Long Range Broad Agency Announcement | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is this DHS funding opportunity?

This is the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Long Range Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) issued through the Office of Procurement Operations and the Science and Technology Acquisition Division. It solicits research and development (R&D) ideas across DHS science and technology needs under Funding Opportunity Number BAA 09 05.

2) What is the Funding Opportunity Number?

The Funding Opportunity Number is BAA 09 05.

3) What type of funding is this?

The opportunity is categorized as discretionary funding.

4) What award instruments might DHS use?

DHS may make awards using different instruments depending on the nature of the work and the level of government involvement needed. Possible instruments include grants, cooperative agreements, other transaction-type mechanisms, and procurement contracts.

5) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The program does not require cost sharing or matching funds.

6) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and open to all responsible sources. Eligible applicants include private and public institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations (including 501(c)(3) and certain non-501(c)(3) entities), small businesses and other for-profit organizations, individuals, and state and local governments (including counties, cities, townships, special districts, and independent school districts). Public Housing Authorities/Indian Housing Authorities and Native American tribal governments and organizations are also eligible.

7) Can proposals be submitted by teams or only single organizations?

Proposals may be submitted by a single entity or by a team. DHS notes that teams may include private sector organizations, government laboratories, airport authorities, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), and academic institutions.

8) Are FFRDCs allowed to participate?

Yes. FFRDC participation is allowed as long as it is consistent with the specific center's sponsoring agreement.

9) Are foreign or foreign-owned organizations allowed to apply?

Foreign or foreign-owned offerors are not categorically excluded. However, DHS notes participation may be subject to foreign disclosure review, export control requirements, and other federal laws, regulations, and policies that govern U.S. government business with foreign entities.

10) Does DHS encourage any particular types of applicants?

Yes. DHS encourages participation from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Minority Institutions, and small or disadvantaged business categories (including women-owned, veteran-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, and HUBZone firms).

11) Is this BAA set aside for small businesses?

No. DHS explicitly states that no part of the BAA is set aside under FAR Part 19.502-2.

12) What is the mandatory registration requirement?

Registration is mandatory and must be completed online through the designated portal at https://baa.st.dhs.gov by the deadline specified in the BAA (with due dates referenced in Section IV of Part II). DHS will not accept White Papers or Full Proposals from any organization that has not registered in advance. DHS states there are no exceptions.

13) What happens if an organization misses the registration deadline?

If the registration deadline for the White Paper phase is missed, the organization is effectively locked out of the process because submitting a White Paper is a prerequisite for submitting a later Full Proposal, and DHS will not accept White Papers or Full Proposals without prior registration.

14) Where do applicants register?

Registration is completed on the DHS BAA website at https://baa.st.dhs.gov.

15) How do applicants find the correct place to register on the portal?

On the DHS BAA website, offerors select "BAA 09 05" from the list on the left and then select the relevant topic area. Once the correct topic area is selected, the registration and submission buttons become available.

16) Do applicants register separately for a White Paper and a Full Proposal?

The portal process described indicates registration is submitted for the White Paper or for the Full Proposal, as applicable. Applicants should follow the BAA instructions and the portal steps for the phase they are entering.

17) What is the control identification number and why is it important?

After successful registration, DHS emails a control identification number to the registrant. This control number is required to begin the White Paper submission process.

18) Is the emailed control identification number the same as the evaluation tracking number?

No. DHS notes that the emailed control number is not the internal tracking number used for evaluation. After a submission is received through the website, DHS generates a different number used for advisory committee review and subject matter expert evaluation.

19) Are White Papers required before submitting a Full Proposal?

Yes. DHS indicates that submission of a White Paper is a prerequisite for being able to submit a later proposal.

20) Does DHS expect collaboration after award?

Yes. Offerors must be willing to cooperate in an integrated program environment, including exchanging software, data, and other information with other contractors and with system integrators selected by DHS Science and Technology.

21) What are the key dates listed for this opportunity?

The listing shows a Posted Date of January 9, 2009; an Original/Current Closing Date of December 31, 2009; and an Archive Date of January 30, 2010. DHS also states that specific receipt deadlines for White Papers and Full Proposals are governed by Section IV of Part II of the BAA.

22) Where can applicants find the official topic descriptions, submission instructions, evaluation criteria, and schedule?

Applicants are directed to consult the full BAA for complete topic descriptions, detailed submission instructions, evaluation criteria, and the authoritative schedule. The listing references the full BAA as being available via fbo.gov.

23) Who is the primary point of contact for questions?

The primary point of contact is Susan Eicher, Contracting Officer, Department of Homeland Security, Office of Procurement Operations, Science and Technology Acquisition Division, Washington, DC 20528. Phone: (202) 254-2363. Email: susan.eicher@dhs.gov.

24) Who should be contacted if there are problems accessing the announcement electronically?

If there are problems accessing the full announcement electronically, the listing provides an additional contact: Barbara Fuller, Grants Officer (Grants Office only, not the primary point of contact). Phone: 609-813-2834.

25) Why does DHS emphasize internal coordination for registration?

DHS emphasizes that teams must coordinate internally so registration is completed correctly and on time, because DHS will not accept White Papers or Full Proposals without advance registration and there are no exceptions.