Office of Naval Research Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Program

Overview

ONR seeks a broad range of applications for augmenting existing and/or developing innovative solutions that directly maintain and/or cultivate a diverse, world-class Science, Technology, Engineering and  Mathematics (STEM) workforce to maintain the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps’ technological superiority. The goal of proposed efforts must provide solutions that establish, build, and/or maintain STEM educational pathways and workforce opportunities for diverse U.S. citizens directly relevant to ONR science and technology areas.

As the capacity of the Department of the Navy (DON) Science and Technology (S&T) workforce is
interconnected with STEM education and outreach, ONR recognizes the need to support efforts that can jointly improve STEM student outcomes and align education and outreach efforts with Naval S&T current and future workforce needs. This announcement explicitly encourages projects that improve the capacity of education systems and communities to create impactful STEM educational experiences for students of all ages and the naval-related workforce. Projects must aim to increase engagement in STEM, from students to the current workforce, and enhance people with needed Naval STEM skills, knowledge and abilities. ONR encourages applications to utilize current STEM educational research for informing project design and advancing STEM careers and opportunities of naval relevance. 

This FOA is specifically seeking STEM education and outreach projects that address scientific and technical areas identified in the following thrust areas. Project scope may range in size and complexity. While not a formal requirement or program focus of this FOA, applicants are strongly encouraged to consider under-represented and under-served populations including women and minorities in project plans. Special audience priority areas may include, but not be limited to, military connected students, veteran initiatives, and education systems integral to naval science and technology

This FOA is for STEM education programs and activities, which is formal or informal education that is primarily focused on physical and natural sciences, technology, engineering, social sciences, and mathematics disciplines, topics, or issues (including environmental science education or stewardship). STEM education programs and activities that could be supported by this FOA include one or more of the following as the primary objective:

• Develop learners’ knowledge, skill, or interest in STEM.
• Attract students to pursue certifications, licenses, or degrees (two-year degrees through postdoctoral degrees) or careers in STEM fields.
• Provide growth and research opportunities for post-secondary, college and graduate students in STEM fields, such as working with researchers or conducting research that is primarily intended to further education.
• Improve mentor/educator (K-12 pre-service or in-service, post-secondary, and informal) quality in STEM areas.
• Improve or expand the capacity of institutions to promote or foster STEM fields. 

Specific items to be addressed are:

Cyber Protection – Defense in Depth

• Cybersecurity can be deployed at multiple levels often termed “defense in depth”. Levels can be categorized into:
  • Application and data security
  • Host or device security
  • Network security

STEM interests supporting warfighter performance 

• Human Physiology and Performance
•  Medical and Biology
•  Bio-centric Technologies
•  Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy
• Training and Education
•  Social and Cultural
•  Command and Control

ONR Global STEM interests

• Advanced sustainment technologies
• Digital transformation (digital modeling, analysis, engineering, manufacturing, etc.)
• Advanced manufacturing and materials
• Alternate Navigation at High Latitude
• Expeditionary power
• Underwater High Bandwidth Communications
• Undersea Vehicle Technology

This FOA will not consider applications for research, with the exception of those whose primary purpose is intended to further education and that are not expected to generate intellectual property.

The funded amount and period of performance of each proposal selected for award may vary depending on the technology area and the technical approach to be pursued by the offeror selected.

Applicants are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to contact the appropriate Program Officer who is
the point of contact for a specific technical area to discuss their research ideas.   IMPORTANT NOTE: Offerors should consult the cognizant ONR STEM Point of Contact for each technology area regarding the desirability of White Paper submission.  See the Full Funding Announcement for a list of Program Officers.

This announcement will remain open for approximately one (1) year from the date of publication,
or until replaced by a successor. FOA proposals may be submitted at any time during this period.
Selections for award will be made throughout this FOA open period of April 3, 2023 through
April 2, 2024.