Sea Based Aviation Aircraft Science and Technology | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the "Sea Based Aviation Aircraft Science and Technology" opportunity?

This is a competitive research solicitation issued by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) focused on science and technology that supports sea-based aviation. "Sea-based aviation" refers to aircraft and aviation systems that operate from ships and in maritime environments.

2. What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) for this announcement?

The Funding Opportunity Number is N00014-15-R-BA15.

3. What type of solicitation is this (BAA, RFP, etc.)?

The announcement is structured as a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) style effort.

4. Is the opportunity competitive?

Yes. It is described as a competitive research solicitation.

5. What kinds of research does ONR want under this opportunity?

ONR is seeking both early-stage (basic) research and more near-term (applied) research ideas that advance science and technology relevant to sea-based aviation. The detailed technical scope and topic areas are described in the full BAA text.

6. Where can I find the specific technical topic areas for this opportunity?

The technical scope is described in detail in the BAA itself. Applicants are directed to the full BAA text for the specific topic areas.

7. Does this opportunity use a white paper process?

Yes. ONR invites initial white papers and requests full proposals only from offerors that are selected or encouraged to proceed based on the white paper review.

8. Do I submit a full proposal right away?

Not typically. The process described is: submit a white paper first, then ONR invites or encourages certain offerors to submit full proposals based on the white paper review.

9. Where do I find white paper due dates and submission instructions?

White paper due dates, submission instructions, evaluation criteria, and other official requirements are specified in the full BAA text.

10. What evaluation criteria will ONR use?

The evaluation criteria are referenced as being included in the BAA. You would need to consult the full BAA text for the exact criteria and how they are applied.

11. What funding or award instruments might ONR use?

ONR indicates it may make awards using multiple instrument types, including grants, other procurement mechanisms, and contracts. The instrument used may depend on the nature of the work and the government need.

12. What is the program category or research area classification?

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

13. What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

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

14. Is cost sharing required?

No. Cost sharing is not required, meaning applicants generally do not need to provide matching funds as a condition of eligibility. The BAA may still allow or consider voluntary cost share depending on program rules.

15. Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as unrestricted in the listing, meaning it is broadly open to different kinds of entities (for example, universities, nonprofits, and for-profits), subject to any additional constraints or clarifications contained in the BAA section titled "Additional Information on Eligibility."

16. Are there additional eligibility limits I should watch for?

Yes. Even though the listing says "unrestricted," the BAA may include additional constraints (for example, organizational type, country of performance, security considerations, export control, or other compliance requirements common in defense-related research). The controlling requirements are in the full BAA text.

17. When was this opportunity posted and when did it close?

The listing indicates it was posted on August 12, 2015, created on August 27, 2015, and had an original closing date of November 19, 2015. The closing date was later updated to December 4, 2015. White paper due dates are specified in the BAA.

18. Is this opportunity still open?

No. The archive date is December 19, 2015, which indicates the opportunity is no longer active.

19. If it is archived, why is the listing still useful?

Even though it is no longer active, the summary is useful for understanding the structure and typical requirements of ONR sea-based aviation research BAAs (for example, the white paper-first approach and the use of multiple award instrument types).

20. Where can I find ONR BAAs (including the full text for this one)?

The announcement points to an ONR page that hosts all ONR BAAs. That ONR BAA page is where the full technical description and official instructions would be found.

21. Who was the point of contact for this opportunity?

The listing provided a point of contact for applicants who could not access the announcement electronically: Ana Lugaro, Contract Specialist, at 703-696-4511.

22. Who should I contact for submission or Grants.gov technical support?

The listing referenced Grants.gov support for submission-related questions.

23. Where are the official requirements and controlling details located?

The controlling details (topic areas, instructions, evaluation criteria, eligibility clarifications, and white paper due dates) are in the full BAA text. The summary indicates applicants should rely on the BAA itself for those specifics.