund innovative, high-impact research focused on military-relevant burn trauma care in austere, combat environments. This is an early pre-announcement, giving teams time to prepare ahead of formal release on Grants.gov.

Application deadlines are not yet specified — they will be provided when the official funding opportunity announcements are released. Founders and researchers should begin planning now, as all mechanisms require a preproposal and are invitation-only for full applications.

How much funding would I receive?

Funding varies by award mechanism:

• Discovery Award

  • Up to $200,000 total costs

  • Up to 2 years

• Patient-Centered Research Award (PCRA)

  • Single PI: Up to $1.6 million total costs

  • Mentorship Option: Up to $1.8 million total costs

  • Up to 4 years

• Technology/Therapeutic Development Award (TTDA)

  • Single PI: Up to $1.6 million total costs

  • Mentorship Option: Up to $1.8 million total costs

  • Up to 3 years

Total costs include direct and indirect costs.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding must support research aligned to combat-relevant burn care, including:

• Cold injury triage, treatment, and prevention

• Acute burn care in combat settings

• Prevention, assessment, or treatment of burn-related complications:

  • Fluid resuscitation issues

  • Endotheliopathy

  • Sepsis

  • Inhalation injuries

  • Fungal infections

  • Hypermetabolism

• Early interventions to reduce long-term complications (e.g., chronic pain, neuropathy, pruritus)

By mechanism:

• Discovery Award: Early-stage, exploratory, non-clinical research (no clinical trials)

• PCRA: Clinical research and clinical trials only

• TTDA: Product-focused development (devices, drugs, or clinical practice tools), no clinical trials

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

• Optional Mentorship Option (PCRA and TTDA) to support collaboration between senior and junior researchers

• Access to CDMRP-managed funding infrastructure

• Opportunity to build solutions for military and battlefield healthcare applications

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

• This is a pre-announcement only

• Application deadlines are not yet specified

• Once released:

  • Pre-applications must be submitted via eBRAP

  • Full applications are invitation-only following preproposal review

• Timing for award decisions and funding is not specified

Where does this funding come from?

• FY26 Defense Appropriations Act

• Managed by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP)

• Under the Defense Health Agency Research and Development – Medical Research and Development Command (DHA R&D-MRDC)

Who is eligible to apply?

• Discovery Award: Investigators at all academic levels (or equivalent)

• PCRA & TTDA: Independent investigators at all academic levels (or equivalent)

No additional eligibility restrictions are specified.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Competitive applications will:

• Directly address combat-relevant burn care challenges

• Focus on austere, resource-limited, battlefield environments

• Show:

  • Strong scientific rationale

  • Clear study design and analysis plan

  • Alignment with one or more listed focus areas

By mechanism:

• Discovery: Novel, early-stage ideas with potential future impact

• PCRA: Clinically actionable research with preliminary data

• TTDA: Clear path to a tangible product, supported by proof of concept

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Preproposal required; full application is invitation-only for all mechanisms

• Mechanism-specific restrictions:

  • Discovery: No clinical trials

  • PCRA: No preclinical or animal research

  • TTDA: No clinical research or clinical trials

• Preliminary data:

  • Required for PCRA and TTDA

  • Optional for Discovery

• All applications must follow final FOA requirements once released

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

• Not explicitly specified

• However, applicants should plan for:

  • Preproposal development

  • Invitation-based full application

• Given the structure, preparation will likely require multiple stages, but exact timelines are not specified

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support you across both stages:

• Identify the best-fit mechanism (Discovery vs. PCRA vs. TTDA)

• Shape your concept to align with combat burn priorities

• Develop a competitive preproposal strategy

• Build a full application (if invited), including:

  • Technical narrative

  • Commercialization or translation framing (for TTDA)

  • Clinical positioning (for PCRA)

How much would BW&CO Charge?

We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($13,000 + 5%) available.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

CDMRP: Joint Warfighter Medical Research Program (JWMRP)

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

Executive Summary:

The Joint Warfighter Medical Research Program (JWMRP) FY26 funding opportunity is expected to support continuation of late-stage medical R&D projects that address critical Department of War (DOW) capability gaps. This is not for new ideas—only existing, previously funded projects that are close to delivering impact are eligible.

This is a pre-announcement, and full funding opportunity announcements (FOAs) with deadlines will be posted on Grants.gov. The application deadline is not specified in this pre-announcement. Founders should begin preparing now to align with the anticipated requirements and pre-application process.

How much funding would I receive?

Two award options are available:

• MMRDA

  • Maximum funding: $1.25M (total costs)

  • Period of performance: Up to 3 years

• MMRDA – Clinical Research/Trial Option

  • Maximum funding: $3M (total costs)

  • Period of performance: Up to 3 years

Total costs include direct and indirect costs.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding is strictly for continuation of existing projects, including:

• Late-stage preclinical studies

• Late-stage technology development

• Technology demonstration

• Translational research

• Clinical research and trials (under Clinical Research/Trial Option)

• Development of:

  • Pharmaceutical or biologic candidates

  • Medical devices

  • Medical technologies

Projects must address at least one focus area:

• Non-vaccine infectious disease prevention/treatment (excluding malaria)

• Hemorrhage mitigation and trauma resuscitation

• Injury from temperature extremes

• Musculoskeletal injury (MSKI) treatment and prevention

• Radiation exposure countermeasures (excluding cytokines)

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Not specified in the pre-announcement.

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

• This is a pre-announcement only

• Full FOAs will be released on Grants.gov

• A pre-application is required via eBRAP

• Full applications are by invitation only

The application deadline is not specified in this pre-announcement.
Award timing is not specified.

Where does this funding come from?

• FY26 Defense Appropriations Act

• Managed by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP)

• Under the Defense Health Agency Research and Development – Medical Research and Development Command (DHA R&D-MRDC)

Who is eligible to apply?

• Extramural and intramural applicants

• Independent investigators at all academic levels (or equivalent)

Additional required eligibility conditions:

• Must have previously received DOW core or congressionally directed funding

• Must propose a continuation of the same research concept

• Projects must already be at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5 or above

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Based on stated requirements, competitive projects will:

• Be continuations of previously funded DOW projects

• Be near deployment or impact (TRL 5+)

• Address one or more JWMRP focus areas

• Demonstrate clear progress toward military medical capability gaps

• Be positioned for translation, demonstration, or clinical validation

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Yes—this program is highly restrictive:

• No new projects allowed

• No basic research allowed

• Must be a continuation of prior DOW-funded work

• Must meet TRL 5 or higher requirement

• Pre-application is mandatory

• Full application is by invitation only

• Must align with at least one focus area

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Not specified in the pre-announcement.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO supports companies pursuing defense innovation and CSO opportunities like this one.

We help by:

• Assess whether your prior DOW-funded project qualifies

• Position your continuation strategy to align with JWMRP focus areas

• Develop a compelling pre-application for eBRAP

• Prepare a full application (if invited) that emphasizes:

  • Translational readiness

  • Military relevance

  • Programmatic alignment

How much would BW&CO Charge?

We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($13,000 + 5%) available.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

CDMRP: Bone Marrow Failure Research Program (BMFRP)

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

Executive Summary:

The FY26 Bone Marrow Failure Research Program (BMFRP) pre-announcement is live. This is an early signal to start preparing now—formal funding opportunities will follow on Grants.gov.

This program will fund research addressing bone marrow failure (BMF), with a focus on treatments, disease understanding, and community resources. Pre-announcements like this are your only early advantage—teams that move now are significantly more competitive once the FOA drops.

Pre-Applications are due: August 5th and October 7th

Full Proposals are due: November 4th

How much funding would I receive?

Funding varies by award mechanism:

• Idea Development Award

  • Maximum: $800,000 total costs

  • Period of performance: Up to 3 years

• Investigator-Initiated Research Award

  • Maximum: $1,250,000 total costs

  • Period of performance: Up to 3 years

• Resource Development Award

  • Maximum: $1,250,000 total costs

  • Period of performance: Up to 2 years

Total costs include direct and indirect costs.

What could I use the funding for?

Projects must align to at least one required FY26 BMFRP focus area:

• Develop durable resources for the bone marrow failure research community

• Find effective BMF treatments and cures

• Understand the causes and progression of BMF diseases

Each award mechanism has specific intent:

• Idea Development Award: Early-stage, hypothesis-driven research with translational potential

• Investigator-Initiated Research Award: More mature research building on prior findings with strong preliminary data

• Resource Development Award: Creation of shared tools, datasets, or infrastructure for the BMF community

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

• Partnering Principal Investigator option available under the Investigator-Initiated Research Award

• Separate review tracks for early-career vs. established investigators (Idea Development Award)

• Encouragement for correlative studies tied to existing clinical trials/studies

• Emphasis on translational potential, including work supporting an Investigational New Drug (IND) application

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

• Pre-Applications are due: August 5th and October 7th

• Full Proposals are due: November 4th

• Pre-application required via eBRAP before full application

• Full applications are invitation-only after preproposal review

• Funding opportunity announcements will be posted on Grants.gov

• Award timing: Not specified in the pre-announcement

Where does this funding come from?

• FY26 Defense Appropriations Act

• Managed by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP)

• Under the Defense Health Agency Research and Development – Medical Research and Development Command (DHA R&D-MRDC)

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility depends on the award mechanism:

• Idea Development Award:

  • Early-Career Investigators (<10 years from first appointment)

  • Established Investigators (≥10 years from first appointment)

• Investigator-Initiated Research Award:

  • Independent investigators at all career levels

• Resource Development Award:

  • Independent investigators at all career levels

Additional institutional or organizational eligibility is not specified in the pre-announcement.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Based on required criteria:

• Projects must align tightly with one of the FY26 BMFRP focus areas

• Strong scientific rationale and testable hypothesis (Idea Development Award)

• Preliminary data required (Investigator-Initiated and Resource Development Awards)

• Clear translational impact and potential to advance patient care

• Resource proposals must demonstrate data/sample access and a clear distribution plan

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Preproposal required; full applications are invitation-only

• Clinical trials are not allowed under any mechanism

• Applications must align to specified focus areas

• Resource Development Award is limited to the resource-focused track only

• The pre-announcement does not obligate the government to fund awards

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The structure implies:

• Initial preproposal preparation (required for all mechanisms)

• Full proposal only if invited

The pre-announcement is explicitly intended to give teams time to begin planning ahead of the formal deadlines.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO supports companies pursuing defense innovation and CSO opportunities like this one.

We help by:

• Position your project against the three distinct award mechanisms

• Build a preproposal strategy that secures invitation to full application

• Shape your narrative around CDMRP review expectations and translational impact

• Align your work to IND-enabling or high-impact outcomes where applicable

How much would BW&CO Charge?

We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($13,000 + 5%) available.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

ERDC: Geospatial Research Laboratory - Commercial Solutions Openings (CSO)

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

Executive Summary:

The Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) – Geospatial Research Laboratory (GRL) is accepting solutions through a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) for innovative geospatial, mapping, sensing, and navigation technologies that could improve Army mission capabilities.

This opportunity allows companies to propose commercial technologies, services, or R&D solutions aligned with ERDC-GRL research priorities such as 3D mapping, remote sensing, and terrain-based navigation.

Solutions must be submitted through 5PM CST, 30 June 2026 via the ERDCWERX submission portal. Proposals are evaluated quickly—often within 10 days of submission—making this a fast pathway for companies with relevant technology to secure government contracts.

How much funding would I receive?

Awards typically range from $500k - $5m. Key funding notes:

• Funding availability is determined on a proposal-by-proposal basis.

• The government may not have funds available for every technically selectable proposal.

• Offerors are encouraged to provide flexible quantities or pricing options to maximize award potential.

All resulting awards will be firm-fixed-price contracts.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding supports commercial technologies, services, and research & development solutions that advance ERDC-GRL mission areas.

The solicitation lists six Areas of Interest (AOIs):

• Mission Command decision environments

• Establishing full-3D mapping capabilities

• Building a holistic geospatial foundation

• Remote sensing and mapping capabilities

• Terrain-based positioning and navigation technologies

• Earth system dynamics for situational understanding

Solutions may include:

• New technologies

• New applications of existing technologies

• Commercial products adapted for government missions

• Research and development projects

All proposed items and services are treated as commercial items under the CSO.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

This CSO provides several advantages compared with traditional government programs:

• Fast evaluation timelines (often within 10 days of submission)

• Ability to submit existing commercial technologies

• Potential for prototype agreements, including Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs)

• Opportunities to demonstrate technology during optional Demo Day or site visits

• Collaboration with the government to develop the Performance Work Statement (PWS) before award

The government may also provide feedback to unsuccessful offerors at its discretion.

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

Key dates and timing from the solicitation:

• Solution submission deadline: 5PM CST, 30 June 2026

• Evaluation timeline: Generally completed within 10 days of submission

• Awards: Issued after evaluation and price reasonableness determination

The CSO is structured as an open-continuous solicitation, meaning solutions can be submitted anytime before the deadline.

The government may use either:

• One-step evaluation: direct award decision

• Two-step evaluation: initial review followed by a virtual or in-person demonstration

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) through its Geospatial Research Laboratory (GRL).

ERDC conducts projects for:

• Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology)

• Army Futures Command

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

• Other government organizations

The solicitation is issued under Department of Defense Commercial Solutions Opening authority.

Who is eligible to apply?

The following requirements are explicitly stated:

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

• Entities must be registered to bid on contracts, not just grants.

• Offerors must provide a CAGE Code and Unique Entity ID in their submission.

All items, technologies, and services submitted under this CSO are treated as commercial items.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The government evaluates proposals using three factors:

1. Technical merit

   • Innovation of the solution

   • Feasibility of solving the agency challenge

2. Importance to agency programs

   • Potential to enhance mission effectiveness

3. Funds availability

Strong proposals typically demonstrate:

• Clear alignment with an Area of Interest

• Evidence the solution works in the commercial marketplace

• Technical feasibility and practical application

• Clear explanation of how the technology improves mission capabilities

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• No classified data or sensitive information may be included in submissions

• Proprietary information must be clearly marked

• Prices must remain valid for at least 90 days after submission

• Proposal documents must follow specific file naming conventions

• SAM registration must match the company address listed in the proposal

• The government may choose not to fund any proposals

Additionally, security requirements may apply for projects performed at military installations.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The application is designed to be relatively lightweight.

Required materials include:

Cover Letter (max 2 pages)
Must include:

• Area of Interest

• Team members

• Solution validity date

• Company overview

• Contact information

• CAGE code and DUNS

• SAM registration screenshot

• Relevant NAICS code

Technical Volume

• Solution brief (max 5 pages)

• Pitch deck (max 15 slides)

• Optional 5-minute video demonstration

Price Volume

• Proposed pricing

• Delivery date or period of performance

Many companies can prepare submissions within a few weeks depending on readiness of materials.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO supports companies pursuing defense innovation and CSO opportunities like this one.

We help by:

• Identifying the best Area of Interest alignment

• Structuring your solution brief and pitch deck

• Positioning your technology around Army mission needs

• Building a compliant proposal package

• Preparing your pricing and commercialization narrative

• Supporting Demo Day preparation if invited

Our goal is to maximize your chances of selection while minimizing internal time spent on proposal preparation.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($13,000 + 5%) available.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

ERDC: Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory - Commercial Solutions Openings (CSO)

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

Executive Summary:

The Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) is accepting proposals through Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) Solicitation W913E526SC001 for innovative commercial technologies that advance cold regions science and engineering capabilities. The program seeks solutions across areas such as cold-region domain awareness, mobility and maneuver in extreme cold, ice operations, advanced materials, resilient energy systems, and cryospheric biochemical applications.

This is a rolling submission opportunity, meaning proposals are reviewed as they are received and awards may be issued shortly thereafter. The solicitation is open from 01 Jan 2026 through 31 December 2026, and submissions must be received through 5PM EST, the date of closing posted at the start of this solicitation. Companies are encouraged to submit early since funding decisions occur on a rolling basis.

How much funding would I receive?

Awards typically range from $500k - $5m. Key funding details stated in the solicitation:

• Awards may be made as firm-fixed-price contracts.

• The government may also award prototype agreements (e.g., Other Transaction Agreements) under 10 U.S.C. §4022 if deemed appropriate.

• Funding availability is one of the evaluation factors, meaning some technically strong proposals may not receive awards if funding is unavailable.

Because no specific funding amounts are provided, the award value will depend on the proposed solution and available program funding.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding supports innovative commercial items, technologies, and services, including research and development, that advance cold-region capabilities.

Solutions should address one or more of the following research thrust areas:

• Building Cold Region Domain Awareness

• Enhancing Mobility and Maneuver in Cold Region Environments

• Integrated Ice Operations

• Advanced Materials Development and Applications in Extreme Cold Environments

• Resilient Cold Region Energy Systems

• Advancements in Cryospheric Biochemical Applications

“Innovative” is defined as:

• A technology, process, or method that is new as of the date of proposal submission, or

• A new application of an existing technology or method.

Solutions may include existing commercial technologies or new R&D approaches that improve mission capabilities.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential benefits include:

• Direct contracts with the U.S. Army / Department of Defense.

• The possibility of prototype agreements (Other Transaction Agreements) when appropriate.

• Opportunities to demonstrate technology to government evaluators if selected for a demonstration step.

• Potential inclusion of proposals in a government “library” for future funding consideration if technically promising but unfunded initially.

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

Solicitation open period

• 01 Jan 2026 through 31 December 2026

Submission deadline

• Submissions must be received through 5PM EST, the date of closing posted at the start of this solicitation.

Review timeline

• Proposals are reviewed as they are received.

• Evaluation is generally completed within 10 days of submission, though it may take longer for complex submissions or high submission volumes.

Because this is a rolling solicitation, companies are encouraged to submit early rather than waiting for the final closing date.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL).

CRREL executes projects on behalf of:

• Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology) (ASA(ALT))

• Army Futures Command

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

• Other government organizations.

The CSO is authorized under Department of Defense Class Deviation 2022-O0007, allowing DoD organizations to procure innovative commercial solutions.

Who is eligible to apply?

The following requirements are explicitly stated:

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

• Entities must be registered to bid on contracts, not just grants.

• Offerors must provide a CAGE Code and Unique Entity ID in their submission.

All items, technologies, and services submitted under this CSO are treated as commercial items.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Proposals are evaluated using three primary factors:

1. Technical merit

   • How innovative the solution is.

   • Whether the solution is technically feasible.

2. Importance to agency programs

   • Whether the solution enhances the agency’s mission effectiveness.

3. Funds availability

   • Whether sufficient funding exists to procure the solution.

Solutions are more likely to succeed if they:

• Demonstrate clear innovation or a new application of existing technology.

• Show commercial viability or existing market use.

• Provide convincing evidence that the technology solves a real agency challenge.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• No classified or sensitive information may be included in submissions.

• All proposal materials must be submitted as PDFs and the combined package must be 15 MB or less.

• All prices must remain valid for at least 90 days after the response date.

• Hardcopy submissions are not accepted; submissions must be made electronically.

Additionally:

• The government may request additional documentation prior to award, including a contractor-developed Performance Work Statement (PWS).

• The government reserves the right to select none of the submissions.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The proposal package is relatively lightweight compared to many federal R&D programs.

Required components include:

• Cover Letter (max 2 pages)

• Technical Volume

  • Solution brief (max 5 pages)

  • Pitch deck (max 15 slides)

  • Optional video demonstration (max 5 minutes)

• Price Volume (no page limit)

Because of the short format and slide deck option, many companies can typically prepare a submission within a few weeks, depending on technical complexity.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO helps companies turn promising technologies into clear, competitive government submissions for CSO and BAA opportunities like this one.

We support clients by:

• Translating technical solutions into government-ready proposal narratives

• Developing the technical brief and pitch deck

• Positioning your solution to align with CRREL’s Areas of Interest

• Preparing the price volume and submission package

• Managing submission through the ERDCWERX portal

Our goal is to help you present your innovation in a way that clearly demonstrates technical merit and mission impact.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($13,000 + 5%) available.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

ERDC: Construction Engineering Research Laboratory - Commercial Solutions Openings (CSO)

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

Executive Summary:

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) is seeking innovative commercial technologies, products, and services that support military infrastructure, energy systems, robotics, additive construction, environmental management, and facility lifecycle optimization.

This opportunity uses a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) to identify promising technologies that could later receive contracts if funding becomes available.

Companies must first submit a short solution brief describing their technology. If the government determines the solution is promising and funding is available, the company may be invited to submit a full proposal and potentially receive a contract.

Solution submissions will be accepted through 5PM CST, 30 October 2026, and companies may submit at any time prior to this deadline.

How much funding would I receive?

The document states that Areas of Interest generally have no known funding specifically available, and funding may become available later through Individual Program Requirements (IPRs).

If a solution is selected and funding is available, the government may request a full proposal and proceed toward an award.

Contracts issued under this solicitation will be firm-fixed-price. Awards typically range from $500k - $5m.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding would support technologies and services aligned with ERDC-CERL mission areas. The solicitation identifies the following Areas of Interest (AOIs):

Materials and Structures

• Sustainable engineered wood, mass timber, and bio-structural building solutions

• Bio-based building insulating and finishing solutions

Installation Energy

Technologies that improve energy and water efficiency and security, including:

• Combined heat and power generation

• Fuel cells and reformers

• Renewable energy systems (wind, solar, hydropower)

• Water treatment, recycling, and storage systems

• Waste-to-energy technologies

Warfighter Engineering

• Additive construction and deployable 3D printing systems

• Autonomous material processing and construction equipment

• Robotics for engineering operations

• Autonomous terrain shaping and infrastructure inspection systems

Operational Energy

• Hybrid power systems

• Energy storage and monitoring technologies

• Power generation systems

• Energy management software and infrastructure

Training Lands and Heritage

• Natural infrastructure condition assessment

• Soil and plant monitoring systems

• Environmental analytics and forecasting tools

Sustainment Management Systems

• Facility lifecycle investment optimization tools

• Building sensor analytics and digital infrastructure management

• Risk-based decision systems for facility maintenance and modernization

Solutions may include research and development, products, technologies, or services, and they do not need to be commercially available at the time of submission.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Companies selected under this CSO may receive:

• Firm-fixed-price government contracts

• Potential use of Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) if appropriate

• Collaboration with government teams to develop performance work statements (PWS) and project details

• Opportunities to demonstrate technologies through virtual or in-person demonstrations

Additionally, solutions that are technically promising but lack immediate funding may remain in the government’s library for consideration for up to three years after submission.

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

Submission deadline

Solution submissions will be accepted through 5PM CST, 30 October 2026.

Application process

Step 1 – Solution Brief Submission

Companies submit a short package including:

• Cover letter (maximum 2 pages)

• Technical solution brief (maximum 5 pages)

• Pitch deck (maximum 15 slides)

• Optional 5-minute video

• Pricing information

Step 2 – Government Evaluation

The government evaluates submissions based on:

• Technical merit and innovation

• Importance to agency programs

• Availability of funds

Step 3 – Request for Full Proposal (if selected)

If the solution is selected and funding is available, the government may issue a Request for Proposal (RFP).

If funding is not immediately available, the solution may be retained for consideration for up to three years.

Companies whose solutions are not selected will generally be notified within 30 days of submission.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), specifically the Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL).

The program is administered under Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) authority pursuant to DFARS 212.70.

Awards may be issued using:

• FAR-based contracts

• Other Transaction agreements (OTAs)

• Other appropriate contracting vehicles

Who is eligible to apply?

The solicitation is issued on a full and open basis, meaning companies of any size may apply.

Applicants must:

• Be registered in SAM.gov

• Have a valid UEI and CAGE code

• Be registered to bid on contracts, not just grants

Entities not properly registered in SAM at the time of award are not eligible to receive a contract.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

ERDC-CERL evaluates submissions based on three factors:

1. Technical merit and innovation

   • The solution must represent a new technology, process, method, or new application of an existing technology.

2. Importance to agency programs

   • The solution must demonstrate potential to improve the effectiveness of CERL mission areas.

3. Funding availability

The government also encourages submissions that include:

• Evidence of commercialization or market use

• Demonstrations or full-scale examples

• Visual materials such as diagrams or models

• Real-world use cases showing feasibility

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• Proposals must not contain classified data or sensitive information.

• Proprietary information must be clearly marked.

• Prices must remain valid for at least 90 days after the response date.

• If the proposed solution is valued above $900,000 and the company is not a small business, the proposal must include a subcontracting plan prepared in accordance with FAR 19.704.

• The government may conduct site visits or product demonstrations, but participation does not guarantee award.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The initial submission is relatively lightweight and typically includes:

• 2-page cover letter

• 5-page solution brief

• 15-slide pitch deck

• Pricing information

• Optional 5-minute video

For most companies, preparing the initial submission typically requires a short proposal effort, though the solicitation does not specify a preparation timeline.

A more detailed proposal may be required later if the government requests a full solution proposal.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support your application by:

• Determining which Area of Interest best fits your technology

• Developing a high-impact solution brief and pitch deck

• Positioning your technology around CERL’s evaluation criteria

• Preparing the pricing volume and commercialization narrative

• Supporting any full proposal or follow-on RFP request

How much would BW&CO Charge?

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

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

ERDC: Civil Works Strategic Focus Areas - Commercial Solutions Openings (CSO)

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

Executive Summary:

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is seeking innovative commercial technologies, products, and services that advance Civil Works research and development priorities across infrastructure, ecosystems, water management, sediment management, crisis preparedness, and AI-driven engineering solutions.

This opportunity is structured as a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO). Companies first submit a short solution brief (maximum three pages) describing their innovation. If the government determines the concept is promising and funding becomes available, the company may be invited to submit a full proposal and receive a contract award.

Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis until 5PM EST, 31 December 2026, making this an ongoing opportunity for companies developing technologies relevant to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works missions.

How much funding would I receive?

The document states that:

• Strategic Focus Areas generally have no known funding specifically available at the time of submission.

• If a submitted solution is selected and funding becomes available, the government will issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) that includes further details and pricing requirements.

Offerors are required to provide a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) price estimate in the initial solution brief. Awards typically range from $500k - $5m.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding may support innovative commercial technologies, products, services, or research and development efforts that advance Civil Works capabilities.

Projects must align with one of the following Strategic Focus Areas:

Infrastructure – NextGen Water Resources Infrastructure

• Robotic inspection and repair technologies

• Novel and sustainable construction materials

• Sensors and structural monitoring technologies

• Flood and seismic damage prediction and mitigation

• Advanced manufacturing and infrastructure prototyping

• Hydropower innovations

• Corrosion mitigation technologies

• Systems engineering tools for maintenance optimization

Water Modeling – Comprehensive Water Risk Management

• Integrated sensing systems for water monitoring

• Risk-informed decision support tools

• National-scale water simulation frameworks

• Modeling of compound hazards (storms, flooding, groundwater, etc.)

• Arctic environmental modeling

• Drought and groundwater interaction modeling

• Community resilience tools

Sediment Management – Innovation in Sediment Management

• Non-traditional dredging approaches

• Improved dredged material placement

• Sediment prevention technologies

• Autonomous surveying and dredging technologies

• Sediment transport modeling tools

• Real-time dredging monitoring sensors

• Coastal mapping technologies

Ecosystems – Sustainable Species Management

• Aquatic ecosystem restoration technologies

• Environmental decision-support tools

• Monitoring technologies for threatened and endangered species

• Invasive species detection and management technologies

Crisis Preparedness – Crisis Preparedness, Response, and Recovery

• Real-time crisis communication technologies

• Multi-hazard crisis modeling

• Autonomous reconnaissance systems

• Decision-support tools for disaster response

• Debris removal technologies

• Temporary power solutions for critical infrastructure

• Virtual training environments for crisis response

• Post-wildfire risk management tools

AI, Robotics, and Data – Innovative Applications of Big Data and AI

• Data engineering and automation tools

• AI-driven decision-making systems

• Cyber operational technology for infrastructure protection

• Autonomous robotics systems for infrastructure inspection and mapping

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential benefits include:

• The opportunity to receive a government contract if a submitted solution is selected and funding becomes available.

• The possibility of direct engagement with ERDC technical teams, including solution pitches and discussions.

• Solutions may remain in the government’s electronic library for consideration for up to three years if initially selected but not funded.

Awards may be issued through FAR-based contracts or Other Transaction agreements, depending on the solution and contracting approach used.

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

Solution brief submission deadline:
5PM EST, 31 December 2026.

Key timeline steps:

1. Submit a solution brief (maximum 3 pages).

2. Government experts review submissions.

3. If promising, the government may:

   • Ask questions via email, or

   • Invite the company to present a solution pitch.

4. If the solution is selected and funding becomes available, the government will issue a Request for Proposal (RFP).

5. After the RFP, proposals will be evaluated and contracts may be awarded.

If a solution is not selected, offerors will generally be notified within 30 days of submission.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding originates from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and is administered through the Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC).

The program supports the Civil Works mission areas, including:

• Flood risk management

• Inland and coastal navigation

• Aquatic ecosystem restoration

The CSO is authorized under a Department of Defense Class Deviation (2022-O0007) that allows the government to acquire innovative commercial solutions through a streamlined process.

Who is eligible to apply?

However, the following requirements are stated:

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) to receive an award.

• The company’s address in the proposal must match the SAM registration information.

Solutions must be submitted through the ERDCWERX electronic portal.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Solutions will be evaluated based on:

• How innovative the solution is

• Feasibility of solving a government challenge

• Potential to enhance mission effectiveness

• Availability of funding

Strong proposals typically:

• Demonstrate a clear mission impact

• Provide evidence of commercialization or real-world use

• Include technical evidence, diagrams, models, or figures

• Show how the technology is new or a novel application of an existing technology

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key requirements include:

• Solution briefs must be no more than three pages.

• Submissions must follow specified formatting requirements:

  • 12-point Times New Roman

  • 1-inch margins

  • Single spaced

  • PDF format under 20 MB

• Classified or proprietary information should not be included.

• All submissions must be written in English.

All resulting contracts will be firm-fixed price, and commercial acquisition procedures will be used.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The initial submission is a three-page solution brief, which typically requires significantly less effort than a full proposal.

The solicitation does not specify preparation time requirements, but the short format suggests companies can prepare submissions relatively quickly compared to traditional federal proposals.

If selected, the government may later request a full proposal including a Performance Work Statement (PWS) or Scope of Work (SOW) before award.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO helps companies quickly determine whether this opportunity is a strong fit and prepares competitive submissions by:

• Identifying the best strategic focus area alignment

• Crafting a clear and compelling solution brief

• Demonstrating mission relevance and innovation

• Developing the technical narrative and commercialization evidence

• Preparing companies for potential solution pitches or follow-on proposals

How much would BW&CO Charge?

We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($13,000 + 5%) available.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

MYSTIC DEPOT - Vendor-Agnostic AI Evaluation Infrastructure

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

Executive Summary:

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is seeking commercial solutions for MYSTIC DEPOT: Vendor-Agnostic AI Evaluation Infrastructure, a capability to rigorously evaluate artificial intelligence systems used in national security contexts. The government wants infrastructure that can continuously test new AI models, agents, and human-AI teaming workflows against mission-specific benchmarks as AI capabilities evolve.

The solicitation closes on 2026-03-24 23:59:59 US/Eastern Time, and companies must submit a short solution brief through DIU’s Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) portal before that deadline.

The government is seeking two types of capabilities:

• Evaluation Harness Infrastructure that connects AI models to benchmarks and generates standardized evaluation results.

• Benchmark Development and Methodology that defines how government-specific AI capabilities should be tested across classified and unclassified mission environments.

Prototype awards may lead directly to follow-on production contracts without further competition, which could significantly expand the size of the opportunity.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation states that awards will be issued as Prototype Other Transaction (OT) agreements under 10 U.S.C. 4022. Awards typically range from $500k - $5m.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding would support the development and demonstration of solutions addressing one or both of the following Lines of Effort (LOE):

LOE 1: Evaluation Harness

Infrastructure that enables standardized, reproducible evaluation of AI systems.

Key capabilities include:

• Model Interface to connect diverse AI systems to the evaluation harness

• Execution Engine for orchestrating evaluation workflows

• Measurement and Scoring System for benchmarking model outputs

• Human-in-the-loop evaluation to measure performance of human-AI teams

• Output and reporting tools that export results in open, non-proprietary formats

• Continuous monitoring and analytics for ongoing model performance tracking

• Benchmark configuration management

• Simulation of degraded or denied environments (DDIL)

• Agentic AI evaluation for multi-step autonomous behavior

• Adversarial testing and red-teaming

• Multimodal evaluation including video and audio inputs

Solutions should also support:

• Modular architecture

• Containerized deployment

• Deployment across unclassified, classified cloud, and air-gapped environments

• Interoperability between evaluation infrastructure and benchmark content

• Access controls and sensitive data protection

LOE 2: Benchmark Development and Methodology

Creation of mission-relevant AI evaluation benchmarks across unclassified, secret, and top secret workflows.

Benchmark development should address:

• Mission capability requirements

• Task decomposition into measurable evaluations

• Realistic operational scenarios

• Scoring criteria and interpretability

• Baseline model performance

• Validation of reliability and fairness

• Resistance to benchmark gaming

• Ongoing benchmark maintenance

Vendors must also provide training materials so government personnel can maintain benchmarks independently.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Prototype awards may lead to direct follow-on production contracts without additional competition.

Potential follow-on activities include:

• Deployment across additional classification levels and environments

• Expansion of benchmark suites for new mission areas

• Ongoing system maintenance and capability upgrades

• Training and support for government personnel

The solicitation states that the follow-on production award may be significantly larger than the prototype OT agreement.

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

Submission deadline:
2026-03-24 23:59:59 US/Eastern Time

Application process:

1. Companies submit a solution brief through the DIU submission portal.

2. DIU reviews submissions and may invite selected companies to provide a pitch and full proposal.

3. If selected, companies will negotiate the terms of a prototype OT agreement.

The solicitation states that DIU aims to respond within 30 days if it is interested in moving forward with a pitch.

Where does this funding come from?

The opportunity is issued by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) using the Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) process.

Awards are made under the authority of 10 U.S.C. 4022, which allows the Department of Defense to issue Other Transaction (OT) agreements for prototype projects.

The solicitation references the DIU CSO HQ0845-20-S-C001, originally posted to SAM.gov on 23 March 2020.

The program is conducted in partnership with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include vendors that are eligible to receive an Other Transaction award in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 4022.

Companies should demonstrate expertise in areas such as:

• AI evaluation methodology

• Benchmark design and measurement

• Security testing and adversarial AI evaluation

Preferred qualifications include:

• Published research on evaluation methodologies

• Contributions to AI evaluation frameworks or benchmarks

• Collaboration with frontier AI labs

• Experience working with government AI evaluation initiatives

• Personnel with Secret clearance minimum (TS/SCI preferred) or the ability to obtain clearance

• Experience deploying systems in DoD or Intelligence Community environments

• Familiarity with national security mission contexts

• Experience evaluating human-machine teaming performance

Vendors may apply individually or in partnership.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The government is seeking solutions that demonstrate:

• Proven expertise in AI evaluation infrastructure or benchmark development

• Ability to support vendor-agnostic evaluation of diverse AI systems

• Experience deploying technology in secure government environments

• Capability to evaluate human-AI team performance

• Infrastructure that supports agentic AI evaluation, adversarial testing, and multimodal inputs

Solutions should be designed for broad applicability across government programs, rather than optimized for a single use case.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• Submissions must be unclassified and contain no data above Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

• Solution briefs must be PDF files under 10MB.

• Briefs should be approximately:

  • 5 pages or fewer, or

  • 15 slides or fewer.

• Vendors must comply with Section 889 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The application requires a solution brief describing your technology and how it meets the desired solution attributes.

Because the submission is limited to approximately 5 pages or 15 slides, most qualified teams can typically prepare a competitive submission within a short timeframe.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO helps startups and technology companies develop competitive DIU solution briefs and prototype proposals.

Support typically includes:

• Interpreting the solicitation requirements

• Positioning your technology against LOE 1 or LOE 2

• Writing and designing the solution brief

• Preparing technical narratives and evaluation plans

• Preparing teams for DIU pitch sessions

• Supporting negotiations for prototype OT agreements

Our goal is to translate your technology into language that aligns with DIU mission priorities and evaluation criteria.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($13,000 + 5%) available.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

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

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

Executive Summary:

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

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

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

Application Deadline: 25 January 2031.

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

How much funding would I receive?

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

Awards will be determined based on:

• Scientific and technical merit

• Importance to Navy programs

• Availability of funding

• Reasonableness and realism of cost

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

What could I use the funding for?

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

The BAA identifies four major research areas:

1. Training Technology and Methodology
Examples include:

• Adaptive simulation-based training and assessment

• Advanced distributed learning

• Human social cultural and behavioral modeling

• Intelligent tutoring systems

• Games and gaming for training

• Team training and performance measurement

• Leadership development

• Mobile learning technologies

• Performance measurement for training

• Maintenance training technologies

2. Simulation Systems
Examples include:

• Display projector technology

• Helmet-mounted displays

• Live/Virtual/Constructive (LVC) training integration

• Sensor simulation technology

• Vehicle dynamic simulation

• Visual simulation technology

3. Computer Applications
Examples include:

• Human behavioral representation

• Anti-submarine warfare and submarine operations modeling

• Simulation networking

• Speech recognition technology

• High performance computing

• Reusable software for training systems

4. STEM Education
Examples include:

• K-12 STEM outreach activities

• Curriculum development for STEM education

• Programs connecting DoD scientists and engineers with schools

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

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

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential additional benefits include:

• Collaboration with NAWCTSD scientists and engineers

• Opportunity to transition technologies into Navy training systems

• Potential follow-on research opportunities

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

Collaborative arrangements between universities and industry are encouraged.

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

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

Application Deadline: 25 January 2031

The recommended process includes four steps:

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

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

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

Step 4 – Contract Award for Selected Projects

Evaluation process:

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

• Peer review of proposals not declined in the initial review

The solicitation states that:

• Initial review generally occurs within 60 days after receipt

• Full processing of proposals may take up to 120 days

Where does this funding come from?

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

The BAA is issued under:

• Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 35.016

• FAR 6.102(d)(2)

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

Who is eligible to apply?

The solicitation states that NAWCTSD contracts with:

• Educational institutions

• Nonprofit organizations

• Private industry

Organizations must meet minimum standards related to:

• Financial resources

• Ability to comply with the performance schedule

• Technical skills

• Facilities and equipment

• Organizational integrity and operational controls

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

What companies and projects are likely to win?

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

1. Proposed Research

   • Scientific and technical merit

   • Adequacy and effectiveness of the technical approach

2. Potential Contribution

   • Contribution to the Navy mission

   • Alignment with NAWCTSD training system research priorities

3. Offeror’s Qualifications

   • Capabilities, facilities, and technical expertise

4. Personnel

   • Qualifications and experience of key personnel

5. Past Performance

   • Record of performance on similar efforts

6. Cost Realism

   • Reasonableness of proposed costs and fees

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

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• Proposed efforts must be investigative research exploring innovative technology concepts

• Development of specific hardware systems is not allowed

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

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

  • Critical technology

  • Sensitive unclassified information

  • Classified information

  • For Official Use Only material

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

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation does not specify a required preparation timeline.

However, the process typically includes:

• Initial technical dialogue

• Possible white paper submission

• Full research proposal preparation

Preparing a formal research proposal generally requires assembling:

• Technical research plan

• Administrative documentation

• Detailed cost proposal

How can BW&CO help?

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

• Identifying promising research concepts aligned with NAWCTSD priorities

• Drafting white papers for early technical engagement

• Preparing compliant technical research proposals

• Structuring the cost proposal and administrative documentation

• Managing communication with NAWCTSD technical contacts

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

How much would BW&CO Charge?

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

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

DARPA Promethean Clay – DARPA-PS-26-16

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

Executive Summary:

DARPA is seeking proposals for the Promethean Clay program (DARPA-PS-26-16) to develop new classes of electrical energy storage systems designed through mechanical and electrochemical co-design. The program aims to eliminate the rigid, heavy exoskeleton structures used in conventional energy storage systems and replace them with designs where structural support and energy storage functionality are integrated directly into the device.

If successful, these technologies could unlock significant improvements in energy storage performance, safety, and thermal resilience, while enabling new system designs for defense applications and potential commercial transition.

Abstract Due Date: March 25, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.

Companies developing advanced batteries, structural energy storage, multifunctional materials, or integrated power systems should evaluate this opportunity quickly.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation states that multiple awards are anticipated, but the exact award size and total program funding are not specified in the solicitation.

Funding will be provided through agreements that may include:

• Other Transaction for Prototype (OT) agreements

• Other award instruments depending on the proposer and project structure

The period of performance is expected to be up to 48 months.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding must support research and development aligned with the Promethean Clay technical objective: rethinking energy storage systems through mechanical co-design.

Projects may include work such as:

• Designing energy storage systems that eliminate rigid structural exoskeletons

• Developing mechanically integrated energy storage materials

• Demonstrating energy storage systems with improved safety and thermal resilience

• Developing systems capable of integration into electrically powered technologies

The program specifically seeks system-level solutions, not incremental improvements to individual components.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

In addition to funding, selected teams may benefit from:

• Collaboration with DARPA program managers

• Access to government-provided testing platforms for evaluating performance

• The potential to transition technologies into Department of Defense systems

DARPA programs are designed to accelerate high-risk, high-reward technologies with national security relevance.

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

Key dates listed in the solicitation include:

• Posting date: February 18, 2026

• Proposal submission deadline: April 22, 2026, at 1:00 PM Eastern Time

The program is structured as a multi-phase effort lasting up to 48 months, including:

• Early technical development phases

• Device prototype development and testing

• Final system demonstrations

The exact award start date is not specified in the solicitation.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from the:

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
Microsystems Technology Office (MTO)

DARPA funds high-risk research to create breakthrough technologies for U.S. national security.

Who is eligible to apply?

The solicitation allows proposals from a broad range of organizations within the research ecosystem, including:

• Private companies

• Universities

• Non-profit research institutions

• Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs)

• University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs)

FFRDCs and UARCs may participate either as prime performers or subcontractors.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

DARPA is looking for proposals that demonstrate:

• Revolutionary advances, not incremental improvements

• System-level energy storage innovations

• A credible approach to eliminating inactive rigid materials in energy storage systems

• Strong technical justification and clear research plans

Projects that focus solely on:

• incremental component improvements, or

• new battery chemistries without addressing system-level mechanical design

are specifically excluded from consideration.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

The solicitation explicitly excludes proposals that:

• Focus only on incremental improvements to existing technologies

• Propose new battery or fuel cell chemistries without addressing the mechanical design challenge

• Improve individual components without considering the entire energy storage system

The program focuses specifically on electrical energy storage systems.

Additional compliance and security requirements may apply depending on the award instrument.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

DARPA proposals typically require:

• A detailed technical proposal

• A cost proposal

• Supporting documentation for project team and facilities

Preparation time will depend on the complexity of the proposed research and team structure.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support your application by:

• Interpreting the Promethean Clay technical objectives

• Structuring a DARPA-compliant proposal narrative

• Developing a competitive technical and commercialization strategy

• Preparing the technical, management, and cost volumes

Our team works closely with founders and technical teams to ensure proposals clearly communicate breakthrough potential and mission relevance, which are critical factors in DARPA evaluations.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

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

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

BARDA: Small Molecule Approaches for Rapid and Robust Treatment (SMART) Antiviral Prize

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

Executive Summary:

The Small Molecule Approaches for Rapid and Robust Treatment (SMART) Antiviral Prize is a $100 million, multi-stage prize competition designed to accelerate the development of broad-spectrum small-molecule antivirals targeting viruses in the Flaviviridae and/or Togaviridae families.

The program is designed to move promising antiviral candidates from early concept through preclinical development and toward Investigational New Drug (IND) readiness through staged evaluations and prize funding.

The first entry point is the Concept Stage, where applicants submit a concept paper describing a plan to discover or advance a broad-spectrum antiviral candidate.

Applications for the Concept Stage are open now through May 11, 2026.

Companies developing novel small-molecule antivirals with activity across multiple viruses within these families should evaluate this opportunity quickly if they intend to apply before the May 11, 2026 deadline.

How much funding would I receive?

The SMART Antiviral Prize includes up to $100 million in total prize funding across multiple stages.

Concept Stage funding includes:

• Up to eight prizes of $2.5 million each

• $20 million total prize pool for this stage

Future stages may provide additional funding, including:

• Stage 1 (Hit-to-Lead): up to six prizes of $6 million each

• Funding for later stages is not specified in the provided materials.

What could I use the funding for?

Prize funding is intended to support development of broad-spectrum small-molecule antiviral candidates progressing toward clinical readiness.

Activities supported through the staged competition may include:

• Discovery or advancement of broad-spectrum antivirals targeting Flaviviridae and/or Togaviridae

• Hit validation and identification of promising chemical series

• Lead optimization

• IND-enabling preclinical work

• Development of a data package suitable for Investigational New Drug (IND) submission and human clinical trials

Concept Stage submissions specifically require a concept paper describing the scientific approach and development plan, supported by existing evidence.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

In addition to prize funding, participants may receive:

• Visibility and expert feedback from subject-matter experts evaluating submissions

• Access to optional technical meetings with BARDA subject-matter experts for eligible entrants

• Opportunities to collaborate with partners through the prize ecosystem and networking resources

The competition is intended to foster public-private collaboration and accelerate promising antiviral candidates toward early clinical development.

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

Key timeline details include:

• Concept Stage application deadline: May 11, 2026

After submission:

• Applications are evaluated by a panel of subject-matter experts

• Selected entrants receive Concept Stage awards and invitations to advance to later stages

Future stages will require additional technical submissions as candidates advance through hit validation, lead optimization, and IND-enabling work.

Specific timelines for award decisions or funding distribution are not specified in the provided materials.

Where does this funding come from?

The SMART Antiviral Prize is funded by:

• Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA)

• Within the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR)

• Part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

The prize is administered through the BARDA Accelerator Network’s VITAL Hub.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible entrants include:

• Antiviral developers

• Academic groups

• Strategic partnerships and collaborative teams

Applicants must:

• Submit a concept describing a plan to discover or advance broad-spectrum small-molecule antivirals

• Control the relevant intellectual property and have freedom to operate for the proposed concept

Additional eligibility requirements are not specified in the provided materials.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Winning teams will likely propose antiviral candidates that demonstrate:

• A credible antiviral target and scientific rationale

• A clear development and regulatory strategy

• Strong team capabilities and partnerships

The program is focused on candidates that could become broad-spectrum antivirals active against multiple viruses within the Flaviviridae or Togaviridae families.

Projects that present a clear path toward IND readiness and early clinical development are aligned with the program’s stated objectives.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

The following restrictions apply to eligible antiviral candidates:

Eligible candidates

• Small-molecule drugs with molecular weight ≤900 Daltons

• Candidates in discovery through IND-enabling preclinical stages

• Broad-spectrum antivirals with activity against multiple pathogens within the Flaviviridae or Togaviridae families

Not eligible

• Biologics or nucleic-acid-based drugs, including peptide-based products or antibody-drug conjugates

• Clinical-stage compounds that have already been investigated in humans

• “One-bug, one-drug” antivirals targeting a single virus without credible broad-spectrum potential

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The Concept Stage requires a concept paper describing the proposed antiviral discovery or development approach.

The materials indicate that no new data is required, and submissions should rely on existing evidence and a development plan.

Specific preparation timelines or page limits are not specified in the provided materials.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support teams applying to the SMART Antiviral Prize by:

• Evaluating whether your antiviral candidate aligns with program scope

• Structuring a competitive concept paper and development strategy

• Translating your science into a clear, review-ready proposal aligned with the program’s evaluation criteria

• Helping prepare teams for expert panel review and later technical submissions

How much would BW&CO Charge?

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

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

AIR COMBAT COMMAND HEADQUARTERS (ACC HQ) ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT INTEGRATION CENTER (AMIC) COMMERCIAL SOLUTIONS OPENING (CSO)

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

Executive Summary:

The Air Combat Command Headquarters (ACC HQ) Acquisition Management Integration Center (AMIC) has released Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) Solicitation FA4890-CSO-0001-24 seeking innovative commercial technologies that address specific operational needs of the U.S. Air Force.

This CSO invites companies to propose commercial technologies or services that could close capability gaps or advance Air Force mission capabilities across areas such as AI/ML, cybersecurity, counter-UAS, data aggregation, cross-domain security, and communications.

The program uses a two-phase submission process beginning with a short quad chart and white paper. Selected companies may then be invited to submit a full proposal for potential contract award.

This CSO is open for two calendar years from the original publication date on SAM.gov (5 September 2024) and submissions may be made at any time during that period.

Companies developing innovative commercial solutions aligned with the listed technology topics should consider submitting early while the solicitation remains open.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation does not specify award amounts, award ranges, or total program funding. Typical awards range from $500k to $5m.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding would support development, demonstration, or deployment of innovative commercial technologies that address Air Combat Command capability gaps.

Proposals must align with one of the solicitation topics listed in Attachment 7, including:

• Target custody data systems

• Cross-domain security solutions

• Automated coordinate mensuration

• Counter-UAS detection and defeat systems

• Aircraft sunshade sustainment management solutions

• AI/ML for cyber threat detection and response

• Cyber risk analysis using AI

• Data aggregation systems for cybersecurity

• AI lifecycle management and observatory platforms

• Zero Trust security solutions

• Deployed communications capabilities

• Automation of cyber documentation processes

• On-demand communications squadron network enhancements

Solutions may include:

• Existing commercial technologies

• New technology or methods not currently used by the U.S. Air Force

• Research and development related to innovative technologies

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Awards resulting from this CSO may be issued as:

• FAR Part 12 commercial contracts, or

• Other Transaction (OT) agreements under 10 U.S.C. § 4022.

Additional benefits may include:

• Opportunity to deploy technology with the U.S. Air Force

• Potential to address mission-critical defense capability gaps

• Ability to pursue follow-on development and deployment opportunities

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

Submission Window

• The CSO is open for two calendar years from the original publication date on SAM.gov (5 September 2024).

Application Process

Phase I submission:

• Quad Chart (1 page)

• White Paper (maximum 5 pages)

Phase II submission (by invitation only):

• Technical proposal

• Price proposal

• Statement of Work

Companies invited to submit Phase II proposals will have 30 calendar days to submit the full proposal.

Estimated Award Timing

The solicitation states that companies should assume a contract start date approximately 90 days after proposal submission.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding would come from the Air Combat Command Headquarters (ACC HQ) through the Acquisition Management Integration Center (AMIC).

ACC is responsible for:

• Organizing and equipping combat-ready forces

• Operating fighter, reconnaissance, battle-management, and electronic-combat aircraft

• Providing command, control, communications, and intelligence systems to support national security missions.

Who is eligible to apply?

The solicitation does not specify eligibility restrictions by organization type.

However, to receive an award, offerors must:

• Be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov)

• Be considered responsible contractors under FAR Part 9.1

• Have a satisfactory performance record

• Be eligible for award under federal law and regulation

The CSO seeks commercial technologies and services, and all solutions acquired through the program will be treated as commercial items.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Proposals are evaluated based on three equally weighted criteria:

• Technical merit and applicability

• Importance to agency programs

• Funding availability

During Phase I, the Government reviews quad charts and white papers to determine:

• Whether the company demonstrates technical understanding of the topic

• Whether the solution represents a viable innovative capability

The Government may also conduct peer or scientific review panels as part of the evaluation process.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions and requirements include:

• Phase I submissions must be unclassified.

• Phase I submissions must include:

  • 1-page Quad Chart

  • White Paper not exceeding 5 pages.

• Phase II technical proposals are limited to 10 pages.

• Statement of Work documents are limited to 10 pages.

• All proposed solutions must be commercial technologies or services.

The Government may also negotiate data rights clauses depending on the technology and contract terms.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Preparation time depends on the phase.

Phase I submission

• Quad Chart (1 page)

• White Paper (≤5 pages)

Companies can typically prepare this type of submission relatively quickly, though the solicitation does not specify preparation timelines.

Phase II submission

If invited, companies will have 30 calendar days to prepare the full proposal package.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support companies pursuing this CSO by:

• Assessing fit with AMIC technology topics

• Developing the quad chart and white paper

• Structuring the technical proposal and Statement of Work

• Preparing the price proposal

• Positioning the project around ACC mission needs and evaluation criteria

Our team has experience preparing submissions for defense innovation programs and Commercial Solutions Openings.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

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

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

COMET Defense Intelligence Agency Missile and Space Intelligence Center

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

Executive Summary:

The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) is seeking contractors to support Contract Operations for Missile Evaluation and Testing (COMET) for the Missile & Space Intelligence Center (MSIC) at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. The work supports intelligence analysis, testing, modeling, and technical assessment of missile systems and related technologies.

The solicitation establishes a Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract through which task orders will fund specific analytical and technical services supporting MSIC missions.

Proposals must be submitted by APR 03, 2026 04:00 PM local time. Companies interested in supporting DIA missile intelligence missions should begin preparing now to meet the submission deadline.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation states:

• Estimated maximum quantity of services the Government may order: $14,068,028.96.

• The contract will be structured as a Multiple Award IDIQ, meaning funding will be distributed through task orders issued after contract award.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding would support services required to perform offensive missile system analysis and intelligence support for MSIC. The Statement of Work includes activities such as:

• Technical and intelligence analysis of missile systems

• Foreign materiel exploitation

• Information technology and systems support

• Modeling and simulation of missile technologies

• Business process and program support

• Testing and evaluation support

• Data analysis and intelligence production

The contract supports multiple intelligence domains including:

• Air Domain

• Ground Domain

• Space/Near-Space Domain

The work supports several MSIC disciplines such as:

• Anti-air guided missile systems

• Ground-based defense systems

• Ballistic missile systems

• Directed energy systems

• Foreign materiel exploitation

• Command, control, communications, and computer systems (C4) analysis

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Additional benefits described in the solicitation include:

• Opportunity to receive task orders under a Multiple Award IDIQ contract

• Work directly supporting Defense Intelligence Agency missions

• Participation in intelligence analysis programs supporting national security

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

Proposal deadline

• APR 03, 2026 04:00 PM local time

Contract ordering structure

• Base ordering period: 1 year

• Four option periods: 1 year each

Period of performance for base contract services

• 07/05/2026 – 07/04/2031

Additional option ordering periods may extend performance through 07/04/2036.

Funding will be distributed through task orders issued during the ordering periods.

Where does this funding come from?

The funding originates from:

• Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)

• Missile & Space Intelligence Center (MSIC)

• Redstone Arsenal, Alabama

The contract supports DIA’s mission to analyze foreign missile systems, space systems, and related technologies.

Who is eligible to apply?

The contract is issued through a federal procurement solicitation for contractor support services, and contractors must meet the requirements outlined in the solicitation and associated federal acquisition regulations.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The solicitation indicates that the government is seeking contractors capable of supporting:

• Offensive missile system analysis

• Intelligence analysis and technical exploitation

• Modeling, simulation, and data analysis

• Information technology and analytic infrastructure

• Program and mission support for DIA missile intelligence operations

Companies with experience in:

• Defense intelligence

• Missile systems analysis

• Modeling and simulation

• Advanced technical intelligence (TECHINT)

• Foreign materiel exploitation

are likely to be competitive.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Several restrictions are identified in the solicitation:

• Work involves classified environments and sensitive compartmented information facilities (SCIFs).

• Contractors may need access to Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) environments.

• Work may require operation in U.S. and OCONUS locations, including sensitive facilities.

• Contractors must comply with federal acquisition regulations and intelligence community security requirements.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation does not specify the expected preparation time for proposals.

However, due to the size and complexity of federal IDIQ proposals—particularly those involving classified work—preparing a compliant submission may require significant proposal development effort.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support your team throughout the proposal process, including:

• Interpreting DIA solicitation requirements

• Building a compliant proposal structure

• Drafting technical narratives aligned with the Statement of Work

• Preparing pricing and cost narratives

• Ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations

• Managing proposal development timelines

How much would BW&CO Charge?

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

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

DARPA’s STO: Strategic Technology Office-wide Innovation Solutions Opening

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

Executive Summary:

The DARPA Strategic Technology Office-wide Innovation Solutions Opening (DARPA-PS-26-09) invites companies, universities, and other organizations to submit revolutionary research ideas that could create breakthrough technologies for U.S. national security.

This is a long-term open call that funds high-risk, high-impact research across a wide range of defense technology areas including AI, autonomy, communications, sensors, robotics, directed energy, space systems, and more.

The solicitation is structured as a two-step process: applicants first submit a short abstract. If DARPA determines the idea is promising, the agency will invite the team to submit a full proposal.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the closing deadline.

Final application deadline: October 31, 2027 at 11:59 PM ET.

Because DARPA reviews submissions continuously and may fund projects at any time during the open period, early submission significantly increases the likelihood of consideration.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation states:

• Multiple awards are anticipated.

• Individual award sizes are not specified in the solicitation.

Applicants must include a Price / Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) estimate in their abstract submission.

Funding may be structured through several possible award mechanisms.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding supports research and development that creates revolutionary advances in science, devices, or systems. Incremental improvements to existing technologies are specifically discouraged.

Areas of interest include (but are not limited to):

• Advanced computing

• Applied artificial intelligence

• Autonomy and control algorithms

• Communications and networking

• Electromagnetic warfare

• Radar and sensing technologies

• Robotics

• Directed energy systems

• Space systems and sensors

• Human-machine collaboration

• Signal processing

• System-of-systems engineering

• Undersea technologies

• Logistics and supply chain analytics

The Strategic Technology Office focuses on technologies that enable new mission systems for air, space, sea, and land warfare environments.

Projects may include:

• Short-duration analytical studies

• Proof-of-concept experiments

• Early-stage research that informs future DARPA programs

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Awardees may receive:

• Funding through Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), cooperative agreements, or procurement for experimental purposes.

• The opportunity to transition technologies into U.S. national security applications and industry.

• Access to DARPA program managers and defense technology ecosystems.

The program is designed to seed new DARPA programs and mission systems, making it a potential entry point for future defense funding.

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

Posting date: December 19, 2025.

The solicitation uses a two-phase submission process:

Step 1 — Abstract submission

• Abstracts may be submitted on a rolling basis until October 31, 2027 at 11:59 PM ET.

Step 2 — Full proposal (by invitation only)

• DARPA reviews abstracts first.

• If the idea is considered promising, DARPA will invite the team to submit a full proposal.

Final closing date:
October 31, 2027 at 11:59 PM ET.

DARPA may request proposals at any time after abstract review, so timing for awards is not specified in the solicitation.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from:

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
Strategic Technology Office (STO)
U.S. Department of Defense

The program operates under authorities including:

• 10 U.S.C. § 4001

• 10 U.S.C. § 4021

• 10 U.S.C. § 4022

• 10 U.S.C. § 4023

These authorities allow DARPA to fund research using flexible contracting mechanisms such as OTAs and cooperative agreements.

Who is eligible to apply?

The solicitation states that all responsible sources capable of meeting the Government’s needs may submit a proposal, including:

• U.S. companies

• Universities

• Research institutions

• Non-U.S. organizations

• Individuals

• Government entities (with additional justification)

Small businesses, minority institutions, and historically Black colleges and universities are encouraged to participate.

However:

• University-Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs)

• Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs)

are highly discouraged from applying unless an exception is granted by DARPA.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

DARPA evaluates submissions primarily on:

1. Scientific and technical merit

2. Potential contribution to the DARPA mission

3. Price realism

Successful projects typically:

• Propose innovative and feasible technical approaches

• Offer revolutionary advances rather than incremental improvements

• Demonstrate clear national security relevance

• Show credible plans to transition the technology into U.S. defense or industry applications.

DARPA notes that short-duration exploratory projects, such as studies or proof-of-concept experiments, may receive priority during abstract evaluation.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• Proposals must not duplicate existing DARPA programs.

• Work that results primarily in evolutionary improvements to existing technologies is excluded.

• A written abstract must be submitted before any proposal submission.

• A full proposal can only be submitted after receiving a DARPA invitation.

Additional requirements include:

• Disclosure of potential organizational conflicts of interest

• Compliance with export control laws and security regulations

• Possible cybersecurity compliance with NIST SP 800-171

• Restrictions preventing organizations from simultaneously serving as technical performers and SETA/A&AS support contractors.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The initial submission is designed to be low-burden.

The required abstract:

• Maximum 3 pages

• Must describe the concept, technical approach, and estimated cost (ROM).

For most companies, preparing the abstract typically requires several days to a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the technology and team coordination.

If DARPA invites a full proposal, preparation time will increase significantly.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO helps companies:

• Identify DARPA-appropriate technology concepts

• Translate commercial technology into DARPA-relevant national security applications

• Write compelling 3-page DARPA abstracts

• Develop strong technical narratives aligned with the Heilmeier Questions

• Build teams and structure proposal submissions

• Prepare full proposals after DARPA invitations

Our team has experience helping companies navigate DARPA’s two-step abstract-to-proposal process.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

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

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

CDMRP: FY26 Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health Research Program (TBIPHRP)

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

Executive Summary:

The FY26 Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health Research Program (TBIPHRP), managed by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) under the Defense Health Agency Research and Development – Medical Research and Development Command, will support innovative, high-impact research with clinical relevance focused on improving the prevention, assessment, and treatment of psychological health conditions and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

The program has released a pre-announcement to allow investigators time to begin preparing research concepts. Funding opportunity announcements will be released later on Grants.gov, and those announcements will include the official submission deadlines.

Application deadlines are not specified in the pre-announcement.

Researchers developing clinical trials, translational research, or health services research related to psychological health and TBI in military populations should begin preparing now so they can move quickly once the official solicitations are released.

How much funding would I receive?

Funding depends on the award mechanism and research level selected.

Clinical Trial Award

• Research Level 1

  • Maximum funding: $2.1 million total costs

  • Period of performance: up to 4 years

• Research Level 2

  • Maximum funding: $4.1 million total costs

  • Period of performance: up to 4 years

Health Services Research Award

• Maximum funding: $4.0 million total costs

• Period of performance: up to 4 years

Translational Research Award

• Research Level 1

  • Maximum funding: $1.0 million total costs

  • Period of performance: up to 4 years

• Research Level 2

  • Maximum funding: $2.0 million total costs

  • Period of performance: up to 4 years

Total costs include both direct and indirect costs.

The pre-announcement does not specify the number of awards expected.

What could I use the funding for?

Projects must address psychological health conditions and/or traumatic brain injury (TBI) and fall within one of the program’s focus areas.

1. Understand

Research addressing knowledge gaps in epidemiology and etiology, including:

• Risk, protective, and biological factors affecting vulnerability, response, and long-term outcomes

• Sex as a biological variable

• Psychological health factors related to sexual harassment or assault perpetration, victimization, and barriers to reporting

2. Prevent and Assess

Research focused on prevention, screening, diagnosis, or prognosis, including:

• Identification and validation of biomarkers or objective assessment methods

• Tools supporting return-to-activity or return-to-duty decisions

• Prevention approaches for psychological health conditions and/or TBI

• Cross-cutting prevention strategies addressing outcomes such as:

  • Suicide

  • Interpersonal violence

  • Sexual assault

  • Psychological health conditions

  • TBI

• Solutions supporting military and family readiness and resilience

3. Treat

Research on novel or repurposed interventions, including:

• Treatments and rehabilitation approaches that promote sustained functional recovery

• Interventions across acute, post-acute, or chronic phases

• Postvention strategies following events such as suicide or sexual assault

• Health services research improving access to care, adoption of evidence-based practices, or treatment engagement

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

• Being part of a CDMRP-managed research portfolio with a history of high-impact biomedical awards.

• Two-tier review that evaluates both scientific quality and programmatic relevance (once FOA is published).

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

This announcement is a pre-announcement only intended to give researchers time to prepare proposals.

Key points:

• Funding opportunity announcements will be released on Grants.gov.

• Those announcements will include pre-application and application deadlines.

• Application deadlines are not specified in the pre-announcement.

Submission process:

• Pre-applications must be submitted through eBRAP (Electronic Biomedical Research Application Portal).

• Some mechanisms require preproposals or Letters of Intent before full applications.

• Full application submission may be by invitation only depending on the mechanism.

The pre-announcement does not specify when awards will be made.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is provided under the Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Appropriations Act and administered by the Defense Health Agency Research and Development – Medical Research and Development Command (DHA R&D-MRDC) through the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP).

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility varies slightly by mechanism but generally includes:

• Independent investigators at any career level

Additional details:

• Postdoctoral fellows are not considered independent investigators

• Some mechanisms include an Early-Career Investigator Partnering Option that allows two principal investigators, where:

  • One PI must be within 10 years of completing their terminal degree at the application submission deadline

  • If funded, each PI receives an individual award within their recipient organization(s)

The solicitation does not specify eligible organization types in the pre-announcement.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Projects likely to be competitive will:

• Address psychological health conditions and/or traumatic brain injury

• Demonstrate high clinical relevance to military populations

• Provide innovative, high-impact research approaches

• Advance solutions for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, or health system implementation

• Lead to health care products, technologies, or clinical practice guidelines

Specific program priorities include:

• Biomarkers and objective diagnostic methods

• Cross-cutting prevention approaches addressing multiple adverse outcomes

• Interventions that support sustained functional recovery

• Research improving access to care or adoption of evidence-based practices

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Restrictions vary by award mechanism.

Key limitations include:

Clinical Trial Award

• Must support clinical trials

• Preproposal required

• Full application submission by invitation only

Health Services Research Award

• Clinical research and clinical trials allowed

• Trials for new treatments are prohibited

• Requires Letter of Intent prior to full application

Translational Research Award

• Supports high-risk, high-reward translational research

• Basic research prohibited

• Clinical trials prohibited

• Requires preproposal submission

• Full application submission by invitation only

All submissions must comply with the final funding opportunity announcements released on Grants.gov.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Preparation time will depend on the mechanism and project complexity.

Applicants should expect to prepare:

• A preproposal or Letter of Intent

• A full application if invited

The pre-announcement does not specify application preparation timelines.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO supports teams applying to CDMRP and Department of Defense research programs by:

• Determining program fit and mechanism selection

• Structuring projects to align with TBIPHRP focus areas and evaluation criteria

• Developing a competitive preproposal or Letter of Intent

• Preparing the full application package if invited

• Managing compliance with eBRAP and Grants.gov submission requirements

Because full applications may be invitation-only, strong early positioning during the preproposal stage is critical.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($13,000 + 5%) available.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

DARPA’s I2O: Bordeaux Program

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

Executive Summary:

DARPA’s Information Innovation Office (I2O) released the Bordeaux program (Funding Opportunity Number DARPA-PS-26-20) seeking innovative research proposals focused on cyber security performance in artificial intelligence (AI), including AI models and AI hardware. The program aims to produce revolutionary advances rather than incremental improvements and support national security technology development.

Multiple awards are anticipated under Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype Agreements to develop and demonstrate new approaches to AI cybersecurity performance. The program is expected to run 36 months, including two technical phases.

Companies and research teams capable of delivering novel, high-impact AI security technologies should strongly consider applying.

Proposal Due Date: May 15, 2026, at 1:00 PM Eastern Time.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation states:

• Multiple awards are anticipated.

• Individual award size is not specified in the solicitation.

Proposers must submit a cost proposal aligned with the scale and complexity of their technical approach, including detailed milestone pricing and cost breakdowns.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding is intended to support research and prototype development related to cyber security performance in AI.

Proposed work may include:

• Development of new cybersecurity approaches for AI systems

• Research involving AI models and AI hardware

• Proof-of-concept systems or processes

• Prototype demonstrations

• Agile development and novel applications of commercial technologies for defense purposes

DARPA specifically encourages high-risk, high-reward research that produces revolutionary advances, not incremental improvements to existing methods.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential benefits include:

• Prototype OT agreements, which provide more flexible terms and conditions than traditional federal contracts.

• Potential follow-on production awards without additional competition if the prototype effort is successful, under 10 U.S.C. § 4022.

• Opportunity to contribute technology that supports U.S. national security and defense missions.

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

Key dates listed in the solicitation include:

• Posting Date: March 2, 2026

• Proposers Day: March 16–17, 2026

• Classified Addendum Request Cutoff Date: March 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM

• Question Submission Deadline: April 3, 2026, at 1:00 PM

• Q&A Responses Released: April 10, 2026, no earlier than 9:00 AM

• Proposal Due Date: May 15, 2026, at 1:00 PM Eastern Time

Program structure:

• Security Startup Period: 3 months

• Phase 1: 18 months

• Phase 2: 18 months

• Total program duration: 36 months

A 12-month Transition Phase estimate may also be requested for planning purposes, but it is not being solicited for funding at this time.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from the:

• Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)

• Information Innovation Office (I2O)

The program is issued under 10 U.S.C. § 4022, which authorizes Other Transaction (OT) agreements for prototype projects.

Who is eligible to apply?

DARPA encourages proposals from:

• Large businesses

• Small businesses

• Nontraditional defense contractors

• Research institutions

• Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

• Minority institutions and disadvantaged businesses

However:

• Non-U.S. organizations and individuals cannot participate.

Additional eligibility considerations include:

• Organizations must be capable of handling TOP SECRET // Special Access Required (TS//SAP) material.

• Participants must meet personnel, facility, and information system security requirements.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

DARPA will evaluate proposals based on three primary criteria:

1. Scientific and Technical Merit (most important)
Winning proposals will demonstrate:

• Innovative and feasible technical approaches

• Strong technical teams

• Clear task structure and deliverables

• Identified risks and mitigation strategies

2. Contribution to the DARPA Mission

• Technology that strengthens the U.S. national security technology base

• Solutions capable of transitioning to military or defense use

3. Cost Realism

• Budgets that match the proposed work scope

• Well-justified costs and supporting documentation

DARPA also notes that proposals should leverage prior research and existing capabilities where appropriate.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• Non-U.S. organizations or individuals may not participate.

• Work involves TOP SECRET // Special Access Required (TS//SAP) information.

• Proposals must follow classified submission procedures described in the classified addendum.

• Human or Animal Subjects Research (HSR or ASR) is not anticipated and proposals including it will not be reviewed.

• Organizations providing System Engineering Technical Assistance (SETA) or similar support to DARPA may be restricted from participating as technical performers.

• Proposers must meet SAM registration and federal eligibility requirements before award.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The application requires:

• A technical proposal (up to 25 pages)

• Team qualifications and prior work summaries

• A detailed Task Description Document

• A comprehensive cost proposal with supporting documentation

Because the program requires classified proposal materials and security clearances, preparation time may depend on an organization’s existing security infrastructure.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support companies pursuing this opportunity by helping with strategy, proposal writing, editing, administrative support, and other deliverables.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($13,000 + 5%) available.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

AFRL’s Materials & Manufacturing Directorate: Endless Forge

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

Executive Summary:

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Materials and Manufacturing Directorate is seeking white papers for the Endless Forge solicitation under MAA FA2394-24-R-B003. This is a two-step Open Period Solicitation designed to fund research and prototype development in materials and manufacturing technologies relevant to Air Force needs.

Companies first submit a white paper. If the Air Force determines the concept meets program needs, they will invite the company to submit a full proposal.

WHITE PAPER DUE DATE AND TIME: This solicitation is open and effective until 19 February 2028. White Papers will be considered if received anytime prior to 1400 EST on 19 February 2028. Only white papers are due at this time.

Total program funding is estimated at $149 million, and the Air Force anticipates making multiple awards.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation states:

• Total Program Estimated Cost: $149 million

• Multiple awards anticipated

Estimated funding profile (subject to change):

• FY26: $3.5M

• FY27: $30M

• FY28: $50M

• FY29: $50M

• FY30: $15.5M

The Air Force reserves the right to award zero, one, or multiple contracts depending on proposals received and available funding.What could I use the funding for?

Funding supports research, development, integration, testing, and evaluation of technologies that improve information sharing across security domains and heterogeneous networks at the tactical edge.

The BAA focuses on three technical areas:

Technical Area 1 — Next Generation Cross Domain Solution Broker

Develop a discoverable and reconfigurable broker service that enables data exchange across multiple security domains using certified cross-domain solutions.

Technical Area 2 — Highly Dynamic Red/Black Networking

Develop networking capabilities that enable resilient routing and prioritization of encrypted data across dynamic networks.

Technical Area 3 — Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis (MS&A)

Develop a non-proprietary modeling and simulation testbed to evaluate technologies from Technical Areas 1 and 2.

The program will advance technologies through a phased development approach to reach TRL 5 and TRL 6 demonstrations.

What could I use the funding for?

The Air Force is soliciting research aligned with the following technical areas:

• Manufacturing and Industrial Technologies

• Composite, Ceramic, Metallic, and Materials Performance

• Integration and Operations

Projects may include development activities that produce:

• Data deliverables (CDRL reports)

• Software deliverables (if applicable)

• Hardware deliverables (if applicable)

• Other deliverables based on the proposed work

Specific Areas of Interest are described in Attachment 1 of the solicitation.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Awards may be issued through several potential mechanisms depending on the project:

• Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype

• Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts

• Grants

• Cooperative agreements

• Other research agreements authorized under federal statute

The government will select the instrument best suited to the proposed research effort.

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

Step 1 – White Paper

WHITE PAPER DUE DATE AND TIME: This solicitation is open and effective until 19 February 2028. White Papers will be considered if received anytime prior to 1400 EST on 19 February 2028.

White papers are submitted electronically to the listed Air Force contacts.

Step 2 – Full Proposal

• Full proposal deadlines will be provided in Requests for Proposals sent to offerors whose white papers are selected.

Awards

• Award dates will vary.

• White papers will be accepted for review through 19 February 2028.

Period of Performance

• Approximately 36 months per award

  • 33 months technical performance

  • 3 months reporting period

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is provided by:

• Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)

• Materials and Manufacturing Directorate (RX)

The solicitation is issued under:

• MAA FA2394-24-R-B003

• Federal Acquisition Regulation and supplements

• 10 U.S.C. 4021, 4022, and 4023 authorities for research and prototype projects

• 32 CFR 22.205 for grants and cooperative agreements

Who is eligible to apply?

This is an unrestricted Open Period Solicitation, meaning:

• Companies of any size may apply

• Small businesses are encouraged to propose

Additional eligibility requirements include:

• Contractors must be registered and certified with the Defense Logistics Agency Joint Certification Program (JCP).

• Proposals must include an approved DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement.

Foreign participation:

• Foreign participation is not authorized at the prime contractor level.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The solicitation states the Air Force is seeking research proposals aligned with its materials and manufacturing mission areas, specifically:

• Manufacturing and industrial technologies

• Composite, ceramic, and metallic materials performance

• Integration and operational technologies

Projects must address Areas of Interest described in Attachment 1.

White papers will be invited to submit full proposals if they meet the needs of the Air Force.

The solicitation does not specify evaluation criteria beyond those referenced in the RX MAA Industry Guide.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

Foreign participation

• Not authorized at the prime contractor level.

Export control

• The research may involve export-controlled information under:

  • ITAR (22 CFR 120-131)

  • EAR (15 CFR 710-774)

Security requirements

• Some Areas of Interest may require:

  • TOP SECRET facility security clearance

  • SCI access

Accounting system

• Cost reimbursement contracts require an adequate accounting system for cost tracking.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The application is a two-step process:

1. Submit a white paper.

2. If selected, submit a full proposal after receiving a Request for Proposal from the Air Force.

White paper preparation requirements are described in the RX MAA Industry Guide referenced in the solicitation.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support companies pursuing the Endless Forge solicitation by:

• Determining whether your technology aligns with the Areas of Interest.

• Developing a competitive white paper aligned with AFRL expectations.

• Structuring a proposal strategy for the two-step submission process.

• Preparing the full proposal package if your white paper is selected.

• Ensuring compliance with requirements such as export control documentation and DD Form 2345.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($4,000) available.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

AFRL: “Networking the Fight” Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-24-S-7002

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

Executive Summary:

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is seeking innovative technologies that improve secure information sharing across multiple security domains and networks at the tactical edge through the “Networking the Fight” Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-24-S-7002. The goal is to enable mission-critical data to move across air, space, and ground networks while maintaining security across “red-black” boundaries.

This program supports the future Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) vision by developing software-defined networking capabilities that enable resilient, dynamic information transport in contested environments.

Companies will submit a 3–5 page white paper first, and only those invited by the government will be asked to submit a full proposal.

White papers will continue to be accepted until 11:59 PM EST on 14 FEB 2029.

How much funding would I receive?

Total anticipated funding across the program is approximately $70M.

Individual awards:

• Typically $1M to $24M

• Period of performance normally up to 36 months

Estimated program funding by fiscal year:

• FY26: $24M

• FY27: $17M

The government reserves the right to award zero, one, or multiple awards, depending on funding availability and proposal quality.

For the initial technical areas, AFRL anticipates:

• 3 awards for Technical Area 1

• 3 awards for Technical Area 2

• 1 award for Technical Area 3

What could I use the funding for?

Funding supports research, development, integration, testing, and evaluation of technologies that improve information sharing across security domains and heterogeneous networks at the tactical edge.

The BAA focuses on three technical areas:

Technical Area 1 — Next Generation Cross Domain Solution Broker

Develop a discoverable and reconfigurable broker service that enables data exchange across multiple security domains using certified cross-domain solutions.

Technical Area 2 — Highly Dynamic Red/Black Networking

Develop networking capabilities that enable resilient routing and prioritization of encrypted data across dynamic networks.

Technical Area 3 — Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis (MS&A)

Develop a non-proprietary modeling and simulation testbed to evaluate technologies from Technical Areas 1 and 2.

The program will advance technologies through a phased development approach to reach TRL 5 and TRL 6 demonstrations.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Possible benefits include:

• Opportunity to transition prototype projects to follow-on production contracts or transactions if prototypes are successfully completed.

• Potential awards in several forms depending on the proposed work, including:

  • FAR-based procurement contracts

  • Grants or cooperative agreements

  • Other Transactions (OTs) under 10 U.S.C. 4021 and 4022

• Opportunity to collaborate with AFRL and other performers through shared testbed environments.

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

This BAA operates as a two-step process:

Step 1 — Submit a White Paper

• White papers will continue to be accepted until 11:59 PM EST on 14 FEB 2029.

Step 2 — Submit a Full Proposal (Invitation Only)

Evaluation timeline:

• Offerors will receive white paper evaluation results within 45 days of submission.

Program duration:

• Phase 0: 9 months

• Phase 1: 12 months

• Phase 2: 15 months

• Total potential period of performance: 36 months

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from the Department of the Air Force, specifically:

• Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)

• Information Directorate

• Rome Research Site (Rome, New York)

The program supports AFRL’s mission to develop advanced warfighting technologies for air, space, and cyber operations.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is open to all qualified offerors that meet the requirements of the BAA.

Potential applicants may include:

• Small businesses

• Large businesses

• Universities

• Non-profit organizations

However, the BAA includes several participation restrictions:

• The program is closed to foreign participation, including foreign ownership and foreign nationals, unless specific exceptions apply.

• Contractors requiring access to AFRL facilities or government IT networks must be U.S. citizens, unless a waiver is granted.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Proposals are evaluated based on four equally weighted criteria:

• Scientific and technical merit of the proposed solution

• Relevant experience related to Air Force mission needs

• Openness, maturity, and assurance of the solution, including use of existing standards and capabilities

• Reasonableness and realism of proposed costs

Solutions that demonstrate innovative approaches to secure cross-domain data movement and resilient networking in contested environments are likely to align well with the program’s objectives.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Several important restrictions apply:

Foreign participation

• The BAA is closed to foreign participation, with limited exceptions for fundamental research or approved mitigation structures.

Security requirements

• Personnel may require SECRET or TOP SECRET clearances depending on the work performed.

Compliance requirements

• Applicants must disclose current and pending research support for key personnel.

• Proposals will undergo a security risk review to assess potential foreign influence risks.

Registration requirements

• Offerors must be registered in System for Award Management (SAM) before receiving an award.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The initial submission requirement is a 3–5 page white paper, which is designed to minimize preparation effort before the government determines interest.

If invited to submit a full proposal, additional documentation and cost details will be required.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support your application through:

• Assessing whether your technology fits Technical Areas 1, 2, or 3

• Developing a competitive white paper aligned with AFRL evaluation criteria

• Structuring your proposal for BAA compliance and technical clarity

• Managing the full proposal preparation process if invited

How much would BW&CO Charge?

We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($13,000 + 5%) available.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.