New start grant 86808-RT-REP future-oriented readiness through growth in engineering and logistics (forge)

The Department of the Army Materiel Command Research Development and Engineering Command awarded Texas Southern University $9,997,847 on August 24, 2026, under the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Educational Program: Science, Mathematics And Research for Transformation (SMART) program (CFDA 12.631). The award, designated as Project Grant W911NF261A301, funds the Future-Oriented Readiness Through Growth in Engineering and Logistics (FORGE) initiative and carries a period of performance through August 23, 2031, with place of performance at Texas Southern University's Houston, Texas campus. The SMART program supports merit-based scholarship administration and awards to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in the 22 STEM disciplines of critical importance to the Department of Defense. Under cooperative agreement terms, activities encompass program administration of scholarship applications, selection and award cycles, scholar requirements communication, internship coordination, information system maintenance, strategic outreach, scholar benefits management, and engagement with DoD Sponsoring Facilities. Scholarship recipients must be U.S. citizens at least 18 years of age, obtain and maintain security clearances, complete summer internships at DoD laboratories or facilities, and commit to full-time employment with the Department of Defense upon degree completion on a one-for-one service obligation basis.