Long Range Broad Agency Announcement for Navy and Marine Corps Science and Technology | Apply Online

FAQs: ONR Long Range Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for Navy and Marine Corps Science and Technology (ONRBAA10-001)

What is this ONR Long Range BAA?

This is an open, competitive funding opportunity run by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) to attract strong research ideas across a broad set of science and engineering areas that could improve future Navy and Marine Corps missions and operations. It is intended for "long range" efforts that build new knowledge, methods, or technology foundations with military relevance rather than targeting one narrow topic.

Is this BAA focused on a single topic area?

No. The announcement is designed to reflect ONR's ongoing interest in supporting meritorious research aligned with its various program areas, instead of limiting submissions to one tightly defined topic.

What kinds of research can be supported under this BAA?

Work can span basic research, applied research, and some advanced technology development (ATD). The BAA also advises applicants to confirm with ONR program officers how a proposed effort should be categorized because that can influence award type and potential restrictions.

How does ONR connect basic, applied, and ATD work to budget categories?

The BAA ties basic research to RDT&E Budget Activity 1, applied research to Budget Activity 2, and advanced technology development (ATD) to Budget Activity 3.

Why does it matter whether my idea is basic research, applied research, or ATD?

The BAA notes that the boundary between applied research and ATD can affect the funding instrument used (for example, grant versus contract) and whether additional controls apply. ONR specifically advises discussing categorization with the relevant ONR program officer (POC).

What funding instruments are available under this opportunity?

The opportunity allows multiple instrument types, including grants, cooperative agreements, procurement contracts, and it also lists "other." This flexibility reflects the range of research maturity levels and performer types ONR supports.

Do universities and companies typically receive the same type of award?

Not typically. The BAA indicates universities often receive grants for fundamental research, while industry more often receives contracts. ATD is typically handled through contracts.

What does ONR say about "fundamental research" and publication restrictions?

The BAA explains ONR's treatment of fundamental research and what it means for publication and other restrictions. Citing Department of Defense guidance (including the June 26, 2008 USD(AT&L) memo and National Security Decision Directive 189), ONR states it generally will not restrict the conduct or reporting of unclassified fundamental research, except where required by law, regulation, or executive order.

Could advanced technology development (ATD) involve more controls than fundamental research?

Yes. The BAA signals that ATD may involve added controls due to sensitivity, such as limits during performance and Department of Defense pre-publication review.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number and CFDA listing for this program?

The Funding Opportunity Number is ONRBAA10-001. It is listed under CFDA 12.300, Basic and Applied Scientific Research.

Is this a discretionary grant program?

Yes. The opportunity is listed as a discretionary program.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The BAA indicates there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes small businesses, for-profit organizations (including those other than small businesses), individuals, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, and private institutions of higher education.

Are any organizations specifically not eligible to receive awards under this BAA?

Yes. The announcement excludes certain government-affiliated research entities from receiving awards under this BAA, including Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), Department of Energy National Laboratories, Navy laboratories and warfare centers, and other Department of Defense and civilian agency laboratories.

Is this opportunity intended for government labs?

No. As described, the BAA is intended for non-government performers in academia, industry, and individual researchers rather than for government labs and similar entities.

What is ONR encouraging applicants to do before writing a full proposal?

The announcement encourages prospective applicants to start by contacting the ONR program officer (POC) whose portfolio best matches the proposed technical area before writing a full proposal. This early alignment is treated as an important step in developing a competitive submission.

How do I figure out which ONR program officer or department matches my topic?

ONR routes proposals through its Science and Technology Departments and provides web resources to help applicants identify the right department codes and program points of contact. The notice also points to broader ONR BAA resources where related program-area calls may be listed.

What should I discuss with the ONR program officer (POC)?

Based on the announcement, the practical goal is to discuss fit, scope, and expectations, and to confirm whether the work is best viewed as basic research, applied research, or ATD (since that can affect award type and restrictions).

How should international or non-U.S. organizations approach this BAA?

For organizations outside the United States or those working internationally, the announcement highlights ONR Global as the entry point for the International Agent and related guidance.

What are the key dates for this opportunity?

The posting date is September 21, 2009. The original and current closing date is September 30, 2010. The archive date is October 30, 2010.

Who can I contact for administrative or contracting questions?

The notice provides a contracting contact: Matt Ferebee, Contract Specialist, phone 703-696-1474. It also notes that Grants.gov questions should be directed appropriately.

Where can I find more related ONR BAA information?

The announcement references an additional information link pointing to the broader set of ONR BAAs, which is relevant because ONR often manages multiple BAA postings and program-area calls related to its departmental portfolios.