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.

CDMRP: FY26 Epilepsy Research Program (ERP)

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

Executive Summary:

The FY26 Epilepsy Research Program (ERP) from the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), managed by the Defense Health Agency Research and Development – Medical Research and Development Command, is expected to fund innovative research focused on post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) and related comorbidities.

The program’s goal is to improve quality of life for Service Members, Veterans, caregivers, and the broader epilepsy community by advancing understanding of the biological mechanisms, epidemiology, progression, and treatment of PTE.

This announcement is a pre-announcement, meaning investigators should begin preparing ideas now. Application deadlines have not yet been released. The official Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs), which will include submission deadlines, will be posted on Grants.gov.

How much funding would I receive?

Funding amounts depend on the award mechanism.

• Idea Development Award

  • Maximum funding: $1 million total costs

  • Maximum period of performance: 3 years

• Leveraging Research Award

  • Maximum funding: $800,000 total costs

  • Maximum period of performance: 3 years

• Research Partnership Award

  • Maximum funding: $2 million total costs

  • Maximum period of performance: 3 years

• Virtual Post-Traumatic Epilepsy Research Center – Leadership Award

  • Maximum funding: $1.6 million total costs

  • Maximum period of performance: 4 years

• Virtual Post-Traumatic Epilepsy Research Center – Faculty Award

  • Maximum funding: $800,000 total costs

  • Maximum period of performance: 3 years

Total costs include direct and indirect costs.

What could I use the funding for?

ERP funding supports research designed to advance understanding of post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) and related conditions. Applications should address at least one of the program’s focus areas:

Markers and Mechanisms of PTE

• Identification of biomarkers predicting epilepsy development

• Research into biological mechanisms that could prevent epileptogenesis or seizure activity

Epidemiological Characterization of PTE

• Identifying predictors of epilepsy development

• Studying patient outcomes such as latency to epilepsy onset, comorbidities, and mortality

• Measuring impacts on quality of life for patients and caregivers

Longitudinal Studies of PTE Progression

• Tracking disease progression over time

• Evaluating treatment outcomes and quality of care

• Studying interactions between epilepsy and comorbid conditions such as psychiatric disorders, cognitive deficits, sleep disorders, and fatigue

Innovative Research Tools and Technologies

• Artificial intelligence or bioinformatics tools

• Clinical databases and advanced device technologies for seizure detection and diagnosis

• Models for studying post-traumatic epilepsy

• Tools enabling future clinical trials

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Some award mechanisms provide benefits beyond funding.

For example:

• Research Partnership Award

  • Supports collaborative research between two named Principal Investigators

• Virtual Post-Traumatic Epilepsy Research Center – Leadership Award

  • Provides funding to lead a virtual research center

  • Includes responsibilities such as mentoring investigators and facilitating collaboration

• Virtual Post-Traumatic Epilepsy Research Center – Faculty Award

  • Supports early-career researchers or investigators new to the PTE field

  • Includes mentorship and career development within a collaborative research environment

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

The process will include:

• Pre-application submission through eBRAP

• Pre-applications will be Letters of Intent

• Full applications will follow the requirements outlined in the final FOAs on Grants.gov

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from the FY26 Defense Appropriations Act, which provides funding for the Epilepsy Research Program (ERP).

The program is administered by:

• Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP)

• Defense Health Agency Research and Development – Medical Research and Development Command

ERP focuses on research that benefits Service Members, Veterans, caregivers, and the broader epilepsy community.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility depends on the award mechanism:

• Idea Development Award

  • Independent investigators at any career level may serve as Principal Investigator

• Leveraging Research Award

  • Independent investigators at any career level may serve as Principal Investigator

• Research Partnership Award

  • Two named Principal Investigators who are independent investigators at any career level

• Virtual P-TERC Leadership Award

  • Director and Deputy Director must be independent investigators with:

    • Strong history of PTE research funding

    • Peer-reviewed publications

    • Mentorship experience

• Virtual P-TERC Faculty Award

  • Early-career investigators or investigators new to the PTE field

What companies and projects are likely to win?

ERP prioritizes research that:

• Advances understanding of post-traumatic epilepsy and associated comorbidities

• Improves quality of life for Service Members, Veterans, and caregivers

• Demonstrates innovation or high creativity

• Challenges existing research paradigms

• Leverages existing datasets, cohorts, or research infrastructure

• Includes strong collaborations where appropriate

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key requirements include:

• Pre-applications must be submitted through eBRAP

• All pre-applications are Letters of Intent

• Full applications must follow the requirements of the final Funding Opportunity Announcements on Grants.gov

• Applications must align with the ERP’s focus areas on post-traumatic epilepsy

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

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

Typical CDMRP submissions involve:

• A Letter of Intent (pre-application)

• A full application including research plan, budget, and supporting documentation

Because official deadlines have not yet been released, investigators should begin developing project concepts now so they are ready once the FOAs are posted.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO supports companies and research teams pursuing CDMRP and other federal research funding by:

• Identifying the most competitive award mechanism

• Developing a compelling proposal narrative aligned with program priorities

• Structuring the research plan and milestones

• Coordinating multi-institution collaborations

• Managing the full submission process through eBRAP and Grants.gov

Our team has extensive experience helping applicants pursue defense health and biomedical research funding.

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: FY26 Alzheimer’s Research Program (AZRP)

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

Executive Summary:

The Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Alzheimer’s Research Program (AZRP) is expected to release funding opportunities through the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) to support impactful research addressing Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease–related dementias (AD/ADRD).

06-22-2026 - (Pre-application - Pre-Proposal)
09-24-2026 - (Application)

The program’s mission is to fund solution-oriented research that improves quality of life for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, including Service Members, Veterans, their Families, and the general public.

Congress appropriated $15.0 million for the FY26 Alzheimer’s Research Program.

The FY26 AZRP is expected to support research that improves diagnosis, prevention, risk reduction, and quality of life for individuals affected by AD/ADRD.

How much funding would I receive?

Funding depends on the award mechanism.

Transforming Care Award

• Maximum funding: $1.6M total costs

• Maximum period of performance: 4 years

Career Initiation or Transition Partnership Option (CITPO):

• Maximum funding: $1.8M total costs

• Maximum period of performance: 4 years

Transforming Diagnosis Award

• Maximum funding: $1.5M total costs

• Maximum period of performance: 4 years

Career Initiation or Transition Partnership Option (CITPO):

• Maximum funding: $1.7M total costs

• Maximum period of performance: 4 years

Transforming Research Award

• Maximum funding: $1M total costs

• Maximum period of performance: 3 years

What could I use the funding for?

Funding supports non-incremental, solution-focused research addressing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD).

The allowable research depends on the mechanism.

Transforming Care Award

Supports well-designed non-incremental clinical research or clinical trials in dementia care that provide solutions for individuals living with AD/ADRD.

Projects may address:

• Care interventions

• Strategies or technologies for dementia care

• Tools that improve daily living and support systems

• Approaches that reduce caregiver burden and stress

• Methods that improve quality of life for individuals with dementia

Applications are encouraged to prioritize both:

• Individuals living with AD/ADRD

• Their care partners

Transforming Diagnosis Award

Supports solutions-oriented research addressing barriers to diagnosis, disease monitoring, or prognosis.

Barriers may include:

• Diagnostic technologies

• Cost barriers

• Access to diagnostic tools

• Clinical implementation challenges

• Biomarker validation

• Disease monitoring methods

• Lack of longitudinal data for prediction or prognosis

Research may include:

• Prospective human subject recruitment

• De-identified human samples, specimens, or datasets

Transforming Research Award

Supports research that reduces risk and prevents the development of AD/ADRD.

Applications must address one of two focus areas:

Risk factor knowledge

• Identification or validation of risk or protective factors

• Environmental, epigenetic, genetic, lifestyle, or occupational risks

Risk reduction solutions

• Non-pharmacological methods

• Technologies

• Prevention strategies that reduce risk of AD/ADRD

The program encourages studies leveraging existing cohorts or datasets, including cohorts 65 years or younger.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

The pre-announcement does not specify additional non-funding benefits.

However, CDMRP programs typically provide:

• Access to a two-tier review system combining scientific peer review and programmatic review to ensure scientific merit and mission relevance.

• Opportunities to collaborate with researchers, clinicians, and community stakeholders affected by the disease.

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

06-22-2026 - (Pre-application - Pre-Proposal)
09-24-2026 - (Application)

Where does this funding come from?

This funding comes from the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) within the Department of Defense.

Key facts:

• Funding was appropriated through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026.

• CDMRP manages biomedical research programs supporting the health of Service Members, Veterans, their Families, and the American public.

Who is eligible to apply?

Detailed eligibility criteria will be provided in the official Funding Opportunity Announcements.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The AZRP supports projects that:

• Address critical needs in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias

• Deliver solution-oriented outcomes

• Improve diagnosis, prevention, or patient quality of life

• Demonstrate clear relevance to Service Members, Veterans, their Families, or the broader public

Projects that show strong scientific merit and mission relevance are prioritized through CDMRP’s two-tier review process.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Restrictions and requirements are not specified in the pre-announcement.

These details—including allowable costs, research scope limitations, and regulatory requirements—will be defined in the full Funding Opportunity Announcements.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The preparation timeline is not specified in the pre-announcement.

CDMRP programs often use a two-stage process that may include:

• Pre-application submission

• Invitation to submit a full application

However, the specific process for FY26 AZRP is not specified in the pre-announcement.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO supports teams pursuing CDMRP funding by:

• Assessing project fit with the AZRP mission and research priorities

• Developing a competitive technical narrative

• Structuring proposals to align with CDMRP review criteria

• Managing submission strategy, compliance, and timeline

• Coordinating collaborators, investigators, and supporting documentation

Our team has extensive experience supporting Department of Defense CDMRP grant applications.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

CDMRP: FY26 Autism Research Program

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

Executive Summary:

The Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Autism Research Program (ARP) from the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) will fund innovative, high-impact research with clinical relevance that improves outcomes for individuals with autism and their families. The program released this pre-announcement to allow investigators time to plan proposals before the formal Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) are released.

The FY26 ARP was funded through the FY26 Defense Appropriations Act. Investigators should begin preparing now because the program will require a pre-application before submission of a full proposal once the FOAs are released.

Application deadline: The deadline is not specified in the solicitation. Deadlines will be published in the FY26 ARP funding opportunity announcements when they are released on Grants.gov.

How much funding would I receive?

Funding depends on the specific award mechanism.

Career Development Award

• Maximum funding: $750,000 total costs

• Maximum period of performance: 3 years

Clinical Trial Award

• Maximum funding: $1.5 million total costs

• Maximum period of performance: 4 years

Clinical Trial Award – Nested Early-Career Investigator Option

• Maximum funding: $1.75 million total costs

• Maximum period of performance: 4 years

Idea Development Award

• Maximum funding: $750,000 total costs

• Maximum period of performance: 3 years

Total costs include direct and indirect costs.

What could I use the funding for?

Each mechanism supports different types of autism research.

Career Development Award

• Supports early-career independent investigators or established investigators transitioning into autism research.

• Projects must pursue research with the potential to have a major impact on autism.

• Supported activities include:

  • Innovative, high-impact research ideas

  • Early-phase, proof-of-principle clinical trials

• Preliminary data is required.

Clinical Trial Award

• Supports research with the potential to have a major impact on the treatment and/or management of autism.

• Projects must involve clinical trials supported by preliminary data.

Clinical Trial Award – Nested Early-Career Investigator Option

• Allows a senior investigator (initiating PI) to collaborate with a young investigator.

• Supports the development of investigators pursuing careers in autism clinical trial research.

Idea Development Award

• Supports innovative, high-impact ideas that advance understanding of autism and lead to improved outcomes.

• Includes a Partnering PI Option allowing collaboration between two investigators.

• Clinical trials are not allowed under this mechanism.

All mechanisms require preliminary data relevant to the proposed project.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

The program includes several structural benefits:

• Career Development Award supports the transition of researchers into the autism field.

• Clinical Trial Award – Nested Early-Career Investigator Option provides structured development for young investigators.

• Idea Development Award – Partnering PI Option encourages collaboration between investigators.

These structures are designed to expand the autism research workforce and accelerate impactful research.

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

• Pre-announcement released: March 2, 2026

• Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) will be posted on Grants.gov.

• Pre-application submission through eBRAP is required before submitting a full application.

• Application submission is by invitation only after review of the pre-application.

• Pre-application and full application deadlines are not specified in the pre-announcement.

• Funding start dates are not specified in the pre-announcement.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding for the program comes from the FY26 Defense Appropriations Act and is administered by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) within the Defense Health Agency Research and Development – Medical Research and Development Command.

The program is part of the Department of Defense’s Autism Research Program (ARP).

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility varies by mechanism.

Career Development Award
Applicants must:

• Be independent investigators at or below the level of Assistant Professor, or equivalent,

  or

• Be established investigators in a field other than autism at or above the level of Assistant Professor seeking to transition into autism research.

Additional requirements:

• Must not have previously received a Career Development Award (or equivalent) from any CDMRP program or other federal agency.

• Must not have received more than $250,000 in total direct costs for previous or concurrent autism research as a PI of federally or privately funded non-mentored peer-reviewed grants.

• Must hold a Ph.D., M.D., M.D./Ph.D., or equivalent at the time of pre-application submission.

• Must not be a graduate student, postdoctoral fellow, or other mentored researcher.

Clinical Trial Award

• Independent investigators at any career level.

Clinical Trial Award – Nested Early-Career Investigator Option
Young investigator must:

• Be currently in postdoctoral training or have completed postdoctoral training.

• Be no more than 7 years from receipt of a terminal degree.

• Commit at least 50% time to the project.

Idea Development Award

• Independent investigators at any career level.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Based on the pre-announcement, competitive applications will likely:

• Propose innovative, high-impact research addressing autism

• Demonstrate strong preliminary data

• Show potential for major impact on understanding, treatment, or management of autism

• Align with the goals of the specific award mechanism

• For collaboration options, demonstrate meaningful partnerships between investigators

Applications must clearly demonstrate scientific merit and potential impact.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• Pre-application submission through eBRAP is required before submitting a full application.

• Full applications are submitted by invitation only.

• Preliminary data is required for all mechanisms.

• Idea Development Award applications cannot support clinical trials, including a clinical trial aim.

• Career Development Award applicants must meet prior funding and career stage restrictions.

All applications must conform to the final Funding Opportunity Announcements posted on Grants.gov.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation does not specify preparation time.

However, because the ARP uses a two-stage process (pre-application followed by invitation-only full application), applicants typically need time to:

• Prepare a competitive pre-proposal

• Develop preliminary data and a detailed research plan

• Assemble collaborators and institutional approvals

Investigators are encouraged to begin planning early before FOAs are released.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support applicants throughout the ARP application process, including:

• Evaluating project fit with ARP mechanisms

• Developing a competitive proposal strategy

• Structuring impact-focused research narratives

• Managing the pre-application and full application process

• Preparing supporting documents and compliance materials

• Coordinating multi-investigator collaborations

Our team has extensive experience supporting Department of Defense CDMRP grant applications.

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.

Broadening Availability of Regimens for K-9s (BARK) - Open Topic - SBIR Topic DPA26BZ01-NP001

Disclaimer:
This topic was temporarily posted by the Department of War SBIR Program on March 2nd 2026 and removed the following day.
We believe this topic is planned to be released once the SBIR program is reauthorized; however, this topic may ultimately be modified or withdrawn.

Sign up below to be notified as soon as this topic is released again. In the meantime, we’d recommend you start planning to respond if within your capabilities.

Funding Amount:

Est. $250,000

Deadline to Apply:

Est. April 29th, 2026.

Objective:

Develop medical products that are interoperable and compatible across humans and dogs to meet the health needs of both human warfighters and military working dogs.

Description:

Military working dogs (MWDs) are critical to national security, serving as force multipliers by enhancing the lethality and survivability of their teams through their unique senses, agility, and autonomy. Providing effective medical care for MWDs is critical but imposes significant challenges. Not all human medical products work for canines (K-9s), who sometimes require separate, specialized veterinary products. MWD handlers must therefore carry extra medical equipment to provide emergency care for their K-9 partner, exacerbating equipment loads and impeding operational capacity. Specialized equipment also expands medical materiel requirements and dependence on the less-resourced veterinary market, encumbering acquisition and sustainment activities.

Medical technologies that are interoperable and compatible across humans and dogs can address unmet needs of valuable MWDs while lessening the burden on medics, logisticians, and other contributors to force health protection. Species-interoperable medical technologies, particularly those supporting acute and tactical care, will improve lifesaving medical care for these MWDs while mitigating logistical and operational burdens of treating both human and K-9 warfighters.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting medical technologies that are interoperable and compatible across humans and dogs. Technologies of greatest interest allow for the replacement of existing products in medical sets with interoperable products, reducing the total amount of medical supplies—expanding capability without expanding the kits. Examples of specific technologies of interest include, but are not limited to:

Filters for donor plasma capable of removing cross-reactive antigens that impede compatibility across species;

Universal synthetic plasma designed with all necessary functional components for transfusion;

Sensors and form-factors that enable physiological monitoring (e.g., core body temperature and blood pressure) or triage in both humans and dogs;

Medical devices (e.g., splints, backboards, tourniquets, mechanical ventilators) designed to be rapidly adjustable at point of care for flexible use across anatomies;

Interoperable medical countermeasures (MCMs) and form-agnostic personal protective equipment to mitigate or protect against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats; and

Delivery mechanisms that can modulate dosing, including through excipients or combination devices (e.g., autoinjectors), to enable universal use of pharmaceuticals and MCMs.

The aim of the solicitation is to create a demonstrative prototype that can quickly progress to pre-clinical or clinical testing during a contracted SBIR Phase II period of performance (PoP). Research that merely tests existing products, including collection of data to titrate dosages or support label expansion of a marketed product to an additional species, is unlikely to achieve the degree of technical innovation a successful proposal should demonstrate. New drug discovery is discouraged but may be considered in particularly compelling cases. Products enabled by proposed research should feasibly be safe and effective in both humans and canines—to be verified in future trials—for use cases where no single existing product serves both patient sets. Technologies of interest should be capable of achieving substantially equivalent or superior performance in humans compared to currently approved options.

An initial white paper describing the technical approach is required and will be evaluated. If DARPA selects a white paper for further evaluation, the Government will issue an invitation to submit a full proposal. The technical white paper should include an overview of the proposed concept with details to support feasibility. The overview should address the bullets below, which are listed in order of importance:

Proposed concept: Describe the proposed research and medical product. Outline the design and operation of the main components that are being proposed for development and mode(s) of action. Use clear calculations, preliminary data, or mechanistic justifications to support feasibility of the proposed concept.

Concept of employment: Identify how the proposed product could be employed. Provide details on the intended use, indication, and effect, and the prevalence and impact of the addressed medical condition. What benefits, including new capabilities or improved metrics, does the proposed solution provide compared to current commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) options (e.g., commercially available human- or canine-specific products)?

Path to market: Identify relevant predicate or otherwise established products that have been approved, licensed, authorized, or cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or other relevant regulatory authority. Provide a general plan or strategy for securing market access and ensuring regulatory compliance for both humans and canines if the proposed technology is successful and shown to be safe and effective. For any special FDA programs noted (e.g., Breakthrough Device designation, 513(g)), ensure that the white paper describes how the medical product meets the program requirements.

Scalability: Provide a brief analysis of the feasibility of scaling the technology across both the DoW and industry. Are the achievable production costs low enough to merit widespread adoption, especially if alternative human- or canine-specific products are available? Is the system sufficiently familiar or intuitive to medics, handlers, and clinicians that large-scale deployment and administration wouldn’t require significant training or modification of protocols? What are the projected maintenance and storage requirements, operational availabilities, and service lifetimes, and, if applicable, how do they compare with COTS alternatives?

Who will win?

If you can achieve the objective above better than any other company on the market, you have a very high-likelihood of success and should apply.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any company that meets the following criteria:

• For-profit company

• U.S.-owned and controlled.

• 500 or fewer employees (including affiliates)

How Can BW&CO Help?

1) End-to-end support including, strategy, writing of the full proposal, and administrative & compliance support.

2) Proposal strategy and review.

3) Administrative & compliance support.

Request to talk with a member of our team by completing the form below:

DIBC: Domestic Processing Capabilities of Critical Minerals

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

Executive Summary:

The Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC) has released RPP-CM-26-01: Domestic Processing Capabilities of Critical Minerals to strengthen U.S. defense supply chains.

The RPP closes: March 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM (ET). Late submissions may not be reviewed or considered.

This opportunity supports projects that establish, expand, or scale domestic processing capabilities for critical minerals essential to national defense. Awards will be issued through Other Transaction (OT) authority under 10 U.S.C. § 4021 (Research) or 10 U.S.C. § 4022 (Prototype).

If your company operates anywhere across the mineral value chain — from extraction to refining to recycling — and addresses at least one in-scope mineral, this is a high-priority DoD-backed industrial base investment opportunity.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation does not specify award amounts, minimum or maximum funding levels, number of awards, or total program funding.

Phase 2 submissions will include full pricing documentation. The Government will evaluate cost reasonableness and feasibility.

For projects:

• Over $100M but not $500M, additional cost feasibility standards apply.

• Over $500M, use of authority must be essential to meet critical national security objectives.

All agreements are generally expected to be fixed-price with milestone payments, although other award types may be proposed and negotiated.

What could I use the funding for?

Projects must address at least one of the following minerals:

• Arsenic

• Bismuth

• Gadolinium

• Germanium

• Graphite

• Hafnium

• Nickel

• Samarium

• Tungsten

• Vanadium

• Ytterbium

• Yttrium

• Zirconium

And must align with at least one of six Areas of Interest (AOIs):

AOI 1 – Raw Mineral Sourcing and Beneficiation

• Feasibility studies

• Infrastructure improvements

• Capital investments

• Productivity enhancements

• Expansion of mining capacity

AOI 2 – Separation and Processing

• Conversion to intermediate chemical forms (e.g., oxides, chlorides, salts)

AOI 3 – Metal Production, Metallization, Refining, and Upscaling

• Smelting

• Metal purification and refining

AOI 4 – Alloying and Finish Processing

• Alloy production

• Coating or plating

• Production of materials ready for integration into supply chains

AOI 5 – Recycling, Recovery, and Alternative Sourcing

• Recovery from mine tailings, scrap, industrial waste, end-of-life materials

AOI 6 – Supporting Supply Chains

• Production of chemical reagents, key inputs, tooling, production equipment

• Qualification of materials for DoD systems

Projects may span multiple stages of the value chain and may include co-products if at least one in-scope mineral is produced.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

This opportunity is structured under Other Transaction (OT) authority, which:

• Is not subject to the FAR

• Allows flexible commercial terms

• Enables milestone-based payment structures

• May support follow-on production without further competition under 10 U.S.C. § 4022(f), if the prototype is successfully completed

Submissions may also be placed in a 24-month “basket” for potential future award consideration.

The Government may also leverage additional financial tools such as:

• Direct equity stakes

• SAFE instruments

• Convertible notes

• Revenue share agreements

• Offtake agreements

• DPA Title III loans, loan guarantees, or purchase commitments

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

RPP Release Date: February 27, 2026
RPP Closes: March 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM (ET)

The Government may close the RPP at any time. After closure, submissions will not be accepted.

The solicitation does not specify an award timeline or expected funding start date.

The review process includes:

Phase 1: Quad Chart submission

• Evaluated for relevance and feasibility

• Selected companies invited to Phase 2

Phase 2: Full proposal package

• Includes Project Execution Plan, pricing, certifications, Environmental Assessment Questionnaire

Only selected Phase 1 applicants will move to Phase 2.

Where does this funding come from?

This opportunity is issued by the Washington Headquarters Services, Acquisition Directorate (WHS/AD) under the Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC).

It supports the mission of Industrial Base Policy (IBP) within the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSW(A&S)).

Funding is aligned with:

• Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS)

• Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III authorities

Who is eligible to apply?

Only Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC) Consortium Members may submit.

Additional requirements:

• Must submit through ATI’s Business Information Data System (BIDS)

• Must be registered in SAM (System for Award Management)

• Must not be suspended or debarred

• Must meet responsibility determination standards

For Prototype authority under 10 U.S.C. § 4022, eligibility requires one of the following:

• Significant participation by a Nontraditional Defense Contractor (NDC) or Nonprofit Research Institution (NRI),

• Complete participation by a small business, or

• At least one-third resource contribution by a consortium member other than the above.

Foreign investment or control must be disclosed.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The Government will evaluate proposals based on:

Phase 1:

• Relevance to the AOI

• Merit and feasibility

Phase 2:

• Relevance to the AOI

• Technical merit and feasibility

• Reasonableness of schedule

• Reasonableness and adequacy of cost

• Data rights assertions

Projects must clearly demonstrate:

• Impact on defense supply chains

• Production volumes

• Advancement in TRL and MRL

• Commercialization pathway

• Mitigation of global supply chain vulnerabilities

Holistic, integrated, scalable solutions across multiple value chain stages are encouraged.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• Submissions must follow mandatory templates.

• Files must be unencrypted, under 5MB.

• No reimbursement for proposal costs.

• Classified material is not allowed.

• CUI submissions must comply with NIST SP 800-171r2.

• Supply chain reporting is required (including vendor data and part traceability).

• Mandatory Government terms apply under the DIBC Base Agreement.

• The Government retains broad discretion and may decline any proposal.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

This is a two-phase process.

Phase 1:

• Quad Chart (mandatory template)

Phase 2 (by invitation only):

• Cover Page (2 pages)

• Project Execution Plan (15 pages)

• Affirmation of Business Status Certification

• Price proposal and justification

• Environmental Assessment Questionnaire

Preparation time will depend on project complexity. The solicitation does not specify an estimated preparation timeline.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can:

• Determine alignment with IBAS vs. DPA Title III authorities

• Position your project across the mineral value chain

• Develop a compliant Quad Chart

• Build a defensible milestone-based pricing structure

• Align TRL/MRL progression to evaluation criteria

• Structure cost share or resource contribution documentation

• De-risk data rights assertions

• Prepare Phase 2 documentation under strict OT requirements

We ensure your submission aligns precisely with AOI criteria and evaluation factors.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($9,000) available.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

Air Force: AERIAL LAYER NETWORKING & TRANSMISSION TECHNOLOGIES

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

Executive Summary:

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Information Directorate (Rome Research Site), is soliciting white papers under BAA FA8750-23-S-7002 for advanced research in Aerial Layer Networking & Transmission Technologies.

This is an Open, 2-Step Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) focused on enabling self-forming, self-healing, resilient airborne networks that operate in contested and degraded environments.

White papers will be accepted until 0500 PM EST on 30 September 2027, and this BAA will close on 30 September 2027.

While submissions are accepted on a rolling basis, AFRL recommends aligning to fiscal year targets to maximize funding probability. If this topic aligns with your capabilities, early submission materially improves your chances of selection.

This is a multi-year, $99.5M opportunity with potential awards ranging from $1M to $10M — and up to $49.5M in certain cases.

How much funding would I receive?

• Total BAA funding: Approximately $99.5M

• Funding by fiscal year:

  • FY26 – $19.9M

  • FY27 – $19.9M

• Typical individual awards:

  • Normally range from $1M to $10M

  • Period of performance typically not to exceed 36 months

  • Potential exists for awards up to $49.5M

Multiple awards are anticipated. The Air Force reserves the right to award zero, one, or more awards depending on funding availability and proposal quality.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding supports research, development, integration, test, evaluation, and experimentation of technologies for Airborne Network Connectivity and Dissemination, including:

Airborne Network Management & Monitoring

• Self-managing and self-healing wireless networks

• Software Defined Networking (SDN)

• Network Function Virtualization (NFV)

• Monitoring and management of tactical data link (TDL) networks

Robust Airborne Networking

• Resilient networking in contested environments

• Mesh networking technologies

• RF front ends, radios, modems

• Security and reliability improvements

• Apertures and waveforms

Demonstrable Network Technologies

• Advanced radios and networking technologies

• Proof-of-concept demonstrations

• Lower-cost demonstrations leveraging AFRL infrastructure

AESA-Based Tracking Systems

• Analog active electronically steered array (AESA) technology

• Embedded control solutions for modular AESA panels

• Electronic tracking algorithms

• Small form-factor RF hardware

• Communications system integration and characterization

Both fundamental and non-fundamental research may be awarded. The Government retains sole discretion on instrument type and publication restrictions.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential benefits include:

• Ability to receive FAR-based contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or Other Transactions (OTs)

• For Other Transaction for Prototype (10 USC 4022) awards:

  • Potential transition to a follow-on production contract or transaction without further competition if the prototype is successfully completed

• Engagement and dialogue with AFRL prior to submission

• White paper feedback within 45 days of submission

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

This is a rolling, open BAA.

White papers will be accepted until 0500 PM EST on 30 September 2027. The BAA will close on 30 September 2027.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is provided by:

Department of the Air Force
Air Force Materiel Command
Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)
Information Directorate – Rome Research Site

Assistance Listing Number: 12.800

Statutory authorities may include:

• 10 USC 4021

• 10 USC 4022

• 10 USC 4023

Who is eligible to apply?

All qualified offerors who meet BAA requirements may apply.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

White papers and proposals are evaluated in descending order of importance based on:

1. Overall Scientific and Technical Merit

2. Related Experience relevant to USAF and Joint DoD missions

3. Openness, Maturity, and Assurance of Solution

4. Reasonableness and Realism of Costs

Projects that:

• Advance resilient airborne networking in contested environments

• Demonstrate operational transition potential

• Leverage existing standards and capabilities

• Present technically sound and executable plans

are aligned with stated priorities.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• Foreign participation is prohibited except as explicitly permitted for fundamental research

• Classified work may require SECRET or TOP SECRET facility clearance

• Export control registration (DD Form 2345) may be required

• SBIR data rights are non-negotiable

• Non-SBIR data rights are subject to negotiation

• Cost sharing is not required and is not a selection factor

• Certified cost and pricing data required for contracts exceeding $2M ($7.5M for small businesses or nontraditional defense contractors)

• Human subject research requires IRB and AFRL-level approval

• Security Risk Review required for Senior/Key Personnel and Covered Individuals

• GAAP compliance required for OTs

• SPRS Basic NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment required

• AFRL supplemental OCI restrictions prohibit concurrent SETA/A&AS support and technical performance

Failure to follow white paper formatting instructions may result in rejection.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Step One requires a 3–5 page white paper including:

• Title, period of performance, estimated cost

• Task objective

• Technical summary and deliverables

Formatting must comply with BAA instructions (double-spaced, 12-point font minimum).

If invited to Step Two, a full technical and cost proposal will be required per the AFRL BAA Guide and RI-Specific Proposal Preparation Instructions (latest versions).

Preparation time will depend on complexity. The solicitation does not specify expected preparation duration.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can:

• Assess strategic fit before submission

• Refine your white paper to align precisely with AFRL evaluation criteria

• Position technical merit and transition potential clearly

• Structure cost strategy for FAR-based or OT pathways

• Identify and mitigate OCI, FOCI, and S&T Protection risks

• Support full proposal development if invited to Step Two

We ensure your submission is compliant, competitive, and aligned to Air Force mission priorities.

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.

Air Force: AFRL/RX Functional Materials Open BAA

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 & Manufacturing Directorate, is seeking white papers under the AFRL/RX Functional Materials Open BAA (FA8650-22-S-5002). This is a two-step, rolling Broad Agency Announcement focused on innovative functional materials that enable new warfighting capabilities and improve size, weight, power (SWaP), reliability, maintainability, and lifecycle cost.

White Papers may be submitted at any time upon issuance of this BAA until 28 October 2026 3:00 PM Wright-Patterson AFB, OH Local time . Early submission is encouraged.

Total anticipated funding under this BAA is approximately $48,000,000. Multiple awards are anticipated, but the Air Force reserves the right to award zero, one, or more contracts.

If you are developing advanced photonic materials, nanoelectronic materials, quantum materials, soft matter, biomaterials, or related enabling technologies aligned with AFRL/RX core competencies, this is an open, flexible vehicle to secure non-dilutive federal R&D funding through 28 October 2026 3:00 PM Wright-Patterson AFB, OH Local time .

How much funding would I receive?

This BAA has total anticipated funding of approximately $48M across FY22–FY26 .

• FY26: ~$8.5M

The solicitation does not specify minimum or maximum award sizes per project.

The Air Force anticipates awarding multiple awards but reserves the right to award zero, one, or more contracts .

Each award is anticipated to be between 12 to 60 months for the technical effort plus an additional 3 months for reporting .

All funding is subject to availability and Government discretion .

What could I use the funding for?

Funding supports research aligned with the AFRL/RX Functional Materials mission, including:

Photonic Materials Core Competencies

• Optical materials and processes

• Hardened materials and processing

• Electro-Optic/Infrared (EO/IR) sensor protection

• Laser materials and structural protection

Nanoelectronic Materials Core Competencies

• Nanoscale transport materials and processes

• Ultra-wide bandgap semiconductors

• 2D materials

• Magnetoelectric and memristor materials

• Heterogeneous integration

Quantum Semiconductor Materials and Processes

• Quantum-enabled sensors and electronics

• Infrared sensing and hyperspectral imaging

• Secure communications and electronic warfare

• Quantum memory or transduction systems

Soft Matter and Biomaterials

• Stimuli-responsive polymers

• Flexible/stretchable electronics

• Wearable sensors

• Bioelectronics and biofunctionalization

• Biomanufacturing and biodegradation

• Synthetic biology for materials development

Work may include studies, research, experiments, characterization, processing, modeling, software, proof-of-concept development, and prototype hardware and software .

Deliverables may include data, software, prototypes, demonstration components/systems, and material samples, as required .

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential benefits include:

• Flexible award instruments: FAR-based contracts, Other Transactions (OT) for Prototype, OT for Research, grants, or cooperative agreements

• Anticipated use of Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts

• Opportunity to transition technologies to future Government needs (explicitly evaluated in proposal review)

• Direct engagement and dialogue with AFRL prior to proposal submission

The Government will receive Unlimited Rights in noncommercial technical data and software developed exclusively with Government funds , which is important to consider in your IP strategy.

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

This is a two-step process.

Step 1: White Paper
White Papers may be submitted at any time upon issuance of this BAA until 28 October 2026 3:00 PM Wright-Patterson AFB, OH Local time .

• Government review is anticipated to take 30 working days .

• Offerors will be notified whether they are recommended to submit a full proposal on or about 30 days after receipt .

Step 2: Full Proposal

• Only offerors who submitted a White Paper are eligible for award .

• Full proposals must be submitted within 30 working days of the proposal request .

Award timing is not specifically stated and depends on funding availability and successful negotiations.

The BAA remains open and effective until 28 October 2026 .

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Functional Materials Division (AFRL/RXA) .

Broad Agency Announcement Number: FA8650-22-S-5002
CFDA Number: 12.800 Air Force Defense Research Sciences Program .

Who is eligible to apply?

This is an unrestricted solicitation .

• Small businesses are encouraged to propose .

• There are no limits on the number of white papers/proposals an offeror may submit .

• Cost sharing is not required .

Foreign participation:

• AFRL is authorized to exclude all foreign participation at the prime contractor level .

• Foreign contractors are advised to notify the Contracting Officer before responding .

• Export control laws may apply, and a Certified DD Form 2345 may be required .

Government agencies must pursue participation outside this announcement .

What companies and projects are likely to win?

White Papers are evaluated (equal importance) on:

• Whether the technical approach is consistent with the technologies listed in the BAA

• Whether the research is of interest to the Government

• Whether appropriate funding is available

Full Proposals are evaluated primarily on Technical merit, including:

• Unique and innovative approach

• Advances in knowledge and state of the art

• Transition potential to future Government needs

• Understanding of scope

• Sound technical approach and risk mitigation

• Qualifications of personnel

• Availability of necessary facilities

Cost/Price is a substantial factor but ranked second to technical merit .

Projects that demonstrate innovation, transition potential, and alignment to AFRL functional material core competencies are most competitive.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• Strict White Paper page limit: 4 pages plus 1 Quad Chart (5 total pages) .

• Strict Technical Proposal page limit: 20 pages plus 1 Quad Chart (21 total pages), plus separate 10-page SOW .

• Export control requirements (ITAR/EAR) may apply .

• Program security classification may be up to and including SECRET .

• Data rights: Government receives Unlimited Rights in noncommercial technical data and software developed exclusively with Government funds .

• GFP is not anticipated .

Late submissions due to installation security delays will be considered “late” .

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

White Paper (Step 1):

• 4 pages plus 1 Quad Chart

• Requires technical summary and Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate .

Full Proposal (Step 2):

• 20-page technical/management volume + 1 Quad Chart

• Separate 10-page Statement of Work

• Detailed cost/business proposal with full cost element breakdown .

The solicitation does not estimate preparation time. Preparation time will depend on complexity, internal cost systems, and whether certified cost or pricing data is required.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support you by:

• Aligning your technology to the correct AFRL/RX core competency

• Shaping your White Paper to pass peer/scientific review criteria

• Structuring your Quad Chart for clarity and impact

• Developing a compliant 20-page technical proposal and 10-page SOW

• Building a defensible cost model aligned with FAR and DFARS requirements

• Managing data rights assertions and export control positioning

We focus on positioning your innovation for Selectable categorization under AFRL’s technical-first review process.

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.

Navy: Autonomous Systems to Reduce Risk Warfighters Encounter

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

Executive Summary:

The Department of the Navy, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane Division has released Special Notice N0016426SNB34 titled “Autonomous Systems to Reduce Risk Warfighters Encounter.”

This is a Request for Information (RFI) seeking input from industry on Uncrewed System (UxS) solutions (UGV, UAV, USV, UUV) that reduce risk to warfighters.

The Government may issue a future Request for Solutions (RFS) and award a Project Order under the Expeditionary Missions Consortium (EMC2) Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) in accordance with 10 U.S.C. § 4022.

The Response Date is Mar 30, 2026 2:00 PM EDT.
If you have a relevant UxS platform, you should evaluate this immediately.

How much funding would I receive?

Although the solicitation does not explicitly state a funding amount, contract opportunities typically follow within the range of $500k to $5m.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding is not specified at this stage.

However, the RFI is focused on autonomous Uncrewed System (UxS) solutions (UGV, UAV, USV, UUV) that reduce risk to warfighters and meet the following required criteria:

REQUIRED (must meet Questions 1–3):

• Total system weight: 45 lbs or less

• Battery life: Minimum 30-minute run time after deployment

• Minimum speed: Must keep pace with a human (between 2.5 and 4 mph)

The RFI also requests additional information on:

• Carrying capacity

• Safety features (redundant safety, deployment delay timers)

• Cost and production rate

• Blue UAS status

• TRL

• ATAK compatibility

• Autonomy capabilities

• Operation in contested environments

• Emission profile (auditory, visual, thermal)

• Kinetic/non-kinetic launcher integration

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

The notice states:

• Responses may be shared with other partner organizations for additional use cases.

• Submission could potentially lead to contact from NSWC Crane personnel for further information.

• Participation positions you for potential future EMC2 RFS opportunities.

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

• RFI Release Date: 10 February 2026

• Response Date: Mar 30, 2026 2:00 PM EDT

• Inactive Date: Apr 14, 2026

Where does this funding come from?

• Department of Defense

• Department of the Navy

• Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA)

• Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane Division

• Issued under the Expeditionary Missions Consortium (EMC2)

• Potential awards under Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) authority in accordance with 10 U.S.C. § 4022

Who is eligible to apply?

The RFI is issued to the general public and industry.

All interested parties should visit https://emccrane.org/ to become a member of the consortium to view future possible RFS opportunities.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

While no evaluation criteria are provided, the RFI clearly prioritizes systems that:

• Weigh 45 lbs or less

• Provide at least 30 minutes of run time

• Move at 2.5–4 mph

• Demonstrate autonomy capabilities

• Potentially integrate with ATAK

• Can operate in contested environments

• Have known TRL levels

• Provide clear cost and production scalability

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• Submissions must be non-proprietary

• Do not submit classified information

• No marketing/advertising pictures

• No hyperlinks allowed

• File types limited to Microsoft Word, PDF, or PowerPoint

• File size must not exceed 10MB

• Page limits:

  • Word/PDF: Not to exceed 5 pages

  • PowerPoint: Not to exceed 5 slides

• Font: Times New Roman 10 (or larger)

• Must answer required questions in numbered format

• Must clearly indicate “N/A” where applicable

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The submission is limited to:

• 5 pages (Word/PDF) or

• 5 slides (PowerPoint)

Formatting requirements are strict but concise.

For a company with an existing UxS platform that meets the REQUIRED criteria, preparation time is likely moderate. The exact time required is not specified in the notice.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can:

• Assess whether your UxS meets the REQUIRED criteria

• Position your technology clearly against the numbered RFI questions

• Frame autonomy, TRL, ATAK, and contested-environment capabilities strategically

• Ensure compliance with formatting and non-proprietary requirements

• Prepare you for a potential future EMC2 Request for Solutions (RFS)

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.

Vulcan: Position, Navigation, & Timing at the Tactical Edge

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

Executive Summary:

Cyber & Specialist Operations Command is seeking Assured and Alternate Position, Navigation, & Timing (APNT) technologies to enable Force Elements to operate in GNSS denied, contested, or degraded environments.

This opportunity is structured as a Scout Card submission for Market Research purposes.

The submission deadline is 30 Apr 2026 : 17:59 GMT-6. The call opened on 22 Jan 2026 : 18:00 GMT-6. If your technology supports dismounted soldiers, vehicles, maritime mobility, or uncrewed systems in contested PNT environments, you should assess fit and prepare a submission before 30 Apr 2026 : 17:59 GMT-6.

How much funding would I receive?

Although the solicitation does not explicitly state a funding amount, contract opportunities typically follow within the range of $500k to $5m.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding use is not specified in the solicitation.

The description indicates interest in APNT technologies for:

• Dismounted Soldiers

• Maritime Mobility (Surface and Sub-Surface)

• Land Mobility Vehicles

• Uncrewed Vehicles (in all domains)

Technologies may be:

• Hardware based

• Software based (e.g., data fusion engines)

Technologies should be compatible with existing systems (plug and play).

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Additional benefits are not specified in the solicitation.

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

Open Date: 22 Jan 2026 : 18:00 GMT-6
Deadline: 30 Apr 2026 : 17:59 GMT-6

The deadline to submit a Scout Card is 30 Apr 2026 : 17:59 GMT-6.

Where does this funding come from?

The opportunity is issued by Cyber & Specialist Operations Command.

Who is eligible to apply?

The posting does not state whether applicants must be small businesses, non-traditional contractors, primes, academic institutions, or other entities.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The solicitation indicates interest in technologies that:

• Enable operation in GNSS denied, contested, or degraded environments

• Support dismounted soldiers or vehicle platforms (static and on-the-move)

• Are compatible with existing systems (plug and play)

• Can be hardware-based or software-based (including data fusion engines)

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Restrictions, cost share requirements, intellectual property terms, and compliance requirements are not specified in the solicitation.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Preparation time will depend on the amount of technical detail required in the Scout Card. Specific page limits or format instructions are not specified.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can:

• Assess alignment of your APNT technology with the stated use cases

• Refine positioning for GNSS denied, contested, or degraded environments

• Translate technical capabilities into mission-aligned language

• Prepare and structure your Scout Card submission

We focus on clearly articulating operational value, system compatibility, and deployment readiness.

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: FY26 Lung Cancer Research Program (LCRP)

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

Executive Summary:

Act now to prepare for the FY26 Lung Cancer Research Program (LCRP) funding opportunities — anticipated to open on Grants.gov imminently. This chance is critical for investigators aiming to drive innovative, high-impact research that will eradicate deaths and suffering from lung cancer, with a focus on outcomes that benefit Service Members, Veterans, their families, and the general public. Exact pre-application and application deadlines will be posted in the final NOFOs on Grants.gov when released.

Pre-Applications are due on 6/23/26 and 8/18/26.

Full Applications are due on 9/02/26.

How much funding would I receive?

Award amounts for the FY26 LCRP are specified by mechanism:

• Idea Development Award: Up to $800,000 total costs over 3 years.

• Translational Research Award (Level 1): Up to $1.35M total costs over 3 years.

• Translational Research Award (Level 2 – Clinical Trial Option): Up to $1.85M total costs over 4 years.

• Patient-Centered Outcomes and Survivorship Award: Up to $975,000 total costs over 3 years.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding supports research in the following Areas of Emphasis:

• Biology & Etiology: Mechanisms of lung cancer initiation and progression.

• Prevention & Risk Reduction: Innovative prevention and recurrence reduction strategies.

• Detection, Diagnosis & Surveillance: Improved early detection and disease monitoring.

• Treatment & Prognosis: Novel treatments, biomarkers, and metastasis management.

• Health Outcomes & Survivorship: Survivorship quality of life, comorbidity impacts, and disparities reduction.

Each mechanism has specific focus and eligibility criteria detailed in the forthcoming NOFOs.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

The pre-announcement does not specify additional benefits (e.g., data resources or training support). These may be described in the final funding opportunity announcements.

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

• Pre-Applications are due on 6/23/26 and 8/18/26.

• Full Applications are due on 9/02/26.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding arises from the FY26 Defense Appropriations Act and is administered through the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) within the Defense Health Agency Research and Development.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility (e.g., investigator types, institution requirements) will be outlined in the final NOFOs. The pre-announcement does not include full eligibility details.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Applicants are more competitive if they:

• Align tightly with one or more Areas of Emphasis.

• Demonstrate innovation and potential clinical impact.

• Address relevance to military health (e.g., Veteran populations, exposures).

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Some mechanisms (e.g., Idea Development) do not allow clinical trials.

• Specific restrictions and requirements will be in the NOFOs once released.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Preparation time depends on the mechanism, project maturity, and whether preliminary data or partnerships are needed. Start planning now to align with the mechanisms and Areas of Emphasis.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help you:

• Decode the final NOFO requirements.

• Align your research strategy to maximize impact.

• Draft and polish pre-applications/ applications.

• Manage submission logistics and 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.

USASOC CY2026 C-sUAS Open Call

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

Executive Summary:

U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) is seeking counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) technologies to protect Army Special Operations Forces (ARSOF) operating in austere, high-risk environments.

Small UAS pose a growing threat through ISR, targeting, and direct attack capabilities. USASOC is looking for TRL 4–7 solutions that improve detection and defeat capabilities while minimizing the electromagnetic signature of the user.

The submission deadline is 01 Dec 2026 : 22:59 GMT-6.

Submissions are currently open and will be accepted beginning 02 Feb 2026 : 23:00 GMT-6 through 01 Dec 2026 : 22:59 GMT-6. If this is aligned with your technology, you should plan to submit before the deadline.

How much funding would I receive?

Typical funding is around $500k - $2m.

What could I use the funding for?

This opportunity supports engagement objectives including:

• Capability Demonstration

• Market Research

• Tech Experimentation

USASOC is specifically interested in C-sUAS technologies that are:

• TRL 4–7

• Handheld or body worn sensors for sUAS detection

• Handheld RF detect and defeat solutions

• GNSS denial or spoofing technologies

• Expeditionary Fixed Sites (EFS) that are man packable <50lbs

• EFS that provide detection capabilities of group 1–3 UAS

All technologies should minimize the electromagnetic signature of the user.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Additional benefits are not specified in the solicitation.

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

Open Date: 02 Feb 2026 : 23:00 GMT-6
Deadline: 01 Dec 2026 : 22:59 GMT-6

The deadline to submit is 01 Dec 2026 : 22:59 GMT-6.

Where does this funding come from?

The opportunity is issued by U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC).

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility requirements are not specified in the provided solicitation materials.

Entity type restrictions (e.g., small businesses, large businesses, academic institutions, non-profits) are not specified.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Based on the stated interests, USASOC is seeking technologies that:

• Address sUAS threats to ARSOF

• Fall within TRL 4–7

• Provide handheld, body-worn, RF detect/defeat, GNSS denial/spoofing, or man-packable (<50lbs) Expeditionary Fixed Site capabilities

• Detect group 1–3 UAS

• Minimize the electromagnetic signature of the user

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Submission requires:

• Uploading a quad chart of your technology (See template)

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The only required submission material specified is a quad chart of your technology.

Preparation time will depend on how quickly you can complete the required quad chart.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can:

• Assess whether your technology aligns with the stated TRL 4–7 and C-sUAS requirements

• Refine your positioning to clearly address ARSOF operational needs

• Develop and optimize your quad chart to align with USASOC’s stated interests

• Ensure your submission directly reflects the language and priorities in the solicitation

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.

Offensive Subsea and Seabed Warfare (SSW) Exercise Barb 26

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

Executive Summary:

COMSUBFOR is seeking emerging technologies to support Offensive Subsea and Seabed Warfare (SSW) operations in alignment with U.S. national security and DoD strategic guidance. The focus is on maintaining undersea dominance by modernizing warfighting capabilities through persistent innovation and integration of emerging technologies.

This effort supports broader Joint Force and AUKUS Pillar 2 requirements. Technologies must directly enhance U.S. Submarine Force and AUKUS mission effectiveness and lethality in a contested undersea environment.

The application deadline is March 22nd. If you are developing autonomous, robotic, or remotely operated systems capable of conducting Offensive Seabed Attack missions, you should begin preparing immediately.

How much funding would I receive?

Typical funding is around $500k - $2m.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding would support technologies that enhance the execution of Offensive Subsea and Seabed Warfare (SSW) operations.

Area of Interest (AOI-1): Offensive Seabed Attack

Submissions should address:

• Deploying and operating robotic autonomous systems

• Deploying and operating remotely operated systems

• Targeting adversary seabed systems

• Achieving kinetic and non-kinetic effects

• Covering the entire kill chain from deployment through battle damage assessment

Technologies must be directly relevant to enhancing mission effectiveness and lethality in a contested undersea environment.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

This effort supports U.S. Submarine Force priorities and AUKUS Pillar 2 requirements.

Additional benefits beyond potential integration to enhance U.S. Submarine Force and AUKUS mission effectiveness are not specified.

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

The application deadline is March 22nd.

Where does this funding come from?

This effort is issued by COMSUBFOR in accordance with U.S. national security and DoD strategic guidance.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility requirements are not specified in the provided solicitation materials.

Entity type restrictions (e.g., small businesses, large businesses, academic institutions, non-profits) are not specified.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Projects that:

• Enhance Offensive Subsea and Seabed Warfare (SSW) capabilities

• Improve mission effectiveness and lethality in contested undersea environments

• Support U.S. Submarine Force and AUKUS Pillar 2 requirements

• Address the full kill chain from deployment to battle damage assessment

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Cost share requirements are not specified.

• Technology readiness level (TRL) requirements are not specified.

• Export control, security clearance, or classification requirements are not specified.

• Other restrictions are not specified in the provided materials.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Given the March 22nd deadline, companies should assume an accelerated preparation timeline.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can:

• Translate your seabed or autonomous systems technology into a mission-aligned narrative tailored to COMSUBFOR priorities

• Map your solution to the Offensive Seabed Attack AOI and clearly articulate full kill chain impact

• Position your company to demonstrate relevance to U.S. Submarine Force and AUKUS Pillar 2 mission effectiveness

• Develop concise, defense-aligned technical and capability briefs

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.

U.S. Army FUZE: xTech|Adaptive Strike Competition

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

Executive Summary:

The U.S. Army FUZE xTech Program has launched the xTech|Adaptive Strike competition, seeking ready-to-deploy, affordable technologies that address urgent battlefield capability gaps in reconnaissance, drones, power generation, and counter-UAS.

The Army intends to award up to $1.5 million in total cash prizes and may pursue follow-on contracts or agreements with finalists or winners.

Registration information and submission upload must be received by 5:00 PM ET on March 13, 2026. Submissions received after the deadline will not be considered.

If you have a commercially available or near-commercial solution that can be fielded rapidly and demonstrated in live Soldier exercises, this is a time-sensitive opportunity to engage directly with Army end-users.

How much funding would I receive?

The total prize pool is $1.5 million under 10 U.S.C. §4025 (Prize Competitions).

Awards are structured as follows:

Part 1 – Concept White Paper

• Up to 20 semifinalists

• $25,000 each

Part 2 – Semifinals Soldier Exercise

• Up to 10 finalists

• Additional $50,000 each

Part 3 – Finals Soldier Exercise

• Up to five (5) winners

• Additional $100,000 each

Total potential per winner (if selected through all phases):

• $25,000 + $50,000 + $100,000 = $175,000

In addition to prize money, winners may have an opportunity to submit for a follow-on contract or agreement, subject to availability of funds and technical needs.

What could I use the funding for?

Prize funds are awarded as part of a competitive down-select mechanism and are not described as cost-reimbursable project funding.

The competition is designed to:

• Stimulate innovation

• Identify promising technologies for national security applications

• Enable rapid technology maturation

• Accelerate transition to operational forces

Participants must demonstrate solutions in one of four capability areas:

1. Extended On-Station Time and Range for Medium/Long-Range Reconnaissance (MRR/LRR)

   • Complete system cost must be less than $350,000

   • Must provide 10 testable units for the June 2026 Semi-Finals if selected

2. Affordable Drones and Loitering Munitions for Scaled Operations

   • Must provide 10 testable units for the June 2026 Semi-Finals if selected

3. Power Generation for Ground Units with sUAS

   • Must provide 10 testable units for the June 2026 Semi-Finals if selected

4. Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (c-UAS) for Soldier Operations

   • Must provide 6 testable units for the June 2026 Semi-Finals if selected

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Participants may receive:

• Direct engagement with U.S. Army and Department of War (DoW) subject matter experts

• Live Soldier exercise participation

• Evaluator feedback during each part of the competition

• Exposure to Army end-users and operational units

• Potential follow-on opportunities using various statutory authorities, including:

  • 10 U.S.C. § 4114

  • 10 U.S.C. § 4022

  • 10 U.S.C. § 4023

  • 10 U.S.C. § 4001

  • 10 U.S.C. § 4021 (OTA)

  • 10 U.S.C. § 3458

  • 15 U.S.C. § 3703

  • 15 U.S.C. § 638 (SBIR/STTR)

Finalists may be contacted separately for additional proposal opportunities outside the prize competition.

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

Registration information and submission upload must be received by 5:00 PM ET on March 13, 2026. Submissions received after the deadline will not be considered.

Proposed schedule (subject to change):

• February 23 – March 13, 2026 – Part 1: Concept white paper & video submission period

• April 17, 2026 – Semifinalists announced

• June 1–19, 2026 – Part 2: Semifinals Soldier Exercise (NTC, Fort Irwin, CA)

• July 2026 – Finalists announced

• October 29 – November 28, 2026 – Part 3: Finals Soldier Exercise (NTC, Fort Irwin, CA)

• November 2026 – Winners announced

Prize payments are tied to advancement through each phase.

Dates and times are subject to change.

Where does this funding come from?

The competition is conducted under 10 U.S.C. § 4025, which authorizes the use of prize competitions to stimulate innovation and identify promising technologies for national security applications.

The initiative is led by:

• The U.S. Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology (ASA(ALT))

• Joint Innovation Outpost (JIOP)

• U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Division (3ID)

• MARNE Innovation Center

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible entities include:

• U.S.-based nonprofit organizations

• U.S.-based for-profit organizations (large and small businesses)

Each eligible entity:

• Shall be incorporated in, and maintain, a primary place of business in the U.S.

• Shall not be a U.S. Federal government entity or employ a U.S. Federal Employee acting within the scope of their employment

• Shall not be currently under contract, agreement or otherwise providing similar capabilities to the Government for work described in the problem statement

• Must have or be able to obtain a CAGE code if selected to advance

• Shall be at the sole discretion of the Government

Only one (1) submission per capability area per eligible entity is permitted.
If submitting to more than one (1) capability area, the technology solutions must be different.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The Army is seeking commercially available or near-commercial technologies that:

• Address urgent operational capability gaps

• Are affordable and scalable

• Can be delivered within 180 days of challenge completion

• Can be demonstrated in live Soldier exercise events

• Meet unit quantity requirements for the June 2026 Semi-Finals

Submissions are evaluated using the following criteria and weights:

• Introduction – 7%

• Army Benefits – 30%

• Technical Approach – 20%

• System Scalability / Economics – 30%

• Commercial Potential – 10%

• Submission Quality – 3%

Proposals must include:

• A five (5)-page concept white paper using the required template

• A pre-recorded video of up to 10 minutes

• Evidence of ability to deliver specified test units for the June exercise

Submissions exceeding page or video limits will not be evaluated.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Participants must assume risks and waive claims against the Federal Government, except in cases of willful misconduct.

• Additional documentation is required prior to exercise events to meet safety protocols.

• Failure to meet documentation deadlines or performance standards may result in disqualification.

• Full participation in the entire duration of the exercise event is required.

• Submissions are treated as privileged information and disclosed only for evaluation and program support.

Intellectual Property:

• The Federal Government may not gain an interest in IP developed by a participant without written consent.

• The Government may negotiate a license for the use of IP developed during the competition.

• Existing Government IP rights remain unchanged.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The application requires:

• A five (5)-page concept white paper using the required template

• A pre-recorded video (up to 10 minutes)

• Registration submission through the xTech portal

• Self-certification of minimum requirements

The solicitation does not specify an estimated preparation time.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can:

• Determine which capability area best aligns with your technology

• Position your solution against the published evaluation criteria

• Develop a compliant five-page white paper using the required template

• Structure your narrative around Army Benefits, Scalability, and Technical Approach scoring weights

• Support video content strategy to align with evaluation expectations

• Prepare you for Soldier exercise engagement and potential follow-on pathways

We focus on translating commercial capability into Army-relevant value that scores.

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.

CDMRP: FY26 Orthopaedic Research Program (ORP)

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

Executive Summary:

The FY26 Orthopaedic Research Program (ORP) pre-announcement outlines anticipated funding opportunities supporting innovative, high-impact research to advance treatment and rehabilitation for orthopaedic injuries sustained during combat and service-related activities. This pre-announcement is intended to help teams plan now; it is not a promise of funding. Full Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) with submission deadlines will be posted on Grants.gov and eBRAP when released.

Pre-Application (Preproposal): August 19th

Application: November 18th

How much funding would I receive?

Specific award budgets and totals are not yet provided in the pre-announcement. A sampling of anticipated mechanisms includes:

• Applied Research Award – up to $950,000 total costs over up to 3 years.

• Clinical Research Award (Level 1) – up to $2,000,000 total costs (4-year max).

• Clinical Research Award (Level 2) – up to $3,200,000 total costs (4-year max).
  (Total awards by mechanism and number of awards are not specified at this stage.)

What could I use the funding for?

Projects must address one or more of the FY26 ORP focus areas, including:

• Battlefield fracture-related infection (prevention, early detection, eradication strategies).

• Composite tissue regeneration following high-energy extremity trauma.

• Ligamentous trauma treatments for musculoskeletal soft-tissue instability.

• Limb stabilization and wound protectants enabling prolonged care.

• Osseointegration outcomes for prosthetic limb interfaces.

• Return-to-duty strategies to optimize reintegration and reduce reinjury.

• Military women’s health impacts of orthopaedic care.
  Funding applies to research that improves patient function, restores mobility, and maximizes return to duty in military and service-related contexts.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

The pre-announcement does not list additional benefits (e.g., mentoring, training, networking) beyond funding support.

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

• Pre-announcement release:February 24, 2026.

• FOAs release: Posted later on Grants.gov and eBRAP (dates not yet specified).

• Pre-Application (Preproposal): August 19th

• Application: November 18th

• Funding start dates: Determined after FOA release and award negotiations (not specified).
  (All deadlines and schedules will be in the final FOAs — not provided in this pre-announcement.)

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is authorized by the FY26 Defense Appropriations Act and administered by the Defense Health Agency Research and Development / Medical Research and Development Command (MRDC) through the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP).

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility for each award mechanism will be defined in the full FOAs. From the pre-announcement:

• Independent investigators at all career levels are eligible for many mechanisms, particularly clinical research awards.

• Preproposal required: Some mechanisms require a preproposal through eBRAP, and full application is by invitation only.
  (Complete eligibility details — including institution types, citizenship, and cost share — will be in the FOAs and are not specified here.)

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Specific companies or project profiles most likely to win are not described in the pre-announcement. Competitive applications will align with the ORP focus areas and demonstrate potential to advance orthopaedic care in military and clinical contexts.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• The ORP will not consider applications proposing strategies infeasible in battlefield environments for fracture-related infection or tissue regeneration alone.

• The program will not consider biomarker-only research.

• Preproposal submission is required for certain mechanisms; full applications may be by invitation only.

• All submissions must comply with final FOA instructions posted on Grants.gov.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

With deadlines and FOA details not yet posted, exact preparation time cannot be stated. Given CDMRP’s typical structure, planning should begin now to develop compelling science narratives, compliance documents, and required eBRAP preproposals.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help you:

• Monitor FOA release dates and mechanism details.

• Translate the final FOA into a targeted application roadmap.

• Develop high-impact narrative, budget, and compliance materials.

• Guide submission strategy on eBRAP and Grants.gov.

• Support preproposal and full application review to maximize competitiveness.

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.

Academic-Industrial Partnerships for Translation of Technologies for Diagnosis and Treatment (R01 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

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

Executive Summary:

This NIH funding opportunity (PAR-25-338) opens a repeated standard R01 grant mechanism to support academic-industrial partnerships that translate scientific discoveries and engineering developments into new technologies, methods, tools, assays, devices, or systems relevant to disease diagnosis, risk assessment, detection, prevention, treatment, or monitoring — with the expectation of translation to use and end users. This NOFO does not allow clinical trials and does not support basic research that lacks a translational component. Multiple standard NIH due dates run through January 8, 2028 (expiration), with recurring application windows (e.g., Feb 5, 2026; Jun 5, 2026; Oct 5, 2026, etc.) — all due by 5:00 PM local time on each date.

How much funding would I receive?

Award budget limit: up to $499,000 per year in direct costs.

1. Maximum project period: 5 years.

2. Number of awards: contingent on NIH appropriations and meritorious applications (not specified).

What could I use the funding for?

Funds may be used to enhance, adapt, optimize, validate, and otherwise translate technologies, methods, assays, devices, or systems that:

• Address problems in biology, pathology, risk-assessment, detection, diagnosis, treatment, or monitoring disease.

• Advance capabilities that are suitable for end users in pre-clinical or clinical research or clinical care.

• Examples include diagnostic/imaging systems, informatics tools, analytical methods, harmonized data methods, shared research resources, and technologies optimized for low-resource settings.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

The NOFO does not include special supplements, set-aside support, or technical assistance beyond standard NIH funding. (Not specified in the NOFO.)

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

• Open/earliest submission: January 5, 2025.

• Standard NIH due dates: recurring submission windows including Feb 5, Jun 5, Oct 5 of each calendar year, through January 8, 2028 (expiration). All are due by 5:00 PM local time.

• Applicants should allow time to correct any errors before each deadline.

• Estimated award start dates follow NIH standard review cycles (months after each review).

Where does this funding come from?

• Funding agency: National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

• Participating NIH components:

  • National Cancer Institute (NCI)

  • National Eye Institute (NEI)

  • National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)

  • Office of Research on Women’s Health (co-funding support)

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicant organizations include:

• Higher education institutions (public/private).

• Nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3)).

• For-profit organizations (including small businesses).

• Local/state governments; federally recognized tribal governments.

• Federal agencies; non-U.S. entities (foreign) and foreign components of U.S. organizations.

Eligible individuals: Anyone with the skills/resources to carry out the proposed research as PD/PI.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Likely competitive projects will:

• Form true academic-industrial partnerships with complementary expertise.

• Target translation of a technology/method toward a defined end-user application.

• Demonstrate a coherent plan to enhance, optimize, validate, or translate the proposed technology.

• Show clear metrics, milestones, and feasibility for implementation or adoption.

• Address problems relevant to participating NIH institutes.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Clinical Trials: Not allowed under this NOFO.

• Commercial production: NOT supported; the grant supports translation up to pre-commercial readiness, not manufacturing.

• Basic research: Projects lacking translation emphasis are non-responsive.

• Applications must conform to NIH research and submission policies (e.g., DMS, registrations).

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Time depends on readiness of data, partnerships, and NIH registrations (e.g., SAM, eRA Commons). Typical R01 applications require weeks to months of preparation, including:

• Strategic alliance planning

• Preliminary data assembly

• Detailed research strategy

• Budget and justification

• Registrations (SAM/eRA Commons) prior to submission (can take ~6+ weeks).

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can:

• Clarify partner roles and narrative strategy for academic-industrial teams.

• Translate technical aims into NIH-aligned specific aims and research strategy.

• Advise on regulatory, translational, and commercialization framing.

• Support budget planning consistent with NIH guidelines.

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.

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

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

Executive Summary:

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

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

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

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

How much funding would I receive?

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

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

• Procurement contracts

• Grants

• Cooperative agreements

• Technology Investment Agreements (TIAs)

• Other Transactions (OTs)

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

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

What could I use the funding for?

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

The BAA defines:

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

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

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

Foundational Research Topics of Interest include:

• Autonomous Platforms

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

• AI/ML Decision Support

• Human-AI Integration

• Synthetic Environments

• Distributed AI

• Underpinning Methodologies

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

There are no funding restrictions associated with this BAA.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Depending on the instrument type, benefits may include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is issued by:

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

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

The CFDA Number and Title is:

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

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

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Institutions of higher education

• Non-profit organizations

• For-profit organizations

• Domestic or foreign entities

However:

• Government laboratories

• Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs)

• U.S. Service Academies

are not eligible to participate as prime contractors or recipients .

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

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

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Proposals are evaluated on:

1. Scientific and Technical Merit (most important factor)

2. Potential Contribution to the Army mission

3. Qualifications and Capabilities of the team and institution

4. Cost (realism, affordability, appropriateness)

5. Past performance

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

Projects that:

• Demonstrate clear Army relevance

• Advance state-of-the-art AI capabilities

• Show feasibility and potential transition value

• Align directly with identified foundational research topics

are most aligned with stated evaluation criteria.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions and requirements include:

• No classified submissions .

• Registration in SAM is required prior to award .

• Unique Entity Identifier (UEI/DUNS) required .

• Human Subjects and Animal Use protections apply where relevant .

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

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

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

Failure to meet submission requirements may result in rejection.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The BAA includes a three-stage process:

1. Obtain UEI and register in SAM.

2. Optional White Paper (maximum three pages).

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

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

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

• Whether you submit a white paper first

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

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

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

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support:

• Topic alignment to AI2C foundational research areas

• White paper drafting (3-page compliant format)

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

• Cost volume structuring aligned with FAR/DFARS requirements

• OT and TIA strategy positioning

• Army relevance framing and transition strategy

• Risk mitigation narrative development

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

How much would BW&CO Charge?

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

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.