The Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) N00178-25-0001 is issued by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) under the Naval Engineering Education Consortium (NEEC) for fiscal year 2025 (FY25). The BAA invites research proposals from colleges and universities in specific areas of interest to various Naval Surface Warfare Centers and associated laboratories. This announcement is focused on promoting education and research partnerships that support naval needs while developing technical capabilities in students.

The purpose of this BAA is to solicit research efforts that contribute to the advancement of naval capabilities in areas like ship and submarine design, hypersonic materials, cybersecurity, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, among others. These research efforts are intended to involve undergraduate and graduate students, with an emphasis on projects that align with real-world naval requirements. Participating students will gain skills and experience beneficial for future employment in naval research roles, potentially preparing them for positions within the Naval R&D enterprise.

Funding for individual projects under this BAA varies depending on the specific area of research. Typical projects may receive between $100,000 and $150,000 for the base year, with the potential for two 12-month option years, bringing the total possible funding to $300,000-$450,000 per project. Specific amounts vary depending on the research focus and the submitting center's requirements. Average award value for previous submissions was $410,000, and proposals must be submitted by October 30, 2024. The anticipated award date is April 1, 2025.

Eligibility is restricted to U.S. colleges and universities. While Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Institutions (MIs) are strongly encouraged to participate, the BAA does not set aside funding specifically for them. Federally Funded Research & Development Centers (FFRDCs), University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs), and Department of Defense laboratories are not eligible to apply. Proposals should focus on educational projects involving students, particularly emphasizing the development of skills relevant to naval technology, with U.S. citizenship required for all student participants.

The BAA outlines several areas of research interest, categorized by different warfare centers, such as the Naval Surface Warfare Centers in Dahlgren, Carderock, and Crane, among others. Specific topics range from developing new photonic computing systems, to enhancing cybersecurity in naval platforms, to exploring innovative materials for hypersonic environments. Each center has detailed descriptions of the types of projects they are interested in funding, and proposers are expected to collaborate closely with technical experts from the centers.

Proposals must follow a strict submission process through Grants.gov, including a detailed technical proposal not exceeding 10 pages, as well as a budget justification for each year of funding requested. Submissions must also include necessary certifications and a bibliography, and should clearly identify whether export control laws apply. Each proposal will be evaluated on technical merit, potential contribution to the Navy's mission, the educational quality of student involvement, and the qualifications of the proposed team. Cost realism may also be considered during the evaluation.

The evaluation of proposals is based on several criteria, including the scientific and technical merits, relevance to naval priorities, proposer capabilities, and student participation. Student involvement is a key aspect of evaluation, with an emphasis on U.S. citizens who are eligible for security clearances and Navy internships. Options for future project phases are also considered during the evaluation, although the government is not obligated to fund these. The proposal review process will involve technical experts from the appropriate naval warfare centers. Notifications for selected projects are expected to be issued in writing, but the final grant will only be confirmed once an agreement is signed by an authorized Grants Officer.