I think the initial panel screen only went until 1/31 according to the panel tab on the NDSEG website so I'm not sure why people would get an update in late February if they weren't considered. Additionally the panel started reviewing applications after 12/15 so it doesn't make sense for people who have updates at the beginning of December (or Oct) unless there was something missing from their application or if they really did exclude people who didn't follow their instructions to a T (uploading a word document instead of PDF or with the wrong file name).
Also, in reference to the person talking about being excluded early from BAAs not having funding - my understanding from everything I have read and from a friend who also applied who asked the PMO several questions when applying, you aren't applying to the BAA, they just use that to make sure you are doing something of interest to them. so the pot of money for the BAA and NDSEG isn't the same. My guess is the agencies get even split of the money based on the number of applicants that apply to each branch.