Collaboration for Innovative Research on Aircraft Structure (CIRAS)

The Collaboration for Innovative Research on Aircraft Structure (CIRAS) is a funding opportunity announced by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), specifically through the Aerospace Vehicles Division within the Aerospace Systems Directorate. This program is listed under the Assistance Listing 12.800, the Air Force Defense Research Sciences Program, and is intended to advance research in the field of aircraft structural design, analysis, and experimentation. The funding is categorized as discretionary, with opportunities awarded through cooperative agreements or procurement contracts. It is supported by the U.S. Department of Defense through the Air Force Research Laboratory. The purpose of the CIRAS program is to solicit and support innovative research efforts focused on critical advancements in structural design and performance of aerospace systems. Research areas highlighted include the development of structural concepts aimed at reducing weight while enhancing performance, the creation of realistic load and environmental spectra for aircraft systems, the advancement of structural design and analytical methods, and the improvement of experimental validation techniques for structural models and simulations. These areas reflect the AFRL’s broader mission to ensure that the United States maintains technological superiority in aerospace systems research and development. Funding for this opportunity totals an estimated $6,000,000. The exact number of awards expected is not provided, nor are the specific award floor and ceiling values indicated in the notice, requiring applicants to verify further details directly with AFRL. While funding amounts for individual awards remain unspecified, the program aims to encourage substantive research partnerships that can meaningfully contribute to the innovation and validation of structural concepts and methods. The solicitation leaves flexibility in project scope and funding allocation, allowing for a wide range of proposed research efforts within the identified focus areas. The opportunity is open to all applicants without restrictions, meaning eligibility is considered unrestricted. This allows for participation by universities, research institutions, industry entities, and other organizations capable of advancing the program objectives. No cost sharing or matching requirement is stipulated in the announcement, reducing barriers to entry for applicants. Given its broad eligibility parameters, CIRAS positions itself to encourage collaboration between diverse organizations capable of addressing the technical challenges posed in the solicitation. Applications are currently being accepted and will remain open until May 11, 2026. This date serves as both the original and current closing date. The opportunity was first posted on May 11, 2021, and the notice was last updated on August 9, 2023. Applications must be submitted in full by the close date, and there is no indication of a pre-application requirement such as a letter of intent or concept paper. The archive date is June 9, 2026. Given the timeline, the solicitation represents a long-term funding opportunity for sustained research planning and execution. Contact for this funding opportunity is Jodonna Alvarez, who serves as both the contracting officer and grants officer for the program. She can be reached by phone at 937-713-9966 for assistance. No contact email is provided in the notice, so applicants needing clarification on submission requirements, eligibility, or program scope should use the phone number listed to reach the grantor directly. This funding opportunity remains active, and eligible applicants are encouraged to consider its scope and timelines when planning research proposals.