Long Range Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for NSWC Crane

The Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division (NSWC Crane) has issued Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) N0016424SNB35 to invite innovative research and technology proposals aligned with its mission of advancing capabilities in support of national security. Operating under the U.S. Department of Defense and Naval Sea Systems Command, NSWC Crane specializes in lifecycle support across three main areas: Expeditionary Warfare, Strategic Missions, and Electronic Warfare. This BAA outlines multiple thrust areas under ten technical capabilities ranging from advanced electronics and sensors to hypersonic weapons and energy systems, with a goal to solicit revolutionary, non-duplicative technologies and approaches for defense applications. The funding instruments under this announcement may include procurement contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or other transaction agreements. Awards may support basic to advanced research activities (6.1 to 6.4 funding categories), with the type and amount of funding varying by technical scope and approach. While no specific award amounts are defined in the announcement, the flexibility of funding structures allows NSWC Crane to tailor support to promising proposals. Though cost-sharing is not required, voluntary contributions may be considered favorably. Eligible applicants include a wide range of entities such as academic institutions, industry partners, and research organizations. University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs) may apply if their existing DoD contracts permit, whereas Federally Funded Research & Development Centers (FFRDCs) are ineligible to receive direct funding but may participate via teaming arrangements. Navy labs and DoD agencies may not submit proposals directly but are encouraged to liaise with technical contacts. The BAA does not have a closing date and accepts abstracts and full proposals on a rolling basis. Applicants are encouraged to initially submit white papers to the technical point of contact to gauge alignment with current priorities. Proposals should include a detailed technical concept, rough order of magnitude cost, military relevance, and operational assessment plans, among other components. White papers must be submitted via email to the designated NSWC Crane inbox. Submissions will be evaluated based on technical merit, relevance to NSWC Crane and Navy missions, and fund availability. Review panels may include government staff and contractors under strict non-disclosure agreements. Selected proposals will undergo further cost and responsibility reviews prior to contract execution. NSWC Crane also encourages subcontracting with small and disadvantaged businesses where applicable. Contact points for this BAA include Danielle Peter (Contracting Officer) and Maria Duran (Requiring Technical Activity Lead). The full solicitation, including submission formats and technical scope, is available as a downloadable PDF. As an open-ended opportunity, applicants are encouraged to monitor for amendments and submit proposals throughout the fiscal year.

Contact technical POC for feedback before full proposal; focus on one or more technical capability areas; demonstrate innovation and military relevance.