Collaboration for Innovative Research on Aircraft Structure (CIRAS)

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has announced a funding opportunity titled "Collaboration for Innovative Research on Aircraft Structure (CIRAS)." This program aims to foster research and development in aircraft structural design, analysis, and experimentation. The focus areas of the solicitation include innovative structural concepts that reduce weight or improve performance, the generation of realistic load and environmental spectra, advanced structural design and analysis methods, and experimental validation techniques for structural models and simulations. Eligible applicants for this opportunity are unrestricted, meaning any entity, such as academic institutions, private businesses, and non-profits, can apply, subject to further clarifications provided in the full announcement. The funding will be provided in the form of cooperative agreements and procurement contracts, with an estimated total program funding of $6,000,000. While there is no specified award ceiling or floor, applicants are expected to propose budgets that are reasonable and appropriate for the scope of the research. Applications for this opportunity will be accepted until May 11, 2026, and the program does not require cost-sharing or matching funds. The program aims to advance the capabilities of aircraft structures, making them lighter, stronger, and more efficient, ultimately benefiting defense aviation. For more detailed information, interested parties are encouraged to contact Jodonna Alvarez, the contracting and grants officer, or access the full announcement via the Grants.gov platform.