Air Delivered Effects
🏛 Munitions Directorate
Can you apply?
This grant is for research and development of air-delivered munitions and weapons systems by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Munitions Directorate.
Eligible applicants include universities, research institutions, small businesses, and established defense contractors with relevant expertise. Organizations must have facility security clearances and the ability to work on classified defense projects.
Projects must focus on advancing munitions technology, delivery systems, effectiveness, or related defense applications. Work typically involves basic research, applied research, or technology development for air-delivered weapons platforms.
Geographic scope covers the entire United States. Applicants must comply with federal procurement regulations and export controls for defense-related work.
This grant is for research and development of air-delivered munitions and weapons systems by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Munitions Directorate.
Eligible applicants include universities, research institutions, small businesses, and established defense contractors with relevant expertise. Organizations must have facility security clearances and the ability to work on classified defense projects.
Projects must focus on advancing munitions technology, delivery systems, effectiveness, or related defense applications. Work typically involves basic research, applied research, or technology development for air-delivered weapons platforms.
Geographic scope covers the entire United States. Applicants must comply with federal procurement regulations and export controls for defense-related work.
Program description
Broad Agency Announcement for Air Delivered Effects – Amendment 5
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for research and development of air-delivered munitions and weapons systems by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Munitions Directorate.
Eligible applicants include universities, research institutions, small businesses, and established defense contractors with relevant expertise. Organizations must have facility security clearances and the ability to work on classified defense projects.
Projects must focus on advancing munitions technology, delivery systems, effectiveness, or related defense applications. Work typically involves basic research, applied research, or technology development for air-delivered weapons platforms.
Geographic scope covers the entire United States. Applicants must comply with federal procurement regulations and export controls for defense-related work.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Technical Proposal or Research Plan
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Organizational Capability Statement
- Security Clearance Documentation
- Curriculum Vitae for Key Personnel
- Letters of Commitment (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 Kristin Davis Grantor
- 📧 kristin.davis@us.af.mil
- 📞 850-882-4296
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 12.800 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$536,656,761
-
$402,229,566
-
$316,957,199
-
$122,126,321
-
$76,955,949
-
$74,687,361
-
$61,554,981
-
$49,791,410
-
$41,621,494
-
$37,440,610
Top States by Funding
- CA 16 awards $123.7M
- OH 3 awards $77.2M
- MA 5 awards $47.6M
- NY 4 awards $31.3M
- TX 4 awards $30.5M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 12.800). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $874,454,904 | |
| 2025 | $652,065,758 | |
| 2026 est. | $700,000,000 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Universities, research labs, small businesses, and defense contractors with appropriate security clearances. Your organization must be able to handle classified research.
What research areas are typically funded?
Munitions design, delivery systems, targeting accuracy, materials science, and related defense technologies. Work must advance Air Force operational capabilities.
Are there specific deadlines I should know about?
The fixed deadline is March 21, 2027. Applications opened March 22, 2022. Check for updates on grants.gov for extensions.
How competitive is this funding?
Very competitive. This is a specialized defense research area. Strong technical merit and demonstrated prior defense work improve your chances.
What's the typical funding range?
Awards vary widely from $100K to multi-million dollars depending on project scope and performer experience. Check recent notices for current ranges.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize relevance to Air Force operational needs and strategic priorities in your technical approach.
- Clearly explain your team's prior experience with classified defense research and munitions development.
- Include realistic timelines and achievable milestones tied to measurable technical outcomes.
- Address security, testing, and transition pathways for prototype development or proof-of-concept.
- Engage with AFRL program managers early to understand current focus areas and technical requirements.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications lack clear connection to Air Force operational priorities and near-term capability gaps. Teams without proven experience in classified defense work face strong skepticism. Budgets appear inflated or lack detailed justification for specialized equipment and testing costs.
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