What is a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)?
A BAA is a solicitation method used by government agencies to acquire basic and applied research. Unlike standard contracts, BAAs focus on scientific study and experimentation rather than specific deliverables.
Understanding BAAs
Broad Agency Announcements are used when an agency needs scientific study and experimentation directed toward advancing the state-of-the-art or increasing knowledge or understanding.
They are distinct from Requests for Proposals (RFPs) because they don't have a specific Statement of Work (SOW). Instead, the agency describes a general problem or area of interest, and YOU propose the solution.
Who Uses BAAs?
Commonly used by research-heavy agencies like DARPA, ARPA-H, ONR (Office of Naval Research), ARL (Army Research Lab), and AFRL (Air Force Research Lab).
BAA vs. Standard RFP
| Feature | BAA | Standard RFP |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Advance scientific knowledge | Deliver specific product/service |
| Requirements | General problem statement | Specific Statement of Work (SOW) |
| Evaluation | Peer/Scientific Review | Cost/Price & Technical Acceptability |
| Competition | Proposals evaluated on own merit | Proposals compared against each other |
The Submission Process
White Paper / Abstract
Most BAAs ask for a short (3-5 page) white paper first. This saves you time by getting feedback before writing a full proposal.
Full Proposal Invitation
If the agency likes your white paper, they will "encourage" you to submit a full proposal. You can still submit without encouragement, but chances are low.
Evaluation & Award
Proposals are evaluated on technical merit, importance to agency programs, and fund availability.
Why Pursue BAAs?
- Define Your Own SolutionYou aren't responding to a rigid spec sheet. You tell the government what they should build.
- Open Continuous WindowsMany BAAs stay open for 1-5 years, allowing you to submit when you are ready.
- Direct Access to Program ManagersUnlike RFPs, you are often encouraged to talk to the Technical POC before submitting.
Official Resources
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