Fiscal Year 2026 Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP)

Background
The Department of Defense (DoD) announces the Fiscal Year 2026 Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP). DURIP aims to enhance the capabilities of accredited U.S. institutions of higher education in conducting research and educating scientists and engineers in areas critical to national defense by providing funds for acquiring research equipment or instrumentation.

This program is part of the University Research Initiatives (URI) and is sponsored by various DoD research offices including the Office of Naval Research (ONR), the Army Research Office (ARO), and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR). For-profit organizations are not eligible for DURIP funding.

Grant Details
DURIP seeks proposals from universities to purchase major equipment or instrumentation that enhances research capabilities in areas of interest to the DoD. The funding will support acquisitions costing between $50,000 and $3,000,000 that cannot typically be purchased within single-investigator budgets.

Proposals must demonstrate how the requested equipment will impact research and education related to DoD missions. Awards will be made as grants or cooperative agreements, depending on the administering agency. Each agency reserves the right to fund all, some, or none of the proposals received under this NOFO.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include accredited U.S. institutions of higher education with degree-granting programs in science, mathematics, and/or engineering, excluding for-profit educational institutions. University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs) may participate, while Federally Funded Research and Development Centers are not eligible.

There are no limits on the number of proposals an organization can submit or the number of awards it can receive.

Period of Performance
The total funding available for grants resulting from this DURIP NOFO is estimated at approximately $34 million for a 12-month period pending appropriations. Awardees may request a no-cost extension for up to an additional 12 months with sufficient justification.

Grant Value
The typical funding per grant ranges from $50,000 to $3,000,000. The total amount available for grants is approximately $34 million.

Place of Performance
The grant activities will be performed at accredited U.S. institutions of higher education.