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 proposals 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 leveraging both military advancements and commercial technologies to enhance U.S. defense capabilities through rapid prototyping solutions. Interested parties can submit white papers for evaluation, with no predetermined contract value, as funding will depend on the quality of proposals and available resources. For further inquiries, potential offerors can contact the SCO at SCO.BAA@sco.mil, and the BAA remains open until August 31, 2029.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    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.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Similar Opportunities
    Strategic Capabilities Office Broad Agency Announcement
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    Solicitation DEPT OF DEFENSE Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO) is seeking research submissions for funding consideration in the five areas of technical interest. SCO is an organization within the Office of the Secretary of Defense that focuses on identifying, analyzing, and prototyping disruptive applications of new systems, unconventional uses of existing systems, and implementing emerging technologies to create operational strategic effects. The purpose of this Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) is to solicit research submissions for procurement contracts and Other Transaction (OT) agreements for research or prototypes. The BAA is issued under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) parts 6.102(d)(2) and 35.016. The SCO aims to deliver capabilities in 3-5 years to address high priority operational and strategic challenges.
    OUSD R&E Seeks Industry Collaboration to Close Critical Capability Gaps
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    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.
    Defense Sciences Office (DSO) Office-wide BAA
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is inviting proposals for its Defense Sciences Office (DSO) Office-wide Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), aimed at soliciting innovative research ideas that can lead to revolutionary advancements in national security applications. Proposals should focus on novel approaches rather than incremental improvements, covering key research areas such as Novel Materials & Structures, Sensing & Measurement, and Emerging Threats. This initiative is crucial for fostering advanced research that aligns with DARPA's mission to enhance national defense capabilities. Interested organizations can submit proposals until September 26, 2025, and should direct inquiries to the BAA Coordinator at HR001124S0039@darpa.mil.
    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.
    BAA for Advancement of Technologies for Use by Special Operations Forces
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    Special Notice DEPT OF DEFENSE US SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND (USSOCOM) is seeking advancements in technologies for use by Special Operations Forces. The service/item being procured is the development of disruptive capabilities that must be made available to the SOF Operator within the next five to seven years in order to achieve mission success in the Future Operating Environment (FOE). This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) will remain open for 5 years until December 31, 2025.
    COLLABORATIVE SENSING & EXPLOITATION
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is seeking innovative research proposals under the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) titled "Collaborative Sensing & Exploitation." The objective is to develop technologies for closed-loop sensing and sensor data exploitation in dynamic adversarial environments, focusing on enhancing detection, tracking, and classification capabilities through advanced multimodal sensing systems. This initiative is crucial for improving situational awareness and operational effectiveness in military applications. The total funding available for this BAA is approximately $25 million, with individual awards typically ranging from $400,000 to $1 million and lasting up to 36 months. Interested parties must submit white papers by 4 PM EST on specified deadlines through September 30, 2025, and can direct inquiries to Peter Zulch at Peter.Zulch@us.af.mil or Amber Buckley at Amber.Buckley@us.af.mil.
    Systems, Technologies, and Emerging Capabilities Broad Agency Announcement
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Space Development Agency (SDA), is soliciting proposals under the Systems, Technologies, and Emerging Capabilities (STEC) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for innovative concepts and technologies that enhance the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). The SDA is specifically seeking proposals for engineering studies related to two key initiatives: on-demand space vehicle de-orbit services and a Network Orchestration capability for data transport between military and commercial satellite networks. These initiatives are critical for ensuring sustainable space operations and improving military capabilities in low Earth orbit. Interested parties must submit proposals for the de-orbit service by May 1, 2024, and for the Network Orchestration capability by October 21, 2024, with contact inquiries directed to ussf.pentagon.sda.mbx.FA240124S0001@mail.mil.
    Long Range Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for NSWC Crane
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division (NSWC Crane) has issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) under the CFDA number 12.335, seeking innovative research and technology solutions from various sources, including academia, industry, and research institutions. The BAA aims to enhance NSWC Crane's capabilities in multiple domains, primarily Expeditionary Warfare, Strategic Missions, and Electronic Warfare. This initiative focuses on developing hypersonic weapon systems, with an emphasis on enhancing performance, manufacturability, and testing capabilities, thereby contributing to the advancement of Navy operations. NSWC Crane intends to award multiple contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements for research projects, offering a rolling submission process with no set deadlines. The Division's broad research interests encompass ten technical capability areas, and proposers are encouraged to contact relevant technical points of contact for each area. The selection process will evaluate submissions based on their technical merit, military relevance, and cost-effectiveness, with an eye toward maximizing small business opportunities. Interested parties should submit abstracts and proposals in accordance with the specified guidelines, and further information can be obtained from Contracting Officer Danielle Peter or Requiring Technical Activity Maria Duran.
    Strategic Catalyst Announcement for AI-BTO
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative proposals under the Strategic Catalyst Announcement for Artificial Intelligence within its Biological Technologies Office (BTO). The initiative aims to develop novel capabilities in areas such as Prediction and Health, Autonomous Science, Biomanufacturing, and other frontier topics, with a focus on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) innovations to enhance national security. Proposals must be submitted as unclassified white papers by October 9, 2024, with potential funding of up to $300,000 available for selected projects, totaling an anticipated budget of $4.5 million for multiple awards. Interested parties can contact the BAA Coordinator at DARPA-SCA-24-01@darpa.mil for further information regarding the submission process and requirements.
    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.