STATE OF THE ART (SOTA) MICROELECTRONICS (ME) ADOPTION BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT (BAA) FULL TEXT GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENT

STATE OF THE ART (SOTA) MICROELECTRONICS (ME) ADOPTION

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT (BAA)

FULL TEXT GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENT

BAA NUMBER: 26-S-1358

June 2026

This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) solicitation is issued in accordance with the Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul (RFO) subpart 35.102.

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

FEDERAL AGENCY: SAF/AQC

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT TITLE: SOTA Microelectronics Adoption

PRODUCT SERVICE CODE: AC62 R&D – Defense System: Electronics/Communication Equipment (Applied Research/Exploratory Development)

NAICS: 541713 Nanotechnology research and development laboratories or services, all fields of science

ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE: General Announcement.

This BAA is a general announcement of SAF/AQC’s research interest, including criteria for selection of proposals and soliciting the participation of all Offerors capable of supporting research, in the application of SOTA microelectronics technologies. No White Papers or proposals should be submitted against this BAA General Announcement.  Instead, requests for White Papers and/or proposals will be transmitted via separate Topic Calls that are published via https://sam.gov (hereinafter “SAM.gov”) under this BAA at various times during the open period of this BAA. For Classified Topic Calls, interested parties must have an account to log into the Classified IC-ARC to see the notice and all associated Topic Call documents. The Topic Calls will further define the U.S. Government (USG) needs and request abstracts or full proposals. Topic Calls may consist of Closed Topic Calls and/or Open Topic Calls, and Topic Calls may be either one-step or two-step as described in the “Applications and Submission Information” section of this general announcement.

Each Topic Call may result in the award of a procurement contract or an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA). Topic Calls may be issued by any Department of War (DOW) organization or non-DOW federal agency. Topic Calls may include user stories and relevant mission areas defined by the organizations issuing the Topic Calls. Each Topic Call can be designed to meet the needs of the USG organization or non-DOW federal agency issuing the Topic Call. Topic Calls will include (at a minimum):

• Instructions to interested parties including the agency’s interest either for an individual program requirement or for broadly defined user stories and mission areas covering a full range of the agency’s requirements;
• Projected Period of Performance (PoP) as well as expectations for White Papers/Proposal submissions;
• Specific selection criteria, their relative importance, and the method of evaluation for each Topic Call; and
• Data rights being sought to meet minimum needs (if any)

Interested parties are responsible for maintaining awareness of these Topic Calls and any associated timelines for submissions.  Interested parties should periodically check SAM.gov and the Classified IC-ARC for updates. Topic Calls may be issued within one year from the publication date of this BAA general announcement (i.e., the Open Period of this BAA), which may be extended annually at the sole discretion of SAF/AQC.

Interested DOW organizations and non-DOW federal agencies who wish to issue a Topic Call off this general announcement shall contact SAF/AQC through the following organizational email box:  saf.jcd.all@us.af.mil. SAF/AQC must issue a BAA Topic Call number to the requesting Government office before the Topic Call is issued.

BAA NUMBER: 26-S-1358

PROPOSAL DUE DATE AND TIME: No proposals or White Papers shall be submitted against this BAA general announcement. Proposal or White Paper due dates and times will be specified in each individual Topic Call. Proposals or White Papers received after the due date and time specified in the Topic Call shall be governed by the provisions of RFO 52.215-1(c)(3).

1. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

A. SCOPE: The USG is seeking sources capable of supporting the program’s research in the application of SOTA microelectronics technologies. This BAA seeks to leverage cutting-edge domestic manufacturing capabilities which accelerate the adoption of SOTA trusted and assured microelectronics, including Intel 18A and advanced packaging through Secure Enclave. By fostering a robust, accessible, and sustainable domestic ecosystem, this BAA will empower USG programs to develop, field, and maintain affordable, mission-specific microelectronics.

The ultimate objective is to deliver decisive technological advantages across the full spectrum of government missions, ensuring enduring national security and technological leadership for the United States. Mission areas below are constructed to guide both call posters and respondents, but mission areas below are not exhaustive. Any call related to furthering the missions of Secure Enclave, Intel 18A, SOTA microelectronics may be posted under this umbrella BAA.  

Sources that implement common mission architecture and enable future operational systems to meet performance, reliability, maintainability, supportability, and affordability goals, or which enhance performance or significantly reduce cost, schedule, or risk of existing technologies, are of particular interest. The USG reserves the right to update the mission areas, and other interest areas for this BAA.

B. MISSION AREAS: The SOTA ME Adoption  Program includes, but is not limited to, the following five (5) mission areas which may be used in any combination per Topic Call throughout the open period of this BAA. These mission areas are as follows:

1. Advanced & Secure Microelectronics Design and production

This area seeks innovations in the digital and analog design of microelectronics. Proposals should focus on creating resilient, high-performance, and secure components for DoW applications.

Topics of Interest may include, but are not limited to:

• Novel architectures for artificial intelligence (AI) and/or machine learning (ML), signal processing, and other functions at the tactical edge.
• Development of secure design methodologies and Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools that prevent the insertion of malicious hardware.
• Radiation-hardened by design (RHBD) techniques for space and strategic applications.
• Exploration of chiplet-based and System-in-Package (SiP) designs for rapid and modular system development.

2. Next-Generation Assembly, Packaging, and Test

This area seeks to advance the state of post-fabrication processes. Innovations are needed to handle the complexity, security, and performance demands of modern DOW systems.

Topics of Interest may include, but are not limited to:

• Advanced packaging techniques, including 2D, 2.5D/3D heterogeneous integration, for combining different technologies (e.g., logic, memory, RF) into a single, compact system.
• Automated and secure test methodologies for complex SoCs and SiPs to identify defects and hidden logic.
• Methods for non-destructively verifying the integrity and security of packaged components.
• Thermal management solutions for high-power and densely packaged microelectronics.

3. Novel Microelectronics for Disruptive USG Capabilities

This area is application-focused, seeking proposals that leverage state-of-the-art microelectronics to enable new or significantly enhanced warfighting capabilities.

Topics of Interest may include, but are not limited to:

• Low-power, high-performance edge computing for systems, and on-platform sensor fusion.
• Next-generation RF and mixed-signal electronics for advanced communications, electronic warfare (EW), and C5ISR.
• Hardware accelerators for real-time data analysis, cryptography, and secure computation.
• Microelectronics for resilient positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT).

4. Advanced Test, Validation, and Mission Qualification

This area seeks innovative methodologies and technologies to comprehensively test and validate the performance, security, and reliability of SOTA microelectronics, including those fabricated on the Intel 18A process node. The objective is to build trust in these components and create a clear pathway for their qualification for insertion into critical USG systems.

Topics of Interest may include, but are not limited to:

• High-throughput security verification techniques
• Development of test environments that emulate mission-specific conditions (e.g., radiation, extreme temperatures, vibration).
• Standardized benchmarking processes and "test vehicles" for objectively comparing SOTA process nodes.

5. Accessible & Affordable Microelectronics Ecosystem

This area focuses on strategic and technical approaches to make SOTA microelectronics more accessible, affordable, and sustainable for the entire USG. Proposals should address demand aggregation, the use of common interfaces, and the development of mission-specific architectures that can be reused across multiple programs and services.

Topics of Interest may include, but are not limited to:

• Establishment of a USG-curated chiplet library based on open standards (e.g., UCIe) to enable rapid, modular system design.
• Novel acquisition and business models for aggregating demand across multiple programs to reduce per-unit costs.
• Creation of flexible, mission-specific references that can be adapted for various platforms.
• Development of "digital twin" frameworks for microelectronic systems to improve sustainment, modernization planning, and lifecycle management.
• Shared infrastructure models for access to common Intellectual Property (IP) blocks and secure Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools, reducing duplicative costs for individual programs.

1. AWARD INSTRUMENT TYPES

Subject to the availability of funds, the USG may award a variety of award types to Topic Calls issued under this BAA.  Anticipated awards under this BAA may take the form of procurement contracts or Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) for prototypes, follow-on production, and experimental purposes.  The USG may award a follow-on production contract or OTA for any Other Transaction awarded under this BAA.  The USG reserves the right to award the type of instrument most appropriate based on details of each Topic Call and the proposed approach. 

The following is a list of possible award types and award instruments to help inform your organization in determining which award type and instrument may be the most appropriate.

• Procurement Contracts: Fixed Price, Fixed Price Level of Effort, Time and Materials, Labor Hour, Cost Plus Fixed Fee, Cost (no Fee)

• Other Transactions: Fixed Price, Time and Materials, Labor Hour, Cost Plus Fixed Fee, Cost (no fee)

Offerors should familiarize themselves with these instrument types and the applicable regulations before submitting a White Paper or proposal.  In all cases, the USG contracting officer shall have sole discretion to select the award instrument type, regardless of the instrument type proposed, and to negotiate all instrument terms and conditions.

Offerors will be notified whether their proposal is recommended for award in writing. The notification of recommendation for award is not to be construed to mean the award of a contract is assured, as availability of funds and successful negotiations are prerequisites to any award.

1. ANTICIPATED NUMBER OF AWARDS

The USG anticipates awarding several contracts per specific Topic Call. However, the USG reserves the right to make a single award, multiple awards, or no awards pursuant to a Topic Call.

1. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible OfferoR

All responsible sources capable of satisfying the USG’s needs may submit a proposal or White Paper. Small Businesses, Traditional Defense Contractors, or Non-traditional Defense Contractors are all eligible for participation. There are no limits on the number of White Papers and Proposals for Topic Calls that an Offeror may submit.

OTA Eligibility Requirements: Consistent with 10 U.S.C. 4021, Research OTs have a resource-sharing requirement, intended to highlight dual use focus of the technology research and development of this authority and show commitment on the performing team to pursue and/or commercialize technology in the future; the default starting resource sharing position will be 50%/50%.

Consistent with 10 U.S.C. 4022, the awardee of a prototype OT must meet at least one of the following requirements:

• There is at least one nontraditional defense contractor or nonprofit research institution participating to a significant extent in the prototype project
• All significant participants in the transaction other than the USG are small businesses (including small businesses participating in a program described under section 9 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638)) or nontraditional defense contractors.
• At least one third of the total cost of the prototype project is to be paid out of funds provided by sources other than the USG.
• The senior procurement executive for the agency determines in writing that exceptional circumstances justify the use of a transaction that provides for innovative business arrangements or structures that would not be feasible or appropriate under a contract, or would provide an opportunity to expand the defense supply base in a manner that would not be practical or feasible under a contract.

1. Foreign or Foreign-Owned Eligibility

Non-U.S. organizations and/or individuals may not participate in this BAA.

1. EXPORT CONTROL

Topic Calls issued under this BAA may involve data that is subject to export control laws and regulations. A Certified DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement, may be required to be submitted with the proposal.

1. CLASSIFICATION CONSIDERATIONS

Depending on the work to be performed, the Offeror may require a classified facility clearance and safeguarding capability; therefore, personnel identified must be cleared for access to information at the equivalent level of security at the time of award. In addition, the Offeror may be required to have, or access to, a certified and USG-approved facility to fulfill awarded work requirements. If a DD Form 254 is applicable, it will be specified in the Call with the applicable FAR clause. Offerors must verify their Cognizant Security Office information is current with Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) at https://www.dcsa.mil/.

Topic Calls are anticipated to be unclassified, but the USG may issue Topic Calls that require classified work and/or access to classified information. For Topic Calls requiring access to classified work and/or classified information, Offerors must have a valid U.S. security clearance of SECRET or higher in order to respond to the Topic Calls.  Topic Calls will be released only to Offerors possessing the appropriate clearance. Topic Calls will identify the highest classification level for that topic; if the highest classification level of the Topic Call is classified, the Topic Call will provide an email address where Offerors can submit classified proposals. All classified material will be handled in accordance with E.O.13526, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) DoD 5220.22- M, Industrial Security Regulation (DoD 5220.22-R), DoDM Industrial Security Program 5200.01 Volume 1 through 4, and AFI 16-1406.  If a Topic Call is posted on the classified IC-ARC, the USG will provide a Sam.gov notice that a classified Topic Call has been posted on the classified IC-ARC site.

1. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. GENERAL APPLICATION PACKAGE INFORMATION

Proposals or White Papers shall NOT be submitted against this BAA. Any future individual Topic Calls will be announced in SAM.gov and, as applicable, the Classified IC-ARC with instructions to submit a response.

Do NOT submit classified information in the White Paper or Proposal. If submission of classified materials is contemplated, please immediately contact the contracting office point of contact identified in the Topic Call for specific instructions for submitting a classified addendum.

Offerors that include in their White Paper or proposals data that they do not want disclosed to the public for any purpose or used by the USG should mark restrictions on disclosure and use of data. Technical and cost volumes should be submitted as separate volumes and must be valid for 180 days. Technical and cost volumes must reference the BAA announcement number 26-S-1358, Call number, and relevant research topic area(s).

Offerors should monitor SAM.gov and, as applicable, the Classified IC-ARC regularly for any BAA amendments that may permit extensions to the proposal submission date or make other changes. Offerors are advised that only contracting officers are legally authorized to contractually bind or otherwise commit the USG.

If this general announcement or a Topic Call is amended, all terms and conditions that are not amended remain unchanged.  Offerors shall acknowledge receipt of any amendment by the date and time specified in the Topic Call amendment(s).

The costs of preparing a response to Topic Calls issued under this BAA are not considered an allowable direct charge to any resulting or any other contract; however, it may be an allowable expense to the normal bid and proposal indirect costs as specified in RFO 31.205-18.

Proposals and/or White Papers must be submitted to the Contracting Point of Contact identified at the Topic Call level.

B. Closed Topic Calls (One-Step or Two-Step)

Over the open period of this BAA, Topic Calls may be issued to request White Papers and/or Proposals for specific Areas of Interest/Focus Areas. It will be determined on a Call-by-Call basis whether the announcement is for a one-step (proposals only) or a two-step process (White Paper first, then Proposals by invite-only). The submission for White Papers and proposals shall be submitted at a specific date and time as set forth in each particular Topic Call. White Papers and/or Proposals may not be reviewed by the USG if submitted after the stated date and time.

One-Step Topic Calls

Step 1: Proposal due date and time will be provided in Topic Calls issued against this BAA. The USG will make selections from Offeror proposals only in accordance with the evaluation criteria contained in the Topic Call.

Two-Step Calls

Step 1: White Paper due date and time will be provided in Topic Calls issued against this BAA. USG, at its sole discretion, may or may not request an oral presentation or discussion with USG personnel about the White Paper.

Step 2: Proposal due date and time will be provided in Requests for Proposal (RFPs) sent to offers that submit White Papers who are evaluated favorably in accordance with the evaluation criteria contained in each Topic Call.

C. Open Period Topic Calls (Two-Step)

This BAA may also have Open Period Topic Calls. Open Period Topic Calls will only be issued under a two-step process. After an Open Call is published, White Papers may be submitted at any time during an Open Period for the Areas of Interest/Focus Areas detailed within the Call. It is important to note that only White Papers submitted in response to specific Areas of Interest/Focus Areas detailed in the Topic Call will be considered.

Step 1: White Paper due date and time will be provided in Topic Calls issued against this SOTA ME Adoption BAA. The USG, at its sole discretion, may or may not request an oral presentation or discussion with USG personnel about the White Paper.

Step 2: Proposal due date and time will be provided in Requests for Proposal (RFPs) sent to offers that submit White Papers who are evaluated favorably in accordance with the evaluation criteria contained in each Topic Call.

D. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND DATA RIGHTS ASSERTIONS:

Intellectual property and data rights for concepts, research findings and developed products under this BAA will vary due to topic, security protection requirements, and final negotiated contract vehicle type.  However, it is anticipated that the following data rights will be desired for each Topic Call:

1. Noncommercial Technical Data: At a minimum, Government Purpose Rights
2. Noncommercial Computer Software: At a minimum, Government Purpose Rights
3. Noncommercial Computer Software Documentation: At a minimum, Government Purpose Rights
4. Commercial Computer Software Rights: Customary Commercial License consistent with Federal Statutes and regulations

For each Topic Call, Offerors shall identify the technical data or computer software that the Offeror, its subcontractors or supplies, or potential subcontractors or suppliers, assert should be furnished to the Government with restrictions on use, release, or disclosure.

The terms “Unlimited Rights,” “Government Purpose Rights,” “Limited Rights,” and “Specifically Negotiated License Rights” in technical data are as defined in R-DFARS 227.7103-5, R-DFARS 252.227-7989, R-DFARS 252.227-7990. The terms “Unlimited Rights,” “Government Purpose Rights,” “Restricted Rights and Specifically Negotiated License Rights” in Noncommercial Computer Software and Noncommercial Computer Software documentation are as defined in R-DFARS 227.7103-5 and R-DFARS 252.227-7989.

1. EVALUATION CRITERIA AND APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. GENERAL INFORMATION:

Evaluations will vary based upon a one-step or two-step approach. Evaluations of Proposal/White Papers will be conducted by a peer or scientific review process. This SOTA ME Adoption BAA General Announcement establishes broad evaluation criteria; however, the specific evaluation criteria will be detailed within each individual Topic call.

White Paper Evaluation Process (Two-Step Process): The evaluation criteria will be used to determine if a formal Proposal will be requested. The Offeror’s White Paper must address the Technical factors and include a Rough Order of Magnitude to be evaluated for affordability. White Papers that satisfy both the Technical factors and affordability factors will be sent a Request for Proposal. The USG reserves the right to select all, part, or none of the White Paper. Offerors whose white papers are deemed selectable in Step 1 will be notified in writing by the responsible government contracting officer. The notification will include Step II proposal instructions including scope, submission timelines, and evaluation criteria.

Proposal Evaluation Process (One-Step Process): The evaluation criteria will be used to determine whether one or more sources should be recommended for award. The USG reserves the right to select all, part, or none of the Proposal received in response to a Call for award subject to the availability of funds.

1. EVALUATION CRITERIA: The following evaluation criteria may be used in each of the subsequent Topic Calls issued against this umbrella BAA. Please reference each Topic call for specific evaluation criteria.

• Technical Evaluation

• Cost/Price Evaluation

1. SELECTION PROCESS: Proposals will be evaluated and categorized as follows:

• Selectable: Scientifically or technically sound White Paper/Proposals. White Paper/Proposals are recommended for acceptance if sufficient funding is available.

• Not Selectable: White Paper/Proposal is not technically sound or does not meet agency needs. Even if sufficient funding exists, the Proposal will not be funded.

Prior to award of a potentially successful offer, the contracting officer will conduct a cost/price evaluation, inclusive of all option periods/tasks, to determine that the final agreed-to price is fair and reasonable.

• Applicable to Fixed Price, Time and Materials, and Labor Hour Contract Type Proposals: The USG will evaluate whether the proposed price to perform the proposed work is reasonable and whether the unit prices are balanced.  The USG reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to conduct a realism analysis of any Proposals, as described in RFO 15.404-3(c).
• Applicable to Cost Contract Type Proposals: The proposed costs will be evaluated in accordance with RFO 15.4 for reasonableness and realism.  The USG will perform a Cost Realism analysis pursuant to RFO 15.404-3.

When the USG elects to award only part of a proposal, the selected part may be categorized as Selectable although the proposal as a whole may not merit such a categorization.

The USG reserves the right to:

• Select for negotiation all, some, one, or none of the Proposals received in response to specific Topic Calls;
• Make awards without negotiations with Offerors;
• Conduct negotiations with Offerors if the USG determines they are necessary;
• Divide awards into base and option periods;
• Not execute one or more option periods, if an award is divided into a base and option periods;
• Accept Proposals in their entirety or select only portions for award;
• Fund awards in increments;
• Request additional documentation once the award instruction has been determined (e.g., representations and certifications, etc.);
• Remove Offerors from award consideration should the Offeror and USG fail to reach agreement on award terms within a reasonable time, or if the Offeror fails to provide requested additional information in a timely manner;
• Award all, part, or none of the Proposals received; and
• Select any acquisition pathway(s) permitted by USG statute and/or policy posted at the time of each Topic Call.

1. AGENCY CONTACTS

Any correspondence must reference the BAA title and number.

Questions of a technical nature shall be directed to the technical point of contact, as specified below:

Name: Matthew Karijolic, Program Manager

Email: matthew.karijolic@us.af.mil

Questions of a contractual/business nature shall be directed as specified below:

Name: Ms. Natalie Sitkowksi, Contracting Officer

Email: natalie.sitkowski@us.af.mil

Name: Ms. Dimitria Antonopoulos, Contracting Officer

Email: dimitria.antonopoulos@us.af.mil

Name: Mr. Stephen Colvin, Contracting Officer

Email: stephen.colvin.2@us.af.mil

Each Topic Call will also include specific technical and contracting points of contact.

1. DEFINITIONS

BAA with Topic Calls: This allows for the publication of an umbrella BAA solicitation that contains overarching information but does not request White Papers or Proposals. The BAA functions as a framework identifying the technical areas and giving the basic terms and administrative information of the BAA. The requests for White Papers and/or Proposals are done by issuing Topic Calls that are published via amendments to the BAA. Topic Calls can be issued at any time during the period of performance of the BAA. Each Topic Call will be tailored to best fit the acquisition approached identified by the USG. The Topic Calls may also include specific terms and/or conditions that apply to that Topic Call such as technical details, security requirements and/or other pertinent clauses. Proposals or White Papers are submitted only when Topic Calls under this BAA are published.

Open Period Topic Calls: This type of Topic Call solicits for White Paper and Proposal submittals at any time within a specified period as set forth in the subsequent Topic Call.

Closed Topic Calls: This type of Call solicits for White Paper and/or Proposal submittals, which are required to be delivered at a specified date and time as set forth in the subsequent Topic Call.

Areas of Interest/ Focus Areas: These are specific requests for research, development, and study that USG will detail in each subsequent Call and will derive from the Mission Areas. Offeror’s White Paper/Proposal should focus on addressing the specific Areas of Interest/Focus Areas contained within a specific Call.

White Paper: A brief (usually 2-5 pages) summary of the proposed technical approach with an accompanying rough order of magnitude (ROM) price.

Pitch Day: Pitch Day is a tool that can be used as part of the Call process. When used, Pitch Day provides offerors an opportunity to meet USG personnel in-person and provide a Pitch of their proposed technology. If a Pitch Day is utilized, specific details explaining the process and evaluation methods will be contained within a specific Topic Call.