Request for Information – University Partnership Models
🏛 Dept of the Army -- Materiel Command (DOD-AMC)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026
Can you apply?
This is a Request for Information (RFI) issued for planning purposes only, not a formal solicitation. Universities and research institutions can submit input on agile teaming approaches and university partnership models. The Army Research Lab seeks ideas on collaborating with leading academic experts to support Army science and technology needs. Responses are voluntary and the Army has no obligation to acknowledge receipt or provide feedback.
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Program description
This is a Request for Information (RFI) issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. Respondents are advised that the Army Research Lab (ARL) is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted under this RFI.
Request for Information (RFI): University Partnership Models
ARL is seeking input from the academic community on agile teaming approaches to enable ARL to rapidly access a broad range of experts that can support the unique needs of the future Army. Additional information on the requested approaches to established trusted partnerships with the academic community is provided below. This RFI is issued for planning purposes only, and it does not constitute a formal solicitation for proposals or suggest the procurement of any goods or services. The following sections of this announcement contain details on the specific scientific areas of interest, along with instructions for the submission of responses.
How is this effort meant to be different than previous efforts?
ARL recognizes that to deliver the science and technology needs for the Army of 2040 and beyond, we need to work with the world’s leading experts. In addition, to tailor our research to the unique needs of the Army we need to work as a team with our university partners. This means that we need to collaborate on open (public releasable) basic science and on classified problems that incorporate an understanding of Army challenges. Although the business models that focus on working with individual principal investigators is still necessary and will continue, ARL is seeking ideas to improve partnerships with universities by collaboratively developing strategies that leverage the universities’ capabilities (e.g. personnel, facilities, and infrastructure) to address the Army’s science and technology gaps that exist to deliver for the Army of 2040 and beyond. ARL is interested in learning about unique mechanisms you may have in place with other organizations. Suggestions for modifications to existing contracting and partnership mechanisms are also welcome.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Response to RFI (format and length not specified in announcement)
- Contact information for respondent organization
- Description of proposed partnership model or teaming approach
Program contact
- 👤 Mr. Karl A. Kappra Principal Deputy for Strategic Partnerships Dr. David Stepp ARO Chief Scientist
- 📧 UniversityRFI@army.mil
- 📞 Contact By Email
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 12.431 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$213,594,079
-
$88,655,689
-
$54,356,555
-
$49,736,421
-
$48,908,501
-
$43,820,967
-
$38,292,265
-
$34,850,000
-
$31,526,562
-
$27,457,336
Top States by Funding
- MD 10 awards $367.6M
- MA 13 awards $197.8M
- CA 11 awards $189.5M
- TX 6 awards $129.2M
- PA 9 awards $126.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 12.431). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $764,057,529 | |
| 2025 | $750,782,726 | |
| 2026 est. | $800,000,000 |
FAQ
Is this a formal solicitation or grant competition?
No. This is an RFI for planning purposes only. The Army has no obligation to fund proposals or issue a follow-up solicitation.
Who can submit a response?
Universities and academic research institutions can respond with ideas on partnership models and collaboration approaches.
What should I submit?
Share your ideas on agile teaming approaches, university partnership models, and strategies for collaborative research with Army partners.
Will I receive feedback on my submission?
No. The Army is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt or provide feedback to respondents.
Could this lead to actual funding opportunities?
Possibly. The RFI is meant to inform future Army solicitations, but no awards or contracts are guaranteed from this RFI alone.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus on innovative partnership models and agile collaboration approaches, not traditional grant proposals. Emphasize flexibility and rapid teaming.
- Highlight your institution's unique capabilities: personnel, facilities, infrastructure, and expertise relevant to Army science and technology needs.
- Address both open (unclassified) basic science and the potential for classified research partnerships.
- Keep responses concise and focused. Explain how your ideas differ from existing contracting and partnership mechanisms.
- Submit early to ensure your response is received before the deadline, even though the Army has no obligation to acknowledge it.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Many respondents treat this as a grant application and submit lengthy proposals. This is an RFI seeking ideas, not formal proposals. Some fail to address how their partnership model addresses Army-specific science and technology gaps. Others don't highlight the unique capabilities or infrastructure that differentiate their institution.
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