APPLICATIONS LAB BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT FOR DISRUPTIVE APPLICATIONS
Can you apply?
This grant is for research organizations, universities, small businesses, and other entities seeking to develop disruptive and innovative technologies or applications for U.S. Army use. The program supports early-stage research and development projects that demonstrate potential to transform military capabilities. Eligible applicants typically include academic institutions, federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), private contractors, and small businesses. Geographic scope is U.S.-based, with preference often given to domestic research. Funded activities center on applied research, prototype development, proof-of-concept demonstrations, and innovative technology transitions that address Army operational needs.
This grant is for research organizations, universities, small businesses, and other entities seeking to develop disruptive and innovative technologies or applications for U.S. Army use. The program supports early-stage research and development projects that demonstrate potential to transform military capabilities. Eligible applicants typically include academic institutions, federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), private contractors, and small businesses. Geographic scope is U.S.-based, with preference often given to domestic research. Funded activities center on applied research, prototype development, proof-of-concept demonstrations, and innovative technology transitions that address Army operational needs.
Program description
This BAA sets forth research areas of interest to the Army Applications Lab (AAL). This BAA is issued under paragraph 6.102(d)(2) of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), which provides for the competitive selection of basic and applied research proposals, and 10 U.S.C. 2358, 10 U.S.C. 2371, and 10 U.S.C. 2371b, which provide the authorities for issuing awards under this announcement for basic and applied research. The definitions of basic and applied research may be found at 32 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 22.105. The definitions of basic and applied research may be found at 32 Code of Federal Regulations (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 provision of Public Law 98- 369, “The Competition in Contracting Act of 1984” and subsequent amendments.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for research organizations, universities, small businesses, and other entities seeking to develop disruptive and innovative technologies or applications for U.S. Army use. The program supports early-stage research and development projects that demonstrate potential to transform military capabilities. Eligible applicants typically include academic institutions, federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), private contractors, and small businesses. Geographic scope is U.S.-based, with preference often given to domestic research. Funded activities center on applied research, prototype development, proof-of-concept demonstrations, and innovative technology transitions that address Army operational needs.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Cover letter or executive summary
- Technical proposal (detailed project narrative, approach, schedule, and milestones)
- Management plan and program organization
- Detailed budget and cost justification
- Resumes or biographical sketches of key personnel
- Letters of commitment from collaborators or partners (if applicable)
- Preliminary data, feasibility studies, or proof-of-concept documentation
- Statement of work and deliverables
- Cost Analysis or Pricing Proposal (CAPP) if required
- Indirect cost rate agreement or negotiated rates documentation
Program contact
- 👤 Ramila Century Grantor
- 📧 aal-baa@army.mil
- 📞 919-549-4214
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
-
$42,638,567
-
$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 10 awards $180.7M
- PA 9 awards $126.4M
- TX 5 awards $114.9M
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 is eligible to apply for this broad agency announcement?
Eligible applicants typically include universities, research institutions, small businesses, large contractors, FFRDCs, and nonprofits with research capacity. All applicants must be U.S.-based organizations. Some restrictions apply to foreign entities and facilities.
What types of projects are funded?
The program supports disruptive, innovative applications and early-stage research with potential military utility. This includes prototype development, proof-of-concept studies, applied research, and transition pathways for novel technologies addressing Army operational challenges.
What are the typical funding amounts and project durations?
BAA funding varies widely based on project scope and phase. Projects may range from initial concept validation ($100K-$500K) to more developed demonstrations (up to several million). Multi-year funding is often available for promising efforts.
How competitive is this BAA?
Broad agency announcements are highly competitive. Success typically requires demonstrating clear innovation, technical feasibility, Army relevance, and transition potential. Strong past performance and experienced teams are valued.
What is the application deadline and process timeline?
The deadline for this BAA is April 4, 2029. Applications opened June 26, 2024. Response to this BAA typically occurs through Grants.gov, with required submission of detailed technical and business proposals.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize the "disruptive" or "innovative" nature of your technology or application—demonstrate how it represents a significant advance over existing approaches and offers novel capability for the Army.
- Clearly articulate the Army's operational problem and how your solution addresses real, documented needs. Reference Army strategy documents, modernization priorities, and published capability gaps.
- Include a credible transition pathway. Reviewers want to see not just novel ideas but clear plans for how the Army will actually adopt and use the technology.
- Demonstrate technical feasibility through preliminary data, proof-of-concept results, or prototype demonstrations. Ambitious ideas backed by evidence stand out.
- Assemble a team with relevant expertise, past Army research experience, and track record of successful delivery. Include key personnel resumes and highlight prior successes with defense contracts.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Many applications fail because they focus on technical sophistication without clearly connecting to Army problems or demonstrating realistic transition potential. Overly ambitious proposals lacking preliminary data or feasibility evidence rarely succeed. Additionally, weak program management plans, unclear budgets, or applicants with limited prior defense research experience often signal higher risk to reviewers.
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