1. Topic : Naval Combat System Readiness
NSWC PHD WSD invites innovative research and development proposals to enhance fleet operational readiness and support capabilities. This BAA seeks novel
approaches leveraging advanced technologies and data-driven solutions to improve the maintenance, modernization, and sustainment of naval assets. Areas of interest include: Predictive analysis techniques for enhanced understanding of enemy actions and adaptive planning, with a focus on reducing manpower overhead through advanced technologies and simulation. Fully immersive, simulation-based training using virtual and mixed reality environments for mission planning, analysis, and rehearsal across diverse operational scenarios. Artificially intelligent agents (e.g., computer-based tutors, virtual humans) to improve training effectiveness and reduce costs, focusing on realism, adaptability, and natural language understanding. Predictive data analytics to predict ship maintenance issues. Utilization of proactive fault monitoring for increased operational availability and reduced downtime. NSWC PHD WSD is interested in innovative technologies, predictive analytics, and machine learning to improve efficiencies, identify risks/opportunities, and forecast performance with the goal being to maximize fleet readiness through data-informed strategies, quality, on-time delivery, and continuous improvement.
North American Industry Classification System Code: 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
2. Topic: Hypersonic & Suborbital Research and Validation
NSWC PHD WSD invites innovative research and development proposals to advance hypersonic technologies. This BAA solicits advanced research and efforts in the areas of hypersonic development, advanced instrumentation, autonomous flight termination system development, and computational fluid dynamics modeling. Areas of particular interest include: Hypersonic test-beds and payload validation techniques; Novel high-heat flux measurement methods; Ablatives and materials research; Innovative approaches to prototyping and testing of new flight vehicles: Advanced propulsion systems (e.g., scramjets): Guidance, navigation and control (GNC) systems optimized for hypersonic flight; Thermal management strategies (e.g., novel cooling techniques, high-temperature materials): Characterization and mitigation of aeroelastic effects and flutter; Autonomous flight termination systems: Advanced telemetry encoder and modulation technologies for safer and more efficient testing in hypersonic environments. The goal is to accelerate hypersonic capabilities through cutting-edge research and development.
North American Industry Classification System Code: 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
3. Topic. Directed Energy, Electronic Warfare (EW) and Cybersecurity
NSWC PHD WSD invites innovative research and development proposals to enhance its capabilities in electronic warfare, cybersecurity, and multi-domain simulation. This BAA solicits efforts in the following areas: Electronic Attack Verification and Directed Energy Validation tools allowing for robust testing and evaluation; Directed Energy Proposals for advanced beam control, atmospheric propagation modeling, compact high power sources, and target effects characterization: adaptive electronic warfare techniques, cognitive radio technologies, and advanced signal processing. Proposals for AI-enabled techniques for cyber risk assessments, intrusion detection, post-quantum cryptography, secure coding practices, and Advanced Persistent Threat mitigation. Proposals for Multi-
Domain Simulation with development of a comprehensive platform by fusing existing Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) environments with advanced modeling tools.
North American Industry Classification System Code: 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
4. Topic. Manufacturing & Prototyping
NSWC PHD WSD is soliciting proposals to accelerate the fielding of critical Navy systems through rapid hardware development, comprehensive environmental
qualification testing, and advanced manufacturing/prototyping capabilities. Through this BAA we seek proposals to drastically reduce turnaround time for specialized hardware, including: Advanced materials processing (e.g., additive manufacturing, composites fabrication): Miniature and micro-scale device fabrication: High-precision machining and assembly: Embedded systems development and Rapid prototyping of electronic enclosures and mechanical components. This BAA also invites proposals for development of comprehensive environmental qualification testing capabilities for Navy land based suborbital
launchers and sub-orbital payload systems. The objective is to streamline development and validation processes, enabling faster deployment, enhanced mission
effectiveness, and improved operational readiness through access to unique facilities, expertise, and agile development methodologies.
North American Industry Classification System Code: 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
5. Topic. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Capability
NSWC PHD WSD seeks innovative proposals providing early-stage UAS validation and flight-worthiness support, including airworthiness assessments, system
integration, and operational testing are of particular interest. Proposals for advanced telemetry, modulation, and antenna systems for sea environments to enhance data acquisition and communication from Navy airborne and surface platforms. Innovative proposals for low detection probability communication, alternative communication methodologies, and advanced communication protocols are of interest. The goal is to accelerate the development
and deployment of advanced UAS technologies for critical Navy missions.
North American Industry Classification System Code: 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Background
The Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD) is issuing a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for innovative research and development proposals aimed at enhancing fleet operational readiness and support capabilities. The goal of this BAA is to solicit novel approaches that leverage advanced technologies and data-driven solutions to improve the maintenance, modernization, and sustainment of naval assets across various topics including naval combat system readiness, hypersonic technologies, electronic warfare, manufacturing and prototyping, and unmanned aerial vehicle capabilities.
Grant Details
This BAA invites proposals in the following areas:
1. Naval Combat System Readiness: Focus on predictive analysis techniques, immersive simulation-based training, AI agents for training effectiveness, predictive data analytics for ship maintenance issues, and proactive fault monitoring.
2. Hypersonic & Suborbital Research: Proposals should advance hypersonic technologies including test-beds, high-heat flux measurement methods, materials research, advanced propulsion systems, and autonomous flight termination systems.
3. Directed Energy & Cybersecurity: Proposals should enhance electronic warfare capabilities through verification tools, advanced beam control techniques, AI-enabled cyber risk assessments, and multi-domain simulation platforms.
4. Manufacturing & Prototyping: Proposals should aim to accelerate hardware development through advanced manufacturing techniques and environmental qualification testing capabilities.
5. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Capability: Proposals should focus on UAS validation support including airworthiness assessments and advanced communication systems.
Eligibility Requirements
All responsible sources from academia may submit proposals under this BAA. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Institutions (MIs) are encouraged to participate; however, no portion of this BAA will be set aside specifically for them. Federally Funded Research & Development Centers (FFRDCs) are not eligible for awards but may team with eligible bidders.
Period of Performance
The announcement remains open until 1500 PDT on June 22, 2026 or until replaced by a successor BAA or cancelled by the Government.
Grant Value
The total value of the grant will depend on the quality of proposals received and availability of funds; multiple awards may be made.
Place of Performance
The geographic location for performance is implied to be within the United States due to the nature of the research topics.
