Projects In Support Of Naval Aviation

The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) has released its Fiscal Year 2025 Office-Wide Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), numbered N00421-25-S-0001, inviting white papers and proposals for scientific study, experimentation, and prototype development aimed at advancing the state-of-the-art in naval aviation. This BAA serves as the primary mechanism through which NAWCAD identifies, evaluates, and funds basic research, applied research, and advanced technology efforts that support its strategic mission. The BAA is issued under the authorities of FAR 6.102(d)(2), FAR 35.016, DFARS 235.016, and 10 U.S.C. §§ 4021–4022, covering contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and other transaction (OT) agreements. It remains open for a period of one year from its publication date, closing on June 22, 2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. NAWCAD's funding opportunity seeks innovative concepts across a broad set of research opportunity areas relevant to enhancing naval aviation capabilities. Key areas of interest include, but are not limited to, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence/machine learning, autonomy, cyber technologies, quantum science, digital engineering, secure communications, avionics, electronic warfare, propulsion systems, human systems integration, and test and evaluation engineering. NAWCAD particularly emphasizes priority research in areas such as advanced manufacturing, AI/ML, autonomy, cyber, quantum, digital engineering, and secure networks. The goal is to fund meritorious scientific work that offers practical benefits and supports the technological superiority of U.S. naval forces. This BAA operates through a two-phased submission process. Phase I involves the submission of white papers that outline the technical concept, naval relevance, estimated costs, and performance timeline. White papers may be submitted at any time during the open period. Only proposers whose white papers are of interest to NAWCAD will be invited to participate in Phase II, which involves submission of a full technical and cost proposal. No general submissions are accepted in Phase II without such an invitation. Proposals can result in a variety of award types depending on the nature of the work and interaction level required, and awards may include pre-priced options or phased funding structures. Eligibility is broadly open to all responsible entities, including U.S. and international academic institutions, businesses, non-profit organizations, and other research entities. While entities such as FFRDCs, U.S. government labs, and military universities are not directly eligible for funding, they may participate as team members in proposals submitted by eligible prime applicants. Non-traditional defense contractors are also encouraged to apply, and may benefit from the flexible terms offered under OT agreements. NAWCAD explicitly encourages participation from HBCUs, Minority Institutions, and small or disadvantaged businesses, although no set-aside is established under this announcement. Estimated funding amounts vary depending on the specific project scope and approach. While the announcement does not set strict award ceilings, SEO seed grants under this opportunity have historically ranged between $160,000 and $200,000 with a period of performance of approximately 24 months. Matching is not strictly required, though it may be necessary under certain award mechanisms such as OTs for research, which typically assume a 50/50 cost share. All applications must comply with applicable Department of Defense policies, including cybersecurity protections outlined in NIST SP 800-171, and requirements related to the use of animals, human subjects, or recombinant DNA. Awardees must be registered in SAM.gov and provide a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). White papers from academic institutions must be submitted via NAWCAD-Academia-BAA@us.navy.mil, while all other organizations should use NAWCAD-Industry-BAA@us.navy.mil. For technical and administrative questions, inquiries should be directed to Stephanie L. Gleason at Stephanie.L.Gleason2.civ@us.navy.mil with a copy to Elisabeth.A.Keith.civ@us.navy.mil and Joanne.M.Hall16.civ@us.navy.mil.

White papers must align with one specific area of interest and be clearly formatted; generic submissions are rejected.