OpenFederal grantOpen to for-profit businessesFA238424S2233

Continuing Human Enabling Enhancing Restoring and Sustaining

Air Force -- Research LabCloses Aug 22, 2044(6523 days left)

Does this fit your business?

This is the Air Force Research Lab's CHEERS announcement for science and technology R&D in human effectiveness and aerospace medicine, running from basic research through technology maturation. It fits small businesses, universities, and nonprofits doing defense-adjacent R&D in health, human performance, or related science. Retail, construction, agriculture, and similar businesses with no R&D angle should not bother applying.

Best for
Small businesses doing R&D in human effectiveness or aerospace medicine, Universities and research institutions, Nonprofits with relevant science and technology research programs, Companies working on defense-related health or human performance technology
Not for
Retail, e-commerce, construction, agriculture, or other businesses with no R&D angle, Foreign-owned firms unwilling to navigate participation restrictions, Organizations seeking a simple grant rather than a multi-step federal contracting process
Estimated fit by industry, best first
IndustryEstimated fit
Technology & SoftwareMatches your industry (technology, tech)
55
Good Match
Healthcare & BiotechCurrently accepting applications
49
Possible Match
Environment & ConservationLimit: Primarily for minority-owned businesses
46
Possible Match
Energy & Clean TechLimit: Primarily for minority-owned businesses
45
Possible Match
Education & TrainingLimit: Primarily for minority-owned businesses
40
Possible Match
Transportation & LogisticsMatches your industry (transit)
40
Possible Match
Show all 15 industries
Estimated fit by industry, best first
IndustryEstimated fit
Food & BeverageLimit: Primarily for minority-owned businesses
37
Possible Match
Housing & Real EstateLimit: Primarily for minority-owned businesses
37
Possible Match
ManufacturingLimit: Primarily for minority-owned businesses
37
Possible Match
Arts & CultureLimit: Primarily for minority-owned businesses
36
Possible Match
Finance & BankingLimit: Primarily for minority-owned businesses
36
Possible Match
Social Services & NonprofitLimit: Primarily for minority-owned businesses
36
Possible Match
Agriculture & FarmingLimit: Primarily for minority-owned businesses
35
Possible Match
Retail & E-CommerceLimit: Primarily for minority-owned businesses
33
Worth Exploring
Construction & InfrastructureLimit: Primarily for minority-owned businesses
30
Worth Exploring

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.

What this funds

Money can be used for
R&D, Research
Who can apply
Small businesses, For-profit companies, Nonprofits, Colleges and universities, State and local governments, Other applicants (see eligibility)

Questions about this grant

When is the application deadline?
The deadline is listed as August 22, 2044. This is an open, rolling announcement, and white papers are currently being accepted under three separate solicitations.
Who can apply for this grant?
Any type of entity can apply, including small businesses, for-profit companies, nonprofits, higher education institutions, and government organizations. FFRDCs and foreign-owned firms face extra conditions and should review the eligibility guidance carefully.
Can a sole proprietor or single-member LLC apply?
The facts do not specifically address sole proprietors or single-member LLCs. The announcement says any type of entity may apply, but you should contact the program directly at AFRL.711HPW.MAA@us.af.mil to confirm your business structure qualifies.
Can a nonprofit apply?
Yes. Nonprofits are listed among the applicant types that may apply, and the announcement is open to any capable entity.

Summary

Air Force Research Lab and USAF School of Aerospace Medicine broad announcement for science and technology R&D spanning basic research through technology maturation in human effectiveness/aerospace medicine. Open to any capable entity including businesses, universities, and nonprofits; FFRDCs and foreign firms face extra conditions.

About this grant

The Air Force Research Laboratory, Human Effectiveness Directorate (AFRL/RH) and the United States Air Force School of Medicine (USAFSAM) CHEERS Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA) is intended to provide a comprehensive strategy for AFRL/RH and USAFSAM's range of Science and Technology (S&T) requirements, allowing for progression from basic research to technology maturation and transition.

20 Nov 2025: Amendment 01 - Annual Update

The CHEERS Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA) MUST be reviewed in tandem with the solicitations in order to have access to all applicable attachments and instructions. There are three (3) open, 2-step, solicitations currently accepting white papers. Please see below for solicitation numbers.

Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA), Notice FA238424S2233:

1. CHEERS MAA Open Period 1 – Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), Solicitation FA238424S2334

2. CHEERS MAA Open Period 2 – Procurement for Experimental Purposes (ARA), Solicitation FA238424S2335

3. CHEERS MAA Open Period 3 - Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO), Solicitation FA238424S2336 (NOTE: THIS CSO IS NOT GRANT-ELIGIBLE)

Please reach out if you have any questions regarding the MAA and/or the solicitation(s). Technical questions may be directed to the technical POC’s identified in the announcement/solicitations. General questions may be directed to the CHEERS email org box: AFRL.711HPW.MAA@us.af.mil

Who can apply

The following guidance is provided for Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) contemplating submitting a proposal in response to a solicitation, as either a prime or subcontractor. FAR 35.107-1(c)(4) prohibits an FFRDC from competing with any non-FFRDC concern in response to a Federal agency request for proposal for other than the operation of an FFRDC (with exceptions stated in DFARS 235.017-1(c)(4)). There is no regulation prohibiting an FFRDC from responding to a solicitation issued under this MAA. However, the FFRDC's sponsoring agency must first make a determination that the effort being proposed falls within the purpose, mission, general scope of effort, or special competency of the FFRDC, and that determination must be included in the FFRDC's proposal. In addition, AFRL must make a determination that the work proposed would not place the FFRDC in direct competition with domestic private industry. Only after these determinations are made, would a determination be made concerning the FFRDC's eligibility to receive an award. Notice to Foreign-Owned Firms: Such firms are asked to immediately notify the Contracting Officer identified in the solicitation before deciding to respond. Foreign contractors should be award that restrictions might apply which could preclude their participation.

Topics and uses of funds

Topics

  • Defense
  • Science
  • Health

Program contact

Amber A Taylor GrantorAFRL.711HPW.MAA@us.af.mil7033475655

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