C4ISR, Information Operations, Cyberspace Operations and Information Technology System Research | N66001 20 S 4702

Opportunity Information: Apply for N66001 20 S 4702

The Naval Information Warfare Center, Pacific (NIWC Pacific) is seeking white papers and full proposals for research and development efforts that strengthen Navy and Department of Defense capabilities in C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), Information Operations, Cyberspace Operations, and supporting Information Technology systems. This opportunity is structured as a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) and is intended to competitively select a range of R&D work, spanning basic research, applied research, advanced technology development, and advanced component development and prototyping. The core theme is advancing next-generation, integratable C4ISR capabilities and command suites, with an emphasis on unique and innovative technical approaches that can improve how information is collected, processed, protected, shared, and used for decision-making in contested or complex operating environments.

From a contracting and compliance standpoint, NIWC Pacific is running this solicitation under specific federal and defense research authorities (including FAR 6.102(d)(2), FAR 35.016, and DoDGARS 22.315(a)) that are commonly used to compete R&D concepts based on technical merit and relevance to mission needs. Awards made from this BAA are treated as the result of full and open competition and are described as compliant with the Competition in Contracting Act of 1984. One practical implication is that the government is signaling a legitimate, competitive pathway for selecting proposals without limiting participation to a narrow vendor pool, as long as submissions meet the stated standards and the applicant is considered responsible under FAR 9.104-1.

The announcement is broad in the types of award instruments it can use. While the listing identifies “Grant” as the funding instrument type, the description makes clear the BAA may result in procurement contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and other transactions. In other words, NIWC Pacific is leaving room to choose the most appropriate vehicle depending on the nature of the work, the maturity of the technology, the intended level of government involvement, and the transition pathway. That flexibility is typical for defense R&D solicitations where some projects are closer to prototypes and fieldable components, while others are exploratory.

Eligibility is also broad. The opportunity indicates “All responsible sources” may submit, which generally includes industry (large and small businesses), academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and other capable entities, provided they can demonstrate the integrity, financial and technical capacity, and other responsibility factors referenced in FAR 9.104-1. The CFDA number associated with this opportunity is 12.335, and the activity category is Science and Technology and other Research and Development, reinforcing that this is an R&D-focused call rather than a procurement for a fixed, off-the-shelf product.

Administratively, the funding opportunity title is “C4ISR, Information Operations, Cyberspace Operations and Information Technology System Research,” and the opportunity number is N66001 20 S 4702. The opportunity was created on 2020-06-08, with an original closing date of 2021-06-03. The listing shows an award ceiling of 0 and does not specify expected awards, which typically means the government has not published a single maximum dollar cap or a firm planned number of awards in the public synopsis. In BAAs, that often reflects the reality that funding levels, award sizes, and quantities can vary widely based on the mix of proposals received, technical priorities, and available budgets across the performance period.

Overall, this BAA is best read as an open call for research concepts that can push the state of the art in military information advantage: more effective command-and-control, stronger cyber and information operations enabling technologies, and resilient IT systems that can integrate into operational suites. It invites proposers to bring forward novel ideas and credible technical plans that can mature into usable capabilities, whether through foundational research, applied experimentation, technology demonstrations, or prototype development.

• The Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "C4ISR, Information Operations, Cyberspace Operations and Information Technology System Research" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 12.335.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2020-06-08.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2021-06-03. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for N66001 20 S 4702

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