Open Period 1 – All Technical Areas
Can you apply?
This grant is for basic and applied research projects across all technical areas supported by the Air Force Research Laboratory. Eligible applicants typically include universities, research institutions, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations with research capacity. The grant supports fundamental research that advances Air Force capabilities in science and engineering. There are no strict geographic restrictions, though applicants must comply with export control and national security regulations. Projects must align with AFRL's technical priorities and demonstrate potential for transitioning research results to Air Force applications or broader defense innovation. International collaboration may be restricted depending on the specific technical area and classification level.
This grant is for basic and applied research projects across all technical areas supported by the Air Force Research Laboratory. Eligible applicants typically include universities, research institutions, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations with research capacity. The grant supports fundamental research that advances Air Force capabilities in science and engineering. There are no strict geographic restrictions, though applicants must comply with export control and national security regulations. Projects must align with AFRL's technical priorities and demonstrate potential for transitioning research results to Air Force applications or broader defense innovation. International collaboration may be restricted depending on the specific technical area and classification level.
Program description
The Air Force Research Laboratory, Human Effectiveness Directorate (RH) and the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM), is soliciting white papers (and potentially later technical and cost proposals) on the research located in the Statements of Objectives attached to the Continuing Human Enabling, Enhancing, Restoring and Sustaining (CHEERS) Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA) Opportunity FA2384-24-S-2233.
List of Attachments:
1. “Open Period Solicitation 1_BAA Amend 01”
2. “Attachment 1 – List of Provisions and Clauses (BAA)”
Related Notice: Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA) FA238424S2233, “Continuing Human Enabling, Enhancing, Restoring and Sustaining (CHEERS)”
Note: You MUST refer to the related notice identified above in order to obtain all additional attachments referenced herein (e.g. CHEERS Industry Guide, Statements of Objectives (SOO), and S&T Protection Appendices)
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for basic and applied research projects across all technical areas supported by the Air Force Research Laboratory. Eligible applicants typically include universities, research institutions, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations with research capacity. The grant supports fundamental research that advances Air Force capabilities in science and engineering. There are no strict geographic restrictions, though applicants must comply with export control and national security regulations. Projects must align with AFRL's technical priorities and demonstrate potential for transitioning research results to Air Force applications or broader defense innovation. International collaboration may be restricted depending on the specific technical area and classification level.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Research proposal/project narrative (typically 15-25 pages)
- Budget and budget justification
- Biographical sketches of key personnel (for senior researchers)
- Current and pending support documentation
- Conflict of interest disclosures
- Facilities and equipment descriptions
- Letters of commitment (if collaborative partners involved)
- Data management plan
- Cost-sharing documentation (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 Amber A Taylor Grantor
- 📧 AFRL.711HPW.MAA@us.af.mil
- 📞 7033475655
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 CHEERS?
Typically universities, research institutions, small businesses (including HUBZone and disadvantaged-owned firms), nonprofit organizations, and other research entities. Some categories may have specific requirements regarding facilities or security clearances.
What types of research are supported?
CHEERS supports basic and applied research across all AFRL technical areas including materials, aerospace, propulsion, sensors, human performance, and other priority research domains.
What is the typical funding range?
Funding varies by technical area and project scope, but AFRL research grants commonly range from $100,000 to several million dollars. Check the specific solicitation for exact award ranges.
How competitive is this grant?
AFRL grants are highly competitive. Success requires strong scientific merit, clear relevance to Air Force priorities, and demonstrated research capability. Expect rigorous technical peer review.
What is the application deadline and submission process?
The deadline is September 30, 2027. Applications typically must be submitted through Grants.gov using the SF-424 form and supporting research proposal documents. Check Grants.gov for the exact submission portal and any late-stage guidance.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your research objectives explicitly with stated AFRL technical priorities and current Air Force challenges; vague or generic proposals are less competitive.
- Build in clear transition pathways showing how results could be applied to Air Force operations, acquisitions, or doctrine.
- Highlight your team's track record of successful research completion and any prior AFRL or DoD funding; established researchers have better odds.
- Address data management, intellectual property, and security requirements upfront; federal agencies prioritize compliance-ready proposals.
- Submit well in advance of the deadline and engage with AFRL program managers early to clarify scope and expectations before application submission.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Many applications fail because they lack clear connection to Air Force operational needs or AFRL's technical roadmap. Proposals that are too preliminary, overly ambitious without milestones, or that underestimate compliance and security requirements are frequently rejected. Applicants often neglect to address data sharing obligations and cost-sharing expectations, which reduces competitiveness.
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