The Office of Naval Research is offering this grant to advance Science and Technology for Expeditionary Maneuver Warfare and Combating Terrorism.

Efforts in the BAA are divided into major investments areas, each representing operational functions critical to Naval Expeditionary Warfare. Background information and specific areas of interest for new contracts or grants are described in the Research Opportunity Description for each investment area. Potential Offerors focusing on applied research and advanced technology proposals should understand that ONR will give priority consideration to technology proposals that fully address the desired capability. Innovative approaches with promise of revolutionary capability that address a subset will be considered. Emphasis on capabilities means that Offerors should: a) propose development that will result in a warfighting capability that can be measured in quantitative terms and found to be “game changing;” b) address the transformational capability being required by the Department of Defense, particularly the development of a Naval Expeditionary S&T enterprise; c) leverage or complement other relevant developmental research areas; d) state clearly how the proposed technology development will meet warfighter needs; and e) be oriented toward rapid maturation, demonstration, and transition.

Work funded under a BAA may include basic research, applied research and some advanced technology development (ATD). With regard to any restrictions on the conduct or outcome of work funded under this BAA, ONR will follow the guidance on and definition of “contracted fundamental research” as provided in the Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition, Technology and Logistics) Memorandum of 26 June 2008. As defined therein the definition of “contracted fundamental research”, in a DoD contractual context, includes [research performed under] grants and contracts that are (a) funded by Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Budget Activity 1 (Basic Research), whether performed by universities or industry or (b) funded by Budget Activity 2 (Applied Research) and performed on campus at a university or by industry. ATD is funded through Budget Activity 3. In conformance with the USD(AT&L) guidance and National Security Decision Directive 189, ONR will place no restriction on the conduct or reporting of unclassified fundamental research, except as otherwise required by statute, regulation or Executive Order. Normally, fundamental research is awarded under grants with universities and under contracts with industry. ATD is normally awarded under contracts and may require restrictions during the conduct of the research and DoD pre-publication review of research results due to subject matter sensitivity. Potential offerors should consult with the appropriate ONR POCs to determine whether the proposed effort would constitute basic research, applied research or ATD.