Opportunity Information: Apply for HQ003426NFOECAD06
The National Center for Narrative Intelligence (NCNI) grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number HQ003426NFOECAD06) is a FY26 earmark grant issued by Washington Headquarters Services under CFDA 12.032. It is categorized under Science and Technology and other Research and Development, and it supports research, development, test, and evaluation activities (RDTandE) tied to establishing and operating an academic-led center focused on "narrative intelligence." The program is structured as a single-award effort with an expected total award ceiling of $6,000,000 and an expected number of awards of one.
The purpose of the award is to stand up the National Center for Narrative Intelligence by carrying out work across four core pillars. First, workforce development aims to build and sustain the talent pipeline needed for narrative intelligence-related missions, which typically includes training, curriculum development, student and practitioner development opportunities, and skill-building activities that can translate into operational capability. Second, applied research infrastructure supports the practical foundations required to conduct and scale relevant research, such as tools, datasets, testbeds, evaluation methodologies, and other enabling resources that allow research to be repeatable, measurable, and usable by stakeholders. Third, collaborative networks focus on building partnerships and coordination mechanisms among relevant academic, government, and potentially other stakeholders, creating a durable community that can share best practices, collaborate on projects, and align efforts across organizations. Fourth, strategic analysis for DoW leadership is intended to provide decision-support to Department of Warfighting (DoW) leadership, generally meaning analysis products, assessments, and insights that help leaders understand narrative dynamics, risks, opportunities, and the implications of emerging trends.
Eligibility is effectively closed and restricted to a single institution. Although the eligible applicant category is listed as public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, the announcement explicitly states that the only eligible applicant is Mississippi State University and that no other applications will be considered. In practice, this makes the opportunity a sole-eligible-applicant, earmark-style award rather than an open competitive solicitation.
Key administrative details include the original closing date of August 19, 2031, the creation date of August 20, 2026, and the use of a grant as the funding instrument type. The long closing window is consistent with earmark or pre-identified award structures where the notice functions more as a formal posting than a broad call for proposals. Overall, the opportunity funds the establishment and execution of an academic center delivering workforce, infrastructure, partnership-building, and strategic analysis outputs in support of DoW leadership, with Mississippi State University as the only institution permitted to apply.Apply for HQ003426NFOECAD06
- The Washington Headquarters Services in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "National Center for Narrative Intelligence (NCNI)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 12.032.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2026-08-20.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2031-08-19.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $6,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the name of this grant opportunity?
The opportunity is for the National Center for Narrative Intelligence (NCNI).
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?
The Funding Opportunity Number is HQ003426NFOECAD06.
What fiscal year is this funding tied to?
This is an FY26 earmark grant opportunity.
Which agency is issuing the grant?
The grant is issued by Washington Headquarters Services.
What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity is listed under CFDA 12.032.
What category does this opportunity fall under?
It is categorized under Science and Technology and other Research and Development.
What type of activities does this funding support?
The funding supports research, development, test, and evaluation (RDTandE) activities tied to establishing and operating an academic-led center focused on narrative intelligence.
What is the purpose of the award?
The purpose is to stand up and operate the National Center for Narrative Intelligence by executing work across four core pillars: workforce development, applied research infrastructure, collaborative networks, and strategic analysis for DoW leadership.
Is this a single-award or multi-award program?
It is structured as a single-award effort.
How many awards are expected to be made?
The expected number of awards is one.
What is the expected total award ceiling?
The expected total award ceiling is $6,000,000.
What is the funding instrument type?
The funding instrument type is a grant.
Is this an open, competitive funding opportunity?
No. The eligibility is effectively closed and restricted to a single institution, making it a sole-eligible-applicant, earmark-style award rather than an open competitive solicitation.
Who is eligible to apply?
Although the eligible applicant category is listed as public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, the announcement explicitly states that the only eligible applicant is Mississippi State University.
Will applications from other institutions be considered?
No. The notice states that no other applications will be considered besides Mississippi State University.
Why does the opportunity have a long closing window?
The long closing window is consistent with earmark or pre-identified award structures where the notice functions more as a formal posting than a broad call for proposals.
What are the four core pillars of work funded under this award?
The work is organized around: (1) workforce development, (2) applied research infrastructure, (3) collaborative networks, and (4) strategic analysis for DoW leadership.
What does "workforce development" mean in this opportunity?
Workforce development is intended to build and sustain the talent pipeline for narrative intelligence-related missions, typically including training, curriculum development, student and practitioner development opportunities, and other skill-building activities that can translate into operational capability.
What does "applied research infrastructure" refer to?
Applied research infrastructure refers to the practical foundations needed to conduct and scale relevant research, such as tools, datasets, testbeds, evaluation methodologies, and other enabling resources that help make research repeatable, measurable, and usable by stakeholders.
What does "collaborative networks" mean in this context?
Collaborative networks focus on building partnerships and coordination mechanisms among relevant academic and government stakeholders (and potentially others) to create a durable community that can share best practices, collaborate on projects, and align efforts across organizations.
What is meant by "strategic analysis for DoW leadership"?
This pillar is intended to provide decision-support to Department of Warfighting (DoW) leadership through analysis products, assessments, and insights that help leaders understand narrative dynamics, risks, opportunities, and the implications of emerging trends.
Who are the intended stakeholders or users of the work products?
Based on the description, intended stakeholders include DoW leadership and other stakeholders who rely on usable, measurable, repeatable research outputs and analysis related to narrative intelligence.
What is the creation date listed for this opportunity?
The creation date is August 20, 2026.
What is the original closing date listed for this opportunity?
The original closing date is August 19, 2031.
What does this award fund overall?
Overall, the award funds the establishment and execution of an academic center that delivers workforce development, research infrastructure, partnership-building, and strategic analysis outputs in support of DoW leadership.
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