LAUNCH proposals must be defined as applied and not basic (pure) research. Proposals will adhere to a submission process which identifies the technology readiness level for the project along with pertinent information regarding market assessment, commercial viability, milestone schedule and budget required. Grant proposals will be screened for compliance with defined selection criteria identified by the OVPRED. From the screened applications, selected candidates will present to the LAUNCH judging panel in phase 2 of the process. The judging panel will select projects to be funded, and will monitor progress to ensure that objectives and milestone schedules are met.

The NSF Research Traineeship (NRT) program is designed to encourage the development and implementation of bold, new, and potentially transformative models for STEM graduate education training. The NRT program seeks proposals that explore ways for graduate students in research-based master's and doctoral degree programs to develop the skills, knowledge, and competencies needed to pursue a range of STEM careers. 

The program is dedicated to effective training of STEM graduate students in high priority interdisciplinary research areas, through the use of a comprehensive traineeship model that is innovative, evidence-based, and aligned with changing workforce and research needs. For FY2018, proposals are requested in any interdisciplinary research theme of national priority, with special emphasis on two high priority areas: (1) Harnessing the Data Revolution (HDR) and (2) Innovations at the Nexus of Food, Energy, and Water Systems (INFEWS). HDR is expected to continue as a priority research area for FY2019 and FY2020 competitions, along with a new priority area to be announced in 2018. 

The NRT program addresses workforce development, emphasizing broad participation, and institutional capacity building needs in graduate education. Strategic collaborations with the private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government agencies, national laboratories, field stations, teaching and learning centers, informal science centers, and academic partners are encouraged. NRT especially welcomes proposals that will pair well with the efforts of NSF INCLUDES to develop STEM talent from all sectors and groups in our society (https://www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/nsfincludes/index.jsp). Collaborations are encouraged between NRT proposals and existing NSF INCLUDES projects, provided the collaboration strengthens both projects. 

Faculty may submit proposed concepts (no more than 2 paragraphs) through AU Competition Space. Councilors vet concepts to ensure it meets ORAU requirements. Councilors, or their proxy, submit the concept through the ORAU Value through Partnerships External SharePoint Site. PI'S CANNOT SUBMIT DIRECTLY TO ORAU.

Concepts are vetted against ODRD program requirements then matched with an internal ORAU Subject Matter Expert (SME). Jointly developed concepts then compete through the program phases.

Please click the above link to AU Competition space for for details on proposed concepts and to see if your concept aligns with ORAU's core capabilities.