NOFO: Research Opportunities in Accelerator Stewardship and Accelerator Development (US)

Deadline: 09-Apr-2026

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science is inviting applications to support cross-cutting research and development in accelerator science and technology. Funding of up to $3,000,000 per project is available to advance fundamental science, strengthen domestic suppliers, and generate broader benefits for U.S. research, government, and industry.

Programme Overview

This funding opportunity is designed to:

• Advance accelerator science and technology for fundamental research

• Support cross-cutting, use-inspired basic R&D in physical sciences

• Strengthen domestic supplier development for critical accelerator components

• Enable progress in scientific research with broader societal and industrial benefits

Projects are expected to contribute to fundamental scientific understanding rather than commercial profit.

Funding Details

• Total program funding: $15,000,000

• Maximum award per project: $3,000,000

• Minimum award per project: $50,000

• Funding purpose: Support basic and applied research in accelerator science and technology

Eligibility Criteria

General Eligibility

• Primarily domestic applicants, including universities, non-profits, and research institutions

• Federally affiliated entities, such as:

  • National laboratories

  • Federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs)

  • Other federal agencies, under specified conditions

Track-Specific Eligibility

• Track 1: Open to all responsible domestic organizations

• Track 2: Limited to principal investigators with awards ending before September 30, 2026

• Track 4b: Limited to domestic for-profit organizations developing accelerator components

Non-Domestic Applicants

• May apply if they demonstrate unique capabilities not available domestically

• Must show clear added value to U.S. scientific objectives

Focus Areas and Priorities

Projects should align with one or more of the following priorities:

• Accelerator science and technology development

• Use-inspired basic research that is cross-cutting across multiple disciplines

• Domestic supplier development to strengthen U.S. capacity

• Scientific research advancement in physical sciences

• Broader impact for U.S. government agencies, research, and industry

How to Apply

1. Confirm eligibility: Identify the appropriate track for your organization

2. Define project scope: Ensure the project aligns with fundamental research priorities

3. Prepare detailed proposal: Include technical objectives, methodology, milestones, and budget

4. Submit application: Follow DOE Office of Science submission guidelines

5. Evaluation: Projects are assessed for scientific merit, innovation, feasibility, and broader impact

Tips for a Strong Application

• Emphasize fundamental scientific contributions over commercial applications

• Highlight cross-cutting impact across research, government, and industry

• Demonstrate capacity and expertise of your team or organization

• Ensure compliance with track-specific eligibility requirements

• Provide a clear plan for budget, milestones, and expected outcomes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting proposals that are primarily commercial or profit-driven

• Ignoring track-specific eligibility requirements

• Failing to demonstrate unique capabilities for non-domestic applicants

• Omitting clear milestones or measurable outcomes

• Underestimating the importance of broader impact and U.S. benefits

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is eligible to apply?

• Domestic universities, research institutions, non-profits, federally affiliated entities, and certain for-profit organizations depending on the track.

2. Can international applicants apply?

• Yes, only if they offer unique capabilities not available in the U.S.

3. What is the maximum funding per project?

• $3,000,000 per project.

4. What type of projects are funded?

• Projects that advance fundamental accelerator science and technology and generate broader benefits for U.S. research, government, and industry.

5. Are commercial applications eligible?

• No. Projects must focus on fundamental research.

6. What are the track-specific restrictions?

• Track 1: Open to all domestic organizations

• Track 2: For PIs with awards ending before September 30, 2026

• Track 4b: Domestic for-profit organizations developing accelerator components

7. What is the total funding available for this call?

• $15,000,000 in total program funding.

Conclusion

The DOE Accelerator Science and Technology Funding Opportunity 2026 provides critical support for fundamental accelerator R&D, strengthens domestic supplier capabilities, and enables U.S. leadership in cutting-edge scientific research. By supporting cross-cutting projects with broad societal and industrial benefits, the program advances both scientific discovery and national research infrastructure.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.