Research and Development (RAD) Directed Energy (RD) University Assistance Instruments
About
Original Solictation: Closing Date of the FOA FROM: 18 July 2024 TO: 18 July 2029 Cost Ceiling $49M Contracting/Agreements Points of Contact (POC) Agreements Officer Mariah Salazar Agreements Specialist Monique Esquibel-Sena Emails: mariah. salazar@us. af. mil; monique. esquibel_sena@us. af. mil Solicitation Amend 1: Closing Date of the FOA FROM: 18 July 2024 TO: 18 July 2029 Cost Ceiling $49M Contracting/Agreements Points of Contact (POC) Agreements Officer Mariah Salazar Agreements Specialist Monique Esquibel-Sena Emails: mariah. salazar@us. af. mil; monique. esquibel_sena@us. af. mil (Revisions made: Updated information on Mandatory Letter of Intent to allow for interested parties to submit Letters of Intent through Valid Eval portal) Solicitation Amend 2: Closing Date of the FOA FROM: 18 July 2024 TO: 18 July 2029 Cost Ceiling $49M Contracting/Agreements Points of Contact (POC) Agreements Officer Mariah Salazar Agreements Specialist Monique Esquibel-Sena Emails: mariah. salazar@us. af. mil; monique. esquibel_sena@us. af. mil (Revisions made: Added detail for Letter of Intent Evaluation Criteria) Solicitation Amend 3: Closing Date of the FOA FROM: 18 July 2024 TO: 18 July 2029 Cost Ceiling $49M Contracting/Agreements Points of Contact (POC) Agreements Officer Mariah Salazar Alternate Agreements Officer Jennifer Jaramillo Agreements Specialist Monique Esquibel-Sena Brendan Merritt Emails: mariah. salazar@us. af. mil; monique. esquibel_sena@us. af. mil, jennifer. jaramillo@us. af. mil, brendan. merrit.
The Research and Development (RAD) Directed Energy (RD) University Assistance Instruments program is a federally-funded initiative designed to support university-based research and development in directed energy technologies. With a cost ceiling of $49 million and a funding period extending through July 2029, this program provides substantial resources for academic institutions pursuing cutting-edge research in directed energy systems. This grant is ideal for universities with established research capabilities, faculty expertise in physics, engineering, materials science, and related disciplines, and the infrastructure to conduct sophisticated defense-related research. The program supports fundamental and applied research that advances the state of knowledge in directed energy applications, potentially including laser systems, high-power microwave systems, and related technologies. Universities should apply if they have qualified research teams, relevant laboratory facilities, and the ability to contribute to national defense technology advancement. The multi-year funding window allows for sustained research efforts and long-term project development. Interested institutions should review the complete Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) to understand specific eligibility requirements and submission procedures, including the mandatory Letter of Intent process managed through the Valid Eval portal.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
July 18, 2029
Award Amount
Up to $49M
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Grant Amount
Up to $49M
Deadline
2029-07-18
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) with mandatory Letter of Intent submission through Valid Eval portal
Best For
Universities and academic research institutions with directed energy research capabilities
Eligibility
See FOA for Eligibility
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Research and Development (RAD) Directed Energy (RD) University Assistance Instruments?
Eligibility requirements are specified in the complete Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). The program is designed for university-based research institutions. For detailed eligibility criteria, review the official FOA documentation or contact the Agreements Officers listed in the solicitation.
How much funding does Research and Development (RAD) Directed Energy (RD) University Assistance Instruments provide?
The program has a cost ceiling of $49,000,000 for the entire funding period from July 18, 2024 through July 18, 2029. Individual award amounts may vary based on project scope and approved budgets. Consult the official FOA for specific funding information.
How do I apply for Research and Development (RAD) Directed Energy (RD) University Assistance Instruments?
Applications are submitted through the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) process. A mandatory Letter of Intent must be submitted through the Valid Eval portal. For complete application instructions, deadlines, and submission procedures, review the official FOA and contact the Agreements Officers: Mariah Salazar (mariah.salazar@us.af.mil) or Jennifer Jaramillo (jennifer.jaramillo@us.af.mil), or Agreements Specialists Monique Esquibel-Sena (monique.esquibel_sena@us.af.mil) or Brendan Merritt (brendan.merritt@us.af.mil).
What can Research and Development (RAD) Directed Energy (RD) University Assistance Instruments funding be used for?
This program funds research and development activities in directed energy technologies. Projects should advance scientific knowledge and technological capabilities in directed energy systems. Specific allowable costs and project scope details are outlined in the official FOA documentation. Review the complete solicitation for detailed guidance on eligible research activities and cost categories.
Last updated: July 5, 2026