Federal Science and Technology Grants

FY2025 Weather Program Office Research Programs Announcement - Subseasonal to Seasonal: This grant aims to fund projects that enhance weather, water, and earth system forecasting and observations on a subseasonal to seasonal scale, with a focus on improving predictive models and data assimilation techniques, particularly through innovative approaches like artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Methods to quantify and predict vulnerability to harmful algal blooms (HABs) has not been developed for most lakes and reservoirs in the U.S. (and the world). This limits the ability for water quality stakeholders to 1) avoid costly emergency events, 2) efficiently design source water monitoring, 3) evaluate the impact of interventions, and 4) maintain trust with the public. Current approaches for detection and prediction of harmful algal blooms rely on infrequent satellite imagery and/or water samples, and provide predictions only at specific sites (i.e., where samples are taken). Furthermore, the models used to make predictions do not typically provide an ability to diagnose the specific drivers of HABs, beyond weather variables. The challenges confronting water quality stakeholders like the USACE are to 1) improve the spatial and temporal resolution of HAB predictions; 2) have the ability to diagnose the causes of HABs in managed reservoirs. The overarching goal of this project is to develop and test a hybrid modeling system that combines watershed, hydrodynamic and machine learning models to provide accurate predictions of HABs in USACE reservoirs, at high spatial and temporal resolution. The products that this project will create include: 1) A hybrid modeling system for making accurate predictions of HABs at USACE reservoirs, improving on the state-of-the-art in terms of spatial coverage and temporal frequency; 2) Demonstrated utility of the hybrid modeling system for identifying the drivers of HABs, and for estimating the efficacy of interventions; Documentation and training to enable deployment of the hybrid modeling system at additional USCAE reservoirs.

This grant provides funding for organizations to develop projects that promote internet freedom, protect human rights online, and combat censorship and digital security threats.

This grant provides funding to establish a center that will support and connect educators and researchers focused on improving undergraduate STEM education across the nation.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner to support a study of grassland bird communities under a changing climate. Over the last half-century, populations of grassland birds declined by more than any other bird group in North America. This is because native grasslands have largely been converted to agricultural row crops, and the remaining prairies have become degraded through altered fire regimes, woody encroachment, the spread of invasive plants, and human development. Land managers and conservation organizations are racing to preserve and restore these ecosystems to stem further loss of grassland birds. Given limited resources, bird habitat models are needed to help managers prioritize where conservation efforts will be most effective. In addition to habitat loss and degradation of native grasslands, increasing greenhouse gas emissions will likely change temperatures and rainfall patterns across the Great Plains. This changing climate is expected to alter vegetation communities and the bird species that depend on them. To date, predictions of bird response to a changing climate have focused on changes in temperature and precipitation, but vegetation productivity also depends on factors such as vegetation type and soils. By studying how vegetation influences grassland birds across the western Great Plains, we are creating maps of projected bird distribution, given vegetation and land-use change under multiple future climate scenarios. Predictive bird distribution maps will help land managers and other decision-makers understand how their site-level projects fit within regional and climatic contexts. A web-based application and raining modules accompanying these maps will increase capacity among Federal, State, Tribal, and private partners in their conservation planning under a changing climate. The objective of this opportunity is to identify partner priorities for grassland bird management under a changing climate and help design training modules for deliverables from the project, including those specific to Tribal professionals. Additional objectives could include conducting an independent study related to grassland birds and climate, such as by applying bird projection maps created from this research effort to Tribal lands. Researchers will have travel opportunities that may include field visits, in-person meetings with Tribal partners, and attending coproduction listening sessions and workshops.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to teams of alumni from U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to create projects in Indonesia that promote U.S. interests and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

This grant provides funding for individuals and organizations to develop innovative energy storage solutions that cater to unique applications in underserved communities and extreme climates, promoting grid modernization and reliability.

Agency Name: Fort Worth DistrictDescription:Note: A full study proposal and proposed budget are NOT requested at this time.Project Title: Field Biology Technical Assistance and Predator Control for Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Kauai, HawaiiResponses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potentialorganizations for this project. Approximately $612,000 is expected to be available to supportthis project for the base period. Additional funding may be available to the successful recipientfor optional tasks and/or follow on work in subsequent years.NOTE: This project will be awarded under the authority of 10 USC 670c-1, Sikes Act: Forprojects for the implementation and enforcement of integrated natural resources managementplans, priority shall be given to award to Federal and State agencies having responsibility for theconservation or management of fish or wildlife.Period of Performance: The base period of agreement will extend 12 months from date ofaward. There may be up to four 12-month follow-on periods based on availability of funding.Description of Anticipated Work: See attached Statement of ObjectivesNOTE: At this time we are only requesting that you demonstrate available qualifications andcapability for performing similar or same type of work by submitting a Statement of Interest. Afull proposal and budget are NOT requested at this time.Preparation of your Statement of Interest: Provide the following (Maximum length: 2 pages,single-spaced, 12 pt. font):1. Name, Organization, Cage Code, Unique Entity ID, and Contact Information (Email)2. Brief Statement of Qualifications (including):a. Biographical sketch of the Principal Investigator, to include specific experience and capabilities in areas related to this projects requirementsb. Relevant past projects and clients with brief descriptions of these projectsc. Staff, faculty or students available to work on this project and their areas of expertised. Brief description of other capabilities to successfully complete the project: (e.g. equipment, laboratory facilities, greenhouse facilities, field facilities, etc.)Submission of Your Statement of Interest1. Statements of Interest are due by May 17, 2024 at 5:00 P.M. CST.2. Submit your Statement of Interest via e-mail attachments or direct questions to:Yvonne HowardGrants SpecialistUSACE, Fort Worth DistrictEmail: yvonne.howard@usace.army.milOffice: 817-751-9737Kathy S. MitchellProject ManagerUSACE, Fort Worth DistrictEmail: kathy.s.mitchell@usace.army.milOffice: 817-886-1709Review of Statements Received: All statements of interest received from a member of the CESU Region(s) identified above will be evaluated by a board comprised of one or more people at the receiving installation or activity, who will determine which statement(s) best meet the program objectives: offer the most highly qualified Principal Investigator, have the most relevant experience and the highest capability to successfully meet the program objectives. Submitters whose statements are determined to best meet the program objectives will be invited to submit a full proposal.Timeline for Review of Statements of Interest: RSOIs are required to be posted on www.Grants.gov for 30 days prior to the Government making a decision and requesting full proposals.Thank you for your interest in our Cooperative Agreements Program.

Maturing research ideas into clinical practice and patient benefit is at the heart of all CDMRP research programs. Despite significant investment, the gap between what is possible and what is achieved remains. Even after information, tools, and interventions have been successfully evaluated in their intended populations, the development of knowledge to support their broader dissemination and implementation has often remained outside the scope of previous clinically focused award mechanisms.The FY24 MBRP PCRA intends to bridge the gap between research, practice, and policy by building a knowledge base that provides clinically useful findings about how interventions, clinical practices/guidelines, tools, and policies can be deployed to targeted populations at the appropriate time at the point of need. Funding from this award mechanism must support clinical research or clinical trials but cannot be used for preclinical or animal research. Applications may propose prospective or retrospective research involving human subjects, human subject data/records, and human anatomical substances.The FY24 PCRA may support studies focusing on the following (not all inclusive): Research that accelerates the uptake and implementation of evidence-based research into clinical practice Comparative effectiveness research comparing the benefits and harms of emerging or established interventions and strategies to prevent, diagnose, treat, and monitor health conditions in real-world settings Development and evaluation of strategies to overcome barriers to the adoption, adaptation, integration, scale-up, and sustainability of evidence-based interventions, tools, policies, and guidelines Analysis of existing clinical data or clinical data resources to inform clinical practice Modification of established clinical tools for their intended population or environment Analysis of existing clinical tools to maximize patient-relevant outcomes Identification and analysis of the circumstances that create a need to stop or reduce (de-implement) the use of interventions, tools, policies, and guidelines that are ineffective, unproven, low-value, or harmful Analysis of burn outcomes associated with the implementation of clinical practice guidelines, evidence-based practices, and process improvements The following are important aspects of the FY24 MBRP PCRA: Precision Medicine Approaches: When appropriate, the MBRP encourages the use of precision medicine approaches. These tailored treatments deliver the right treatment at the right time while considering an individuals unique characteristics. Preliminary data are required: Inclusion of preliminary data relevant to the proposed clinical research/trial is required. Study Population: The application should demonstrate the availability of and access to a suitable patient population that will support a meaningful outcome for the study. The application should include a discussion of how accrual goals will be achieved, as well as the strategy for inclusion of women and minorities in the clinical trial appropriate to the objectives of the study. Studies utilizing human biospecimens or datasets that cannot be linked to a specific individual, gender, ethnicity, or race (typically classified as exempt from Institutional Review Board [IRB] review) are exempt from this requirement. Clinical Trial Start Date: If applicable, the proposed clinical trial is expected to begin no later than 6 months after the award date. Intervention Availability: If applicable, the application should demonstrate the documented availability of and access to the drug/compound, device, and/or other materials needed, as appropriate, for the proposed duration of the study.Rigor of Experimental Design: All projects should adhere to a core set of standards for rigorous study design and reporting to maximize the reproducibility and translational potential of clinical and preclinical research. The standards are described in SC Landis et al., 2012, A call for transparent reporting to optimize the predictive value of preclinical research, Nature 490:187-191 (http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v490/n7419/full/nature11556.html). While these standards are written for preclinical studies, the basic principles of randomization, blinding, sample-size estimation, and data handling derive from well-established best practices in clinical studies.Applications involving multidisciplinary collaborations among academia, industry, the military Services, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and other federal government agencies are highly encouraged. These relationships can leverage knowledge, infrastructure, and access to unique clinical populations that the collaborators bring to the research effort, ultimately advancing research that is of significance to Service Members, Veterans, and/or their Families. If the proposed research relies on access to unique resources or databases, the application must describe the access at the time of submission and include a plan for maintaining access as needed throughout the proposed research.A clinical trial is defined in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 45, Part 46.102 (45 CFR 46.102) as a research study in which one or more human subjects are prospectively assigned to one or more interventions (which may include a placebo or another control) to evaluate the effects of the interventions on biomedical or behavioral health-related outcomes.Studies that do not seek to measure safety, effectiveness, and/or efficacy outcome(s) of an intervention are not considered clinical trials.For the purposes of this funding opportunity, research that meets the definition of a clinical trial is distinct from clinical research. Clinical research encompasses research with human data, human specimens, and/or interaction with human subjects. Clinical research is observational in nature and includes:(1) Research conducted with human subjects and/or material of human origin such as data, specimens, and cognitive phenomena for which an investigator (or co-investigator) does not seek to assess the safety, effectiveness, and/or efficacy outcomes of an intervention. Research meeting this definition may include but is not limited to: (a) mechanisms of human disease, (b) diagnostic or detection studies (e.g., biomarker or imaging), (c) health disparity studies, and (d) development of new technologies.(2) Epidemiologic and behavioral studies that do not seek to assess the safety, effectiveness, and/or efficacy outcomes of an intervention.(3) Outcomes research and health services research that do not fit under the definition of clinical trial.Excluded from the definition of clinical research are in vitro studies that utilize human data or specimens that cannot be linked to a living individual and meet the requirements for exemption under 46.104(d)(4) of the Common Rule.Impact: The overall impact of the proposed research is a key component of this award mechanism. High-impact research will, if successful, lead to the clinical implementation of therapeutics, technologies, or clinical practice guidelines that advance the care of burn-injured casualties.Relevance to Military Health: Relevance to the health care needs of burn-injured military Service Members is a key feature of this award.Use of DOD or VA Resources: If the proposed research involves access to active-duty military and/or VA patient populations and/or DOD or VA resources or databases, the application must describe the access at the time of submission and include a plan for maintaining access as needed throughout the proposed research. Refer to Section II.D.2.b.ii, Full Application Submission Components, for detailed information. Refer to the General Application Instructions, Appendix 1, for additional information.Applicants are encouraged to integrate and/or align their research projects with DOD and/or VA research laboratories and programs. Collaboration with DOD or VA investigators is also encouraged. A list of websites that may be useful in identifying additional information about ongoing DOD and VA areas of research interest or potential opportunities for collaboration can be found in Appendix 2.Research Involving Human Anatomical Substances, Human Subjects, or Human Cadavers: All DOD-funded research involving new and ongoing research with human data,human anatomical substances, human subjects, or human cadavers must be reviewed and approved by the USAMRDC Office of Human and Animal Research Oversight (OHARO), Office of Human Research Oversight (OHRO), prior to research implementation. This administrative review requirement is in addition to the local IRB or Ethics Committee (EC) review. Local IRB/EC approval at the time of application submission is not required; however, local IRB/EC approval is necessary prior to OHRO review. Allow up to 3 months to complete the OHRO regulatory review and approval process following submission of all required and complete documents to the OHRO. Refer to the General Application Instructions, Appendix 1, and the OHARO web pagehttps://mrdc.health.mil/index.cfm/collaborate/research_protections for additional information.If the proposed research involves more than one institution, a written plan for single IRB review arrangements must be provided at the time of application submission or award negotiation. The lead institution responsible for developing the master protocol and master consent form should be identified and should be the single point of contact for regulatory submissions and requirements.The types of awards made under the program announcement will be assistance agreements. An assistance agreement can take the form of a grant or cooperative agreement. The level of government involvement during the projects period of performance is the key factor in determining whether to award a grant or cooperative agreement. If no substantial government involvement is anticipated, a grant will be made (31 USC 6304). Conversely, if substantial government involvement is anticipated, a cooperative agreement will be made (31 USC 6305). Substantial involvement means that members of the U.S. government will assist, guide, coordinate, or participate in project activities.The award type, along with the start date, will be determined during the negotiation process.The anticipated total costs budgeted for the entire period of performance for an FY24 MBRP Patient-Centered Research Award should not exceed $2.2M. Refer to Section II.D.5, Funding Restrictions, for detailed funding information.Awards supported with FY24 funds will be made no later than September 30, 2025.The CDMRP expects to allot approximately $4.4M to fund approximately two Patient-Centered Research Award applications. Funding of applications received is contingent upon the availability of federal funds for this program, the number of applications received, the quality and merit of the applications as evaluated by peer and programmatic review, and the requirements of the government. Funds to be obligated on any award resulting from this funding opportunity will be available for use for a limited time period based on the fiscal year of the funds. It is anticipated that awards made from this FY24 funding opportunity will be funded with FY24 funds, which will expire for use on September 30, 2030.

This funding opportunity supports research institutes in the U.S. to investigate the impacts of aquatic invasive species on water resources, particularly in the Upper Mississippi River Basin, promoting innovative solutions for management and ecosystem resilience.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for state agencies and universities to acquire land, construct facilities, and enhance research and education focused on protecting estuarine habitats and improving climate resilience.

Initially created in FY09, the OCRP Ovarian Cancer Academy (OCA) is a unique, interactive virtual academy providing intensive mentoring, national networking, collaborations, and a peer group for junior faculty. The overarching goal of the OCA is to develop successful, highly productive ovarian cancer researchers in a collaborative research and career development environment.The OCA is a virtual career development and research training platform that consists of Early-Career Investigators (ECIs), their Designated Mentors from different institutions, and an Academy Dean and Assistant Dean. The OCA-ECI Award is not a traditional career development award; the ECI is expected to participate in monthly webinars and annual workshops and to communicate and collaborate with other members of the Academy (other ECIs, Mentors, the Dean and Assistant Dean) as well as with the advocacy community. Since its inception, the Academys ECIs have presented at and chaired sessions for ovarian cancer-specific symposia and served on symposia review committees. They have also served as peer reviewers for the Department of Defense (DOD) OCRP and other funding agencies.Pre-Application (Preproposal) Submission Deadline: 5:00 p.m. Eastern time (ET), May 14, 2024 • Invitation to Submit an Application: June 17, 2024 • Application Submission Deadline: 11:59 p.m. ET, August 6, 2024 • End of Application Verification Period: 5:00 p.m. ET, August 9, 2024 • Peer Review: October 2024 • Programmatic Review: December 2024

The Research and Mentoring for Postbaccalaureates (RaMP) in Biological Sciences program invites the submission of proposals to establish networks to support full-time research, mentoring, and training for recent college graduates who have had few or no research or training opportunities during college in research fields typically supported by the Directorate of Biological Sciences (BIO). A strategic focus of the National Science Foundation is to foster the growth of a globally-competitive and diverse research workforce. To that end, proposals submitted to this program are expected to create strong evidence-based, inclusive and culturally-aware mentorship programs that will advance the goal of creating a competitive and highly representative science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workforce in the U.S. with a focus on the biological sciences. Projects are expected to train individuals for a range of potential career pathways in the biological sciences including: research-focused M.S. or Ph.D. graduate programs; entry-level positions in industry, federal, tribal, or state agencies, education and research centers, or not-for-profit science-based organizations; or other STEM careers. Individuals from groups underrepresented in STEM, first generation college students, and students at under-resourced institutions frequently have limited opportunities to participate in the undergraduate research experiences that are necessary to be competitive for graduate programsorotherSTEMcareer pathways.This program will provide postbaccalaureate research experiences for cohorts of trainees, either in ongoing research programs, existing research networks, or in new research projects designed specifically for the RaMP networks. Studies of capacity-building and training across diverse disciplines have emphasized the importance of inclusive training via cohort mentoring and networks of individuals working together towards a common purpose. Cohorts promote the development of long-term relationships, and networks foster the exchange of ideas and resources to pursue common goals and to address shared challenges. Proposals will use a networkstructurethatgeneratesa supportive and strong collaborative mentoring environment centered around a cohesive biological research theme. The networks are expected to include diverse organizations and can be regional, national, or have an international component. The network will facilitate the recruitment and selection of postbaccalaureate research participants (hereafter, mentees) and mentors. Projects must provide inclusive and culturally-aware training to mentors in addition to providing professional development opportunities for all network members, including mentees, mentors, co-mentors, and other STEM professionals. Networks are expected to involve and facilitate communication and training among mentors and mentees from different organizations, institutions, and/or departments. Proposals submitted under this solicitation should focus on research-based inquiry projects that include analytical and technical training and professional development opportunities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for U.S.-based organizations to conduct innovative geothermal energy field tests and resource assessments, aiming to expand geothermal energy production across the country.

This grant provides funding for innovative researchers in engineering and science to explore new research directions that address national challenges and promote collaboration across disciplines.

This funding opportunity supports projects that foster educational, cultural, and professional exchanges between the United States and Bulgaria, targeting nonprofit organizations, individuals, and educational institutions engaged in initiatives that promote democratic values, economic growth, and innovation.

This funding opportunity supports research and technology development aimed at preventing biological contamination during space exploration, primarily for U.S.-based institutions and organizations involved in planetary protection.

The FY24 ALSRP Therapeutic Development Award supports research ranging from preclinical validation of therapeutic leads through Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling studies. The proposed studies are expected to be empirical in nature and product-driven. Applicants with limited ALS experience are strongly encouraged to include collaborators with substantial experience in the relevant ALS model systems, endpoints, and pathophysiology.Applications supported by this award must begin with lead compounds in hand and must include proof-of-concept efficacy data in at least one preclinical model system of ALS, including whole animal and cellular model systems.Examples of activities that will be supported by this award include:Confirmation of candidate therapeutics obtained from screening or by other means, including optimization of potency and pharmacological properties and testing of derivatives and sister compounds.Validation of pilot efficacy studies (such as from an ALSRP Therapeutic Idea Award [TIA]), including the use of additional ALS model systems and/or replicating preliminary data with more time points or additional doses.ND-enabling studies to include: compound characterization; absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) studies; studies on formulation and stability leading to Good Manufacturing Practice production methods; dose/response and toxicology studies in relevant model systems.Applicants seeking support for basic research focused on ALS drug discovery are encouraged to apply for the FY24 ALSRP TIA (Funding Opportunity Number HT942524 ALSRP TIA), which does not require preliminary data (https://cdmrp.health.mil/funding/alsrp).Mechanism-specific, predictive/cohort-selective, target engagement, and pharmacodynamic biomarker development, in parallel to the main therapeutic effort, is a critical component of the FY24 ALSRP Therapeutic Development Award. If biomarkers are already available or currently in development, how the existing biomarkers will improve trial design, patient selection, and efficiency or interpretation of the proposed ALS therapeutic approach must be apparent in the application. Development of biomarkers for the purposes of diagnosis, prognosis, or measurement of general disease progression without consideration of the therapeutic development process will not be supported. Applicants seeking support for biomarker development independent of therapeutic development are encouraged to apply for the FY24 ALSRP Clinical Outcomes and Biomarkers Award (Funding Opportunity Number HT942524ALSRPCOBA).

This grant provides funding to three specific organizations to support efforts in locating and recovering missing persons from the Vietnam War, thereby enhancing U.S.-Vietnam defense cooperation and addressing humanitarian concerns.

This funding opportunity supports teams of Honduran alumni from U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to implement innovative community projects that strengthen U.S.-Honduras relations and promote shared democratic values.