Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Department of the Navy (DoN) Historically Black Colleges and Universities/Minority Institutions (HBCU/MI) Program
This program funds basic naval-relevant S&T research capacity-building projects at eligible HBCUs/minority institutions that also engage faculty and students in STEM discovery.
RESTRICTED TO: MINORITY SERVING INSTITUTIONS
⚑ Only covered educational institutions may apply: Title III/V-eligible institutions or accredited post-secondary minority institutions. · PI and all proposed personnel must be U.S. citizens as of the white paper due date. · PI must hold a full-time tenured, tenure-track, or equivalent appointment at an eligible institution. · Single-PI award only; no Co-PIs and no sub-awards allowed.
Unit fits — one characterization, each unit's own rules
| Tom Love Innovation Hub | 30 weak | prototyping/demonstration stage; deep-tech content |
| IPPRA | 15 none | university cannot apply directly (ineligible) |
| Physical Sciences & Engineering (demo) | 15 none | university cannot apply directly (ineligible) |
Description
Key programmatic objectives of the DoN HBCU/MI Program are achieved through the implementation and performance of three program goals:
• enhancing the research and educational capabilities of HBCU/MIs in scientific and engineering disciplines critical to the defense mission of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps,
• encouraging cross-institutional, collaborative efforts that explore innovative solutions to naval science and technology (S&T) challenges, and
• increasing the engagement of students in STEM fields important to the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps.
This particular NOFO aims to enhance the research capacity and research infrastructure for HBCU/MIs. Competitive white papers and invited full proposals submitted to this NOFO must clearly and succinctly describe efforts that advance basic naval-relevant S&T, engage faculty and students in STEM discovery, and expand the research capacity of participant institutions.
This announcement is only for research efforts that also promote student/faculty engagement, and expand the institution’s research capacity. This announcement is not intended for projects that focus on non-research STEM activities.
The technical content of any proposed effort must contribute to the S&T mission and vision of the DoN.
Deadlines
White Paper Inquiries and Questions-Email: don_hbcufoa@navy.mil
09 September 2026 (Wednesday)
White Papers must be received no later than
18 September 2026 (Friday) at 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Application Inquiries and Questions
04 December 2026 (Friday)
Eligibility
As provided in 10 U.S.C. §4144, eligibility for this competition is only open to “covered educational institutions,” which are defined as:A. institutions of higher education eligible for assistance under Title III or V of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1051 et seq.); orB. accredited post-secondary minority institutions.The Principal Investigator (PI) and all proposed personnel must be U.S. citizens on September 18, 2026 (Friday), the date white papers are due. In addition, the PI must have a full-time tenured, tenure- track, or tenure-track equivalent academic appointment at one of the seven types of covered educational institutions.This is a single PI award. No Co-PIs and no sub-awards will be permitted.
Apply
View on Grants.gov → CONTACT: Veronica Lacey Grantor <veronica.y.lacey.civ@us.navy.mil>
Proposal brief SEE AN EXAMPLE →
A one-page internal memo: fit assessment, submission requirements, document scaffold, and next steps dated back from the deadline — tailored to your project idea if you add one.
Proposal shell · Department of Defense (BAA-style) conventions SEE A DOD EXAMPLE →
Funder-faithful document skeletons — Department of Defense (BAA-style)'s document set with section headings, page limits, reviewer guidance, and writing prompts; add a project idea to get [DRAFT] starter bullets. Download as .md for Word or Overleaf.