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Limited Submission Notice: FY24 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) – Capacity Building

Sponsor:

Air Force Office of Scientific Research/Department of Defense (DoD)

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 DoD; (2) enhance the capabilities of institutions of higher education in eligible States/Territories to develop, plan, and execute 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.

The intent of this program is to foster new, strategic, multi-thrust efforts to increase basic research capacity in DoD-relevant research areas at the applicant’s institution and to use that capacity to outreach to the surrounding DEPSCoR region. This program seeks to significantly improve and expand on the existing seed capacity and thrust already ongoing at the applicant’s institution.

For more information, view the full FY24 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) – Capacity Building funding opportunity announcement (FOA).

Award:

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

Limited Submission Requirements and Timeline:

One (1) application per institution is permitted.

The Vice President of Research and Economic Development will serve as the Team Lead, per requirements outlined in the FOA. In this capacity, the team selected to move forward will have alignment with institutional priorities. Only a proposal approved by and in collaboration with the Division of Research and Economic Development may be submitted to this program. For such approval, PIs must first submit a one- to two-page white paper to limitedsubmissions@boisestate.edu by 4 pm on May 2, 2024.

Your white paper should include:

  • Boise State’s key personnel and any non-Boise State collaborators.
  • List the relevant broad agency announcement (BAA) basic research areas (e.g. “ONR N00014–24-B001, Basic Physiological Sciences”, “W911NF-23-S-0001-0002, Atomic and Molecular Physics”). Multiple BAA numbers and research areas are permitted.
  • Describe the (1) goals and objectives, (2) the need for the proposed work at Boise State and regionally, (3) potential to build research capacity and educational outcomes in DoD relevant fields, (4) a long-term sustainability plan, and (5) demonstrate interest of DoD program officer for proposed project.
  • If this is a resubmission, please outline significant strengths and weaknesses identified by the panel and the corresponding major changes between submissions.

White papers will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Clearly describes the strategic objective to achieve basic research excellence.
  • Demonstrates initial capability and identification of gap(s) in basic research capacity.
  • Demonstrate DoD program officer interest, alignment with DoD needs, and regional interest to support the need for capacity building.
  • Clearly describes a sound long-term sustainability plan with non-DEPSCoR funding.

Key Submission Dates:

  • May 2, 2024 by 4 pm – White papers due to limitedsubmissions@boisestate.edu (we encourage you to cc your Dean for visibility as well)
  • May 15, 2024 – Anticipated date applicants will be notified of approval
  • June 24, 2024 – White paper due to Sponsor
  • September 6, 2024 – Notification by Sponsor of White Paper selection
  • November 18, 2024 – All final proposal documents due to OSP
  • November 25, 2024 – Full proposal due to Sponsor

Important Note on Sponsor Requirements:

Applicants should be aware of the following expectations of the DEPSCoR – Capacity Building program:

  • Applications must identify current seed capacity and the basic research capacity gaps which are inhibiting basic research excellence and competitiveness.
  • Applications must articulate thrusts to fill the basic research capacity gaps identified at the IHE and the required capabilities that need to be developed at the applicant IHE to achieve full and competitive basic research capability in DoD-relevant research areas.
  • Applications must present a strategic plan to sustain the enhanced basic research capacity after the DEPSCoR award period of performance and must discuss regional outreach and partnerships.
  • Applications must present a management plan for coordinating multiple thrusts working on a common basic research theme that will fill the capacity 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.

NOTE: Please send all inquiries and submissions for Limited Submission opportunities to limitedsubmissions@boisestate.edu