The Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division (NSWCCD) has released a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) under reference number NSWCCD-25-S-0001, inviting proposals for basic and applied research. This BAA is open until February 28, 2025, with a deadline for submitting optional white papers by November 15, 2024. White papers allow applicants to gauge whether their research aligns with NSWCCD's interests before submitting a full proposal. The focus is on innovative technologies and capabilities, particularly those related to the Navy’s Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) enterprise.

The research areas of interest under this BAA include digital ecosystems, hydrodynamics, naval platform integrity, ship and submarine design, signature management, and unmanned systems. Specific topics range from high-speed data-driven decision-making in digital environments to computational hydrodynamic tools, structural assessment, shock vulnerability, and autonomy in unmanned systems. Proposals that involve educational institutions and focus on engaging students, particularly through capstone or senior design projects, are highly encouraged. Such proposals should aim to cultivate the next generation of scientists and engineers who may eventually work with the Navy.

The BAA allows for the submission of multiple proposals from applicants, which can include students and faculty research projects. The funding mechanism for awards may take the form of grants or cooperative agreements. Grants are intended to support the development of innovative technologies without expecting significant government involvement during the execution of the research. Cooperative agreements, on the other hand, involve substantial government engagement throughout the project’s lifecycle. The government retains the right to decide on the type of award instrument used and may also provide partial funding for specific elements of a proposal, based on availability and strategic fit.

Applicants must submit both technical and cost proposals. The technical proposal should include an executive summary, a detailed description of the proposed research, a statement of work (SOW), and a description of relevant prior work. The SOW must clearly outline the research objectives, deliverables, and timeline. A separate milestone chart should be provided to indicate when specific project objectives will be met. The cost proposal should provide detailed budget estimates, including labor rates, indirect costs, materials, travel, and any other relevant expenses. Proposals are evaluated based on scientific merit, alignment with NSWCCD’s priorities, and cost considerations.

The submission process allows applicants to submit proposals via Grants.gov, with all required forms and documents available on the platform. Proposals must be submitted in Adobe PDF format, and applicants are encouraged to submit their proposals at least three days before the deadline to avoid any technical issues. The NSWCCD will evaluate proposals based on their scientific and technical merits, the importance to NSWCCD programs, and the availability of funds. Evaluations are conducted in three categories, with Category I representing well-conceived and technically sound proposals that align well with program goals, and Category III representing proposals that do not meet agency needs.

Eligibility for this BAA is broad, covering academic institutions, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Institutions (MIs), although no specific portion is set aside for these groups. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), including Department of Energy National Laboratories, are not eligible to receive awards directly but may participate in collaboration with eligible applicants. Teaming arrangements are allowed, and applicants must be prepared to collaborate and share data with NSWCCD and other contractors as needed.

Applicants will be notified in writing if their proposal is recommended for an award, but this does not guarantee a contract or cooperative agreement. The availability of funds and successful negotiations will determine the final award status. Additionally, NSWCCD may require further information or revisions to proposals before awarding any funds, and applicants are expected to comply with all applicable federal regulations, including those related to lobbying and conflicts of interest.