Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research

We support existing DOD programs

Congress reauthorized the Department of Defense EPSCoR (DEPSCoR) in FY 2018 and appropriated $12M in FY2019 to fund DEPSCoR. In early July 2019, DEPSCoR announced a new funding mechanism and allocation of funds to existing DOD programs to benefit EPSCoR jurisdictions.

The new DEPSCoR funding mechanism, the Collaborative DEPSCoR Competition, will support a mentee/mentor group with up to six awards totaling $3.6M at $600K each ($200K for 3 years). White papers are requested by the October 25, 2019 deadline. By invitation only, full proposals will be submitted by February 14, 2020.

Programs and Mentorships

Scientific Research for brilliant minds

The DEPSCoR balance of $8.4M will be allocated to existing programs, the Young Investigator Program (YIP) and the Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) to benefit EPSCoR jurisdictions. The YIP is available through the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, and the U.S. Air Force, links for each of the DEPSCoR YIP and DURIP are listed below.

All YIP and DURIP proposals are submitted through Grants.gov. There will be three additional YIP awards and one DURIP award per Service (ARO, ONR, and AFOSR) set aside for DEPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions.

Program Overviews

Air Force Young Investigator Program

The Air Force YIP supports young career scientists and engineers who received PhD or equivalent degrees by 1 April 2012 or later. The program fosters creative basic research in science and engineering; enhances early career development of outstanding young investigators, and increases opportunities for young investigators to recognize the Air Force mission and related challenges in science and engineering.

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Army Young Investigator Program

The Army YIP is a prestigious award and supports Strategic Land Power Dominance for the Army of 2030 and beyond which includes seven core technical competencies (computational science, ballistic sciences, materials and manufacturing Sciences, protection sciences, propulsion sciences, network and information sciences, and human sciences) in ten scientific divisions (physical Sciences (chemical, physics, and life); engineering sciences (mechanical, electronics, materials sciences, and earth sciences); and information sciences (computing sciences, mathematical sciences, and network sciences). White papers covering a three-year period and sent to the appropriate technical contact are strongly encouraged to conserve valuable applicant and Government resources. YIP awards will not exceed $120K per year for three years.

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Collaborative Competition

The Collaborative DEPSCoR Competition, will support a mentee/mentor group with up to six awards totaling $3.6M at $600K each ($200K / year for three years). White papers are requested by the October 25, 2019 deadline. By invitation only, full proposals may be submitted by February 14, 2020.

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Defense University Research Instrumentation Program

The DURIP supports university research infrastructure essential to high-quality Navy relevant research. DURIP funds are used for the purchase of major equipment in support of DOD-relevant research, requests range from $50K to $1.5M.

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Navy Young Investigator Program

The Office of Naval Research YIP supports new researchers who received their doctorate (or equivalent) on or after January 1, 2012. Awards are $510K over a 36-month period. Additional funding may be requested (up to $250K) for equipment.

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Funding Opportunities & Awards

DEPSCoR

Each award has its own requirements and funding opportunities.