The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Army Research Laboratory (ARL) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) W911NF-23-S-0001 Amendment 4 (2025) seeks proposals for foundational research aligned with the ARL’s mission to deliver scientific innovations for future Army capabilities. Covering the period from November 21, 2022, to November 20, 2027, the BAA encourages diverse, cutting-edge research concepts across basic (6.1), applied (6.2), and advanced research activities to ensure Army operational superiority.

Research topics are broad, ranging from individual investigator awards to collaborative and multi-disciplinary initiatives, including instrumentation grants, short-term innovative projects, and support for early-career researchers. Proposals addressing specific challenges that align with ARL’s foundational research competencies and priorities in various science and technology domains are highly encouraged. The announcement emphasizes the importance of leveraging innovative approaches to solve unique Army challenges.

Eligible applicants include domestic and foreign institutions of higher education, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, state and local governments, and federally funded research centers with specific eligibility depending on the targeted opportunity or award type. Submissions must align with ARL’s research focus areas and follow detailed proposal preparation and submission guidelines. Key steps involve preliminary inquiries with technical points of contact, optional whitepaper submissions for feedback, and full proposal submissions through Grants.gov or email.

The evaluation criteria prioritize scientific and technical merit, relevance to the Army mission, and the qualifications of the research team. For specialized opportunities, factors such as institutional commitment, potential for significant scientific impact, and educational benefits are considered. The BAA supports a wide range of instruments, including contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and other transactions (OTs) for research and prototyping, with selection determined by the proposed work’s nature and compliance with Army requirements.

The submission process is open until the closing date specified in the BAA, allowing for ongoing proposals aligned with evolving Army research needs. Submissions are subject to risk assessments for conflicts of interest or foreign influence, in line with national security directives. Applicants are strongly encouraged to use available resources, including ARL’s research topic website and designated points of contact, for guidance throughout the application process. For further details on submission requirements, proposal formats, and contact information, applicants should refer to the full BAA document.