This is a single cooperative agreement, worth up to $1.3 billion over ten years, to help the Department of War run the SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program, which funds STEM scholarships, internships, and mentorships for students in defense-critical fields. It is for large, experienced organizations such as nonprofits and universities that can administer a national scholarship program; for-profit businesses, including small businesses and sole proprietors, cannot apply and should not bother.
| Industry | Estimated fit |
|---|---|
| Education & TrainingMatches your industry (education, workforce, learning, stem) | 90 |
| Arts & CultureLimit: Nothing in this notice points to arts & culture | 54 |
| Environment & ConservationLimit: Nothing in this notice points to environment & conservation | 54 |
| Social Services & NonprofitLimit: Nothing in this notice points to social services & nonprofit | 54 |
| Agriculture & FarmingLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —… | 0 |
| Construction & InfrastructureLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —… | 0 |
| Industry | Estimated fit |
|---|---|
| Energy & Clean TechLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —… | 0 |
| Finance & BankingLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —… | 0 |
| Food & BeverageLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —… | 0 |
| Healthcare & BiotechLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —… | 0 |
| Housing & Real EstateLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —… | 0 |
| ManufacturingLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —… | 0 |
| Retail & E-CommerceLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —… | 0 |
| Technology & SoftwareLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —… | 0 |
| Transportation & LogisticsLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —… | 0 |
These are our matcher’s estimates for a typical business in each industry. A real match depends on your size, your state and what you need the money for — check your own fit.
One cooperative agreement (up to $1.3B over 10 years) to partner with DoW in administering the SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program: awarding STEM scholarships, internships, and mentorships to undergrad/grad students in defense-critical disciplines, with post-graduation DoW civilian employment. Applicants must show management capability, financial/technical resources, and a record of running such
The Department of War (DoW) seeks innovative applications to cooperatively partner with eligible entities in the implementation and execution of the SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program. The Department intends to award ONE (1) CA award, with a maximum award of up to $1,300M over a ten-year period of performance.
The National Defense Education Program (NDEP) supports the Department's priorities to improve lethality, warfighting, and readiness by developing America’s future technical workforce poised to create advanced technologies, tools, and capabilities necessary to ensure the United States (U.S.) military remains the most powerful and advanced, capable of deterring adversaries and protecting American interests at home and abroad. NDEP is executed by OUSW(R&E) and ensures the Department’s ability to develop and access high-quality science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) talent vital to addressing key areas of national defense and supporting the warfighter.
NDEP activities provide authentic DoW-relevant learning experiences through a variety of DoW STEM initiatives in the form of scholarships, internships, enrichment activities, project/research-based competitions, and mentorships. One of the main NDEP efforts in addressing talent development and recruitment is through the SMART Program, pursuant to Section 4093 of Title 10, United States Code (U.S.C.).
The SMART Program enables the Department to transform its STEM workforce while addressing near-term workforce demands. Per 10 U.S.C. 4093, the SMART program awards highly competitive scholarships for undergraduate and graduate degrees in any of the 22 STEM academic disciplines critical to national security. Upon graduation, and subject to DoW component requirements, scholars may be considered for a one-for-one employment service commitment within the DoW Civilian workforce. SMART scholars perform many aspects of the national security mission including science and technology, research and development, manufacturing, test and evaluation, maintenance and in-service support, medical research, warfighter support, infrastructure and construction, material decommission and disposal, and intelligence gathering and analysis activities.
The SMART program ensures the Department has a steady infusion of high-quality technical talent, prepared in areas of critical importance, and ready to apply their technical knowledge, skills, and abilities to fulfill the DoW mission. Since its inception in Fiscal Year (FY) 2005, SMART has awarded over 8,000 scholarships to students pursuing undergraduate and graduate STEM degrees. To date, over 4,900 scholars have completed their academic pursuit and transitioned into DoW Workforce.
Opportunity Day will be held virtually on 29 October 2026 from 1300 to 1600 EST . To register, email osw.smart@mail.mil with subject heading W911NF-27-R-A001 Opportunity Day. More details will be provided prior to the event.
Our reading of the listing: for-profit businesses are not eligible for this one.
To be qualified potential applicants must have the following: •Management capability and adequate financial and technical resources to administer the program of activities envisioned under the SMART Program, •A satisfactory record of administering such programs or activities (if a prior recipient of an award) •A satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics • Be otherwise qualified and eligible to receive a CA under applicable laws and regulation.
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