The document outlines the Performance Work Statement (PWS) for the National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship Program, administered by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research. The program aims to enhance the number of U.S. citizens pursuing doctoral degrees in science and engineering fields vital to the Department of Defense (DoD). Annually, it awards up to 200 fellowships to eligible applicants—U.S. citizens or nationals—who are either new graduates or advancing PhD candidates. Key objectives include attracting qualified applicants, engaging expert evaluation panels, and ensuring robust mentorship for fellows. The NDSEG program emphasizes outreach, application processing, evaluation, and the management of stipends and allowances while requiring compliance with specifications outlined in the contract. Additionally, fellows receive financial support, full tuition coverage, and up to $3,700 monthly stipends to assist with living expenses. The program facilitates internships and coordinates activities to ensure fellows are meeting academic progress. A comprehensive database will track participants' data for management and reporting purposes, enhancing program effectiveness. Overall, the NDSEG Fellowship Program is positioned as a strategic initiative supporting STEM education aligned with national defense objectives.

The document outlines the Performance Work Statement (PWS) for the Department of Defense’s National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship Program for the 2025 and 2026 classes. This program, initiated in 1989, aims to promote U.S. citizens in pursuing doctoral degrees in science and engineering fields relevant to national defense. It offers up to 200 fellowships annually, covering full tuition, a monthly stipend of $3,700, and health insurance allowances, under specific conditions. Eligibility is restricted to U.S. citizens and nationals with a bachelor’s degree or graduate students in relevant disciplines. The document details the selection process, which involves outreach strategies to attract high-caliber applicants, evaluation by an expert panel, and recruitment of DoD mentors. Additionally, it specifies the administration of fellowships, including payment processing, deferral protocols, and mentorship coordination. The PWS emphasizes a merit-based approach for fellowship allocation and the importance of maintaining accurate records for evaluation and improvement of the program. Through comprehensive reporting and outreach, the NDSEG Fellowship Program seeks to enhance the STEM workforce in alignment with national defense objectives.

The NDSEG 2025 Request for Information (RFI) seeks to gather market research related to the National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship program, which aims to encourage talented individuals to pursue doctoral degrees in various science and engineering fields relevant to the Department of Defense (DoD). The fellowship program intends to award 100-200 fellowships annually, focusing on disciplines such as artificial intelligence, biomedical engineering, and quantum science, among others. The RFI outlines the capabilities required from contractors providing administrative support for the fellowship, which includes managing applications, maintaining a secure database, and facilitating evaluation panels of expert reviewers. Contractors are expected to have experience in managing funds for education-related expenses and developing a mentoring program for fellows. The document invites interested parties to respond voluntarily with information about their company, including capabilities and prior experience, while clarifying that responding does not obligate the government to procure. This initiative reflects the DoD's commitment to advancing research in critical technological areas through fellowship support.