Funder: Naval Supply Systems Command
Due Dates: January 13, 2026 (White Papers & Full Proposals)
Funding Amounts: Estimated total program funding: $20,000,000 | Typical award size and duration vary by project; up to 40 awards expected
Summary: Supports basic and applied STEM research aligned with the Naval Postgraduate School’s mission, using a two-stage application process (white paper, then full proposal).
Key Information: White papers must be submitted by email (not Grants.gov); only full proposals are submitted via Grants.gov.
Description
This opportunity funds basic and applied research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields that advance the mission of the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS). The program seeks meritorious research initiatives across a broad spectrum of disciplines, including science and engineering, business, policy, operational and information sciences, and interdisciplinary areas. Proposals should emphasize public benefit and knowledge advancement, not the development of specific systems or hardware procurement.
The program is not intended for technical, engineering, or other support services. Research may be fundamental or applied, but must be unclassified. The NPS reserves the right to fund all, some, or none of the proposals received.
Due Dates
- White Papers Deadline: January 13, 2026 (may be submitted at any time before this date)
- Full Proposals Deadline: January 13, 2026 (must be received by this date)
White papers are strongly encouraged before submitting a full proposal to receive feedback and improve the likelihood of funding.
Funding Amount
- Estimated Total Program Funding: $20,000,000
- Expected Number of Awards: Up to 40
- Award Size & Duration: Varies by project scope and technical approach; no fixed ceiling or floor specified.
- Funding Instrument: Grants or cooperative agreements (no contracts).
No cost sharing or matching is required, but voluntary cost sharing may be considered.
Eligibility
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Eligible Applicants:
- Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education (U.S.)
- Private institutions of higher education (U.S.)
- U.S. nonprofit research institutions with 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education)
- Accredited foreign universities
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Not Eligible:
- Individuals and for-profit industry
- Federally Funded Research & Development Centers (FFRDCs), including DOE National Labs
- Navy laboratories, military universities, warfare centers, and other DoD/civilian agency labs
University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs) may apply unless precluded by their DoD UARC contract.
Application Process
Stage 1: White Paper Submission
- How to Submit: Email as a PDF or Word attachment to grants@nps.edu
- Format: Max 5 pages (excluding cover, abstract, CVs); Times New Roman 12pt; 1-inch margins
- Content: Cover page, technical concept (objectives, need, background, methodology, anticipated results, public benefit), references, key personnel, schedule, rough cost estimate, conflicts of interest, human/animal subject identification
- Feedback: Applicants will receive informal feedback to encourage, discourage, or suggest rework before full proposal submission
Stage 2: Full Proposal Submission
- How to Submit: Via Grants.gov (do not submit white papers here)
- Required Forms: SF-424 (R&R), Project Abstract, Project Narrative, Budget, Senior/Key Person Profile, Personal Data, and other standard attachments
- Format: Max 40 pages for technical proposal (excludes cover, TOC, CVs, references, etc.)
- Content: Detailed research plan, public benefit statement, management approach, CVs, current/pending support, facilities, budget justification, and compliance with DoD requirements
- Special Requirements: Registration in SAM.gov and Grants.gov is required; allow several weeks for registration
See the DoD Grant Registration & Submission Guide (PDF) for detailed instructions.
Additional Information
- Research must be unclassified.
- No reimbursement for proposal development costs.
- Awards may include up to 90 days of pre-award costs (with prior approval for more).
- Compliance with DoD certifications and representations is required.
- Export control, human/animal subjects, and biosafety regulations apply as relevant.
- Conflicts of interest must be disclosed.
- Acknowledgement of NPS support is required in publications.
External Links
Contact Information