Next Generation of Academia-Based Cyber Research, Development, and Demonstration (RD&D) | DE FOA 0003501

Opportunity Information: Apply for DE FOA 0003501

The Next Generation of Academia-Based Cyber Research, Development, and Demonstration (RD&D) opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number DE-FOA-0003501) is a discretionary federal funding program administered by the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL). It is designed to strengthen the cybersecurity and resilience of U.S. energy infrastructure by supporting university-based research, development, and demonstration efforts that can move practical cyber tools and technologies closer to real-world integration. The core idea is to use academia as a pipeline for innovation that not only produces new concepts, but also helps mature them into solutions that can be adopted by energy-sector operators and stakeholders.

This notice of funding opportunity is structured as an open solicitation spanning a five-year period, which signals an intent to keep the program accessible over time rather than treating it as a one-time, short-window competition. In practical terms, that structure supports ongoing participation and periodic evaluation, which can be important for a fast-evolving domain like cybersecurity where threat landscapes, operational constraints, and defensive technologies shift quickly. The emphasis on "research, development, and demonstration" also suggests an interest in the full pathway from exploratory work through proof-of-concept and validation activities, with an endpoint focused on integration into operational energy environments.

Funding will be provided via a cooperative agreement, meaning the federal government typically expects a higher level of involvement during the project period than with more hands-off grant mechanisms. Cooperative agreements often include active collaboration, technical checkpoints, and shared oversight between the awardee and the agency to ensure that the work stays aligned with program goals, milestones, and technology transition expectations. The program falls under the energy funding activity category and is associated with CFDA number 81.008.

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, which generally indicates that a broad range of applicants may apply, including universities and potentially other entities if they fit the program scope and requirements. The opportunity anticipates a single award, with an award ceiling of $10,000,000, indicating a substantial, flagship-style project or center-scale effort rather than multiple smaller awards. The original closing date is February 18, 2025, and the opportunity was created on December 19, 2024, providing a clear timeline for prospective applicants to prepare a proposal.

Overall, this opportunity is best understood as a major investment in academia-driven cybersecurity innovation for the energy sector, with a strong focus on taking solutions beyond the lab and toward deployment-ready outcomes that improve the resilience of critical energy infrastructure.

• The National Energy Technology Laboratory in the energy sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Next Generation of Academia-Based Cyber Research, Development, and Demonstration (RD&D)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 81.008.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-12-19.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-02-18. (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 $10,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted.

Apply for DE FOA 0003501

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