Broad Agency Announcement for Fundamental AI Research
🏛 Army Contracting Command Rock Island
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for research institutions and organizations seeking to conduct fundamental artificial intelligence research for the U.S. Army. Eligible applicants typically include universities, research centers, nonprofits, and contractors capable of performing basic, applied, and advanced AI research. The program emphasizes foundational research (budget activities 6.1 and 6.2) with potential for advanced technology development. Applications must address the Army's AI integration priorities and research objectives.
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Program description
The purpose of this combined Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 35 and Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) under 2 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 200.204 (henceforth referred to as “BAA”) is to solicit research proposals for submission to the U.S. Army Artificial Intelligence Integration Center (AI2C) for funding consideration.
This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), for the Army Artificial Intelligence Integration Center (AI2C), is issued under the provisions of paragraph 6.102(d)(2) and 35.016 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), which provides for the acquisition of basic, applied, and advanced research and that part of development not related to the development of a specific system or hardware procurement. This will be done through the competitive selection of proposals, and 10 U.S.C. 4001, 10 U.S.C. 4021, and 10 U.S.C. 4022, which provide the authorities for issuing awards under this announcement for basic, applied, and advanced research. The definitions of basic and applied research may be found at 32 CFR 22.105. Proposals submitted in response to this BAA and selected for award are considered to be the result of full and open competition and in full compliance with the provisions of Public Law 98-369, “The Competition in Contracting Act of 1984” and subsequent amendments.
The Army Artificial Intelligence Integration Center (AI2C) is seeking artificial intelligence research and development whitepapers and proposals in support of new technologies and translational research-based approaches that support the identification, alignment, and exploitation of basic, applied, and advanced research.
AI2C’s foundational research mission spans basic research (budget activity 6.1) and applied research (budget activity 6.2) as defined by 32 CFR 22.105 but may include advanced technology development (budget activity 6.3) and advanced component development and prototypes (budget activity 6.4) when opportunities arise to directly or indirectly help achieve AI2C’s mission.
This publication constitutes a BAA for awards as contemplated in FAR 6.102(d)(2) and 35.016 as well as a merit-based, competitive procedure in accordance with the Department of Defense Grant and Agreement Regulations (DoDGARS) at 32 CFR 22.315(a) and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Other Transaction Guide version 2.0 dated July 2023.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Proposal narrative (project description and research plan)
- Budget and budget justification
- Organizational qualifications and past performance
- Curriculum vitae of key personnel
- Certifications and representations (federal compliance forms)
Program contact
- 👤 Jordan Myers Grantor
- 📧 jordan.m.myers7.civ@army.mil
- 📞 N/A
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 12.431 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$213,594,079
-
$88,655,689
-
$54,356,555
-
$49,736,421
-
$48,908,501
-
$43,820,967
-
$38,292,265
-
$34,850,000
-
$31,526,562
-
$27,457,336
Top States by Funding
- MD 10 awards $367.6M
- MA 13 awards $197.8M
- CA 11 awards $189.5M
- TX 6 awards $129.2M
- PA 9 awards $126.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 12.431). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $764,057,529 | |
| 2025 | $750,782,726 | |
| 2026 est. | $800,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply to this BAA?
Universities, research institutions, nonprofits, and contractors with research capabilities can apply. Check the full BAA for specific partner requirements or restrictions.
What types of research are supported?
Basic research, applied research, and advanced technology development in artificial intelligence. Projects should align with the Army AI Integration Center's mission.
Do I need to submit a Letter of Intent first?
The BAA announcement does not specify an LOI requirement. Review the full solicitation details before submitting.
How competitive is this funding?
Very competitive. This is a federal research award with rigorous peer review and technical evaluation. Proposals must demonstrate innovation and clear Army relevance.
What is the funding range?
Award amounts are not specified in this summary. Consult the full BAA document for budget guidance and examples.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Read the full BAA carefully for specific technical focus areas, review criteria, and submission deadlines listed in the complete solicitation.
- Emphasize how your AI research directly supports Army missions and operational needs, not just academic innovation.
- Include clear milestones, deliverables, and a realistic timeline for translating research into practical applications.
- Budget for research personnel, equipment, and travel; ensure costs are reasonable and well-justified.
- Coordinate with your institution's research office early; federal contracting rules require specific compliance steps and certifications.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposals fail when they lack clear connection to Army AI priorities or focus purely on theoretical research without translational value. Weak project timelines and undefined deliverables reduce competitiveness significantly. Inadequate attention to federal compliance, cost accounting standards, and proper budget justification leads to rejection.
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