National Center for Narrative Intelligence (NCNI)
🏛 Washington Headquarters Services
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 19, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for Mississippi State University only. No other applicants are eligible. The award supports establishment of the National Center for Narrative Intelligence (NCNI), a research center focused on DoD priorities. Work includes workforce development, applied research infrastructure, collaborative networks, and strategic analysis. This is a $6 million DoD-funded grant with no cost-sharing requirement.
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Program description
Under this FY26 grant agreement, academic partners will establish the National Center for Narrative Intelligence (NCNI) by executing RDT&E tasks across the following four pillars: workforce development, applied research infrastructure, collaborative networks, and strategic analysis for DoW leadership.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative/Technical Proposal
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Indirect Cost Rate Agreement
- DUNS Number and SAM Registration confirmation
- Letters of Support from partner organizations
- Organizational capability statement
Program contact
- 👤 Jonathan Bertsch Grantor
- 📧 jonathan.e.bertsch.civ@mail.mil
- 📞 7035453559
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 12.032 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$6,000,000
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 12.032). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2025 | $15,000,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $20,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply?
Only Mississippi State University is eligible. This is a directed award and no other institutions may submit applications.
What is the deadline?
The deadline is August 19, 2031. This is a fixed deadline.
What activities does the center support?
The center focuses on workforce development, applied research infrastructure, collaborative networks, and strategic analysis to support DoD leadership priorities.
What is the award amount?
The grant provides $6 million in funding. No cost-sharing is required.
Can I reapply if I'm not the designated recipient?
No. Only Mississippi State University is eligible. Other institutions cannot apply for this directed award.
💡 Tips for applicants
- This is a directed grant to a single institution, not a competitive opportunity. Confirm your organization is Mississippi State University before preparing materials.
- The four pillars (workforce development, applied research infrastructure, collaborative networks, strategic analysis) should drive your project narrative and budget alignment.
- DoD grants often require extensive compliance documentation. Budget planning time for DUNS, SAM registration, and indirect cost rate agreements.
- Strong letters of support from DoD stakeholders and partner organizations strengthen center establishment proposals. Identify key collaborators early.
- Narrative should clearly show how the center serves DoD leadership decision-making needs and builds sustainable research infrastructure beyond the grant term.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to explicitly address how the center aligns with DoD strategic priorities and decision support needs. Underestimating compliance and reporting requirements typical of DoD RDT&E grants. Proposing workforce development activities without clear DoD workforce pipeline benefits.
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