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FAQs: AFRL BAA - Advances in Bioscience for Airmen Performance

What is this funding opportunity?

This opportunity is a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) issued by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) through the 711th Human Performance Wing (Human Effectiveness Directorate). It is titled "Advances in Bioscience for Airmen Performance" and seeks innovative science and technology ideas that advance bioscience research in support of Airmen and broader warfighter needs.

What is the main purpose of the BAA?

The primary intent is to augment AFRL's existing research programs and facilities by bringing in outside concepts and teams. The goal is to support both revolutionary breakthroughs and evolutionary improvements that can lead to new military capabilities that enhance human performance and combat effectiveness.

What type of submission does the BAA primarily request?

The BAA primarily requests white papers proposing unique, high-impact research concepts aligned with the mission of the Biosciences and Performance Division.

Why does the BAA emphasize white papers?

Based on the description provided, the opportunity is designed to bring in early-stage ideas via white papers, identify the most promising concepts within the focus areas, and then potentially support selected efforts through appropriate award instruments.

What are the main technical focus areas?

The BAA focuses on four main technical areas: Applied Biotechnology, Biobehavioral Performance, Biomechanics, and Counterproliferation.

What does "Applied Biotechnology" cover?

Applied Biotechnology includes biotechnology approaches that can be translated into practical performance, protection, or survivability gains for military personnel. This may include novel bio-based tools, diagnostics, therapeutics, and enabling biological technologies.

What does "Biobehavioral Performance" focus on?

Biobehavioral Performance targets biological and behavioral factors that shape human performance. Examples mentioned include cognition, fatigue, stress, resilience, learning, decision-making, and other human factors that can be measured and improved.

What does the "Biomechanics" area include?

Biomechanics is aimed at the physical mechanics of human movement and function. It includes topics such as injury prevention, physical performance optimization, human-machine interaction, and technologies that improve capability while reducing musculoskeletal strain or risk.

What does "Counterproliferation" mean in this BAA?

Counterproliferation reflects interest in bioscience-related concepts that help address threats involving hazardous biological materials or related proliferation risks, supporting force protection and operational readiness.

What is the overarching theme across all topics?

The unifying theme is delivering measurable improvements in full-dimensional protection, survivability, and performance enhancement for military personnel, with an emphasis on capabilities that can be operationally relevant rather than purely academic.

What program is this funding opportunity associated with?

Administratively, it was described as a discretionary funding opportunity under the Air Force Defense Research Sciences Program (CFDA 12.800).

What types of award instruments might be used?

The solicitation indicates multiple possible award instruments, including cooperative agreements, grants, procurement contracts, and other mechanisms. The instrument may depend on the nature of the proposed work and the level of government role anticipated during performance.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. Cost sharing or matching was not required for this opportunity.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility was listed as unrestricted, meaning the competition was open to a wide range of applicant types, subject to any specific clarifications that may have appeared in the full announcement text.

Is this opportunity still open?

The listing indicates it was ultimately closed and archived. It shows an original closing date of September 30, 2014, a current closing date of February 12, 2014, and an archive date of February 28, 2014.

When was the opportunity posted and when was it created?

The record states the opportunity was originally posted on October 1, 2009, and later reflected a creation date of February 12, 2014.

Why are there multiple dates (original closing date, current closing date, archive date)?

The provided record includes several dates: an original closing date (September 30, 2014), a current closing date (February 12, 2014), and an archive date (February 28, 2014). Taken together, these dates indicate the listing was closed and archived, though the record itself contains multiple date fields.

What does AFRL want in proposed concepts?

AFRL is seeking unique, high-impact concepts that align with the Biosciences and Performance Division mission and that can contribute to operationally relevant capabilities improving protection, survivability, and performance for military personnel.

Does the BAA prioritize operational relevance?

Yes. The opportunity description emphasizes capabilities that can be operationally relevant rather than purely academic.

What should someone do if they cannot access the full announcement electronically?

The point of contact listed for parties unable to access the full announcement electronically is Angela G. Lauofo, Contracting Officer, at 937-255-5937.

Who is the point of contact for this opportunity?

The provided point of contact is Angela G. Lauofo, Contracting Officer, reachable at 937-255-5937.

What organization within the Air Force issued the BAA?

The BAA was issued by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) through the 711th Human Performance Wing (Human Effectiveness Directorate).

What is the intended outcome of supporting outside concepts and teams?

The intent is to bring in external ideas and teams that can deliver breakthroughs and improvements, ultimately producing new military capabilities that enhance human performance and combat effectiveness.