Fundamental Research to Counter Weapons of Mass Destruction

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency is soliciting applications for fundamental research to counter weapons of mass destruction through a continuously open Broad Agency Announcement (HDTRA1-25-S-0001, Amendment 2 posted January 15, 2026) with an overall program end date of September 30, 2034; the nearest near-term deadline is March 2, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST for pre-application white papers on six published topics (B1-B6).

Eligible applicants are unrestricted and include accredited universities, industrial and commercial entities, small businesses, and not-for-profit research organizations. Federal laboratories, U.S. Government agencies, and DoD-sponsored FFRDCs may participate as collaborators or subawardees but not as prime awardees. DTRA strongly encourages and may give preference to proposals demonstrating at least 30 percent university participation of total value. Cost share is not required, though DTRA reserves discretionary authority to impose it.

DTRA anticipates awarding approximately 30 individual awards annually, predominantly as grants, ranging from $25,000 to $1,000,000 annually (direct and indirect costs combined), with efforts proposed for up to five years structured as base periods of one to three years plus optional years. Thrust Area 1 addresses Fundamental Science for Chemical and Biological Defense. The six published topics include microphysiological systems for physiological endpoint detection (B1, $500,000/year); self-improving AI systems for adaptive defense (B2, $500,000/year); quantum-enhanced topological data analysis (B3, $500,000/year); omniphobic repellent materials (B4, $500,000/year); synthetic biology sensing designs for engineered threat detection (B5, $500,000/year); and free-standing detection films for chemical detection wipes (B6, up to $1,000,000/year).

Submissions follow a two-phase process: Phase I requires pre-application white papers (up to four pages) evaluated on scientific and technical merit and value to mission goals; Phase II invites full proposals (up to 20 pages) from selected applicants, evaluated on scientific and technical merit, value to mission goals, personnel and facilities capability, and cost realism. Topics B1-B6 waive pre-coordination of abstracts. All submissions must be made through www.grants.gov in English. Proposals must comply with human subjects protection, animal use protocols, select agent biosecurity, export control, dual-use research of concern oversight, and research security reviews addressing foreign influence and malign talent recruitment.

This opportunity is funded under CFDA 12.351, Scientific Research - Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction.