Center for Foundational Academic Research and Strategic Innovation for the Defense Enterprise (C-FARSIDE)

General Information Document Type: Grants Notice Funding Opportunity Number: HQ003426NFOECAD04 Funding Opportunity Title: Center for Foundational Academic Research and Strategic Innovation for the Defense Enterprise (C-FARSIDE) Opportunity Category: Discretionary Opportunity Category Explanation: Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement Category of Funding Activity: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Category Explanation: Expected Number of Awards: 1 Assistance Listings: 12.630 -- Basic, Applied, and Advanced Research in Science and Engineering Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: No Version: Synopsis 2 Posted Date: Jul 16, 2026 Last Updated Date: Jul 16, 2026 Original Closing Date for Applications: Aug 16, 2026 Current Closing Date for Applications: Aug 17, 2026 Archive Date: Sep 16, 2026 Estimated Total Program Funding: Award Ceiling: $150,000,000 Award Floor: $50,000,000 Eligibility Eligible Applicants: Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification) Additional Information on Eligibility: Only the Virginia Tech Applied Research Cooperation is eligible for awards under this NOFO. U.S. DoW Laboratories and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) are not allowed to receive funds directly or via sub-awards. Additional Information Agency Name: Washington Headquarters Services Description: Bridging foundational academic research and strategic innovation for the Defense enterprise, the Center for Foundational Academic Research and Strategic Innovation for the Defense Enterprise (C-FARSIDE) will facilitate deep transdisciplinary collaborations among top-tier scholars, informed by defense strategists, that will transform rigorous and blue-sky research into breakthrough national security solutions and build a deep and lasting relationship between academia, foundations, international partners, industry and venture capital, and the DoW. The Awardee Will Support Technology Scouting And Transition, As Well As Collaboration Activities That Accelerate Innovation And Improve Mission Effectiveness. The Awardee Will Also Conduct And Enable Transdisciplinary Research, Bridging Academic Disciplines And Industry And Societal Stakeholders To Address Complex, Real-world Challenges. Activities May Include, But Are Not Limited To Conduct technology scouting and market research (as authorized) to maintain awareness of industry trends, emerging capabilities, and innovation opportunities; provide summaries and recommendations.Support concept incubation, prototyping pathways, pilot planning, and technology transition activities, including transition criteria and adoption planning.Support industry/university/government engagement, collaboration forums, and coordination activities, as directed, including workforce development support activities where applicable.Investigate new and transdisciplinary approaches to basic and exploratory research to transform how fundamental research and partnerships can drive toward more assured outcomes and impact.Develop and form university and industry research teams and consortia consisting of multiple, integrated disciplines and capabilities focused upon problem-based research and outcomes (through a Problem-based Basic Research Consortium).Drive collaboration between university researchers and Service laboratory researchers and Combatant Commands, while also creating opportunities for accelerating the development and advancement of basic and higher TRL research (through a Translational Research Initiative for Academia and Defense Partnership). Link to Additional Information: Grantor Contact Information: If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact: Jonathan Bertsch, Grants Officer Grants Officer Email