NDEP STEM Open NFO
Description
This is an open NFO, applicants may apply to this posting or subsequent amendments for specific STEM activities. See the Related Documents tab for the full NFO, and amendments announcing new funding opportunities. The Department of War (DoW) Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering (OUSW(R&E)) seeks innovative applications on mechanisms to implement and research the effectiveness of STEM education, outreach, and/or workforce initiative programs, here onto referred as STEM activities. In response to this NFO, the Department intends to release amendments and solicitations, such as Industry Days, Opportunity Days, etc., detailing funding opportunities through award(s) in STEM activities. These activities include, but are not limited to: STEM Education and Outreach Support for STEM Education at Two-Year Institutions/Community Colleges (2YI/CCs) Manufacturing Engineering Education Program Education and Workforce Development aligned to the DoW Critical Technology Areas STEM Scholarship Programs Strategic Partnerships Program Evaluations, Assessments, Data Analytics and Visualizations Other NDEP Congressional Initiatives and Programs As funding becomes available, NFO amendments or Industry Day/Opportunity Day announcements detailing opening and closing dates for topics of interest will be posted. In response, applicants may be asked for a mandatory white paper submission, emailed to osw.ndep.dowstem@mail.mil . Refer to the amendment for formatting the email subject line. Use of the white paper is intended to determine which efforts are of merit preparatory to submission of a full application as described in Section IV. Applicants will be selected from the white paper submissions to be invited by the Government via email to submit a full application on Grants.gov for evaluation and possible award consideration. White papers that fail to address the areas listed in the Program Description of the NFO amendment or Industry Day/Opportunity Day announcement will not be evaluated and will not receive an invitation to submit a full technical application. White paper submissions will only be accepted in response to active NFO amendments or Industry Day/Opportunity Day announcements. In addition to the submission requirements outlined in Section IV, all responses should address items in the specific NFO amendment or Industry Day/Opportunity Day announcement.
Eligibility
See official grant page for eligibility requirements
Industry Tags
About This Grant
This is an open NFO, applicants may apply to this posting or subsequent amendments for specific STEM activities. See the Related Documents tab for the full NFO, and amendments announcing new funding opportunities. The Department of War (DoW) Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering (OUSW(R&E)) seeks innovative applications on mechanisms to implement and research the effectiveness of STEM education, outreach, and/or workforce initiative programs, here onto referred as STEM activities. In response to this NFO, the Department intends to release amendments and solicitations, such as Industry Days, Opportunity Days, etc., detailing funding opportunities through award(s) in STEM activities. These activities include, but are not limited to: STEM Education and Outreach Support for STEM Education at Two-Year Institutions/Community Colleges (2YI/CCs) Manufacturing Engineering Education Program Education and Workforce Development aligned to the DoW Critical Technology Areas STEM Scholarship Programs Strategic Partnerships Program Evaluations, Assessments, Data Analytics and Visualizations Other NDEP Congressional Initiatives and Programs As funding becomes available, NFO amendments or Industry Day/Opportunity Day announcements detailing opening and closing dates for topics of interest will be posted. In response, applicants may be asked for a mandatory white paper submission, emailed to osw.ndep.dowstem@mail.mil . Refer to the amendment for formatting the email subject line. Use of the white paper is intended to determine which efforts are of merit preparatory to submission of a full application as described in Section IV. Applicants will be selected from the white paper submissions to be invited by the Government via email to submit a full application on Grants.gov for evaluation and possible award consideration. White papers that fail to address the areas listed in the Program Description of the NFO amendment or Industry Day/Opportunity Day announcement will not be evaluated and will not receive an invitation to submit a full technical application. White paper submissions will only be accepted in response to active NFO amendments or Industry Day/Opportunity Day announcements. In addition to the submission requirements outlined in Section IV, all responses should address items in the specific NFO amendment or Industry Day/Opportunity Day announcement.
Funding Information
- Award Ceiling
- $10,000,000
- Award Floor
- $100,000
Eligibility Overview
This opportunity from Washington Headquarters Services is open to eligible applicants nationwide. Organizations working in Federal are especially encouraged to review the requirements.
Federal grant opportunities like this one are typically open to a range of applicant types. Common eligible organizations include:
- Nonprofits and 501(c)(3) organizations
- Small businesses and startups (especially for SBIR/STTR programs)
- State, local, and tribal governments
- Colleges, universities, and research institutions
- Individuals (for select programs in education, arts, and research)
Eligibility requirements vary by opportunity. Always review the official listing before investing time in an application.
How to Apply
- 1
Review the full opportunity
Read the complete Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for this Washington Headquarters Services program on its official page (https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/345938).
- 2
Confirm eligibility
Check that your organization meets every requirement set by Washington Headquarters Services — applicant type, location, registration status, and any prior-award restrictions.
- 3
Prepare required documents
Gather your budget narrative, needs statement, organizational details, SAM.gov registration, and any required certifications.
- 4
Submit before the deadline
This opportunity closes on February 8, 2028. Submit at least 48 hours early — portal systems are often slow near closing time.
Grant Writing Tips
Proposals for federal programs such as those from Washington Headquarters Services are competitive — these tips can strengthen your application:
- ✓Start your application at least 4 weeks before the deadline — rushed proposals score lower.
- ✓Tailor your needs statement to match the funder's stated priorities, using their exact language where possible.
- ✓Have a colleague outside your team review your budget narrative before submitting — fresh eyes catch errors reviewers penalize.
More Grants from Washington Headquarters Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for NDEP STEM Open NFO?
This opportunity from Washington Headquarters Services is open to eligible applicants nationwide. Organizations working in Federal are especially encouraged to review the requirements. Always confirm the full eligibility criteria on the official listing before applying.
How much funding does NDEP STEM Open NFO provide?
Award amounts for NDEP STEM Open NFO range from $100,000 to $10,000,000.
When is the deadline for NDEP STEM Open NFO?
The application deadline for NDEP STEM Open NFO is February 8, 2028. Submit at least 48 hours early to avoid last-minute portal issues.
How do I apply for NDEP STEM Open NFO?
Apply for NDEP STEM Open NFO through the official grant page (https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/345938). Confirm your eligibility and prepare your application materials before the deadline.
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