Air Dominance Broad Agency Announcement(BAA)

The Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8651-25-S-0001, titled "Air Dominance," is issued by the Air Force Research Laboratory, Munitions Directorate (AFRL/RW). This BAA invites white papers and proposals for research and development (R&D) projects aligned with the mission of advancing air dominance technologies. The announcement covers Applied Research (6.2), Advanced Technology Development (6.3), and Advanced Component Development & Prototypes (6.4). The aim is to transition basic research into innovative solutions, develop state-of-the-art components and systems, and evaluate their operational potential. The BAA is structured into two parts: an Open BAA and a Two-Step BAA with Calls. In the Open BAA, white papers may be submitted at any time during the five-year open period. The Two-Step process allows for periodic Calls, where specific topics are addressed, and proposers may be invited to submit formal proposals after white paper evaluations. The anticipated cumulative funding under this BAA is up to $750 million, with awards potentially including contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or Other Transactions (OTs). The AFRL/RW focuses on developing technologies for conventional munitions, divided among three divisions: Technology Integration (RWI), Strategy (RWS), and Science and Technology (RWT). These divisions address areas such as advanced weapon systems, modeling and simulation, high-velocity fuzing, missile electronics, propulsion technologies, warhead innovations, guidance systems, and artificial intelligence/autonomy for weapon systems. Each research area has a designated Technical Point of Contact (POC) for pre-submission consultation. Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, non-profits, for-profits, and small businesses. Foreign entities may participate but must undergo foreign disclosure review procedures. White papers must follow strict formatting guidelines and include sections detailing objectives, technical summaries, deliverables, and estimated costs. Classified submissions are discouraged unless absolutely necessary, and all data rights must comply with DFARS regulations. White papers and proposals will be evaluated based on technical merit, feasibility, cost realism, and potential contribution to AFRL/RW objectives. Proposals receiving favorable evaluations may lead to contract awards, though funding availability and successful negotiations remain prerequisites. Offerors are encouraged to monitor official platforms such as SAM.gov and Grants.gov for amendments or Calls under this BAA. Interested parties must ensure compliance with various administrative requirements, including facility security clearances, export controls, and reporting obligations. For technical inquiries, proposers are advised to contact the designated Technical POCs, while contractual questions should be directed to the specified Contracting Officers. For additional guidance, applicants can reference the AFRL BAA Guide for Industry, available online, and adhere to the detailed submission and evaluation criteria outlined in the announcement.