Broad Agency Announcement(BAA)
A general solicitation for research proposals that allows agencies to receive innovative ideas without a formal RFP structure.
Overview
A Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) is a competitive solicitation used by federal agencies to solicit proposals for basic and applied research. Unlike a traditional RFP with rigid specifications, a BAA describes areas of research interest and invites white papers or proposals that offer innovative approaches. Selections are based on scientific merit and relevance rather than lowest price.
Why It Matters in GovCon
BAAs offer a pathway for small businesses, startups, and research organizations to win federal contracts based on innovation rather than incumbency or lowest cost. They are especially common at DoD research agencies like DARPA, AFRL, and ONR, and can lead to prototype development, follow-on production contracts, and long-term research partnerships.
Key Details
- FAR Authority: Governed by FAR 6.102(d)(2) and FAR 35.016, BAAs are a form of full and open competition for research.
- Open Duration: BAAs often remain open for extended periods (sometimes years), accepting proposals on a rolling basis.
- White Papers: Many BAAs request an initial white paper before inviting a full proposal, saving effort for both parties.
- Evaluation: Proposals are evaluated by scientific review panels based on technical merit, innovation, and relevance.
- Award Types: BAAs can result in contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs).
How GovCon Data Can Help
GovCon Data tracks active BAAs across federal agencies, helping researchers and innovators discover funding opportunities aligned with their capabilities before deadlines pass.
Related Terms
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
- Other Transaction Agreement (OTA)
- Research and Development (R&D)
- Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
More Solicitations Terms
A procurement approach where the government selects the offer that provides the greatest overall benefit, considering factors beyond just price.
The group of offerors selected by the government as having a reasonable chance of being awarded the contract, based on initial proposal evaluations.
A solicitation method where the government awards a contract to the lowest-priced responsive, responsible bidder through sealed bidding.
A source selection method where the contract is awarded to the lowest-priced offeror whose proposal meets all technical requirements.
A document that describes required contract outcomes and performance standards rather than prescribing how the work should be done.
A pre-solicitation document where the government seeks industry input on requirements, capabilities, and market conditions before issuing a formal solicitation.
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