Research Interests of the United States Air Force Academy | Apply Online

Opportunity Summary:

The "Research Interests of the United States Air Force Academy" opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number: USAFA BAA 2015) is a broad agency announcement focused on supporting science and technology research and other research and development efforts tied to the mission and educational goals of the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA). It is connected to CFDA 12.800, the Air Force Defense Research Sciences Program. The Academy frames its research investments around three core purposes: improving cadet education through hands-on research, strengthening faculty development by keeping instructors active and current in their fields, and generating research outcomes that can directly enhance the Air Force's ability to carry out its mission.

A central theme of the program is that research at USAFA is intended to be done "by, for, and with cadets." Projects are structured so cadets can work alongside faculty mentors and other cadets, gaining experience with real-world, ill-defined problems rather than purely textbook exercises. The goal is to create independent learning opportunities where cadets must apply technical knowledge, judgment, and creativity in a way that mirrors operational problem solving. At the same time, the Academy emphasizes faculty development as a major driver: research is viewed as a way to broaden and deepen faculty expertise and ensure that classroom instruction is continuously refreshed with relevant, state-of-the-art examples, tools, and applications.

From a technical perspective, the announcement is intentionally wide-ranging and can cover diverse research topics aligned with Air Force needs. The examples provided in the description illustrate that breadth, including areas such as super hypersonics, cyber security, spatial disorientation, athletic performance, and homeland defense. In practice, this means the Academy is open to research concepts across multiple disciplines, as long as the work supports cadet involvement, contributes to faculty scholarship and instructional relevance, and has a plausible connection to Air Force mission capability or future operational advantage.

In terms of funding mechanics, the opportunity is categorized as discretionary and can support multiple award instruments, including cooperative agreements, grants, procurement contracts, or other mechanisms depending on the nature of the work and the specific call. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement. Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning proposals may be submitted by a wide range of entity types, subject to any additional limitations that might appear in specific calls or in the full text of the announcement.

The submission and review process is designed to be rolling and call-driven rather than tied to a single firm deadline. The announcement remains open until it is superseded, and white papers and proposals may be submitted at any time. However, there is an initial preference for submitting a white paper before developing a full proposal. White papers and proposals are reviewed as they are received, and favorable white paper evaluations can lead to a separate Request for Proposal (RFP) or to participation in specific calls issued under the BAA. Each call may add more detailed technical scope, establish cut-off dates, and include terms such as Government Furnished Property availability or Organizational Conflict of Interest requirements. Full proposal due dates are not fixed in the master announcement and instead are provided in the individual RFP or call instructions. The announcement also notes that standard late bid and proposal provisions under FAR 52.215-1(c)(3) apply.

The listed award ceiling is $99,000,000 with an award floor of $0, which signals that award size can vary widely depending on the project, the call, and the selected instrument, and that some submissions may result in no award. For access issues or administrative questions, the point of contact provided is Mara Strobel, Contracting Specialist, at 719-333-4899 or mara.strobel@us.af.mil.

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