Announcements

Federal Funding Update

UMD continues to monitor the evolving federal funding situation closely, including the impact of executive orders, agency budget and staff reductions, and grant terminations on our faculty and staff. The Division of Research’s webpage (research.umd.edu/federalupdates) contains information, FAQs, and leadership guidance. 
 

If you receive a stop-work order or termination for a specific project or award, please immediately forward the notification to your ORA Contract Administrator, with a cc: to your Department Chair and Associate Dean for Research.  

Events

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

Army
New Programs

• W911NF25S0002: Quantum Characterization, Calibration, and Control (QC3)
  The QC3 program aims to address one of the most critical bottlenecks in the development of fault-tolerant quantum computing (FTQC): scalable, hardware-informed characterization, calibration, and control (3Cs) of multi-qubit circuits. While single- and two-qubit characterization methods such as randomized benchmarking and gate set tomography have matured, new techniques are needed to operate large-scale arrays of 10s–100s of qubits with stability, precision, and error-resilience under deep circuit runtimes. Three focus areas define this BAA: 1) Characterization – Building accurate, scalable error models for correlated and system-specific noise types; 2) Calibration – Developing rapid, stable calibration protocols that remain reliable through long sequences of syndrome extraction or runtime drift; 3) Control – Innovating adaptive and robust control schemes (potentially via ML or hybrid techniques) tailored to specific hardware platforms and noise spectrums. Proposers are expected to submit experimental plans that include demonstrations using either partner labs or cloud-based access to quantum hardware. Teams must detail how their approaches reduce overhead, scale polynomially with qubit count, and interface with QEC protocols. The program encourages hybrid model-based and machine learning-driven techniques, and proposals must include clear performance metrics (e.g., wall-clock time, fidelity improvements, or syndrome extraction efficiency).
  
  This opportunity is a strong match for quantum researchers in ECE, PHYS, CS, and affiliated centers such as JQI, LPS, QTC, and UMIACS, especially those working on error correction, scalable QCVV, and real-time quantum control. It is ideal for labs with access to experimental platforms or strong collaborations with hardware developers. While the solicitation is not platform-specific, proposals must focus on gate-based quantum computing relevant to FTQC and not quantum annealing or VQE-style circuits.
   
• W911NF-25-S-A2V2: Army Applications Laboratory Broad Agency Announcement For Disruptive Technologies 
  The A2V2 special topic BAA from the Army Applications Laboratory aims to revolutionize how battlefield video intelligence is processed, prioritized, and transmitted. In today’s contested electromagnetic environments, high-resolution video captured by unmanned air and ground platforms cannot be reliably streamed to command centers due to bandwidth constraints. This lag in visual verification delays targeting cycles and increases operational risk. A2V2 seeks AI-driven systems capable of processing full motion video (FMV) at the edge using onboard GPU/embedded compute to extract, prioritize, and compress critical data for real-time dissemination. The technology should support both visible and infrared inputs, detect and classify objects autonomously, allow for operator-defined target prioritization, and deliver low-bandwidth, verifiable imagery over tactical radios or LTE/5G. Solutions must integrate with TAK environments, support CoT-formatted PLI, and operate in rugged, portable conditions. Optional features include mounting flexibility (drones, vehicles, tripods), multi-stream detection, and role-based access control. AAL anticipates making multiple awards through a range of mechanisms, with successful white paper respondents invited to submit full proposals. The effort represents a broader Army push to leverage machine learning, computer vision, and edge processing for faster kill chain execution and enhanced force protection.
  
  Researchers in AI/ML, ISR systems, real-time signal/image processing, and resilient tactical networking may find strong alignment. Faculty in engineering, computer science, ARLIS, ISR, or START with work touching on AI-enabled decision support, battlefield situational awareness, or secure edge computing are especially encouraged to engage.
   

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) 
New Programs

• DARPA-PS-25-05-AC01: ERIS Special Topic Area 
  The Industrial Base Research and Experimentation solicitation seeks proposals to support two interconnected priorities critical to sustaining U.S. technological advantage: (1) industrial base research and (2) stakeholder engagement through facilitated events. This initiative aims to map and address systemic constraints—rather than isolated fixes—across the industrial ecosystem that impact the ability to scale manufacturing, capital formation, supply chain resilience, workforce capacity, and policy alignment in support of national security priorities. In Area 1: Industrial Base Research, ACO seeks teams capable of conducting basic, applied, or advanced research that fuses disparate datasets, generates throughput and cost models, and delivers decision-grade insights. Proposals must advance beyond the state of the art and integrate outputs into ACO’s iterative modeling frameworks. In Area 2: Experimentation and Stakeholder Engagement, ACO invites event designers and facilitators to develop and execute structured, interactive convenings (e.g., design sprints, workshops, modeling events) that enable real-time data capture and sensemaking. These sessions should generate rapid-cycle research inputs aligned with industrial base strategy. This is not a traditional workshop or academic research call—respondents must demonstrate the ability to produce actionable outputs on a short timeline (e.g., 14-day synthesis post-event) and show integration into ACO’s research cycles. Deliverables include structured data, analytic toolkits, and insight visualizations to support decision-making at speed.
  This opportunity is highly relevant for our centers, such as the Center for Public Policy and Private Enterprise, the Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute (Mtech), and the Supply Chain Management Center. Researchers in economics, operations research, data science, and public policy—especially those focused on resilience, modeling, or workforce development—may offer unique value. Cross-disciplinary teams integrating facilitation design and computational modeling are particularly encouraged. 
   
• DARPA-SN-25-69: Electrical Power Generation from Microsystem Waste Heat
  DARPA’s Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) seeks cutting-edge technologies that enable electrical power generation from microsystem waste heat, a largely untapped energy source critical for size- and power-constrained military systems. The challenge arises from the inability of current reclamation technologies to efficiently capture and convert the low-grade heat (<230°C) generated within microsystems like CPUs and RF amplifiers. This initiative focuses on developing embedded thermal corralling strategies to minimize heat spreading and enable localized energy conversion, significantly boosting efficiency to near thermodynamic limits. The ultimate goal is to develop integrated, chip-scale systems capable of generating >100 W/cm³ power density without degrading host device performance.
  
  Faculty and researchers within ME, materials science, nanoengineering, EE, and energy systems. Investigators in UMD’s Maryland NanoCenter, UMIACS, and the Institute for Energy Efficiency Engineering may explore work on solid-state thermoelectrics, chemical microreactors, and low-thermal-resistance interfaces. Opportunities exist to develop printable, high-efficiency thermal reclamation devices or design new microscale thermal interface materials using diamond composites or liquid/solid PCM systems. Faculty working on low-power embedded systems, rugged edge computing, and energy-aware microsystem design are strongly encouraged to engage with this opportunity and contact the MTO BAA Coordinator at DARPA-SN-25-69@darpa.mil.
   
• HR001125S0010: Exponentiating Mathematics (expMath) 
  The expMath program aims to revolutionize mathematical research by developing an AI co-author capable of theorem discovery and proof validation. The program will focus on auto decomposition, allowing AI to break down complex problems into reusable lemmas, and auto(in)formalization, bridging informal mathematical notation with formal proof languages like Lean and Isabelle. Despite advances in AI, current models struggle with high-level mathematical reasoning, and expMath seeks to address this gap by enabling AI to generate useful abstractions and validate proofs at a professional level. With strong engagement from both the mathematics and AI communities, the program has the potential to accelerate mathematical discovery and reshape research methodologies. 
  Faculty and researchers within Mathematics, UMIACS, QuICS, and MCWIC may find this program highly relevant. Researchers specializing in computational mathematics, symbolic AI, theorem proving, automated reasoning, and mathematical modeling can leverage expMath to advance AI-assisted problem-solving in mathematics, proof automation, and algorithmic discovery. (I2O PM Dr. Patrick Shafto)
   
• HR001125S0003: Pulling Guard 
  The Pulling Guard program seeks to develop and demonstrate a semi-autonomous defense platform to enhance the survivability of unarmed logistics vessels against threats, particularly uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs). While retaining human supervisory control over engagement decisions, the system will incorporate sufficient autonomy to manage multiple platforms securely. The program focuses on the integration and marinization of existing sensors and effectors, emphasizing modularity in both software and hardware to enable rapid adaptation to emerging threats and facilitate export compliance. Structured in two phases, the Development Phase (18 months) will focus on platform and sensor development, fostering cross-performer collaboration and iterative design cycles. The Integration, Manufacturing, and Commercial Transition Phase (21 months) will refine the system for final design, production, and operational deployment. A key emphasis is on resilient software, leveraging formal methods to ensure secure and verifiable software performance, aligning with DARPA's broader focus on high-assurance autonomy and maritime security.
  Faculty and researchers from the ECE, ME, CS, and ISR may find this program particularly relevant. Experts in autonomous systems, maritime defense, cybersecurity, sensor integration, and human-in-the-loop decision-making will have opportunities to contribute to sensor fusion, secure autonomy, and naval threat mitigation strategies. Additionally, researchers specializing in formal methods, digital security, and resilient software architectures could provide innovative approaches to the program’s software assurance and security challenges. (TTO PM Dr. Christopher Kent)
   
• DARPA-PS-25-16: Burn n’ Go
  The BnG program represents a strategic push to reimagine solid rocket motor (SRM) design by enabling tailorable thrust profiles post-manufacturing, thus significantly improving propulsion flexibility, stockpile adaptability, and production throughput. Led by DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office (TTO), BnG is looking to fund innovative concepts in thrust control, propellant materials, ignition systems, and embedded health monitoring—particularly for applications where one SRM design can be quickly configured for multiple use cases and mission profiles. Key areas of interest include: controllable burn surfaces, software-driven ignition, and real-time, non-contact QC systems that could replace conventional igniter assemblies and accelerate quality assurance in production pipelines.
  
  Faculty and researchers in aerospace engineering, energetic materials, systems integration, embedded sensing, and propulsion design may find this opportunity highly relevant. Faculty affiliated with the Energetics Research Group (ERG) or the Center for Engineering Concepts Development (CECD) are well-positioned to respond. Those developing novel high-energy materials, adaptive control systems, or manufacturing quality diagnostics for solid-state systems may find a strong alignment with BnG. Respondents must request access to the CUI Addendum by May 16, 2025, to receive full technical details and evaluation criteria.

Upcoming Proposer’s Day/Engagement Events
A Proposer’s 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 a better understanding of requirements, encourages networking, and ultimately improves the quality of submitted proposals. 

• DARPA-SN-25-68: Lunar Assay via Small Satellite Orbiter (LASSO) 
  The LASSO program is a forward-looking space situational awareness initiative aimed at enhancing autonomous satellite navigation and maneuverability in lunar orbit. LASSO will focus on building a small satellite platform capable of continuously repositioning in response to mission needs while mapping the Moon’s surface for areas with >5% water concentration at ≤4 km² resolution—a capability critical to both commercial and national interests in in-situ resource utilization (ISRU). The Proposers Day, held May 13, 2025, will offer insights into LASSO’s goals and technical expectations, provide teaming opportunities, and allow potential proposers to engage directly with DARPA personnel. The program seeks end-to-end performers to design, test, build, and deliver a space system for lunar orbital ops—not surface deployment. Advanced work in propulsion, GNC, AI-based sensing, and miniaturized sensor payloads will be of interest.
  Researchers and labs with expertise in aerospace systems, navigation autonomy, orbital dynamics, and remote sensing are encouraged to attend. This is particularly relevant for faculty in UMD's Space Systems Lab, AOSC, and the Small Satellite Development Group, as well as researchers in CS or ECE working on autonomous decision-making and navigation algorithms. Those interested in future lunar commercialization pathways may also find synergy with LASSO’s mission objectives. Registration is limited (first 136 registrants) and closes May 7 at 12:00 PM ET. One-on-one meetings with the PM (Steven Chambers) may be scheduled for May 13–14 to pitch capabilities or explore teaming. Attendance is restricted to U.S. persons and subject to CUI controls.
   

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.

• USSOCOM RFI on TE 25-3: Human Machine Teaming (5/26)
• DARPA MTO RFI on Embedded Electricity Regeneration (5/26)
• OSTP / NITRD RFI on the Development of a 2025 AI R&D Strategic Plan (5/29)
• DARPA DSO RFI on High-Performance Uncooled Infrared Detectors (6/2)

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