Funding Opportunity Announcement for the Navy and Marine Corps Science, Technology, Engineering | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the purpose of this Office of Naval Research (ONR) funding opportunity?

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is intended to support projects that strengthen the Navy and Marine Corps STEM workforce pipeline. The core focus is workforce development: proposals should improve existing STEM education and career pathway programs or create new approaches that help build and sustain a strong, diverse pipeline of U.S. citizens prepared for and interested in Department of the Navy (DoN) STEM careers (uniformed or civilian).

Is this a general STEM education grant?

No. The FOA emphasizes that proposals must demonstrate clear naval relevance. Projects should be anchored in the skills, disciplines, and mission demands that matter to the Navy and Marine Corps, rather than offering general STEM programming without a direct connection to DoN workforce needs.

What types of careers is this FOA trying to support?

The FOA targets pathways into Department of the Navy STEM careers, including both uniformed (military) and civilian roles. The proposal should clearly connect to current or future Navy and Marine Corps workforce needs.

Where along the STEM pathway can a project focus?

The FOA is broadly open regarding where a project can intervene across the STEM pathway. However, ONR emphasizes funding efforts most directly tied to the naval workforce of the future, including priority stages like high school programs, post-secondary education, the broader STEM research enterprise, and initiatives that enhance the readiness and capabilities of the current naval STEM workforce.

Which education levels or institutions are specifically highlighted as priorities?

Priority stages and settings include high school programs and post-secondary institutions of various types, such as two-year colleges, four-year universities, and other higher education environments.

Does ONR fund projects that support the current naval STEM workforce, not just students?

Yes. The FOA explicitly includes initiatives designed to enhance the readiness and capabilities of the current naval STEM workforce as a priority area.

What kinds of project sizes or scopes does ONR allow?

Project scale can vary widely. Proposals may range from small exploratory pilots that test a new concept to larger regional or national initiatives that can be expanded or replicated. Regardless of size, proposals must still demonstrate clear naval relevance.

What does "clear naval relevance" mean in this FOA?

Applicants are expected to tie their ideas to key engineering and scientific areas aligned with the Naval Science and Technology Strategic Plan, to the Navy's national responsibilities (as referenced on the ONR website), or to documented gaps in workforce needs. The FOA signals that workforce outcomes should relate to Navy and Marine Corps technical roles and mission needs.

What kinds of outcomes or impacts is ONR signaling interest in?

ONR indicates interest in activities that move people from education into naval STEM work, improve retention and preparedness, or strengthen the systems that feed talent into DoN technical roles.

Who are the priority audiences ONR is especially interested in reaching?

The FOA lists priority audiences that include military-dependent children, education systems integral to the naval science and technology enterprise, and veteran-focused initiatives that improve education outcomes and strengthen connections to naval STEM careers.

Is there a diversity requirement?

The FOA does not state a formal requirement to focus on diversity, but it strongly encourages applicants to include under-represented populations, including women and minorities, in project planning and participation strategies as part of the goal to build and sustain a diverse talent pipeline.

What is the funding agency and department for this opportunity?

The funding agency is the Office of Naval Research (ONR), under the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).

What is the funding opportunity number for this FOA?

The funding opportunity number is N00014 16 R FO03.

What type of funding instrument is being used?

The FOA uses a grant as the funding instrument.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling) listed?

The listed award ceiling is $250,000.

What is the CFDA number and program category?

The FOA is categorized under science and technology and other research and development and references CFDA 12.330.

When was this FOA posted and what is the closing date?

The announcement was posted on November 10, 2015, and the closing date is December 31, 2016.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as "Others" with additional clarification referenced in the full announcement text. Based on the information provided here, applicants would need to consult the FOA details to confirm which organizations or entities qualify.

Can proposals focus on improving existing programs, or must they be entirely new?

Either approach is allowed. ONR is looking for proposals that improve existing STEM education and career pathway programs or introduce new, innovative approaches.

Does the FOA require applicants to be U.S. citizens?

The FOA states the goal of building a pipeline of U.S. citizens prepared for and interested in DoN STEM careers. The information provided here does not specify applicant citizenship requirements, but it emphasizes U.S. citizens as the intended workforce pipeline outcome.