Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences Broad Agency Announcement for Basic Scientific Research (2017)

This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for the Foundational Science Research Unit (FSRU) of the U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) solicits new proposals for its fiscal year 2017 program of basic research in behavioral science. It is issued under the provisions of paragraph 6.102(d) (2) and 35.016 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), which provides for the acquisition of basic and applied research and that part of development not related to the development of a specific system or hardware procurement through the competitive selection of proposals. 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 provisions of Public Law 98-369, Section 2701, "The Competition in Contracting Act of 1984" and subsequent amendments. The U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences is the Army's lead agency for the conduct of research, development, and analyses for the improvement of Army readiness and performance via research advances and applications of the behavioral and social sciences that address personnel, organization, training, and leader development issues. The basic research program supports research projects that are designed to expand fundamental knowledge and discover general principles in the behavioral and social sciences. In addition to looking for proposals that provide for programmatic efforts to develop and evaluate psychological and behavioral theory, we strongly encourage Applicants to propose novel, state-of-the-art, and multidisciplinary approaches that address difficult problems. A key consideration in the decision to support a research proposal is that its findings are likely to stimulate new, basic behavioral research, which in turn, will lead to improved performance of Army personnel and their units. Proposals may address both traditional behavioral issues as well as psychophysiological (to include neuroscience) and network science approaches to social phenomena, memory, cognition, and personality. ARI cannot support proposals through this BAA that are primarily applied research projects (e.g., human factors studies or training program evaluations) or purely focused on physiology, psychopathology or behavioral health. Collaboration is encouraged among institutions of higher education (IHE's), non-profit organizations, commercial organizations, and the other U.S. Military Services. Funding of basic research proposals within ARI areas of interest will be determined by funding constraints and priorities set during each budget cycle. A proposal should describe its contribution to theory and how its results might lead to basic behavioral research that would be meaningful to the Army. Those contemplating submission of a proposal are encouraged to submit a White Paper before submitting a full proposal. Submission of a White Paper before a full proposal allows earliest determination of the potential for funding and minimizes the labor and cost associated with the submission of a full proposal that may have minimal probability of being selected for funding. Costs associated with a White Paper or full proposal submission in response to this BAA are not considered allowable direct charges to any resulting award. These costs may be allowable expenses to normal bid and proposal indirect costs specified in FAR 31.205-18. An Applicant submitting a proposal is cautioned that only a Government Contracting or Grants Officer may obligate the Government to any legal instrument involving expenditure of Government funds. Award decisions are subject to funds availability, and ARI may choose to not execute any award under this BAA due to unavailability of funds or other factors. Due to Government budget uncertainties, (1) No specific dollars have been reserved for total awards under this BAA, and (2) No award floor or ceiling thresholds have been established for individual awards under this BAA. SCIENTIFIC PROBLEMS FOR BASIC RESEARCH: To meet the operational objectives of the U.S. Army over the next two decades, the Army must improve its capability to select, classify, train, and develop Soldiers, leaders, and units that can: - Adapt quickly to dynamic missions, operational environments, and a wide spectrum of cultures and languages; - Function effectively in complex digital, information rich, and semi-autonomous environments; - Collaborate effectively in quickly formed units and in high stress environments; - Interact and collaborate effectively in joint-service and multi-national operations. ARI requests proposals to conduct basic research that will provide a scientific foundation to support these broad capabilities. To be eligible for an award under this announcement, an Applicant must meet certain minimum standards pertaining to financial resources and responsibility, ability to comply with the performance schedule, past performance, integrity, experience, technical capabilities, operational controls, and facilities. In accordance with Federal statutes, regulations, and Department of Defense and Army policies, no person on grounds of race, color, age, sex, national origin, or disability shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving financial assistance from the Army. To access the full announcement, topic areas, and application instructions, click on the 'Broad Agency Announcement' link below.