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: November 12, 2026 (Questions) | December 3, 2026, 3:00 p.m. EST (Applications)
Funding Amounts: One cooperative agreement up to $1.3 billion over ten years
Summary: Supports a partner to administer and execute the SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program for the defense STEM workforce.
Key Information: This opportunity seeks a program-administration partner, rather than individual scholarship applications.
Description
The Department of War seeks an entity to cooperatively implement and execute the SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program, managed by the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering. SMART is part of the National Defense Education Program and develops technical talent for national defense through undergraduate and graduate scholarships in 22 STEM disciplines. Scholars may be considered for a one-for-one civilian employment service commitment after graduation, subject to component requirements.
The selected partner will support program management, data systems and reporting, strategic communications, scholar payments, and independent evaluation. Responsibilities span application and selection cycles, scholar monitoring, hiring tracking, default and debt documentation, website operations, and tuition and stipend disbursement. The cooperative agreement entails substantial government involvement and collaborative planning throughout performance.
