BAABROAD (Agency Announcement)

What is BAABROAD (Agency Announcement)?

A BAABROAD, or Agency Announcement, is a specific type of solicitation used by government agencies, particularly within the Department of Defense (DoD) and other research-oriented departments, to invite proposals for basic and applied research and development (R&D) projects. It differs from a traditional Request for Proposal (RFP) in its focus and the latitude it allows potential offerors. The primary goal of a BAABROAD is to stimulate innovative ideas and concepts.

Definition

BAABROADs are governed by Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 35, which outlines policies and procedures for acquiring research and development. Unlike RFPs that specify detailed requirements for a particular product or service, BAABROADs are used when an agency seeks a broad range of solutions and innovative approaches to address a research problem. They aim to cast a wide net, attracting proposals that might not fit neatly into pre-defined categories. This enables agencies to explore cutting-edge technologies and breakthrough ideas that could significantly advance their missions. The resulting awards are typically contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements depending on the level of government involvement.

BAABROADs are critical for government contractors seeking to engage in research and development projects, as they offer a unique opportunity to propose innovative solutions and secure funding for groundbreaking work. Understanding the nuances of BAABROADs is essential for companies looking to contribute to technological advancements and secure government funding in the R&D arena. Due to the nature of the work, BAABROADs can require a deeper level of technical expertise and innovative problem-solving.

Key Points

• Focus on Innovation: BAABROADs emphasize the novelty and potential impact of proposed research, rather than solely focusing on cost or past performance.
• Broad Scope: They cover a wide range of research areas, allowing contractors to propose solutions that may not fit neatly into defined categories.
• Flexible Evaluation: The evaluation criteria typically prioritize scientific merit, technical feasibility, and the potential for significant advancements.
• Funding Mechanisms: Awards can be structured as contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements, depending on the agency's level of involvement in the research.

Practical Examples

1. DARPA's BAABROADs: The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) frequently uses BAABROADs to solicit proposals for high-risk, high-reward research projects that could lead to revolutionary technologies. An example would be DARPA issuing a BAABROAD seeking novel approaches to artificial intelligence or advanced materials.
2. NIH's BAABROADs: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) uses BAABROADs to encourage research into new therapies, diagnostic tools, and preventive measures for various diseases. For instance, an NIH BAABROAD might seek innovative solutions for early cancer detection or treatments for neurodegenerative disorders.
3. Department of Energy's BAABROADs: The Department of Energy (DOE) issues BAABROADs to foster research in areas like renewable energy, energy efficiency, and advanced grid technologies. This could include solicitations for new battery technologies, solar energy harvesting methods, or smart grid solutions.