Pilot Program to Increase Research Capacity at HBCU MSI
Summary
The Department of the Army Materiel Command announced a pilot program offering $1.5M-$10M in grants to increase research capacity at HBCUs and minority-serving institutions. Funding opportunity W911NF26S0075 is available to eligible institutions seeking very high research status on the Carnegie Classification scale. Applications close April 10, 2026.
What changed
The Department of the Army released a new funding opportunity (W911NF26S0075) under the Pilot Program to Increase Research Capacity at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Other Minority-Serving Institutions. The program provides $1.5M-$10M per award (5 expected awards) to help eligible institutions achieve very high research status (R1) on the Carnegie Classification scale. Eligibility is limited to covered educational institutions per Section 223 of the FY 2023 NDAA, excluding institutions already classified as R1.
Eligible HBCUs and minority-serving institutions must submit applications by April 10, 2026 via Grants.gov. Proposals must align with DoD research areas of interest, including USW(R&E) and Army Research Laboratory priorities, and enhance STEM education in those research areas. There is no cost-sharing requirement. Institutions should review DoD research priorities and prepare proposals demonstrating capacity-building plans.
What to do next
- Review DoD research priorities to determine alignment with institutional strengths
- Verify eligibility status - ensure institution is not currently classified as R1 on Carnegie Classification scale
- Prepare and submit application via Grants.gov by April 10, 2026
Source document (simplified)
Pilot Program to Increase Research Capacity at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Other Minority-Serving Institutions
Agency: Dept of the Army -- Materiel Command
Assistance Listings: 12.630 -- Basic, Applied, and Advanced Research in Science and Engineering
Last Updated: February 5, 2026 View version history on Grants.gov
Description
This solicitation invites applications (also referred to as “proposals”) to increase the capacity of eligible institutions to achieve very high research activity status on the Carnegie Classification scale. The proposals must align with the research areas of interest to the DoW (which includes the USW(R&E) and the ARL) and enhance the education of students in areas of STEM that align with the DoW research interests.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants
Miscellaneous
- Other
Additional information
As provided in Section 223 of the FY 2023 NDAA, eligibility for this competition is open only to “covered educational institutions,” aimed at achieving very high research status on the Carnegie Classification scale. Institutions currently classified as very high research status (R1) on the Carnegie Classification website are not eligible to participate in this opportunity. https://carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu/Additional eligibility for this FOA are defined as:a. The term ‘‘eligible institution’’ means a historically Black college or university or other minority-serving institution that is classified as such at the time of participation in the program.b. The term ‘‘historically Black college or university’’ has the meaning given the term ‘‘part B institution’’ under section 322 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20U.S.C. 1061).c. The term ‘‘other minority-serving institution’’ means an institution of higher education specified in paragraphs (2) through (7) of section 371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)).Eligible applicants include community colleges or other two-year degree granting institutions meeting the definition of a “eligible institution.”
Grantor contact information
Description
William A Creech
Contracting Officer
Phone 9195494387
William Creech
william.a.creech3.civ@army.mil
Documents
Download all
| File name | Description | Last updated |
| --- | --- | --- |
| W911NF26S0075PilotProgram.pdf | W911NF26S0075 | Feb 5, 2026 02:49 PM UTC |
Link to additional information
--
Closing: April 10, 2026
Application process
This site is a work in progress. Go to www.grants.gov to apply, track application status, and subscribe to updates. View on Grants.gov
Award
$--
Program Funding
5
Expected awards
$1,500,000
Award Minimum
$10,000,000
Award Maximum
Funding opportunity number:
W911NF26S0075
Cost sharing or matching requirement:
No Funding instrument type:
Grant
Opportunity Category:
Discretionary
Opportunity Category Explanation:
-- Category of Funding Activity:
Science technology and other research and development
Category Explanation:
--
History
Version:
1
Posted date:
February 5, 2026
Archive date:
May 10, 2026
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