FY 2009 Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI) For Proposal Submission to the Air Force | Apply Online

Opportunity Summary:

The FY 2009 Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI) is a U.S. Department of Defense basic research grant program administered for this set of topics through the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR). Its purpose is to fund high-impact basic science and engineering research at U.S. universities when that research is considered important to national defense. A central feature of MURI is that it is built around genuinely multidisciplinary efforts, meaning proposals are expected to integrate expertise from more than one traditional discipline in order to tackle complex defense-relevant problems that cannot be addressed well by a single-investigator or single-discipline approach.

For the FY 2009 competition, the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) lists 32 research topics in total, with detailed topic write-ups provided in a section titled "Specific MURI Topics." Those topic descriptions are meant to guide offerors by giving a frame of reference, but they are not intended to be narrowly prescriptive. In other words, the Air Force is explicitly signaling that teams should propose creative, innovative approaches so long as they clearly connect to the goals and intent of the topic area. The solicitation anticipates a two-step style submission (white papers and then full proposals), and it specifies that submissions related to a particular block of topics, numbered (10) through (21), must be routed to AFOSR.

The AFOSR-handled topics (10) through (21) span a wide range of foundational science and enabling technologies. They include bio-inspired and neurologically inspired multifunctional materials that could enable autonomous systems to sense their own state and respond to external threats; plasma-driven chemistry aimed at enhancing chemical energy through nonequilibrium plasma species; fundamental studies of ultracold molecules; discovery-oriented work searching for new superconductors with relevance to energy and power applications; complex and nonperiodic nanophotonics; methods for multi-scale information fusion to quantify and manage uncertainty in large-scale simulations; learning-based decision architectures for cooperative control of autonomous systems; theoretical and experimental work on information dynamics in networks; research on hybrid material flight structures that integrates synthesis, analysis, and prognosis (health monitoring and life prediction); biophotonics inspired by nature's control of light; fundamental graphene materials research and device concepts; and approaches for application software and data protection when operating on untrusted computing platforms. Taken together, these topics emphasize foundational breakthroughs as well as the kinds of long-horizon enabling capabilities that could later transition into defense systems.

The opportunity is structured to support team-based university research, and it explicitly notes that multi-university and/or multi-department teams may be necessary to cover the breadth of expertise required by these topics. Even when multiple institutions participate, proposals must designate a single Principal Investigator who serves as the responsible technical point of contact, and one institution must be identified as the primary awardee for award administration. The proposal must clearly spell out how the collaboration will work, what each institution is responsible for, and how funds will be divided, including any subawards. This means reviewers and grants staff will expect a coherent management plan and a budget narrative that aligns with the technical roles and deliverables described in the text.

Eligibility is limited to U.S. institutions of higher education, including public/state-controlled universities and private universities. The funding instrument is a grant, the opportunity is categorized as discretionary, and it falls under a science and technology research and development activity area. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement stated for this opportunity, which lowers the barrier for participation compared to programs that require institutional financial contribution.

The announcement also encourages participation from Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Institutions (HBCU/MIs), either as lead institutions or as team members. However, it makes clear that while such participation is encouraged, there are no separate set-aside funds specifically reserved for HBCU/MI involvement, so teams should plan participation based on genuine technical fit and integrated roles rather than assuming dedicated funding.

Administrative details provided in the source indicate the funding opportunity number is ONR BAA 08-019, with the title "FY 2009 Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI) For Proposal Submission to the Air Force." The CFDA number listed is 12.800 (Air Force Defense Research Sciences Program). The opportunity was posted September 10, 2008, and the closing date for submissions was January 9, 2009, with an archive date of February 8, 2009. For access issues related to the full announcement, the listed point of contact is Ricky Christie, Procurement Analyst.

Browse more business programs for Universities

Browse more opportunities from the same agency: Air Force Office of Scientific Research

Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development

Next opportunity: Fiscal Year 2009 University Nanosat Program

Previous opportunity: ROA 2008 A.4 Supersonics Project (SUP3)

USGrants.org Applicant Portal:

Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.

Apply for ONR BAA 08 019

 

[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?

Applicants also applied for:

Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (ONR BAA 08 019) also looked into and applied for these:

 

Grant application guides and resources

It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!

Apply for Grants

 

 

Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers

Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.

If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.

Subscribe to Leads

 

Request more information:

Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "ONR BAA 08 019", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:

Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.