DoD FY2012 Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) For Submission to AIR FORCE | Apply Online

FAQs: DoD FY2012 Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) - AFOSR (BAA AFOSR 2011 07)

What is this funding opportunity?

This opportunity is the Department of Defense (DoD) FY2012 Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP), Funding Opportunity Number BAA AFOSR 2011 07. It is an equipment-focused grant competition administered for Air Force submissions by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR).

What is DURIP designed to fund?

DURIP is designed to fund the acquisition (purchase) of major research instrumentation (equipment). The program emphasizes capital equipment acquisition rather than general research project funding.

What is the main purpose of DURIP?

The core purpose is to strengthen research infrastructure at U.S. universities by paying for major research instrumentation that improves the ability to conduct high-quality, defense-relevant research and to educate and train scientists and engineers in disciplines important to national defense.

How does DURIP relate to the broader DoD research ecosystem?

DURIP sits under the broader University Research Initiative (URI). Within that context, it specifically targets university research infrastructure through instrumentation purchases that support DoD-relevant research and workforce training.

What types of projects or activities should the requested instrument support?

The requested instrument should directly enable or significantly enhance ongoing or planned research in areas aligned with DoD interests, including fields actively supported by the administering DoD components. The proposal should connect the equipment to defense-relevant research outcomes and training impacts.

What does a strong DURIP justification generally need to demonstrate?

Based on the program description, a strong proposal typically makes a clear case that: (1) the instrument is important for defense-relevant research; (2) it fills a capability gap or meaningfully upgrades existing capability; and (3) it will be used to produce research outcomes and workforce training aligned with DoD priorities.

Is this opportunity meant to fund research projects or equipment purchases?

The emphasis is on equipment (instrumentation) acquisition. The narrative is expected to center on what the instrument is, why it is needed, what specific research it will support, who will use it, and what new capabilities it will unlock, rather than on funding a general research project.

What funding category is this grant listed under?

The opportunity is categorized as a discretionary grant under the Science and Technology and other Research and Development funding activity category.

What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

This opportunity is associated with CFDA number 12.800 (Air Force Defense Research Sciences Program).

What is the minimum and maximum award size?

The award size ranges from a floor of $50,000 to a ceiling of $1,000,000.

What does the award range suggest about the types of equipment that can be requested?

The $50,000 to $1,000,000 range indicates the program can support mid-range instruments through major shared-use systems, as long as the justification and alignment with defense research needs are strong.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is stated for this competition. Applicants are not required to commit institutional funds as a condition of eligibility.

Can an institution still describe institutional support even if matching is not required?

Yes. While not required, proposals often describe existing institutional support such as space, maintenance plans, or complementary resources to strengthen the case for the instrumentation acquisition.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to accredited U.S. institutions of higher education (public/state-controlled and private) that have degree-granting programs in science, mathematics, and/or engineering.

Is this program limited to universities?

Yes. The eligibility language is explicitly focused on accredited U.S. institutions of higher education with relevant degree-granting programs, reflecting DURIP's university-centered infrastructure and training mission.

Which DoD component administers this opportunity for Air Force submissions?

For Air Force submissions, the program is administered by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR).

How should applicants frame their proposals under the AFOSR (Air Force) track?

Because proposals are submitted under the Air Force track through AFOSR, applicants should frame the research justification in a way that resonates with Air Force and broader DoD research priorities and communities of interest, while clearly explaining how the instrument supports defense-relevant research and training.

What are the key dates listed for this opportunity?

The posted/created date is July 21, 2011. The original closing date and the current closing date are both September 20, 2011. The archive date is October 20, 2011.

Where can applicants find the full solicitation details?

The full solicitation details are available through Grants.gov by opening the synopsis and selecting the "FULL ANNOUNCEMENT" link at the top of the page.

What kinds of details are expected to be in the full announcement?

The notice indicates the full announcement includes required proposal content, formatting, evaluation criteria, allowable and unallowable costs, and submission instructions.

What should an applicant do if they cannot access the full announcement electronically?

The notice directs applicants who have trouble accessing the full announcement electronically to use the listed email contact for electronic access questions.

What is the practical focus of the proposal narrative for DURIP?

The practical focus is typically on the instrument itself and its impact: what the instrument is, why it is needed, what specific ongoing or planned research it will enable or enhance, who will use it, and what new capabilities it unlocks for defense-relevant research and workforce training.

Does the opportunity emphasize alignment with DoD interests?

Yes. The program specifically supports proposals where the instrumentation will directly enable or significantly enhance research aligned with DoD interests, including areas actively supported by the administering DoD components.