Exploratory Advanced Research (EAR) Program Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)
Open Solicitation Posted
- Solicitation number
- 693JJ3-26-BAA-0002
- Agency
-
Federal Highway Administration
Department of Transportation
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 541715 Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- PSC
- AS12 Transportation R&D Services; Surface Transportation, Public Transit, And Rail; Applied Research
- Place of performance
- McLean, Virginia 22101, United States
- Points of contact
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Corporate Research, Technology and Innovation is issuing a five-year Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) to solicit research and development proposals supporting the Exploratory Advanced Research (EAR) Program, with a focus on digital twin applications in highway transportation. The solicitation seeks innovative solutions addressing high-priority problems in areas including construction automation and safety, asset management, and other emerging advances in science and engineering that could dramatically improve highway transportation safety, mobility, infrastructure condition, and environmental stewardship. This BAA operates as an open solicitation mechanism under which the government will issue periodic calls for proposals throughout the five-year period, with each call identifying specific topic areas, evaluation criteria, and submission deadlines. All responsible sources are eligible to submit proposals, and the government reserves the right to award contracts deemed beneficial to achieving program goals. The BAA was posted on November 19, 2025, with a final deadline of November 18, 2030, though specific proposal submission deadlines will be announced in individual calls for proposals.
This is an unrestricted solicitation with no set-aside designations for small businesses or other categories. No incumbent contractors are identified in the solicitation notice, and specific award values or budget ranges have not been disclosed at this stage. The contract will be performance-based, with proposals evaluated based on criteria specified in individual calls, which may vary between topic areas. Research activities will be conducted in support of FHWA initiatives, with the place of performance located in McLean, Virginia. Supporting documentation for proposal preparation includes cost-price models, a subcontracting plan template, and quad chart guidance, all available as government files to assist potential contractors in developing competitive submissions.
Notice text
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Corporate Research, Technology and Innovation (HRTM) Research Team is announcing its intent to solicit proposals under this Broad Agency Announcement (BAA). This BAA is developed in accordance with FAR 6.101(b)(3)(ii) and FAR 35.102. This BAA involves the use of a 5-year Open BAA to quickly and efficiently execute research and development to deliver practical solutions to high priority problems. This strategy will provide FHWA an acquisition tool with the flexibility to solicit proposals and make awards that meet present and compelling needs.
Proposals will only be solicited and accepted during individual calls. Calls for proposals will occur periodically throughout the life of the BAA. Each call will identify: (1) specific topic areas; (2) any changes to the standard evaluation criteria or proposal preparation instructions, and (3) cutoff dates for submissions.
This BAA is an expression of interest only and does not commit the Government to pay any proposal preparation costs. All responsible sources capable of satisfying the Government's needs may submit a proposal. The Government reserves the right to award contracts that were determined to be of benefit to the Government in achieving the goals of this program.
The FHWA HRTM Research Team conducts and directs research efforts in support of the development of digital twin application through the Exploratory Advanced Research Program. The FHWA HRTM Research Team leads the development and advancement of higher-risk research in areas of emerging advances in science and engineering that could result in dramatic changes in highway transportation safety, mobility, state of good repair, or environmental stewardship.
The purpose of this BAA is to solicit a variety of solutions that will support the FHWA Exploratory Advanced Research program and the following digital twin program areas (Including but not limited to):
- Construction automation and safety;
- Management of assets including pavements and structures;
- Active roadside safety systems for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Broad Agency Announcement EAR.pdf | ||
| Appendix C - FHWA Subcontracting Plan Template.pdf | ||
| Appendix A - Quad Chart.pdf | ||
| Appendix B - Cost_Price Models.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet |
Notice history
| Notice | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| This notice | Solicitation | |
| Exploratory Advanced Research (EAR) | Pre-Solicitation |
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