FY2012 Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI) For Submission to AIR FORCE | Apply Online

FAQs - FY2012 Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI) (ONR BAA 11 026) - Air Force Submission via AFOSR

What is the FY2012 MURI grant opportunity?

The FY2012 Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI) is a discretionary, competitively awarded research grant program administered for Air Force submission through the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR). It supports basic science and basic engineering research aligned with long-term U.S. Department of Defense interests, with a clear emphasis on research that crosses disciplinary boundaries.

What is the main purpose of MURI funding?

The core purpose is to fund foundational research that is relevant to defense-related capabilities over the long term. The program prioritizes research approaches that intentionally integrate multiple science and/or engineering disciplines to address fundamental questions that cannot be effectively solved within a single discipline.

What makes a project "multidisciplinary" under this opportunity?

This opportunity is specifically intended for teams that deliberately integrate more than one traditional science or engineering field. The multidisciplinary requirement is not meant to be superficial; successful concepts typically involve tightly coordinated collaboration where each discipline is essential to the central research question, rather than included as an add-on or peripheral element.

Does MURI fund single-discipline or narrowly focused projects?

The program is designed to push beyond incremental advances within a single area. It emphasizes multidisciplinary efforts where progress depends on combining perspectives, methods, and tools from multiple disciplines. As described in the synopsis, MURI is not intended for narrowly focused single-discipline projects.

What type of research does this program support?

The opportunity supports basic science and basic engineering research. The activity category is listed as science and technology and other research and development.

How is this opportunity connected to the Department of Defense?

MURI is designed to support research aligned with long-term Department of Defense interests. For this specific synopsis, the program is administered for Air Force submission through AFOSR, indicating the Air Force is the sponsoring DoD component for submissions in this announcement context.

Where do applicants find the specific technical topics being solicited?

The synopsis states that the specific technical areas sought by the Air Force are provided in the full announcement under Section VIII, titled "Specific MURI Topics." Prospective applicants are expected to consult Section VIII to confirm that their concept aligns with the announced topic set.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to U.S. institutions of higher education with degree-granting programs in science and/or engineering, including Department of Defense institutions of higher education. Both public/state-controlled and private universities are eligible.

Are Department of Defense institutions of higher education eligible?

Yes. The synopsis explicitly includes Department of Defense institutions of higher education among eligible applicants, provided they meet the degree-granting program requirement in science and/or engineering.

Can private universities apply, or is this limited to public/state universities?

Both are eligible. The synopsis clarifies that both public/state-controlled and private universities may apply, as long as they are U.S. institutions of higher education with degree-granting programs in science and/or engineering.

Can University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs) or university-affiliated laboratories participate?

The synopsis states that UARCs and other university-affiliated laboratories may participate and receive MURI funds only to the extent that they are part of a U.S. institution of higher education and are not designated as a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC). This creates a boundary on participation for certain affiliated entities.

Are Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) allowed to receive MURI funds under this competition?

The synopsis indicates that university-affiliated organizations may receive MURI funds only if they are not designated as an FFRDC. This means an FFRDC designation is a disqualifying condition for receiving MURI funds in the manner described for affiliated labs/centers.

What is the award mechanism for this opportunity?

The award mechanism is a grant.

Is this a mandatory or discretionary grant program?

The synopsis describes MURI as a discretionary program, and awards are made on a competitive basis.

Is the program competitive?

Yes. The opportunity is described as competitively awarded, meaning proposals are evaluated against program criteria and other submissions.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The synopsis explicitly states that there is no cost sharing or matching requirement. Applicants are not required to provide non-federal funds as a condition of eligibility or award.

Does "no cost sharing" mean there are no compliance obligations?

No. While the synopsis states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement, it also notes that institutions must still meet standard federal grant compliance expectations described in the full announcement.

What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

This opportunity is associated with CFDA 12.800, the Air Force Defense Research Sciences Program.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number?

The Funding Opportunity Number listed in the synopsis is ONR BAA 11 026.

When was the opportunity posted?

The synopsis indicates the opportunity was posted on July 21, 2011.

What is the application closing date?

The synopsis lists an original and current closing date of November 10, 2011.

What is the archive date?

The synopsis lists an archive date of December 10, 2011.

Does the application process include a white paper or pre-proposal step?

The synopsis flags that white paper submission dates and related submission steps are provided in the application instructions and full announcement. This indicates the process likely includes an initial white paper (or similar pre-proposal) stage before full proposal submission and that applicants must follow the required sequencing and deadlines described in the full announcement.

Where are the white paper requirements and deadlines described?

The synopsis directs applicants to the application instructions and the full announcement for white paper requirements, including submission dates and related steps.

What parts of the full announcement are most important to review first?

Based on the synopsis, applicants should prioritize: (1) Section VIII, "Specific MURI Topics," to confirm topical alignment, and (2) the application instructions, especially where they describe white paper requirements, formats, sequencing, and deadlines.

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

The synopsis provides guidance to use the provided email point of contact for electronic access questions if there are issues accessing the full announcement online.

Is this opportunity focused on near-term deliverables or long-term foundational research?

The synopsis emphasizes basic science and basic engineering aligned with long-term Department of Defense interests, indicating the focus is on foundational research rather than near-term, narrowly defined deliverables.

How should a team demonstrate that disciplines are truly integrated?

The synopsis emphasizes that each discipline should be essential to the central research question and that the collaboration should be tightly coordinated. In practical terms, proposals should be structured around an integrated approach rather than separate parallel tasks that do not depend on one another.