Center for Foundational Academic Research and Strategic Innovation for the Defense Enterprise (C-FARSIDE)
Closed Posted
- Opportunity number
- HQ003426NFOECAD04
- Agency
-
Department of Defense
- Applications due
- Award size
- $50,000,000 to $150,000,000
Opportunity facts
- Assistance listings
- Funding instrument
- Cooperative Agreement
- Category
-
- Science and Technology and other Research and Development
- Eligible applicants
-
- Other
Opportunity details come from Grants.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Department of Defense seeks applicants for a cooperative agreement to establish the Center for Foundational Academic Research and Strategic Innovation for the Defense Enterprise (C-FARSIDE), a transdisciplinary research center bridging academic, industry, government, and venture capital partnerships, with applications due August 17, 2026. Eligible applicant types are limited to "Other" per the opportunity posting. The awardee will conduct technology scouting and market research to track industry trends and emerging capabilities; support concept incubation, prototyping, pilot planning, and technology transition activities with defined adoption criteria; facilitate industry, university, and government engagement forums and workforce development; and develop problem-based research consortia spanning multiple integrated disciplines and connecting university researchers with Service laboratory researchers and Combat Commands to address complex national security challenges. Activities include investigating new transdisciplinary approaches to basic and exploratory research designed to strengthen partnerships and accelerate outcomes.
This opportunity is funded under CFDA 12.630, Basic, Applied, and Advanced Research in Science and Engineering, administered by DOD Washington Headquarters Service. The program supports research in mathematical, physical, engineering, environmental, life sciences, and other fields with long-term potential for Defense applications. Award structure, cost share requirements, period of performance, and expected number of awards are not specified in the source. Evaluation will emphasize technical merit and potential relationship to Defense missions, with consideration of principal investigator and personnel qualifications, facility adequacy, and cost reasonableness per the program standard.
Synopsis
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).
On GovTribe
Work this opportunity
- Track it in your pipeline
- Find teaming partners
- Similar grant opportunities
- Ask GovTribe AI about this opportunity