The Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) has announced a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for research funding under BAA number N00178-25-0002. This funding opportunity is designed to support basic and applied research in collaboration with academic institutions. The research focus is on developing priority technologies and capabilities aligned with the mission of NSWCDD. The program aims to enhance student and faculty research, foster collaborative efforts, and encourage the development of future naval scientists and engineers. NSWCDD is particularly interested in research projects related to hypersonics, software engineering, quantum computing and sensing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, unmanned systems and autonomy, safety systems, cybersecurity, directed energy, high-powered lasers and microwaves, sensor systems, materials, and biological defense.

Funding will be provided through grants governed by applicable U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) regulations. Awards will range from $2,500 to $3,500,000 for a base year, with the possibility of two additional 12-month option years. The average grant value under the FY24 cycle was approximately $450,000. The Government reserves the right to make multiple awards based on the quality of the proposals and available funding. Institutions eligible to apply include accredited academic institutions, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Institutions (MIs). However, Federally Funded Research & Development Centers (FFRDCs), U.S. Navy laboratories, and University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs) are not eligible to receive direct funding under this BAA.

The application process allows for an optional white paper submission to determine whether a full proposal would be of interest to NSWCDD. Full proposals must be submitted through Grants.gov and include a technical proposal and a cost/business proposal. Specific proposal requirements include a technical description of the research, a statement of work, a milestone chart, details on facilities and equipment, and information on prior related research. White papers are limited to four pages, while full technical proposals for general research (DD-01) are limited to 15 pages. Proposals for student capstone and senior research projects (DD-02) and other technology areas (DD-03) are limited to three pages.

Key dates for the BAA include an opening date of October 15, 2024, and a closing date of October 14, 2025. Proposals will be evaluated on a rolling basis, with evaluation cycles occurring in December 2024, March 2025, and June 2025, leading to anticipated award dates in February, May, and August of 2025, respectively. Awards will be made based on scientific and technical merit, importance to NSWCDD programs, and funding availability. While cost realism and reasonableness will be considered, they will be secondary to the technical evaluation criteria.

Applicants must register in the System for Award Management (SAM) and have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) to apply. Applications must be electronically submitted through Grants.gov. Questions regarding the BAA should be directed to the designated business and technical points of contact at NSWCDD.