OUSD R&E Seeks Industry Collaboration to Close Critical Capability Gaps
ID: HQ003424BOTA1Type: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEWASHINGTON HEADQUARTERS SERVICES (WHS)WASHINGTON HEADQUARTERS SERVICESWASHINGTON, DC, 203011000, USA

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) (541715)

PSC

NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - MILITARY; APPLIED RESEARCH (AC12)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense (DoD) issues a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) under the auspices of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD R&E). The goal is to accelerate the development and adoption of innovative technologies to address critical capability gaps in defense applications.
    This opportunity seeks to foster collaboration between the DoD and industry partners. The focus is on exchanging developmental capabilities and maturing technologies, specifically those falling within Technology Readiness Levels 3 through 7. The DoD aims to establish non-funded Information Exchange Agreements (IEAs) to facilitate the exchange of technical information. Additionally, Other Transaction (OT) agreements will be considered for research, prototyping, and potential follow-on production.
    The BAA encourages submissions from a diverse range of organizations, including large businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, and minority institutions. These submissions should address specific Capability Focus Areas (CFA) detailed in periodic amendments. The initial CFA seeks concepts and technologies for assured space operations and improved multi-domain collaborative autonomy.
    Interested parties should submit concise white papers or presentations outlining their concepts, technologies, or solutions. White papers should be limited to two pages, while presentations should not exceed four pages. Submissions will be evaluated based on their relevance, technical merit, and alignment with the DoD's objectives and mission.
    The BAA will remain open for one year, and amendments containing new CFAs will be posted with a 45-day deadline for submissions. Virtual Industry Day is scheduled for June 28, 2024, providing an opportunity for potential applicants to gain further clarification and insight.
    For general inquiries, contact the Washington Headquarters Services (WHS) RPAB through the provided email address. Technical questions should be directed to the designated Technical Point of Contact. Ensure that all submissions and inquiries reference the BOTA number HQ003424BOTA1.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The Amendment 0001 to BROAD OTHER TRANSACTION ANNOUNCEMENT HQ003424BOTA1 solicits submissions for technologies and concepts related to assured Space Operations and Multi-Domain Collaborative Autonomy to address critical capability gaps for the Department of Defense. Responses are due by July 31, 2024, with both unclassified and classified submission options, and the announcement emphasizes the need for comprehensive conflict of interest disclosures from participants. The evaluation will focus on technical merit, alignment with mission priorities, and the Government may establish non-funded Information Exchange Agreements or pursue Other Transactions based on the submissions.
    The document outlines the required components for a company's white paper presentation, including company information, project details, classification, and proprietary markings. It emphasizes the need to summarize the company's capabilities, mission, ownership, project scope, maturity, risks, and analytical support using various visuals. Additionally, it highlights the importance of addressing specific Capability Focus Areas and providing detailed contact information for relevant points of contact within the organization.
    The Broad Other Transaction Announcement (BOTA) HQ003424BOTA1 Amendment 0001 seeks proposals addressing technology concepts for assured Space Operations and improved Multi-Domain Collaborative Autonomy, with submissions due by July 31, 2024. Eligible sources can submit either unclassified or classified white papers and presentations, detailing innovative solutions aligned with the U.S. Department of Defense's priorities on warfighter capabilities. Responses will be evaluated based on technical merit, relevance to mission goals, and potential to contribute to research and engineering objectives, with awarded opportunities potentially leading to Information Exchange Agreements or Other Transaction awards.
    The BOTA (Broad Other Transaction Announcement) FAQs from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering provide clarification on various submission processes for white papers, including no limits on submissions, classified communication protocols, and file format requirements. All submissions must be made as zip files not exceeding 10 MB, and TS/SCI documents should be directed to a specific email. Additionally, the BOTA aims to explore technologies generally at TRL 3-7 but will consider proposals outside this range.
    The Broad Other Transaction Announcement (BOTA) HQ003424BOTA1 invites industry collaboration to address critical capability gaps in multi-component defense missions, focusing on Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 3 through 7. Submissions can be made throughout the BOTA's effective period until June 11, 2025, with initial evaluations conducted by the Government based on specified criteria, including technical merit and alignment with mission goals. The process includes virtual industry days for interested parties and opportunities for establishing non-funded Information Exchange Agreements (IEA) or Other Transactions (OT) contingent on Government interest and resource availability.
    The amendment to the Blanket Other Transaction Announcement (BOTA) HQ003424BOTA1 solicits proposals for technologies that enhance assured Space Operations and Multi-Domain Collaborative Autonomy, focusing on capabilities such as offensive and defensive space control and command-and-control systems for autonomous vehicles. Responses must be submitted by July 31, 2024, and include white papers or presentations addressing the specified capability focus areas. The Government will evaluate submissions based on technical merit, alignment with defense objectives, and potential contributions to mission goals.
    The document outlines the necessary components for a white paper submission, including company information, points of contact, security clearance, classified capabilities, and business type. Additionally, it requires a detailed summary of the initiative being proposed, including its purpose, alignment with capability areas, maturity level, and ongoing efforts. Emphasis is placed on providing clear and concise information within a two-page limit.
    The document provides guidelines for an appropriate presentation cover sheet, listing company information such as name, address, and points of contact. It also suggests including information about the company's facility clearance, classified capabilities, and ownership. The document emphasizes the use of graphics, tables, and visuals to enhance the presentation.
    The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering is seeking industry collaboration to address critical capability gaps. Companies can submit white papers and presentations describing their concepts, capabilities, and technologies that can help close these gaps. The government may establish Information Exchange Agreements or award Other Transaction agreements based on the submissions.
    The BROAD OTHER TRANSACTION ANNOUNCEMENT (BOTA) HQ003424BOTA1 seeks industry collaboration to address critical capability gaps for the Department of Defense, inviting submissions of white papers and presentations focused on technology readiness levels 3 through 7. The BOTA, effective until June 11, 2025, anticipates multiple awards based on the merit of submissions that align with defined Capability Focus Areas. Key events include a Virtual Industry Day scheduled for June 28, 2024, to facilitate discussions on submission topics and processes.
    The Department of Defense is hosting a Virtual Industry Day on June 28, 2024, to discuss research and development partnerships under the Broad Other Transaction Agreement (BOTA), aimed at identifying businesses with innovative technologies to support military capabilities. Key dates include a question submission deadline by June 24 and a registration deadline by June 21, with participation details provided after registration. The event will include discussions on various mission topics, including resilience in space operations and multi-domain collaborative autonomy, and aims to foster communication and collaboration between the government and industry stakeholders.
    The BOTA HQ003424BOTA1 document clarifies that there are no restrictions on the number of whitepaper submissions a company may make and that classified communications will not be used during Industry Day. Companies can submit classified whitepapers post-Industry Day according to specified protocols, and while OTs don't require the same “blackout period” as FAR-based selections, some communication limitations may apply based on the requirement's nature and security level. Guidance for submitting classified documents, including SAP and SCI concepts, is detailed within the document.
    The Broad Other Transaction Announcement (BOTA) provides guidance on whitepaper submissions, allowing unlimited entries without restrictions based on topic or total number. It clarifies that no classified communications will occur during Industry Day, and companies can submit classified whitepapers thereafter using specified channels. Additionally, while there are no strict "blackout periods" like those in FAR-based selections, limited communication may still be necessary depending on security levels.
    The amendment to the Blanket Other Transaction Announcement (BOTA) HQ003424BOTA1 seeks submissions related to technologies that support assured Space Operations and improved Multi-Domain Collaborative Autonomy, with a deadline of July 31, 2024. Eligible participants can submit white papers or presentations to address specific areas of interest including offensive and defensive space control, navigation warfare, and collaborative autonomous capabilities in a contested environment. The amendment outlines submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and potential for awards, with a focus on contributions that align with the Department of Defense's research and engineering priorities.
    Lifecycle
    Similar Opportunities
    Strategic Capabilities Office Broad Agency Announcement
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense's Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO) has issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) to solicit research and development submissions in five key technical areas: Autonomous Systems, Deep Learning, Cybersecurity, Cross-Domain Kill Chains, and Non-traditional Defense Technologies. The objective of this BAA is to identify, analyze, and prototype innovative applications of new and existing systems to address high-priority operational and strategic challenges, with a focus on delivering capabilities within a 3-5 year timeframe. This initiative underscores the importance of fostering rapid prototyping solutions to enhance U.S. defense capabilities by leveraging both military advancements and commercial technologies. Interested parties can submit white papers for evaluation, with no predetermined contract value, and should direct inquiries to SCO BAA at SCO.BAA@sco.mil. The BAA is open until August 31, 2029, allowing for ongoing submissions and evaluations.
    SDA Battle Management Mission Applications (Program BAA)
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA) is issuing a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) to procure innovative software applications to enhance situational awareness and decision-making capabilities for military space operations. The focus is on developing containerized applications for the Battle Management Command, Control, and Communications (BMC3) module of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) system in Low Earth Orbit. The solicitation seeks cutting-edge solutions from vendors for several key areas, including BMC3 management, power and resource optimization, and cybersecurity, with an emphasis on near-real-time performance and proactive measures. Vendors are invited to submit White Papers for initial review, leading to potential invitations for full proposals. The agency prioritizes rapid deployment, encouraging bidders to propose schedules accordingly. Important deadlines include the submission of White Papers by June 19th, 2024, and Proposals by May 19th, 2025. The SDA reserves the right to issue amendments and extend deadlines, with selections made based on technical merit, mission relevance, and available funding. Contact ussf.pentagon.sda.mbx.FA240124S0002@mail.mil for more information.
    TTO Office Wide (OW) BAA
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense's DARPA Tactical Technology Office (TTO) is issuing a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) titled 'TTO Office Wide', seeking revolutionary technology to enhance national security. Focus areas include Platform Innovation, Missionized Autonomy, and Managing Complexity. This BAA aims to award multiple contracts, grants, or agreements for research beyond incremental improvements, disrupting current capabilities. Proposals are invited from diverse sources, especially small businesses, to submit executive summaries and detailed proposals adhering to specified formats and deadlines. DARPA will assess submissions based on their technical merit, impact on national security, and cost and schedule feasibility. With a Proposers Day scheduled for July-August 2024 and a one-year submission deadline, this opportunity opens avenues for cutting-edge technology providers to impact defense strategies. Is there anything else I can help you with regarding this opportunity?
    Broad Agency Announcement Emerging Technologies
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the U.S. Army's Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Armaments Center, is issuing a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for research proposals focused on emerging technologies to enhance military capabilities. This BAA seeks innovative solutions in areas such as advanced materials, electronics, autonomy, and artificial intelligence, aimed at improving soldier lethality and supporting the Army's modernization priorities, including long-range precision fires. Proposals and white papers will be evaluated through a competitive selection process, with submissions accepted continuously until the BAA's expiration on December 17, 2025. Interested parties are encouraged to contact William Tenz at william.d.tenz.civ@army.mil for administrative inquiries and Ramon Llanos at ramon.r.llanos.civ@army.mil for technical questions.
    Air Dominance Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is issuing a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) titled "Air Dominance" to solicit proposals for research and development in advanced munitions technology. This initiative aims to fulfill Air Dominance R&D requirements across 13 key research areas, including Modeling, Simulation, & Analysis, innovative aircraft integration technologies, and advanced missile propulsion systems. The BAA is critical for enhancing the effectiveness and survivability of U.S. military capabilities in contested environments, with an anticipated funding amount of up to $750 million over five years. Interested parties are encouraged to submit white papers detailing their proposed approaches, and they can contact Amy Fortenberry at amy.fortenberry.1@us.af.mil or Pamela King-Hasberry at pamela.king-hasberry.1@us.af.mil for further information.
    Strategic Technology Office-wide Broad Agency Announcement
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is inviting proposals for its Strategic Technology Office-wide Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) HR001125S0001, aimed at funding innovative research that leads to revolutionary advances in technology for national security. Proposals should focus on disruptive technologies across various domains, including artificial intelligence, advanced computing, and robotics, while avoiding evolutionary improvements to existing practices. This initiative is critical for developing new capabilities that enhance the U.S. military's operational effectiveness and adaptability in complex environments. Interested organizations, including small and minority-owned businesses, must submit their proposals by October 31, 2025, and are encouraged to contact the BAA Coordinator at HR001125S0001@darpa.mil for further information.
    CAPABILITIES FOR CYBER ADVANCEMENT
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of the Air Force is issuing a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-21-S-7001 titled "Capabilities for Cyber Advancement," aimed at developing innovative technologies to achieve cyber superiority for military applications. The initiative seeks white papers that propose next-generation solutions focusing on cybersecurity, resilient infrastructures, and effective command and control in cyberspace, with an emphasis on enhancing mission assurance across air, space, and cyberspace domains. With an estimated funding ceiling of approximately $975 million available until December 1, 2025, interested parties are encouraged to submit their proposals while adhering to federal regulations and eligibility criteria, particularly regarding foreign participation. For further inquiries, contact Todd Cushman at afrl.riga.baa@us.af.mil or (315) 330-4895.
    Resilient Open & Agile Avionics System & Technology Development (ROAASTD)
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is issuing a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for the Resilient Open & Agile Avionics System & Technology Development (ROAASTD) initiative. This solicitation aims to foster research that enhances system and platform resilience in response to evolving global threats, facilitating the rapid integration of advanced sensor technologies for national defense. The program, with a total budget of $30 million and individual awards ranging from $3 to $6 million, invites white papers until April 19, 2028, and emphasizes participation from various organizations, particularly small businesses. Interested parties can contact Sarah Ballard at sarah.ballard@us.af.mil or Richard Bailey at richard.bailey.26@us.af.mil for further information.
    Broad Agency Announcement _ TRMC _ TE-ST _ W900KK-22-R-0012
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Test Resource Management Center (TRMC), has issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) W900KK-22-R-0012 to solicit proposals for advancing test and evaluation technologies essential for future warfighting capabilities. The BAA aims to support research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) projects that focus on Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) 3-6, specifically targeting innovations that enhance the quality, cost-effectiveness, and timeliness of Department of Defense testing methodologies. This initiative is critical for modernizing the DoD's testing processes and ensuring readiness against emerging military threats. Interested offerors must submit white papers and adhere to specific guidelines outlined in the BAA documentation, with key contacts including Troy Darling at troy.d.darling.civ@army.mil and Christopher Crouch at christopher.l.crouch.civ@army.mil. The submission deadlines and funding availability will depend on the quality of proposals received.
    BAA for Advancement of Technologies for Use by Special Operations Forces
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is seeking innovative technology solutions through a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) aimed at enhancing the capabilities of Special Operations Forces (SOF). The BAA focuses on the development of disruptive and advanced technologies that address evolving operational environments, with specific interest in areas such as Next Generation Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), mobility solutions, and human-machine interfaces. This initiative is critical for maintaining operational effectiveness against advanced adversaries and ensuring SOF personnel are equipped with the necessary tools for mission success in complex scenarios. Interested parties can submit white papers until December 31, 2025, with proposals evaluated based on relevance, technical innovation, and feasibility. For further inquiries, contact Michael Longdon at michael.longdon@socom.mil or 727-486-3743, or Ms. Terry Lewis at terryann.j.lewis.ctr@socom.mil.