Funder: Defense Threat Reduction Agency
Due Dates: February 7, 2025 (Pre-application white papers for Topics A1–A7) | Rolling (General thrust area proposals) | September 30, 2034 (Final closing date)
Funding Amounts: Up to $1M/year for up to 5 years (typical range: $25K–$1M/year); topic-specific awards: $200K–$750K/year; total program funding: $500M; ~30 awards/year.
Summary: Supports fundamental research to counter weapons of mass destruction, with a focus on innovative chemical and biological defense science and technology.
Key Information: Pre-application white papers for Topics A1–A7 do not require abstract pre-coordination but must be submitted by February 7, 2025.
Description
This opportunity, issued by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), funds fundamental research to advance the science and technology base for countering weapons of mass destruction (WMD), with a particular emphasis on chemical and biological threats. The program seeks innovative, high-impact research that expands fundamental scientific knowledge and enables new capabilities for detection, diagnostics, protection, decontamination, and medical countermeasures.
The Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) is open to a wide range of research topics, with specific focus areas (Thrust Area 1, Topics A1–A7) detailed in the current amendment. Proposals may address either these specific topics or the broader thrust area. The BAA is open through September 30, 2034, with rolling submissions for general topics and a specific deadline for the current set of topics.
Due Dates
- Pre-application white papers for Topics A1–A7:
February 7, 2025, 11:59 PM EST (no abstract pre-coordination required for these topics)
- General thrust area proposals:
Rolling submission (requires pre-coordination of abstract)
- Final closing date for all applications:
September 30, 2034
Funding Amount
- Typical award size: $25,000 to $1,000,000 per year, depending on scope and topic
- Award duration: Up to 5 years (base period + option years)
- Topic-specific guidance:
- Topic A1: $400,000–$700,000/year
- Topic A2: $750,000/year (base period)
- Topic A3/A4: Up to $500,000/year
- Topic A5: Up to $200,000/year (base year, with possible option year)
- Topic A6/A7: $350,000–$500,000/year
- Total program funding: $500,000,000
- Expected number of awards: ~30 per year
Eligibility
- Eligible applicants:
- Accredited degree-granting colleges, universities, and academic institutions (U.S. and foreign)
- Industrial and commercial entities (including small businesses)
- Not-for-profit research organizations
- Foreign government laboratories (certain restrictions apply)
- Ineligible as prime awardees or PIs: U.S. federal agencies, federal academic organizations, federal labs, and FFRDCs (may participate as collaborators or subawardees)
- Preference: Proposals with significant university participation (≥30% of total value)
- Cost sharing: Not required (unless specified in topic or by DTRA)
Application Process
Two-Phase Submission
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Phase I: Pre-application White Paper
- Required for all proposals.
- For Topics A1–A7: No abstract pre-coordination required; submit by February 7, 2025.
- For general thrust area: Pre-coordination of abstract with DTRA required before submission.
- White paper: Up to 4 pages, addressing project summary, scientific impact, cost estimate, team, and student involvement.
- Submit via Grants.gov using the correct application package.
-
Phase II: Invited Full Proposal
- By invitation only, based on white paper review.
- Full proposal: Up to 20 pages (plus required forms and attachments).
- Must address technical approach, management, relevance, credentials, and detailed work plan.
- Additional required documents: Budget, SOW, quad chart, biographical sketches, current/pending support, and compliance forms.
Review Criteria
- Scientific and technical merit
- Value to DTRA mission goals
- Capability of personnel and facilities
- Cost realism
Additional Requirements
- Active SAM registration and Grants.gov account required
- Compliance with U.S. export control, human/animal research, and research security policies
- Annual and final technical and financial reporting
Additional Information
- Topics A1–A7 (2025 cycle) include: targeted drug delivery with diagnostics, quantum computing for medical countermeasures, oral microbiome diagnostics, threat-agnostic host response mechanisms, transformative materials for CB defense, quantum sensors, and upconverting nanoparticles for detection.
- Awards may be structured as base period plus option years (up to 5 years total).
- No capital equipment purchases allowed for Topic A5.
- Student involvement is strongly encouraged and may be a review consideration.
- Subawards are permitted; lead institution is responsible for all subawards.
External Links
Contact Information
For additional questions, refer to the BAA or contact the appropriate email above.