Continuing Human Enabling Enhancing Restoring and Sustaining
🏛 Air Force -- Research Lab (DOD-AFRL)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 27, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for federally funded research organizations, universities, small businesses, and contractors conducting research for the Air Force. Eligible applicants include non-FFRDC entities, though FFRDCs may apply if their sponsoring agency approves and AFRL determines no direct competition with private industry exists. Work must align with the Air Force Research Laboratory's Human Effectiveness Directorate science and technology objectives. Geographic scope is national; international participants must notify the contracting officer before applying.
This grant funds basic research through technology maturation and transition. Three concurrent solicitations operate: BAA (Broad Agency Announcement), ARA (Procurement for Experimental Purposes), and CSO (Commercial Solutions Opening—grants ineligible). Applicants must review the Multiple Authority Announcement alongside specific solicitation details. Foreign firms must obtain prior approval from the contracting officer.
Cost sharing is not required. Work typically ranges from fundamental research to prototype development. FFRDCs competing for awards face additional compliance requirements but are not automatically excluded.
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Program description
The Air Force Research Laboratory, Human Effectiveness Directorate (AFRL/RH) and the United States Air Force School of Medicine (USAFSAM) CHEERS Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA) is intended to provide a comprehensive strategy for AFRL/RH and USAFSAM’s range of Science and Technology (S&T) requirements, allowing for progression from basic research to technology maturation and transition.
20 Nov 2025: Amendment 01 – Annual Update
The CHEERS Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA) MUST be reviewed in tandem with the solicitations in order to have access to all applicable attachments and instructions. There are three (3) open, 2-step, solicitations currently accepting white papers. Please see below for solicitation numbers.
Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA), Notice FA238424S2233:
1. CHEERS MAA Open Period 1 – Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), Solicitation FA238424S2334
2. CHEERS MAA Open Period 2 – Procurement for Experimental Purposes (ARA), Solicitation FA238424S2335
3. CHEERS MAA Open Period 3 – Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO), Solicitation FA238424S2336 (NOTE: THIS CSO IS NOT GRANT-ELIGIBLE)
Please reach out if you have any questions regarding the MAA and/or the solicitation(s). Technical questions may be directed to the technical POC’s identified in the announcement/solicitations. General questions may be directed to the CHEERS email org box: AFRL.711HPW.MAA@us.af.mil
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- White paper (first step)
- Full proposal (if white paper is accepted)
- Budget and budget narrative
- Organizational management and personnel qualifications
- Statement of compliance with regulations (FFRDCs must include sponsoring agency determination)
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
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$683,736,669
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$536,656,761
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$343,216,877
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$144,687,361
-
$139,818,002
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$76,955,949
-
$61,554,981
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$49,606,438
-
$41,621,494
-
$37,440,610
Top States by Funding
- CA 17 awards $130.8M
- OH 4 awards $98.2M
- MA 5 awards $51.6M
- NY 4 awards $31.4M
- 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
Can foreign companies apply for this grant?
Foreign firms must notify the contracting officer before responding. Restrictions may preclude participation, so early contact is essential.
What is the difference between the three solicitations?
The BAA (FA238424S2334) funds broad research; the ARA (FA238424S2335) focuses on experimental purposes; the CSO (FA238424S2336) does not support grants.
Can FFRDCs (Federally Funded Research and Development Centers) apply?
Yes, if their sponsoring agency approves and AFRL confirms no direct competition with private industry results.
What types of research does CHEERS fund?
Research advancing from basic science to technology maturation aligned with Air Force Human Effectiveness needs.
Is cost sharing required?
No, cost sharing is not a requirement for this grant.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Contact the technical POC early to clarify if your research fits AFRL/RH priorities. Misalignment wastes effort.
- Review all three solicitations carefully; the CSO does not support grants despite appearing in the MAA.
- If you are an FFRDC, obtain your sponsoring agency's approval statement before drafting your proposal.
- Submit a strong white paper addressing human effectiveness directorate challenges. This is your first gate.
- Follow the specific formatting and attachment requirements in each solicitation—deviation causes disqualification.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying under CSO (Commercial Solutions Opening) when grants are ineligible there. Submitting proposals without reviewing all three concurrent solicitations. FFRDCs failing to secure sponsoring agency approval or AFRL competition determination before submission.
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