Opportunity Information: Apply for MDA 2015 DACV STEM 0001

  • The Department of Defense in the education other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Missile Defense Agency STEM Outreach BEST Robotics Grant" and is now available to receive applicants.
  • This funding opportunity was created on Apr 28, 2015 and posted on Apr 13, 2015.
  • Applicants must submit their applications by May 8, 2015. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
  • Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education Private institutions of higher education.
Apply for MDA 2015 DACV STEM 0001

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Opportunity Summary:

The Missile Defense Agency STEM Outreach BEST Robotics Grant (Funding Opportunity Number MDA 2015 DACV STEM 0001) was a Department of Defense discretionary grant program designed to support STEM outreach activities tied to BEST (Boosting Engineering, Science, and Technology) Robotics. Its central purpose was to broaden awareness and interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics among K-12 and college students, with the longer-term aim of strengthening the pipeline of U.S. scientists and engineers. The opportunity was framed around national workforce development needs, specifically cultivating future talent capable of addressing missile defense-related technical challenges across government, industry, and academia.

This opportunity used a grant as the funding instrument and was categorized under Education (listed as "Other" with an explanation clarifying that the focus was MDA STEM outreach). No cost sharing or matching requirement was indicated, meaning applicants were not required to provide non-federal matching funds as a condition of eligibility or award. Eligible applicants were limited to institutions of higher education, including both public and state-controlled universities as well as private colleges and universities, reflecting an emphasis on leveraging higher education organizations to run, support, or expand robotics-focused STEM engagement for younger students and college participants.

Key dates show that the opportunity was posted on April 13, 2015, created on April 28, 2015, and originally set to close on May 1, 2015, with a revised closing date of May 8, 2015. The archive date was May 31, 2015, indicating it was a time-limited competition in 2015 rather than an open-ended program. For applicant assistance, the listed point of contact was Michelle Dunn, Contract and Grant Specialist at the Missile Defense Agency, reachable by phone at 256-450-0810 or by email at michelle.dunn@mda.mil, particularly for issues accessing the full announcement materials electronically.

In practical terms, the grant opportunity centered on using hands-on, robotics-based programming as a vehicle to spark sustained student engagement in STEM. By associating this work with the Missile Defense Agency mission, the program also aimed to connect students and educators to real-world defense technology problem spaces, helping students understand how classroom STEM skills translate into advanced engineering and scientific careers that support national security objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Missile Defense Agency STEM Outreach BEST Robotics Grant?

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) STEM Outreach BEST Robotics Grant was a Department of Defense discretionary grant program focused on supporting STEM outreach activities tied to BEST (Boosting Engineering, Science, and Technology) Robotics. It emphasized hands-on robotics programming as a way to build student interest and engagement in STEM.

What is the funding opportunity number for this grant?

The funding opportunity number listed for this program is MDA 2015 DACV STEM 0001.

What type of funding instrument was used?

This opportunity used a grant as the funding instrument.

What was the main purpose of the program?

The central purpose was to broaden awareness and interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) among K-12 and college students. A longer-term objective was strengthening the pipeline of U.S. scientists and engineers.

How does this opportunity relate to national workforce development?

The opportunity was framed around national workforce development needs, aiming to cultivate future talent capable of addressing missile defense-related technical challenges across government, industry, and academia.

What subject area or category was this grant listed under?

It was categorized under Education, listed as "Other" with an explanation clarifying that the focus was MDA STEM outreach.

Who was eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants were limited to institutions of higher education. This included public and state-controlled universities as well as private colleges and universities.

Were K-12 schools eligible to apply directly?

Based on the eligibility description provided, the eligible applicants were limited to institutions of higher education, not K-12 schools.

Were non-federal cost sharing or matching funds required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement was indicated. Applicants were not required to provide non-federal matching funds as a condition of eligibility or award.

What types of activities did the grant aim to support?

The grant centered on STEM outreach using hands-on, robotics-based programming connected to BEST Robotics. The intent was to spark sustained engagement in STEM among participating students.

Which student groups were the focus of the outreach?

The program’s outreach focus included both K-12 students and college students.

How did the program connect STEM learning to real-world applications?

By associating robotics-based STEM outreach with the Missile Defense Agency mission, the program aimed to connect students and educators to real-world defense technology problem spaces and show how classroom STEM skills translate into advanced engineering and scientific careers supporting national security objectives.

When was this funding opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on April 13, 2015.

When was the opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on April 28, 2015.

What was the original closing date?

The opportunity originally set to close on May 1, 2015.

Was the closing date revised?

Yes. The revised closing date was May 8, 2015.

When was the opportunity archived?

The archive date was May 31, 2015.

Is this an open-ended, ongoing program?

No. The timeline indicates this was a time-limited competition in 2015 rather than an open-ended program.

Who was the point of contact for applicant assistance?

The listed point of contact was Michelle Dunn, Contract and Grant Specialist at the Missile Defense Agency.

How can the point of contact be reached?

Michelle Dunn could be reached by phone at 256-450-0810 or by email at michelle.dunn@mda.mil.

What kinds of issues was the point of contact specifically noted for?

The contact information was provided particularly for issues accessing the full announcement materials electronically.

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