Research Initiatives at the Naval Postgraduate School | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Research Initiatives at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPSBAA09 003)

1) What is the title and funding opportunity number for this grant?

The opportunity is titled "Research Initiatives at the Naval Postgraduate School" and the Funding Opportunity Number is NPSBAA09 003.

2) What type of solicitation is this?

This is a competitive Broad Agency Announcement (BAA). The scope is intentionally broad and is intended to fund meritorious research initiatives that align with the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) mission.

3) What is the main purpose of this opportunity?

The purpose is to support research that strengthens NPS's core mission of graduate education and research. In practical terms, NPS is seeking research that advances knowledge, methods, and capabilities relevant to defense and national security needs while also directly supporting NPS academic and research objectives.

4) What research areas are included in the scope?

The scope is broad and includes (as examples) science and engineering, business and policy, operational and informational sciences, and interdisciplinary areas, as long as the proposed work aligns with and contributes to NPS's mission.

5) What is the funding activity category?

The funding activity category is science and technology and other research and development.

6) What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA listing provided is 12.300 (Basic and Applied Scientific Research).

7) Is this discretionary or mandatory funding?

This opportunity is categorized as discretionary funding.

8) What types of awards or agreements might be used?

Awards may be made using multiple instrument types, including cooperative agreements, grants, procurement contracts, and other arrangements. The specific instrument depends on the nature of the proposed effort and the level of government involvement anticipated.

9) How many awards does the announcement expect to make?

The announcement anticipates a relatively large number of awards, with an estimated 50 awards expected. This suggests NPS intended to fund multiple efforts across different topic areas rather than only a small number of large projects.

10) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is stated. Applicants are not required to provide non-federal funds as a condition of being considered.

11) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is open to all responsible sources from academia and industry. This typically includes universities, nonprofit research organizations, and private-sector firms capable of performing the proposed research.

12) Are HBCUs and Minority Institutions encouraged to apply?

Yes. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Institutions (MIs) are specifically encouraged to apply and to participate through teaming arrangements.

13) Is there a set-aside or guaranteed funding allocation for HBCUs/MIs?

No. The announcement states there is no set-aside and no guaranteed allocation of funding for HBCUs or Minority Institutions.

14) Which organizations are not eligible to receive awards under this BAA?

The announcement explicitly states that the following are not eligible to receive awards under this BAA: U.S. government schools of higher education, Navy laboratories, and other Department of Defense agencies.

15) If a non-eligible entity is interested, can it still participate in some way?

The announcement advises ineligible entities not to submit white papers or full proposals directly. Instead, they are directed to contact the relevant NPS point of contact to discuss areas of interest, which suggests collaboration or other non-award roles may be possible depending on the circumstance.

16) Are export control rules mentioned for this opportunity?

Yes. The opportunity flags export control considerations and notes that some research topics may involve export-controlled technologies.

17) When can participation be limited to U.S. persons?

For research areas involving export-controlled technologies, participation can be limited to U.S. persons as defined by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), specifically 22 CFR 120.1 and related provisions.

18) What kinds of compliance obligations should applicants anticipate for export-controlled work?

For sensitive technical areas, applicants should be prepared for compliance obligations, including restrictions on personnel, data access, and dissemination. Applicants should consider these constraints when assembling teams and planning how results will be handled and shared.

19) When was the opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on May 15, 2009.

20) What was the original closing date?

The original closing date was May 15, 2010.

21) Was the deadline extended?

Yes. The opportunity was amended, and Amendment 0004 extended the response deadline to March 31, 2011.

22) What is the archive date listed for this opportunity?

The archive date is April 30, 2011.

23) Which agency is associated with the listing?

The agency associated with the listing is the Naval Supply Systems Command.

24) Does the announcement reference other related NPS BAAs?

Yes. The announcement points applicants to an additional information link for all NPS BAAs, indicating this opportunity likely sits within a broader portfolio of NPS research solicitations.

25) Who is the listed grants officer contact for access issues or assistance?

The listed grants officer contact is Janet Norton at 808-473-7669.

26) What does "meritorious research initiatives" mean in the context of this BAA?

Based on the description provided, it refers to research efforts that are strong in quality and relevance, advance knowledge/methods/capabilities tied to defense and national security needs, and also directly support NPS academic and research objectives.

27) Does this opportunity limit proposals to a narrow set of topics?

No. The scope is described as intentionally broad, covering multiple domains (including interdisciplinary work) as long as the proposed effort aligns with and contributes to the NPS mission.

28) Will the award instrument be the same for every project selected?

Not necessarily. The announcement notes multiple possible instrument types (cooperative agreements, grants, procurement contracts, and other arrangements), and the choice depends on the nature of the proposed work and the expected level of government involvement.