ASCEND^R RESEARCH FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

CALL FOR PROPOSALS (PDF version)
2027-2028 FUNDING CYCLE

I. Introduction and Program Overview

II. Critical Technology Areas

1. Applied Artificial Intelligence (AAI)
   ‍Research that advances the effective application of artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, and related computational methods to improve decision-making and operational efficiency. Relevant research may include algorithms, data methods, autonomy, human-machine teaming, modeling and simulation, trustworthy and assured AI, and approaches that enable reliable AI adoption across defense domains.
2. Biomanufacturing (BIO)
   ‍Research that harnesses living systems, biological processes, and bioengineering to produce critical materials, substances, or capabilities at scale. Relevant research may include bioprocess development, synthetic biology, biofabrication, scale-up, quality and reproducibility, and approaches that reduce supply-chain vulnerabilities and strengthen resilience.
3. Contested Logistics Technologies (LOG)
   ‍Research that enables forces to operate and sustain missions when transportation, supply networks, communications, or infrastructure are disrupted, degraded, or denied. Relevant research may include energy storage and power systems, resilient supply networks, predictive logistics, autonomous or distributed resupply, maintenance and sustainment, and production at the point of need.
4. Quantum and Battlefield Information Dominance (Q-BID)
   ‍Research that advances technologies needed to maintain information advantage in degraded or denied environments, including resilient communications, precision navigation and timing, sensing, and electromagnetic-spectrum maneuverability. Relevant research may draw on quantum science and engineering, radio-frequency technologies, photonics, radar and electronic warfare, secure networks, signal processing, and other approaches that improve the availability, accuracy, and survivability of battlefield information.
5. Scaled Directed Energy (SCADE)
   ‍Research that advances scalable and affordable high-energy laser and high-power microwave capabilities for the precise neutralization of threats. Relevant research may include energy sources, materials and components, power and thermal management, beam generation and control, modeling and testing, manufacturability, and approaches that overcome cost and production barriers.
6. Scaled Hypersonics (SHY)
   ‍Research that enables the affordable and scalable development of systems operating at Mach 5 or greater. Relevant research may include propulsion, aerothermodynamics, high-temperature materials and structures, thermal protection, guidance, navigation and control, sensing, modeling and simulation, testing, and manufacturing approaches that improve speed, precision, survivability, and production at scale

III. Funding, Eligibility, and Participation Requirements

• Up to $200,000 per project.    
• Approximately 10–15 projects are anticipated for the 2027–2028 funding cycle, subject to funding availability. 
• The Principal Investigator and Co-PIs must agree to jointly participate in the ASCEND^R Leadership Program.

• Proposals may be submitted by HSRU member institutions in good standing with the Alliance.
• Each eligible institution may submit a maximum of two proposals for the 2027–2028 funding cycle.

• The Principal Investigator (PI) must be research faculty or tenure/tenure-track faculty at an eligible HSRU member institution.
• Co-PIs are optional and, if included, must meet the same individual eligibility requirements as the PI.
• The PI must be an early- to mid-career investigator, approximately within the first eight years of their professional research career.*
• An individual may serve as PI on only one proposal.
• PIs and any Co-PIs participating in a currently funded ASCEND^R Research project are not eligible to serve as PI or Co-PI during the 2027–2028 funding cycle.

• The PI and any Co-PIs included on a proposal must agree to participate in the ASCEND^R Leadership Program if the proposed project is selected for funding.
• Participation requirements apply individually to the PI and each Co-PI.

• Each proposed project must include at least one Graduate Research Assistant who will be meaningfully integrated into the research project.
• The Graduate Research Assistant must be enrolled at the start of the project and maintain enrollment eligibility throughout the project period.

• The PI, any Co-PIs, and Graduate Research Assistant(s) participating in the proposed project must be U.S. Persons, as required under the ASCEND^R federal award.
• For purposes of this funding opportunity, eligible U.S. Persons are U.S.-born or naturalized U.S. citizens.
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IV. Proposal Preparation and Submission

• Biographical Sketch – SciENcv-generated NSF Biographical Sketch Common Form; required for the PI and each Co-PI.
• Current and Pending (Other) Support – SciENcv-generated NSF Current and Pending (Other) Support; required for the PI and each Co-PI.
• Proposal Narrative – 5 pages maximum, not including references.
• References Cited – 1 page maximum.
• Budget Detail – ASCEND^R Budget Template.
• Budget Justification – 1 page maximum.
• Graduate Student Mentorship Plan - 1 page maximum.
• Leadership Interest and Commitment Statement - 500 words maximum per investigator; required for the PI and each Co-PI.
• Institutional Authorization Form – Required if the proposal is submitted directly by the PI. See Section V. Submission Process.
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• Background and Rationale: Describe relevant prior work in the field, existing challenges or limitations of current approaches, and how the proposed research will address those challenges.
• Objectives and Relevance to DoW Priorities: State the objectives of the proposed research and the significance of the anticipated results relative to prior work. Describe how the proposed research relates to and is expected to contribute to one or more of the DoW Critical Technology Areas identified for this funding cycle. Explain the potential significance of the proposed work within the identified technical area and how successful completion could position the research for continued development, future external funding, or engagement with the DoW research enterprise.
• Research Plan and Timeline: Describe the approach for accomplishing the proposed objectives, including procedures, activities, anticipated risks, milestones, and a timeline for completion within the project period. If applicable, identify research involving human subjects or animals. Required IRB/IACUC approvals will be addressed prior to the initiation of applicable research activities.
• Investigator Qualifications and Project Roles: Describe the PI’s qualifications, research expertise, and relevant accomplishments that demonstrate the ability to successfully conduct the proposed research. If Co-PIs or other collaborators are included, identify their roles, expertise, and contributions to the project and describe how responsibilities will be coordinated.
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• the investigator’s interest in participating in the ASCEND^R Leadership Program;
• how participation would support their development and future engagement with the DoW research enterprise;
• their level of prior experience with DoW or other defense-related research, including sufficient context to demonstrate alignment with the intended career and experience level of the program; and
• the perspectives, expertise, or experiences they would contribute to the faculty cohort.
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• ASCENDR Budget Template provided should be used for Budget Detail.
• Budget justification should provide additional detail for dollar amounts appearing within each object class category.
• Requested funds must be necessary and directly related to the proposed research and should reflect the scope and needs of the project.
• PI and Co-PI salary support may be requested in proportion to the effort required for the proposed project, up to a maximum equivalent of two summer months per individual. Requested effort should be appropriate to the investigator’s role and responsibilities on the project.
• Funds may not be used for dual compensation or overload.
• Financial support for at least one Graduate Research Assistant must be included in the proposed budget. Support may include salary or stipend, tuition remission, travel, and other allowable costs associated with the student’s participation in the project.
• Funds may be requested for travel to conferences, workshops, meetings, or other activities directly related to the proposed research.
• Real property and equipment may not be acquired with ASCEND^R subaward funds.
• Cost sharing is permitted but not required.
• Indirect costs may be requested in accordance with the submitting institution’s federally negotiated indirect cost rate.
• Additional requirements, restrictions, or limitations applicable to the ASCEND^R federal award may apply to funded projects and will be incorporated into the subaward as required.
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V. Submission Process

• The Institutional Notice of Participation form will be provided directly to institutional research offices and made available on the ASCEND^R Research website.
• The notice confirms the institution’s intent to participate and identifies an institutional point of contact for the funding cycle.
• The notice does not require identification of individual proposals or PIs.

• Once selections are made, proposals may be submitted by an authorized Research Administration Officer.
• If a PI is authorized by the institution to submit directly, the PI must include the ASCEND^R Institutional Authorization form with the application confirming authorization to submit on behalf of the institution.

• All required application components identified in Section IV must be included.
• The InfoReady portal and required forms and templates will be available through the ASCEND^R Research website.
• Submission instructions, including portal access and account setup guidance, will be available on the website.

VI. Merit Review Criteria

• Technical Merit, Innovation, and Research Potential
  Quality, rigor, and appropriateness of the proposed research; significance and innovation of the research objectives; qualifications and expertise of the investigator(s); and potential of the work to produce meaningful research outcomes and establish a foundation for continued research or future external funding.
• Alignment with DoW Priorities and ASCEND^R Research Goals
  Relevance and expected contribution of the proposed research to one or more of the designated DoW Critical Technology Areas identified for this funding cycle.
• Feasibility and Budget Appropriateness
  Feasibility of the proposed scope, research plan, timeline, and milestones within the one-year project period and alignment of the requested budget with the proposed work.
• Graduate Student Integration and Mentorship
  Meaningful integration of graduate student researcher(s) into the proposed research; quality of the mentorship plan; and potential contribution of the experience to students’ research, academic, and professional development.
• Leadership Program Alignment and Potential
  The PI’s and any Co-PIs’ interest in and potential to benefit from deeper engagement with the DoW research enterprise, commitment to Leadership Program participation, and potential to contribute their research expertise and perspectives to the faculty cohort.

VII. Award Administration and Recipient Responsibilities

• Following selection, UTEP will coordinate with the appropriate research administration office at each selected institution to initiate and complete the subaward process.
• Selected institutions will provide the institutional and project documentation required to establish the subaward. Where possible, information provided through the application process will be used to facilitate this process.
• Detailed subaward requirements and award administration procedures will be communicated directly to selected institutions.

• Funded projects are subject to applicable requirements of the ASCEND^R federal award and the terms and conditions incorporated into each institutional subaward.
• Applicable federal requirements, restrictions, and flow-down provisions will be communicated through the subaward process.

• PIs, Co-PIs, Graduate Research Assistants, and other personnel participating in funded research must complete applicable research security training requirements.
• Subrecipient institutions are responsible for ensuring that participating project personnel complete training that meets applicable federal requirements.

• Funded projects will be required to submit periodic progress reports and a final report.
• Reporting requirements, timelines, and instructions will be provided as part of award administration.

VIII. Key Dates

IX. Questions and Program Contacts

FORMS AND TEMPLATES