Department of the Navy  Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Div. Office-Wide Broad Agency Announcement
N0042121S0001
Grants.gov    https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=333999
Sam.gov   https://sam.gov/opp/3a0e0f16bedb42db830347d2c18fc9e9/view

The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) is interested in receiving white papers for Research and Development projects which offer potential for advancement and improvement of NAWCAD operations. See attachment, NAWCAD Office-Wide BAA N00421-21-S-0001, for further details.

NAWCAD has identified the research needed to address the challenges, problems, and future technology needs of the Warfighter. Research Opportunity Areas of Interest:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML). Areas of research include but are not limited to the following: Autonomous system development, testing, evaluation, verification and validation tools, collaborative autonomy, complex reasoning, agent based decision making, deep reinforcement learning, neural networks, and demand forecasting.
Data Science & Visualization. Areas of research include but are not limited to the following: predictive modeling algorithms, complex big-data environments, data access, storage and retrieval, data visualization techniques, and statistical analysis.
Cyber. Areas of research may include but are not limited to the following: cyber effects modeling, reverse engineering, applied cryptology, behavioral analysis, intrusion, adaptive cybersecurity, simulation and interface research, concolic testing and systems configuration management.
Quantum. Areas of research may include but are not limited to the following: secure communication and sensing capabilities, nitrogen vacancy diamond sensing, quantum encryption and quantum computing.Hypersonic Systems. Areas of research include but are not limited to the following: testing and evaluation, high temperature and specific strength materials and structures, propulsion, and multidiscipline, high-fidelity modeling and simulation.
Test and Evaluation Engineering. Areas of research include but are not limited to the following: telemetry, communications, data links and data acquisition, signature technologies, mission system testing, system of systems testing environments, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), extended reality (XR), target engineering, airborne threat simulation, integrated battle‐space simulation (Live Virtual Constructive Environments), hardware‐in‐the‐loop testing, flight instrumentation, ground radar analysis, test article configuration, navigation, and identification, manned-unmanned teaming, advance training systems to include instructional techniques and strategies, and game-based training.
Avionics, Sensors & Electronic Warfare: Areas of research include but are not limited to the following: passive/active sensor systems (RF, EO/IR, and acoustic), advanced/alternative precision navigation and timing (PNT), advanced computational/open system architectures, advanced signal and image processing, flight information and control systems, and advanced concepts in electronic warfare systems.
Secure Communications & Networks: Areas of research include but are not limited to the following: resilient data and communications networks for Command and Control, platform/system health monitoring, effective data transfer of both communications and video, all with consideration for autonomous applications, while performing in dynamic and contested environments.
Warfare Analysis. Areas of research include but are not limited to the following: operational suitability, signal extraction, clutter reduction, modeling and simulation, maritime effectiveness, vulnerability and capability based assessment, and conceptual aircraft design.
Readiness and Sustainment. Areas of research include but are not limited to the following: automated sustainment environment, diagnostics and prognostics, predictive maintenance, digital thread integration, logistics modeling and simulation, and condition based maintenance improvements.
Materials and Aircraft Structures. Areas of research include but are not limited to the following: additive manufacturing, corrosion prevention, non-destructive inspection, metals and ceramics, polymers and composites, analysis and simulation of aircraft structures, structural mechanics, and life management of airframes.
Aeromechanics. Areas of research include but are not limited to the following: aerodynamic and flight controls (manned and unmanned), aeromechanics modeling and analysis tools, flight performance, rotorcraft aerodynamics and performance, ship/aircraft aerodynamic interactions, and unmanned aviation and integration including pilot augmentation and automation and UAV autonomous landing flight mechanics.
Mechanical Systems. Areas of research include but are not limited to the following: fire and ice protection, fuel containment, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems and landing gear systems analysis. Power and Propulsion Systems. Areas of research include but are not limited to the following: reliability engineering, fuel systems, prognostics and diagnostics, energy storage/efficiency, air‐breathing engines, fuels and lubricants, electrical power generation, auxiliary power, low observable signature technologies, propulsion life management, and mechanical and drive systems.
Human Systems. Areas of research include but are not limited to the following: human performance assessment and modeling, cognitive performance/workload, human-machine interface/teaming, protective equipment, controls and displays, ergonomics, anthropomorphic measurement, virtual environments, and human factor engineering (social, behavioral, health, and cultural).
Support Equipment. Areas of research include but are not limited to the following: launch and recovery equipment, electro‐magnetics, high‐energy generation and control, environmental sensing, prognostics and health monitoring, automatic testing of hardware and software, displays, advanced maintenance technologies, information systems and intelligent agents, and advanced computer and data processing applications.
Systems Engineering. Areas of research include but are not limited to the following: integrated modeling environments, model based systems engineering methodology, integration of system models and physics-based models, systems safety engineering, air platform development and integration, system of systems architectures, aviation/ship integration, combat survivability, reliability and maintainability engineering, anti‐tamper engineering, electromagnetic environmental effects engineering, manufacturing and cost analysis.