The Army Applications Laboratory (AAL) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) W911NF-24-S-0008 seeks innovative research proposals to advance disruptive technologies for the U.S. Army's modernization priorities from April 5, 2024, to April 4, 2029. The BAA aims to discover, accelerate, and translate technologies that significantly improve Army capabilities, addressing current gaps and future needs for the Army of 2030 and 2040. The announcement covers various technology areas relevant to autonomous systems, artificial intelligence and machine learning, data visualization, sensing, communications, quantum technologies, and more, all of which are vital to maintaining military overmatch and readiness for multi-domain operations.

The AAL BAA supports multiple types of awards, including procurement contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) for research and prototypes. The solicitation is open to universities, non-profits, state and local governments, for-profit organizations, and foreign entities, with emphasis on scientific research rather than development tied to specific systems. Cost-sharing is not mandatory, except in some OTAs where a 50/50 cost share may be required. Applications should focus on basic and applied research, aiming to advance the state of the art in technology areas critical to Army modernization, such as robotics, AI/ML, networking, human performance optimization, and novel materials.

The application process follows a three-stage format: submitting a whitepaper, registering with the System for Award Management (SAM), and then submitting a full proposal if invited. Whitepapers are encouraged to minimize the effort spent on proposals with low chances of funding and should outline the innovation, potential impact, and Army relevance. AAL may offer feedback within 30 days of submission. Full proposals will be evaluated on scientific merit, alignment with Army needs, cost realism, and the qualifications of the project team, among other criteria.

The key topic areas of interest include:

Autonomous Platforms – Development of robotic and autonomous systems for ground and air vehicles, particularly for navigating cluttered, contested, and urban environments.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) – Research into AI and ML applications for autonomous operations, threat detection, data analysis, and decision-making support.

Data Visualization and Synthetic Environments – Techniques for improved situational awareness, large dataset navigation, and advanced training environments.

Assured Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) – Development of technologies to ensure reliable PNT in GPS-degraded or denied environments.

Power Generation and Management Technologies – Innovations in power management, low-power electronics, and compact energy sources for military applications.

Sensing – Research on advanced sensor technologies for detecting people, equipment, and potential threats, including through obscured conditions.

Communications & Networks – Development of robust, secure communication systems and network interoperability, including for multinational operations.

Computation – Enhancing computational capabilities with a focus on throughput, power efficiency, and edge computing.

Space Technologies – Space-based solutions for persistent sensing, communication, and low-cost space access.

Internet of Things (IoT) – Integration of IoT applications for military environments, including automated data management and network security.

Quantum Technologies – Research into quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum communication to improve military system performance.

Signature Reduction – Development of technologies that reduce the detectability of Army personnel and equipment.

Protection – Innovations in protection technologies, including body armor, countermeasure systems, and early warning capabilities.

Human Performance – Enhancements to human-machine interaction, training tools, and soldier performance augmentation.

Contested Logistics – Technologies to enhance logistics resilience in environments where supply chains are disrupted.

Kinetic Payloads – Research into scalable, lethal, and non-lethal payload systems for various delivery platforms.

Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis, but applicants are encouraged to monitor grants.gov and the AAL website for updates. Selection involves a peer review process, assessing proposals against the outlined criteria rather than directly competing with each other. Successful applicants may engage in Army experimentation events to further evaluate technology readiness. Compliance with federal regulations regarding human subjects, export control, and other legal standards is mandatory.