DOE Office of Science Financial Assistance Program (Umbrella FOA)

Continuation of Solicitation for the DOE Office of Science Financial Assistance Program

Supports unsolicited basic research proposals across all Office of Science thematic areas in the United States.

The FY2026 Continuation of Solicitation for the DOE Office of Science Financial Assistance Program (DE-FOA-0003600) is the annual umbrella FOA through which DOE Office of Science accepts unsolicited research proposals across all eight program offices for an entire federal fiscal year. Posted September 30, 2025, the FOA closes September 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern — providing a full 12-month intake window. The eight program offices covered are Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR), Basic Energy Sciences (BES), Biological and Environmental Research (BER), Fusion Energy Sciences (FES), High Energy Physics (HEP), Nuclear Physics (NP), Accelerator R&D and Production (ARDAP), and Isotope Production and Distribution (DOE-IP). This is the catch-all mechanism for basic and applied research work not covered by a specific topical FOA issued in the same fiscal year.

Eligible applicants include universities, national laboratories, for-profit companies, nonprofits, and other research organizations in the United States; individuals cannot apply. No minimum or maximum TRL is specified, as the umbrella vehicle is designed to accommodate the full range from fundamental basic research through applied science. Pre-applications are encouraged and may be required by certain program office review panels — applicants should consult with their target program office before committing to a full application. Full applications are submitted via Grants.gov after PAMS pre-application review. The FOA number changes annually: FY2025 used the DE-FOA-0003200 series, and a FY2027 umbrella will open October 1, 2026.

Organizations targeting DOE Office of Science funding outside of a currently open topical FOA — such as EFRC, Genesis Mission, or ARDAP — should route their proposals through this umbrella solicitation by contacting the relevant program office directly to confirm alignment. Award sizes, periods of performance, and cost-sharing requirements vary by program office and are governed by the specific review panel's guidance rather than umbrella-level parameters. Early engagement with program staff is the standard pathway for first-time applicants to assess fit before investing in a full application package.