FreeSol Broad Agency Announcement

The FreeSol Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), solicitation number FA8819-24-R-B003, is issued by the Space Systems Command (SSC), part of the U.S. Space Force (USSF). It seeks innovative research and development proposals focused on advancing space and cyber technologies that address emerging threats and enhance space domain awareness and combat power capabilities. The program is managed by SSC’s Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power Directorate (SZ-BC) and the Advanced Technology Transition Branch (SZ-BCET). This BAA operates under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.102(d)(2) and is classified as a competitive and open solicitation for a period of five years, closing on February 23, 2029. The overarching goal is to leverage innovation and partnerships with industry to accelerate the development of space technologies that strengthen U.S. superiority in space operations. The FreeSol BAA funds projects that demonstrate technological innovation, rapid prototyping, and experimentation to enhance resiliency, survivability, and defensive capabilities in space systems. It encourages concept papers addressing a broad spectrum of research interests including resiliency technologies that increase the survivability of space assets, space domain awareness improvements, offensive and defensive counterspace capabilities, efficiency in Battle Management Command Control and Communications (BMC3), and advancements in exercises, tests, and training environments. Eligible projects should generally have a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3 or higher and demonstrate a clear pathway for technology transition into operational use. The total anticipated ceiling for this BAA is $99 million across its five-year duration, with the number and size of individual awards determined by the quality and relevance of proposals received. Awards may take the form of Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) or Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contracts. While there is no minimum or maximum award per project stated, the government retains discretion to award full, partial, or no funding depending on the needs and merit of proposals. Funding availability and project continuation are subject to government requirements and appropriations. The BAA emphasizes that proposal preparation costs are not reimbursable and will not be considered allowable direct charges to any resultant contracts. The application process follows a two-step submission structure. Step one requires the submission of a concise concept paper (up to 10 pages), outlining the technical approach, anticipated impact, and a rough order of magnitude (ROM) cost estimate. Based on the government’s review, applicants may then be invited to proceed to Step two, which entails a full technical and cost proposal. Concept papers and proposals must be submitted electronically, preferably via secure communication networks such as NIPR or SIPR, addressed to the SSC contracting office. White paper submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the five-year open period. Evaluations focus on technical relevance, innovation, feasibility, cost realism, and the maturity of the proposed technology. Eligible applicants include domestic and foreign-owned businesses, small and large entities, universities, and research institutions. Foreign entities may apply directly or through partnerships, but awards will depend on their ability to secure necessary U.S. security clearances and meet requirements under relevant national security regulations. Proposals must document any organizational conflicts of interest, intellectual property rights, and facility clearance levels up to Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI), as required for the proposed work. Classified submissions must follow proper security handling procedures under the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM). For inquiries or submissions, the contracting officer is Melanie Gipson (melanie.gipson@spaceforce.mil), the contract specialist is Captain Tobias Richards (tobias.richards.1@spaceforce.mil), and the security point of contact is Mr. Stephen A. Taylor (stephen.taylor.2@us.af.mil). Concept papers may also be mailed to Contracting SSC/SZK, 483 N. Aviation Blvd. A-5, El Segundo, CA 90245, referencing BAA number FA8819-24-R-B003. The SSC commits to acknowledging all submissions and responding within 90 days, either by invitation for a full proposal, a request for extension, or notice of non-selection. This BAA represents a significant opportunity for entities engaged in space and cyber research to contribute to national defense technology objectives while fostering innovation and collaboration between the government and private sector.

Emphasize innovation, feasibility, and security compliance.