FY16 Communications and Networks Discovery and Invention | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the FY16 Communications and Networks Discovery and Invention opportunity (ONR BAA 15-0009)?

This is a research-focused grant and contract solicitation from the Office of Naval Research (ONR). It targets advances in communications and networking technologies that can operate under real naval and expeditionary conditions, with an emphasis on improving end-to-end connectivity and quality of service for command and control, sensors, and weapon systems across widely dispersed naval, joint, and coalition forces.

What is ONR trying to achieve through this opportunity?

The stated motivation is the Navy and Marine Corps shift from platform-centric to network-centric operations, where mission success depends on delivering the right information to the right users at the right time. ONR is looking for measurable technology advances that improve survivable, secure, interoperable, and timely communications in contested, congested, and infrastructure-limited environments.

Is this basic research or applied research?

The opportunity is described as FY16 Exploratory Development/Applied Research (Budget Activity 2). That indicates ONR is targeting applied concepts that go beyond basic theory and can credibly mature toward naval relevance.

Are white papers required?

Yes. A key process requirement is that white papers must be submitted and reviewed before ONR will accept full proposals.

Will ONR accept a full proposal without a prior white paper review?

No. The solicitation states that white papers must be submitted and reviewed before ONR will accept full proposals.

How broad is the technical scope?

The technical challenge space is intentionally broad, but it is grounded in harsh operational realities such as limited or nonexistent infrastructure, mobility and rapidly changing topologies, contested and congested spectrum, deliberate interference, multipath and atmospheric effects, and strict size/weight/power constraints. ONR also emphasizes solutions that can work across space, terrestrial, and undersea environments and across manned and unmanned platforms.

What are the five primary ONR focus areas listed in the announcement?

ONR lists five primary focus areas:

• Nanosatellite optical and RF communications, emphasizing architectures and techniques that address practical challenges for small satellites and resilient links.
• Interference-aligned digital chaos to support scalable, spectrally efficient low probability of intercept/low probability of detection (LPI/LPD) networking.
• Dynamic scheduling, routing, and topology control to deliver critical/high-priority data across directional tactical wireless networks with narrow beams, intermittent connectivity, and rapid movement.
• Data forwarding and bridging techniques that connect networks using different routing mechanisms and protocols (including IP and non-IP) while preserving or translating quality-of-service parameters.
• Software-defined wireless networking architectures and protocols, including centralized and distributed control paradigms, improved network state sensing (e.g., link state and latency awareness), and smarter resource utilization for real-time adaptability and manageability.

Are proposals limited only to the five focus areas?

No. While the five areas are the main targets, ONR also leaves room for highly innovative communications and networking concepts that are not explicitly listed, as long as they are clearly important to Navy and Marine Corps needs and align with the overall mission of improving communications and networking in contested environments.

What kinds of operational conditions should proposed technologies be designed for?

The announcement highlights operational realities including limited or no infrastructure, high mobility and rapidly changing network topologies, contested/congested spectrum, deliberate interference, multipath and atmospheric effects, and strict size/weight/power constraints.

Does ONR expect solutions to work across multiple domains and platform types?

Yes. ONR emphasizes technologies that work across space, terrestrial, and undersea environments and across both manned and unmanned platforms.

What does ONR mean by "measurable technology advances"?

The opportunity emphasizes outcomes that demonstrably improve end-to-end connectivity and quality of service for operational users and systems (such as command and control, sensors, and weapon systems). The wording signals a preference for progress that can be quantified in terms of network performance and mission-relevant communication outcomes.

What is the funding category and CFDA number?

The opportunity is categorized as discretionary and falls under CFDA 12.300 (Basic and Applied Scientific Research).

How many awards does ONR expect to make and what is the total estimated funding?

ONR anticipated making about five awards, with an estimated total funding amount of $500,000 for the opportunity as posted.

Is cost sharing required?

No. Cost sharing is not required, not expected, and will not be used as a merit review factor.

If an applicant offers voluntary cost sharing, will it matter?

ONR notes that voluntary cost sharing may be considered if offered, even though it is not required and is not expected.

When was the announcement posted and what were the key dates?

The announcement was posted on March 10, 2015. The original and current closing date was June 30, 2015. The archive date was July 30, 2015.

Who is eligible to apply as a prime applicant?

Eligibility is broad for non-federal performers. Responsible sources from academia and industry may apply, and teams are encouraged.

Are teams and collaborations encouraged?

Yes. Teams are encouraged. ONR also signals an expectation of collaboration within an integrated program that may include other contractors and system integrators selected by ONR. Offerors should be willing to cooperate and exchange software, data, and other information as part of that integrated effort.

Are Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Institutions encouraged to participate?

Yes. HBCUs and Minority Institutions are encouraged to participate, but the announcement indicates there is no set-aside.

Can Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), including DOE national labs, apply directly?

No. FFRDCs (including DOE national labs) are not eligible for direct awards under this opportunity.

Can Navy labs, warfare centers, or other federal labs submit white papers or proposals directly?

No. Navy labs, warfare centers, and other federal labs cannot submit white papers or proposals directly.

Can federal labs or FFRDCs participate in any way?

Yes. Both FFRDCs and federal labs may participate through teaming arrangements with eligible prime applicants, subject to their sponsoring agreements and other constraints.

Are University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs) eligible?

UARCs may apply unless restricted by their UARC contract terms.

Are there any export control restrictions mentioned?

Yes. Applicants are warned that some topics may involve export-controlled technologies. For those areas, participation is limited to U.S. persons as defined under ITAR (22 CFR 120.1 et seq.).

What does the solicitation say about exchanging software, data, or other information?

ONR indicates that offerors should be willing to cooperate and exchange software, data, and other information within an integrated program that may include other contractors and system integrators selected by ONR.

Who is the listed contact for logistical questions about accessing the announcement on grants.gov?

The listed grants.gov contact is Alexander Gorelik, Contract Specialist, at 703-588-2550.