Announcements

Events

NSF Boosting Research Ideas for Transformative & Equitable Advances in Engineering Program Webinar

Date & Time: Tuesday, January 6 | 2pm via Zoom

NSF BRITE supports experienced engineering researchers by funding fundamental research that helps them pivot to a new field or direction or relaunch into active research after a hiatus. During the webinar, BRITE program directors will share program guidelines and answer questions about the FY 2025 BRITE opportunity.

On The Horizon

The UMD Research Development Office, RD Capture Director, and Strategic Intelligence Analyst support our faculty by providing pre-competition intelligence with recommended actions and support.

Did You Know

Proactively engaging with new government program managers can significantly enhance your research visibility and funding opportunities. By presenting your technologies using a quad chart, you can effectively communicate your innovations and their potential impact. Schedule a time with Patrick M. Mendez, UMD’s Research Development Capture Director, to discuss your technology and identify potential federal customers who might align with your research interests. Let's collaborate to bring your research to the forefront!

New and Upcoming Programs

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) 
Upcoming Programs 

• DARPA-SN-24-104: Geoeconomic Modeling for National Security 
  This RFI aims to to assess the current state of models, data, and user interaction methods for analyzing and predicting global economic activity, particularly in the context of economic and technological sanctions, shifting trade flows, and identifying indicators that may signal potential conflicts. Respondents are encouraged to provide details on their modeling approaches (including econometric, semi-structured, and agent-based methods), as well as insights into the availability, reliability, and accessibility of underlying data sources. 
  Our Department of Economics, ARLIS, CISSM, START, and JGCRI or researchers working on econometric modeling, global trade analysis, agent-based modeling, economic impacts of policy and technology shifts, and interdisciplinary approaches to conflict prevention may find this RFI highly relevant. The focus on advancing geoeconomic models, improving data accessibility and reliability, and supporting decision-making aligns closely with ongoing research and capabilities. (Due 12/18/2024)
   
• DARPA-SN-25-18: Quantum Entanglement-Enhanced Novel Sensing (QUEENS) 
  This RFI aims to explore new classes of sensors enabled by quantum entanglement, moving beyond current quantum sensors that do not utilize entanglement phenomena. DARPA invites theoretical and experimental contributions, including analyses applying entanglement to sensor operation, identification of quantum media where entanglement offers new capabilities, and system analyses of "entanglement advantages" over classical and non-entangled quantum sensors. 
  Our Department of Physics, IREAP, JQI, and QTC or researchers working in quantum sensing, quantum entanglement phenomena, advanced sensor design, quantum media, and system-level analyses of entanglement advantages may find this RFI highly relevant. The focus on leveraging entanglement to enhance sensor operation and identifying novel quantum media aligns with our expertise in cutting-edge quantum research and technology development. (Due 1/15/2025)
   
• DARPA-SN-25-14: Theory of Mind 
  This upcoming program aims to develop an algorithmic theory of mind to model adversaries’ situational awareness and predict future behavior. The program will seek to combine algorithms with human expertise to explore, in a modeling and simulation environment, potential courses of action in national security scenarios with far greater breadth and efficiency than is currently possible. This would provide decisionmakers with more options for incentive frameworks while preventing unwanted escalation. 
  Our Department of Computer Science, Department of Psychology, ARLIS, and START or researchers working on AI and machine learning, human cognition and behavior modeling, situational awareness algorithms, and simulation technologies for national security applications may find this program highly relevant. The emphasis on combining algorithmic approaches with human expertise to model adversarial behavior and predict strategic actions aligns closely with our capabilities and research in cognitive modeling, decision support systems, and advanced simulations. (In the program development stage with STO PM Dr. Eric Davis) 
   
• DARPA-SN-25-19: Microsystem Induced CAtalysis (MICA) 
  This upcoming program aims to develop advanced concepts for microsystem control of biological function. The program will seek hardware demonstrations of molecular catalysts immobilized to microsystem surfaces and controlled by physical forces generated by the microsystem. Additionally, the program will seek highaccuracy modeling and simulation of such integrated molecular microsystems. While open to a broad range of molecular catalysts, an emphasis is placed on biomolecular catalysts. 
  Our Department of Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, IBBR, and the Maryland NanoCenter or  researchers working on microsystem design, biomolecular catalysis, molecular modeling, and simulation technologies would find this program highly relevant. The focus on integrating molecular catalysts with microsystems and leveraging physical forces for precise control aligns with our expertise in bioengineering, nanoscale systems, and advanced computational modeling for biological and chemical processes. (In the program development stage with MTO PM Dr. Todd Bauer)

Upcoming Industry Day 
An Indusry Day is an event held by government agencies or organizations to share information about upcoming opportunities, answer questions, and engage potential collaborators, contractors, or researchers. It fosters better understanding of requirements, encourages networking, and ultimately improves the quality of submitted proposals. 

• DARPA-SN-25-16: RBC-Factory 
  This upcoming opportunity aims to create a medical device-based platform to accessorize human red blood cells (RBCs) with additional biologically active components (aka cargoes). Red blood cells with cargoes will allow Warfighters to maintain performance in environments that stress physiology. RBC-Factory will generate foundational knowledge and produce a prototype to explore the limits of integrating different cargoes into RBCs.
  
  Our Department of Bioengineering, Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, and IBBR or researchers working on cellular engineering, biomedical device development, molecular biology, and biologically active material integration may find this program highly relevant. The focus on accessorizing red blood cells with biologically active cargoes to enhance physiological resilience aligns closely with our expertise in cellular modification, biomaterial integration, and translational biomedical innovation. (Register before 1/2/2025; BTO PM Dr. Christopher Bettinger)
   

ARMY
New Program

• W56KGU-22-0ESI: Predictive Intelligent Networking Cyber (PIN-Cyber)
  This new program seeks innovative solutions that apply predictive, proactive, and adaptive methodologies to enhance cybersecurity at the tactical edge of Army networks. Instead of relying solely on reactive SIEM and SOAR processes, the Army wants to integrate predictive analytics, response optimization, and cyber agility to counter evolving adversarial threats before they degrade network performance. The desired solutions should fall within a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3 to 6 and ultimately be demonstrated as proof-of-concept systems at TRL 6, ready for integration with Army Programs of Record. 
  Our Department of Computer Science, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, MC2 and ARLIS or researchers working on predictive analytics, adaptive cybersecurity, network resilience, and optimization methodologies may find this program highly relevant. The focus on developing proactive and agile cybersecurity solutions for networks aligns closely with our expertise in cybersecurity innovation, machine learning for threat detection, and real-time system integration at advanced Technology Readiness Levels. (1/10/25 white paper due date)
   

Air Force
New Program

• FA8750-25-S-7001: Foundations of Trusted Systems 
  This new program seeks innovative research white papers to establish trusted, secure, and resilient hardware and software foundations—enhancing C4I and Cyber technologies—through advancements in trusted computational systems, assured software, cyber-physical systems, AI in trusted systems, and digital engineering model-based analysis. Pre-proposal communication with AFRL/RITA PM Esteban Garcia is highly recommended. 
  Our Department of Computer Science, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, MC2, ARLIS, and ISR or researchers working on trusted computing, secure software development, cyber-physical systems, AI for secure systems, and model-based digital engineering may find this program highly relevant. The emphasis on advancing trusted and resilient foundations for C4I and Cyber technologies aligns closely with our expertise in cybersecurity, systems assurance, and cutting-edge computational methodologies for national security applications. (White papers are reviewed on a rolling basis, however, those received by 12/18 will be considered for FY25 funding)
   

Department of Energy
New Program

• SC, BER - DE-FOA-0003453: Systems Biology Research to Advance Bioenergy Crop Production 
  This new program aims to advance systems-level research to uncover the molecular mechanisms that drive bioenergy feedstock productivity, particularly under changing and suboptimal environmental conditions. By leveraging systems biology approaches, the program also seeks to explore the roles of microbes and microbial communities—such as rhizosphere consortia, including bacteria, fungi, diazotrophs, endophytes, and viruses—in enhancing plant productivity and resilience. 
  Our Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, IBBR, and  the ESSIC or researchers specializing in systems biology, plant-microbe interactions, bioenergy feedstock development, and environmental resilience may find this program highly relevant. The focus on uncovering molecular mechanisms driving productivity and exploring microbial community roles in enhancing plant resilience aligns closely with our expertise in sustainable agriculture, microbial ecology, and advanced biological systems modeling. (1/17/25 pre-application due date) 

Upcoming Programs

• ARPA-E: Plant Engineering for Energy Applications 
  This upcoming program aims to advance and streamline the genetic engineering of bioenergy crops—moving from laborious, resource-intensive methods to efficient, routine procedures. By focusing on improving transformation efficiencies, reducing genotype dependence, and implementing biocontainment strategies, ARPA-E seeks to support technologies that lower energy imports, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and bolster U.S. leadership in energy innovation. 
  Our Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, Department of Bioengineering, IBBR, and the MEI2 or researchers working on genetic engineering, crop transformation technologies, bioenergy systems, and biocontainment strategies may find this program highly relevant. The focus on enhancing transformation efficiencies, reducing genotype dependence, and integrating biocontainment measures aligns closely with our expertise in sustainable agriculture, advanced genetic techniques, and innovative energy solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen U.S. energy leadership. (ARPA-E anticipates a January 2025 FOA release date) 
   

Advanced Research Projects Agency - Health (ARPA-H) 
New Programs

• ARPA-H ImagiNg Data EXchange (INDEX)
  This program aims to create a platform that seamlessly links data providers, data users, and service providers with high quality images that will enable robust, trustworthy AI tool development for pathology and radiology. The program seeks to increase the number, type, and quality of images available for ML models, as well as boost geographic, racial, and ethnic diversity of images. INDEX also asks performers to develop tools to standardize imaging data and to train ML models in cloud environments. Importantly, the tools developed using INDEX will help doctors read medical images quicker and with higher confidence, reducing physician burnout and getting patients to a diagnosis – and potential treatment – faster. (1/2/25 Proposers’ day registration deadline). Solution Summary due 1/25/25. Teaming is always encouraged.
• ARPA-H Advancing Clinical Trial Readiness (ACTR)
  This initiative aims to create a clinical trial network that would enable 90% of eligible Americans to participate in clinical trials within 30 minutes of their home. By developing technical approaches that facilitate a “network of networks,” ACTR will enable Contract Research Organizations (CROs) to interoperate and extend into different non-traditional sites, geographies, and underserved populations, making clinical trials more accessible, representative, and cost-effective. Three technical Areas: 
   
  • Automatic Clinical Trial Data Prompting & Extraction
     
  • Research and Participant Identification & Engagement
     
  • Trial-Grade Data Validation and Auditing
     
  • Proposers’ Day on 1/16/25. Register here by 1/14/25.
• ARPA-H Emerging Health Innovators (EHI)
  This initiative offers two tracks with funding up to $350,000 for 2 years:
   
  • Track 1 - Technology-Driven Innovation invites early-career researchers (within 10 years of their academic appointment) to propose innovative health technologies within Topic 1: LS-SAFE: Explore the lymphatic system’s role in immune response and its potential to advance lymphatic medicine or Topic 2: Advanced Computational Platform for HLA Matching: Develop a platform using AI and machine learning to improve donor-recipient matching in transplants, reducing the risk of Graft vs. Host Disease. 
     
  • Track 2 - Community-Centered Innovation: Track invites community innovators (e.g., healthcare workers, nurses, social workers) to use community-engaged research methods to improve health in U.S. communities. Proposals can involve partnerships with academic institutions. Topic 1: Disrupting Asthma in children or Topic 2: Community Care for Well-Being.
     
  • Proposers’ Day on 1/8/25. Register here by 1/6/25.
     

Requests for Information (RFIs): RFIs offer guidance to the federal government on specific areas of interest. Researchers can respond to RFIs to influence policy decisions and shape future funding calls. For questions or support on RFIs, please contact Patrick M. Mendez. RFI due dates are noted in parentheses.
 

• NOAA Member Solicitation for New Climate Advisory Committee (12/20)
• USSOCOM RFI TE 25-2 on Collaborative Autonomy Integration (12/23)
• FAA RFI Establishing a Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies (1/06)
• ORNL RFI on the Quantum Computing User Program (1/10)
• DARPA RFI on Quantum Entanglement in Sensing Applications (1/15)
   

Newsletter Archive