Description
The U.S. Army is issuing a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) to fund research and development of advanced autonomy technologies for uncrewed aviation systems, as well as supplemental power, efficient engine, and drive concepts (SPEED) and Hybrid VTOL studies. The effort is organized as a three‑step solicitation (summary offer, oral presentation, full proposal) and targets both small and large businesses, academia, and non‑traditional firms. Funding totals approximately $29 million over FY 2026‑2029 (or $11.4 million for SPEED and $3.2 million for Hybrid VTOL), with multiple awards anticipated each year. Projects are expected to run 12‑24 months and will involve software‑only solutions, AI/ML‑enabled mission planning, knowledge representation, human‑autonomy interfaces, and network‑management for multi‑UAS teaming in contested environments.
• Primary focus: AI/ML‑driven autonomy software for collaborative UAS operations (CATO).
• Secondary focus: Additive‑manufacturing‑based drivetrain components, AI prognostics, ceramic bearings, and hybrid VTOL performance analyses.
• Funding mechanism: BAA/NOFO with three‑step review; awards are likely $1‑5 M each, with deliverables including software releases, test reports, and safety/security documentation.
• Eligibility: U.S. firms (prime), academia, HBCU/MI; must be SAM‑registered with a valid UEI and able to handle Controlled Unclassified Information.
• Deadline: Offers must be received by 02:30 PM (EDT) on 3 July 2027; early evaluation begins 4 June 2026 for summary offers.