U.S. Army Research Institute for Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) Basic Research Grant (FY2026)

This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for the Foundational Science Research Unit (FSRU) of the U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) solicits new proposals for its fiscal year 2026 program of basic research in behavioral science. It is issued under the provisions of paragraph 6.102(d) (2) and 35.016 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), which provides for the acquisition of basic and applied research and that part of development not related to the development of a specific system or hardware procurement through the competitive selection of proposals and 10 U.S.C. 4001, 10 U.S.C. 4021, and 10 U.S.C. 4022.

To meet the operational objectives of the U.S. Army over the next two decades, the Army must improve its capability to acquire, develop, employ, and retain Soldiers and leaders who can individually and as part of a group:

•   Prepare for and adapt quickly to dynamic missions, unpredictable operational environments, and a wide spectrum of contexts;

•   Effectively function autonomously and as part of larger systems in complex, information-rich environments;

•   Perform in extended, hybrid, and continuous operations;

•   Interact and collaborate effectively in joint-service and multi-national operations.

ARI requests proposals to conduct basic research that will provide a scientific foundation to support these broad capabilities.

The Basic Research program focuses on four strategic areas for advancing personnel science.

1.   Measurement of Individuals and Collectives: Advanced psychometric theory for deriving valid measurements from complex assessments and continuous streams of data

2.   Teams and Small Groups: Understanding dynamic restructuring, coordination, and composition processes in teams and promoting optimal team adaptation

3.   Organizations and Systems: Multilevel theory and methods for complex organizations

4.   Formal and Informal Learning and Development: Holistic models of individual and collective learning and development across work settings and contexts throughout the career span

To be eligible for an award under this announcement, a prospective awardee must meet certain minimum standards pertaining to financial resources and responsibility, ability to comply with the performance schedule, past performance, integrity, experience, technical capabilities, operational controls, and facilities. In accordance with Federal statutes, regulations, and Department of Defense (DoD) and Army policies, no person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving financial assistance from the Army on grounds of race, color, age, sex, national origin, or disability.

Response Dates (Submissions):

White paper submissions must be received by: 5:00 PM/1700 Eastern Standard Time (EST) on 9 March 2025

Proposal submissions must be received by: 5:00 PM/1700 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on 1 July 2025

2025 Response Dates (Questions):

General questions regarding white papers must be submitted in writing to Dr. Kimberly Wingert, kimberly.m.wingert.civ@army.mil. Questions about a specific research topic area must be submitted in writing to the listed technical POC. All questions regarding white papers must be submitted by: 5:00 PM/1700 Eastern Standard Time (EST) on 23 February 2025.

General questions regarding proposals must be submitted in writing to Dr. Kimberly Wingert, kimberly.m.wingert.civ@army.mil. Questions about a specific research topic area must be submitted in writing to the listed technical POC. All questions regarding proposals must be submitted by: 5:00 PM/1700 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on 15 June 2025