[Naval Research Laboratory](https://www.nrl.navy.mil)

Rolling (white papers accepted any time; full proposals by invitation)

No fixed limits; award size and duration vary by project and topic.

Supports basic and applied research across science and engineering disciplines to advance future Navy and Marine Corps capabilities.

White paper submission is required before a full proposal; see topic list for specific research areas and contacts.

--- ## Description The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) invites proposals for basic and applied research in a wide range of scientific and technical fields relevant to the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The BAA is open to innovative research projects that can advance naval capabilities, address emerging challenges, and support the Navy’s future operational needs. Research areas span systems, materials, ocean and atmospheric sciences, space technology, and more, with detailed topics provided in the BAA document. NRL’s BAA is a principal mechanism for funding external research, emphasizing multidisciplinary approaches and the transition of new technologies to practical naval applications. The BAA is updated annually, and white papers may be submitted at any time while the announcement is active. --- ## Due Dates - **White Papers:** Accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. - **Full Proposals:** By invitation only, following a favorable review of a white paper. - The BAA remains open for approximately one year from publication or until replaced by a successor announcement. --- ## Funding Amount - **Award Size:** No predetermined minimum or maximum; varies by research area, technical approach, and available funds. - **Duration:** Project periods are flexible and determined by the scope of work. - **Instrument Types:** Awards may be made as grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, technology investment agreements, or other transaction agreements. --- ## Eligibility - **Who Can Apply:** - Academic institutions (including HBCUs and Minority Institutions) - Nonprofit and for-profit organizations - Industry partners - University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs), unless restricted by their DoD contract - **Who Cannot Apply:** - Federally Funded Research & Development Centers (FFRDCs) and Department of Energy National Labs (may participate as team members, not as leads) - Navy labs, military universities, and warfare centers (may team with eligible applicants) - **International Applicants:** Not explicitly restricted, but U.S. export control and security requirements apply. - **Cost Sharing:** Not required, but voluntary cost sharing may be considered. --- ## Application Process ### 1. Identify a Research Topic - Review the [current BAA topics](https://www.nrl.navy.mil/doing-business/contracting-division/baa/current) for specific areas of interest and technical points of contact. ### 2. Submit a White Paper - **Required first step.** - Format: 5 pages max (excluding cover), single-spaced, Times New Roman 12pt. - Content: Technical concept, innovation, technical risks, potential naval relevance, and a rough order of magnitude cost estimate. - Submit to the technical point of contact listed for the relevant topic (see BAA Appendix 1 for email addresses). ### 3. White Paper Review - NRL will review and notify the submitter if a full proposal is invited. - Only invited applicants may submit a full proposal. ### 4. Full Proposal (by invitation) - Detailed instructions provided upon invitation. - Proposals for grants/cooperative agreements are submitted via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/292151). - Proposals for contracts/other agreements are submitted directly to NRL. ### 5. Evaluation Criteria - Technical merit and innovation - Relevance to Navy/NRL mission - Qualifications and capabilities of the team - Cost realism and reasonableness - Availability of funds --- ## Additional Information - **No cost reimbursement for proposal preparation.** - **Classified proposals:** May be submitted; contact NRL for secure submission instructions. - **Export control and security:** Compliance with U.S. export control laws is required. - **Reporting:** Standard federal reporting requirements apply for awards over $500,000. - **Institutions hosting Confucius Institutes:** May be ineligible for DoD funding unless a waiver is granted (see BAA for details). --- ## External Links - [NRL BAA Full Announcement & Topic List (PDF)](https://www.nrl.navy.mil/Portals/38/PDF%20Files/FY24%20BAA%20Announcement%20FINAL.pdf) - [Current NRL BAA Topics and Contacts](https://www.nrl.navy.mil/doing-business/contracting-division/baa/current) - [NRL Research Directorates & Divisions](https://www.nrl.navy.mil/research/directorates-divisions/) - [Grants.gov Opportunity Page](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/292151) - [NRL Small Business Programs](https://www.nrl.navy.mil/doing-business/small-business) - [System for Award Management (SAM)](https://sam.gov/content/home) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact/Email | Phone | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|-----------------| | General BAA Inquiries | [nrlproposals@nrl.navy.mil](mailto:nrlproposals@nrl.navy.mil) | | | Contract Specialist | Mary Johnson | 202-767-2021 | | NRL Public Affairs | [nrlpao@us.navy.mil](mailto:nrlpao@us.navy.mil) | 202-767-6812 | | Technical Topic POCs | See [BAA Appendix 1](https://www.nrl.navy.mil/Portals/38/PDF%20Files/FY24%20BAA%20Announcement%20FINAL.pdf) for topic-specific contacts | | | NRL Contact Page | [Contact NRL](https://www.nrl.navy.mil/Contact-Us/) | | ---

NRL WIDE BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT

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