DEVCOM ARMY RESEARCH LABORATORY BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT FOR FOUNDATIONAL RESEARCH

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Special Notice from the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM), Army Research Laboratory (ARL), referencing Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) W911NF-23-S-0001. It announces a "Call for literature review on information architectures in sensor networks for decision making in coalition operations." The effort is funded jointly by the U.S. Army and the U.K. Ministry of Defence (MOD).

This notice invites proposals for a funded literature review with a total funding of up to $100k USD and a duration of up to 9 months. The review aims to clarify significant alternative information architectures relevant to information fusion in networks of heterogeneous sensors that enable effective coalition decision-making. Proposals are due by March 15, 2024, with an anticipated award start date of June 30, 2024. The notice outlines eligibility, proposal requirements, evaluation criteria, and provides contact information for submission and technical questions. It is relevant to organizations with expertise in sensor networks, information fusion, and coalition operations research.

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 2b to the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) W911NF-23-S-0001-0002.

This amendment updates the BAA. Specific details of the changes are not provided in the document excerpt, but it is noted that amendments are issued to incorporate programmatic or administrative changes.

Potential applicants should refer to the ARL BAA topics website and SAM.gov for the most current information regarding this BAA, including any updates or amendments that may affect submission requirements or deadlines.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding the Army Research Risk Assessment Program (ARRP). The ARRP aims to identify and mitigate risks associated with Conflicts of Commitment/Conflicts of Interest (CoC/CoI) in Army research grants and cooperative agreements, particularly concerning foreign influence and intellectual property protection.

• ARRP Objective: To identify and mitigate risks of CoC/CoI in Army research grants and cooperative agreements, driven by Congressional law (NDAA 2019, 2020, 2021) and Executive Direction (NSPM-33) to protect intellectual property, controlled information, and critical technologies from foreign interference.
• Risk Factors: The ARRP utilizes a risk matrix/rubric assessing four types of risk factors: foreign talent programs, denied entity list affiliation, CoC/CoI, and affiliation with entities from strategic competitors.
• Senior/Key Personnel: Defined as individuals contributing substantively to a research project and designated as a covered individual by the Federal research agency. Disclosures for these individuals, including collaborations and current/pending support, are required.
• Proposal Impact: ARRP assessments can affect award funding. Proposers may be given the opportunity to provide mitigation plans for identified risks (Moderate or High).
• Foreign Influence: The program addresses undue influence from various countries, not solely the People's Republic of China, and values collaboration with foreign partners.

This FAQ clarifies requirements and processes related to risk assessment for Army research funding opportunities. Bidders should pay close attention to disclosure requirements for Senior/Key Personnel and understand how potential risks and mitigation plans may influence proposal evaluation and award decisions.

Amendment / Modification

• Amendment 01 to the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) W911NF-23-S-0001-0001 has been posted on 15 February 2023.

This amendment does not specify which sections of the original BAA are affected.

This amendment does not indicate any changes to proposal deadlines or submission requirements.