United States Military Academy Broad Agency Announcement

The United States Military Academy (USMA) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) W911NF-20-S-0008 invites innovative research proposals across a range of scientific and engineering disciplines to support and advance the mission of the US Army. Issued by the U.S. Army Contracting Command at Aberdeen Proving Ground’s Research Triangle Park Division, this BAA is effective from April 1, 2020, through March 31, 2025. The USMA, located at West Point, New York, emphasizes collaborative and applied research through its research centers and institutes. These initiatives support cadet education, faculty development, and strategic issues facing the Army and the nation. Proposals should enhance Army capabilities through cutting-edge discoveries and technological advancements. The BAA is a mechanism under Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.102(d)(2) and related statutory authorities allowing awards in various forms, including contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, Technology Investment Agreements (TIAs), and Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs). Topics of interest are grouped under several research campaigns: Ballistics, Weapons, and Protections; Energy and Sustainability; Materials, Measurements, and Facilities; Unmanned Systems and Space; Human Support Systems; Emerging Technologies; Critical Infrastructure Key Resources; Life Sciences; and USMA Special Programs. Specific research includes areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum sciences, biotechnology, cyber security, sustainability, advanced manufacturing, and robotic systems. Applicants include educational institutions, nonprofits, for-profits, foreign entities, and local/state governments. Proposals can be submitted at any time during the active period, but submitting a whitepaper prior to a full proposal is encouraged. Whitepapers, limited to seven pages, allow for initial feedback to guide further submissions. Although submission of a whitepaper is optional, doing so helps align research direction with Army needs and funding priorities. Proposals will be evaluated on scientific merit, relevance to the Army mission, and the qualifications and performance history of the applicant and key personnel. Proposals are to be submitted electronically via Grants.gov or via email for contracts, and must include detailed project abstracts, technical and cost narratives, biographical sketches, and budget justifications. A rigorous review and selection process is used, including potential peer review. While cost sharing is generally not required, it may be necessary for certain agreement types like TIAs and OTAs. Matching funds are subject to specific CFR guidelines. Security and export control considerations apply, especially for foreign applicants or proposals involving sensitive technologies. For technical questions, applicants should contact the Technical Points of Contact (TPOCs) listed in the research area sections. Administrative inquiries should be directed to Brandon S. Hill via email at Brandon.s.hill24.civ@mail.mil. Proposals may only be obligated by a Contracting or Grants Officer. Award notifications will be provided directly to the Principal Investigator and Authorized Organizational Representative. Updates or amendments to the BAA will be posted on www.grants.gov, www.fbo.gov, and the USMA research website.