The U.S. Department of Defense, through the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at the Rome Research Site, has released a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) titled "Automated Processes for Knowledge Discovery and Information Retrieval." This opportunity is structured as an **Open, Two-Step BAA** effective through **September 9, 2029**. Only **white papers** will be accepted as initial submissions. Based on evaluation outcomes, select offerors will be invited to submit formal full proposals. White papers will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the final deadline, though annual submission dates are recommended to align with anticipated funding.
This BAA supports cutting-edge research to advance the automated exploitation of data from diverse sources and domains—including classified, open-source, and non-traditional data streams—for military decision-making and battlespace awareness. The Air Force seeks innovative capabilities that enable automated analysis, integration, testing, and deployment of data-processing tools to streamline information retrieval and elevate decision quality across command environments.
Total funding under this BAA is approximately $99 million. Individual awards typically range between $3 million and $35 million, with performance periods not exceeding 48 months. Award instruments may include FAR-based procurement contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or other transactions (OTs), depending on the nature of the proposed research. Prototype OTs may be eligible for transition to follow-on production agreements.
Multiple awards are anticipated, though the government reserves the right to issue none. Eligibility is inclusive and open to academic institutions, nonprofits, for-profit entities including small businesses, and state or local government bodies. There are no geographic restrictions within the U.S. Institutions of higher education should be aware that a 15% indirect cost cap may apply for assistance awards based on pending legal guidance.
Prospective offerors are encouraged to communicate with government representatives prior to submission. Technical inquiries and white papers should be directed to Carolyn Sheaff or Peter Rocci at AFRL.RIEDBAA.2024@us.af.mil. Business and contractual questions should be addressed to Contracting Officer Amber Buckley at amber.buckley@us.af.mil or 315-330-3605. Offerors should consult the full announcement and adhere strictly to formatting and proposal instructions to avoid disqualification.
**Recommended white paper submission dates for alignment with fiscal year funding are as follows**:
- FY25: November 30, 2024
- FY26: November 30, 2025
- FY27: November 30, 2026
- FY28: November 30, 2027
- FY29: November 30, 2028
The final deadline for all white paper submissions is 5:00 PM Eastern Time on **September 9, 2029**.
Follow all proposal formatting and submission instructions carefully; noncompliance may result in disqualification.
