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BAA DEVCOM AC Emerging Technologies

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE ARMY.AMC.ACC.ACC-CTRS.ACC-NJ.W6QK ACC-RI-PICATINNY · Response deadline: Tue, 04 Mar 2031

What the government is buying

This is a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) from the Army Contracting Command (ACC) at Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey, focused on emerging technologies research and development. BAAs are typically used for basic and applied research, and this notice falls under DEVCOM AC—the Army's Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center.

The NAICS code 541715 indicates this is for Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology). This covers a wide range of R&D activities including weapons systems, munitions, fire control, and other armaments-related technologies that Picatinny Arsenal is known for developing.

Because this is a BAA with a far-future response deadline (2031), it likely serves as an open call for white papers or proposals across multiple technology areas rather than a single discrete procurement. The Army will evaluate submissions on a rolling basis or in specified windows.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is open to all businesses—there is no set-aside program specified, meaning large businesses, small businesses, and other entities may compete. However, the BAA format often strongly favors organizations with established research capabilities:

• Universities and research institutions
• Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs)
• Traditional defense contractors with R&D arms
• Small businesses with relevant technical expertise in armaments, energetics, materials science, or fire control systems

If you're a small business, note that 541715 R&D contracts can qualify toward SBA size standards based on employee count (typically 1,000 employees for this NAICS, but verify current thresholds). Without a set-aside, you'll compete directly against larger entities, so differentiation through specialized expertise or innovative approaches matters significantly.

How to put together a competitive bid

BAAs require a fundamentally different approach than standard sealed bids:

Understand the BAA structure. Read the full solicitation to identify: specific technology thrust areas, formatting requirements for white papers or proposals, evaluation criteria (typically technical merit, qualifications, and cost realism), and any submission windows or rolling review dates.

Lead with technical differentiation. For armaments R&D at Picatinny, emphasize novel approaches to longstanding challenges—whether in precision munitions, directed energy, advanced materials, or manufacturing. The Army funds research it cannot perform in-house.

Demonstrate execution credibility. Include key personnel qualifications, relevant prior research (published or contracted), and any existing relationships with DoD labs. Facilities capabilities (labs, test equipment) strengthen proposals.

Cost realism matters. BAA proposals are generally cost-reimbursable or hybrid contracts. Build appropriate indirect rates and clearly justify any proposed fee. Unrealistic cost structures are common reasons for technical proposal rejection.

Consider teaming. Given the scale and complexity of Army R&D, small businesses often strengthen bids by partnering with a university research group or a larger prime. Identify potential teammates early.

Next steps

Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number W15QKN-26-S-1AZR. The metadata shows a response deadline of March 4, 2031 at 10:00 AM ET, but BAAs often have interim submission dates or rolling acceptance—verify actual windows in the document. No place of performance is listed in the metadata; the solicitation will specify whether work is expected at Picatinny Arsenal, contractor facilities, or both.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →