AFRL/RXC Structural Materials Open/Open BAA Program | Apply Online

Opportunity Summary:

The AFRL/RXC Structural Materials Open/Open BAA Program (Funding Opportunity Number BAA RQKM 2014 0003) was a broad agency announcement run by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), specifically the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, to attract new research ideas and technology solutions that strengthen the Air Force's structural materials and applications mission. The program was designed as an "open" solicitation, meaning it was intended to accept a wide range of concepts rather than being limited to a single narrowly defined topic. AFRL sought submissions that could contribute across the full lifecycle of structural materials work, starting with basic scientific discovery and moving through applied development, maturation, and eventual transition into usable capabilities.

A central theme of the opportunity was structural materials: the metals, alloys, ceramics, polymers, composites, and related systems that determine how aircraft and other Air Force platforms handle load, heat, fatigue, corrosion, impact, and harsh operational environments. The announcement emphasized interest in technologies spanning both foundational materials science and engineering and more mission-driven, application-focused work. In practice, this meant AFRL was looking for proposals that could improve understanding of material behavior, enable new material systems, enhance processing and manufacturing routes, advance modeling and prediction methods, and ultimately deliver materials solutions that can be integrated into Air Force systems with measurable performance or readiness benefits.

The program invited white papers first, with the possibility of being asked to submit full technical and cost proposals after initial review. This white-paper-first approach is common in BAAs because it lets the government quickly screen ideas for relevance, novelty, and potential impact before requesting a more time-intensive full proposal. If a concept aligned well with AFRL needs, the submitter could then be invited to provide a complete proposal package, including a detailed technical plan and associated cost information.

In terms of award mechanisms, the opportunity allowed for multiple instrument types, including grants, cooperative agreements, procurement contracts, or combinations depending on the nature of the work and the level of government involvement anticipated. The funding activity category was science and technology and other research and development, and the related CFDA listing was 12.800 (Air Force Defense Research Sciences Program). Cost sharing was not required, which generally lowers barriers for applicants and can encourage participation from universities, small businesses, and other research organizations that may not have discretionary funds to match government support.

The opportunity was open to an unrestricted pool of applicants, meaning eligibility was broad and not confined to a particular institution type. This typically includes universities, nonprofit research institutes, private companies (including small and large businesses), and other capable entities, subject to any additional eligibility notes in the full announcement. The government estimated total funding at $49.5 million with an expectation of about 25 awards, indicating an intent to fund a portfolio of projects rather than a single large effort, which is consistent with an open BAA model that supports diverse technical approaches and risk levels.

The posting timeline shows it was posted on November 4, 2013, with a closing date of November 4, 2018, and an archive date of December 4, 2018. That long open period reflects the "open/open" nature of the program, where AFRL can continuously receive and evaluate new ideas over multiple years as priorities evolve, new research opportunities emerge, and transition needs arise.

For administrative or access issues related to the full announcement, the listed point of contact was Mary Ann Sharits, Contracting Officer, at (937) 713-9898.

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