Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)- Research and Development (R&D) for Air Force Airbase Systems

The Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) Readiness Directorate, through the Requirements and Acquisition Division (AFCEC/CXA), has issued Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8051-24-S-0001 to solicit research and development proposals in support of Air Force airbase systems. This opportunity is structured as a five-year, closed BAA with multiple periodic CALLs for specific topic areas. The intent is to enable the Air Force to engage industry, academia, and other qualified entities in advancing technologies that enhance airbase readiness, resilience, and operational capability across a wide range of engineering and infrastructure functions. This BAA employs a two-step process. In Step 1, offerors submit a white paper in response to a specific CALL outlining a technical concept and rough cost estimate. If selected, the offeror may be invited to proceed to Step 2 and submit a full technical and cost proposal. Proposals may be funded using RDT&E appropriations under DFARS 235.016(a) and are anticipated to result in contract awards, though other mechanisms like other transaction agreements (OTAs) may also be used at the government's discretion. No grants will be issued under this BAA. The BAA outlines a comprehensive array of research areas including expeditionary timber construction, Arctic-ready infrastructure, automated heavy machinery, PFAS destruction, advanced fire protection and emergency response systems, base facilities, utilities, airbase energy and waste systems, robotics and automation, advanced materials, and environmental threat mitigation. Each CALL may define more specific scopes, eligibility criteria, funding ceilings, and performance expectations based on these broad themes. Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based entities. Foreign participation is not permitted unless specific exceptions apply, such as in fundamental research. A total ceiling of $49 million is allocated for this BAA across its five-year lifespan. Individual CALLs may result in multiple or no awards, depending on the scope of submissions and available funding. While matching is not required, cost sharing may be proposed and evaluated case-by-case. All awardees must comply with federal acquisition regulations, cybersecurity requirements (e.g., NIST SP 800-171), and, when applicable, secure facility requirements for classified work. White paper submissions must conform to specific format and content guidelines and must not exceed five pages (excluding cover and cost estimate). Each white paper will be evaluated on scientific merit, relevance, maturity of the concept, related experience, and cost realism. All administrative and technical inquiries regarding this BAA must reference the BAA number and the relevant CALL number. The primary point of contact for contractual matters is Mr. Toby L. Carnes (toby.carnes.1@us.af.mil), and the technical POC is Ms. Julie Sosa (julie.sosa.2@us.af.mil). Full proposal details, submission instructions, and template attachments are available in the official BAA PDF on SAM.gov. The BAA will remain active until January 2, 2028, with an inactive date of January 17, 2028, unless amended.

Applicants should ensure their submissions align with the evaluation criteria to enhance their chances of selection.