Two-Color Focal Plane Array (FPA) Development and Fabrication Program

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) under the Advanced Technology Innovation (ATI) Program to solicit research proposals aimed at advancing technologies critical to the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS). The BMDS employs a layered defense strategy, integrating sensors, kinetic and directed energy systems, and command and control elements to detect, track, and neutralize ballistic missile threats throughout all phases of flight. This announcement invites proposals from private industry, accredited domestic educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations to develop innovative concepts and breakthrough technologies in key areas including radar, lasers and electro-optical systems, sensor systems, materials and electronics, battle management, propulsion, and more. Of particular note, international cooperation proposals must involve direct work with foreign partners and are the only category accepting basic or applied research proposals. Proposals are submitted initially as white papers and evaluated through a peer review process based on technical excellence, relevance to MDA goals, offeror capabilities, key personnel qualifications, feasibility, and cost realism. The evaluation emphasizes innovation and scientific merit, focusing on technology development rather than system-specific solutions. Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts are anticipated, with funding determined by budget priorities and not fixed at the time of this announcement. The BAA is open through March 1, 2013, and while MDA reserves rights to award all or none of the proposals, any subsequent requests for full proposals will come only from a contracting officer. The solicitation highlights the agency’s commitment to maintaining a competitive, transparent selection process compliant with federal acquisition regulations and mandates adherence to export controls such as ITAR.