Your TL;DR: If federal grants feel slow, rigid, or misaligned with how innovation actually happens, BAAs and CSOs are worth attention. These Department of War (DoW) mechanisms move faster, focus on the problem rather than competition, and give innovators more room to operate.
Why BAAs and CSOs Exist in the First Place
BAAs and CSOs were created because traditional procurement and grant mechanisms are not well-suited to fast-moving innovation. When the Department of War (DoW) needs new ideas quickly, especially ones that do not fit neatly into predefined boxes, these mechanisms provide a more flexible entry point.
They often come with shorter review cycles, more available funding, and fewer procedural hurdles at the front end. In practice, that means less time waiting and more time building.
If it is helpful to pressure-test whether a BAA or CSO fits your situation better than a grant, that determination can usually be made quickly.
The Key Difference: Evaluated Against the Problem
Unlike grants, BAAs and CSOs typically do not pit applicants against each other for a fixed number of awards. Proposals are evaluated against the problem the government is trying to solve, often on a rolling basis.
Reviewers focus on technical merit, degree of innovation, and how rapidly a solution can be deployed. Credentials and grantsmanship matter far less than clarity of thinking and readiness to execute.
The GAP appears here, because many strong innovations lose time pursuing grant mechanisms that reward polish over practicality.
Why This Matters Strategically
For teams that are ready to move, speed matters. BAAs and CSOs align better with real development timelines and real-world constraints. They are not shortcuts, but they are often more honest reflections of how innovation actually progresses.
Ready To Take the Next Step?
We assist our clients in locating, applying for, and evaluating the outcomes of non-dilutive grant funding. We believe non-dilutive funding is a crucial tool for mitigating investment risks, and we are dedicated to guiding our clients through the entire process—from identifying the most suitable opportunities to submitting and managing grant applications.