FY2026 Research Opportunities in Accelerator Stewardship and Accelerator Development

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Science (SC), through its High Energy Physics (HEP) program, invites applications for its funding opportunity titled “Research Opportunities in Accelerator Stewardship and Accelerator Development.” This opportunity supports cross-cutting, use-inspired basic research and development (R&D) in accelerator science and technology (AS&T), emphasizing technologies beneficial across multiple scientific domains and national needs. It also aims to enhance domestic supplier capabilities for accelerator components. The program distinguishes itself from program-specific R&D, which is handled under separate NOFOs by individual SC offices such as Basic Energy Sciences (BES), Fusion Energy Sciences (FES), Nuclear Physics (NP), and others. The overarching goal is to strengthen the ecosystem of accelerator development within the U.S. scientific, academic, and commercial sectors. This NOFO offers support across multiple tracks, notably Track 1 for use-inspired basic R&D, Track 2 for terminal renewals in Collaborative Accelerator Research Teams (CARTs), and Track 4b for Accelerator Technology Partnerships. Track 1 includes four topical areas: Particle Therapy Beam Delivery Improvements (renewals only), Ultrafast Laser Technology, High Power Electron Accelerator Technology for Industrial Applications, and Compact Accelerator Technologies for Security and Medicine. These efforts aim to achieve specific technological goals such as TRL-4 (Technology Readiness Level) for Track 1 and up to TRL-6/MRL-7 (Manufacturing Readiness Level) for Track 4b. Track 2 provides transitional support for expiring CARTs, with the aim of moving towards multi-institutional funding models in future years. Track 4b specifically supports partnerships between U.S. companies and DOE labs to advance manufacturing capabilities of key accelerator technologies. The funding structure includes a total of $15,000,000 available, with expected individual awards ranging from $50,000 to $3,000,000 and anticipated project durations between one and five years. Award ceilings for Track 1 are $3,000,000 and $2,000,000 for Track 4b, while design studies are capped at $200,000. Institutional or third-party commitments (e.g., in-kind contributions, facilities access, scholarship support) are strongly encouraged though not mandated. Cost sharing is not generally required except where indicated by patent waiver conditions or contractual obligations. Matching contributions, where applicable, should be detailed in the project narrative but are not formal budget items. Eligibility is broadly open to domestic organizations, including academic institutions, national laboratories, for-profits, nonprofits (excluding 501(c)(4) organizations involved in lobbying), and other government entities. Specific tracks have tailored eligibility: Track 2 is restricted to current PIs with expiring awards, and Track 4b is limited to domestic for-profit entities. While non-domestic organizations may participate as subrecipients, they must justify unique expertise unavailable domestically. Applicants are advised that proposals related to commercial activities or customer-driven projects may be declined without merit review, as the program’s purpose is fundamental research rather than commercialization. The submission process begins with a required pre-application due April 9, 2026, followed by DOE responses by April 23, 2026. Full applications are due May 21, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. For Track 2 CART proposals intended for FY2027, Letters of Intent are due June 4, 2026. Applicants must register early in submission systems like SAM.gov and Grants.gov. Only encouraged pre-applications may proceed to full application. Applications must include detailed project narratives, budget tables, letters of collaboration, and management plans aligned with the specific track and topic requirements. Applications will be evaluated based on scientific merit, team strength, management quality, cost realism, and alignment with program goals. Track-specific criteria include customer commitment (Track 1), industry partnership robustness (Track 4b), and transition plans for ongoing research (Track 2). Awardees are expected to demonstrate progress through deliverables and regular reporting. Selected projects must align with the DOE’s open science policies and export control requirements. Periods of performance vary by track, generally lasting up to three years for Track 1 and two years for Track 4b. Awards are expected to begin September 1, 2026, with progress reports due annually each October. The program includes plans for recurring annual PI meetings and emphasizes durable technology transfer and capacity-building partnerships.

Required teaming structure; Proposals lacking industry or tech partner score poorly; Use Appendix 7 for cost justification; Follow format strictly; Include annual meeting travel