NRL WIDE BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT BAA N00173 02 | Apply Online

NRL WIDE BAA N00173 02 - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the NRL WIDE Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) N00173 02?

The NRL WIDE BAA N00173 02 is an open Navy research funding opportunity run by the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), the Navy's corporate laboratory. It is designed to solicit and fund a wide range of research ideas that support the Navy's science and technology needs, spanning both basic and applied research.

2) What is the main purpose of this BAA?

The stated purpose is to support basic and applied research across a variety of scientific and technical disciplines. The basic research portion is shaped by NRL's view of emerging and long-term Navy requirements, rather than near-term procurement needs. In practice, it is meant to strengthen future naval capabilities by funding research aligned with likely future mission demands and technology trends.

3) What type of funding opportunity is this?

This opportunity is categorized as discretionary funding. The primary funding instrument is a grant.

4) What activity category does this funding fall under?

It falls under the Science and Technology and other Research and Development activity category.

5) What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA number 12.300, titled Basic and Applied Scientific Research.

6) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is stated in the provided summary information. That generally means applicants should not be required to contribute non-federal matching funds as a condition of consideration. Applicants should still propose realistic budgets and justify costs consistent with federal grant rules and the specific BAA guidance.

7) Is there a deadline to apply?

The summary indicates that a single fixed deadline cycle is not used. The posting lists the original and current closing dates as unnecessary because requirements are continuously updated. This suggests proposals may be accepted on an ongoing basis, subject to NRL priorities and funding availability, and that topics and instructions may change over time.

8) When was this opportunity posted and created?

The posting date is listed as June 17, 2011, and the creation date is listed as October 17, 2012.

9) What does it mean that the BAA is "continuously updated"?

It means the opportunity is structured as an ongoing mechanism rather than a one-time solicitation. NRL may update research topic areas, technical interests, and submission instructions as priorities evolve. Applicants are expected to rely on the current BAA documents for the most up-to-date details.

10) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as unrestricted, meaning it is broadly open to any type of applicant entity, subject to any limitations or clarifications contained in the full announcement text. The specific eligibility conditions, if any, would be detailed in the full BAA documents referenced by the additional information link.

11) Does "unrestricted eligibility" mean individuals can apply?

The summary states unrestricted eligibility but does not specify applicant types in the provided information. Any exclusions, requirements, or clarifications (including whether individuals may apply) would be defined in the full announcement documents.

12) Is there a minimum award amount?

The award floor is listed as 0, which typically indicates that a minimum award size is not specified in the summary record. Award amounts can vary depending on the scope, maturity, and relevance of the proposed research.

13) What kinds of research projects are a good fit for this BAA?

The BAA is intended to support a wide range of basic and applied research efforts aligned with the Navy's science and technology needs. Projects are generally most competitive when they demonstrate strong scientific merit and clearly connect the technical approach to plausible future Navy needs and challenges, even if the work is early-stage research.

14) Is this funding aimed at near-term procurement or acquisition?

The provided information emphasizes that the basic research portion is shaped by NRL's perceptions of emerging and long-term Navy requirements rather than near-term procurement needs. That suggests the focus is more on building knowledge and enabling future capabilities than on immediate acquisition programs.

15) Where do applicants find the current research topic areas and proposal instructions?

Applicants are directed to the linked set of NRL BAA N00173 02 documents for complete details, including the current research topic areas, proposal preparation instructions, evaluation criteria, and any submission windows or review cycles.

16) Are evaluation criteria and review cycles included in the summary?

No. The summary points to the full BAA documents for evaluation criteria and for any submission windows or review cycles that may apply.

17) What should an applicant do if they cannot access the full announcement electronically?

If there are issues accessing the full announcement electronically, the listed point of contact is Sue Kelly, Contract Specialist, at 202-767-6815. The summary also references a general mailbox for assistance.

18) Who is the point of contact for this opportunity?

The point of contact listed is Sue Kelly, Contract Specialist, reachable by phone at 202-767-6815. The summary also mentions a general mailbox for help, but does not provide the mailbox address in the information provided here.

19) Is this opportunity limited to a narrow technical area?

No. It is described as supporting a wide range of basic and applied research efforts across a variety of scientific and technical disciplines, with specific topic areas maintained in the current BAA documents.

20) What is the role of the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) in this program?

NRL runs the BAA and serves as the Navy's corporate laboratory. Through this announcement, NRL solicits and funds research ideas that align with Navy science and technology needs and that may contribute to future naval capabilities.