Automated Processes for Knowledge Discovery and Information Retrieval
Can you apply?
This grant is for research organizations, universities, and businesses seeking funding to develop automated processes for knowledge discovery and information retrieval. Eligible applicants typically include accredited colleges and universities (including HBCUs and Hispanic-serving institutions), nonprofit research organizations, small businesses, and large defense contractors with the capacity to conduct federally-funded research. The program supports R&D activities in computational methods, machine learning, natural language processing, and knowledge management systems aligned with Air Force Research Lab priorities. Geographic scope is nationwide. Applicants must comply with federal regulations, maintain appropriate security clearances if handling classified information, and demonstrate technical merit and management capability.
Program description
“No submissions through Grants.gov will be accepted. All submissions must follow SAM.gov instructions. For full opportunity announcement see SAM.gov link below”.
https://sam.gov/opp/7aca91ca2c5842ed9898b5226493ab85/view
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Proposal narrative (typically 15-25 pages) including technical approach, innovation, and Air Force relevance
- Budget and budget justification with detailed cost breakdowns
- Organizational capability statement and past performance
- Curriculum vitae or biographical sketches of key personnel
- Letters of commitment from partners/subcontractors (if applicable)
- Conflict of interest disclosures
- Facilities and equipment list
- Data management plan (for AI/ML research)
Program contact
- 👤 Kenneth R Gigliotti Grantor
- 📧 AFRL.RIKA.Support@us.af.mil
- 📞 315-330-4234
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?
Accredited colleges/universities, nonprofit research organizations, small businesses, and established contractors can apply. Foreign entities typically cannot be prime recipients but may participate as subcontractors under specific conditions.
What is the deadline and when does the application window open?
The application opened September 9, 2024, with a fixed deadline of September 9, 2029. This is a multi-year funding opportunity.
What types of research activities are supported?
This program supports R&D in automated knowledge discovery, machine learning, information retrieval systems, data analytics, and related computational methods applicable to Air Force needs.
How competitive is this funding?
AFRL grants are highly competitive. Strong proposals typically include novel technical approaches, clear Air Force relevance, experienced research teams, and feasible timelines with defined milestones.
What is the typical funding range?
AFRL research grants typically range from $100K to several million dollars depending on project scope and phase, though specific amounts vary by solicitation.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your research directly with Air Force Research Lab priorities and stated technical objectives; generic AI/ML proposals without defense applications are unlikely to succeed.
- Include a detailed technical approach section that demonstrates feasibility, innovation, and clear milestones with measurable outcomes.
- Partner with organizations that bring complementary expertise and credibility; collaborations between academia, national labs, and industry are often strengthened proposals.
- Secure letters of commitment from any subcontractors or partners early, and ensure they understand deliverables and timelines.
- Budget realistically for federal compliance, indirect costs, and technical personnel; underfunded proposals raise red flags about feasibility.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applicants often fail by proposing research with unclear or indirect Air Force relevance; AFRL funding is mission-driven and proposals must explicitly connect to defense needs. Another common pitfall is underestimating the effort required for federal compliance, security protocols, and reporting, which can strain budgets and timelines. Finally, weak project management plans or overly ambitious technical scope without demonstrated team capacity frequently leads to rejection.
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