Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Department of the Navy (DoN) Historically Black Colleges and Universities/Minority Institutions (HBCU/MI) Program

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Department of the Navy (DoN) Historically Black Colleges and Universities/Minority Institutions (HBCU/MI) Program, announced under NOFO number N0001425SF005, is a research funding initiative administered by the Office of Naval Research (ONR). This opportunity is rooted in the Department of Defense’s ongoing commitment to promote diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields by fostering partnerships with HBCUs and other Minority Institutions (MIs). The program's primary objective is to enhance the research capabilities and infrastructure of eligible institutions while advancing scientific inquiry in areas of critical importance to the Navy and Marine Corps. The program supports basic and applied research projects that are directly aligned with the Department of the Navy’s science and technology (S&T) mission. Key goals include strengthening educational capabilities in STEM disciplines, fostering collaboration among institutions, and increasing student engagement in research activities. Projects submitted must demonstrate clear alignment with naval-relevant S&T challenges and should be designed to engage faculty and students meaningfully. This opportunity is not intended for non-research or education-only STEM programming but rather emphasizes the development of institutional research capacity and impactful scientific exploration. Funding under this NOFO is competitive and structured through a two-phase application process. First, institutions must submit mandatory white papers, which are used to invite full proposals. The estimated total program funding available is $1,575,000, with individual awards expected to range from $450,000 to $525,000. ONR anticipates making three awards, each with a period of performance lasting three years. Cost sharing is not required for this program, and no indirect or direct match is mandated, although voluntary cost sharing may be proposed. The opportunity is limited to institutions of higher education that are either eligible for assistance under Titles III or V of the Higher Education Act of 1965 or are accredited post-secondary minority institutions. The Principal Investigator (PI) must be a U.S. citizen as of the white paper submission deadline and must hold a full-time tenured, tenure-track, or equivalent position. This is a single-PI award, and neither Co-PIs nor subawards are permitted. Applicants may submit multiple applications, but each must be distinct in its content and scope. The application timeline begins with inquiries on white papers due by August 29, 2025, and white papers due by September 19, 2025. Notifications of Navy evaluations are expected by November 7, 2025, followed by proposal inquiries due by December 5, 2025. Full invited proposals must be submitted by December 12, 2025, with notification of selection for award by March 27, 2026. The earliest expected grant start date is July 1, 2026. White papers must be submitted via the ONR Submission Portal, while full proposals are submitted through Grants.gov. For questions, applicants should contact Mr. Anthony C. Smith, Sr., the Program Director, at don_hbcufoa@navy.mil, or the Grants Officer, Ms. Veronica Lacey, at veronica.y.lacey.civ@us.navy.mil. Applicants are encouraged to consult with a Navy Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) to align their proposals with the Navy’s strategic research priorities. Technical focus areas include, but are not limited to, cyber technologies, undersea platforms, warfighter performance, and aviation systems. Full proposal content requirements and detailed instructions are outlined in the NOFO and must be strictly followed for consideration.

Discuss with a Navy TPOC prior to submission. White papers are mandatory; proposals are by invitation only.