Strategic Capabilities Office Broad Agency Announcement
ID: HY0233-SCO-24-BAA-0001Type: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEIMMEDIATE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSEDIRECTOR SCOWASHINGTON, DC, 20301, 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'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.

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    The document outlines the responses to inquiries regarding the 2024 Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) issued by the Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO). It emphasizes that offerors must determine the appropriate Technical Area for their concepts without direct technical discussions with SCO prior to submission. There is no predetermined contract value or expected award size, as funding will depend on the quality of submissions. Federal Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) can only participate if they can show their work is unavailable in the private sector. The BAA is open-ended, allowing for the submission of multiple white papers, and the review process will vary based on complexity and available personnel. SCO will not accept executive summaries for initial interest gauging, requiring full white papers instead. The document clarifies that this BAA replaces an earlier version and does not follow specific solicitation dates, with responses aimed to be given within a month after white paper submission. Overall, the SCO seeks innovative solutions through flexible proposal submissions under its BAA framework to enhance national capabilities.
    The document addresses questions regarding a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) by the SCO for 2024. It clarifies that potential offerors should independently assess which Technical Area aligns with their concepts, as direct technical discussions are not permitted prior to white paper submission. There is no predetermined contract or award value, as funding allocation will depend on the quality of submitted proposals and available resources. FFRDCs are restricted from participating unless they can prove their offerings are not available from the private sector. Additionally, there is no maximum budget limit for proposals, reiterating that aspects regarding funding are flexible and contingent on various factors. This document serves to inform potential applicants of the guidelines, eligibility criteria, and submission protocols within the context of government RFPs.
    The Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO) within the Department of Defense has issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) soliciting research and development submissions in five key technical areas: Autonomous Systems, Deep Learning, Cybersecurity, Cross-Domain Kill Chains, and Non-traditional Defense Technologies. The BAA, effective until August 31, 2029, encourages participation from all sources, including small businesses and research institutions, with multiple awards anticipated. Submissions can take the form of white papers, which are assessed for alignment with the government's technical priorities and potential scientific merit. Eligible proponents must navigate a rigorous submission process that includes white papers and proposals evaluated based on scientific merit, innovation, project feasibility, and transition plans to operational military applications. SCO aims to leverage both existing military advancements and commercial technologies, promoting rapid prototyping solutions to bolster U.S. defense capabilities. This initiative highlights the government's commitment to fostering innovative, practical approaches to current military challenges, ensuring a robust and adaptive technological landscape for future operations.
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