The Fiscal Year 2026 Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) is a funding initiative by the Department of Defense (DoD), aimed at enhancing research capabilities and research-related education at accredited U.S. institutions of higher education. Administered jointly by the Army Research Office (ARO), the Office of Naval Research (ONR), and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), this grant opportunity provides funds to support the purchase of major research equipment or instrumentation that cannot be acquired through single-investigator research budgets. DURIP seeks to strengthen the ability of institutions to perform defense-relevant research and train future scientists and engineers.

The primary purpose of the DURIP program is to bolster DoD-supported research by improving institutional access to high-quality equipment and facilities necessary for advanced scientific study. Institutions are expected to show how the requested equipment will contribute to existing DoD-funded research, support proposed research, or establish new research capabilities aligned with DoD missions. The program fosters long-term strategic outcomes, particularly the cultivation of a skilled STEM workforce essential to national defense.

DURIP awards will range from $50,000 to $3,000,000, with the possibility of requesting exceptions in rare cases and with proper justification. AFOSR will not consider exceptions above $7,000,000, including cost-sharing. While matching funds are not required, voluntary cost-sharing is allowed and may support applications requesting amounts above the standard ceiling. The funding is intended strictly for major research instrumentation and related costs such as design, assembly, or installation, but does not cover general-purpose computing facilities, building modifications, or faculty salaries.

Eligible applicants include accredited U.S. institutions of higher education with degree-granting programs in science, mathematics, or engineering. For-profit institutions are ineligible, and while University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs) may apply, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers may not. There is no limit on the number of applications or awards per institution. Applications must address DoD research priorities and clearly link the proposed instrumentation to specific defense-related research areas.

Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by April 25, 2025, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Pre-submission questions are due by April 11, 2025. Submissions must follow specific formatting and content requirements, including a project summary, technical proposal, budget, and disclosures of conflicts of interest and commitment. Applications should also reference a Program Officer and include details on how the instrumentation will enhance DoD-related research and education efforts. Compliance with export control laws and institutional conflict of interest policies is required.

The evaluation criteria include the impact of the instrumentation on DoD-funded research, the alignment of proposed work with DoD priorities, and the potential for enhancing STEM education. Selection involves both technical and business reviews, with consideration of institutional integrity and performance. Awardees will be notified by email and must not expend funds until an official award document is signed. Post-award requirements vary by agency but typically include progress and final reports.