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U.S. Army Futures Command AI Integration Center Broad Agency Announcement: Expanding the Frontier of Military AI Research (2024–2029)

Overview

The U.S. Army Futures Command’s Artificial Intelligence Integration Center (AI2C), working with the Army Contracting Command at Rock Island, has released a major Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) to accelerate research and development at every stage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) application for the military. This continuously open BAA seeks white papers and full proposals that push the envelope of basic, applied, and advanced research, directly targeting capabilities critical for soldiers and mission success.

Purpose and Strategic Goals

The overarching aim is to overcome technical barriers, develop breakthroughs, and translate scientific advances into operational solutions for the Department of Defense (DoD) and its service branches. This encompasses everything from concept studies and early-stage proof-of-concept prototyping to complex systems integration, field demonstrations, and technology transition.

The BAA supports a flexible range of funding mechanisms—including contracts, grants, Cooperative Agreements, Technology Investment Agreements (TIAs), and Other Transactions (OTs)—to accommodate both traditional academic-lab projects and agile commercial innovation.

Scope of Research: Key Focus Areas

The announcement invites pioneering ideas and solutions in, but not limited to:

  • Autonomous platforms for unmanned operations in air, ground, and maritime contexts.

  • AI & Machine Learning (ML) algorithms for challenging real-world data environments.

  • AI/ML-based decision support to aid battlefield awareness and operational command.

  • Human–AI integration optimizing teaming, explainability, and trust in machine outputs.

  • Synthetic environments for modeling, simulation, and accelerated system testing.

  • Distributed AI architectures for network-centric warfare and resilient communications.

  • Methodological foundations including new neural architectures, training approaches, and assurance.

  • (Appendix 2 lists targeted special topics and ongoing amendments; applicants should consult periodically.)

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility is broad and inclusive:

  • Degree-granting universities (U.S. and foreign)

  • Nonprofit research organizations

  • Commercial companies (small businesses to large corporations)

  • Federally Funded Research and Development Centers, UARCs, and government labs (as partners/subcontractors only)

  • Note: White paper submission is optional; applicants may submit full proposals directly.

Funding Mechanisms, Award Structure, and Cost-Share

  • Multiple awards anticipated over the five-year window; scope and funding level will reflect the chosen instrument and project size.

  • Procurement contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, TIAs, or OTs are all available, depending on project and Army/ACC-RI assessment.

  • Cost-share is generally voluntary, but TIAs/OTs typically target a 50/50 cost split (negotiable).

  • Profit/fee is not allowed for grant or cooperative agreement, but is negotiable for contracts.

Key Dates and Timeline

  • Open Submission Window: May 1, 2024 – May 31, 2029

  • Proposal Deadline: Submissions accepted on a rolling basis.

  • White Papers: Optional, strongly encouraged for preliminary Army feedback.

  • Full Proposals: May be submitted directly at any time.

  • Awards: Issued continuously as proposals are selected and funding is available.

  • Performance Periods: Negotiated per award, aligned to the five-year BAA window.

Application Process

  1. White Papers (≤ 3 pages):

  2. Full Proposal Submission:

  3. Registration:

Points of Contact

  • Primary submissions and questions: ai2c_baa_submissions@army.mil

  • General inquiries: AI2C BAA Team, U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island (Mail: ATTN: W519TC-25-S-0001, 3055 Rodman Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61299)

Compliance and Risks

  • Applications must adhere to relevant federal acquisition regulations (FAR/DFARS), export controls, and all required procedures for human/animal testing, data security, and marking.

  • Special risk mitigation requirements—particularly for foreign involvement—apply under Army Research Risk Assessment rules (NSPM).

Watchpoints for Applicants

  • The BAA is continuously open for nearly five years, but amendments and special topic updates are posted on SAM.gov and the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) website; regular checks are a must.

  • While applicants may suggest an award instrument, final selection is at AI2C’s discretion.

  • White papers are recommended for preliminary input and increased chance of success.

  • Proposals must be fully compliant with all DoD policies and statutes before evaluation.

Conclusion

This AI2C BAA represents one of the broadest and most flexible R&D funding opportunities in the defense innovation ecosystem, welcoming a range of partners and technical solutions. From breakthrough basic science to field-ready prototypes, projects funded through this opportunity will play a key role in shaping the future of U.S. military AI and operational capabilities—creating tangible impacts for soldiers and defense missions. Applicants are urged to engage early, leverage the white paper phase for feedback, and monitor official channels for scope expansions and amendments.