FY26 NAWCAD Propulsion and Power Technology Development Program Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) from the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Air Systems Group, Propulsion and Power Engineering Department, outlines research and development programs for Fiscal Year 2026. The goal is to develop technologies that will significantly enhance mission performance, operational capabilities, and affordability of Naval aircraft. This BAA is open until September 30, 2026.

The BAA covers five technical areas:

• BAA 121: Advanced Aircraft Electrical Power Systems: Focuses on improving power density, energy density, efficiency, reliability, and reducing ownership costs through technologies in power generation, distribution, conversion, energy storage, and thermal management.

• BAA 122: Fuel and Lubricant Technology: Aims to advance tactical fuel and lubricant applications, improve quality and supply, reduce readiness impacts, and lower ownership costs.

• BAA 123: Aircraft Operational Energy Technology: Seeks technologies and methodologies for significant operational energy improvements to increase combat capability and effectiveness, optimizing aircraft energy without negatively affecting readiness or safety.

• BAA 124: Condition Based Maintenance (CBM), Condition Based Maintenance Plus (CBM+), Prognostics, Diagnostics, and Health Monitoring: Focuses on developing technologies to improve aircraft safety, reliability, maintainability, affordability, and availability through advanced maintenance strategies.

• BAA 125: Advanced Propulsion System Technology: Aims to develop propulsion and drive system technologies that significantly improve engine performance, enhance engines and lift systems, and extend aircraft operational capabilities.

• Contract Type: Cost Reimbursable, potentially Cost-Plus Fixed-Fee (CPFF), or other Cost or Cost Sharing arrangements. DCAA approved accounting system is required for cost-reimbursable contracts.

• Period of Performance: Programs are generally one to five years in duration, though alternative periods may be considered.

• Funding: Funding is anticipated to be incremental. Award dates are expected between FY 2025-2029.

• Submission Process: A "Two Step" BAA evaluation process is used. Offerors must first submit White Papers (WPs) detailing the technical approach, risks, milestones, and a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) of costs. WPs should be brief (typically 15 pages). If invited, offerors submit a Formal Technical & Cost Proposal.

• Evaluation Criteria: Proposals will be evaluated based on primary criteria of scientific and technical merits, and potential contributions to Navy objectives. Additional criteria include offeror capabilities, experience, past performance, and cost realism.

• Eligibility: All prospective offerors must meet minimum standards for financial resources, accounting systems, performance schedules, past performance, integrity, organization, experience, operational controls, technical skills, facilities, and equipment. This solicitation is not open to foreign government or foreign entity submissions.

• Encouraged Submissions: Educational institutions, Small Businesses (SBs), Small Disadvantaged Business concerns (SDBs), Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Minority Institutions (MIs), Veteran-Owned Small Business, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, and Women-Owned Small Business concerns are encouraged to submit proposals.

• Subcontracting Plan: Required for proposals exceeding $700,000 with subcontracting possibilities, detailing plans for SBs, SDBs, HBCUs/MIs, etc.

• Points of Contact: Technical points of contact are provided for each research interest topic.

• SAM Registration: Offerors are required to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) prior to award.

• Organizational Conflicts of Interest: Offerors must disclose any potential organizational conflicts of interest.