OPEN CFDA 81.049 ↗ Competitive Grant / Cooperative Agreement Competitive ~100h typical effort

FY 2027 Continuation of Solicitation for the Office of Science Financial Assistance Program

🏛 Office of Science

✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 8, 2026

⏰ Deadline
Sep 30, 2027 in 356 days
💰 Award amount
$5K – $10M
📊 Total program funding
$400M
📍 Scope
National
📨 Letter of Intent
Yesrequired first

Can you apply?

This grant is for research organizations seeking federal support for scientific research in six priority areas: Advanced Scientific Computing Research, Basic Energy Sciences, Biological and Environmental Research, Fusion Energy Sciences, High Energy and Nuclear Physics, and Isotope R&D and Production.

Universities, national laboratories, nonprofits, and private companies may apply. Organizations must be able to receive federal funding and meet Department of Energy compliance requirements. Applicants should review 10 C.F.R. part 605 for detailed eligibility rules, application procedures, and evaluation criteria.

This is an open, rolling solicitation active throughout fiscal year 2027. Any research aligned with the Office of Science's congressional mandate qualifies.

Eligible applicants
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Program description

SC hereby announces its continuing interest in receiving applications for support of work in the following program areas: 

·        Advanced Scientific Computing Research

·        Basic Energy Sciences

·        Biological and Environmental Research

·        Fusion Energy Sciences

·        High Energy and Nuclear Physics

·        Isotope R&D and Production. 

On September 3, 1992, DOE published in the Federal Register the Office of Energy Research Financial Assistance Program (now called the Office of Science Financial Assistance Program), 10 C.F.R. part 605, as a Final Rule, which contained a solicitation for this program. Information about submitting applications, eligibility, limitations, evaluation and selection processes and other policies and procedures are specified in 10 C.F.R. part 605.

This NOFO is our annual open solicitation that covers all research areas in SC and is open throughout the fiscal year (FY). Any research within SC’s congressionally authorized mission may be proposed under this NOFO.

This NOFO will remain open until September 30, 2027, 11:59 PM Eastern Time, or until it is succeeded by another issuance, whichever occurs first.

Who can apply

Eligible applicants

How to apply

Application links

Key dates & requirements

Required documents

  • SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
  • Project Narrative/Scientific Proposal
  • Budget and Budget Justification
  • Biographical Sketches of Key Personnel
  • Current and Pending Support (other funding sources)
  • Letters of Commitment from collaborating institutions
  • Organizational Certification (authority to submit)

Program contact

  • 👤 Michael S Zarkin Grants Management Specialist
  • 📧 sc.opencall@doe.gov
  • 📞 301-903-4946

Funding track record

Recent awards under CFDA 81.049 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.

108
awards (3 yrs)
$6.3B
total funded
57
unique recipients
$58.6M
average award

Top 10 Largest Recent Awards

  1. $1,250,640,884
  2. $836,082,435
  3. $396,718,000
  4. $241,000,000
  5. $237,065,653
  6. $211,031,477
  7. $126,425,786
  8. $123,402,593
  9. $78,691,103
  10. $78,303,346

Top States by Funding

  • CA 19 awards $1,830.5M
  • MI 6 awards $1,414.9M
  • MA 12 awards $375.3M
  • IL 5 awards $351.2M
  • WI 5 awards $343.9M

Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.

Funding history

Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 81.049). How funding has trended year over year.

2018 $1,332,804,781
2019 $1,256,158,757
2020 $1,351,765,427
2021 $1,370,403,281
2022 $1,526,997,591
2023 $1,716,168,129
2024 est. $1,547,434,169
2025 est. $1,700,000,000

FAQ

What types of organizations can apply?

Universities, national laboratories, nonprofit research organizations, and private companies can apply. Check 10 C.F.R. part 605 to verify your organization's eligibility status.

When is the deadline?

The solicitation closes September 30, 2027, 11:59 PM Eastern Time. This is a rolling deadline, so submit early for better review timing.

What research areas are funded?

The program covers six areas: Advanced Scientific Computing, Basic Energy Sciences, Biological and Environmental Research, Fusion Energy, High Energy and Nuclear Physics, and Isotope R&D.

How competitive is this program?

This is a highly competitive federal research program. Strong applications need clear scientific merit, realistic budgets, and experienced research teams.

What's the typical award size?

Awards range from $5,000 to $10,000,000, with a total program budget of $400,000,000. Actual award amounts vary by research area and scope.

💡 Tips for applicants

  • Review 10 C.F.R. part 605 carefully before starting. This regulation governs all eligibility, procedures, and evaluation criteria for the program.
  • Align your research directly to one of the six priority areas. Proposals outside the Office of Science's congressional mandate will not be competitive.
  • Develop a realistic budget with detailed justification. Include all costs: personnel, equipment, travel, and indirect costs if applicable.
  • Partner with a national laboratory or experienced research institution if possible. Collaborations strengthen competitiveness and demonstrate institutional capacity.
  • Submit early in the fiscal year if your research is time-sensitive. As a rolling deadline, later submissions face more competing proposals.

⚠️ Common mistakes

Proposals fail to clearly align research with one of the six priority areas defined by the Office of Science. Applicants underestimate indirect costs and administrative requirements for federal research compliance. Budgets lack sufficient detail or scientific justification for requested funding amounts.

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