The Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III Expansion of Domestic Production Capability and Capacity is a funding opportunity administered by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) through the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate (AFRL/RX). This program operates under the broader oversight of the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) and is aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing and supply chains critical to national defense. This funding initiative is executed through the DPA Title III Program and aligns with federal authorities under 50 U.S.C. App. § 4501 and 10 U.S.C. § 2358. Its core mission is to provide incentives that restore, protect, and expand industrial capacities critical to the defense industrial base.

The grant is structured as a hybrid opportunity, consisting of two solicitation mechanisms: an Open FOA with a two-step submission process and FOAs with Calls for one-step submissions on specific project areas. White papers may be submitted at any time under the Open FOA but may be suspended during active Calls. Funding instruments will primarily be Technology Investment Agreements (TIAs), though Cooperative Agreements may also be used under certain circumstances.

Three major topic areas are defined for this initiative: Sustainment of Critical Production, Commercialization of Research and Development Investments, and Scaling of Emerging Technologies. Applicants must submit proposals that align with these categories and demonstrate how their project addresses DPA Title III statutory criteria, such as the national security importance of the proposed technology, the inability of industry to meet demand without government intervention, and the cost-effectiveness of government investment.

Eligible applicants must be domestic sources, meaning businesses that perform substantially all project activities in the U.S. or Canada. However, individuals and government organizations are not eligible to apply. The initiative is open to for-profit and nonprofit entities that meet the domestic source criteria. Foreign involvement is prohibited for lead applicants, and proposals must prove compliance with this restriction. Additionally, the program requires a 50/50 cost-sharing model unless a waiver is granted.

Key application requirements include registration with SAM.gov, submission of proof of domestic sourcing, alignment with DPA criteria, and completion of specified certifications and forms such as SF-424 (R&R). Evaluation criteria for proposals include Manufacturing Capability and Experience, Quality of Technical Approach, Business Viability, Merchant Supplier Orientation, and Cost/Price considerations. The process is competitive, and the government reserves the right to make no awards.

The FOA has undergone several amendments, most recently extending the closing date to July 12, 2025, and increasing the total available funding to $9 billion, evenly split between government and recipient shares. Additional contact points include Agreements Officer Whitney Foxbower and Agreements Negotiator Felicia Bibbs, with technical inquiries directed to Diana M. Carlin of the AFRL. Applicants are encouraged to monitor SAM.gov for updates and newly issued Calls.