Integrated Spectrum Warfare

The Integrated Spectrum Warfare (ISW) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), issued under number N6893625S0001, is released by the Joint Electronic Attack and Compatibility Office (JEACO) within the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD). The BAA was published on August 22, 2025, and remains open for submissions through August 21, 2026. The objective of the program is to develop and prototype advanced technologies that enhance cyberspace, electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO), and electronic warfare (EW) capabilities in support of the Joint Forces and their commanders. Awards will be made under the Department of Defense Other Transaction Authority (OTA) for prototypes as authorized under 10 U.S.C. § 4022. The announcement seeks proposals from nontraditional defense contractors, traditional defense contractors, and nonprofit research institutions. Prototype projects must focus on technical solutions relevant to the defined areas of interest, which include zero trust infrastructure, fifth generation (5G) ecosystem technologies, artificial intelligence and machine learning, big data analytics, cross-domain technologies, software applications and services, special communications systems, common framework environments, tactical communications systems, transceiver technology systems, unmanned systems platforms and payloads, platform and payload autonomy, Army Tactical Exploitation of National Capabilities (TENCAP) systems, and assured positioning, navigation, and timing (A-PNT) solutions. Each of these focus areas represents a critical defense need requiring innovation, experimentation, and rapid prototyping. The process begins with the submission of white papers via the Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE) Solicitation Module. Offerors must be registered in PIEE and SAM.gov. White papers are limited to seven pages and must include a cover page, technical description, prototype project title, anticipated military purpose, and a rough order of magnitude price. They must also indicate whether the offeror is a nontraditional contractor, traditional contractor, or nonprofit institution, as well as any anticipated data rights assertions. White papers that demonstrate significant potential and alignment with JEACO priorities may be selected for further consideration. Quarterly evaluations are anticipated, although reviews may occur at any frequency. If a white paper is selected, the Government may issue a Request for Prototype Proposal (RFPP), request a solution pitch, or invite a technical demonstration. Proposals will then be evaluated based on scientific and technical merit, key personnel qualifications, data rights assertions, significant participation of nontraditional contractors or nonprofits, and the realism of proposed budgets. Importantly, the BAA specifies that to qualify for award, one of three conditions must be met: a nontraditional contractor or nonprofit must participate significantly; all participants must be nontraditional or small businesses; or at least one-third of costs must be cost-shared by non-federal sources. The evaluation process considers technical feasibility, innovation, military utility, and affordability. Projects may involve classified information up to levels higher than SECRET, and performers must ensure compliance with export control regulations such as ITAR and EAR. Data rights assertions are closely scrutinized, as restricted or limited rights render a submission noncompliant. Selected awards may also lead to follow-on noncompetitive production contracts under 10 U.S.C. 4022(f) if prototype efforts are deemed successful. The BAA will remain open through August 21, 2026. Interested applicants should prepare white papers well in advance of the deadline to align with the quarterly review schedule. No minimum or maximum award sizes are specified in the announcement; instead, costs are expected to be commensurate with the technical effort. Matching or cost sharing may be required in cases where a nontraditional or nonprofit participant is not included. The BAA does not provide an estimated total program funding level or number of anticipated awards, leaving these dependent on the quality of submissions and available budget. Points of contact for this solicitation include NAWCWD Agreement Officer Agapito Santana, who can be reached at agapito.santana.civ@us.navy.mil, and Contract Specialist Samantha Guth, who can be reached at samantha.a.guth.civ@us.navy.mil or 760-793-3079. These officials will manage white paper evaluations, RFPPs, and award negotiations. All prospective applicants must maintain active registration in SAM.gov throughout the lifecycle of their participation. This announcement provides an opportunity for a broad set of technology innovators to contribute to the next generation of spectrum warfare and electronic defense capabilities.

The submission process involves the electronic submission of white papers via the PIEE solicitation module, with evaluations conducted quarterly. Selected white papers may lead to a Request for Prototype Proposal (RFPP) if funding is available. Proposals will be evaluated based on scientific/technical merit, key personnel qualifications, data rights assertions, significant participation, and budget/price considerations. The BAA emphasizes the requirement for participants to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database.