How to bid on R&D for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) with DHS

What the agency is buying and why it matters

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD) is seeking research and development (R&D) proposals. They want new technologies and capabilities to help prevent, protect against, respond to, and mitigate nuclear, chemical, radiological, and biological threats and incidents.

This is a significant opportunity for businesses and academic institutions to contribute to national security by developing innovative solutions for critical WMD challenges. The program aims to address urgent operational issues and capability gaps as they arise.

Key dates and deadlines

This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) is open for five years, from May 07, 2024, until May 06, 2029, at 5:00 PM ET. However, you will not submit proposals directly to this overarching BAA.

Instead, specific project opportunities, called "Areas of Interest" (AOIs), will be announced periodically on SAM.gov. Each AOI will have its own scope, specific proposal instructions, evaluation criteria, and open/close dates. You must respond to these individual AOIs within their specified timeframes.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is ideal for businesses and academic institutions with expertise in research and development related to countering weapons of mass destruction. This includes fields such as nuclear, chemical, radiological, and biological threat detection, prevention, protection, response, and mitigation.

Firms and institutions capable of developing innovative solutions and new technologies in these professional categories will find this BAA relevant.

How to respond

To participate, you must monitor SAM.gov for specific "Areas of Interest" (AOIs) that will be posted under this BAA. Each AOI will have a unique Notice ID.

When an AOI is published, it will outline the scope, specific proposal instructions, evaluation criteria, and submission deadlines. You will be expected to submit white papers and/or proposals in response to these individual AOIs. It is your responsibility to review each AOI's details to ensure your submission adheres to its requirements.

Tips for a competitive response

Thoroughly read each Area of Interest (AOI) as it is released. Pay close attention to the specific scope, instructions, and evaluation criteria for that particular opportunity. Tailor your white paper or proposal precisely to those requirements.

Clearly articulate the innovative aspects of your proposed research and development. Demonstrate how your solution directly addresses the identified WMD threat or capability gap. Provide a clear and concise explanation of your methodology and expected outcomes.

Ensure your team has the necessary expertise and resources to execute the proposed R&D. Highlight relevant past performance or experience in similar research areas, if applicable, to demonstrate your capability.