White Sands Basic Research Opportunity

The Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD) has released the White Sands Basic Research Opportunity to solicit innovative research and development proposals aligned with the operational readiness and technological advancement of U.S. naval capabilities. This initiative is administered by NSWC PHD through a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), which constitutes a merit-based, competitive funding mechanism. The opportunity is designed to support novel scientific and engineering efforts in five strategic research domains relevant to defense and national security interests: Naval Combat System Readiness, Hypersonic and Suborbital Research, Directed Energy and Cybersecurity, Manufacturing and Prototyping, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Capability. The funding instruments offered will take the form of cooperative agreements or grants under Assistance Listing 12.630. Each focus area addresses a critical challenge facing the Navy. For instance, in the realm of Naval Combat System Readiness, proposals are expected to incorporate predictive analytics, simulation-based training environments, machine learning, and proactive maintenance approaches. The aim is to improve system performance, reduce downtime, and enhance fleet preparedness using data-informed strategies. In contrast, the Hypersonic & Suborbital Research area targets technological breakthroughs in high-speed flight, including propulsion systems, thermal management, autonomous flight termination systems, and aerodynamic modeling to support future weapons and transport systems. Directed Energy and Cybersecurity is another vital area emphasizing cutting-edge defense strategies, including AI-enabled cyber assessments, secure coding, post-quantum cryptography, and advanced electronic warfare systems. Proposals in this space should focus on strengthening digital infrastructure, improving signal processing, and enabling integrated simulation platforms. In Manufacturing & Prototyping, researchers are invited to propose solutions that expedite the production and testing of mission-critical hardware via additive manufacturing, high-precision fabrication, and environmental qualification. Lastly, the UAV Capability track seeks research into airworthiness, telemetry systems, and communication protocols tailored for sea-based and aerial military applications. The BAA remains open until July 24, 2026, at 3:00 PM PDT. Applicants may first submit white papers by February 17, 2026, to receive feedback prior to submitting full proposals, though this step is optional. All questions related to the BAA must be submitted by January 16, 2026. White papers and full proposals should be emailed to the Business Points of Contact. The evaluation of proposals follows a peer review process emphasizing scientific merit, alignment with NSWC PHD objectives, and budgetary considerations. Awards will be contingent upon fund availability, and applicants should note that no direct reimbursement will be provided for proposal preparation costs. Eligible applicants include public and private institutions of higher education. Federally Funded Research & Development Centers (FFRDCs) and federal labs are not eligible to receive awards but may collaborate through teaming arrangements if allowed under their existing contracts. While there are no cost-sharing or matching requirements specified, applicants should adhere closely to submission guidelines, including requirements for intellectual property disclosures, milestone charts, and comprehensive program plans. Applicants must also comply with federal reporting requirements, including executive compensation disclosures and service contract labor hour reporting. Contact information is provided for both the Contract Specialist, LaToya Ford (latoya.a.ford.civ@us.navy.mil), and the Agreements Officer, Ashley Krasnoff (ashley.y.krasnoff.civ@us.navy.mil). For submission, applicants must use Grants.gov and attach the technical proposal as “Volume I – Technical Proposal” in the designated section of the submission package. All awarded assistance instruments will be governed by applicable Department of Defense and OMB regulations. Notification of awards will follow successful review and negotiation, but award recommendation alone does not guarantee funding.

Clearly demonstrate scientific merit, relevance to NSWC PHD needs, and reasonable cost; optional white paper helps align early.