FY25 Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Office-Wide Broad Agency Announcement

The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) has released its FY25 Office-Wide Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), numbered N00421-25-S-0001, with an open date of June 23, 2025. This opportunity, issued by NAWCAD’s Enterprise Procurement Support Division, invites research and development proposals under a wide range of scientific and engineering disciplines that contribute to the advancement of U.S. naval aviation capabilities. NAWCAD is a division of the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and is based at Patuxent River, Maryland. The BAA is grounded in several federal statutes and regulations, including FAR 6.102(d)(2), FAR 35.016, DFARS 235.016, and 10 U.S.C §§ 4021 and 4022. This announcement does not serve as a formal Request for Proposals (RFP), and NAWCAD reserves the right to fund all, some, or none of the submissions received. The objective of this BAA is to support basic research, applied research, advanced technology development, and prototype advancement that aligns with the strategic goals of the Department of Defense and the operational needs of the naval aviation enterprise. It is not intended for acquisition of routine technical or engineering services. The BAA outlines a wide array of research focus areas, including but not limited to artificial intelligence and machine learning, autonomy, digital engineering, cyber, quantum systems, secure communications and networks, hypersonics, materials and aircraft structures, and human systems integration. NAWCAD particularly prioritizes innovative proposals that can significantly enhance mission effectiveness, improve platform capabilities, or advance current systems. Funding instruments may include contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and other transaction (OT) agreements. Assistance instruments typically funded through NAWCAD’s Strategic Education Office have historically ranged from $160,000 to $200,000 over a 24-month period. The number of awards is not pre-set and depends on proposal quality and available funds. Matching funds are not strictly required but may be necessary for certain types of OT awards, especially those under research authorities where a 50/50 cost-share is encouraged. NAWCAD may issue follow-on production contracts or OT agreements without further competition if specific conditions are met during prototype phases. Eligible proposers include academic institutions, businesses (both large and small), nonprofits, and other domestic and international organizations. While entities such as Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), military laboratories, and other federal agencies may not apply directly, they can participate via sub-award or teaming arrangements. University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs) may apply if not restricted by their Department of Defense agreements. All applicants must comply with applicable security, export control, and cybersecurity standards, particularly if the research is not considered fundamental. The application process is structured in two phases. Phase I involves submission of a white paper, which may be sent at any time through June 22, 2026, by 5:00 PM Eastern Time. White papers must address a single area of research interest and must be submitted via email—universities to NAWCAD-Academia-BAA@us.navy.mil and all others to NAWCAD-Industry-BAA@us.navy.mil. White papers must conform to specified formatting and page limits. If selected, proposers will be invited to submit a Phase II full technical and cost proposal, following tailored instructions based on the anticipated funding instrument. Proposals will be evaluated based on three main criteria: technical approach, potential contribution to NAWCAD and Navy missions, and cost realism. While the BAA remains open for white paper submissions until June 22, 2026, NAWCAD will review submissions periodically and may issue awards throughout the open period. Questions regarding this opportunity can be directed to Technical POC Stephanie Gleason (Stephanie.L.Gleason2.civ@us.navy.mil) with copies to Elisabeth Keith (Elisabeth.A.Keith.civ@us.navy.mil) and Joanne Hall (Joanne.M.Hall16.civ@us.navy.mil).