The Fiscal Year 2023 – Fiscal Year 2028 (FY23-FY28) United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for Extramural Biomedical and Human Performance Research and Development seeks research proposals aimed at enhancing military medical and human performance capabilities. This BAA, managed by the Department of Defense (DoD) and the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA), is structured to support basic and applied research in a range of medical and human performance fields that are relevant to military operations. The funding opportunity is continuously open for a five-year period from August 1, 2023, through July 31, 2028, with updates provided annually.

The program is designed to advance research in several critical areas, including prolonged casualty care, damage control resuscitation, portable diagnostics, brain health, immune response, chronic pain management, human performance optimization, and canine medicine. The primary focus is on developing novel medical techniques, materials, and interventions that improve the survival and performance of Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel in extreme operational environments. Additionally, the program seeks to facilitate innovations in automation for systematic reviews, medical simulation training, and the sustainability of medical logistics in austere environments.

This BAA offers federal funding, with awards anticipated to range from $2 million to $10 million per project, with a program-wide annual budget of up to $20 million. There is no predetermined limit on the number of awards, and funding is contingent upon availability and merit-based selection. The research must be relevant to active-duty service members, veterans, military beneficiaries, and the broader public. Projects must address SOF-unique medical and performance needs, with an emphasis on mobility, durability, and minimal logistical burden. Proposals must align with one of the Research Areas of Interest (RAIs) detailed in the announcement.

Eligible applicants include national and international organizations, for-profit and nonprofit entities, public and private institutions of higher education, and other research organizations. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) are not eligible to apply directly but may collaborate as subcontractors. Small businesses, including veteran-owned and woman-owned enterprises, are encouraged to participate. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for this funding opportunity.

The submission process consists of a two-step process: first, applicants must submit a pre-proposal through the electronic Biomedical Research Application Portal (eBRAP), which will be reviewed for relevance and merit. If selected, the applicant will be invited to submit a full proposal through Grants.gov. Full proposals must meet all submission requirements, including a research narrative, budget, compliance with human and animal research protocols, and a clear plan for implementation. Awards will be negotiated and administered through USAMRAA.

Proposals will be evaluated through a two-tier review process, including peer review for scientific and technical merit and programmatic review for relevance to USSOCOM mission objectives. Selection criteria include scientific excellence, potential impact, feasibility, alignment with military medical needs, and cost realism. Awards are contingent upon regulatory compliance and availability of funds.

For more information, applicants can access the full submission instructions through Grants.gov. Technical and submission-related inquiries can be directed to the eBRAP Help Desk or the Grants.gov Contact Center. The BAA remains open until July 31, 2028, with rolling submission opportunities and annual updates.