The Department of Defense (DoD) has released a funding opportunity announcement for the fiscal year 2024 under the Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR), aimed at enhancing research capabilities in eligible states and territories through collaborative proposals that meet DoD research needs. The program encourages partnerships between new applicants and experienced DoD researchers and will fund projects addressing various scientific topics relevant to defense, with a total budget of approximately $15 million available for grants up to $600,000 each over three years. Eligible applicants must be full-time faculty members at institutions of higher education in designated DEPSCoR states, with specific criteria established for both applicants and collaborators to ensure proper mentorship and support.
The document presents a summary of questions and answers from the April 16, 2024, webinar concerning the Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) for FY24 funding opportunities. The main purpose of the webinar is to clarify details regarding two key Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs): the DEPSCoR Research Collaboration and Capacity Building FOAs. Key points include eligibility criteria, application processes, collaboration requirements, and funding limits, emphasizing that applicants must be from DEPSCoR-eligible states. Notably, it states that applicants cannot hold another DoD award as Principal Investigator during the selection process and outlines the budget structure, allowing funding for co-PIs. The document also indicates that the applications are reviewed by DoD scientists and encourages collaboration among institutions. Overall, this webinar serves as an essential resource for potential applicants navigate DEPSCoR funding opportunities and requirements in the U.S. government landscape.
The Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) FY24 Funding Opportunity Announcement aims to enhance the capabilities of higher education institutions in eligible states and territories to conduct basic research relevant to the Department of Defense (DoD). Established by Congress in FY91 and reauthorized in 2017, DEPSCoR will allocate $20 million for the fiscal year 2024 to increase the number of university researchers capable of performing research responsive to DoD needs.
The program has specific goals, including enhancing research capabilities, increasing university researcher numbers, and promoting long-term growth in federally awarded research funding. Eligible institutions can apply through two main competitions: Research Collaboration, which offers up to $200K/year for three years, and Capacity Building, which provides $750K/year for two years. Specific eligibility criteria and funding purposes are outlined, emphasizing collaborations between new and experienced faculty members.
The document includes guidelines for proposal submissions and key dates for the application process, stressing the importance of outreach and education to support institutional development in research excellence. Overall, DEPSCoR is focused on elevating research capacities in underrepresented states, aligning academic efforts with national security objectives.