Air Dominance Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)

The Air Dominance Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), issued by the U.S. Department of Defense's Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Munitions Directorate (AFRL/RW), invites white papers and subsequent proposals for research and development focused on Air Dominance technologies. This BAA seeks cutting-edge scientific study and experimentation to mature technology readiness levels (TRL) from 3 up to 6 and enable next-generation air combat superiority. The AFRL/RW, headquartered at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, oversees the advancement of conventional munitions and supports multiple Weapons Program Offices. The BAA is structured under the FAR 6.102(d)(2) to allow full and open competition for award selections and targets state-of-the-art solutions for projected Air Force needs. This announcement supports Advanced Technology Demonstration (6.3) efforts and is part of the Air Force's strategy to rapidly transition high-potential technologies into operational capability. The BAA operates as a two-part open solicitation: (1) a Basic Open BAA, allowing submission of white papers at any time within the five-year open period, and (2) periodic Calls issued under the same number for more targeted research areas. White papers must be submitted electronically and are expected to include information regarding data rights as prescribed by DFARS 252.227-7017. Only white papers are solicited initially—proposals will be requested only from offerors whose white papers meet evaluation criteria. This BAA outlines fourteen research areas, encompassing technologies such as missile guidance and control, advanced warhead design, data link innovations, high-velocity fuzing, missile electronics, test and evaluation technologies, and affordable hypersonic weapon systems. Each research area has specific technical objectives and named technical points of contact (POCs) for offeror consultation. Organizations are encouraged to contact these POCs to discuss the relevance of their concept before submitting a white paper. Award instruments may include contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or Other Transactions (OTs) depending on the proposed work. Most awards are expected to be cost-reimbursement based, such as Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), with an anticipated cumulative ceiling of $750,000,000 across all awards under this BAA. White papers will be evaluated based on technical merit and potential contribution to AFRL objectives. Factors include scientific innovation, feasibility, relevance to the BAA’s research areas, and cost/schedule reasonableness. If a white paper is positively evaluated, a formal request for proposal (RFP) will follow, leading to a possible award after negotiation. Note that submission of a white paper or proposal does not guarantee funding. The BAA requires that technical data and software rights align with government expectations, especially in cases where the development is fully government-funded. The default expectation is delivery with unlimited rights. Security and compliance aspects are strictly enforced. Proposers must comply with the Security Risk Review process per AFRLI 61-113 and complete necessary documentation including the Research and Related Senior and Key Person Profile and a Security Program Questionnaire. Foreign entities must undergo foreign disclosure reviews. In some cases, a SECRET facility clearance may be required. Awardees must adhere to cybersecurity and export control standards (e.g., DFARS 252.204-7019, ITAR, EAR). Grants and agreements will include routine reporting requirements and require SAM registration. The BAA FA8651-25-S-0001 was officially posted on November 1, 2024, and remains open through October 31, 2029. Interested parties should monitor Grants.gov and SAM.gov for any amendments or specific Calls issued under this BAA number. White papers can be submitted to [email protected]. Technical questions should be directed to the POCs listed under each research area, while business inquiries may be directed to Ms. Kaylee Yarger or Ms. Allison McCowan at AFRL/RWK. For overarching concerns, an ombudsman has also been appointed. Applicants are encouraged to engage with the BAA as early as possible to align proposed solutions with AFRL’s strategic goals.

Contact the relevant technical POC to ensure interest before submitting. Proposals must demonstrate technical innovation and feasibility.