The Foundational Science Research Unit (FSRU) within the United States Army Research Institute (ARI) for Behavioral and Social Sciences released its fiscal year (FY) 2026 broad agency announcement (BAA) seeking proposals for its Basic Research program. The mission of the ARI’s basic research program is to “execute high-risk, high-reward foundational research to develop state-of-the-art theory, methods, and models to create the innovative concepts required to support the Army’s future capabilities and needs related to personnel readiness.” This BAA seeks proposals that will contribute to theory along with benefits to the Army.

The Basic Research Program focuses on four broad research domains:

• “Measurement of Individuals and Collectives: Advanced psychometric theory for deriving valid measurements from complex assessments and continuous streams of data
• Teams and Small Groups: Understanding dynamic restructuring, coordination, and composition processes in teams and promoting optimal team adaptation
• Organizations and Systems: Multilevel theory and methods for complex organizations
• Formal and Informal Learning and Development: Holistic models of individual and collective learning and development across work settings and contexts throughout the career span.”

ARI requests that proposals focus on novel, state-of-the-art, and multidisciplinary approaches in the behavioral and social sciences. Proposals for this BAA must also align with and provide a scientific foundation for these broad capabilities. Each research domain has strategic objectives, high-priority research questions, and technical points of contact, which can be found in the BAA. ARI will not support proposals that focus on applied research projects, including human factors studies, or proposals focused on physiology, psychopathology, or behavioral health.

This BAA will accept three types of proposals: Standard Basic Research Proposals; Targeted Opportunities, which include Early Career Proposals (ECP); and Short-Term Innovative Research (STIR) Proposals. ARI encourages all proposals to emphasize multidisciplinary approaches that “creatively address the research problem.”

Total Funding and Award Size: 

This solicitation has no award floor or ceiling; ARI intends to award 100 proposals.

Eligibility: 

This BAA is open to institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations, and commercial entities, both foreign and domestic. Federally Funded Research & Development Centers (FFRDCs) are not permitted to respond to this solicitation. This solicitation encourages collaboration among eligible applicants.

Due Date: 

White papers are not required for this solicitation; however, they are highly encouraged. White papers are due by 5:00 PM ET on March 9, 2025, and full proposals are due by 5:00 PM ET on July 1, 2025.

Sources and Additional Background:

• The full solicitation can be accessed here or by searching funding opportunity number “W911NF25S0006” on http://www.grants.gov/.

Source: 

Wayne State University Washington Update - February 7, 2025
Prepared by Lewis-Burke Associates LLC