CENTER OF EXCELLENCE (COE): Extreme Neuromorphic Materials and Computing | FOA AFRL AFOSR 2023 0012

Opportunity Information: Apply for FOA AFRL AFOSR 2023 0012

The Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) is soliciting proposals for a new University Center of Excellence (COE) focused on "Extreme Neuromorphic Materials and Computing." This opportunity is set up as a collaborative, high-priority research effort that brings together AFOSR, Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) technology directorates, and a top-tier university-led team. The intent is to build a coordinated research program that advances neuromorphic materials and computing approaches that matter directly to the mission needs of the United States Air Force (USAF) and the United States Space Force (USSF), rather than funding a collection of unrelated individual projects.

The proposed COE is explicitly a joint effort among AFOSR and two AFRL directorates: the AFRL Information Directorate (AFRL/RI), which typically emphasizes computing, algorithms, information processing, and related system-level needs, and the AFRL Materials and Manufacturing Directorate (AFRL/RX), which generally focuses on materials discovery, characterization, reliability, processing, and manufacturability. In practical terms, this structure signals that the government is looking for an integrated program that connects new materials and devices to neuromorphic computing functions and performance under demanding or "extreme" operating conditions, with an emphasis on outcomes that can transition toward Air Force and Space Force relevance over time.

AFOSR expects to make at least one grant award under this announcement. The anticipated funding level is up to $1,000,000 per year per award, with a maximum duration of five years, which aligns with the COE concept of building sustained capability and a coherent research portfolio. The planned performance period is organized as a three-year base period that would be incrementally funded by the AFOSR/AFRL consortium, followed by an optional two-year extension. The extension is not automatic; it depends on the COE successfully passing a midterm review, which implies the awardee will need to demonstrate measurable technical progress, effective collaboration with government stakeholders, and a credible path toward the goals laid out in the FOA.

From an administrative standpoint, this is a discretionary funding opportunity using a grant as the funding instrument, categorized under science and technology and other research and development. The opportunity is identified as FOA AFRL AFOSR 2023 0012, associated with CFDA number 12.800, and administered by AFOSR. The listed award ceiling is $5,000,000, consistent with the maximum five-year total at the stated annual cap. Eligibility is shown as "Others," which commonly indicates the FOA may allow applications from a range of entity types beyond a narrow category, but the specific eligibility rules and any limitations would be defined in the full FOA text.

Key dates and expectations are also clearly framed in the public listing. The FOA was created on 2023-06-15, with an original closing date of 2023-08-28. As with most defense research announcements, the government notes that all funding decisions are at its discretion and depend on the availability of funds, meaning even strong proposals are not guaranteed an award if priorities shift or budgets tighten. Overall, the opportunity is designed to establish a university-centered, government-connected hub that can deliver foundational advances in neuromorphic materials and computing, while maintaining strong alignment with AFRL and AFOSR priorities and demonstrating progress through formal review points.

• The Air Force Office of Scientific Research in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "CENTER OF EXCELLENCE (COE): Extreme Neuromorphic Materials and Computing" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 12.800.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2023-06-15.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2023-08-28. (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 $5,000,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for FOA AFRL AFOSR 2023 0012

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