United States Army Research Institute For The Behavioral And Social Sciences (Ari) Broad Agency Announcement For Basic, Applied, And Advanced Scientific Research

The United States Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI), under the Department of Defense and the U.S. Army Materiel Command, administers this Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) to support a wide range of research initiatives in behavioral and social sciences. ARI serves as the Army’s primary research body focused on improving human performance, organizational effectiveness, and overall readiness through scientific advancement. This opportunity is structured as a continuously open funding announcement spanning multiple years, enabling ongoing submission and evaluation of innovative research concepts aligned with Army priorities. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to solicit proposals for basic research, applied research, and advanced technology development that contribute to improving Army personnel systems, leadership development, team performance, and organizational effectiveness. Research areas include topics such as talent management, leader competencies, team dynamics, learning and development, and technological fluency. Projects may range from theoretical foundational studies to applied solutions and prototype development that demonstrate operational relevance and potential for transition into Army use. Funding under this announcement is flexible and may be awarded through various mechanisms, including grants, cooperative agreements, procurement contracts, or other transaction agreements. While no specific funding ceiling, floor, or total program funding is defined, awards are determined based on available budget and alignment with Army priorities. Cost sharing is generally not required, although it may be applicable in certain cases involving specific award instruments such as Other Transactions or Technology Investment Agreements. Allowable costs include research-related expenses, but costs associated with proposal or white paper preparation are not reimbursable as direct charges. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and inclusive of institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit entities, both domestic and international. However, government laboratories, federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), and U.S. Service Academies are not eligible to serve as prime recipients. Foreign entities may face participation restrictions based on security considerations, and entities from countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism are excluded. All applicants must demonstrate adequate technical capability, financial resources, and compliance with federal regulations. The application process follows a recommended three-step sequence designed to streamline submissions and improve funding efficiency. Applicants are encouraged to first engage with an ARI Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) or program manager to discuss research alignment. This is followed by submission of a white paper, which receives feedback indicating whether a full proposal is encouraged. Full proposals are then submitted through Grants.gov or via email depending on the award mechanism. Required application components include technical and cost proposals, personnel qualifications, and supporting documentation such as institutional certifications and registration in the System for Award Management (SAM). Proposals are evaluated based on scientific and technical merit, relevance to ARI’s mission, qualifications of personnel, and cost realism. Scientific merit is the most heavily weighted criterion. Applications undergo peer review by internal and potentially external experts, and awards are made on a rolling basis throughout the open period. The announcement remains active from May 1, 2023, through April 30, 2028, with submissions accepted continuously until the closing date. Key contacts include Wilveria A Sanders and various ARI program managers depending on the research area. Applicants are strongly encouraged to communicate with these contacts prior to submission. Awards are typically aligned with fiscal year funding cycles, and selected applicants may be required to provide additional documentation before final award issuance. The performance period varies depending on project scope and negotiated agreement terms, and the program is not recurring beyond its defined multi-year window, though similar BAAs may be issued in future cycles.

Engage with ARI program managers early to validate research alignment; submit a white paper first to reduce effort on full proposals; ensure strong scientific merit as primary evaluation factor