CWMD: Academic Research Initiative (ARI) | WD ARI 22 001

Opportunity Information: Apply for WD ARI 22 001

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) Academic Research Initiative (ARI) is a discretionary federal grant program that supports university-led research aimed at strengthening the United States' ability to detect, deter, and prevent the illicit entry, movement, assembly, or use of unauthorized chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) materials, devices, or agents. The core focus is on novel, cross-cutting research that can improve national preparedness and protection against attacks involving CBRN threats, including work that helps prevent incidents before they occur and enhances the technical foundation needed to counter emerging risks.

The opportunity is structured as a cooperative agreement, which typically indicates a more collaborative relationship between the government and award recipients than a standard grant. Through this program, DHS CWMD is looking for research that advances both fundamental and applied knowledge in CBRN sciences in ways that are relevant to real-world counter-WMD missions. The solicitation emphasizes long-term, high-risk challenges, meaning it is interested in ideas that may not have immediate, off-the-shelf solutions but could lead to major breakthroughs or new capabilities over time. The program also aims to sustain an enduring national commitment to basic research in these fields and to coordinate related efforts across the federal government so that academic research aligns with broader national security and homeland security priorities.

ARI has two primary objectives. First, it seeks to engage the academic community to advance foundational CBRN scientific and technical knowledge applicable to CWMD needs, with an emphasis on research that bridges disciplines and can eventually translate into improved detection, prevention, and protection capabilities. Second, it is designed to build the future workforce by developing human capital for CBRN science and engineering careers. In practice, that means the program supports research environments that train students and early-career researchers in relevant technical areas, strengthening the pipeline of experts who can contribute to government, national laboratories, industry, and academia in counter-CBRN roles.

This funding opportunity aligns with the DHS FY2020-2024 Strategic Plan, specifically Goal 1 (Counter Terrorism and Homeland Security Threats) and Objective 1.4 (Counter Weapons of Mass Destruction and Emerging Threats). That alignment signals that funded projects are expected to contribute to DHS mission outcomes, even when the work is basic research, by building knowledge and tools that can later support operational solutions, policy decisions, or technology development pathways.

Eligible applicants are institutions of higher education, including both public/state-controlled universities and private colleges and universities. The opportunity is categorized under Science and Technology and other Research and Development, with CFDA number 97.077. The funding opportunity number is WD ARI 22 001. The solicitation was created on May 3, 2022, with an original application closing date of June 2, 2022. The award ceiling listed is $300,000, and DHS anticipated making approximately 14 awards, indicating an intent to support multiple research teams or projects rather than a single large program.

Overall, CWMD ARI is positioned as a research-and-workforce development program for universities working on CBRN-related science and engineering problems that matter to homeland security. It supports innovative research that cuts across traditional academic boundaries, encourages ambitious approaches to difficult long-term challenges, and invests in training the next generation of specialists needed to prevent and respond to CBRN threats.

• The Department of Homeland Security, Office of Procurement Operations - Grants Division in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "CWMD: Academic Research Initiative (ARI)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 97.077.
• This funding opportunity was created on May 03, 2022.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 02, 2022 No Explanation. (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 $300,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 14 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education.

Apply for WD ARI 22 001

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