The U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) has issued a Sources Sought Notice for White Papers in response to Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) W911NF-23-S-0010. This announcement seeks innovative research on "Assessing and Developing Technological Fluency for the Future Force," specifically related to Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS) and the knowledge, skills, and behaviors (KSBs) required for effective leadership training and usage. Researchers are invited to identify current and future KSBs needed for SUAS operators and leaders, develop prototype training to bridge existing gaps, and validate these training methods to enhance mission success. Submissions are limited to six pages and must be electronically sent by August 30, 2023. The evaluation will consider scientific merit, potential contributions to military readiness, qualifications of the research team, and cost appropriateness. Successful proposals could result in contracts valued up to $1.15 million over 36 months. The document emphasizes the importance of understanding and enhancing SUAS capabilities in modern warfare, particularly in light of lessons learned from current global conflicts. The ARI aims to enhance leader training and decision-making related to SUAS operations, ensuring U.S. Army personnel are adept at leveraging this critical technology in future military engagements.

The Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) has issued a Sources Sought Notice under Broad Agency Announcement W911NF-23-S-0010, inviting submissions of White Papers focused on "Holistic Personnel Assessment Influences on Enlisted Soldier Career Progression." This initiative seeks research that examines factors affecting career continuance and progression among enlisted Army personnel, intending to inform talent management policy. The study will analyze data from various cohorts over four years, integrating survey results with Army administrative data. Interested applicants must submit a six-page White Paper by September 13, 2023, outlining their proposed research and its significance to the Army's mission. Following the evaluation of these submissions, selected applicants may be invited to submit a formal proposal. The total funding available for the initiative is capped at $1,350,000, divided over four years. The document includes detailed instructions for submission, evaluation criteria focusing on scientific merit, contributions to ARI’s mission, and qualifications of key personnel. By advancing research in enlisted personnel careers, this project aims to enhance Army readiness and performance through better understanding of personnel dynamics.

The U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) has issued a Sources Sought Notice for White Papers on the topic of "Influences on Officer Career Progression" as part of Broad Agency Announcement W911NF-23-S-0010. This initiative aims to conduct research on the factors affecting Army officer career development, including individual and organizational influences. Researchers are invited to submit White Papers no longer than six pages by September 13, 2023, for potential funding to support a four-year longitudinal study that will collect and analyze data from officer cohorts. The ARI seeks innovative approaches that enhance personnel management strategies and retention policies. A detailed evaluation process will assess scientific merit, contributions to Army missions, qualifications of key personnel, and cost realism. Selected proposals may receive a contract, with a total budget of up to $1.35 million allocated across multiple option periods. This effort highlights the Army's commitment to improving officer career trajectories through informed research and data analytics.

The United States Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences has issued a Sources Sought Notice (BAA W911NF-23-S-0010) requesting White Papers aimed at enhancing job classification and assignment through a review of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). The primary objective is to improve the military occupational specialty (MOS) assignment process by re-evaluating and potentially updating ASVAB's aptitude area composites, which currently influence MOS eligibility. Research proposals should explore existing composite redundancies and the incorporation of newer subtests to enhance accuracy in predicting soldier performance. Submissions should be concise, limited to six pages, and must demonstrate innovation, Army relevance, and potential impact within a budget not exceeding $1 million over two years. The proposal process includes feedback loops and a structured evaluation based on scientific merit, contribution to Army missions, and the qualifications of personnel involved. This initiative reflects the Army's emphasis on utilizing behavioral science research to optimize personnel assignments and operational effectiveness.

The U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) has issued a Sources Sought Notice (BAA W911NF-23-S-0010) requesting White Papers for research on ‘Assessing and Developing Technological Fluency for the Future Force,’ with a focus on “Creative Performance Behaviors with Technology.” This initiative aims to identify and measure creative performance in soldiers utilizing emerging technologies, emphasizing the need for a technologically fluent military capable of adapting and enhancing performance in future operating environments. The process involves submitting a concise White Paper, which will be evaluated based on scientific merit, potential contributions, qualifications of personnel, and cost considerations. Proposals selected for funding will undergo a rigorous evaluation, supported by up to $320,000 for a 12-month period of performance. This effort aims to improve methods of personnel assignment and classification by developing valid measures of technology-related creativity. The deadline for White Paper submission is September 26, 2024. This request highlights the Army's commitment to integrating behavioral science to enhance operational readiness and effectiveness through technological proficiency.

The U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences issued a Sources Sought Notice for White Papers regarding Broad Agency Announcement W911NF-23-S-0010, aimed at enhancing the interpersonal competencies of junior noncommissioned officers (NCOs). The research seeks to identify existing interpersonal skills gaps in NCO training and develop innovative tools and resources to address these gaps. Proposals are expected to detail research objectives, technical approaches, and estimated costs within a maximum of six pages. Funding is capped at $900,000 over three years, with an emphasis on applied research that aligns with the Army People Strategy to improve leadership skills among NCOs, fostering effective team management. White Papers are due by July 16, 2023, and the evaluation will consider scientific merit, potential contributions, and the qualifications of key personnel, among other criteria. The Army may award contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements based on this initiative. The document outlines the procedural steps for participants and highlights the critical need for enhanced interpersonal skills within the military leadership framework.

The United States Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences has issued a Sources Sought Notice (W911NF-23-S-0010) soliciting White Papers focused on improving talent management through data science, particularly understanding how organizational and professional identities influence career pathing and retention. This initiative stems from concerns about retaining qualified personnel in specific military roles that have civilian counterparts, given the high costs associated with military training. Submissions should propose research that identifies characteristics of professional identities, examines the dynamics between Army and civilian identity, and utilizes both qualitative and quantitative methods to understand retention strategies. Key areas of focus include Cyber, Aviation, Health Services, Logistics, and Judge Advocate General roles. White Papers are limited to six pages, detailing the innovative aspects of the proposed research, its potential military impact, a cost estimate, and biographical sketches of the research team. The evaluation of submissions will prioritize scientific merit and potential contributions to Army missions. The deadline for White Paper submission is set for October 7, 2023, underscoring the Army's commitment to enhancing talent management as outlined in its People Strategy (2019).

The U.S. Army’s Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) W911NF-23-S-0010 seeks White Papers to enhance talent management through data science, specifically through an "Army Resume Profiling and Matching System." This initiative, launched on May 1, 2023, aims to improve how the Army identifies suitable candidates for positions by analyzing resumes via natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning. Key research objectives include identifying relevant features of officer resumes that contribute to job fit and developing effective methods for KSAOs (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other characteristics) extraction. The proposal process involves submitting a six-page White Paper by October 4, 2023, with funding potentially totaling $1.2 million over three years. Submissions will be evaluated based on technical merit, the potential impact on Army missions, and personnel qualifications. This effort aligns with the Army's broader Talent Management Strategy, emphasizing the importance of utilizing data for personnel selection and retention processes. Overall, the initiative underscores a commitment to leveraging advanced technologies to optimize recruitment and personnel management in military contexts.

The U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) has issued a Sources Sought Notice (W911NF-23-S-0010) inviting submissions of White Papers focussing on "Theories of Self-Regulated Learning." This initiative seeks foundational research to optimize self-regulated learning among Soldiers, enhancing their readiness through informal and self-guided learning. The proposal must explore theories that explain conditions and mechanisms fostering effective learning, particularly in complex environments. Submissions are limited to six pages and must be sent by January 5, 2024. Proposals will be evaluated based on scientific merit, potential Army contributions, qualifications of key personnel, and cost estimate realism. Success in this program could lead to significant advancements in Army personnel performance through novel research methodologies. Key contacts for inquiries include Ms. Wilveria Sanders and Dr. Meghan Huntoon. The initiative emphasizes high-risk, high-reward basic research aimed at developing innovative learning theories rather than applied research projects. Funding constraints will dictate award decisions for successful proposals.

The United States Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences has issued a Sources Sought Notice under Broad Agency Announcement W911NF-23-S-0010, soliciting White Papers for research aimed at developing transportable multiteam system competencies for future operational environments. This initiative is part of a broader effort to prepare Army personnel for complex battlefield scenarios characterized by ambiguity and dynamic team interactions. Applicants are encouraged to propose innovative research that aligns with Army needs, focusing on applied research and advanced technology development relevant to personnel training and organizational effectiveness. Submissions must include a six-page White Paper detailing the research approach, related experience of key personnel, and estimated costs, with the aim of obtaining a full proposal invitation. Successful proposals, based on scientific merit and relevance, could lead to contracts with a total budget of up to $800,000 over a 48-month duration. Feedback will be provided to applicants after evaluation, and all correspondence should adhere strictly to specified guidelines to ensure eligibility for funding consideration. The submission deadline for White Papers is July 15, 2023. The goal is to enhance Army readiness through innovative training strategies for multiteam operations.

The U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) has issued Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) W911NF-23-S-0010, seeking White Papers on multifaceted development pathways for organizational and strategic leaders, specifically focusing on enhancing metacognition throughout the leader development lifecycle. The BAA outlines a competitive process for basic and applied research related to personnel, training, and leadership within the Army. Proposals must address key challenges in officers' metacognitive development, aiming to create a diagnostic tool for assessing and enhancing individual metacognitive skills. The proposed research is expected to merge theoretical models of adult development with practical military applications, fostering leaders capable of managing complex responsibilities. White Papers, limited to six pages and submitted electronically by August 31, 2023, will be evaluated based on scientific merit, potential contributions, personnel qualifications, and cost. If selected, applicants may be invited to submit a full proposal. The total funding for awarded projects may reach up to $800,000 over a 36-month period, with an aim to bolster cognitive capacities essential for future leadership in multidomain operations.

The U.S. Army Research Institute (ARI) has issued a Sources Sought Notice under Broad Agency Announcement W911NF-23-S-0010, calling for White Papers on refining the Common Cyber Capabilities Assessment (C^3). This initiative aims to enhance personnel assessment strategies in the cyber domain by identifying high-potential candidates who may lack formal IT education but show promise for success in military cyber roles. The C^3 tool evaluates cognitive skills relevant to various cyber jobs, ensuring candidates are selected based on potential rather than prior knowledge. Researchers are tasked with refining assessment constructs, creating new measures, and optimizing the assessment tool for user-friendliness within a 30-40 minute time frame. The projected budget for this effort is capped at $1.7 million over a 42-month duration. White Papers, not exceeding six pages, must be submitted by June 15, 2023. Evaluation criteria will focus on scientific merit, contribution to Army missions, and the qualifications of key personnel. The process is designed to ensure efficient assessment and funding allocation, underscoring the ARI's commitment to advancing military readiness through innovative personnel evaluation strategies.

The Sources Sought Notice W911NF-23-S-0010 emphasizes the need for research and development in creating situational judgment tests (SJTs) for non-commissioned officer (NCO) promotions within the U.S. Army. Published on May 1, 2023, this notice invites the submission of White Papers to develop assessments that enhance leadership identification and predict performance effectively. The goal includes developing both a static and a computer adaptive SJT prototype, aimed at improving the Army’s talent management system. Submissions are limited to six pages and must be received by August 2, 2023. Proposals will undergo evaluation based on scientific merit, potential contributions, personnel qualifications, and cost realism. The total funding available for this project is capped at $1.8 million, with a maximum duration of 48 months. The structure of the process is designed to streamline funding decisions and to ensure high-quality proposals. The announcement reaffirms the Army's commitment to innovative assessment methodologies to enhance its personnel system.

The U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences issued a Sources Sought Notice (W911NF-23-S-0010) soliciting White Papers for research on developing junior leader competencies for multidomain operations, specifically focusing on tactical decision-making exercises to enhance leaders' critical thinking skills. This competitive initiative aims to explore the cognitive processes involved in decision-making under uncertainty, leveraging advances in artificial intelligence to present exercises that allow instructors to identify misconceptions in student-leaders' understanding. Proposals should be innovative, detail their research objectives, and outline associated costs. The submission deadline for White Papers is 17 August 2023, with the possibility of requesting a full proposal based on initial evaluations. The research must align with the Army's operational needs and objectives, with awards anticipated for projects that enhance training approaches. Evaluation criteria will include scientific merit, contributions to the Army's mission, qualifications of key personnel, and cost effectiveness. Funding availability is contingent on fiscal constraints and priorities. Overall, this initiative emphasizes the Army's commitment to improving leadership training and operational readiness through evidence-based research and development.

The U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences has issued a Sources Sought Notice (W911NF-23-S-0010) requesting White Papers on "Complex Cognitive Competencies for Organizational and Strategic Leaders," specifically focusing on the state of systems thinking. The initiative, publicized on 1 May 2023, seeks innovative proposals that enhance Army officers' ability to understand and manage interdependent systems across various domains. Interested parties must submit a six-page White Paper by 28 August 2023, detailing their research approach, potential Army relevance, and estimated costs. The evaluation criteria include scientific merit, contributions to ARI’s mission, personnel qualifications, and cost appropriateness. The selected proposals will aim for a 24-month contract period with funding up to $400,000, with awards contingent on available resources. The purpose of this BAA is to synthesize and improve the development of systems thinking across military organizations, ultimately benefiting decision-making and strategic capabilities in dynamic operational environments.

The government document outlines a request for proposals (RFP) related to the C^3 assessment initiative, focused on updating and validating constructs used in the evaluation of candidates for cyber roles in the Army. The primary aim is to revision definitions, improve measurement methods, and ensure construct validity, as identified by subject matter experts (SMEs). The new proposal will be structured as a contract, and applicants must have access to Army personnel data, utilizing secure Army-provided computers. The technical platform needs compatibility with Node.js, Angular.io, and MongoDB, and must operate on common browsers without certain deprecated technologies. Changes to scenarios and task environments are permitted to foster improved functionality within the assessment, keeping the length user-friendly and consistent with existing constructs. While existing measures cannot be eliminated, there is flexibility to innovate within constraints to enhance efficiency. An Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval for research involving human subjects is already in place through the Army. This initiative reflects the Army's commitment to optimizing assessment strategies, ensuring they remain relevant and effective in selecting candidates for critical cyber positions.

The document outlines a government initiative focusing on updating and validating assessment constructs specific to cyber jobs within the Army. The primary objective is to revise the definitions and measurement methods of existing constructs identified as essential by subject matter experts (SMEs) and ensure their validity through research. While there is openness to introducing new items or paradigms, the core focus remains on enhancing the current constructs. The assessment development is structured as a contract, with a single award anticipated. Offerors must have security clearance since data will be collected from Army personnel on an Army-provided computer. Additionally, the existing assessment will be made available to the selected contractor in an editable format, including the source code and guidance for implementation. Though personality traits are excluded from this assessment, it aims to address cognitive skills relevant in cyber roles, emphasizing technical problem-solving. The project will require contractors to manage the transition of the revised assessment to the Army's platform without reliance on technical support from the Army Research Institute (ARI). This initiative illustrates the government's commitment to refining assessment tools critical for personnel selection and job performance in the cyber domain, leveraging evidence-based practices to optimize workforce capabilities.

The U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) has issued a Sources Sought Notice (W911NF-23-S-0010) requesting White Papers for research on "Computational Modeling for Team-Based Assignment." This initiative seeks innovative approaches to improve team staffing and composition by utilizing computational modeling techniques to analyze team effectiveness. The submitted White Papers should be limited to six pages and focus on identifying theoretical frameworks, developing computational models, and creating user-friendly tools for optimizing team composition. The selection process involves submitting a White Paper by June 30, 2023, which will be evaluated based on scientific merit, potential contributions, qualifications, and cost. Successful submissions may lead to award contracts for a project duration of up to 36 months, with a budget cap of $910,000. The effort aims to enhance Army readiness by better understanding team dynamics and reducing the resource burden associated with data collection. Clear documentation of methods, relevance to Army operations, and transparency in model functioning is required to foster effective outcomes.

This document outlines a series of questions and answers pertaining to the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for research on Creative Performance Behaviors with Technology at the Army Research Institute (ARI). The project focuses on validation data collection for measures of creativity in soldiers, with the eventual aim of supporting technological fluency in future operational environments. A single contract will be awarded for this 12-month project, and although funding is planned for the next fiscal year, it cannot be fully committed until a procurement package is complete. Key points include the need for a project timeline, the expectation that contractors may seek government support for data collection, and the description of potential instruments for measurement. The document emphasizes that both proximal and distal predictors of performance could be explored through the proposed measures. Additionally, the document makes clear that participation for data collection is expected from soldiers, and the project builds upon related ongoing research efforts within ARI. Although specific timelines for award and project points of contact are currently unknown, the document provides direction on how to approach project tasks and objectives in alignment with ARI’s greater research initiatives.

The U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) has issued a Sources Sought Notice for White Papers to address personnel turnover impacts on team effectiveness in the Future Operational Environment (FOE). This initiative, under BAA W911NF-23-S-0010, seeks to identify necessary knowledge, skills, and behaviors (KSBs) that teams need to maintain stability during high personnel turnover. The proposed research should explore critical KSBs for maintaining mission effectiveness when team members change and develop effective pre-deployment training methods for these KSBs. Key project phases include literature reviews, needs analysis through interviews and observations, and proof-of-concept development for training methods. The award, budgeted at a maximum of $750,000 for a 36-month project, emphasizes scientific merit, relevance to Army needs, and the qualifications of the research team. White Papers must be submitted electronically by June 30, 2023, outlining innovative research approaches and potential contributions to the Army's mission. The process aims to ensure a competitive evaluation of proposals while outlining the necessity for collaboration with key personnel throughout the research phase. Feedback on submissions will be provided, guiding further proposal development.

The Sources Sought Notice W911NF-23-S-0010 from the U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences invites submissions of White Papers on "Self-Development Decision-Making in Army Officers." The initiative seeks to enhance officers' self-development through applied research on behavioral economics, tackling barriers to engagement due to conflicting professional demands. Key research objectives include developing assessment tools for decision-making in self-development, creating guidelines to incorporate behavioral economic principles into training, and evaluating factors affecting officers’ valuation of self-development opportunities. Proposals are evaluated based on scientific merit, potential contributions to Army missions, qualifications of personnel, and cost realism. Interested parties must submit a six-page White Paper by September 1, 2023, for a chance at funding, with potential awards totaling $500,000 over a 24-month period. The document outlines submission procedures, evaluation criteria, and timelines, emphasizing the importance of managing talent across the officer lifecycle through tailored self-development interventions.

The U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences has issued a Sources Sought Notice (W911NF-23-S-0010) requesting White Papers on "Self-Development Decision-Making in Army Officers". This is part of the Broad Agency Announcement focusing on multifaceted development pathways for organizational leaders. The initiative aims to enhance Army officers' engagement in self-development through tailored interventions that consider their motivations and time constraints. Proposals should include developing a framework to attribute value to self-development opportunities, diagnostic tools for assessing decision-making processes, and a handbook to guide interventions. The research is intended to leverage decision science principles to improve how the Army designs self-development opportunities and assists officers throughout their careers. The submission deadline for White Papers is December 8, 2023, with potential funding up to $500,000 over 24 months. The ARI seeks innovative ideas with a focus on scientific merit, potential contributions to military readiness, and qualifications of personnel involved, emphasizing the importance of individual leadership growth within the Army’s strategic framework.

The document outlines the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development of a Situational Judgment Test (SJT) for Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) promotions under BAA W911NF-23-S-0010. It emphasizes the goal of creating a singular assessment applicable to all junior NCO ranks and Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), potentially beginning with one rank and expanding later. The assessment is deemed "high stakes," directly influencing promotion outcomes, necessitating a multidimensional approach to measuring leadership attributes. The Army Analytics Group (AAG) is designated to support the assessment's adaptive test delivery, outlining technical requirements and security considerations. The document encourages innovative assessment formats, allowing for simulation-based approaches alongside traditional text formats. While a fully validated prototype is not mandatory within this project scope, significant development towards an adaptive measure is expected. The Army Research Institute (ARI) will assist with participant access for data collection and validation efforts. This RFP seeks to modernize the NCO promotion process through a comprehensive, adaptive, and scalable assessment, emphasizing criteria such as adaptability, technological integration, and user engagement in Army leadership evaluation.

The document outlines the Q&A for the Broad Agency Announcement W911NF-23-S-0010, focused on developing a Situational Judgment Test (SJT) for non-commissioned officer (NCO) promotions in the Army. The primary aim is to create a standardized assessment for all junior NCO ranks and Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), potentially starting with a single rank or MOS and scaling up. The assessment is considered "high stakes," as it directly impacts promotion outcomes. The Army Analytics Group will facilitate hosting and delivering the adaptive test, requiring compliance with security protocols for file formats. The agency seeks innovative approaches for the SJT, including simulation-based methods or multimedia elements, but acknowledges limitations based on available support. Adaptation methods for test difficulty are open, aiming for efficient assessment of leader attributes. The Army Research Institute (ARI) will assist in participant access for data collection and validation studies, minimizing participant burden. This initiative emphasizes the Army's commitment to enhancing leadership evaluations in promotion processes through a robust and adaptive testing framework.

The document addresses inquiries related to the Developmental Experiences Assessment for Officer Strategic Thinking Development. The primary focus is defining "strategic thinking" and its development through both formal and informal career experiences. The research aims to identify experiences that enhance and inhibit strategic thinking for field-grade Army officers. It outlines the government's intent to transition measurement tools to specific stakeholders, emphasizing the contractor's responsibility in this process. Additionally, clarity is sought regarding deliverables, including the expectation for a final report distinct from guidance, which should end with a usable tool. However, the government is currently unable to provide documents related to an existing requirement for developing complex cognitive skills in this area. This analysis reflects the government's objective of enhancing strategic competencies in its officers through systematic research and development efforts, aligned with broader organizational goals.

The Army Research Institute (ARI) is gathering data on enlisted soldier career progression through a survey. Updates to the existing survey instrument will be made based on leader feedback, soldier rank advancement, psychometric analyses, and to minimize survey burden. ARI primarily employs an online data collection method; however, challenges arise for junior enlisted soldiers who have limited access to networked computers. To address this, they supplement with in-person collection and have introduced mailing paper surveys since the COVID-19 pandemic. ARI will utilize Army administrative data to identify participant soldiers, aiming to send out approximately 50,000 survey invitations and 1,200 paper surveys annually. The document outlines ARI's efforts to enhance data collection and adapt to participant needs regarding career progression among enlisted soldiers within the Army.

The U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) has issued a Sources Sought Notice (BAA W911NF-23-S-0010) requesting White Papers on "Holistic Personnel Assessment Influences on Enlisted Soldier Career Progression." This initiative targets research and development to improve talent management and career progression within the Army. The goal is to analyze factors affecting enlisted personnel's career continuance and progression over a four-year period, supported by longitudinal data collection and advanced statistical analyses. Submissions should focus on innovative approaches, technical merit, and potential contributions to ARI’s mission. Interested applicants must submit a six-page White Paper by November 4, 2023, outlining their proposed methodologies and costs. The selection process involves evaluative feedback and potential requests for full proposals based on scientific merit and relevance to Army needs. Funding of up to $1,350,000 will be distributed over the award period, contingent on budget availability. The ARI emphasizes that the submission process is competitive and requires adherence to federal regulations governing procurement. This initiative reflects the Army's commitment to leveraging research to inform policy and improve career outcomes for enlisted personnel.

The Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences issued a Sources Sought Notice under BAA Topic II A.2.b.i, seeking white papers for research on “Accelerating Innovative Thinking Proficiency in Army Officers.” The goal is to develop a framework and tools that enhance innovative thinking among Army officers, critical for success in future multidomain operations. Key objectives include creating a competency framework, detailing performance characteristics from novice to expert levels, leveraging design features for accelerated learning, and producing a training exemplar that integrates into existing Army education systems. The total budget is capped at $900,000 for a 36-month project, with a base period not exceeding $300,000. White papers must be submitted electronically by August 31, 2023, to the designated Army contacts, ensuring adherence to specified guidelines and evaluation criteria focused on scientific merit, contribution potential, investigator qualifications, and cost realism. This initiative underscores the Army's commitment to enhancing strategic leadership capabilities through innovative cognitive development.

The Sources Sought Notice W911NF-23-S-0010 issued by the U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences invites white paper submissions for research on the Developmental Experiences Assessment for Officer Strategic Thinking Development. This initiative aims to understand how early career experiences influence strategic thinking skills, enabling the Army to enhance training and development programs tailored to officer career paths. The research seeks to establish empirical linkages between career experiences and the development of strategic competencies, ultimately producing a diagnostic assessment tool. Proposals will be evaluated based on scientific merit, potential contributions, qualifications of key personnel, and cost realism. The funding for successful proposals may total up to $900,000 covering a 36-month performance period. White papers must be submitted by August 28, 2023, and only electronic submissions will be accepted. This notice emphasizes the Army's commitment to improving leadership development through informed, research-driven methods while maintaining compliance with federal regulations and budgetary constraints.

The Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences has issued a Sources Sought Notice (BAA W911NF-23-S-0010) for white papers addressing "Complex Cognitive Competencies for Organizational and Strategic Leaders," focusing on enhancing risk-informed strategic decision-making among Army officers. The initiative invites researchers to explore methods to improve cognitive and communication skills necessary for anticipating adversary actions and utilizing intelligence information effectively. The proposed research should develop a competency framework for decision-making under uncertainty, leading to the creation of practical tools for military contexts. Interested parties must submit a six-page white paper by August 28, 2023, for evaluation based on scientific merit, potential contributions, personnel qualifications, and cost realism. A total budget of up to $800,000 is available over a 36-month period for selected proposals. The process emphasizes early determination of funding potential, ensuring submissions align with Army needs while allowing flexibility for innovative approaches in addressing cognitive challenges in military planning and execution.

The U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) has issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) seeking proposals for basic, applied, and advanced scientific research to enhance Army readiness and performance through the behavioral and social sciences from May 1, 2023, to April 30, 2028. The announcement emphasizes high-risk, high-reward studies in areas such as personnel assessment, leadership competencies, and team performance. Qualified applicants include institutions of higher education, non-profits, and for-profits, both domestic and international, with specific eligibility criteria outlined. The BAA encourages initial contact with ARI technical points of contact, followed by the submission of white papers and formal proposals. Funding instruments may include grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, and technical investment agreements, with no specific cost-sharing requirement unless under particular transaction types. Research topics focus on understanding team dynamics, leadership development, and technological fluency, aiming to improve decision-making, operational effectiveness, and personnel management in a multifaceted military context. Updates and proposal submissions are managed through designated government websites.

The United States Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) has issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for Basic, Applied, and Advanced Scientific Research, valid from May 1, 2023, to April 30, 2028. This initiative focuses on various research areas aimed at enhancing Army readiness and performance through the application of behavioral and social sciences. The program emphasizes holistic personnel assessment, leader competencies, team performance, and technological fluency, particularly in the context of future operational environments. The funding mechanisms include procurement contracts, grants, and other transaction authorities, with different eligibility criteria for various types of organizations. Applicants can submit proposals addressing the specified research interests with the submission encouraged through a three-stage process involving initial contact, white paper submission, and full proposal submission. The BAA seeks innovative approaches to critical military challenges, making it a vital opportunity for institutions of higher education and nonprofits, as well as for-profit organizations interested in Army-related research. This announcement is significant as it reflects the Army's commitment to fostering a science-driven approach to enhance leadership effectiveness and operational outcomes in dynamic and complex environments.

The United States Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) has issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for scientific research from May 1, 2023, to April 30, 2028. The BAA outlines areas for basic, applied, and advanced research focused on enhancing Army readiness and performance through behavioral and social sciences. Key research interests include improving personnel assessment methods, leader competencies for complex environments, and technological fluency for future operations. The BAA specifies eligibility for institutions of higher education, non-profit, and for-profit organizations. Applicants can expect awards in various forms, such as contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements, with criteria emphasizing innovation and impact on Army missions. The application process is structured in three stages: submission of a unique entity identifier, optional white papers for feedback, and full proposals. Important considerations include comprehensive proposal content that reflects scientific merit and relevance, as well as demographic data collection for assessment of diversity in STEM. This BAA aims to foster research that supports effective talent management and operational effectiveness in military contexts.