Broad Agency Announcement For Science, Technology, And Test And Evaluation Research

The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command (USASMDC) through its Space and Missile Defense Technical Center (SMDTC) has issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) to solicit research proposals focused on advancing scientific discovery and technological innovation in support of U.S. Army mission capabilities. Operating under the Department of Defense, the USASMDC's SMDTC plays a pivotal role in bolstering national defense by conducting science and technology research, test and evaluation, and operational space activities to support joint warfighters. The Center also oversees management of the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site and engages in space domain awareness operations, ensuring technical superiority across emerging defense-related domains. This BAA seeks white papers and subsequent full proposals that align with the SMDTC mission, particularly in areas such as tactical responsive space, high-altitude technologies, hypersonic defeat, strategic weapon technologies, and test and evaluation systems. The BAA encourages exploratory, innovative, and transformative research proposals that may lead to groundbreaking advancements in military capability and operational readiness. Applicants are invited to propose topics beyond those explicitly listed on the SMDTC webpage, provided they align with the Center's mission. This flexible approach allows for the consideration of a broad range of emerging technological ideas and applications. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, nonprofits, for-profit entities including both large and small businesses, and state and local government bodies. Proposals must be technically sound and offer significant scientific value, with the potential to meaningfully support the advancement of Army operational capabilities. Projects that primarily focus on system development or fulfill specific procurement needs are not appropriate under this BAA and will not be considered. The application process follows a two-step format: an initial white paper submission followed by a full proposal if encouraged by the SMDTC. The white paper serves to evaluate alignment with research priorities and funding availability, after which applicants may receive a recommendation to proceed with a full proposal submission. While a favorable review of a white paper does not guarantee funding, it serves as an essential filter to focus resources on high-potential research ideas. Final funding decisions are made following the complete review of the full proposal and may result in various types of legal instruments, depending on the nature of the work and legal requirements. Applicants are expected to follow the detailed proposal submission requirements found on the BAA page. The BAA will remain open for submissions until August 26, 2029. However, it is advised that applicants stay informed of updates or amendments through regularly monitoring of the Grants.gov and SAM.gov listings, as well as the official SMDTC research topics page. All changes to BAA topics will be reflected on the SMDTC webpage, while amendments to the BAA document itself will be posted on the federal grant listing sites. For further guidance, prospective applicants should first contact the SMD/SP points of contact at the ACC-RSA office. These individuals will connect applicants with the appropriate Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) at SMDTC. All administrative and contracting questions should be directed to Kayla James at kayla.m.james15.civ@army.mil or Adam Neely at adam.r.neely.civ@army.mil. Applicants are strongly advised to initiate contact before submitting white papers to ensure alignment with the BAA’s intent and mission focus.