Defense security cooperation university research grants: contingency access: what motivates partners to grant contingency access and how can security cooperation secure access?

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) awarded George Washington University a $189,922 Project Grant under the Defense Security Cooperation University Sponsored Research program (CFDA 12.024) on September 15, 2025, with a completion date of September 14, 2026. The award funds research addressing "Contingency Access: What Motivates Partners to Grant Contingency Access and How Can Security Cooperation Secure Access?" This research project contributes to the DSCU's mission of advancing knowledge and practice in security cooperation by producing evidence-based analysis and lessons learned on a high-priority security cooperation knowledge gap—specifically, understanding the factors that influence allied and partner nations' willingness to grant military access during contingency operations and identifying effective strategies to secure such access through security cooperation mechanisms.

The deliverables under this grant consist of unclassified research products, including rigorous analysis, findings, and lessons learned that will be disseminated publicly through academic and policy channels to inform policymakers and the security cooperation workforce. As a major research institution, George Washington University will conduct this research through its Student Accounts Office / Third Party Division, applying its established federal research capabilities and academic infrastructure to address this critical national security priority within the 12-month performance period.