[Missile Defense Agency](https://www.mda.mil/)

August 20, 2025

Up to $30,000 total; typically 3 awards; no cost sharing required

Supports official BEST Robotics competition hubs with funding for robotics kit upgrades for the 2025 or 2026 season to enhance STEM engagement.

Only official BEST Robotics Inc. hubs managed by or working with higher education agencies are eligible.

--- ## Description This opportunity, offered by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), provides financial support to official BEST Robotics Inc. Local or Regional Competition Hubs, or the national BEST Robotics Inc. organizer, for the purchase of robotics kit upgrades—specifically educational software licenses and robotics sensors—for the 2025 or 2026 competition season. The grant is part of MDA’s broader STEM Outreach Program to increase awareness, engagement, and proficiency in STEM among K-12 and college students, aiming to build a robust future workforce in science and engineering fields relevant to missile defense. The funding is intended to help hubs strengthen and broaden participation, especially among Title I schools and underserved populations, in the BEST Robotics program, which uses a sports-like robotics competition to inspire students toward STEM careers. --- ## Due Dates - Application Deadline: August 20, 2025, 4:00 PM Mountain Time --- ## Funding Amount - Total program funding: Up to $30,000 - Award ceiling (maximum per award): $30,000 - Expected number of awards: 3 - No cost sharing or matching required - Funding may support one or both of the 2025 and 2026 competition seasons --- ## Eligibility Applicants must meet **all** of the following criteria: - Be registered with BEST Robotics Inc. as an official Local Competition Hub, Regional Competition Hub, or the national BEST Robotics Inc. organizer. - Be managed by a Higher Education Agency (HEA; e.g., a university or junior college) **or** be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working closely with an HEA (with all receipts and payments processed through the HEA’s grant office). - The associated HEA must have: - Current registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) - A current Grants.gov account - A current Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE) account - If previously awarded an MDA STEM BEST Robotics Grant, all prior reporting requirements must have been met and projected team registration goals attained. - Must be able to independently accomplish all required hub tasks (material preparation, distribution, safety) without additional MDA involvement or funding. **Note:** Only official BEST Robotics Inc. hubs are eligible; individual schools, teams, or unregistered organizations are not eligible. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360035) by the deadline. - Required documents include: - Completed SF-424 (R&R) form - Hub information and funding statement - Proposed schedule of events - Support letters (from HEA leadership and BEST Robotics National Headquarters) - Post-award agreement letter - Certifications for SAM and WAWF accounts - Optional support letters from local government, STEM organizations, or industry may be included to strengthen the application. - Detailed application instructions and required attachments are outlined in the [full RFP](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/BEST%20RFP_Materials_2025%20Final.pdf). --- ## Additional Information - Awards are not guaranteed and may be less than requested. - Funding covers only educational software licenses (one-year use) and robotics sensors for the specified seasons. - Reporting requirements include service region mapping, team demographics, competition results, and event photos. - Grant vouchers and reimbursements are processed through ONR and DFAS; all communications must include the MDA STEM Program Office and Grants Officer. - Events or purchases before the award is fully executed are not reimbursable. --- ## External Links - [Grants.gov Opportunity Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360035) - [Full RFP and Application Materials (PDF)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/BEST%20RFP_Materials_2025%20Final.pdf) - [BEST Robotics Inc.](https://www.bestinc.org/) - [SAM Registration](https://www.sam.gov) - [PIEE Registration](https://piee.eb.mil/xhtml/unauth/help/newuser.xhtml) - [Grants.gov Applicant Resources](https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |-----------------------|-----------------------|--------------------------------------------|---------------| | Ambros D Montoya | MDA Grants Officer | [ambros.d.montoya.civ@mda.mil](mailto:ambros.d.montoya.civ@mda.mil) | 505-846-0602 | | MDA STEM Outreach Office | General Inquiries | [STEM@mda.mil](mailto:STEM@mda.mil) | — |

MDA STEM BEST Robotics Grant

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