Opportunity Information: Apply for BAA AFRL AFOSR 2015 0001
Apply for BAA AFRL AFOSR 2015 0001
- The Air Force Office of Scientific Research in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Research Interests of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 12.800 Air Force Defense Research Sciences Program.
- This funding opportunity was created on May 6, 2015 and posted on May 7, 2015.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Open until superseded.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $80,000,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education For profit organizations other than small businesses Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification) Small businesses Private institutions of higher education.
- All responsible, potential applicants from academia and industry are eligible to submit proposals (but see additional eligibility requirements for conferences and workshops under Section I. f). AFOSR particularly encourages proposals from small businesses however, no portion of this BAA is set aside for a specific group. Proposals from Federal Agencies, including subcontracting/subrecipient efforts will not be evaluated under this BAA. Federal agencies should contact the primary POCs listed under each technical area to discuss funding through the internal Government procedures.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) is seeking proposals under a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) focused on basic research that can ultimately strengthen U.S. Air Force capabilities. AFOSR sits within the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) enterprise and plays the central role in planning, coordinating, and executing AFRL's basic research program. In practice, that means AFOSR funds and oversees early-stage scientific work, often in universities, industry labs, and Air Force laboratories, with the expectation that strong foundational discoveries can later be transitioned into applied technologies and operational advantages for the Air Force. The overarching emphasis is on research that can deliver broad, meaningful benefits to national warfighting and peacekeeping needs rather than narrow, one-off demonstrations.
The technical scope is organized into two major scientific departments. The first is Engineering and Information Science (often labeled RTA), which typically covers areas such as advanced engineering concepts, information-centric technologies, computing, sensing, autonomy, communications, control, and other foundational work that underpins next-generation systems. The second is Physical and Biological Sciences (RTB), which generally spans core physical science disciplines (for example, materials, physics, chemistry, and related fields) as well as biological and bio-inspired research areas that could influence performance, resilience, health, or novel capabilities. The announcement indicates that research activities are managed within these departments and summarized within the full BAA, and applicants are expected to align proposals to the relevant technical area points of contact and topics described there.
This opportunity is listed as discretionary funding and can be issued through multiple award instruments, including grants, cooperative agreements, procurement contracts, and potentially other mechanisms depending on the nature of the work and the level of expected government involvement. The funding activity category is science and technology and other research and development, and the CFDA number associated with the program is 12.800 (Air Force Defense Research Sciences Program). There is no cost sharing or matching requirement stated, which means proposers generally do not need to commit institutional matching funds as a condition of eligibility, though project-specific budgeting expectations would still apply.
A notable feature of this BAA is that it is open-ended: it was posted in May 2015 and is described as "open until superseded," meaning AFOSR can accept and review proposals on an ongoing basis until the announcement is replaced or updated. The listed award floor is $3,000 and the award ceiling is $80,000,000, which signals that AFOSR may support everything from small, limited-scope efforts (including certain events or targeted research tasks) up through very large programs, depending on topic fit, strategic value, and available funds. The wide range also suggests applicants should focus less on the headline ceiling and more on proposing a realistic budget tied to a compelling basic-research plan and a credible pathway for transition of results.
Eligibility is broad across academia and industry. Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, nonprofits (including both 501(c)(3) and certain non-501(c)(3) entities), for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), and small businesses, as well as other applicants as clarified in the full announcement. AFOSR explicitly encourages submissions from small businesses, but the BAA is not reserved for any particular group and no set-aside is described. One important restriction is that proposals from federal agencies will not be evaluated under this BAA, including efforts where a federal agency would participate as a subcontractor or subrecipient. Federal agencies are directed instead to contact the relevant technical points of contact to discuss support through internal government funding procedures.
Overall, the opportunity is best understood as an open, continuing call for high-quality basic research ideas that align with AFOSR priorities and can mature into future Air Force-relevant technologies or scientific advantages. Strong proposals typically articulate the fundamental scientific question being addressed, why it matters, what makes the approach novel, how success will be measured, and how the resulting knowledge could transition into the Air Force ecosystem over time, even if the work itself remains squarely in the basic research category.
For administrative or access issues related to the full announcement, the notice provides points of contact including King Nwoha (Contract Specialist) at 703-696-1146 and Kathy Walston (Procurement Analyst) at 937-255-9493, along with a business office email referenced in the posting, and directs applicants to the AFOSR website for further information and current technical topic details.
AFOSR BAA (Basic Research) - Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is this funding opportunity?
This is a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) seeking proposals for basic research intended to ultimately strengthen U.S. Air Force capabilities.
2) Who is AFOSR and what role does it play?
AFOSR is part of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) enterprise and serves as the central organization for planning, coordinating, and executing AFRL's basic research program. In practice, AFOSR funds and oversees early-stage scientific work across universities, industry laboratories, and Air Force laboratories.
3) What type of research is AFOSR looking to support under this BAA?
The BAA emphasizes basic research with the potential to provide broad, meaningful benefits to national warfighting and peacekeeping needs. The focus is on foundational discoveries rather than narrow, one-off demonstrations.
4) How is the technical scope organized?
The technical scope is organized into two major scientific departments:
- Engineering and Information Science (RTA): Advanced engineering concepts, information-centric technologies, computing, sensing, autonomy, communications, control, and related foundational areas underpinning next-generation systems.
- Physical and Biological Sciences (RTB): Core physical sciences (such as materials, physics, chemistry, and related fields) and biological/bio-inspired research areas that could influence performance, resilience, health, or novel capabilities.
5) How do applicants choose the right topic or point of contact?
Applicants are expected to align proposals with the relevant technical area points of contact and topics described in the full BAA. The notice also directs applicants to the AFOSR website for current technical topic details.
6) What kinds of award instruments can be used?
The opportunity may result in awards through multiple instrument types, including grants, cooperative agreements, procurement contracts, and potentially other mechanisms. The instrument used can depend on the nature of the work and the level of expected government involvement.
7) Is this discretionary funding?
Yes. The opportunity is listed as discretionary funding.
8) What is the funding activity category?
The funding activity category is science and technology and other research and development.
9) What CFDA number is associated with this program?
The CFDA number associated with this program is 12.800 (Air Force Defense Research Sciences Program).
10) Is cost sharing or matching required?
No cost sharing or matching requirement is stated in the information provided. Proposers generally do not need to commit institutional matching funds as a condition of eligibility, although project-specific budgeting expectations still apply.
11) When was this BAA posted and is it still open?
The BAA was posted in May 2015 and is described as "open until superseded," meaning AFOSR can accept and review proposals on an ongoing basis until the announcement is replaced or updated.
12) What does "open until superseded" mean for submissions?
It indicates an open-ended submission window where proposals may be accepted and reviewed on a continuing basis, until AFOSR issues a replacement or updated announcement.
13) What is the minimum and maximum potential award size?
The listed award floor is $3,000 and the award ceiling is $80,000,000, reflecting that AFOSR may support small limited-scope efforts up through very large programs depending on fit, value, and available funds.
14) Should applicants target the maximum award ceiling?
The wide range suggests applicants should propose a realistic budget tied to a compelling basic-research plan and a credible pathway for transition of results, rather than focusing on the headline ceiling.
15) Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes:
- Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- Nonprofits, including 501(c)(3) and certain non-501(c)(3) organizations
- For-profit organizations (other than small businesses)
- Small businesses
- Other applicants as clarified in the full announcement
16) Are small businesses encouraged to apply?
Yes. AFOSR explicitly encourages submissions from small businesses, although the BAA is not described as reserved for any particular group and no set-aside is indicated.
17) Can federal agencies apply or participate as team members?
No. Proposals from federal agencies will not be evaluated under this BAA, including proposals where a federal agency would participate as a subcontractor or subrecipient.
18) What should a federal agency do if it wants to pursue support related to this research area?
Federal agencies are directed to contact the relevant technical points of contact to discuss support through internal government funding procedures.
19) What characteristics are associated with strong proposals under this BAA?
Strong proposals typically explain the fundamental scientific question, why it matters, what makes the approach novel, how success will be measured, and how the resulting knowledge could transition into the Air Force ecosystem over time, even though the work remains basic research.
20) What is meant by a "pathway for transition" in a basic research context?
It refers to articulating how foundational results could later mature into applied technologies or operational advantages for the Air Force, even if the proposed effort itself focuses on early-stage science.
21) Where can applicants find the full announcement and current topic details?
The notice directs applicants to the AFOSR website for further information and for current technical topic details, and indicates that the full BAA includes department-managed activities and topic descriptions.
22) Who are the listed contacts for administrative or access issues?
The notice lists the following points of contact for administrative or access issues related to the full announcement:
- King Nwoha (Contract Specialist): 703-696-1146
- Kathy Walston (Procurement Analyst): 937-255-9493
The notice also references a business office email address in the posting.
23) What kinds of performers does AFOSR typically fund for early-stage work?
AFOSR often funds early-stage scientific work performed in universities, industry laboratories, and Air Force laboratories.
24) Is this opportunity limited to a single scientific discipline?
No. The BAA spans a wide range of disciplines across engineering, information science, physical sciences, and biological/bio-inspired sciences as organized under the two departments described.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Next opportunity: NLM Administrative Supplements for Informationist Services in NIH funded Research Projects (Admin Supp)
Previous opportunity: DoD Neurofibromatosis New Investigator Award
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for BAA AFRL AFOSR 2015 0001
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (BAA AFRL AFOSR 2015 0001) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Endangered Species Recovery 2015 Apply for F15AS00216 Funding Number: F15AS00216 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $110,000 |
| DoD Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Exploration Hypothesis Development Award Apply for W81XWH 15 TSCRP EHDA Funding Number: W81XWH 15 TSCRP EHDA Agency: Dept. of the Army USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Pilot Clinical Trial Award Apply for W81XWH 15 TSCRP PCTA Funding Number: W81XWH 15 TSCRP PCTA Agency: Dept. of the Army USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Idea Development Award Apply for W81XWH 15 TSCRP IDA Funding Number: W81XWH 15 TSCRP IDA Agency: Dept. of the Army USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Request for Information (RFI) Office of Technology Transitions Apply for DE FOA 0001346 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001346 Agency: Headquarters Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Dynamic Distributed Resource Management (DDRM) Apply for DE FOA 0001344 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001344 Agency: Office of Science Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| ROSES 2015 Heliophysics Technology and Instrument Development for Science Apply for NNH15ZDA001N HTIDS Funding Number: NNH15ZDA001N HTIDS Agency: NASA Headquarters Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| ROSES 2015 Citizen science Asteroid Data, Education, and Tools Apply for NNH15ZDA001N CADET Funding Number: NNH15ZDA001N CADET Agency: NASA Headquarters Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Great Lakes Northern Forests CESU Apply for G15AS00073 Funding Number: G15AS00073 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| ROSES 2015 New Frontiers Homesteader Apply for NNH15ZDA001N NFH Funding Number: NNH15ZDA001N NFH Agency: NASA Headquarters Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Developing integrated predator management to restore diverse, mesic, montane forest communities in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Apply for G15AC00190 Funding Number: G15AC00190 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $112,000 |
| Domestic Nuclear Detection Office Academic Research Initiative (ARI) Apply for DHS 15 DNDO 077 001 Funding Number: DHS 15 DNDO 077 001 Agency: Office of Procurement Operations Grants Division Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Revolutionary Fibers and Textiles Manufacturing Innovation Institute (RFT MII) Apply for W15QKN 15 R 0074 Funding Number: W15QKN 15 R 0074 Agency: Dept of the Army Materiel Command Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Basic Metapopulation Viability Analysis (MVA) for the tidewater goby Apply for F15AS00218 Funding Number: F15AS00218 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| EAR Postdoctoral Fellowships Apply for 15 568 Funding Number: 15 568 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Gulf War Illness Innovative Treatment Evaluation Award Apply for W81XWH 15 GWIRP ITEA Funding Number: W81XWH 15 GWIRP ITEA Agency: Dept. of the Army USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| ROSES 2015 New (Early Career) Investigator Program in Earth Science Apply for NNH15ZDA001N NIP Funding Number: NNH15ZDA001N NIP Agency: NASA Headquarters Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Ecological Services 2015 Apply for F15AS00222 Funding Number: F15AS00222 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $55,125 |
| ROSES 2015 Solar System Workings Apply for NNH15ZDA001N SSW Funding Number: NNH15ZDA001N SSW Agency: NASA Headquarters Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| SPACE TECHNOLOGY ANNOUNCEMENT OF COLLABORATIVE OPPORTUNITY ACO UTILIZING PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS TO ADVANCE EMERGING SPACE TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM CAPABILITIES Apply for NNH15ZOA001K Funding Number: NNH15ZOA001K Agency: NASA Headquarters Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "BAA AFRL AFOSR 2015 0001", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.