Opportunity Information: Apply for HQ0034 21 S F001
The Department of Defense (DoD), through its National Defense Education Program (NDEP), issued this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) to support new and creative ways to run education, outreach, and workforce programs that strengthen the nation in areas tied to national defense. The opportunity is focused on three distinct tracks: (1) STEM education and workforce activities, (2) biotechnology education/outreach and workforce development activities, and (3) a pilot effort in enhanced civics education. Applicants are expected to choose one of these focus areas and build their submission around it; they do not need to cover all three, and proposals that do not clearly address one of the listed areas are not considered responsive.
Funding is offered as grants, with DoD indicating it plans to make multiple awards as long as funds are available. For STEM, NDEP describes two funding levels: a standard STEM award of up to $3,000,000 over a 3-year period, and a larger “scalable STEM” option of up to $6,000,000 over 4 years for efforts designed to grow or replicate at broader scale. For biotechnology-focused projects, awards are capped at $3,000,000 over 3 years and are intended to support biotech outreach and workforce development specifically. For the enhanced civics education pilot, DoD anticipates making a single award of up to $2,000,000 over 2 years. While these are the stated ceilings, DoD also notes that requests for larger amounts may be considered on a case-by-case basis, suggesting some flexibility for unusually strong or high-impact efforts.
A key feature of this FOA is its two-step application process, where a white paper is not optional but mandatory. The white paper serves as the initial screening tool: applicants submit a brief concept outlining their approach, and only those selected by the Government will be invited (by email) to submit a full technical application through Grants.gov. This structure means the white paper needs to be tightly aligned to one of the three focus areas and clearly explain what will be implemented, who will be served, and why the approach is innovative and feasible. White papers that fail to address the topics laid out in the funding description are not evaluated and will not move forward to the full application stage.
From the administrative details provided, this is a mandatory opportunity category using the grant instrument type, listed under CFDA 12.006 and categorized broadly under science and technology and other R&D. The FOA number is HQ0034 21 S F001. DoD posted the opportunity on December 10, 2020, set the white paper deadline for January 25, 2021, and listed an original closing date of April 19, 2021 for the overall opportunity timeline. The stated award ceiling for the solicitation is $6,000,000 (matching the scalable STEM track), and the expected number of total awards across tracks is 13. Eligibility is described as “Others,” with additional eligibility clarification referenced in the full FOA text.
In practical terms, the opportunity is best read as DoD looking for implementable, high-impact programs that expand STEM and biotech pipelines (education, outreach, and workforce pathways) and, separately, test an enhanced civics education model through a pilot award. The main strategic decision for an applicant is selecting the single track that best matches their mission and capability, then producing a responsive white paper that is strong enough to earn an invitation to submit a full proposal.Apply for HQ0034 21 S F001
- The Department of Defense in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for the National Defense Education Program (NDEP) for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), and Biotechnology Education, Outreach, and Workforce Initiative Programs and Enhanced Civics Educat" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 12.006.
- This funding opportunity was created on Dec 10, 2020.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Apr 19, 2021 White Papers are due on 01/25/2021. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $6,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 13 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) What is the purpose of this Department of Defense (DoD) funding opportunity?
This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), issued through the DoD National Defense Education Program (NDEP), supports new and creative education, outreach, and workforce programs that strengthen the nation in areas tied to national defense. The FOA emphasizes implementable, high-impact approaches.
2) What are the focus areas (tracks) under this FOA?
The FOA is organized into three distinct tracks:
- STEM education and workforce activities
- Biotechnology education/outreach and workforce development activities
- A pilot effort in enhanced civics education
3) Do applicants need to address all three tracks in one application?
No. Applicants are expected to choose one of the three tracks and build their submission around that single focus area. Proposals are not required to cover all three tracks.
4) What happens if a submission does not clearly address one of the three listed tracks?
Submissions that do not clearly address one of the listed areas are not considered responsive. White papers that fail to address the topics described in the funding description are not evaluated and will not advance to the full application stage.
5) What funding instrument is used for this opportunity?
Funding is offered as grants. The opportunity is described as a mandatory opportunity category using the grant instrument type.
6) How many awards does DoD expect to make?
DoD indicates it plans to make multiple awards as long as funds are available, and the FOA lists an expected total of 13 awards across tracks.
7) What are the maximum award amounts and project periods for the STEM track?
NDEP describes two STEM funding levels:
- Standard STEM award: up to $3,000,000 over a 3-year period
- Scalable STEM option: up to $6,000,000 over a 4-year period for efforts designed to grow or replicate at broader scale
8) What are the maximum award amounts and project periods for the biotechnology track?
Biotechnology-focused awards are capped at $3,000,000 over 3 years and are intended to support biotechnology outreach and workforce development specifically.
9) What are the maximum award amount and project period for the enhanced civics education pilot?
For the enhanced civics education pilot, DoD anticipates making a single award of up to $2,000,000 over 2 years.
10) Is $6,000,000 the overall award ceiling for the solicitation?
Yes. The FOA lists a stated award ceiling of $6,000,000, which aligns with the scalable STEM track ceiling.
11) Can applicants request more than the stated ceilings?
DoD notes that requests for larger amounts may be considered on a case-by-case basis. This suggests some flexibility for unusually strong or high-impact efforts, even though ceilings are stated for each track.
12) What is the application process for this FOA?
This FOA uses a two-step application process with a mandatory white paper. The white paper is the initial screening tool. Only applicants selected by the Government will be invited (by email) to submit a full technical application through Grants.gov.
13) Is the white paper optional?
No. The white paper is mandatory and is required as part of the initial screening step.
14) How is the white paper used by DoD?
The white paper is used to screen and select which applicants will be invited to submit a full technical application. White papers must be aligned to one of the three tracks and must address the topics laid out in the funding description to be evaluated.
15) What should a strong white paper communicate, based on the FOA summary?
Based on the information provided, the white paper should tightly align to one track and clearly explain what will be implemented, who will be served, and why the approach is innovative and feasible.
16) How will applicants be notified if they are invited to submit a full application?
Applicants selected by the Government will be invited by email to submit a full technical application.
17) Where is the full technical application submitted?
Invited applicants submit the full technical application through Grants.gov.
18) What is the FOA number for this opportunity?
The FOA number is HQ0034 21 S F001.
19) What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity is listed under CFDA 12.006.
20) How is this opportunity categorized?
It is categorized broadly under science and technology and other R&D.
21) When was the opportunity posted, and what deadlines are listed?
DoD posted the opportunity on December 10, 2020. The white paper deadline is January 25, 2021. The original closing date listed for the overall opportunity timeline is April 19, 2021.
22) What does the eligibility category “Others” mean here?
The FOA lists eligibility as “Others,” with additional eligibility clarification referenced in the full FOA text. The summary provided does not include the detailed eligibility language.
23) What is the main strategic choice applicants need to make for this FOA?
The main strategic decision is selecting the single track that best matches the applicant’s mission and capability, then producing a responsive white paper that is strong enough to earn an invitation to submit a full proposal.
24) What kinds of activities does DoD appear to be looking for, based on the summary?
DoD appears to be looking for implementable, high-impact programs that expand STEM and biotechnology pipelines through education, outreach, and workforce pathways, and separately, a pilot to test an enhanced civics education model.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Next opportunity: Market Development Cooperator Program 2021
Previous opportunity: Tribal Behavioral Health Grant Program
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for HQ0034 21 S F001
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (HQ0034 21 S F001) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| 2020 HERO Appendix C: Human Health Countermeasures and Space Radiation Topics Apply for 80JSC020N0001 HHCSR Funding Number: 80JSC020N0001 HHCSR Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA Johnson Space Center Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,200,000 |
| 2020 HERO Appendix D: NASA Human Research Program Omnibus Opportunity Apply for 80JSC020N0001 OMNIBUS2 Funding Number: 80JSC020N0001 OMNIBUS2 Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA Johnson Space Center Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase II Apply for 80HQTR21NOA01 21NIAC A2 Funding Number: 80HQTR21NOA01 21NIAC A2 Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| FY 2021 SBIR/STTR Phase I Release 2 Apply for DE FOA 0002360 Funding Number: DE FOA 0002360 Agency: Department of Energy - Office of Science, Office of Science Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Dimensions of Biodiversity Apply for 21 545 Funding Number: 21 545 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Enabling Discovery through GEnomics Apply for 21 546 Funding Number: 21 546 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Immersive Sciences for Training, Education, Mission Rehearsal, and Operations Apply for N00014 21 S SN03 Funding Number: N00014 21 S SN03 Agency: Department of Defense, Office of Naval Research Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Bald Eagle Survey, Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia Apply for W9126G 21 2 SOI 1136 Funding Number: W9126G 21 2 SOI 1136 Agency: Department of Defense, Fort Worth District Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $17,000 |
| Geomorphology and Land-use Dynamics (GLD) Apply for 21 547 Funding Number: 21 547 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Research on Juvenile Reoffending, Fiscal Year 2021 Apply for O NIJ 2021 45004 Funding Number: O NIJ 2021 45004 Agency: Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Longitudinal Research on Delinquency and Crime, Fiscal Year 2021 Apply for O NIJ 2021 45005 Funding Number: O NIJ 2021 45005 Agency: Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Research and Evaluation on Crime Laboratory Systems and Processes, Fiscal Year 2021 Apply for O NIJ 2021 45003 Funding Number: O NIJ 2021 45003 Agency: Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Research and Evaluation on School Safety, Fiscal Year 2021 Apply for O NIJ 2021 44008 Funding Number: O NIJ 2021 44008 Agency: Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| DoD Defense Medical, Battlefield Resuscitation for Immediate Stabilization of Combat Casualties Award Apply for W81XWH 21 DMRDP BRISCC Funding Number: W81XWH 21 DMRDP BRISCC Agency: Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Environmental Life History and Genetic Structure of River Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus spp.) in the Lower Mississippi River Apply for W81EWF 21 SOI 0007 Funding Number: W81EWF 21 SOI 0007 Agency: Department of Defense, Engineer Research and Development Center Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Research and Evaluation of Trafficking in Persons, Fiscal Year 2021 Apply for O NIJ 2021 45007 Funding Number: O NIJ 2021 45007 Agency: Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Tribal-Researcher Capacity-Building Grants Solicitation, Fiscal Year 2021 Apply for O NIJ 2021 45008 Funding Number: O NIJ 2021 45008 Agency: Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Research and Evaluation on Violence Against Women, Fiscal Year 2021 Apply for O NIJ 2021 45009 Funding Number: O NIJ 2021 45009 Agency: Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $2,500,000 |
| DoD Breast Cancer, Breakthrough Award Levels 1 and 2 Apply for W81XWH 21 BCRP BTA12 Funding Number: W81XWH 21 BCRP BTA12 Agency: Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Breast Cancer, Transformative Breast Cancer Consortium Award Apply for W81XWH 21 BCRP TBCCA Funding Number: W81XWH 21 BCRP TBCCA Agency: Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "HQ0034 21 S F001", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.