Long Range Broad Agency Announcement (LRBAA) 24-01

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through its Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), has issued the Long Range Broad Agency Announcement (LRBAA) 24-01 to support scientific and technological advancements that enhance homeland security operations. The LRBAA is a mechanism to engage with the private sector, academic institutions, and federally funded research organizations to identify and fund high-impact research and development (R&D) efforts across a wide array of disciplines, with the aim of addressing emerging threats and mission-critical needs within the homeland security enterprise. The LRBAA is structured to support three types of research: near-term component needs (Type I), foundational science and enduring research (Type II), and exploratory solutions for future threats and mission sets (Type III). Funding may be issued as contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or other transactions agreements, and multiple awards are anticipated. However, DHS is under no obligation to make any awards and may select portions of proposals at its discretion. Notably, mature technologies and routine contracting services are explicitly excluded from this funding vehicle. The LRBAA uses a multi-step application process that begins with the submission of an industry engagement concept via the DHS Office of Industry Partnerships (OIP) portal. Following a concept review by technical experts, select applicants may be invited to a virtual pitch, which, if successful, may lead to a request for a full written proposal. The evaluation criteria across all stages include technical merit, strategic impact, relevance to DHS missions, and feasibility of transition to operational environments. No unsolicited proposals will be accepted without an invitation to the subsequent steps. The LRBAA supports a rolling submission model, with the final deadline for all submissions set to May 31, 2029. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and includes U.S.-based businesses (including small and disadvantaged businesses), academic institutions, federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), and government laboratories. Submissions from foreign or foreign-owned entities are subject to export control and disclosure review processes. While DHS encourages participation from underrepresented institutions such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Institutions (MIs), there are no set-asides. Applicants must comply with applicable laws, including SAM registration and adherence to export control regulations where required. Awards will be determined based on scientific merit, contribution to DHS operational goals, and the availability of funding. The DHS may leverage interagency agreements when working with federal research entities and may facilitate access to relevant test facilities. The entire LRBAA process is designed to streamline government-industry engagement, speed up innovation timelines, and maintain transparency in funding priorities. Submissions will be accepted through May 31, 2029, with the opportunity considered open until June 30, 2029. This LRBAA is a successor to LRBAA 18-01 and incorporates updated procedures, clearer topic alignment, and enhanced communications through industry days and publicly accessible materials hosted on the DHS S&T OIP portal.

Ensure all proposal materials align with DHS mission priorities; prepare quad charts and abstracts to highlight unique value; clearly define operational use case and performance metrics; detail data rights and commercialization paths.