Special Program Announcement for 2013 | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This is the Office of Naval Research (ONR) Special Program Announcement for 2013, Funding Opportunity Number 13 SN 0022. It is a discretionary federal research funding opportunity tied to the FY13 ONR Long Range Broad Agency Announcement (BAA13-001).

2) How does this Special Program Announcement relate to the ONR BAA?

The announcement is linked to BAA13-001 and is positioned as a focused call within that broader BAA framework. It is intended to steer the research community toward a defined set of structural materials questions relevant to naval and sea warfare needs, while also outlining an expected schedule for white papers and full proposals.

3) What technical area does this opportunity fall under?

The topic sits within ONR's Sea Warfare and Weapons Department (Code 33), specifically within the Structural Materials area described in the BAA.

4) What is the purpose of the announcement beyond offering funding?

ONR describes this as a community-shaping notice as well as a funding opportunity. It is meant to highlight the technical areas to be studied, encourage early dialogue among potential performers, and communicate a planned timetable for submitting white papers and proposals.

5) How many awards does ONR expect to make?

ONR indicates it expects to make up to two awards.

6) What is the anticipated award size?

Each award is anticipated to be funded at roughly up to $700,000 per year.

7) What is the expected period of performance?

The total performance period is anticipated to be 48 months (four years).

8) What type of funding instrument will be used?

The funding instrument is listed as a grant. The instrument type field also references a procurement contract, and the activity is categorized broadly as science and technology and other research and development.

9) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is stated in the information provided.

10) What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity, and what does it indicate?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA 12.300, Basic and Applied Scientific Research. This signals the work is aimed at basic through applied research that can support future naval capabilities.

11) Who is eligible to apply as a prime applicant?

Eligibility is broad for "responsible sources" in academia and industry.

12) Are HBCUs and Minority Institutions eligible or encouraged?

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Institutions (MIs) are encouraged to apply or participate on teams. However, ONR is not setting aside any portion of the work exclusively for those institutions because the research is not considered easily separable for set-aside competition.

13) Are Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) eligible to receive awards directly?

No. FFRDCs, including Department of Energy national laboratories, are not eligible to receive awards directly under this BAA.

14) Can Navy labs, warfare centers, or other government labs apply as the prime?

No. Navy laboratories, warfare centers, and other Department of Defense or civilian agency laboratories should not submit white papers or proposals as prime applicants under this announcement.

15) If certain federal entities are ineligible as primes, can they still participate?

Yes. Ineligible federal entities may participate through teaming arrangements with eligible prime offerors, provided that such collaboration is allowed under the relevant sponsoring agreements or contracts.

16) Are University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs) eligible?

UARCs are generally eligible unless their specific Department of Defense UARC contract restricts participation.

17) Are collaborative teams encouraged?

Yes. The announcement emphasizes collaborative expectations and encourages teams.

18) What does ONR mean by an "integrated program environment"?

Offerors must be willing to cooperate in an integrated program environment, including exchanging software, data, and other information with other ONR-selected contractors and with system integrators. The expectation is coordinated research rather than isolated efforts.

19) What are the implications of required information sharing (software/data) for project planning?

Because the announcement anticipates exchange of software, data, and other information among multiple parties, applicants should plan for multi-party collaboration and consider how to handle intellectual property and data-sharing approaches consistent with that environment.

20) Are there export control considerations?

Yes. The notice flags export control constraints for some topics. If a proposed effort touches export-controlled technologies, participation may be limited to U.S. persons as defined by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 CFR 120.1 et seq.

21) Can non-U.S. persons or international partners participate?

The announcement indicates that if the work involves export-controlled technologies, participation may be limited to U.S. persons under ITAR. Applicants involving non-U.S. persons, international partners, or overseas work should pay close attention to these restrictions and structure teams and workshare accordingly.

22) Are the funding levels, schedule, or scope guaranteed as stated?

No. ONR notes that the plan described is subject to change at the government's discretion, which means funding levels, timing, or scope could be adjusted based on priorities and available funds.

23) What are the key dates for this opportunity?

The posted and creation date is July 18, 2013. The original and current closing date is November 12, 2013. The archive date is December 12, 2013.

24) Who should be contacted for access issues with the full announcement?

For access issues with the full announcement, the listed point of contact is Mary Helen Dent, Contract Specialist, at 703-254-7288.

25) Who should be contacted for submission-related questions?

The notice references Grants.gov support for submission-related questions.