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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Deployed Warfighters Protection Program (DWFP) BAA?

The Deployed Warfighters Protection Program is a Department of Defense grant opportunity issued as a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA). It is designed to gather strong science and technology concepts that can improve protection for deployed warfighters.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this announcement?

The Funding Opportunity Number is DWFP BAA 15 01.

Which organization is running or issuing this opportunity?

The program is run under DOD-AMC-ACCAPGD, as identified in the opportunity information provided.

What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity, and what does it generally cover?

This opportunity is tied to CFDA 12.355, which generally covers Department of Defense research and development assistance.

Is this opportunity a grant (assistance) or a procurement solicitation?

It is presented as a federal assistance (grant) opportunity under a Broad Agency Announcement framework and is explicitly focused on research and development efforts rather than procurement of a specific fielded system or purchase of particular hardware.

What types of work is the BAA intended to support?

The BAA is intended to support scientific and technical development, studies, methods, and enabling research related to improving protection for deployed warfighters. It is not structured as a pathway to build a defined fielded system or to buy particular equipment.

Does the BAA focus on building a specific system or acquiring hardware?

No. A key point is that the BAA is focused on research and development that is not tied to building a specific fielded system or purchasing particular hardware.

What federal grant rules apply to awards made under this opportunity?

The announcement references the federal assistance framework in 2 CFR Part 200. That signals that awards will be managed under standard federal grant rules covering cost principles, administrative requirements, and audit expectations.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning any type of entity may apply (such as universities, nonprofits, small businesses, large businesses, or other organizations), as long as they meet any additional eligibility details that may be stated elsewhere in the full announcement.

Are there any set-asides for specific applicant types?

No. The BAA states there are no set-asides, and selection is intended to be based on the strength and relevance of the science rather than the applicant type.

Is the announcement open for submissions continuously?

Yes. The BAA is described as "open continuous unless modified or closed." This generally means submissions can be made on an ongoing basis while the opportunity remains active, though the agency can adjust, restrict, or close it at any time.

What does "open continuous unless modified or closed" mean in practice?

It typically means there is not a single one-time deadline; instead, proposals can usually be submitted on an ongoing basis. However, the agency retains the ability to change the terms, limit submissions, or close the opportunity at any time.

When was this BAA created and posted?

The posted date and creation date are both November 9, 2015, indicating when this particular BAA was released.

How is the opportunity structured for submissions?

The submission process is staged. The BAA is designed to solicit pre-proposals first as an initial screening step, and only promising concepts may be invited to submit a full proposal.

What is a pre-proposal in this context?

In this BAA, a pre-proposal is an initial concept submission used by the government to screen research ideas before deciding whether to invite a full proposal.

Does submitting a pre-proposal guarantee an invitation to submit a full proposal?

No. The BAA indicates that full proposals are typically requested only if the pre-proposal concept is considered promising.

Where are the specific technical topics or needs listed?

The BAA notes that more precise topics are listed in an "Areas of Interest" section. The specific topic areas are not included in the information provided here.

What kinds of information does the BAA say it includes for applicants?

The announcement notes that it includes general information, evaluation and selection criteria, and proposal preparation instructions.

What criteria are typically used to evaluate and select submissions under a BAA like this?

While the exact criteria are in the announcement, the description indicates evaluation commonly considers technical merit, potential impact, feasibility, qualifications of the team, and cost realism or reasonableness.

If invited to submit a full proposal, what documentation is required?

If a full proposal is requested, the required documentation and attachments are identified in the "Mandatory Proposal Forms" section of the announcement. This typically includes standardized forms and representations, detailed technical narratives, budgets and budget justifications, and compliance-related certifications required for federal assistance awards.

Where are the required forms and attachments listed?

The BAA indicates that required documentation for a full proposal (if requested) is identified in the "Mandatory Proposal Forms" section of the announcement.

Is the government looking for fully defined solutions or research concepts?

The opportunity is structured to attract research ideas first. The government defines broad problem spaces and research needs, and proposers suggest approaches, technical plans, and outcomes that advance the state of the art.

Can the agency change or close the opportunity after it is posted?

Yes. The "open continuous unless modified or closed" language indicates the agency can modify, restrict, or close the call at any time.