BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT (BAA) for Extramural Biomedical and Human Performance Research and Development Department of Defense

The United States Special Operations Command under the Department of Defense administers a Broad Agency Announcement for Extramural Biomedical and Human Performance Research and Development. This program is designed to support scientific research that advances knowledge and innovation in areas critical to military medicine and operational performance. The funding opportunity operates under federal acquisition regulations and is intended to stimulate basic and applied research rather than the development of specific commercial systems. The initiative emphasizes solutions that can benefit both military personnel and the broader civilian population, particularly in medical and human performance domains. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to solicit innovative research proposals that address defined Research Areas of Interest including trauma care, prolonged field care, medical devices, diagnostics, environmental health, brain health, human performance, canine medicine, and medical sustainment. Projects must demonstrate relevance to military healthcare challenges and operational environments, particularly those faced by Special Operations Forces. Research is expected to contribute to improved medical outcomes, enhanced readiness, and advancements in treatment or prevention strategies for injuries and illnesses encountered in austere or extreme conditions. Funding is structured to support projects typically ranging between two million and ten million dollars in total cost, with individual project ceilings generally capped at five million dollars but potentially higher for exceptional proposals. The total program budget is approximately twenty million dollars annually. Projects may span up to five years, and budgets must reflect realistic and justifiable costs aligned with the complexity of the proposed work. Cost sharing is not required for eligibility. Allowable expenses include personnel, research supplies, equipment, travel, and collaboration costs. Eligibility for this program is broad and inclusive of organizations rather than individuals. Eligible applicants include public and private institutions, nonprofit and for profit organizations, and both domestic and international entities. However, federally funded research and development centers are not eligible to receive direct awards, although they may participate through partnerships. Investigators of any nationality may participate provided they are affiliated with an eligible organization. The program encourages participation from small businesses and diverse organizational types through subawards and collaborations. The application process follows a two step submission model. Applicants must first submit a pre application through the eBRAP system, which includes a narrative describing the research problem, methodology, and expected impact. Based on this initial review, selected applicants are invited to submit a full proposal through Grants.gov. The full application includes detailed project narratives, budgets, technical and lay abstracts, statements of work, and supporting documentation. Strict formatting and submission requirements apply, and applicants must ensure consistency across all submission components. Proposals are evaluated through a two tier review process consisting of peer review and programmatic review. Evaluation criteria include scientific merit, innovation, relevance to military needs, feasibility of design, qualifications of personnel, and appropriateness of budget. Programmatic considerations such as alignment with mission priorities and portfolio balance also influence funding decisions. Notifications of funding decisions are typically provided within one hundred eighty days of submission, and awards are contingent upon regulatory approvals and availability of funds. The funding opportunity is continuously open from August 1, 2023 through July 31, 2028, with submissions accepted at any time during this period. Pre applications may be submitted on a rolling basis, and invited full proposals are generally due within sixty days of invitation. The announcement is updated annually, and applicants are encouraged to monitor for revisions. Performance periods vary by project but cannot exceed five years. Administrative oversight, reporting requirements, and compliance with federal regulations are required throughout the award lifecycle.

Focus on strong scientific rationale military relevance and innovative approaches Ensure alignment with research areas of interest and provide clear methodology and impact justification