Research and Education Program for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU)
Can you apply?
This grant is for basic research projects at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). Only institutions formally designated as HBCUs under Section 322 of the Higher Education Act, or as TCUs under Section 316(b) of the Higher Education Act, may apply.
Research must align with Department of Defense priorities. These include six critical technology areas: Applied Artificial Intelligence, Biomanufacturing, Contested Logistics Technologies, Quantum and Battlefield Information Dominance, Scaled Directed Energy, and Scaled Hypersonics. Applicants may also propose research in other areas aligned with Army Research Laboratory or Office of Naval Research interests.
Projects should enhance STEM education while advancing fundamental research knowledge. Applicants should contact relevant Agency program managers to confirm research fit before applying.
Program description
This solicitation invites applications (also referred to as “proposals”) for basic research projects. The proposals must align with the research areas of interest to the DoW (which includes the USW(R&E) and the Agencies) and enhance the education of students in areas of STEM that align with the DoW research interests. Information about these areas of interest (including websites) is discussed below.
The USW(R&E) Critical Technology Area descriptions are at https://www.cto.mil/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/CTA-One-Pager-Option-Nov2025.pdf. The critical technology priorities rely on innovation and workforce talent. The critical technology areas are:
– Applied Artificial Intelligence (AAI)
– Biomanufacturing (BIO)
– Contested Logistics Technologies (LOG)
– Quantum and Battlefield Information Dominance (Q-BID)
– Scaled Directed Energy (SCADE)
– Scaled Hypersonics (SHY)
Basic research projects in research areas of interest to the Agencies are presented in their respective Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs), which are available as follows:
Army Research Laboratory combined Broad Agency Announcement is available at: https://www.arl.army.mil/collaborate-with-us/opportunity/arl-baa/. This BAA may also be found on Grants.gov (https://www.grants.gov) by entering the BAA number, W911NF-23-S-0001, in the “Search Grants” keyword box.
Office of Naval Research: https://www.onr.navy.mil/ Select “Work With Us,” then “Funding Opportunities,” and then “BAAs, FOAs and Special Program Announcements” to see the FY26 Long Range Broad Agency Announcement for Navy and Marine Corps Science and Technology, BAA N00014-23-S-B001. This BAA may also be found on Grants.gov (https://www.grants.gov) by entering the BAA number in the “Search Grants” keyword box.
In addition to providing details about the Agencies’ research interests, the above documents include names and contact information of technical program managers. Principal Investigator and a Co-Principal Investigator (PI/Co-PI) are encouraged to peruse the research interests of each Agency and to contact the respective program managers to discuss mutual research interests. Applications with relevance to the interests of multiple Agencies may receive multiple reviews.
Additional information and questions about the critical technology areas should be directed to Agency Contacts identified in Section II.G. of this NOFO. Other research areas that are not aligned with the (OUSW(R&E)/ASW(S&T) critical technology priorities listed in I.B.7 will be considered. The Agencies’ BAA listed above under I.B.6 provides other research areas of interest to the DoW.
NOTE: Use the above-referenced Agency documents only to identify research areas of interest to the Agencies. Disregard instructions contained therein regarding application preparation, content, and submission requirements. Instead, follow the instructions in this NOFO.
Projects proposed for funding under this NOFO must be for basic research. As defined by DoW, “basic research” is systematic study directed toward greater knowledge or understanding of the fundamental aspects of phenomena and of observable facts without specific applications toward processes or products in mind. It includes all scientific study and experimentation directed toward increasing fundamental knowledge and understanding in those fields of the physical, engineering, life sciences, and information sciences related to long-term national security needs.
Principal Investigator and a Co-Principal Investigator (PI/Co-PI) are encouraged to consider innovative approaches for their research projects with a view toward enhancing the ability of their institution to develop stronger science and engineering programs that will enable the institution to participate more competitively in a variety of defense research programs, attract and retain good students by exposing them to state-of-the-art research, and encourage them to pursue careers in STEM disciplines.
Methods through which these goals can be achieved are varied. Factors such as research capabilities, facilities, and equipment are unique to each institution. Therefore, DoW will not prescribe the approach for a research project; instead, it expects applications to reflect the unique needs and capabilities of the applicant institution.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Research proposal/technical narrative
- Budget and budget justification
- Institutional information and authorized representative signature
- Letters of support or commitment from partners (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 William A Creech Contracting Officer
- 📧 william.a.creech3.civ@army.mil
- 📞 9195494387
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 12.630 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$142,583,696
-
$129,332,838
-
$118,290,185
-
$111,562,198
-
$88,016,412
-
$74,437,752
-
$72,572,588
-
$48,526,095
-
$44,471,403
-
$37,826,791
Top States by Funding
- TX 10 awards $234.0M
- CT 10 awards $215.0M
- CA 9 awards $178.2M
- PA 5 awards $127.9M
- AZ 6 awards $52.7M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 12.630). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $10,000,000 |
FAQ
Which institutions are eligible to apply?
Only HBCUs designated under Section 322 of the Higher Education Act and TCUs designated under Section 316(b) of the Higher Education Act may apply. Check your institution's official designation status.
What types of research are funded?
Basic research in six critical technology areas: Applied AI, Biomanufacturing, Contested Logistics, Quantum/Battlefield Information Dominance, Scaled Directed Energy, and Scaled Hypersonics. Other DoD-aligned research areas are also considered.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is August 11, 2026. This is a fixed deadline, not rolling.
How should I choose my research topic?
Review the Army Research Laboratory and Office of Naval Research Broad Agency Announcements. Contact program managers before applying to confirm your research aligns with their interests.
What funding amounts are available?
Awards typically range from $100,000 to $2,000,000. Final amounts depend on proposal quality and available funding.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Contact DoD program managers early to discuss research fit and strengthen your proposal alignment with their priorities.
- Review both the Army Research Laboratory and Office of Naval Research BAAs to understand all eligible research areas.
- Clearly connect your basic research to STEM education and student learning outcomes.
- Ensure your institution holds current HBCU or TCU designation—eligibility is strictly limited to these categories.
- Submit a strong preliminary concept that demonstrates innovation in your chosen critical technology area.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposals misaligned with DoD research priorities or critical technology areas get rejected. Institutions without valid HBCU or TCU designations cannot apply. Failing to contact program managers before submission leads to weak fit statements.
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