National Defense Education Program (NDEP) Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Consortia Request for Information (RFI) for the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Research & Engineering)
ID: 334905Type: Forecasted
Overview

Buyer

Department of Defense (DOD)

Eligible Applicants

Others

Funding Category

Other

Funding Instrument

Grant

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense (DoD) is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) for the National Defense Education Program (NDEP) focused on enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education through consortia involving Community Colleges and 2-year institutions. The primary objectives include facilitating the transition of students from 2-year to 4-year STEM degree programs and preparing a diverse workforce through technical training and certificate programs, with an emphasis on attracting veterans and underserved populations to STEM fields. This initiative is critical for maintaining a robust pipeline of STEM talent essential for addressing future defense technological challenges. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their responses by September 10, 2021, to osd.dodstem@mail.mil, adhering to specified submission guidelines.

    Point(s) of Contact
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    Title
    Posted
    The Request for Information (RFI) R&ENDEPSTEMFY22RFI from the Washington Headquarters Services on behalf of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense aims to gather insights on improving Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education through consortia involving Community Colleges and 2-year institutions. The DoD seeks to transition students from these institutions to 4-year STEM degrees and enhance workforce readiness via technical training and certificate programs. The RFI encourages responses from various sectors, aiming for effective collaboration that attracts veterans and underserved populations to STEM fields. Respondents are prompted to address specific challenges faced by Community Colleges, propose educational programs aligned with DoD priorities, and outline ways to facilitate student transitions. The document emphasizes the critical role of effective partnerships and ecosystems in fostering a diverse and agile technical workforce. Responses are welcomed until September 10, 2021, with guidelines for submission outlined, including a requirement for clarity and evidence-based effectiveness in program proposals. This initiative underscores the DoD's commitment to cultivating a robust STEM talent pipeline essential for meeting future defense technology needs.
    The document is a Request for Information (RFI) concerning the National Defense Education Program (NDEP) Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Consortia, issued by the Washington Headquarters Services on behalf of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research & Engineering. It outlines key questions and answers regarding the anticipated funding opportunities. The responses clarify that the upcoming funding opportunities will be publicly available as full and open opportunities on grants.gov and will welcome participation from a broad range of entities including academia, industry, and nonprofit organizations. The NDEP will serve as the funding source for these opportunities. This RFI aims to solicit input and inform stakeholders about potential funding avenues for STEM initiatives, emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility in the application process.
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