Technology Transfer for Defense is a cross-campus effort of the Precourt Institute for Energy. 

Hacking for Defense Program
Technology Transfer for Defense

A Four-Step Guide to Winning Defense Department Research Funding

by Jeff Decker, PhD and Nilay Papila, PhD, Technology Transfer for Defense, Stanford University

 

Securing Defense Department funding for research projects can be a complex process due to the diverse range of disciplines and topics covered. Finding the right funding sources demands careful consideration of various factors, including eligibility criteria, project scope, budget, timeline, and the expectations of the funders. The Technology Transfer for Defense (TT4D) program at Stanford University aims to outline a 4-step guide to identify the most appropriate funding sources for your research project.

Define Your Research Goals and Funding Needs

Researchers must know what they are looking for from research funding to begin a successful search. Having well defined research goals and objectives is necessary before beginning your search for Defense Department funding. It is important to identify the main issue or gap you aim to address and specify the desired outcomes and know how your research contributes to the existing body of knowledge in your field so you can narrow down the hundreds of potential Defense Department funding opportunities relevant to you. 

Step 1: Identify Existing Funding Opportunities

Research opportunities can be found through various tools and platforms. Below is a list of online databases where researchers can find Defense Department funding opportunities:

Step 2: Identify Relevant Information in Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs)

The Defense Department advertises its grants through a “Broad Agency Announcement,” or BAA. BAAs are the vehicles used by the government to solicit proposals within specific Defense Department programs. BAAs provide necessary information about government grants to include submission requirements, such as the number of partners, project duration, expectations, and the types of research being supported BAAs provide essential information about Program Managers (PM) responsible for overseeing proposals, and provide details about related events like Q&A sessions. 

Assess Eligibility and Feasibility. Evaluate the suitability and feasibility of the identified funding sources.  Carefully review the funding guidelines and criteria, comparing them with your research project. Eligibility information is a section in the “Eligible Applicants” in the BAA full announcement document. Consider factors like the funding agency's mission, alignment with your research, applicant and project eligibility, funding amount and duration, application process and deadlines, and reporting and evaluation expectations.

Check the Priority Areas and Research Topics. Many BAAs are framed around specific priority areas or research topics. It is important to identify whether your research aligns with these focus areas. Review the defined priorities and research topics in the funding opportunity to confirm that your project addresses issues or gaps that are of particular interest to the DoD. Highlighting alignment with these priority areas increases the likelihood of your application being considered favorably.

Step 3: Contact the Program Manager and Seek Feedback

Before submitting your application, we encourage you to reach out to the Program Manager (PM) responsible for the grant so you can introduce yourself, your research project, and learn about how your research questions and objectives align (or learn how to better align) them to the PM’s needs. The contact information of the PMs or technical POC’s is usually listed in the BAA. Express your interest in applying for their funding and seek clarification or guidance on any questions you may have regarding guidelines, application processes, or expectations. You can request feedback on your one-pager and incorporate any suggestions or recommendations received.

Step 4: Prepare and Submit Your Application

In the final step, you should prepare and submit your application following the BAA's instructions and the PMs guidance. BAAs include where and how to submit your application. Please adhere to the funding agency’s format and structure, use clear language, and emphasize the significance and originality of your research, alignment with the funder's goals, the quality of your research plan, the qualifications of your team, and the potential impact and dissemination of your research outcomes.

This four-step approach will help you navigate the process of identifying and securing Defense Departments  funding for your research project.

Technology Transfer for Defense (TT4D) specializes in matching Defense Department funding with academic research projects. Over the past six years, TT4D has worked with dozens of faculty members to win Defense Department grants and transition academic technologies from lab to defense capabilities. TT4D is run by Jeffrey Decker, PhD, program director, Precourt Institute for Energy, Fu-Kuo Chang, professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and Nilay Papila, PhD, senior program manager, Precourt Institute for Energy.