GlobalX Challenge 26.2: Naval Southern Hemisphere Space Weather and Plasmas (NSHSWP)

The Office of Naval Research Global, operating under the U.S. Department of the Navy, has issued a Broad Agency Announcement call titled GlobalX Challenge 26.2: Naval Southern Hemisphere Space Weather and Plasmas. This initiative is part of a broader long range science and technology funding framework designed to support innovative research aligned with Navy and Marine Corps priorities. The program specifically targets international scientific collaboration and emphasizes the development of advanced, dual use technologies that can benefit both military and civilian sectors. The funding opportunity is administered under a federal assistance listing and is structured to award research grants rather than contracts. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to accelerate the development of revolutionary applied research concepts related to ionospheric space weather modeling and forecasting in the Southern Hemisphere. The challenge seeks novel approaches that improve the analysis and prediction of ionospheric electron density across multiple atmospheric layers. Proposals must demonstrate innovative methodologies, either through the creation of new predictive models or through unique sensing and detection techniques that enhance existing systems. The program explicitly excludes incremental improvements or modernization of existing technologies, focusing instead on transformative solutions that can reach a proof of concept stage. Funding is structured as research grants with a base performance period of twelve months and an optional additional twelve month extension. Each grant may provide up to two hundred fifty thousand dollars per year, with a total potential award not exceeding five hundred thousand dollars. The number of awards is not predetermined and will depend on the quality and scope of submitted proposals. Funding is intended to support activities that culminate in a Technology Readiness Level three outcome, demonstrating feasibility through modeling or experimental validation. There is no stated requirement for cost sharing or matching funds. Eligibility is limited primarily to international research entities, including academic institutions, industry organizations, and other non federal participants. The program requires that each proposing team be led by a non United States based organization, with a designated principal investigator responsible for submission and grant management. While United States based non federal entities may participate as collaborators, they cannot serve as the lead applicant. Teams are encouraged to be multinational and multidisciplinary, and participants must not be subject to United States sanctions or restrictions. The application process begins with a strongly encouraged white paper submission, which serves as an initial concept evaluation step. White papers must follow strict formatting requirements and are limited in length, including a supplemental quad chart. Submissions are evaluated based on their potential to achieve the stated revolutionary capabilities. Selected applicants may be invited to participate in a proposal pitch event or submit a full proposal. However, submission of a white paper is not mandatory to submit a full proposal, though it may influence competitiveness. Key dates govern the application timeline, including the release of the announcement in June, a white paper submission deadline in July, and a full proposal deadline at the end of August. Notifications and award decisions are expected shortly thereafter, with grant awards anticipated by the end of September. A kickoff webinar is offered to provide additional guidance, though participation is optional. Applicants must submit final proposals through the official grants portal and comply with registration requirements such as system for award management enrollment. Evaluation of proposals focuses on innovation, feasibility, and alignment with the challenge objectives. Selected projects will be required to provide regular performance updates, as well as final technical and financial reports. The program also notes that successful outcomes may lead to follow on funding opportunities through separate acquisition mechanisms. Points of contact are provided for both technical and administrative inquiries, and applicants are encouraged to submit questions in advance of deadlines to receive clarification through published responses.

Focus on revolutionary and novel approaches rather than incremental improvements and ensure alignment with challenge problem statement