TACTICAL Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Directed Energy Directorate, has issued a five-year TACTICAL Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) (FA9451-24-S-0001) for research and development in directed energy technologies. This BAA serves as an overarching announcement, with specific research efforts solicited through subsequent "Calls." The current active call is for FY26 Executive Summaries for inclusion in Topic Area Groups (TAGs).
Scope of Work
This BAA covers 14 technical topic areas, including:
- Laser Technologies: Laser Sources, Aero-Effects & Beam Control, Laser System Technologies (Integration & Demonstration), Laser System Modeling & Simulation, Laser Interaction Testing, Laser Interaction Modeling & Simulation (M&S), and Laser Vulnerability Assessments.
- Space Domain Awareness (SDA): Satellite Custody & Characterization (SCC), Identification & Characterization Using Alternate Electro-Optics (EO) Phenomenologies, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Autonomy for SDA.
- High Power Electromagnetics (HPEM): HPEM Modeling & Effects, HPEM Sources & Components, and HPEM Applications.
- Wargaming.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) - Unrestricted. Awards will be various contract types (Cost-Plus-Fixed Fee, Cost Contract, Firm Fixed Price).
- NAICS: 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences), Small Business Size Standard: 1,000 employees.
- Estimated Program Value: $499 million over five fiscal years (FY24-FY28).
- FY26 Executive Summary Due: February 2, 2026, at 1600 MST.
- FY26 TAG Members Announced: By March 16, 2026.
- BAA End Date: November 22, 2028.
Submission & Evaluation
No proposals should be submitted against this overarching BAA. Proposals are only accepted in response to specific Calls. The current Call is for Executive Summaries for FY26 TAG inclusion. These summaries are evaluated on 8 factors, requiring a minimum score of 18 out of 24 points for selection. Offerors not currently in a TAG may submit an Executive Summary for a desired Topic Area. Entities already in a TAG do not need to re-apply unless removed.
Additional Notes
Offerors must monitor SAM.gov for future Calls and amendments. S&T Program Protection requirements include submitting SF 424, a Security Program Questionnaire, and a Privacy Act Statement for key personnel, with foreign influence risk assessments. A DCAA-approved accounting system is required for cost-type contracts. Questions should be sent to afrl.rdlb.tacticalbaa@us.af.mil.