Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Department of the Navy (DoN) Historically Black Colleges and Universities/Minority Institutions (HBCU/MI) Program | N0001426SF001

FAQs: FY 2027 DoN HBCU/MI Program (ONR) Funding Opportunity

What is this funding opportunity?

This is the Fiscal Year 2027 Department of the Navy (DoN) Historically Black Colleges and Universities/Minority Institutions (HBCU/MI) Program funding opportunity, administered by the Office of Naval Research (ONR). It is a discretionary grant competition focused on strengthening the research capacity and research infrastructure of eligible minority-serving institutions while advancing Navy- and Marine Corps-relevant science and technology.

What is the main purpose of the program?

The program is meant to do two things at the same time: (1) support basic research that is defensible as relevant to DoN science and technology priorities, and (2) build sustainable institutional capability so the institution is stronger and more competitive in the long term, rather than supporting one-off activities.

What types of projects is the NOFO trying to support?

The NOFO is centered on research-driven capacity building. Proposals are expected to conduct real basic research aligned with the DoN S&T enterprise and to show how the work will expand the host institution's research capacity in a meaningful, lasting way.

What are the broader DoN HBCU/MI program goals mentioned?

The opportunity references three broader goals: improving research and educational capabilities at HBCU/MIs in scientific and engineering areas important to naval defense; encouraging collaborative, cross-institutional work on innovative naval S&T challenges; and increasing student engagement in STEM fields that matter to the Navy and Marine Corps.

What is the specific focus of this particular NOFO?

This NOFO narrows the focus specifically to enhancing research capacity and research infrastructure at HBCU/MIs. White papers (and any invited full proposals) are expected to clearly describe how the work advances naval-relevant basic research, involves faculty and students in research participation, and expands the institution's research capacity.

What key elements are expected to be addressed in the white paper and invited full proposal?

Submissions are expected to clearly explain how the project will: (1) advance basic research relevant to naval S&T priorities, (2) actively involve faculty and students in STEM discovery through research participation, and (3) expand the host institution's research capacity in a meaningful way.

Is the program intended to fund non-research STEM activities?

No. The NOFO draws a clear boundary that projects centered on non-research STEM activities are not the intent. The technical content must connect directly to the DoN S&T mission and vision and be framed as Navy/Marine Corps-relevant basic research.

How should applicants frame the technical topic?

The research topic and expected outcomes should be framed in a way that is defensible as basic research relevant to the mission needs and S&T priorities of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps.

What is the application process?

The process uses a white paper step first. Full proposals are submitted only if the applicant is invited after the white paper stage.

When are white paper questions due, and where are they sent?

White paper questions must be submitted by email to donhbcufoa@navy.mil by September 9, 2026.

What is the white paper submission deadline?

The white paper must be received no later than September 18, 2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.

When are application inquiries and questions due?

Application inquiries and questions are due by December 4, 2026.

What is the competition closing date listed in the opportunity?

The opportunity lists an original closing date of December 11, 2026.

What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The grant is listed under CFDA 12.300.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is $525,000.

How many awards are expected?

The opportunity indicates an expectation of approximately three awards.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is restricted by statute to "covered educational institutions" as defined in 10 U.S.C. 4144. This includes (A) institutions of higher education eligible for assistance under Title III or Title V of the Higher Education Act of 1965, or (B) accredited post-secondary minority institutions.

Are there citizenship requirements for the PI and project personnel?

Yes. The Principal Investigator (PI) and all proposed personnel must be U.S. citizens as of September 18, 2026, which is the white paper due date.

What appointment requirements apply to the Principal Investigator (PI)?

The PI must hold a full-time tenured, tenure-track, or tenure-track-equivalent academic appointment at an eligible covered educational institution.

Can a proposal include co-PIs?

No. This is described as a single-PI award, and co-PIs are not allowed.

Are subawards permitted?

No. Subawards are not permitted, meaning the proposing institution is expected to perform the work itself rather than distributing major project components to external partners.

Does this opportunity encourage collaboration?

The broader program goals include encouraging collaborative, cross-institutional work on innovative naval S&T challenges. At the same time, this NOFO states that subawards are not permitted, so applicants should consider that structural limitation when describing any collaborative approach.

How is student involvement expected to fit into the project?

Student engagement is expected to happen through research participation as part of executing the project, with active involvement of faculty and students in STEM discovery tied directly to the research effort (not as a separate, stand-alone outreach activity).

What does "capacity building" mean in the context of this NOFO?

In this NOFO, capacity building refers to expanding the institution's ability to conduct the proposed area of naval-relevant basic research over the long term, including strengthening research capability and research infrastructure in a way that supports sustained competitiveness and continued contribution to the DoN S&T enterprise.

What kinds of submissions are likely to be competitive based on the description provided?

Submissions are likely to be strongest when they present a focused, high-quality basic research plan tied to Navy/Marine Corps S&T needs, demonstrate hands-on student and faculty participation within the research work itself, and make a credible case that the project will leave the institution stronger in capability, infrastructure, and sustained research competitiveness in relevant STEM areas.