Air Delivered Effects

The Air Delivered Effects opportunity is a Broad Agency Announcement issued by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), specifically within the Munitions Directorate under the U.S. Department of Defense. This program is part of the Air Force Defense Research Sciences Program and is designed to support a wide spectrum of scientific and engineering research aligned with national defense priorities. AFRL serves as the primary research and development organization for the Department of the Air Force, focusing on advancing technologies that enhance air, space, and cyber capabilities. This funding opportunity reflects AFRL’s mission to drive innovation in conventional munitions and related systems through partnerships with academia, industry, and nonprofit organizations. The primary objective of this announcement is to solicit research proposals that contribute to the development of advanced air-delivered weapon systems and supporting technologies. The scope includes basic research, applied research, and advanced technology development across numerous specialized domains such as autonomous systems, sensor technologies, aerodynamics, modeling and simulation, energetic materials, and navigation systems. The program is structured to encourage innovative, non-incremental approaches that can significantly improve performance, affordability, and operational effectiveness of future munitions systems. Research efforts are expected to demonstrate clear scientific merit and potential for transition into operational capabilities. Funding under this announcement is flexible and may be awarded through a variety of mechanisms, including grants, cooperative agreements, procurement contracts, or other transaction agreements, depending on the nature of the proposed work. While no fixed total program funding is guaranteed, the cumulative ceiling for awards under this announcement is anticipated not to exceed 750,000,000 dollars. Individual awards will vary based on specific project scope and requirements. Cost sharing is not required but may be proposed voluntarily. Allowable uses of funds include research activities, personnel, reporting, and potential development of hardware or software deliverables, with specific requirements defined at the award level. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and includes private institutions of higher education, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, and small businesses. The solicitation is unrestricted, meaning multiple types of organizations may compete, and small businesses are explicitly encouraged to participate. Foreign entities may be considered but are subject to additional review procedures. Certain projects may require security clearances, U.S. citizenship for personnel, or compliance with export control regulations, depending on the nature of the research. The application process follows a two-step submission model. Initially, applicants must submit a white paper summarizing their proposed research approach, technical objectives, and estimated costs. These white papers are limited to five pages and are submitted electronically via email. If a white paper is favorably evaluated, the applicant may be invited to submit a full technical and cost proposal. The announcement remains open for submissions throughout its active period, and proposals may also be requested through periodic “Call” announcements targeting specific research areas. Applicants are encouraged to consult with technical points of contact prior to submission to ensure alignment with program priorities. Evaluation of submissions is based primarily on the technical merit and feasibility of the proposed approach, as well as its potential contribution to advancing scientific knowledge and defense capabilities. Secondary considerations include cost realism and schedule alignment. Proposals are assessed for risk across technical, cost, and schedule dimensions, and selections are made competitively. Awards may be issued without discussions, although clarifications or negotiations may occur at the discretion of the contracting authority. The application window for this opportunity opened on March 22, 2022, and remains active through March 21, 2027, with the possibility of amendments or periodic calls for specific topics. White papers may be submitted at any time during this period, making the opportunity effectively rolling in nature. Applicants should monitor official government platforms for updates, amendments, or new calls. For assistance or inquiries, applicants may contact designated contracting or technical representatives, including Kristin Davis at the Munitions Directorate.

Focus on innovative non incremental research aligned with AFRL priorities; clearly demonstrate technical feasibility and transition potential; ensure cost and schedule realism; engage technical POC early to confirm relevance