Research Interests of the United States Air Force Academy (formerly USAFA-BAA-2021)
Funds research activities that advance Air Force Academy cadet learning, faculty development, and Air Force mission needs, through awards that serve a public purpose.
⚑ Broad agency announcement with no deadline; awards may be made as grants, cooperative agreements, other transactions, or procurement contracts. · Federal agencies are not evaluated under this BAA; they must use internal Government procedures. · Research must benefit USAFA objectives, including cadet education and Air Force mission needs.
Unit fits — one characterization, each unit's own rules
| Physical Sciences & Engineering (demo) | 90 strong | technical depth: central; funds basic research |
| IPPRA | 58 good | portfolio topics: national_security_defense, cybersecurity (primary); social/behavioral work is minor; funds basic research |
| Tom Love Innovation Hub | 30 weak | prototyping/demonstration stage; deep-tech content |
Description
The USAFA invests in an active research program for three main reasons. First and foremost, research significantly enhances the cadet learning experience. Our research is done by, for and with cadets who work alongside fellow cadets and faculty mentors. Research provides cadets with rich independent learning opportunities as they tackle ill-defined problems and are challenged to apply their knowledge and abilities.
Second, our research program provides opportunities essential for faculty development. Research broadens and deepens the experience base of the faculty. This infuses current, relevant, state-of-the-art and cutting-edge applications and examples into the curriculum. This also helps our faculty remain current in their respective fields.
Third, at USAFA we strive to conduct research to enhance the ability of the Air Force to perform its mission. There are ongoing research projects spanning topics as diverse as super hypersonics, cyber security, spatial disorientation, athletic performance and homeland defense. This BAA offers a vehicle for research to be performed to satisfy these three objectives, while also meeting research needs of industry counterparts/serve a public purpose. USAFA’s partnerships with non-Government firms enables development in the public arena, stimulating the studies in the greater technical community. All awards issued against this BAA must serve to benefit the objectives identified above.
Eligibility
White papers and proposals from Federal Agencies, including subcontracting/sub-Non-Federal Entity (NFE) efforts will not be evaluated under this BAA. Federal agencies should contact the Department of Research associated with the given technical area listed in Section I of the BAA to discuss funding through internal Government procedures.
Apply
View on Grants.gov → CONTACT: Chelsea A Huff Contracting-Grants Officer <10MSG.LGCC@us.af.mil>
Proposal brief SEE AN EXAMPLE →
A one-page internal memo: fit assessment, submission requirements, document scaffold, and next steps dated back from the deadline — tailored to your project idea if you add one.
Proposal shell · Department of Defense (BAA-style) conventions SEE A DOD EXAMPLE →
Funder-faithful document skeletons — Department of Defense (BAA-style)'s document set with section headings, page limits, reviewer guidance, and writing prompts; add a project idea to get [DRAFT] starter bullets. Download as .md for Word or Overleaf.