Methods and Technologies for Personalized Learning, Modeling and Assessment | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the title of this Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)?

The BAA is titled "Methods and Technologies for Personalized Learning, Modeling and Assessment."

2) Who announced and sponsored this opportunity?

This opportunity was announced by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and the 711th Human Performance Wing.

3) What is the Funding Opportunity Number?

The Funding Opportunity Number is BAA RQKH 2015 0001.

4) Is this opportunity open-ended or tied to a single topic?

It was described as an open-ended Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), supporting science and technology research and development within the stated thrust area.

5) What type of work is the government seeking under this BAA?

The overall thrust is science and technology research and development focused on improving how Airmen learn, train, rehearse, and maintain proficiency as individuals, teams, or larger groups.

6) What is the overall goal of the research being requested?

The opportunity targets methods and tools that make training more effective and more tailored to the learner and the mission context, with emphasis on achieving proficiency faster, demonstrating it reliably, and sustaining it over time.

7) What is meant by "personalized learning" in this BAA?

Based on the description, personalized learning refers to approaches that begin with clear competency definitions and requirements analysis, then translate those competencies into training and rehearsal strategies that adapt to a learner's current state and needs.

8) Does the BAA emphasize competency definition and requirements analysis?

Yes. The opportunity emphasizes starting with competency definition and requirements analysis and then using that foundation to drive adaptive training and rehearsal approaches.

9) What does the BAA say about proficiency and skill sustainment?

A major emphasis is on building and using models and training environments that help Airmen reach proficiency faster, demonstrate it reliably, and sustain it over time, including during periods when they cannot practice regularly.

10) Does this BAA address performance in new or changing operational contexts?

Yes. Another theme is ensuring performance holds up under novel or changing contexts, reflecting real operational conditions where situations rarely match training scenarios perfectly.

11) What are the technical focus areas called out in the announcement?

The technical focus includes measuring, diagnosing, and modeling Airman expertise and performance to support personalized instruction and credible assessment; rapid development of cognitive models; and development and validation of synthetic, computer-generated agents and teammates for training environments.

12) What kinds of measurement and modeling efforts are of interest?

The BAA highlights work on measuring, diagnosing, and modeling Airman expertise and performance in ways that can support personalized instruction and credible assessment.

13) What are "cognitive models" in the context of this BAA?

In this announcement, cognitive models are described as representations of how Airmen think, decide, and perform tasks, and how those cognitive processes change with training and experience. The BAA also highlights rapid development of these models.

14) What are synthetic or computer-generated agents, and why are they included?

The BAA calls for development and validation of synthetic, computer-generated agents and teammates, meaning artificial entities that can act as realistic teammates, opponents, instructors, or role players in training environments.

15) Does the BAA require validation of synthetic agents?

Yes. It highlights the need to demonstrate, both empirically and operationally, that these agents behave in believable and useful ways aligned with training objectives.

16) What is the initial submission the government requested?

The government sought white papers first.

17) Are full proposals required immediately?

No. The process described is white papers first, with selected efforts potentially invited to submit full technical and cost proposals later.

18) What was the white paper deadline for this posting?

The white paper submission deadline for this posting was November 17, 2019.

19) What is the status of the opportunity now?

The opportunity was archived on December 17, 2019.

20) What category of funding was this opportunity listed under?

It was categorized as discretionary research funding within science and technology and other research and development (R&D).

21) What award instruments were anticipated?

The opportunity allowed for multiple possible award instruments, including cooperative agreements, grants, procurement contracts, and other mechanisms as specified in the BAA.

22) How many awards did the Air Force anticipate making?

The Air Force anticipated up to 10 awards.

23) What was the estimated total funding level?

The estimated total funding level was about $49,000,000 across the program.

24) Was an award minimum (floor) stated?

Yes. The award floor listed was $150,000.

25) Was cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement was stated.

26) Who was eligible to apply?

Eligibility was listed as unrestricted (open to any type of entity).

27) Are there any notes about foreign participation?

Yes. The BAA referenced a specific section (Para III.5.a.) for details on foreign participation and any related limitations.

28) Was there an Industry Day associated with this BAA?

Yes. The announcement points to an Industry Day that took place in November 2014.

29) Were Industry Day materials available to potential proposers?

Yes. Briefing materials and Q&A were made available as attachments to help potential proposers understand government priorities and expectations.

30) How could someone request the Industry Day attendee list?

The notice stated that for those needing the attendee list, an email contact was provided (the specific email address is not included in the information provided here).

31) Who was the primary point of contact for access issues and contracting questions?

The primary point of contact listed was Helen Williams, Contracting Officer.

32) What contact phone number was provided for the contracting point of contact?

The phone number provided was 937-713-9871.