FY22 Department of Navy (DON) Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM), Education and Workforce Program administered by the Office of Naval Research (ONR)

Background
The Office of Naval Research (ONR) is interested in receiving a broad range of proposals for augmenting existing and/or developing innovative solutions that directly maintain, and/or cultivate a diverse, world-class Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) workforce to maintain the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps’ technological superiority. The goal of proposed efforts must provide solutions that establish, build, and/or maintain STEM educational pathways of U.S. citizens directly relevant to the needs of Department of Navy’s (DON) current and future workforce.

As the capacity of the DON Science and Technology (S&T) workforce is interconnected with the STEM education system, DON recognizes the need to support efforts that can jointly improve STEM student outcomes and align educational and outreach efforts with Naval S&T current and future workforce needs. This announcement explicitly encourages programs that improve the capacity of education systems and communities to create impactful STEM educational experiences for students of all ages and the naval related workforce.

Programs must aim to increase engagement in naval relevant STEM, and enhance the corresponding skills, knowledge, and abilities of participants. ONR encourages applicants to utilize current STEM educational research for informing program design and advancing STEM careers and opportunities of naval relevance.

Grant Details
The technical content of any idea must establish naval relevance, such as, but not limited to, the science and technology areas listed on the ONR website. Applicants should consider diversity-equity-inclusion (DEI) of proposed programs.

The project scope may range in size and complexity targeting secondary education communities; post-secondary communities; current Naval STEM workforce communities; informal science communities. Projects are encouraged to develop exploratory pilot projects or larger cohesive STEM education activities that strengthen regional communities' capacity to improve STEM education and training.

The FOA intends to award up to 10 grants with a maximum of $200,000 per year for up to 3 years.

Eligibility Requirements
All responsible sources from academia, non-profit organizations, and industry (for-profit) organizations may submit white papers under this FOA. Foreign entities will not be considered. Federally Funded Research & Development Centers (FFRDCs), including Department of Energy National Laboratories are not eligible to receive awards under this FOA. Navy laboratories, military universities, warfare centers as well as other DoD and civilian agency laboratories are also not eligible to receive awards under this FOA.

Period of Performance
The period of performance is estimated from November 15th, 2022 to February 15th, 2023.

Grant Value
Up to 10 grants will be awarded with a maximum value of $200,000 per year for up to 3 years. Each individual award will be up to $600,000 over 3 years.