FY2026 Research Opportunities in Accelerator Stewardship and Accelerator Development

The Department of Energy's Office of Science is soliciting applications for cross-cutting basic research and development in accelerator science and technology (AS&T) and domestic supplier development that supports physical sciences research and benefits multiple U.S. government agencies and industry. Eligible applicants include domestic organizations, with specific restrictions for certain tracks (Track 2 limited to current PIs with expiring awards, Track 4b limited to domestic for-profit organizations). Key objectives include advancing accelerator technology through four active tracks: Track 1 (Accelerator Stewardship Topical Areas), Track 2 (Terminal renewal applications), and Track 4b (Accelerator Technology Partnerships), with emphasis on teaming with accelerator and application partners and demonstrating Stewardship Customer commitment. Applications will be evaluated on scientific and technical merit, appropriateness of methodology, competency of personnel and adequacy of resources, and reasonableness of proposed budgets through peer review. Critical deadlines include pre-application submission by April 9, 2026 at 5 PM Eastern Time, pre-application response notification by April 23, 2026, and full application submission by May 21, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

The program offers $15 million in total funding distributed across 10 to 15 awards, with individual award amounts ranging from $50,000 to $3,000,000 and project periods of 1 to 5 years. Applicants are limited to two pre-applications and two full applications per PI per institution. Research will be conducted by eligible domestic institutions including universities, research centers, and for-profit organizations, with the program strongly encouraging institutional cost-sharing or third-party contributions. This opportunity is funded under CFDA 81.049 (Office of Science Financial Assistance Program) and is governed by 2 CFR 200, 2 CFR 910, and 10 CFR 605.