Boosting Innovative GEOINT - Science Technology Broad Agency Announcement (BIG-ST BAA)

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) has issued the Boosting Innovative GEOINT - Science and Technology Broad Agency Announcement (BIG-ST BAA), HM0476-23-BAA-0001 (Revision 2), aimed at fostering cutting-edge research in geospatial intelligence (GEOINT). As a critical agency under the Department of Defense, NGA supports the National Security Strategy by addressing complex challenges in defense and intelligence through science and technology. The BIG-ST BAA serves as a general solicitation valid from December 15, 2023, through December 14, 2026, and is executed through periodic Topic Calls posted on Sam.gov and Grants.gov. These calls specify the agency’s evolving needs and detail deadlines for abstract and proposal submissions. The funding opportunity focuses on three core technical domains: Foundational GEOINT, Advanced Phenomenologies, and Analytic Technologies. Each domain encompasses a broad array of research areas, such as high-resolution mapping, sensing technologies, AI-driven analytics, and multi-domain data integration. The BAA seeks proposals aligned with Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) Budget Activities 6.1 to 6.4 and within Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) 1-7. Eligible concepts should aim to provide innovative, transformative capabilities that align with national security objectives. Eligible applicants include all responsible U.S.-based sources, including small businesses, academic institutions, and nonprofits. Government entities and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) may also apply, provided they meet specific eligibility documentation requirements. While foreign participation may be permitted, it must be explicitly allowed in the Topic Call and requires full disclosure. Cost sharing is generally encouraged but required for certain Other Transactions (OTs) unless specific exemptions apply. Applications must follow a structured two-step submission process: an abstract submission followed by a full proposal if encouraged. Abstracts and proposals must adhere to strict formatting and completeness criteria and use agency-supplied templates. Submission content includes a technical/management volume, cost/price details, administrative policy documents, and security documentation. Evaluation is conducted in an eight-step process, emphasizing scientific merit, mission alignment, realism, and compliance with administrative and security policies. Awards may take the form of procurement contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or OTs, and are subject to negotiation based on the government’s discretion. Funding will be provided incrementally and may be structured with base and optional periods. The NGA may fund some, all, or none of the proposals received and reserves the right to request additional documentation or negotiate terms post-selection. The application process includes robust guidelines for handling intellectual property, security requirements, and the disclosure of organizational conflicts of interest. Questions and classified submissions should be directed to BIGSTBAA@nga.mil or, for classified communication, to BIGSTBAA@coe.ic.gov with parallel notification via the unclassified email. The announcement emphasizes transparency and fairness in competition, adherence to security regulations, and compliance with federal research integrity mandates.