The Department of Defense (DoD) is accepting — until May 3, 2016 — white papers as part of a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for the Fiscal Year 2016 Rapid Innovation Fund (RIF). RIF facilitates the rapid deployment of innovative technologies as a part of military systems or programs that address critical national security needs. DoD is seeking mature prototypes for final development, testing, evaluation, and integration under this program, and awards may be as much as $3 million with two years to perform the work.
RIF places a preference on technology proposals from small businesses, and small businesses may choose to collaborate with universities, large businesses, and other small businesses.
Topics of interest include areas identified by DoD as operational or national security needs, or technologies that will accelerate or enhance military capability or support a major defense acquisition program. Proposals should indicate how the proposed solution:
- stimulates innovative technologies,
- reduces acquisition or lifecycle costs, or
- addresses technical risk.
A broad range of requirements are covered. Examples include:
- sensor fusion data systems;
- unmanned aircraft system command and control, software test suites, and multi-unmanned aircraft systems;
- enhanced forensic analysis methods;
- advanced technologies for lighter weight, better performing, and soldier protective equipment;
- lightweight and portable power generation and storage systems;
- affordable Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) technologies;
- additive manufacturing technologies;
- enhanced space situational awareness;
- advanced data analytics;
- cybersecurity;
- medical informatics and telemedicine; and
- counter-unmanned aircraft system capabilities.
Due Dates: An amendment to the RIF that provides answers to questions posed to date will be posted on FedBizOpps by April 15, 2016. Proposals consisting of a three-page white paper and quad chart are due by 3:00 PM (EDT) on May 3, 2016. Invitations to submit full proposals are expected by September 15, 2016, and awards are anticipated by January 3, 2017.
Total Funding and Award Size: Total funding available for RIF awards is $250 million in FY 2016. In previous years, about 2,000 white papers were submitted, and of those submitted between 150 and 200 were asked to submit full proposals. About 100 awards were made annually, primarily to small businesses, and teams led by small businesses, at an average of $2.1 million. Awardees are given 24 months to complete their funded efforts.
Eligibility and Limitations: The competition is open to all businesses and academic institutions capable of satisfying the government’s needs. Emphasis is placed on source selection of technologies from small businesses or teams with small business participation.
Sources and Additional Background:
- A presentation on the FY16 RIF, including examples of projects selected in the past, can be accessed at: http://www.defenseinnovationmarketplace.mil/resources/RIF_Overview_Mar2016.pdf
- The full solicitation can be found on FedBizOpps by searching for “HQ-0034-16BAA-RIF-0001” or at https://www.fbo.gov/spg/ODA/WHS/REF/HQ0034-16-BAA-RIF-0001B/listing.html.
- More information on the FY 2016 Rapid Innovation Fund can be found at http://www.defenseinnovationmarketplace.mil/rif.html.
- The proposal submission links are available at https://www.dodrif.com/.
