The Office of Naval Research (ONR) has issued a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) under the reference number N0001424SF005 for its Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Program. This grant opportunity is designed to support initiatives that develop, enhance, or expand STEM education programs that align with ONR's mission to maintain technological superiority for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The primary focus is to cultivate a world-class STEM workforce by improving educational pathways, providing opportunities for students and researchers, and fostering collaboration between academic institutions and the naval community.

The FOA encourages proposals that enhance STEM education across multiple levels, from K-12 through postdoctoral studies, including initiatives that aim to attract students to STEM fields, provide growth opportunities for graduate students, improve STEM mentoring and teaching quality, and increase institutional capacity to support STEM education. Notably, research proposals are not considered unless they serve an educational purpose and do not generate intellectual property. ONR supports projects that align with its specific technological and workforce needs, emphasizing the importance of STEM engagement in naval-relevant fields.

The funding period runs from April 5, 2024, through April 4, 2025, with proposals accepted on a rolling basis within this timeframe. Awards are granted at varying amounts depending on the proposed project scope and technical area, with no fixed minimum or maximum funding amount stated. Eligible applicants include academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit entities, including historically underrepresented institutions such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions, and Tribal Colleges. However, Federally Funded Research & Development Centers (FFRDCs), Department of Energy National Laboratories, and military universities are ineligible.

Applications require a multi-step process, starting with the submission of a white paper, followed by a full proposal. Proposals must adhere to strict formatting and submission guidelines through Grants.gov or FedConnect. Required documents include technical narratives, budget breakdowns, and verification of compliance with federal regulations such as the System for Award Management (SAM) registration. Submissions will be reviewed based on technical merit, relevance to naval missions, and funding availability.

For further inquiries, applicants can contact ONR’s designated Grants Officer, Sarah Jaeschke, via email at sarah.m.jaeschke.civ@us.navy.mil. The final deadline for proposal submission is April 4, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. ONR reserves the right to review proposals on a rolling basis and may close the FOA earlier if a successor announcement is issued. Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with ONR Program Officers to discuss project alignment with ONR’s objectives before submitting a proposal.