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Limited Submission Notice: FY23 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) – Capacity Building

Sponsor:

Air Force Office of Scientific Research/US Department of Defense

Summary:

The aim of the Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) – Capacity Building is to (1) increase the number of university researchers in eligible States/Territories capable of performing science and engineering research responsive to the needs of the Department of Defense (DoD); (2) enhance the capabilities of institutions of higher education to develop, plan, and execute science and engineering research that is relevant to the mission of the DoD, and competitive under the peer-review systems used for awarding Federal research assistance; and (3) increase the probability of long-term growth in the competitively awarded financial assistance in eligible States/Territories receive from the Federal Government for science and engineering research.

For more information, view the full FY23 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) – Capacity Building solicitation (FOA-AFRL-AFOSR-2023-0007).

Award:

$1.5 million ($750,000 per year for two (2) years)

Limited Submission Requirements and Timeline:

One (1) application per institution is permitted.

Only proposals approved by the Division of Research and Economic Development may be submitted to this program. For such approval, investigators must first submit a white paper to preaward@boisestate.edu by 12 PM on May 30, 2023.

White papers will be evaluated based on the below and should:

  • Identify Boise State’s key personnel and any non-Boise State collaborators
  • List the relevant broad agency announcement (BAA) basic research areas (e.g., “ONR N00014-23-S-B001, Basic Physiological Sciences” or “ARL W911NF-23-S-001, Atomic and Molecular Physics”). Note that multiple BAA numbers and research areas are permitted.
  • Clearly describe the strategic objective to achieve basic research excellence.
  • Demonstrate initial capability and identification of gap(s) in basic research capacity.
  • Describe the potential for the effort to build research capacity, improve basic research capability, and enhance educational outcomes in DoD relevant fields.
  • Indicate long-term sustainability plan with non-DEPSCoR funding.
  • Demonstrate DoD program officer interest, alignment with DoD needs, and regional interest to support the need for capacity building.

If selected to submit a full proposal, investigators must ensure that proposals meet all requirements stated in the RFP, in the announcement, and in the implementing laws and regulations related to this grant program.

Key Submission Dates:

  • May 30, 2023 by 12PM – Limited Submission White Paper due to preaward@boisestate.edu. We encourage you to cc your Dean for visibility as well. Due to the quick turnaround of this opportunity any white papers received after 12 PM on the due date will not be accepted.
  • June 12, 2023 – White Paper due to Sponsor
  • August 25, 2023 – Notification by Sponsor of White Paper selection
  • November 13, 2023 – Full proposal due to OSP
  • November 20, 2023 – Full proposal due to Sponsor

Important Note on Requirements:

DEPSCoR Capacity Building applicants should be aware of the following expectations of the DEPSCoR-Capacity Building program:

  • Applications must present the opportunities for enhanced academic basic research and development competitiveness and, if appropriate, industrial or economic competitiveness, for the State/Territory. A strategic plan to sustain the investment after the DEPSCoR award period of performance must be discussed in the proposal.
  • Applications must identify basic research gaps currently at Boise State and the required capabilities that need to be developed at Boise State to achieve full and competitive basic research capability in a DoD-relevant research area.
  • Applications must present a management plan for coordinating multiple thrusts working on a common basic research theme that will fill the research gaps and develop new basic research capabilities. These thrusts could include but are not limited to purchasing new equipment, supporting new hires, and support for graduate students and post-doctoral fellows.

While we are soliciting white papers, the proposal will be led by Vice President of Research and Economic Development as required by the solicitation.

Did you find a limited submission opportunity?  Email us at preaward@boisestate.edu.