FY2026 Research Opportunities in Accelerator Stewardship and Accelerator Development

Background
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science (SC) program in High Energy Physics (HEP) announces its interest in applications for cross-cutting use-inspired basic research and development (R&D) to advance accelerator science and technology (AS&T) and domestic supplier development. This initiative supports SC's activities in physical sciences research and benefits other U.S. government agencies and industry. The funding opportunity is specifically for cross-cutting R&D and domestic supplier development, with program-specific AS&T R&D supported through separate NOFOs issued by each SC program.

Grant Details
The grant aims to conduct R&D to advance accelerator science and technology, focusing on the following tracks:
1. **Track 1: Accelerator Stewardship Topical Areas** - Applications must address specific accelerator application problems, aiming for a working prototype technology at TRL-4 within 1-2 grant cycles (3-6 years).
2. **Track 2: Collaborative Accelerator Research Teams (CARTs)** - Terminal renewal applications only for PIs at organizations with awards expiring in FY 2026.
3. **Track 4b: Accelerator Technology Partnerships** - Limited to domestic for-profit organizations to develop U.S. companies capable of producing particle accelerator components.
4. **Funding Amounts**: Expected total funding is $15,000,000, with individual awards ranging from $50,000 to $3,000,000 over a project period of 1 to 5 years.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include all types of domestic organizations except nonprofit organizations described in section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code that engage in lobbying activities after December 31, 1995. Specific eligibility varies by track:
- Track 1: All responsible domestic organizations.
- Track 2: Current PIs at organizations with awards expiring before September 30, 2026.
- Track 4b: Domestic for-profit organizations only.

Period of Performance
The period of performance for the grant ranges from 1 to 5 years.

Place of Performance
The grant will be performed domestically within the United States.