Research and Education Program for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU) Equipment/Instrumentation
🏛 Dept of the Army -- Materiel Command (DOD-AMC)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Sep 4, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for equipment and instrumentation acquisition at HBCUs and Tribal Colleges and Universities. Only historically black colleges and universities, as defined under section 322 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, and tribal colleges and universities, as defined under section 316(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, are eligible to apply.
Institutions must use equipment to enhance research capabilities in areas of interest to the Department of the Army. The research must contribute to STEM education and student participation in research.
Geographic scope is national. Institutions located anywhere in the United States can apply if they meet the institutional eligibility requirements.
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Program description
Under the authority of 10 U.S.C. § 4144, in alignment with Section 223 of the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), funding in the FY 2026 defense appropriations, and, Presidential Executive Order 14332, Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking, the DoW announces this funding opportunity for the acquisition of equipment/instrumentation at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs).
The program is executed under policy and guidance of the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering (OUSW(R&E)) and is administered by ARL, ONR, and AFOSR, hereafter called “the Agencies.”
This Notification of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aims to (a) enhance research and education programs and capabilities in scientific and engineering disciplines critical to the national security functions of DoW; (b) enhance the capacity of HBCUs and TCUs to participate in DoW research programs and activities; and (c) increase the number of graduates in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The DoW is announcing this research solicitation based on 10 U.S.C. § 4144 and Section 223 of the FY 2026 NDAA (https://www.congress.gov/119/bills/s1071/BILLS-119s1071enr.pdf), which directs for fiscal year 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary of Defense to ensure that funding solicitations through the DoW HBCU/MI Program Element include separate funding solicitations each focused toward: (1) Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Tribal Colleges; and (2) Minority-Serving Institutions that are not HBCUs or TCUs. Also informing this solicitation is Section 262 of the NDAA for FY 2020 (https://www.congress.gov/116/plaws/publ92/PLAW-116publ92.pdf), section 220 of the NDAA for FY 2022 (https://www.congress.gov/117/plaws/publ81/PLAW-117publ81.pdf), and the publication of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine titled “Defense Research Capacity at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Other Minority Institutions: Transitioning from Good Intentions to Measurable Outcomes” dated April 28, 2022 (https://www.nationalacademies.org/publications/26399).
The DoW is soliciting applications (also referred to as “proposals”) for the acquisition of equipment/instrumentation under the Fiscal Year 2027 Research and Education Program for HBCU/MI. The Research and Education Program is designed to enhance the research capabilities of HBCUs and MIs and to strengthen their STEM education programs. The purpose of the funding under this NOFO is to (1) support the acquisition of equipment/instrumentation to augment existing capabilities or to develop new capabilities in research areas of interest to DoW, and (2) attract students to pursue studies leading to STEM careers. Although funding provided under this NOFO cannot be used for student support, in order to further DoW’s objective of attracting students to pursue studies leading to STEM careers, applicants must address the impact of the requested equipment/instrumentation on student participation in research.
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.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 form (standard federal grant application)
- Project narrative and objectives
- Equipment/instrumentation specifications and justification
- Student participation plan
- Institutional commitment letter
- Budget and budget narrative
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
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$129,332,838
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$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 $234.3M
- CT 10 awards $215.0M
- CA 9 awards $190.1M
- OH 2 awards $145.6M
- PA 5 awards $127.9M
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
Who is eligible to apply for this funding?
Only Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) as defined under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Check the specific statutory definitions to confirm your institution qualifies.
What types of equipment can I request funding for?
Equipment and instrumentation that enhances research capabilities in STEM areas aligned with Department of Army research interests. The equipment must support both research and student participation.
Can I use funding for student scholarships or stipends?
No. Funding cannot support direct student support. However, you must address how equipment impacts student participation in research activities.
What is the application deadline?
October 9, 2026 is the fixed deadline. Begin preparing applications well in advance.
What funding range should I expect?
Awards typically range from $200,000 to $1,500,000 depending on project scope and competitiveness.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly connect your equipment request to Department of Army research priorities. Review DoA research areas before finalizing your proposal.
- Include a detailed plan for how students will participate in research using the new equipment. This is mandatory despite the no-student-support rule.
- Highlight how this equipment strengthens existing capabilities or develops new research capacity that addresses national security needs.
- Ensure your institution has institutional support and appropriate research infrastructure to operate and maintain the equipment long-term.
- Start the application process early to allow time for internal reviews and revisions before the October 2026 deadline.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting equipment requests misaligned with Department of Army research priorities. Failing to explicitly address student participation in research despite cost-sharing restrictions. Underestimating institutional capacity and maintenance costs for sophisticated equipment.
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