25-0002.3 FINAL.pdf

NSWCDD BAA N00178-25-0002

INTRODUCTION:

This publication constitutes a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for awards by Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) as contemplated in 2 CFR 200 of the Code of Federal Regulations. A formal Request for Proposals (RFP), solicitation, and/or additional information regarding this announcement will not be issued except by amendment to this announcement.

Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Dahlgren Division (DD) will not issue paper copies of this announcement. NSWCDD reserves the right to select for award all, some, or none of the proposals in response to this announcement. NSWCDD provides no funding for direct reimbursement of proposal development costs.

Applicants may submit an optional white paper prior to development of a proposal for evaluation. Submission criteria is identified in APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION, pg. 6. Submission of a white paper does not constitute a proposal submission.

White papers, technical and cost proposals (or any other material) submitted in response to this BAA will not be returned. All proposals will be treated as sensitive, competitive information and will be protected from unauthorized disclosure.

This BAA is intended for proposals related to basic and applied research opportunity areas. This announcement is not for the acquisition of technical, engineering, and other types of support services.

1. College - University Student and Faculty Research Projects (DD-01)

NSWCDD is interested in receiving proposals directed toward student and faculty general research projects and collaborative efforts where the focus is upon priority technologies and capabilities performed at NSWCDD. NSWCDD is especially, but not solely, interested in research projects and collaborative efforts dealing with Hypersonics, Software Engineering, Quantum Computing and Sensing, Artificial Intelligence, Model-Based Systems Engineering, Machine Learning, Unmanned systems and Autonomy, Safety Systems, Electromagnetic Environmental Effects, Human Systems Integration, and Warfare System Development and Integration which includes cyber security, directed energy, high powered lasers and microwaves, sensor systems, materials, and biological defense, among others.

2. College - University Student Capstone and Senior Research Projects (DD-02)

NSWCDD seeks proposals for novel research projects whose intent is the development of future naval scientists and engineers. NSWCDD is especially interested in research projects in the areas of Hypersonics, Software Engineering, Quantum Computing and Sensing, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Unmanned systems and Autonomy, Safety Systems, Human Systems Integration, and Warfare System Development and Integration which includes cyber security, directed energy, sensor systems, materials, and high-powered microwaves among others.

3. Other technology areas (DD-03) will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

The primary goal of these projects is to develop student interests in Naval engineering with potential of future employment.

FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Instrument Types

Awards will take the form of grants. Any assistance instrument awarded under this BAA will be governed by the award terms and conditions that conform to the DoD’s implementation of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) circulars applicable to financial assistance. Terms and conditions may include revisions to reflect DoD implementation of the OMB guidance set forth in 2 CFR Part 200, “Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards;” applicable terms and conditions provided in DoDGARS;

and the current DoD Research and Development (R&D) General Terms and Conditions (https://www.nre.navy.mil/work-with-us/manage-your-award/manage-grant- award/grants-terms- conditions). Any resultant award will be set with a not-to-exceed cost.

Assistance Instruments - Grants (10 U.S.C. 4001(b)(1))

Grant: A legal instrument consistent with 31 U.S.C. 6304, is used to enter into a relationship:

The principal purpose of which is to transfer a thing of value to the recipient to carry out a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by a law of the United States, rather than to acquire property or services for the Federal Government’s direct benefit or use.

In which substantial involvement is not expected between the Federal Government and the recipient when carrying out the activity contemplated by the grant.

No fee or profit is allowed.

Award Information:

The Government may make multiple awards. The amount of resources made available to this BAA will depend on the quality of the proposals received and the availability of funds.

The Government reserves the right to select for negotiation all, some, one, or none of the proposals received in response to this announcement and to make awards without discussions with applicants. The Government also reserves the right to conduct discussions if later determined to be necessary. Applicants should note that the required degree of interaction between parties will be to the maximum extent possible, as permitted by applicable law or regulation. The Government reserves the right to request any additional necessary documentation once it makes the award instrument determination. Such additional information may include but is not limited to Representations and Certifications. The Government reserves the right to remove proposers from award consideration should the parties fail to reach agreement on award terms, conditions, and cost/price within a reasonable time or the applicant fails to timely provide requested additional information.

Awards made from this BAA plan to range from $2,500 to $3,500,000 for the base year with two 12-month option years for a potential range of $2,500-$3,500,000 inclusive of options.

Average award value for grants under the FY24 submission cycle was $450,000.

ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants - An applicant’s failure to meet an eligibility criterion by the time of an application deadline will result in the Federal awarding agency return the application without review, or even though an application may be reviewed, will preclude the Federal awarding agency from making a Federal award.

a. All students must be U.S. citizens.

b. All responsible sources from academia may submit proposals under this BAA.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Institutions (MIs) are encouraged to submit proposals and join others in submitting proposals. However, no portion of this BAA will be set aside for HBCU and MI participation.

c. Federally Funded Research & Development Centers (FFRDCs), including Department of

Energy National Laboratories, are not eligible to receive awards under this BAA.

However, teaming arrangements between FFRDCs and eligible principal bidders are allowed so long as they are permitted under the sponsoring agreement between the Government and the specific FFRDC.

d. Navy laboratories and warfare centers as well as other Department of Defense and civilian agency laboratories are not eligible to receive awards under this BAA.

e. Teams are also encouraged and may submit proposals in any and all areas. However, applicants must be willing to cooperate and exchange software, data and other information in an integrated program with other contractors and system integrators, selected by NSWCDD.

f. University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs) are not eligible to submit proposals under this BAA.

g. Some topics cover export controlled technologies. Research in these areas is limited to “U.S. persons” as defined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) – 22 CFR § 1201.1 et seq.

2. Cost Sharing or matching - Cost sharing or matching is not required.

3. Other - Provision set forth in 2 CFR part 180 restrict federal awards, sub-awards and contracts with parties that are debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal programs or activities.

APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

This announcement and references contain everything needed to submit an application for this funding opportunity.

References:

a. DoD Research and Development General Terms and Conditions – September 2023 (or its successor): https://www.onr.navy.mil/media/document/dod-research-and-development-rd-general-terms-and-conditions-september-2023

b. Grants.gov: https://Grants.gov

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:

12.300

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Title:

Department of Defense (DoD) Basic and Applied Scientific Research

Funding Opportunity Title

NSWCDD University Research and Development Projects and Capstone Projects for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025

Announcement Type: Initial

Funding Opportunity Number: NSWCDD BAA N00178-25-0002

Key Dates:

BAA Opens: 10/15/2024 BAA closes: 10/14/2025

North American Industry Classification System (NAICS):

The NAICS code for contracts under this announcement is “541715” with a small business size standard of “1,000 employees”.

Content and Form of Application Submission

Applications with full proposals must be submitted through grants.gov. Applicants should indicate in their proposal whether they consider the scope of the research included in their proposal is or is not fundamental research. While applicants should clearly explain the intended results of their research, the Government shall have sole discretion to select award instrument type and to negotiate instrument terms and conditions with selectees. Appropriate clauses will be included in resultant awards for non-fundamental research to prescribe publication requirements and other restrictions as appropriate.

White papers may be submitted to ascertain whether their topic will be of interest to NSWCDD prior to the applicant submitting a full proposal. White papers are not required, and a white paper is not considered a proposal. A determination that a white paper may be applicable to the Government does NOT indicate that an award will be made if that Applicant submits a full proposal. Applicants shall submit white papers and questions/requests via email to the Business Points of Contact listed for this BAA.

Technical Proposal-Topic Areas

DD-01: College - University Student and Faculty Research Projects

NSWCDD is interested in receiving proposals directed toward student and faculty general research projects and collaborative efforts where the focus is upon priority technologies and capabilities performed at NSWCDD. NSWCDD is especially, but not solely, interested in research projects and collaborative efforts dealing with Hypersonics, Software Engineering, Quantum Computing and Sensing, Artificial Intelligence, Model-Based Systems Engineering, Machine Learning, Unmanned systems and Autonomy, Safety Systems, Electromagnetic Environmental Effects, Human Systems Integration, and Warfare System Development and Integration which includes cyber security, directed energy, high powered lasers and microwaves, sensor systems, materials, and biological defense, among others.

DD-02: College - University Student Capstone and Senior Research Projects

NSWCDD seeks proposals for novel research projects whose intent is the development of future naval scientists and engineers. NSWCDD is especially interested in research projects in the areas of Hypersonics, Software Engineering, Quantum Computing and Sensing, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Unmanned systems and Autonomy, Safety Systems, Human Systems Integration, and Warfare System Development and Integration which includes cyber security, directed energy, sensor systems, materials, and high powered microwaves among others.

DD-03: Other technology areas (DD-03) will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

The primary goal of these projects is to develop student interests in Naval engineering for potential future employment.

White Papers

Prior to submitting a proposal, applicants may submit a white paper outlining the proposed research project.

At a minimum, the white paper shall contain the following:

1. University name, address, and CAGE code

2. Proposal Title

3. Total requested funding

4. Topic Area

5. One or two-paragraph abstract of what is being proposed

NOTE: The white paper shall be limited to 4 pages singled spaced, by 8.5 by 11 inch pages. Text shall be 12-point Times New Roman font. Small type may be used in figures and tables as long as it is clearly legible. The page limitation includes all information (e.g., indices, photographs, foldouts, appendices, attachments, resumes, SOW, etc.). Blank pages, title pages, table of content, lists, tabs or cover sheets are not included in the page count. The Government will not consider pages in excess of this limitation.

Technical Proposal Content-all topic areas

Page limit for technical proposal is fifteen (15) pages for topic DD-01; and three (3) pages for topics DD-02 and DD-03. Cover pages, blank pages, title pages, lists, table of contents and data rights assertions are excluded from the page count limitation. The publicly releasable abstract is also excluded from the page count. The following requirements apply to technical proposals submitted for all topic areas. Additional technical proposal requirements apply for DD-01 and are subsequently provided.

All topic areas:

Paper Size – 8.5 x 11-inch paper Margins – 1 inch Spacing – single spaced Font – Times New Roman, 12 point (smaller allowed in figures in figures and tables as long as it is clearly legible) Cover Page: This should include the words “Technical Proposal: and the following:

o BAA Number: N00178-25-0002 o Title of Proposal;

o Topic Number (i.e.: DD-01, DD-02, DD-03) o Identity of prime Proposer and complete list of sub-awardees, if applicable;

o Technical point of contact (name, address, phone/fax, e-mail address) and;

o Proposed period of performance (identify both the base period and any options, if applicable).

Executive Overview: all topic areas

Short description of the proposed program, objectives, and approach. A description of the innovation and benefits of the proposed approach and relationship to previous efforts should be discussed. It should summarize the technical issues addressed by the applicant’s proposal without repeating the requirements. This should provide a vision of what will ultimately be achieved and what solution this effort will produce. The summary should identify the proposed personnel, including any sub-contractors, and provide a brief resume summary of those individuals key to the proposed approach.

Statement of Work (SOW): all topic areas

The SOW should detail the research to be accomplished under the technical area and should be suitable for incorporation into the awarded document. The proposed SOW should summarize the technical methodology and the task description, but not to the extent to make the awarded instrument inflexible. Do not include any proprietary or sensitive information in the SOW. The SOW must include the anticipated deliverables (reports).

a. The following is a suggested format for the SOW. Applicants shall ensure that the SOW is structured in three (3) sections: Scope, Applicable Documents, and Requirements.

1) SCOPE:

This section includes a statement of what the program covers. This should include the technology area to be investigated, objectives/goals, and major milestones for the effort. It defines the breadth and limitations of the work to be done.

2) APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS:

This section includes reference documents needed to identify or clarify the work to be performed.

3) REQUIREMENTS:

This section identifies the specific work to be performed. The work effort should be arranged into major tasks and identified in separately numbered paragraphs. Each numbered major task should delineate by subtask the work to be performed and should follow an outline numbering scheme. Include a description of the facilities that are required for the proposed effort, along with a description of any Government furnished equipment/hardware/software/information required, by version and/or configuration. Clearly identify where work will be performed.

The SOW must identify all reviews and when/where (identify by milestone or task) that will be conducted.

The SOW must also identify any and all items (hardware, software, reports, etc.) to be delivered to the Government as a result of the program. Reports generally required under a research effort include Technical and Financial Progress Report, Final Report.

a. Publicly Releasable Project Abstract Summary (excluded from page count)

The proposal submission must include a Project Abstract Summary as a separate attachment. The form is available on https://grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/r-r-family. Mark this abstract publicly releasable. The abstract should use terms the public can understand to describe the research objective, technical approach, anticipated outcome, and potential impact of the specific research. The abstract header should include the Topic number along with the technical POC.

If an award is made, the awarding agency must publish this abstract to a searchable website available to the general public in accordance with Public Law 113-235. The website address is https://publicaccess.dtic.mil/search/#/grants/simpleSearch.

b. Bibliography and References Cited

You must attach your narrative Bibliography and References to field 9 of the R&R Other Project Information Form.

c. R&R Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) Form

You must attach a short biographical sketch and list of significant publications (vitae) for each Senior/Key Person. You must also attach a list of current and pending support as discussed in Principal Investigator (PI) and Senior Personnel Time including title and objectives; the percentage per year to be devoted to the other projects; the total amount of support the individual receiving in connection to each of the other research projects or will receive if other proposals are awarded; name and address of the agencies and/or parties supporting the other research projects; and period of performance for the other research projects.

You must list all key persons proposed for the research on the R&R Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) Form. Key persons are generally the PI, any Co-PIs, and senior staff. We use this information to evaluate the qualifications of you and your research team.

d. Other.

Work funded under a BAA may include basic research, applied research and some advanced technology development research. With regard to any restrictions on the conduct or outcome of work funded under this BAA, NSWCDD will follow the guidance on and definition of “contracted fundamental research” as provided in the Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics) Memorandum of 24 May 2010 or any updated guidance that supersedes this memorandum. DoD Policy on Fundamental Research (osd.mil).

Contracted fundamental research: As defined therein, the definition of “contracted fundamental research” in a DoD grant or contractual context includes research performed under grants and contracts that are (a) funded by Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Budget Activity 1 (Basic Research), whether performed by universities or industry or (b) funded by Budget Activity 2 (Applied Research) and performed on campus at a university. The research shall not be considered fundamental in those rare and exceptional circumstances where the applied research effort presents a high likelihood of disclosing performance characteristics of military systems or manufacturing technologies that are unique and critical to defense, and where agreement on restrictions have been recorded in the contract or grant.

Pursuant to DoD policy, research performed under grants and contracts that are (a) funded by Budget Activity 2 (Applied Research) and NOT performed on-campus at a university or (b) funded by Budget Activity 3 (Advanced Technology Development) does not meet the definition of “contracted fundamental research.” In conformance with the USD (AT&L) guidance and National Security Decision Directive 189, NSWCDD will place no restriction on the conduct or reporting of unclassified “contracted fundamental research,” except as otherwise required by applicable federal statute, regulation, or executive order. For certain research projects, it may be possible that although the research being performed by the prime awardee is restricted research, a Sub-awardee may be conducting “contracted fundamental research.” In those cases, it is the prime awardee’s responsibility in the proposal to identify and describe the subcontracted unclassified research and include a statement confirming that the work has been scoped, negotiated, and determined to be fundamental research according to the prime awardee and research performer.

https://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/pgi/docs/National_Security_Decision_Directive_189.pd

Pursuant to National Securing Decision Directive-189, the Government reserves the right, and is responsible for: a) determining whether classification is appropriate prior to an award made as a result of this BAA, and if so, controlling the research results through standard classification procedures; b) periodically reviewing all awards made as a result of this BAA for potential classification.

Technical Proposal Content-DD-01

In addition to the above requirements that apply to all topic areas, the following additional areas must be included in the technical proposal for topic DD-01:

Page limit fifteen (15) pages for topic DD-01

Program Description: DD-01 Describe the techniques, methods, materials, or ideas that will be addressed in this proposal, their innovation, and to what degree they advance the state-of-the-art.

Program Plan: DD-01

Describe in detail the planned approach and how the plan will be executed. This section should include all technical aspects of the approach, to include identification of planned personnel or the planned assigned team for the effort. Provide technical detail and analysis necessary to support the technical approach proposed. Clearly identify the core of the intended approach.

The “new and creative” solution to the problem(s) should be developed and analyzed in this section.

Include a risk assessment of key technical, schedule or cost areas and their potential impact on the program. Identify why proposed subcontractors were selected and what tasks they are to perform.

Milestone Chart: DD-01 The applicant shall include a Milestone Chart that should indicate when specific objectives are expected to be met in the overall program schedule and should identify the specific accomplishments necessary to proceed to the next task. The applicant shall provide a schedule of when the deliverable items, identified in the award, are to be delivered.

Facilities and Equipment Description: DD-01 The applicant shall describe the facilities that can be used to achieve the goals of the program, in terms of manufacturing capability, testing facilities, and/or any relevant specialized equipment.

Description of Relevant Prior Work: DD-01 The applicant shall provide a list of related previous or current government, commercial, or internally funded work during the past five years. For each such effort, the applicant shall provide the principal investigator, title of effort, contract/grant number, brief summary of results, dollar value, and a technical and contracting point of contact, including phone numbers, for the funding organizations.

Resumes of Key Individuals: DD-01 Applicants shall include brief summaries of resumes of relevant key individuals, including any consultants or subcontractors that might be proposed. At minimum, required resume of principle investigator (PI).

Intellectual Property: DD-01

(1) In accordance with the various intellectual property provisions contained in applicable award authorities, including DFARS provisions for “Data Rights” and “Patent Rights” where a DFARS-based contract will be awarded, include a summary of any assertions to any intellectual property rights, including technical data or computer software that will be developed or delivered under the resultant award. This includes assertions to pre-existing rights, prototypes, or systems supporting and/or necessary for use of the research, results, or prototype. Any rights asserted in other parts of the proposal that would impact the rights to the Government must be cross referenced here. If any less than unlimited rights in any data delivered under the resultant award are asserted, the applicant must explain how these rights in the data will affect its ability to deliver research data, subsystems, and toolkits for integration as set forth below.

Additionally, the applicant must explain how the program goals are achievable in light of these proprietary and/or restrictive limitations. If there are no claims of proprietary rights in pre-exiting data, this section shall consist of a statement to that effect.

If the applicant proposes to deliver data with less than unlimited rights as provided herein, then:

(a) the applicant must, upon request by the Government, provide documentation justifying the assertion of less than unlimited rights in such data; and (b) the applicant must negotiate in good faith, in response to a Government request, to enter into an agreement granting the Government greater rights in the data than originally asserted by the applicant.

Applicants responding to this BAA must submit a separate list of all technical data or computer software according to the assertions table below as an attachment to its written proposal that will be furnished to the Government with other than unlimited rights. The identification of the technical data and/or computer software must be as specific as possible. The Government will assume unlimited rights if applicants fail to identify any intellectual property restrictions in their proposals. Include in this section all proprietary claims to results, prototypes, and/or deliverables. If no restrictions are intended, then the applicant should state “NONE.” In the Assertions Table for each deliverable listed in the below table, please identify any assertion of restriction on the Government’s Use, release or disclosure of technical data or computer software:

Deliverable Technical Data or Computer Software to be Furnished with Restrictions*

Basis for Assertion**

Asserted Rights Category***

Name of Person Asserting Restrictions****

*For technical data (other than computer software documentation) pertaining to items, components, or processes developed at private expense, identify both the deliverable technical data and each such item, component, or process. For computer software or computer software documentation identify the software or documentation.

**Generally, development at private expense, either exclusively or partially, is the only basis for asserting restrictions. For technical data, other than computer software documentation, development refers to development of the item, component, or process to which the data pertain. The Government's rights in computer software documentation generally may not be restricted. For computer software, development refers to the software. Indicate whether development was accomplished exclusively or partially at private expense. If development was not accomplished at private expense, or for computer software documentation, enter the specific basis for asserting restrictions.

***Enter asserted rights category (e.g., government purpose license rights from a prior contract, limited, restricted, or government purpose rights under this or a prior contract, or specially negotiated licenses).

****Corporation, individual, or other person, as appropriate, or enter “none” when all data or software will be submitted without restrictions.

The Statement of Assertion must include the following: ““The Applicant asserts for itself, or the persons identified below, that the Government's rights to access, use, modify, reproduce, release, perform, display, or disclose only the following technical data or computer software should be restricted”:

Completed by: ______________________

Signature: ______________________________ Date: _________________

Printed Name: ____________________________

(2) For technical data (other than computer software documentation) pertaining to items, components, or processes developed at private expense, identify both the deliverable technical data and each such item, component, or process as specifically as possible (e.g., by referencing specific sections of the proposal or specific technology or components). For computer software or computer software documentation, identify the software or documentation by specific name or module or item number.

For each of the technical data or computer software identified above, identify the following information:

Asserted rights. Identify the asserted rights for the technical data or computer software.

Copies of negotiated, commercial, and other non-standard licenses. Applicant shall attach to its proposal for each listed item copies of all proposed negotiated license(s), Applicant's standard commercial license(s), and any other asserted restrictions other than Government purpose rights; limited rights; restricted rights; rights under prior government contracts, including SBIR data rights for which the protection period has not expired; or government’s minimum rights.

Specific basis for assertion. Identify the specific basis for the assertion. For example:

o Development at private expense, either exclusively or partially. For technical data, development refers to development of the item, component, or process to which the data pertains. For computer software, development refers to the development of the software. Indicate whether development was accomplished exclusively or partially at private expense.

o Rights under a prior government contracts, including SBIR data rights for which the protection period has not expired.

o Standard commercial license customarily provided to the public.

o Negotiated license rights.

o Entity asserting restrictions. Identify the corporation, partnership, individual or other person, as appropriate, asserting the restrictions.

Previously delivered technical data or computer software. The applicant shall identify the technical data or computer software that are identical or substantially similar to technical data or computer software that the applicant has produced for, delivered to, or is obligated to deliver to the Government under any contract or subcontract. The applicant need not identify commercial technical data or computer software delivered subject to a standard commercial license.

Estimated Cost of Development. The estimated cost of development for that technical data or computer software to be delivered with less than Unlimited Rights.

Supplemental information. When requested by the Government, the applicant shall provide sufficient information to enable the Government to evaluate the applicant’s assertions. Sufficient information must include, but is not limited to, the following:

o The contract number under which the data or software were produced, as well as the contract number under which the name and address of the organization to whom the data or software were most recently delivered or will be delivered.

o Identification of the expiration date for any limitations on the Government’s right to access, use, identify, reproduce, release, perform, display, or disclose the data or software, when applicable.

The Bayh-Dole Act shall apply for any patentable materials, technologies, or knowledge developed under an assistance award resulting from this BAA, and may apply in the case of an Other Transaction Agreement.

The Government reserves nonexclusive, perpetual, royalty-free licensure of any materials developed under any grant or agreement resulting from this BAA. The Government reserves the right to require delivery of additional data within the scope of the project that is not otherwise specified in any award instrument resulting from this BAA, as authorized to be withheld within a period of three years after acceptance of all items to be delivered. Any conversion into a prescribed form, reproduction or delivery will be considered ineligible for award.

An applicant’s failure to submit or complete the identifications and assertions required by this section with its proposal may render the proposal ineligible for award. This section must be severable (i.e., it will begin on a new page and the following section shall begin on a new page).

The Government anticipates that the proposed Assertion of Data Rights will be incorporated as an attachment to the resultant award instrument. To this end, proposals must include a severable self-standing Assertion of Data Rights without any proprietary restrictions, which can be attached to the award instrument. This Assertion of Data Rights will not count against page limit for written proposals.

Cost/Business Proposal Content:

SF 424 (R&R) Application for Federal Assistance Form

The SF 424 (R&R) Application for Federal assistance form must be your cover page. No pages may precede the SF 424 (R&R).

Complete all required fields in accordance with the “pop-up” instructions on the SF 424 (R&R) form. The completion of most fields is self-explanatory. You can turn on Grants.gov “Help Mode” to provide additional instructions for forms. “Help Mode” is turned on by the icon with the pointer and question mark at the top of the form.

Specific instructions for completion of SF 424 (R&R) are provided:

o Block 4a, Federal Identifier – Enter N00178 o Block 4b, Agency Routing Number – Enter the abbreviation for the warfare center the proposal is being submitted to and the Technical POC’s name, last name first, in brackets. The abbreviation and Technical POC’s name can be obtained from the chart of technical POCs on page 13 of this BAA. Failure to provide the technical POC in this block could deem your proposal invalid.

o Block 4c Previous Grants.gov Tracking ID – Enter the Grants.gov tracking number of the previous proposal submission if this submission is for a changed/corrected application; otherwise, leave blank.

o Select “I Agree” to:

o Certify (1) to the statements contained in the list of certifications* and (2) that the statements herein are true, complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I also provide the required assurances * and agree to comply with any resulting terms if I accept an award. I am aware that any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or claims may subject me to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties.

(U.S. Code, Title 18, Section 1001) Agreements are true, complete, and accurate to the best of your knowledge.

o You may have to attach the completed D.3.c. SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying

Activities if you have lobbying activity that you must disclose.

o Attach your Publicly Releasable Abstract using form Project Abstract Summary.

o Attach your Project Technical Proposal using form Research and Related Other

Project Information via the attachment in section 8.

o Attach your Bibliography and References Cited using form Research and Related Other Project Information via the attachment in section 9.

o Attach a Facilities and Other Resources description document here if you need to supplement your facilities and resources section using form.

o Research and Related Other Project Information via the attachment in section 10.

You may supplement your Budget Justification by attaching an Equipment Justification here. Do not duplicate information included on your budget justification. If you attach an Equipment Justification, make sure you reference the attachment in your budget justification.

o Attach the Subaward Budget Attachments Form (if applicable) and not attached elsewhere. You should have budgets and justifications for all subawards proposed attached within this form before attachment.

e. R&R Budget Form

You must provide all information requested. You must estimate the total research project cost.

You must categorize funds by year and provide separate annual budgets for projects lasting more than one year. A budget justification must be included.

You must include enough budget related information in your proposal to support your costs as reasonable and realistic, and in compliance with 2 CFR 200 Subpart E - Cost Principles.

Not having enough information in your proposal to understand if your costs are reasonable and realistic is the most common reason awards are delayed.

f. Budget Justification

Use the following notional schedule to determine proposed period of performance and associated budget:

Estimated Award Dates:

Cycle 1: awards anticipated February 2025 Cycle 2: awards anticipated May 2025 Cycle 3: awards anticipated August 2025.

Estimated Approximate Award amount: $2,500 to $3,500,000 base (typically a base and 2 option years). If funded for all three years, the total would generally be $2,500 to $3,500,000.

The submission must provide a detailed budget justification for each year that clearly explains the need for each item. The entire budget justification and supporting documentation must be combined into single file and attached to field L of the R&R Budget Form. The budget narrative submitted with the application must match the dollar amounts on all required forms. Please explain each calculation and provide a narrative that supports each budget category. This detailed budget justification must match the proposed budget categories. Each year of the budget justification narrative must stand alone; lump sum budget justifications are not allowed.

If options are proposed, option detailed budget justifications must stand alone as well, no lump sum justifications allowed.

(1) Direct Labor: The budget justification must identify the basis for proposed labor (hours and unburdened labor rates). A clear breakdown of direct labor is required for each proposed period. If escalation is provided for out years, the escalation rate shall be identified. If proposed labor rates are based on actual salary, this should be stated in the budget justification. Verification of salary may be requested if selected for award.

(2) Administrative and Clerical Labor: Salaries of administrative and clerical staff are normally indirect costs (and included in an indirect cost rate). Direct charging of these costs may be appropriate when a major project requires an extensive amount of administrative or clerical support greater than normal and routine levels of support.

Budgets proposing direct charging of administrative or clerical salaries must be supported with a budget justification which adequately describes the major project and the administrative and/or clerical work to be performed and associated salary. Number of hours per person/labor category and unburdened rate for each period is required.

(3) Fringe Benefits and Indirect Costs: The proposal must show the rates and calculations of the costs for each rate category. If the rates have been approved/negotiated by a Government agency, provide a copy of the memorandum/agreement. If the rates have not been approved/negotiated, provide sufficient detail to enable a determination of allowability, allocability and reasonableness of the allocation bases, and how the rates are calculated. Additional information may be requested, if needed. If composite rates are used, provide the calculations used in deriving the composite rates.

(4) Fully Burdened Rates: If a proposer includes a fully burdened labor rate in excess of $187 per hour (with indirect rates applied), then the proposer shall provide a narrative to justify any such Labor Category.

(5) Travel: You must itemize travel. Estimate the cost and purpose of each trip proposed, the number of trips, the number of travelers, the destination, the duration, and the basis for calculating costs such as airlines and hotels. Provide the basis of your travel costs (university travel policy, Joint Travel Regulations (JTR), etc.)

(6) Materials & Supplies: You must itemize materials/supplies. List all material/equipment by type and kind with associated costs. Indicate what your costs are based on, such as vendor quotes, historical data and/or engineering estimates. You should include vendor quotes and/or catalog pricing data.

(7) Equipment: Proposals including request to purchase equipment must include equipment quotes or vendor agreements. "Equipment" is nonexpendable, tangible personal property with a unit cost of $5,000 or more having a useful life of more than 1 year, unless determined otherwise by recipient’s internal policy. Items that do not meet the "equipment" definition can be included under supplies. List each piece of equipment to be purchased and provide description of how it will be used in the project. Budget narrative should explain why the equipment is necessary for successful completion of the project. Provide quotes in U.S. Dollars if available or indicate the basis of equipment cost. If you have any subaward(s), you should describe how you determined sub-award costs were determined fair and reasonable. Your business office usually makes this determination.

(8) Other Direct Costs (ODC): Provide an itemized list of all other proposed other direct costs such as Graduate Assistant tuition, laboratory fees, report and publication costs, and the basis for the estimate (e.g., quotes, prior purchases, catalog price lists, university policy, etc.).

(9) Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)/Office of Naval Research

(ONR) Rate Agreement: If you use a Government rate agreement to propose indirect cost rates and/or fringe benefit rates, you must attach a signed DHHS or ONR copy of the agreement you used. You must provide the latest signed rate agreement with your proposal.

(10) Options: The Government will evaluate proposed options by adding the total cost for all options to the total cost of the basic requirement. Evaluation of options will not obligate the Government to exercise the options during conduct of grant performance.

g. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM)

Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual of Federal awarding agency that is excepted from those requirements under 2 CFR 25.110(b)or(c), or has an exception approved by the Federal awarding agency under 2 CFR 25.110(d) is required to:

(i) Be registered in SAM before submitting an application

(ii) Provide a valid UEI in their application and

(iii) Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency. The Federal awarding agency may not make a Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the Federal awarding agency is ready to make a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a f Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant.

Response Date:

This announcement will remain open for one (1) year from the date of publication, or until replaced by a successor BAA or is canceled by the Government. Applicants may submit white papers and/or proposals at any time during this period.

Proposals will be evaluated by the Government in accordance with the evaluation cycle below.

Cycle 1: Evaluations December 2024 with awards anticipated February 2025 Cycle 2: Evaluations March 2025 with awards anticipated May 2025 Cycle 3: Evaluations June 2025 with awards anticipated August 2025

Additional evaluations may be conducted and awards may be made during the open period of this BAA posting when a proposal is found to be of immediate interest to the Government.

The Government reserves the right to not review proposals submitted after 11:59 pm EDT, 14 October 2025, or after a successor to this BAA is issued, whichever occurs first.

Amendments

Amendments to this BAA will be posted to https://www.grants.gov as needed to reflect changes in topics, instructions, or points of contact. Interested parties are encouraged to periodically check this website for updates and to establish automated alerts notifying them of any amendment postings.

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION:

White Paper Evaluation Criteria White papers will be evaluated and assigned a Category rating of I or II as identified below.

CATEGORY I: White paper submission appears to be relevant and important to the agency’s research goals and objectives. Proposal submission is encouraged.

CATEGORY II: White paper submission does not appear to be relevant to the agency’s anticipated research goals and objectives or lacks sufficient detail to make a determination of relevancy.

1. Proposal Evaluation Criteria

Awards may be issued to any, all, part, or none of the proposals that are received in response to this announcement. The technical and cost proposals may be evaluated at the same time.

Proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the regulations found at 2 C.F.R.

Part 200, as well as the DoDGARS, specifically 32 C.F.R. Part 22. Proposals will not be evaluated against each other because applicants are not submitting proposals against a common statement of work.

The proposals will be evaluated and categorized according to the descriptions below. The technical criteria are listed in “DESCENDING” order of importance:

1) Overall scientific and technical merits of the proposal;

2) Importance to NSWCDD programs;

3) Funds availability/affordability

Category Descriptions are:

CATEGORY I: Well-conceived, scientifically and technically sound proposals important to program goals and objectives. Proposals in Category I are recommended for acceptance subject to funding constraints.

CATEGORY II: Scientifically or technically sound proposals that may require further development and may be recommended for acceptance, but are at a lower priority than Category I proposals and are not always funded.

CATEGORY III: Full proposals not technically sound or do not meet agency needs and may be recommended for rejection.

Price will be a substantial consideration in selecting proposals for awards, and will be lesser importance than 1 and 2. Cost realism and reasonableness shall also be considered to the extent appropriate. Price will be evaluated and may be negotiated on proposals selected for award.

Prior to making an award, NSWCDD shall review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM.

The applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems available through SAM and comment on any information itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance systems available through SAM.

NSWCDD will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant’s integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by the applicant as described in Title 2, Part 200, Subsection 200.206 Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.

NSWCDD will ensure that a Proposer is not debarred or suspended prior to making an award.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements.

Awards made under this BAA must comply with the National Policy Requirements outlined in Part 7 of DoD Research and Development General Terms and Conditions – October 2024 (or its successor).

https://www.onr.navy.mil/work-with-us/manage-your-award/manage-grant-award/grants-terms-conditions

Military Recruiting on Campus (DoDGARS Part 22.520):

This applies to domestic U. S. colleges and universities. Appropriate language from 32 CFR 22.520, Campus access for military recruiting and Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), will be incorporated in all university grant awards.

3. Reporting

a. Awards made under this BAA must comply with the National Policy Requirements outlined in Part 4 of DoD Research and Development General Terms and Conditions – October 2024 (or its successor).

https://www.onr.navy.mil/work-with-us/manage-your-award/manage-grant-award/grants-terms-conditions

General Reporting Requirement

If the total value of your currently active grants, cooperative agreements, and procurement contracts from all Federal awarding agencies exceeds $10,000,000 for any period of time during the period of performance of this Federal award, then you as the recipient during that period of time must maintain the currency of information reported to the System for Award Management (SAM) that is made available in the designated integrity and performance system about civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings described in Paragraph 2 of the award terms and conditions. This is a statutory requirement under section 872 of Public Law 110-417, as amended (41 U.S.C. 2313). As required by section 3010 of Public Law 111-212, all information posted in the designated integrity and performance system on or after April 15, 2011, except past performance reviews required for Federal procurement contracts, will be publicly available.

Proceedings About Which You Must Report:

Submit the information required about each proceeding that:

(1) Is in connection with the award or performance of a grant, cooperative agreement, or procurement contract from the Federal Government;

(2) Reached its final disposition during the most recent five-year period; and

(3) Is one of the following:

a. A criminal proceeding that resulted in a conviction, as defined in

Paragraph 5 of the award terms and conditions;

b. A civil proceeding that resulted in a finding of fault and liability and payment of a monetary fine, penalty, reimbursement, restitution, or damages of $5,000 or more

c. An administrative proceeding, as…