The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOM CBC) has issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) seeking proposals for research, development, and prototype efforts in chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) defense. The primary objective of this funding opportunity is to enhance the Joint Warfighters' dominance on the battlefield and support homeland security efforts through innovative solutions. DEVCOM CBC is soliciting proposals from educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and private industry for projects that align with its mission areas.

This BAA encompasses three primary types of funding mechanisms:

Procurement Contracts – Used for acquiring specific research and development services that provide direct benefits to the U.S. government.
Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) for Prototypes – These support prototype projects relevant to enhancing mission effectiveness, with participation from non-traditional defense contractors and small businesses.
Cooperative Agreements – Intended to transfer value to recipients for public purposes, with substantial involvement from the Department of Defense (DoD).
Eligible applicants must propose projects that focus on early warning and detection, aerosol technology, decontamination, respiratory protection, advanced manufacturing, sensor technology, analytical toxicology, and artificial intelligence/machine learning for CBRNE defense applications. Proposals should not be tied to specific system or hardware development but rather focus on advancing fundamental science and technology capabilities.

The BAA operates on a continuous open cycle, allowing preproposals to be submitted at any time within the next five years. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit preliminary proposals (preproposals) before submitting full proposals. Once a preproposal is evaluated, the U.S. Army may invite the applicant to submit a full proposal, which will undergo a competitive peer review process. Proposals are assessed based on technical merit, military relevance, technology readiness levels, regulatory compliance, past performance, and cost realism.

Award administration includes strict compliance with DoD regulations on human and animal research, environmental impact assessments, and security requirements. DEVCOM CBC emphasizes collaboration with academic institutions, research labs, and industry partners to develop breakthrough technologies for national defense.

For inquiries and proposal submissions, applicants can contact usarmy.apg.acc.mbx.devcom-cbc-baa@army.mil.