Adaptive Signature Discovery University Research Alliance (ASD-URA) | HDTRA1 19 S 0002 ASD URA

Opportunity Information: Apply for HDTRA1 19 S 0002 ASD URA

The Adaptive Signature Discovery University Research Alliance (ASD-URA) opportunity is a Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) aimed at shifting part of DTRA's Basic Research Program into a University Research Alliance model. In practical terms, DTRA is looking to fund a university-led research alliance structure rather than a single stand-alone project, with the intent of organizing multiple collaborating organizations under one lead institution. The announcement notes that this change affects only a portion of the Basic Research Program and specifically states that the Chem Bio Program is not impacted by the move to the URA model.

This opportunity is discretionary and is expected to be awarded as a cooperative agreement, meaning the government anticipates substantial involvement in the execution of the program compared with a typical grant. The legal basis referenced is 31 U.S.C. 6305, which is the statute that defines and governs cooperative agreements. The cooperative agreement would be made to a U.S. institution of higher education that would serve as the lead for the alliance, coordinating the broader set of participating organizations.

The application process is structured as a two-phase competitive process, and eligibility to participate depends on completing an initial administrative step: a required, non-binding Letter of Intent (LoI). Even though the LoI is mandatory to be considered eligible to submit Phase I materials, it does not affect scoring or evaluation in either phase and does not create any contractual obligation. Its purpose is workload planning on DTRA's side, helping them forecast the volume and breadth of submissions and organize peer review resources.

Phase I consists of submitting a pre-proposal package that will be reviewed and evaluated by DTRA. Only applicants whose Phase I pre-proposals are selected based on evaluation results will be invited to submit a full proposal under Phase II. Phase II is therefore invitation-only, and the invitation decision is explicitly tied to the Phase I assessment. Key dates provided in the announcement include a deadline for the LoI of June 21, 2019, and a Phase I pre-proposal due date of July 17, 2019. The listing also shows an original closing date of September 30, 2020, indicating the BAA may have remained open for a period to accommodate cycles or multiple submissions under the program structure, depending on how DTRA managed the solicitation.

In terms of who can apply, the opportunity lists eligible applicants as "unrestricted," but the narrative makes clear that the cooperative agreement award is intended for a U.S. institution of higher education serving as the alliance lead. The program encourages alliances to include Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Institutions (MIs) as defined in 10 U.S.C. 2362(e), signaling a strong preference for inclusive teaming and broad participation across the higher education research ecosystem. Applicants are directed to the BAA's eligibility section for full requirements and details on acceptable institutional roles and structures.

Administrative identifiers and classification details include the funding opportunity number HDTRA1-19-S-0002-ASD-URA, the CFDA number 12.351, and the activity category of Science and Technology and other Research and Development. The public listing does not specify an award ceiling or the anticipated number of awards, which typically means applicants need to consult the full BAA to understand the expected scale, budget ranges, period of performance, and any constraints on how funds may be allocated across alliance members.

• The Defense Threat Reduction Agency in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Adaptive Signature Discovery University Research Alliance (ASD-URA)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 12.351.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2019-05-30.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2020-09-30. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted.

Apply for HDTRA1 19 S 0002 ASD URA

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: