Pioneering Aerospace Capabilities, Engineering and Research (PACER)
Can you apply?
This grant is for academic institutions, research centers, and qualified researchers seeking to advance aerospace science and engineering capabilities through innovative research partnerships with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). Eligible applicants typically include universities, colleges, federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), and nonprofit research organizations. The program supports fundamental and applied research in aerospace disciplines including aerodynamics, propulsion, materials science, structures, avionics, and autonomous systems. Research must align with Air Force strategic priorities and have potential military applications or dual-use relevance. The scope is national, with no geographic restrictions. Activities supported include basic research, proof-of-concept demonstrations, prototype development, and collaborative research efforts between academia and Air Force laboratories.
Program description
Pioneering Aerospace Capabilities, Engineering and Research (PACER)
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project narrative/technical proposal (typically 15-25 pages)
- Detailed budget and budget justification
- Curriculum vitae or biographical sketches of key personnel
- Letter(s) of commitment from partner institutions or Air Force collaborators
- Facility and equipment information
- Indirect cost rate agreement (for institutions with federally negotiated rates)
- Conflicts of interest disclosure
- Data management plan
- Representations and certifications (including cost accounting standards compliance)
Program contact
- 👤 Jodonna Alvarez Grantor
- 📧 AFRL.RQ.PACERBAA@us.af.mil
- 📞 937-713-9966
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 PACER funding?
Typically universities, colleges, research institutes, FFRDCs, and nonprofit research organizations are eligible. Some grants may include industry partners as subawardees. Check the specific solicitation to confirm your organization type is eligible.
What is the typical funding range for PACER awards?
PACER awards vary widely depending on project scope and complexity, commonly ranging from $200,000 to several million dollars for multi-year efforts. Specific funding caps are detailed in annual solicitations.
What types of research activities does PACER support?
The program funds fundamental research, applied research, advanced technology demonstrations, feasibility studies, and prototyping in aerospace science and engineering disciplines aligned with Air Force needs.
How competitive is this grant program?
AFRL research grants are highly competitive. Successful applications typically demonstrate innovation, clear technical merit, experienced research teams, and strategic relevance to Air Force priorities. Success rates typically range from 10-30% depending on the specific topic.
When are proposals typically due?
PACER solicitations usually have specific deadline dates announced in advance. Check www.afrl.af.mil and www.sam.gov regularly for current solicitation windows and deadlines.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your research with specific Air Force Research Lab strategic focus areas and published research priorities; proposals that directly address AFRL technical goals have significantly higher success rates.
- Include a detailed technical approach with clear milestones, deliverables, and metrics for success; reviewers scrutinize feasibility and technical soundness more than broader applicants in civilian grant programs.
- Establish documented partnerships or letters of support from Air Force laboratories if possible; demonstrated engagement with AFRL personnel strengthens competitiveness.
- Ensure your budget is detailed and justified with explicit connections to proposed tasks; federal grants require line-item justification and DOD budgets face particularly rigorous scrutiny.
- Submit well in advance of the deadline and allow time for internal compliance reviews; federal grants have strict formatting requirements, and late submissions are typically rejected without review.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Many applications fail because researchers propose work that lacks clear relevance to Air Force strategic objectives or fails to articulate dual-use potential. Additionally, weak technical approaches with vague methodologies, unrealistic timelines, or insufficient evidence of team capability often result in rejection. Finally, incomplete budget justifications, missing compliance documents, or failure to follow DOD-specific formatting requirements frequently cause proposals to be deemed non-responsive.
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