FY2026 Research Opportunities in Accelerator Stewardship and Accelerator Development
Grant Opportunity Analysis
The Department of Energy's Office of Science is offering funding opportunities for FY2026 focused on Accelerator Stewardship and Accelerator Development through Notice of Funding Opportunity DE-FOA-0003620. This initiative invites applications for cross-cutting, use-inspired basic research and development (R&D) aimed at advancing accelerator science and technology (AS&T) while enhancing domestic supplier capabilities. The program is significant for supporting physical sciences research and fostering collaboration across various sectors, with a total funding pool of $15 million available for 10 to 15 awards ranging from $50,000 to $3 million. Key deadlines include April 9, 2026, for pre-applications and May 21, 2026, for full applications, with further inquiries directed to Dr. Eric R. Colby at Eric.Colby@science.doe.gov.
Eligible Applicants
Track 1: Accelerator Stewardship Topical Areas Applications for activities in Track 1: Accelerator Stewardship Topical Areas will be accepted from all responsible domestic organizations capable of meeting the objectives of this NOFO. Track 2: Collaborative Accelerator Research Teams (CARTs) for Long-Term Generic Accelerator Research Applications for terminal renewal awards under Track 2: Collaborative Accelerator Research Teams (CARTs) for Long-Term Generic Accelerator Research are restricted to Track 2 PIs organizations with a current award that ends before September 30, 2026. Eligibility is limited in Track 2 to current PIs at organizations with awards expiring within FY 2026 while Track 2 changes from a single-PI/single-institution funding model to a multi-PI/multi-institution funding model. The one-year-long terminal renewal award is offered to allow a smooth transition to other funding sources (which might include participating in a multi-PI/multi-institution award). Track 4b: Accelerator Technology Partnerships Eligibility is limited in Track 4b to domestic for-profit organizations, as the intent of this Track is to develop U.S. companies capable of producing particle accelerator components for DOE and commercial purposes. Track 3 and Track 4a: Track 3 (Accelerator Stewardship Test Facility Program) and Track 4a (Accelerator-Technology Sector Business Plans) are no longer accepting applications.