Carderock BAA

The Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division (NSWCCD) has released a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), NSWCCD-26-S-0001, to solicit proposals for basic and applied research across a wide array of technical areas. As part of the U.S. Navy's larger research enterprise, NSWCCD is a recognized leader in naval architecture and marine engineering, offering this competitive opportunity in alignment with the Department of Defense's merit-based funding procedures. The BAA remains open until February 27, 2026, with applicants encouraged to submit proposals at any time before this closing date. All proposals will be treated as sensitive, competitive information and must remain valid until December 31, 2026. The objective of this BAA is to stimulate high-impact research that supports the technological priorities of NSWCCD. Six research areas have been identified as priority topics: Digital Ecosystems, Hydrodynamics, Naval Platform Integrity, Ship and Submarine Design, Signature Management, and Unmanned Systems. Each area outlines several sub-topics. For example, under Naval Platform Integrity, proposals may focus on corrosion-resistant materials, additive manufacturing, ship protection, or the development of AI/ML models to enhance platform reliability. This broad scope offers researchers flexibility in targeting innovations with high potential for impact across naval operations. Funding under this announcement will be issued either through grants or cooperative agreements, with the type of agreement depending on the level of involvement anticipated from the federal government. Grants are expected for fundamental research where minimal federal involvement is needed, while cooperative agreements are reserved for projects requiring more substantial collaboration. No fees or profits are allowed under these awards. Award decisions will be based on the quality of proposals, alignment with NSWCCD priorities, and availability of funding. The announcement does not specify funding ceilings or floors; award sizes will vary depending on the project scope and technical area. Proposals related to the development of specific systems or hardware procurement are not eligible under this solicitation. Eligibility is open to all responsible sources from academia, including public and private institutions of higher education. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Minority Institutions (MIs), and University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs) are encouraged to apply. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) are not eligible to receive direct awards, though they may participate via teaming arrangements if allowed under their governing agreements. Proposals must be submitted via Grants.gov and must use the specified templates and formats, including a detailed technical volume and a cost/business volume. The proposal evaluation process is rooted in scientific peer or technical review and guided by criteria outlined in 2 C.F.R. Part 200 and the DoD Grant and Agreement Regulations (DoDGARS). Proposals will be judged based on overall scientific and technical merit, alignment with NSWCCD programs, and affordability. Applications will be sorted into three categories during evaluation: Category I for high-priority, well-developed proposals; Category II for proposals requiring some refinement; and Category III for those that do not meet technical expectations. Key contacts for this funding opportunity include Agreements Officer Egbert M. Goodman (egbert.m.goodman.civ@us.navy.mil). All applicant inquiries must be submitted by January 30, 2026. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov using the appropriate forms and must follow all page and formatting requirements. Proposals received via fax, hard copy, or email will not be considered. Awards may begin no earlier than three months from the submission date, and applicants will be notified in writing if selected. Proposals that are not selected will not receive further correspondence unless a debriefing is requested within 10 calendar days of notification.

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