Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Department of Defense (DoD) Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP)

The Department of Defense (DoD) has announced the Fiscal Year 2026 Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP), a funding opportunity intended to enhance the research and education capabilities of accredited U.S. institutions of higher education. This program, sponsored by the Army Research Office (ARO), the Office of Naval Research (ONR), and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), aims to support the acquisition of major research equipment and instrumentation to advance research efforts critical to national defense. The DURIP provides funding to institutions that conduct, or are capable of conducting, research of interest to the DoD, with a focus on expanding the U.S. base of STEM professionals.

The total estimated funding available under DURIP for the FY26 cycle is approximately $34 million, with individual awards ranging between $50,000 and $3,000,000. In rare cases, exceptions may be made for funding requests above $3,000,000, provided the applicant demonstrates a significant national defense research need. The award period is typically 12 months, but institutions may request a no-cost extension for up to an additional 12 months with sufficient justification. Institutions are encouraged to communicate with DoD technical program officers before submitting proposals to ensure alignment with agency research interests.

The grant is available to accredited institutions of higher education in the United States with degree-granting programs in science, mathematics, or engineering. For-profit educational institutions are not eligible. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) are also ineligible, but University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs) may apply. Institutions may submit multiple proposals for different research needs, and there is no limit on the number of awards a single institution can receive.

Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov by April 25, 2025, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time, and should be validated by Grants.gov at least 48 hours before the deadline. Pre-application inquiries and questions must be submitted no later than April 11, 2025. The application process requires several mandatory forms, including the SF-424 Research and Related (R&R) Family Forms, a technical proposal, budget details, and compliance documentation.

Proposals will be evaluated based on three primary criteria: the impact of the proposed equipment or instrumentation on DoD-funded research, the priority of the research to DoD missions, and the potential to enhance the institution’s ability to educate future scientists and engineers through research. The evaluation process includes a risk-based security review, ensuring applicants and key personnel comply with DoD policies on research integrity and national security.

Key contacts for DURIP inquiries include representatives from each sponsoring agency: Ms. Katie Wisecarver (AFOSR), Dr. Sue Kase (ARO), and Dr. Amanda Netburn (ONR). Questions regarding business matters should be directed to Mr. Jorge Gallegos (AFOSR), Ms. Ramila Century (ARO), or Ms. Veronica Lacey (ONR). Applicants are encouraged to review agency research interests via the respective agency websites to tailor their proposals accordingly.