How to bid on Airborne Systems Integration (ASI) R&D for Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division

What the Navy is buying and why it matters

The Department of the Navy's Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Webster Outlying Field (WOLF) Airborne Systems Integration (ASI) Division is looking for research and development (R&D) support. They need new technologies for air platforms, manned and unmanned payloads, advanced computing, air system security, and improved naval air capabilities.

This includes work on various sensors like Electro-Optical (EO), Infrared (IR), Radio Frequency (RF), and acoustic sensors, as well as persistent surveillance and special sensor systems. These systems are for both manned aircraft and Unmanned Air Systems (UAS), primarily small to medium-sized drones. The goal is to enhance naval aviation missions such as maritime surveillance, undersea warfare, airborne strike, and counter-unmanned systems.

Vendors should care because this is an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge naval technology, covering everything from sensor development and mathematical modeling to software, artificial intelligence, and advanced algorithms. It also includes developing and analyzing detection models for air, sea, and land.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) was published on April 02, 2026. The deadline for submissions is April 10, 2027, at 1:00 PM ET. At the deadline, the agency will stop accepting white papers and proposals for this R&D opportunity.

It is important to submit your response well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for firms with expertise in professional services, particularly those specializing in research and development for aerospace, defense, and advanced technology sectors. Companies with capabilities in sensor technology (EO/IR, RF, acoustic), advanced computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, software development, and systems integration for air platforms will find this relevant.

It is particularly geared towards entities that can develop and analyze technologies for both manned and unmanned air systems, focusing on naval applications and mission support.

How to respond to this solicitation

To access the full details and respond to this solicitation, you will need to go to the original source on the portal. Click the “View original source” link. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid.

You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all the documents, though for many bids, this is not required.

Practical tips for a competitive response

When preparing your white paper or proposal, clearly articulate how your proposed research and development aligns with the specific focus areas mentioned by NAWCAD WOLF ASI Division. Highlight your firm's experience with air platforms, sensors, advanced computing, and air system security.

Emphasize the potential impact of your technology on improving Naval capabilities, such as lethality, availability, and affordability. Provide concrete examples of past projects or research that demonstrate your ability to deliver innovative solutions in similar complex environments. Ensure your submission is well-organized, concise, and directly addresses the Navy's stated needs and objectives.