Research and Development of Naval Power and Energy Systems (N00024-19-R-4145 Broad Agency Announcement (BAA))

The U.S. Department of Defense, through the Department of the Navy’s Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), has issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) titled Research and Development of Naval Power and Energy Systems (N00024-19-R-4145). NAVSEA, acting on behalf of the Electric Ships Office (PMS 460), seeks white papers and subsequent proposals for research projects that will advance the state of naval shipboard electric power and energy systems. This effort is designed to align with the Naval Power and Energy Systems Technology Development Roadmap (NPES TDR) and supports the Navy’s long-term objectives of developing smaller, simpler, more affordable, and more capable ship power systems. The overarching goal is to define open architectures, foster common components, and strategically focus resources from industry, academia, and the Navy to advance naval capabilities affordably. The BAA outlines multiple focus areas in which innovative research is encouraged. These include shipboard power generation, electric propulsion, power conversion, energy storage, distribution, and control. Other areas include power quality, system stability, survivability, and energy efficiency improvements. More specialized interests extend to cooling and thermal management, prime movers, rotating machines, and advanced control strategies for tactical energy management. Submissions should also consider integration challenges and modular architectures that enable adaptability, scalability, and compatibility with evolving naval platforms. The Navy is particularly interested in technologies that provide significant gains in energy efficiency, power density, carbon footprint reduction, or operational resilience. Eligible applicants include responsible sources from both industry and academia. To receive an award, organizations must maintain or initiate the process for a Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) or Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) approved accounting system. Awards may be structured as contracts, cooperative agreements, or other transaction agreements, depending on the scope and nature of the project. The period of performance for any resulting contract cannot exceed five years. While white papers may be submitted at any time before the closing date, NAVSEA only requests full proposals from select organizations based on the merit of their submissions. White papers must be no longer than 25 pages and must clearly describe the proposed concept, its naval relevance, technical risks, and projected development costs and timelines. The submission process begins with white papers, which must be sent electronically to the identified point of contact. Full proposals are invited by NAVSEA following review of the white papers. Submissions must be unclassified and will be protected from unauthorized disclosure per Department of Defense policies. White papers should also include detailed information regarding the proposer’s past performance, facilities, cost estimates, and schedule. Additionally, assertions of data rights and documentation of accounting systems must be included as part of the submission package. A full proposal, if requested, will follow a detailed Request for Proposal (RFP) process with specified requirements, page limitations, and deliverables. Evaluation criteria for submissions include the scientific and technical merit of the proposed research, potential naval relevance, risks related to data rights, applicant capabilities and past performance, and risks tied to development timelines and funding availability. Proposals demonstrating high technical merit and direct application to future naval platforms will be rated most favorably. NAVSEA emphasizes that not all white papers or proposals will result in awards. Furthermore, proposal preparation costs will not be reimbursed, and submitted material will not be returned. The BAA was originally published on April 5, 2019, and remains active with the most recent amendment extending the due date for submissions to February 6, 2028. Inactive status will occur fifteen days after the close date, on February 21, 2028. White papers may be submitted at any time during the active period. Technical inquiries and submissions should be directed to Joshua Cushenette, the PMS 460 Technical Point of Contact, at joshua.j.cushenette.civ@us.navy.mil. The contracting officer is Mr. Jerry Low (jerry.low1@navy.mil, 202-781-2397), with Ms. Angel Jaeger serving as the Contract Specialist (angel.jaeger.civ@us.navy.mil, 202-781-0139). The place of performance is to be determined within the United States. The announcement underscores the Navy’s intent to encourage innovative research from both public and private institutions to enhance naval energy systems. Interested parties must ensure compliance with submission guidelines, eligibility requirements, and technical standards described in the BAA. This opportunity provides significant potential for academic and industry partners to contribute to long-term advancements in naval engineering and power systems technology development.

White papers should emphasize naval relevance, risks, and alignment with NPES TDR.