The Department of Defense (DoD) Research and Education Program for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions (HBCU/MI) Equipment/Instrumentation aims to enhance the research capabilities of eligible institutions by funding the acquisition of advanced equipment and instrumentation. The program is designed to strengthen STEM education and research programs at these institutions while also increasing student participation in research areas relevant to the DoD. The program is administered by the U.S. Army Research Laboratory/Army Research Office (ARL/ARO), the Office of Naval Research (ONR), and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), with funding from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.

The program provides financial support to institutions for acquiring research equipment that will contribute to DoD-related research objectives. The funding is intended to help build capacity at HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions, thereby expanding their ability to contribute to national security-related research fields. The program also aims to encourage students to pursue careers in STEM by ensuring that funded institutions provide access to state-of-the-art research tools and environments. While student stipends and tuition support are not covered under this grant, applicants must describe how the requested equipment will support student participation in research and STEM education.

For FY 2025, DoD expects to allocate approximately $55 million in funding, with individual awards ranging from $200,000 to $1,000,000. Each grant will be awarded for a 12-month performance period, and applications must strictly adhere to the funding limits specified. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education classified as "covered educational institutions," meaning those eligible for assistance under Title III or Title V of the Higher Education Act of 1965 or accredited post-secondary minority institutions. Community colleges and two-year degree-granting institutions that meet these criteria may also apply. Institutions must include a letter from the Department of Education certifying their eligibility for Title III or Title V funding if applicable. HBCUs and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) are automatically eligible.

The application process requires submissions through Grants.gov, and institutions are allowed to submit up to three applications under this opportunity. Required application components include detailed descriptions of the requested equipment, its intended use, and its expected impact on institutional research and education capabilities. Proposals will undergo a merit-based evaluation based on their potential impact on DoD research, STEM programs, student participation, and the institution’s ability to maintain the equipment beyond the funding period. Secondary evaluation criteria include cost realism and the institution’s capacity for long-term equipment upkeep.

Applications are due by 4:00 PM Eastern Time on April 28, 2025. Questions regarding the funding opportunity must be submitted by April 4, 2025. Award decisions are expected to be announced by late August 2025, with grant agreements issued by early October 2025. Direct contact information for DoD program managers and grants officers is available in the funding announcement for applicants seeking additional guidance.