Space Environment Technologies and Science (SETS) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Call 004
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE.AIR FORCE MATERIEL COMMAND.AIR FORCE RESEARCH LABORATORY.FA9453 AFRL RVK · Response deadline: Thu, 05 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is seeking proposals for the Space Environment Technologies and Science (SETS) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Call 004. This is a research-oriented acquisition vehicle used to fund scientific study and technology development in areas relevant to the military's space operations. Broad Agency Announcements are a common Air Force mechanism for funding basic research and early applied research when the government knows it needs solutions but doesn't yet have specific technical requirements locked down.
This opportunity falls under NAICS 541715, Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology). Work under this classification typically involves fundamental research, exploratory development, and advanced technology projects for government clients. The research likely spans space environment characterization, space weather modeling, sensor technologies, or related scientific domains that support spacecraft operations and mission planning—areas where AFRL's Space Vehicles Directorate has established expertise.
The place of performance is Albuquerque, New Mexico, which aligns with AFRL's Kirtland Air Force Base operations.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL RVK) |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | FA945326RX012 |
| NAICS | 541715 (R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences) |
| Set-aside | No Set aside used |
| Response deadline | November 5, 2026 at 1:00 PM Mountain Time |
| Place of performance | Albuquerque, NM |
Who can bid
This is a full and open competition with no set-aside, meaning all responsible sources—including small businesses, large businesses, universities, and nonprofit research institutions—may compete. Unlike small-business set-aside programs that limit competition, this BAA places small businesses in direct competition with larger, more established defense contractors and federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs).
To be competitive, small businesses typically need to demonstrate either:
- Niche technical expertise in space environment science or related disciplines
- Existing relationships with academic researchers or national laboratories
- Novel approaches that larger incumbents haven't pursued
- Rapid innovation cycles that match BAA funding timeframes
University partners and research institutions are common performers on BAAs and may serve as teammates or subcontractors.
How to put together a competitive bid
BAAs require a fundamentally different approach than firm-fixed-price contracts. Consider these specifics:
Understand the BAA format. This is not a sealed-bid procurement. Proposals are evaluated on technical merit, potential contribution to Air Force mission needs, and realism of proposed approaches. Cost is typically secondary to technical quality.
Lead with innovation. BAAs fund research precisely because the government doesn't have established solutions. Proposals that merely replicate known approaches rarely succeed. Articulate what new science or technology your team can create.
Build credentialed teams. AFRL evaluates principal investigator qualifications heavily. Recruit PhD-level researchers with published work in relevant fields. Include letters of commitment from any university partners.
Structure for incremental funding. BAAs often fund Phase I efforts at modest levels (typically $100K–$300K ranges, though see the solicitation for specifics) with options for follow-on phases. Propose realistic technical objectives achievable within discrete periods.
Address transition potential. AFRL must justify research investments by showing paths to operational use. Explain how results could transition to space system programs of record or operational weather assets.
Submit complete technical and cost volumes. BAA proposals typically require separate technical and business proposals with specific formatting requirements. Noncompliant packaging causes rejection regardless of merit.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation and any attached Broad Agency Announcement documents on SAM.gov using solicitation number FA945326RX012. The notice contains the specific research thrust areas, proposal format instructions, evaluation criteria, and any amendments issued since posting.
Note the firm response deadline: November 5, 2026 at 1:00 PM Mountain Time (3:00 PM Eastern). BAA deadlines are typically strict with few extensions. Allow ample time for SAM.gov registration, document preparation, and system upload well before this cutoff.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →