1. U.S. Air Force Funding

2. Overview of Topics Covered
General structure (AFRL, AFOSR)
Funding mechanisms
Programs and program managers (PMs)
Strategies to obtain funding
Proposal content

3. General Structure: AFRL and AFOSR
Air Force Research Lab (AFRL)
Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR)
AFOSR is usually the funding source (not AFRL), but the AFOSR Program Managers rely heavily on input from technical leads in the various AFRL Directorates

4. Funding Mechanisms Primary funding mechanisms sponsored by AFOSR
Broad Agency Announcements (BAA)
Educational Programs
National Defense Science and Engine- ering Graduate Fellowship Program
Summer Faculty Fellowship Program
… and more!
Special Programs
Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR)
Young Investigator Award (YIP)
University Research Initiative (URI) Programs
Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP)
Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI)

5. Funding Mechanisms Primary funding mechanism sponsored by AFRL
Sub-contracts via government contractors (e.g. UES, Inc.)
Technical lead at AFRL drafts/posts RFP with specific awardee in mind
RFP is opened for competitive proposals
Government contractor or third party then selects (no guarantee the intended awardee will be selected!)

6. AFOSR Programs and Program Managers

7. Strategies to Obtain AF Funding
Learn about different AFOSR programs
Request to attend program review
Identify dates of reviews
Have white paper prepared
Contact PM
Learn about the PM’s “portfolio”
Send students to AFRL
SOCHE student internship program
Apply to Summer Faculty Fellowship Program
Set up meetings during the summer
Learn about existing needs

8. Proposal Content Depending on the proposal, should include:
Strong case for fundamental-research need
Specific objectives/tasks
Clear research plan to achieve objectives
Case for how the research ties in with USAF needs
Good to know the PM’s current portfolio and her/his vision!
Letter(s) of support from someone at AFRL
Who can apply?
See requirements for each funding opportunity
e.g., must for U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident to apply for YIP award