The Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane Division has issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) under funding opportunity number N0016424SNB35. This BAA is intended to solicit innovative research proposals for technological advancements in support of NSWC Crane’s mission areas. The announcement is open for proposals on a rolling basis, with no specific closing date. The funding scope includes basic research (6.1), applied research (6.2), advanced technology development (6.3), and advanced component development and prototypes (6.4). Multiple awards are anticipated, and funding instruments may include procurement contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or other transaction agreements.

NSWC Crane focuses on research and development in areas critical to national security, including electronic warfare, infrared and pyrotechnic countermeasures, strategic systems hardware, expeditionary warfare, advanced electronics, sensors and surveillance systems, hypersonic weapon systems, power and energy systems, electro-optic and infrared technologies, and force-level electromagnetic warfare. Within these areas, proposals should demonstrate innovation and technical merit, with a preference for solutions that address multiple technical capabilities. The research should align with NSWC Crane’s mission to support national defense through advancements in technology and engineering.

Eligible applicants include entities from academia, industry, and the research community. Small businesses, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Minority Institutions (MIs) are encouraged to apply, although no specific set-asides are designated. Federally Funded Research & Development Centers (FFRDCs) and Navy laboratories are not eligible for direct awards but may collaborate with eligible applicants. Teaming arrangements are permitted, provided that all participants are willing to share relevant data and integrate their efforts with other contractors and system integrators.

Interested applicants must first submit a white paper summarizing their proposed research, technological innovation, and relevance to NSWC Crane’s mission. If a white paper is deemed of interest, the applicant may be invited to submit a full proposal. Proposals must include technical and cost details, with cost-sharing not required but considered if voluntarily proposed. Proposals may be classified or unclassified, and all proprietary information must be appropriately marked.

Proposals will be evaluated based on technical merit, military relevance, and availability of funding. The evaluation criteria include the degree of innovation, the feasibility of the proposed technical approach, the qualifications of key personnel, and the anticipated impact on national defense capabilities. Cost realism and reasonableness will also be considered when selecting proposals for funding. Awards will be made on a rolling basis, with the estimated period of performance varying depending on the project.

Applicants must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) before submitting proposals. White papers should be emailed to NSWC Crane’s designated email, while full proposals must follow submission guidelines provided in the BAA. Questions related to technical aspects, contract details, or security requirements should be directed to the designated NSWC Crane points of contact.