NRL Long Range Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for Basic and Applied Research

The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) N00173-24-S-BA01 to solicit proposals for basic and applied scientific research in support of Navy and Marine Corps operations. This announcement is not a formal solicitation or a request for proposals but serves as an open-ended call for innovative research that aligns with NRL’s mission. NRL is the Navy’s corporate laboratory responsible for conducting multidisciplinary research in various scientific and technological fields to advance maritime operations.

The research areas under this BAA span several disciplines, including advanced materials, electronic warfare, information security, high-energy physics, and computational sciences. NRL seeks proposals that can provide long-term advancements in science and technology, with an emphasis on improving materials, electronics, computing, and information processing systems relevant to naval operations. This BAA is open for approximately one year, during which researchers can submit white papers at any time. Formal proposals will be accepted by invitation only, following an initial review of white papers.

NRL intends to fund a range of projects under different contracting mechanisms, including contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and technology investment agreements. The funding levels, award ceilings, and performance periods vary based on the scope and nature of the proposed research. While there is no guarantee of funding, NRL reserves the right to support proposals that demonstrate scientific merit and alignment with their objectives. The research will primarily be conducted in collaboration with academic institutions, industry partners, and other research organizations.

Applicants eligible for this BAA include universities, industry partners, and research organizations. However, Federally Funded Research & Development Centers (FFRDCs) and Department of Defense (DoD) agencies are not eligible to receive direct awards, though they may participate as subcontractors. Cost-sharing is not required, though voluntary cost-sharing may be considered. All applicants must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) and comply with DoD regulations regarding security classification and export controls.

The application process involves submitting a white paper outlining the proposed research. If the white paper is deemed of interest to NRL, the applicant will receive an invitation to submit a full proposal with detailed technical and budgetary information. Proposals will be evaluated based on scientific and technical merit, relevance to naval missions, and potential impact, with additional considerations for cost realism and feasibility. Evaluations are conducted by NRL’s scientific community, and award decisions are subject to the availability of funding.

For additional inquiries, applicants should direct questions to the designated Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) listed in the research area of interest. Classified proposals require special submission procedures, and interested applicants must coordinate with NRL security personnel. The full announcement, including specific research topics and submission guidelines, is available through Grants.gov, SAM.gov, and NRL’s website.