Research Interests of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research

Background
The Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) manages the basic research investment for the Department of the Air Force, including both the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force. AFOSR's mission is to foster revolutionary scientific breakthroughs that enable the USAF, USSF, and U.S. industry to produce world-class, militarily significant, and commercially valuable products.

This Broad Agency Announcement outlines the U.S. Air Force Defense Research Sciences Program and invites unclassified proposals for fundamental research in various broad areas.

Grant Details
AFOSR anticipates many awards in the form of grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or other transactions for basic research proposals. The focus areas include Engineering and Complex Systems, Information Networks, Physical Sciences, and Bio-Cognitive research.

Specific topics include Energetic Solid-State Physics, Energy Combustion and Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics, Aerodynamic Sciences, Aerospace Composite Materials, Aerospace Structures, Propulsion and Power, and Agile Science for Test and Evaluation (T&E).

Proposals should aim to elucidate mechanistic behaviors of energy systems or advance understanding in complex dynamical systems with applications relevant to Air Force needs.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include universities, non-profit entities, and for-profit entities. Proposals must align with AFOSR's focus on fundamental research that can transition into practical applications supporting U.S. Air Force needs.

Period of Performance
Proposals may be funded for a period not exceeding five years. Most awards are typically three years in duration.

Grant Value
Approximately $200 million is anticipated to be available for support under this announcement. Research proposals are generally funded between $100,000 and $300,000 per year.

Place of Performance
The specific geographic locations where the grant activities will take place are expected to align with U.S. Air Force facilities or affiliated institutions.