The Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service Program Cooperative Agreement
The Department of War seeks an eligible partner to run its science, mathematics and research scholarship-for-service program through one cooperative agreement worth up to $1.3 billion over 10 years.
Funder: Dept of the Army -- Materiel Command
Due Dates: October 29, 2026 (Opportunity Day) | November 24, 2026 (Questions) | December 3, 2026, 3:00 p.m. EST (Applications)
Funding Amounts: One cooperative agreement of up to $1.3 billion over ten years
Summary: Supports a partner to administer and execute the SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program, developing STEM talent for the defense civilian workforce.
Key Information: This opportunity funds program administration, not individual scholarship applications.
Description
The Department of War seeks an eligible entity to cooperatively implement and execute the Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program. Managed by the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering through the National Defense Education Program, SMART supports undergraduate and graduate degrees in 22 STEM disciplines critical to national security. Its goal is to develop technical talent while addressing near-term defense workforce needs.
The selected recipient will work with substantial Government involvement across five areas: program management and administration; data management, analysis, and reporting; strategic communications and marketing; scholar payments and expenses; and independent program evaluation. Responsibilities span scholarship selection, scholar monitoring, workforce transitions, default-case preparation, information systems, outreach, and financial disbursements. The opportunity seeks creative, innovative, and effective approaches backed by clear, feasible implementation plans.
