Funder: Dept of the Army -- Materiel Command
Due Dates: April 4, 2025 (Questions) | April 28, 2025 (Applications Due)
Funding Amounts: $200,000–$1,000,000 per award; 12-month project period; ~$55M total program funding
Summary: Supports HBCUs and Minority-Serving Institutions in acquiring research equipment/instrumentation to enhance DoD-relevant research and STEM education.
Key Information: Only “covered educational institutions” (HBCUs, eligible MSIs, and certain community colleges) may apply; strict eligibility and submission limits apply.
Description
This Department of Defense (DoD) opportunity provides funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) to acquire research equipment and instrumentation. The program aims to enhance the research capabilities of eligible institutions in scientific and engineering disciplines critical to DoD’s mission, strengthen STEM education programs, and attract students to STEM careers. Funding is intended for equipment that augments or creates new research capabilities in areas of interest to the DoD, with a strong emphasis on student engagement in research.
Due Dates
- Questions/Inquiries Deadline: April 4, 2025 (4:00 p.m. Eastern)
- Application Deadline: April 28, 2025 (4:00 p.m. Eastern)
- Anticipated Award Notification: Late August 2025
- Expected Award Start: Early October 2025
Funding Amount
- Total Program Funding: Approximately $55 million (subject to availability)
- Award Range: $200,000 to $1,000,000 per project
- Project Duration: 12 months
- Number of Applications: Each institution may submit up to three applications
Eligibility
- Eligible Applicants:
- “Covered educational institutions” as defined by 10 U.S.C. § 4144:
- Institutions eligible for assistance under Title III or Title V of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (includes most HBCUs and many MSIs)
- Accredited post-secondary minority institutions (including eligible community colleges and two-year degree-granting institutions)
- HBCUs and Tribal Colleges/Universities (TCUs) are automatically eligible; other institutions must provide a current Department of Education eligibility letter for Title III or V.
- Ineligible Applicants: Institutions not meeting the above criteria, or those hosting a Confucius Institute (unless a DoD waiver is obtained), or with personnel participating in malign foreign talent recruitment programs.
- Submission Limit: No more than three applications per institution.
Application Process
- Submission Platform: Grants.gov
- Required Registrations:
- Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
- System for Award Management (SAM)
- Grants.gov account
- Application Components:
- SF-424 (R&R) cover page
- Project Summary/Abstract (max 1 page)
- Project Narrative (max 25 pages, including summary, narrative, and facilities/resources)
- Budget and Budget Justification (with vendor quotes for equipment)
- Biographical sketches for PI and key personnel (max 3 pages each)
- Current and pending support forms (using NSF common forms)
- Department of Education eligibility letter (if required)
- Representations on tax delinquency and felony convictions
- Equipment Requirements:
- Must be for research or research-related education
- Each item must cost $10,000+ and have a useful life >1 year
- General purpose equipment is not eligible unless justified for research use
- No funds for student support, subawards, maintenance, or facility renovations
Additional Information
- Evaluation Criteria:
- Impact on research and STEM education capabilities
- Impact on student participation in STEM
- Qualifications of PI and key personnel
- Ability to operate/maintain equipment post-award
- Realism and reasonableness of cost
- Restrictions:
- No funding for student stipends, tuition, or postdoctoral support
- No subawards, consultant services, or facility renovations
- No support for projects involving classified information
- No references to climate change, diversity, equity, or inclusion in proposals
- Foreign Influence Safeguards:
- All key personnel are subject to DoD risk-based security review
- Institutions hosting a Confucius Institute or with personnel in malign foreign talent programs are ineligible
External Links
Contact Information