Project on Advanced Systems and Concepts for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the PASCC Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)?

The Project on Advanced Systems and Concepts for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (PASCC) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) is a standing Department of Defense research solicitation issued through the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA). Its purpose is to bring in new ideas, technical approaches, and analytical work that can support DoD efforts to counter weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

Who issues and manages this opportunity?

The BAA is issued by the Department of Defense through the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA). It is managed through the United States Air Forces Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) in partnership with PASCC.

What is the main goal of this BAA?

The goal is to create a flexible pipeline of research options that DoD can draw on as national security needs evolve. Instead of funding one narrowly defined project, USAFA can use the BAA to identify emerging problems, request white papers and proposals, and make awards that align with current and future counter-WMD priorities.

Is this a single project grant or a broader research solicitation?

It is a broader research solicitation. The BAA is designed as a flexible mechanism to support multiple research efforts across a wide scope, rather than a one-time competition for a single, predefined project.

What research areas does the BAA support?

The scope is intentionally broad and focused on countering WMD. It is meant to cover technical, operational, strategic, and analytical work that supports DoD priorities in the WMD and counter-WMD space, and it can adapt as new threats, technology gaps, and operational challenges emerge.

Is the solicitation open on a rolling basis?

Yes. The announcement is described as standing and continuously accepting research concepts as national security needs evolve. It remains open until it is superseded, which generally means concepts can be submitted over time rather than only during a short window.

Does the BAA accept white papers, full proposals, or both?

Both. The government explicitly invites initial white papers and more detailed proposals. This often functions like a two-step approach where a short concept submission may be used to assess fit before a full proposal is requested or encouraged.

How does the white paper step typically fit into the process described?

Based on the description, white papers can serve as an initial concept submission to gauge interest and alignment with DoD needs. If the topic matches current priorities, the applicant may be encouraged to submit a more detailed full technical proposal for consideration.

What types of award instruments may be used?

The BAA indicates that awards may be made using cooperative agreements, grants, and procurement contracts. The government may choose the instrument type depending on the nature of the work and the level of government involvement needed.

What is the difference between a grant, a cooperative agreement, and a procurement contract under this BAA?

The description indicates grants and cooperative agreements are typically used for research where outcomes may be exploratory. Cooperative agreements can involve substantial government involvement. Procurement contracts are generally used when the government is acquiring specific deliverables or services to meet a defined requirement.

How could the selected award instrument affect a project?

The instrument type can shape expectations around deliverables, reporting, and the working relationship with the government. The description also notes that it may affect intellectual property considerations and the degree of government involvement, so applicants should be clear about outcomes and how the work supports DoD mission needs.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as unrestricted. It is open to a wide range of applicants, including businesses and academic institutions, and potentially other entity types as allowed by the solicitation terms and any clarifications in the official text.

Are teams or consortium approaches appropriate for this BAA?

The description notes that BAAs like this often attract universities, research centers, small businesses, large defense contractors, and nonprofits, and that applicants sometimes work in teams or consortiums when projects require interdisciplinary expertise.

What is the maximum possible award amount?

The opportunity lists an award ceiling of $25,000,000. This ceiling represents the maximum potential size of an individual award under the announcement, not the typical size of every award.

How many awards does the program expect to make?

The opportunity indicates an expected number of awards of around 150, suggesting the program intends to fund a portfolio of projects rather than only a small number of large efforts.

Does an expected 150 awards mean every award will be large?

No. The description suggests a portfolio approach, with projects potentially ranging from smaller focused studies to larger multi-year research efforts. The award ceiling is a maximum and does not imply most awards will be at that level.

What type of work is this funding intended to support?

The activity category is described as science and technology and other research and development. The description emphasizes generating new knowledge, prototypes, analytical tools, and operationally relevant concepts that contribute to countering WMD.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA 12.800, which aligns with military research and development support.

Why is the BAA described as flexible?

It is structured to avoid being locked into a single static problem statement. USAFA can use it to solicit and make awards as technology issues are identified and as threat trends and operational needs change.

How should applicants position their research concepts based on the description?

The description suggests applicants should clearly connect their work to DoD mission needs in countering WMD and be specific about expected outcomes and deliverables, since the government may choose among different award instruments depending on the nature of the effort.

How long will this BAA remain available?

The posting indicates it remains open until it is superseded. That generally means it stays active until replaced by an updated announcement.

What does it mean that the BAA is a "standing research solicitation"?

It means the solicitation is ongoing rather than a one-time competition. It is intended to continuously accept research concepts and feed a pipeline of projects that can be funded as priorities and needs evolve.

Is the opportunity limited to technical laboratory research?

No. The description indicates it can support a wide range of counter-WMD work, including technical approaches (such as advanced methods) and analytical or policy-focused efforts (such as concepts of operation, deterrence, and consequence management), as long as they align with DoD priorities.

What role do USAFA, INSS, and PASCC play in this program?

USAFA is the issuing organization for the BAA. INSS manages the announcement in partnership with PASCC, supporting the process of receiving concepts and proposals and enabling awards that support USAFA/PASCC counter-WMD efforts.