Research Initiatives at the Naval Postgraduate School

The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), through the Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center San Diego (NAVSUP FLCSD), has issued a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) numbered N00244-26-S-NPS-F001, inviting proposals for research initiatives that align with NPS’s core mission of graduate education and research. This FOA is part of the U.S. Department of Defense's commitment to advancing scientific, technical, and operational understanding across domains such as science and engineering, business, foreign policy, and interdisciplinary studies that enhance national security capabilities and graduate-level academic excellence. As part of the Department of Defense's Research and Education Program, this initiative provides federal financial assistance through grants or cooperative agreements for meritorious research projects with tangible public benefits. The FOA explicitly states that proposals should relate to basic and applied research and not involve the development of specific systems or hardware procurement. Proposals focusing on technical services or engineering support are excluded. NPS seeks submissions that contribute to contracted fundamental research, as defined by DoD guidance, with an emphasis on unclassified research. Applicants must propose work that supports public knowledge and broad dissemination, rather than directly advancing DoD interests, although such contributions should be acknowledged. The program accepts both new and supplementary research initiatives. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofit research institutions, institutions of higher education (both public and private), and accredited foreign universities. Exclusions apply to individuals, industry applicants, federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), military universities, and federal agency laboratories. The FOA does not expect or require cost-sharing or matching contributions, although voluntary cost sharing may be considered. The application process is twofold: potential applicants are strongly encouraged to first submit a white paper directly via email to NPS ([email protected]), followed by a full proposal submission through Grants.gov. White papers can be submitted at any time before the final deadline and should provide a concise technical concept, schedule, cost estimate, and anticipated public benefit. Full proposals must comply with strict formatting and content guidelines, including the completion of various federal forms (e.g., SF-424, R&R Budget, Project Abstract), narrative components detailing the technical approach, public purpose, environmental compliance, and reporting obligations. Required documentation includes curriculum vitae, budget justifications, human/animal subject compliance (if applicable), and organizational responsibility details. All applications must be submitted before the closing date of January 13, 2030. Proposals are reviewed competitively based on scientific and technical merit, potential public benefit, innovation, institutional capability, and reasonableness of cost. Notification of award will come from NAVSUP FLC San Diego, and applicants are advised not to commit funds until an award document is formally executed. Awards will be subject to quarterly reporting and must comply with federal requirements on export control, environmental policies, and ethical standards involving human and animal research. Questions regarding technical aspects of the FOA should be directed to [email protected], while business and administrative inquiries should go to Ms. Christine Jordan at [email protected] or 619-556-6121. The FOA will remain open until January 13, 2030, and the opportunity is not expected to be recurring beyond that deadline unless a successor announcement is issued.

Emphasize public benefit beyond DoD use; contact NPS point-of-contact prior to submission; provide clear technical and budget documentation; proposals must be unclassified and emphasize dissemination.