DoD Research and Education Program for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions (HBCU/MI) Research Fiscal Year 2024 | W911NF23S0015

Opportunity Information: Apply for W911NF23S0015

The DoD Research and Education Program for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions (HBCU/MI) Research, Fiscal Year 2024 is a discretionary grant opportunity administered by the Department of the Army, Army Materiel Command (CFDA 12.630). The program is focused specifically on supporting basic research at eligible minority-serving institutions, with the broader aim of strengthening institutional research capacity and helping these schools compete more effectively for future defense-related research funding. The funding opportunity number is W911NF23S0015, and the original application closing date listed is November 6, 2023. The maximum award amount (award ceiling) is up to $1,000,000 per award.

A central requirement of this funding opportunity is that proposed projects must be basic research as the Department of Defense defines it. In practical terms, that means the work should be a systematic study meant to expand fundamental knowledge and understanding of phenomena or observable facts, without being driven by a specific near-term application, product development goal, or process improvement target. The DoD frames this type of research as essential groundwork for long-term national security needs, and it explicitly welcomes studies across a wide range of fields that matter to defense-relevant science and technology. The solicitation highlights physical sciences, engineering, environmental sciences, life sciences, and information sciences as appropriate areas, as long as the proposed work genuinely advances foundational understanding rather than focusing on immediate implementation.

Beyond generating new knowledge, the program is also designed as an institutional strengthening mechanism. Principal Investigators are encouraged to take innovative approaches that not only produce strong research outcomes but also build the school’s science and engineering ecosystem. That can include efforts that help the institution develop stronger STEM programs, improve its ability to attract and retain talented students, and provide students with hands-on exposure to modern research methods and state-of-the-art topics. A recurring theme in the opportunity description is workforce development: the DoD wants these projects to help encourage students to pursue STEM degrees and careers, ultimately expanding the pipeline of scientists and engineers who can contribute to national security-related research over the long term.

The DoD intentionally does not prescribe a single preferred project model or a fixed formula for how applicants should structure their work. Instead, it expects each application to reflect the unique needs and capabilities of the institution submitting it. This flexibility recognizes that research infrastructure, available equipment, faculty expertise, and local constraints differ widely across campuses. As a result, applicants are expected to design projects that make sense for their specific environment, whether that involves building or upgrading research capability, leveraging existing strengths, or creating new research directions that can mature into sustainable programs.

Eligibility is limited by statute to “covered educational institutions” under 10 U.S.C. 4144. That includes (1) institutions of higher education eligible for assistance under Title III or Title V of the Higher Education Act of 1965, and (2) accredited postsecondary minority institutions. The eligibility language also clarifies that community colleges and other two-year degree-granting institutions can apply as long as they meet the definition of a covered educational institution. In other words, this is not an open competition for all universities; it is targeted funding meant to expand basic research participation and capacity specifically within HBCUs and other qualifying minority-serving institutions.

In summary, this FOA supports foundational, defense-relevant basic research led by eligible HBCU/MI institutions, with funding up to $1 million per award. It emphasizes both scientific merit and the long-term strengthening of institutional research and STEM education programs, while giving applicants flexibility to propose approaches aligned with their campus needs, facilities, and strategic goals.

• The Dept of the Army -- Materiel Command in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "DoD Research and Education Program for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions (HBCU/MI) Research Fiscal Year 2024" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 12.630.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2023-08-16.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2023-11-06. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,000,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for W911NF23S0015

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