U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences Broad Agency Announcement for Basic Research (Fiscal Year 2024)

This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for the Foundational Science Research Unit (FSRU) of the U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) solicits new proposals for its fiscal year 2024 program of basic research in behavioral science. It is issued under the provisions of paragraph 6.102(d) (2) and 35.016 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), which provides for the acquisition of basic and applied research and that part of development not related to the development of a specific system or hardware procurement through the competitive selection of proposals and 10 U.S.C. 4001, 10 U.S.C. 4021, and 10 U.S.C. 4022

To meet the operational objectives of the U.S. Army over the next two decades, the Army must improve its capability to acquire, develop, employ, and retain Soldiers and leaders who can individually and as part of a group:

• Adapt quickly to dynamic missions, unpredictable operational environments, and a wide spectrum of cultures;
• Effectively function autonomously and as part of larger systems in complex, information rich environments;
• Perform in extended, hybrid, and continuous operations;
• Interact and collaborate effectively in joint-service and multi-national operations.

ARI requests proposals to conduct basic research that will provide a scientific foundation to support these broad capabilities.

The Basic Research program employs four strategic focus areas for advancing science.

1. Science of Measurement of Individuals and Collectives: Advanced psychometric theory for deriving valid measurements from complex assessments and continuous streams of data
2. Understanding Multilevel and Organizational Dynamics: Multilevel theory and methods for understanding dynamic restructuring, coordination, and composition processes in complex organizations
3. Formal/Informal Learning and Development: Holistic models of individual and collective learning across work settings and contexts throughout the career span
4. Context of Behavior in Military Environments: Integrative theory specifying the interactive relationships between individual characteristics and contextual drivers in predicting human behavior

To be eligible for an award under this announcement, a potential awardee must meet certain minimum standards pertaining to financial resources and responsibility, ability to comply with the performance schedule, past performance, integrity, experience, technical capabilities, operational controls, and facilities. In accordance with Federal statutes, regulations, and Department of Defense and Army policies, no person on grounds of race, color, age, sex, national origin, or disability shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving financial assistance from the Army.

Response Dates (Submissions):

White Paper submissions must be received by: 5:00 PM/1700 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on 31 March 2023

Proposal submissions must be received by: 5:00 PM/1700 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on 15 July 2023

2023 Response Dates (Questions):

Questions regarding White Papers must be submitted in writing to Alexander.P.Wind.civ@army.mil by: 5:00 PM/1700 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on 15 March 2023

Questions regarding Proposals must be submitted in writing to Alexander.P.Wind.civ@army.mil by: 5:00 PM/1700 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on 1 July 2023