BAA Call N0001426SBC05 (Replacement to N0001426SBC10)

The Office of Naval Research is soliciting propulsive technologies through BAA Call N0001426SBC05 to advance the FLASH program’s development of hypersonic boost-glide vehicles, replacing the prior call N0001426SBC10. This opportunity targets industry and research entities capable of delivering advanced capabilities across four technical areas: flight-qualified Guidance, Navigation and Control systems with heritage components; high-temperature structures and thermal protection systems utilizing analytical and computational modeling; subscale free-flying vehicles for flight test demonstration and risk reduction; and multidisciplinary design, analysis, and optimization integrating AI and machine learning to improve mission strategy, manufacturability, and cost estimation. Proposals must be submitted in two stages: an initial white paper due by May 28, 2026, followed by a full technical and cost proposal for those selected based on perceived value to FLASH. White papers must include a ten-page technical narrative and a one-page navigator, submitted via the ONR Submission Portal with a copy to the designated email, while classified submissions require specific mailing instructions to the Department of Defense’s secure document handling units. Only contracts are anticipated; grants are excluded. Proposals must include clearly defined annual milestones for performance evaluation and a Rough Order of Magnitude cost estimate. Offerors classified as other-than-small businesses must submit a subcontracting plan, while small businesses seeking to subcontract with larger entities must email specific details—including company information, technology description, and key words—to the ONR Small Business Director. Technical Area 4 funding levels remain undisclosed. All submissions must adhere to Controlled Unclassified Information protocols, with the ONR portal accepting standard CUI but excluding Export Controlled CUI. Oral presentations will be invited for top white papers around July 8, 2026, with evaluation results issued by July 24, 2026, and full proposals due by August 31, 2026. Contract awards are expected by February 8, 2027, with performance periods lasting one to three years for MDAO efforts. The primary point of contact is Mr. James Farnsworth, with secondary support from Ms. Caitlin Purrier, and the place of performance is designated as Woodland Hills, California, 91367. All correspondence and updates will be posted via SAM.gov.