FY25 Long Range Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for Navy and Marine Corps Science and Technology

The Long Range Broad Agency Announcement for Navy and Marine Corps Science and Technology is issued by the Office of Naval Research, a component of the U.S. Department of the Navy responsible for advancing scientific discovery and technological innovation to support naval capabilities. This announcement represents a standing, competitive funding mechanism designed to attract a wide range of research proposals from academia, industry, and the broader global research community. It operates under federal acquisition and assistance regulations and serves as a primary vehicle for ONR, ONR Global, and the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab to solicit cutting-edge science and technology projects aligned with defense priorities. The purpose of this opportunity is to support long-range science and technology projects that have the potential to significantly improve Navy and Marine Corps operations. The scope of research includes basic research, applied research, and advanced technology development, and may extend to prototype development under certain conditions. Rather than focusing on a single topic, the announcement spans a broad range of scientific and engineering disciplines, with specific research topics periodically released as individual BAA Calls. These calls define targeted needs, submission expectations, and recommended timelines while remaining governed by the overarching BAA framework. Funding under this announcement is highly flexible, with awards issued as procurement contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or other transaction agreements depending on the nature of the work and level of government involvement. The funding amount and period of performance vary significantly based on the proposed technology area and technical approach. There is no guaranteed funding pool or fixed award size, and the agency retains full discretion to fund all, some, or none of the submitted proposals. Cost sharing is not required but may be considered if voluntarily proposed, particularly for certain agreement types such as other transaction agreements where cost-sharing expectations may apply. Eligibility is broad and inclusive, allowing submissions from responsible sources worldwide, including universities, private industry, and research institutions. Both small and large businesses are encouraged to apply. However, certain entities such as federally funded research and development centers and government laboratories are not eligible to receive direct awards, though they may participate through teaming arrangements. The program emphasizes collaboration, requiring participants to be willing to share data, software, and findings within integrated research efforts when applicable. The submission process typically begins with optional or encouraged white papers, which allow proposers to present initial concepts and receive feedback from program officers. Full proposals must follow detailed formatting and content requirements outlined in the announcement appendices, including technical narratives, non-proprietary statements of work, and cost documentation. Submissions are made through designated platforms such as the ONR Submission Portal, email for certain divisions, or other federal systems. Applicants must also maintain active registration in the System for Award Management and comply with all federal requirements related to security, export control, and research compliance. Proposals are evaluated based on three primary criteria: scientific and technical merit, relevance to naval missions, and availability of funding. Reviewers assess innovation, technical feasibility, investigator qualifications, and potential impact. Additional considerations include risk related to foreign affiliations and protection of sensitive technologies. The evaluation process is merit-based and competitive, with final award decisions subject to administrative review and funding availability. The timeline for this opportunity is continuous, with the announcement remaining open for approximately two years and allowing proposals to be submitted at any time. However, the government reserves the right to stop reviewing submissions after September 30, 2026, or upon release of a successor announcement. Individual BAA Calls may introduce specific deadlines within this broader window. Award notifications occur after technical and administrative review, and projects begin only upon formal execution of an award agreement. This structure supports ongoing innovation by enabling researchers to submit proposals aligned with evolving defense priorities throughout the lifecycle of the announcement.

Focus on strong technical merit, clear naval relevance, and innovative approaches aligned with ONR priorities; ensure compliance with submission and formatting requirements