Funder: Munitions Directorate
Due Dates: October 31, 2029 (Open BAA, white papers accepted any time)
Funding Amounts: Up to $750,000,000 total; individual award size and duration vary by project and call.
Summary: Supports innovative research and development for air superiority technologies across a broad range of munitions and air dominance topics.
Key Information: Two-step process: submit white paper first; full proposals by invitation only.
Description
The Munitions Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL/RW) is seeking innovative research proposals to advance air dominance technologies. This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) covers a wide range of research areas relevant to air-launched munitions, weapons systems, guidance, propulsion, warheads, sensors, AI/autonomy, and related technologies. The BAA is open to academic, nonprofit, and industry partners, and is designed to support applied research, advanced technology development, and prototype demonstration that address current and future air superiority needs.
The BAA is structured in two parts:
- Open BAA: White papers may be submitted at any time during the open period (through October 31, 2029).
- Call BAA: Specific calls for proposals may be issued periodically for targeted research topics.
Due Dates
- White Papers: Accepted on a rolling basis until October 31, 2029.
- Full Proposals: By invitation only, following favorable white paper review. Deadlines for full proposals will be specified in individual invitations or calls.
Funding Amount
- Total Program Funding: Up to $750,000,000 over the 5-year BAA period.
- Award Size: Varies by project and call; no minimum or maximum per award specified.
- Award Types: Contracts (various types), grants, cooperative agreements, or Other Transactions (OTs) may be used, depending on the nature of the research.
Eligibility
- Who Can Apply: Unrestricted. Open to universities, nonprofit organizations, private industry, and small businesses. Foreign or foreign-owned entities may participate, subject to foreign disclosure review.
- FFRDCs: May apply with appropriate sponsor and non-sponsor agency determinations.
- Government Agencies: May participate independently of this announcement after coordination.
- Cost Sharing: Not required, but allowed.
Application Process
Step 1: White Paper Submission
- Required: Submit a white paper (max 5 pages) summarizing the proposed approach, technical objectives, and estimated cost.
- Submission: Email to afrl.rwk.baaworkflow@us.af.mil.
- Format: Follow specified formatting (12pt Times New Roman, double-spaced, 1-inch margins).
- Content: Include research area number, BAA number/title, period of performance, estimated cost, organization details, and technical/contracting POCs.
Step 2: Full Proposal (By Invitation)
- Invitation: Only after favorable review of the white paper.
- Requirements: Full technical and cost proposal, plus required forms and security documentation.
- Forms: May include SF-424, Senior/Key Person Profile, Security Program Questionnaire, and Privacy Act Statement.
- Evaluation: Based on technical merit, innovation, feasibility, relevance, and potential for transition to operational use.
Security and Compliance
- Security Review: All proposals undergo a security risk review for undue foreign influence.
- Export Control: Some projects may require ITAR/EAR compliance and facility clearance.
- Data Rights: Government expects unlimited rights to technical data/software developed at government expense; restrictions must be clearly asserted and justified.
Research Areas
The BAA covers, but is not limited to, the following research areas:
- Modeling, simulation, and analysis of air superiority concepts
- Innovative aircraft integration technologies
- Find-Fix-Target-Track (F2T2) and datalink technologies
- Engagement management systems
- High velocity fuzing and electronic safe/arm devices
- Missile electronics, power, and thermal management
- Guidance and control technologies
- Advanced warhead and energetic materials
- Missile propulsion and case technologies
- Control actuation systems
- Missile carriage and release technologies
- Missile test and evaluation technologies
- Artificial intelligence and autonomy for collaborative weapon systems
Researchers are encouraged to contact technical POCs for specific research area interests.
Additional Information
- Classified Work: Some projects may require a SECRET facility clearance and safeguarding capability.
- US Citizenship: Required for personnel needing access to USAF bases, AFRL facilities, or government IT networks (exceptions possible for approved foreign nationals).
- Reporting: Regular technical and financial reports required; deliverables vary by award.
- Multiple Submissions: Applicants may submit multiple white papers to different research areas.
External Links
Contact Information
Additional Resources