Department of Defense Research and Education Program for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions (HBCU/MI)

Background
The Department of Defense (DoD) through the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Command-Army Research Laboratory (DEVCOM ARL) is launching a Research and Education Program aimed at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs). This initiative, authorized under 10 U.S.C. § 4144, seeks to enhance defense-related research and education capabilities at these institutions.

The program's goals include increasing the number of graduates in STEM disciplines, enhancing research capabilities in areas critical to national defense, and fostering collaborations between HBCUs/MSIs and other educational institutions, government defense organizations, and the defense industry.

Grant Details
The DEVCOM ARL invites applications from covered educational institutions to achieve the following objectives: enhance research and educational capabilities in areas important to national defense; increase the number of graduates in STEM disciplines; encourage collaborations between HBCUs/MSIs and other higher education institutions, government defense organizations, and the defense industry.

Support will be provided through competitively awarded grants and cooperative agreements. Applications should reflect the unique needs of the applicant institution and explain how the proposed project will support these objectives. Areas of scientific interest include biotechnology, quantum science, advanced materials, artificial intelligence, microelectronics, space technology, renewable energy generation and storage, advanced computing, human-machine interfaces, directed energy, hypersonics, integrated sensing and cyber technologies.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants are defined as 'covered educational institutions' which include institutions of higher education eligible for assistance under Title III or Title V of the Higher Education Act of 1965 or accredited post-secondary minority institutions. Community colleges or two-year degree granting institutions also qualify. Institutions must submit a letter certifying eligibility from the Department of Education for Title III or Title V assistance with their application.

Period of Performance
The period of performance for this grant opportunity is from August 1, 2024 to July 31, 2029.

Grant Value
The total value of grants awarded under this program is not specified due to government budget uncertainties; however, funding will be provided through grants or cooperative agreements based on project scope.

Place of Performance
The grant activities will be performed at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) across the United States.