Light RFP
Federal Grant · Grants.gov · Washington

Center for Foundational Academic Research and Strategic Innovation for the Defense Enterprise (C-FARSIDE)

Due Aug 17, 2026·19 days left·General ConstructionView official posting ↗
Issuing agency
Washington Headquarters Services
Method
Cooperative Agreement
Category
Grant · Discretionary · CFDA 12.630
PIN
HQ003426NFOECAD04
Location
Washington
Posted
Jul 16, 2026
Takeaways by LightRFP AI
  • The Center for Foundational Academic Research and Strategic Innovation for the Defense Enterprise (C-FARSIDE) is a cooperative agreement to bridge academic research and defense innovation.
  • The issuing agency is Washington Headquarters Services.
  • Place of performance is Washington (WA).
  • The solicitation was posted on 2026-07-16 and responses are due by 2026-08-17.
  • The estimated award floor is $50,000,000 and the award ceiling is $150,000,000.
  • Only the Virginia Tech Applied Research Cooperation is eligible for awards under this NOFO.
  • Requirement: Only the Virginia Tech Applied Research Cooperation is eligible for awards under this NOFO.

AI-generated, verify all details against the official documents.

Description

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).

Contact

Name
Jonathan Bertsch Grantor
Phone
7035453559
Full source recordfrom Grants.gov
Detail
Id
363091
Ost
POSTED
Cfdas
Id
434463
Cfda Number
12.630
Program Title
Basic, Applied, and Advanced Research in Science and Engineering
Opportunity Id
363091
Listed
L
Doc Type
synopsis
Flag2006
N
Revision
1
Synopsis
Version
2
Send Email
Y
Agency Code
DOD-WHS
Agency Name
Jonathan Bertsch Grantor
Award Floor
50000000
Agency Phone
7035453559
Archive Date
Sep 16, 2026 12:00:00 AM EDT
Cost Sharing
No
Created Date
Jul 07, 2026 02:59:48 PM EDT
Mod Comments
Closing date modified to match package closing date
Posting Date
Jul 16, 2026 12:00:00 AM EDT
Award Ceiling
150000000
Response Date
Aug 17, 2026 12:00:00 AM EDT
Synopsis Desc
<p>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.</p><p>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:</p><ul><li>Conduct technology scouting and market research (as authorized) to maintain awareness of industry trends, emerging capabilities, and innovation opportunities; provide summaries and recommendations.</li><li>Support concept incubation, prototyping pathways, pilot planning, and technology transition activities, including transition criteria and adoption planning.</li><li>Support industry/university/government engagement, collaboration forums, and coordination activities, as directed, including workforce development support activities where applicable.</li><li>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.</li><li>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).</li><li>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).</li></ul>
Agency Details
Code
WHS
Seed
DOD-WHS
Agency Code
DOD-WHS
Agency Name
Washington Headquarters Services
Top Agency Code
DOD
Opportunity Id
363091
Applicant Types
Id
"25"
Description
"Others (see text field entitled \"Additional Information on Eligibility\" for clarification)"
Archive Date Str
2026-09-16-00-00-00
Number Of Awards
1
Posting Date Str
2026-07-16-00-00-00
Create Time Stamp
Jul 16, 2026 08:54:33 AM EDT
Last Updated Date
Jul 16, 2026 08:54:33 AM EDT
Response Date Str
2026-08-17-00-00-00
Top Agency Details
Code
DOD
Seed
DOD
Agency Code
DOD
Agency Name
Department of Defense
Top Agency Code
DOD
Agency Address Desc
Grants Officer Email
Agency Contact Desc
Jonathan Bertsch, Grants Officer
Agency Contact Name
Jonathan Bertsch Grantor
Agency Contact Email
jonathan.e.bertsch.civ@mail.mil
Agency Contact Phone
7035453559
Create Time Stamp Str
2026-07-16-08-54-33
Funding Instruments
Id
"CA"
Description
"Cooperative Agreement"
Award Floor Formatted
50,000,000
Award Ceiling Formatted
150,000,000
Agency Contact Email Desc
Grants Officer Email
Applicant Eligibility Desc
Only the Virginia Tech Applied Research Cooperation is eligible for awards under this NOFO. U.S. DoW Laboratories and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) are not allowed to receive funds directly or via sub-awards.
Funding Activity Categories
Id
"ST"
Description
"Science and Technology and other Research and Development"
Draft Mode
N
Publisher Uid
jebertsch
Agency Details
Code
WHS
Seed
DOD-WHS
Agency Code
DOD-WHS
Agency Name
Washington Headquarters Services
Top Agency Code
DOD
Opportunity Pkgs
Id
293673
Listed
L
Dialect
XFDL2.2
Family Id
14
Mimetype
application/pdf
Extension
pdf
Package Id
PKG00293673
Cfda Number
12.630
Last Update
Jul 16, 2026 08:53:47 AM EDT
Closing Date
Aug 17, 2026
Contact Info
Jonathan Bertsch, Grants Officer E-mail: jonathan.e.bertsch.civ@mail.mil
Opening Date
Jul 16, 2026
Program Title
Basic, Applied, and Advanced Research in Science and Engineering
Agency Details
Code
"WHS"
Seed
"DOD-WHS"
Agency Code
"DOD-WHS"
Agency Name
"Washington Headquarters Services"
Top Agency Code
"DOD"
Closing Date Str
2026-08-17-00-00-00
Is Multi Project
N
Opening Date Str
2026-07-16-00-00-00
Topportunity Id
363091
Opportunity Title
Center for Foundational Academic Research and Strategic Innovation for the Defense Enterprise (C-FARSIDE)
Owning Agency Code
DOD-WHS
Top Agency Details
Code
"DOD"
Seed
"DOD"
Agency Code
"DOD"
Agency Name
"Department of Defense"
Top Agency Code
"DOD"
Opportunity Number
HQ003426NFOECAD04
Electronic Required
Y
Open To Applicant Type
1
Workspace Compatible Flag
Y
Expected Application Count
1
Original Due Date
Aug 16, 2026 12:00:00 AM EDT
Assist Compatible
No
Opportunity Title
Center for Foundational Academic Research and Strategic Innovation for the Defense Enterprise (C-FARSIDE)
Owning Agency Code
DOD-WHS
Top Agency Details
Code
DOD
Seed
DOD
Agency Code
DOD
Agency Name
Department of Defense
Top Agency Code
DOD
Forecast Hist Count
0
Opportunity Number
HQ003426NFOECAD04
Syn Post Date In Past
Yes
Synopsis Hist Count
0
Opportunity Category
Category
D
Description
Discretionary
Synopsis Modified Fields
revision, version, responseDate, archiveDate
Opportunity History Details
Cfdas
{"id":434463,"revision":0,"cfdaNumber":"12.630","programTitle":"Basic, Applied, and Advanced Research in Science and Engineering","opportunityId":363091}
Listed
L
Revision
0
Synopsis
Id
{"revision":0,"opportunityId":363091}
Version
1
Revision
0
Send Email
"Y"
Action Date
"Jul 16, 2026 08:54:33 AM EDT"
Action Type
"U"
Agency Code
"DOD-WHS"
Award Floor
"50000000"
Archive Date
"Sep 15, 2026 12:00:00 AM EDT"
Cost Sharing
false
Created Date
"Jul 07, 2026 02:59:48 PM EDT"
Posting Date
"Jul 16, 2026 12:00:00 AM EDT"
Award Ceiling
"150000000"
Response Date
"Aug 16, 2026 12:00:00 AM EDT"
Synopsis Desc
"<p>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.</p><p>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:</p><ul><li>Conduct technology scouting and market research (as authorized) to maintain awareness of industry trends, emerging capabilities, and innovation opportunities; provide summaries and recommendations.</li><li>Support concept incubation, prototyping pathways, pilot planning, and technology transition activities, including transition criteria and adoption planning.</li><li>Support industry/university/government engagement, collaboration forums, and coordination activities, as directed, including workforce development support activities where applicable.</li><li>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.</li><li>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).</li><li>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).</li></ul>"
Agency Details
{"code":"WHS","seed":"DOD-WHS","agencyCode":"DOD-WHS","agencyName":"Washington Headquarters Services","topAgencyCode":"DOD"}
Opportunity Id
363091
Applicant Types
[{"id":"25","description":"Others (see text field entitled \"Additional Information on Eligibility\" for clarification)"}]
Archive Date Str
"2026-09-15-00-00-00"
Number Of Awards
"1"
Posting Date Str
"2026-07-16-00-00-00"
Create Time Stamp
"Jul 16, 2026 08:51:42 AM EDT"
Last Updated Date
"Jul 16, 2026 08:51:42 AM EDT"
Response Date Str
"2026-08-16-00-00-00"
Agency Address Desc
"Grants Officer Email"
Agency Contact Desc
"Jonathan Bertsch, Grants Officer"
Agency Contact Name
"Jonathan Bertsch\nGrantor"
Agency Contact Email
"jonathan.e.bertsch.civ@mail.mil"
Agency Contact Phone
"7035453559"
Create Time Stamp Str
"2026-07-16-08-51-42"
Funding Instruments
[{"id":"CA","description":"Cooperative Agreement"}]
Award Floor Formatted
"50,000,000"
Award Ceiling Formatted
"150,000,000"
Agency Contact Email Desc
"Grants Officer Email"
Applicant Eligibility Desc
"Only the Virginia Tech Applied Research Cooperation is eligible for awards under this NOFO. U.S. DoW Laboratories and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) are not allowed to receive funds directly or via sub-awards."
Funding Activity Categories
[{"id":"ST","description":"Science and Technology and other Research and Development"}]
Opp Hist Id
Revision
0
Opportunity Id
363091
Publisher Uid
jebertsch
Opportunity Id
363091
Opportunity Title
Center for Foundational Academic Research and Strategic Innovation for the Defense Enterprise (C-FARSIDE)
Owning Agency Code
DOD-WHS
Opportunity Number
HQ003426NFOECAD04
Opportunity Category
Category
"D"
Description
"Discretionary"
Search
Id
363091
Title
Center for Foundational Academic Research and Strategic Innovation for the Defense Enterprise (C-FARSIDE)
Agency
Washington Headquarters Services
Number
HQ003426NFOECAD04
Doc Type
synopsis
Cfda List
12.630
Open Date
07/16/2026
Close Date
08/17/2026
Opp Status
posted
Agency Code
DOD-WHS
State By
gazetteer
Cat Review
At
Jul 23, 2026
Method
openrouter
Taxonomy
construction
Categorized By
llm

Source: Grants.gov (opportunity GRANTS-363091), retrieved via the Grants.gov Search API. View the official posting — always confirm requirements and deadlines with the issuing agency.