Office of Naval Research Grants

ONR, ONRG, and MCWL are interested in receiving proposals for Long-Range S&T Projects that offer potential for advancement and improvement of Navy and Marine Corps operations. Readers should note that this is an announcement to declare ONR, ONRG and MCWL’s broad role in competitive funding of meritorious research across a spectrum of science and engineering disciplines. All responsible sources from academia, industry and the research community worldwide may submit proposals under this BAA. All businesses, both small and large, are encouraged to submit proposals and compete for funding consideration.

The proposed topic will develop and mature Communications and Networking technologies for Naval operations. Background: A Design for Maritime Superiority (2018) describes an operational architecture for distributed maritime operations (DMO) that "... will provide accurate, timely, and analyzed information to units, warfighting groups, and fleets." A critical component of this architecture is the Naval Tactical Grid (NTG) to connect distributed units into groups and distributed groups into fleets. Communications and networking technologies that can provide seamless, robust, connectivity are key enablers for the NTG. These technologies will be deployed on a variety of platforms, both manned and unmanned, operating under challenging environmental and operational warfare conditions (lack of infrastructure, mobility, spectrum limitations, interference, multipath, atmospherics, jamming, electronic intercept, size/weight/power constraint, etc.) in different domains (land, maritime [includes both surface and undersea], cyber, and space). Successful Command and Control (C2) and decision making, at all levels of command, for DMO is critically dependent on these communications and networking technologies

Key programmatic objectives of the DoN HBCU/MI Program are achieved through the implementation and performance of three program goals: • enhancing the research and educational capabilities of HBCU/MIs in scientific and engineering disciplines critical to the defense mission of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps, • encouraging cross-institutional, collaborative efforts that explore innovative solutions to naval science and technology (S&T) challenges, and • increasing the engagement of students in STEM fields important to the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps. This particular NOFO aims to enhance the research capacity and research infrastructure for HBCU/MIs. Competitive white papers and invited full proposals submitted to this NOFO must clearly and succinctly describe efforts that advance basic naval-relevant S&T, engage faculty and students in STEM discovery, and expand the research capacity of participant institutions. This announcement is only for research efforts that also promote student/faculty engagement, and expand the institution’s research capacity. This announcement is not intended for projects that focus on non-research STEM activities. The technical content of any proposed effort must contribute to the S&T mission and vision of the DoN. Deadlines White Paper Inquiries and Questions-Email: don_hbcufoa@navy.mil 09 September 2026 (Wednesday) White Papers must be received no later than 18 September 2026 (Friday) at 5:00 PM Eastern Time Application Inquiries and Questions 04 December 2026 (Friday)

In accordance with EO 14332, Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking, dated 7 August 2025, and EO 14303, Restoring Gold Standard Science, dated 23 May 2025, this Announcement seeks proposals from universities to purchase equipment and instrumentation in support of research in areas of interest to the DoW, reflecting the basic research priorities for the Department of War and advancing the administration and agency priorities (c.f., OMB memo M-25-34 “Fiscal Year 2027 Administration Research and Development Budget Priorities and Cross-Cutting Actions”). DoW interests include the areas of research supported by the Army Research Office (ARO), the Office of Naval Research (ONR), and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR). A central purpose of the DURIP is to provide equipment and instrumentation to enhance research related education in areas of interest and priority to the DoW. Therefore, your proposal must address the impact of the equipment or instrumentation on your institution’s ability to educate students through research in disciplines important to DoW missions.

The Office of Naval Research Young Investigator Program seeks proposals addressing research areas (as described in the ONR Science and Technology Department section of ONR's website at https://www.onr.navy.mil) which are of interest to ONR Program Officers will be considered. Contact information for each division (a subgroup of an S&T Department) is also listed within the S&T section of the website.