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ACTEDS -- Army Civilian Training, Education, and Development System -- The system provides for planned, competency-based development of civilian members of the Army workforce, from entry level to key positions. The system blends progressive and sequential work assignments, formal training and education, and self-development for lifecycle workforce management. Each Army career program (CP) has an ACTEDS Plan.
AEOP -- Army Educational Outreach Program -- The AEOP is comprised of Army-sponsored research, education, competitions, internships, and practical experiences designed to engage and guide students and teachers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.
ARL Open Campus -- The ARL Open Campus is a collaborative endeavor, with the goal of building a science and technology ecosystem that will encourage groundbreaking advances in basic and applied research areas of relevance to the Army. These collaborations will build research networks, explore complex and singular problems, and enable self-forming expertise-driven team building that will be well-positioned for competitive research opportunities, and expose scientists, engineers, including professors and students to realistic research applications and perspectives, helping to ensure our nation's future strength and competitiveness in these critical fields.
AWF -- Acquisition Workforce -- All Army Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology (AL&T) workforce members are required to meet their respective career field certification requirements. Upon assignment to their position, AL&T workforce members must meet certification requirements within the period of time specific to their acquisition career field; otherwise, a waiver must be initiated. Employees who fail to achieve their certification requirements, within their authorized grace period, shall be subject to personnel actions. Acquisition certification standards are published annually and maintained on the Defense Acquisition University (DAU) website.
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Basic Research Grants -- Research proposals in the engineering, physical, life, and information sciences submitted to the Army Research Office (ARO) for consideration for possible funding. For ease of reference, Basic Research Grants are under a BAA issued in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) section 6.102(d)(2), which provides for the competitive selection of basic and applied research and that part of development not related to the development of a specific system or hardware procurement. Proposals submitted in response to this BAA and selected for award are considered to be the result of full and open competition and in full compliance with the provision of Public Law 98-369, "The Competition in Contracting Act of 1984" and subsequent amendments.
Research proposals are sought from educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and commercial organizations for scientific research in mechanical sciences, environmental sciences, mathematics, electronics, computing science, physics, chemistry, life sciences, materials science and network science. Proposals will be evaluated only if they are for scientific study and experimentation directed toward advancing the state of the art or increasing knowledge and understanding. Proposals focused on specific devices or components are beyond the scope of this BAA.
Proposals are expected to be for cutting-edge innovative research that could produce discoveries that would have a significant impact on enabling new and improved Army operational capabilities and related technologies. The specific research areas and topics of interest described in this document should be viewed as suggestive, rather than limiting. The ARO is always interested in considering new innovative research concepts of relevance to the Army. Additional information can be found at the ARO website: http://www.arl.army.mil/www/default.cfm?page=29.
BEYA -- Black Engineer of the Year Award -- The Annual Black Engineer of the Year Awards, and the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Global Competitiveness Conference is the largest gathering of STEM professionals and leaders who are committed to increasing the percentage of people from historically underrepresented communities in the technology workforce.
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CA -- Cooperative Agreement -- A "Cooperative Agreement" (31 USC 6305) is awarded pursuant to 10 USC 2358 Research Projects. The Parties agree that the principal purpose of this Agreement is for a specific institution, hereinafter referred to as the "Recipient," to provide its best research efforts in the support and stimulation of fundamental research and not the acquisition of property or provision of services for the direct benefit or use of the Government. FAR and DFARS apply only as specifically referenced herein. The Agreement is not intended to be, nor shall it be construed as, by implication or otherwise, a partnership, a corporation, or other business organization.
COE/UARC -- Center(s) of Excellence (COE) -- A University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) Center of Excellence (COE) is a strategic United States Department of Defense (DoD) research center associated with a university. UARCs were formally established in May 1996 to ensure that essential engineering and technology capabilities of particular importance to the DoD are maintained. These not-for-profit organizations maintain essential research, development and engineering "core" capabilities; maintain long-term strategic relationships with their DoD sponsors; and operate in the public interest, free from real or perceived conflicts of interest. Collaboration with the educational and research resources available at their universities enhances each UARC's ability to meet the needs of their sponsors.
CTA -- Collaborative Technology and Research Alliance -- Collaborative Technology and Research Alliances are partnerships between Army laboratories and centers, private industry and academia that are focusing on the rapid transition of innovative technologies to the Warfighter to enable the Army's Future Force. The collaboration between industry, academia, and the government is a key element of the alliance concept as each member brings with it a distinctly different approach to research. Academia is known for its cutting-edge innovation; the industrial partners are able to leverage existing research results for transition and to deal with technology bottlenecks; the Army Research Laboratory's researchers keep the program oriented toward solving complex Army technology problems. Thus multidisciplinary research teams are generating the complex technology needed to solve the Army's complex problems. This approach enables an Alliance to bring together world class research and development talent and focus it on Army-specific technology objectives for application to Army needs.
CQL -- College Qualified Leaders -- A program where military labs can bring college students, graduate students, and recent graduates (with bachelors or masters degrees) into the lab year round, as research interns under the guidance of a military scientist or engineer. The purpose of
CQL is to provide a follow-on research experience for students already interested in a STEM field, supplement the curriculum they are learning in college, and help them prepare for advanced degrees and careers in STEM research. Special emphasis is given to keeping the students connected with Army labs, in hopes of building the military STEM workforce. Students are paid a stipend for participation in the program. Military labs must provide ARL with the funds to support any CQL students hired.
CRADA -- Cooperative Research and Development Agreement -- A written agreement between a private company and a government agency to work together on a project. It allows the Federal government and non-Federal partners to optimize their resources, share technical expertise in a protected environment, share intellectual property emerging from the effort, and speed the commercialization of federally developed technology. Creative partnerships through Cooperative Research and Development Agreements encourage outside businesses and university organizations to share in the discovery of and investment in technologies. Patent License Agreements permit RDECOM Centers and Laboratories to share important mission breakthroughs with industry, pushing the technology to commercial applications. Technology transfer programs and partnerships with outside R&D organizations will continue to play a central role in the Army's technology development strategy
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Davis Post-Doc Fellowship -- Postdoctoral scholars are highly-valued members of the research endeavor at UC Davis. As the administrative home for postdoctoral scholars, Graduate Studies provides services and resources to support training and professional development opportunities. We work in partnership with the Postdoctoral Scholars Association (PSA) and other units such as the Internship and Career Center, the University Writing Program, and the Office of Research to develop and provide programs for postdoctoral scholars. Prospective applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply for both UC Davis' (internal) and national (external) postdoctoral positions. Although common in STEM fields, the number of postdoctoral positions is increasing in humanities and social science fields.
DHA -- Direct Hiring Authority -- An appointing (hiring) authority that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) can give to Federal agencies for filling vacancies when a critical hiring need or severe shortage of candidates exists.
DURIP -- Defense University Research Instrumentation Program -- Designed to improve the capabilities of U.S. institutions of higher education to conduct research and to educate scientists and engineers in areas important to national defense, by providing funds for the acquisition of research equipment.
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eCYBERMISSION -- A web-based Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) competition for 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th grade teams. It is one of several STEM initiatives offered by the Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP). The U.S. Army is committed to answering the nation's need for increased national STEM literacy and expanding STEM education opportunities across the country to open doors to new career paths for America's students that lead to a brighter tomorrow.
EPA -- Educational Partnership Agreement at Department of the Army -- EPAs provide RDECOM/ARL the means to assist universities with extending their research capabilities in areas relevant to Army needs, and provide an opportunity for students to work on degrees in programs of interest to RDECOM/ARL.
Benefits to the Army include:
1. The university develops scientific and engineering expertise applicable to future Army needs.
2. Students working on RDECOM/ARL-sponsored research receive an early exposure to ARL, thereby expanding the possible talent pool for future recruitment.
Under an EPA, equipment can be donated or loaned to an educational institute for any duration of time. Laboratory personnel can be allowed to teach or assist in developing courses and course materials.
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GEMS -- Great Explorations in Math and Science -- Program where military labs run a 1-4 week in-depth hands-on STEM experience for middle and high school students. The purpose of GEMS is to provide introductory experiences in STEM and spark interest among students. Student participants receive a small stipend to offset the costs of participating in GEMS.
GMiS -- Great Minds in STEM -- (Formerly known as HENAAC) Their mission is to:
1. Inspire and motivate underserved students to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
2. Enlighten and engage families, educators, communities and employers to assist underserved students pursuing STEM careers
3. Inspire our nation through recognition of the achievements of Hispanics and other role models in STEM
4. Enable and leverage Hispanic STEM talent to play a leadership role
5. Collaborate and cooperate nationally within the STEM community
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HBCU -- Historically Black Colleges and Universities/Minority Institutions -- The objective of the U.S. Army Research Laboratory's (ARL's) Historically Black Colleges and Universities/Minority Institutions (HBCU/MI) program is to address the projected shortfall of scientists and engineers among the diverse populations of the 21st century, leverage HBCU/MI technical capabilities to fulfill ARL requirements, and expand the involvement of HBCU/MIs in ongoing research at ARL. ARL presently has Education Partnerships with six HBCU/MIs.
HSAP -- High School Apprenticeship Program -- Provides rising high school juniors and seniors with an authentic science and engineering research experience alongside university researchers sponsored by the Army Research Office. Through this commuter program students will develop skills in Army critical science and engineering research areas in a university lab setting to prepare them for the next steps of their educational and professional career. A primary objective of the HSAP program is to provide a mechanism to expose new students to research opportunities in the sponsored laboratory. Thus, persons with recent prior affiliation with a specific laboratory may not be eligible to receive an apprenticeship through this program. Prior affiliation includes direct employment, past compensated research (e.g. REU, other funded research, or research for course credit). Please note: HSAP is for commuting students only. It is NOT an in-residence program. No housing allowance or meal plan is provided. Please be sure to apply for only university laboratories that you are able to commute to daily.
HSI -- Hispanic Serving Institution(s) -- a term used for a Federal program designed to assist colleges or universities in the United States that attempt to assist first generation, majority low income Hispanic students. There are over 250 schools that have been designated as an HSI.
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JSHS -- Junior Science and Humanities Symposia Program -- The program is designed to challenge and engage students (Grades 9-12) in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). Individual students compete for scholarships and recognition by presenting the results of their original research efforts before a panel of judges and an audience of their peers. Opportunities for hands-on workshops, panel discussions, career exploration, research lab visits, and networking are planned. It is a collaborative effort with the research arm of the Department of Defense and administered in cooperation with nationwide colleges and universities. JSHS aims to prepare and support students to contribute as future scientists and engineers -- conducting STEM research on behalf of or directly for the Department of Defense, the Federal research laboratories, or for the greater good in advancing the nation's scientific and technological progress.
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Lab DHA -- Direct Hiring Authority -- DHA within Personnel Demonstration Laboratories allows Army Materiel Command (AMC) activity commanders or heads with personnel demonstration laboratories under their purview to appoint qualified candidates possessing an advanced (Master's or above) or a Bachelor's degree to scientific and engineering (S&E), and to hire qualified Veterans to STEM positions. DHA permits hiring qualified candidates without applying traditional rating and ranking and veteran's preference procedures.
LEGO League -- Introduces younger students to real-world engineering challenges by building LEGO-based robots to complete tasks on a thematic playing surface. FLL teams, guided by their imaginations and adult coaches, discover exciting career possibilities and, through the process, learn to make positive contributions to society.
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MURI -- Multi-University Research Initiative -- a tri-service Department of Defense program that supports research teams whose research efforts intersect more than one traditional science and engineering discipline. A multidisciplinary team effort can accelerate research progress in areas particularly suited to this approach by cross- fertilization of ideas, can hasten the transition of basic research findings to practical applications, and can help to train students in science and/or engineering in areas of importance to DoD. In contrast with single investigator programs, MURI supports centers whose efforts intersect more than one traditional research specialty, typically at one and a quarter million dollars per year for five years (three years increment plus two year options). Such "critical mass" efforts are expected to enable more rapid R&D breakthroughs and to promote eventual transition to Army applications. New technical areas are defined for each year's new starts. The MURI program applies substantial resources to exploit noteworthy advances reported out of single investigator programs. Evaluations of MURI proposals are done according to a very careful peer review process. The Army Research Office in North Carolina represents the Army's portion of the MURI program.
MUSIP -- Minority Undergraduate Student Internship Program -- Sponsored by The U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC), Research Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM), MUSIP provides those who have limited engineering and applied research experience an opportunity to participate in integrated science, technology and engineering solutions at one of the nation's premier chemical and biological defense laboratories. All students must be pursuing studies in ECBC-related science or engineering fields and have completed at least their college sophomore year class requirements. Chosen applicants will participate in conjunction with an ECBC mentor to conduct science and engineering research in areas of interest to ECBC. Students will present their results of findings during the last week of his/her appointment.
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NDSEG -- National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship -- Graduate fellowship program for students who have demonstrated the ability and special aptitude for advanced training in science and engineering. They are awarded to applicants who will pursue a doctoral degree in, or closely related to, an area of DOD interest within one of fifteen disciplines. ARL is involved in the final selection of the Army's 63 NDSEG Fellows each year.
NRC -- National Research Council -- As the operating arm of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering, the National Research Council seeks to improve government decision making and public policy, increase public understanding, and promote the acquisition and dissemination of knowledge in matters involving science, engineering, technology, and health.
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OMI -- Other Minority Serving Institution(s) -- In the higher education system of the United States, minority-serving institutions make up a category of educational establishments (federally recognized Title IV colleges and universities) based on enrollment criteria (typically the percentage of enrolled minorities at a particular school). Such schools are eligible for federal funding under Title III of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
ORAU -- Oak Ridge Associated Universities -- 115-member university consortium that brings together university faculty and students to collaborate on major scientific initiatives that help keep America on the leading edge of science and technology.
ORISE -- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education -- Established as an official U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) institute in 1992, with programs dating back to 1946, ORISE is a national leader in science education and research.
OSEP -- Officer Scientist and Engineer Program -- A pilot program involving a partnership between the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command. The OSEP pilot places qualified and willing Army officers with a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics doctorate into Army research and development centers or laboratories to team with civilian scientists and engineers. The OSEP pilot began in 2013 and will run until July 2016. RDECOM will then compile the data and results of the pilot and will present the Army leadership with a recommendation on the feasibility of extending the program Army-wide.
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Pathways Interns -- Established by E.O. 13562, and signed December 27, 2010. As directed by the President, the Pathways Program provides clear paths to Federal internships and potential careers in Government for students and recent graduates. The Pathways Program consists of the Internship Program, the Recent Graduates Program, and the Presidential Management Fellows Program.
PECASE -- Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers -- the highest honor bestowed by the United States government on outstanding scientists and engineers in the early stages of their independent research careers. The White House, following recommendations from participating agencies, confers the awards annually. To be eligible for a Presidential Award, an individual must be a U.S. citizen, national or permanent resident. Some of the winning scientists and engineers receive up to a five-year research grant.
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REAP -- Research & Engineering Apprenticeship Program -- A summer STEM program that places talented high school students, from groups historically under-represented and underserved in STEM, in research apprenticeships at area colleges and universities. REAP apprentices work under the direct supervision of a mentor on a hands-on research project. REAP apprentices are exposed to the real world of research, they gain valuable mentorship, and they learn about education and career opportunities in STEM. REAP apprenticeships are 5-8 weeks in length (minimum of 200 hours) and apprentices receive a stipend.
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SEAP -- Science & Engineering Apprenticeship Program -- Program matches practicing DOD scientists with talented high school students creating a direct mentor-student relationship that provides students with training that is unparalleled at most high schools. SEAP participants receive first-hand research experience and exposure to Department of Defense laboratories. SEAP fosters desire in its participants to pursue further training and careers in STEM. SEAP students work with their mentors, Army scientists, and engineers, to gain "hands-on" experience in a professional research setting -- where students are treated as research assistants rather than teenagers. SEAP provides students with the opportunity to learn how STEM research can benefit the Army as well as the civilian community. Students gain a broader view of their STEM field of interest and learn what kind of work awaits them in their future career.
SERC -- Systems Engineering Research Center -- A university-affiliated research center of the U.S. Department of Defense.
SIP -- Single Investigator Program -- Program, which is executed through the Army Research Office, typically supports 900 academic principal investigators per year. This allows the Army to leverage world-class academic expertise, rapidly exploit novel scientific opportunities, and provides the venue to have many minds working multiple pathways.
SMART -- Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation -- Established by the Department of Defense (DOD) to support undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. The program aims to increase the number of civilian scientists and engineers working at DOD laboratories. STTR -- Small Business Technology Transfer -- The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program is a government-wide program, mandated by the Small Business Research and Development Enhancement Act of 1992, PL102-564. STTR was established in FY94 as a three-year pilot program and has been reauthorized through Fiscal Year (FY) 2017. STTR was established as a companion program to the SBIR program, and is executed in essentially the same manner; however, there are distinct differences. While STTR has the same objectives as SBIR regarding the involvement of small businesses in federal R&D and the commercialization of their innovative technologies, the STTR program requires participation by universities, federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), and other non-profit research institutions. Each STTR proposal must be submitted by a team, which includes a small business (as the prime contractor for contracting purposes) and at least one research institution. The project must be divided such that the small business performs at least 40% of the work and the research institution(s) performs at least 30% of the work. The remainder of the work may be performed by either party or a third party.
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TCU -- Tribal Colleges and Universities - Tribal colleges and universities are a category of higher education, minority-serving institutions in the United States. The educational institutions are distinguished by being controlled and operated by American Indian tribes; they have become part of American Indians' institution-building in order to pass on their own cultures. The first was founded by the Navajo Nation in 1968 in Arizona, and several others were established in the 1970s. As of 1994, they have been authorized by Congress as land-grant colleges.
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UARC -- University Affiliated Research Center -- A strategic United States Department of Defense (DOD) research center associated with a university. UARCs are formally established by the Director of Defense Research and Engineering (DDR&E), Office of the Secretary of Defense. UARCs were developed to ensure that essential engineering and technology capabilities of particular importance to the DOD are maintained. UARCs maintain essential research, development and engineering "core" capabilities; maintain long-term strategic relationships with their DOD sponsors. Collaboration with the educational and research resources available at their universities enhances each UARC's ability to meet the needs of their sponsors.
URAP -- Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program -- Program provides undergraduate students with an authentic science and engineering research experience alongside university researchers sponsored by the Army Research Office. Through this commuter program students will develop skills in Army critical science and engineering research areas in a university lab setting to prepare them for the next steps of their educational and professional career.
USMA --United States Military Academy -- A four-year coeducational federal service academy located in West Point, New York. The academy, located in Orange County, sits on scenic high ground overlooking the Hudson River, 50 miles north of New York City. Candidates for admission must both apply directly to the academy and receive a nomination, usually from a member of Congress or Delegate/Resident Commissioner in the case of Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Virgin Islands. Other nomination sources include the President and Vice President of the United States. Students are officers-in-training and are referred to as "cadets" or collectively as the "United States Corps of Cadets" (USCC). The academic program grants a Bachelor of Science degree with a curriculum that grades cadets' performance upon a broad academic program, military leadership performance, and mandatory participation in competitive athletics. Cadets are required to adhere to the Cadet Honor Code, which states that "a cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do." Most graduates are commissioned as second lieutenants in the Army.
USMA Davies Postdoctoral Fellowship Program -- Each year, Davies Fellows teach one semester at USMA under the guidance of a senior civilian professor in the Math Department and then conduct research for a semester (and during the summer) under the mentorship of an Army Research Laboratory (ARL) scientist. This program offers valuable post-doctoral experience for mathematicians (to include those with operations research & statistics degrees) early in their careers to work with experienced researchers, publish their results, and increase their experience and development in teaching mathematics. The success of previous Davies Fellows, both in terms of research productivity and obtaining further jobs, has been very impressive. The program provides three years of a combination of teaching and research during the academic year and research in the summers. Each associate has a teaching mentor at USMA and a postdoctoral research advisor from ARL. The teaching requirement in mathematics at USMA normally involves teaching three sections (54 students) one semester in one undergraduate mathematics course (calculus, differential equations, dynamical systems, probability and statistics, etc.). The following semester and the entire summer are supported by ARL for research.
General Information
Most Davies Fellows teach 3 sections of one course during the "teaching" semester. A section typically has 15-18 students.
During the first summer, they will complete the department's Faculty Development Workshop (FDW). FDW introduces Fellows to the Military Academy and prepares our instructors to teach.
Both civilian and military faculties serve the Academy in a number of ways beyond teaching. These include serving as advisors to class cadets, representatives and coaches for sports teams, members of Values Education Teams, and Honor Mentors. These roles offer limitless opportunities to work closely with future officers and to participate in areas of special interest to the faculty member.
USNA -- United States Naval Academy -- A four-year coeducational federal service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, United States. It is the second-oldest of the United States' five service academies, and educates officers for commissioning primarily into the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps. Candidates for admission generally must both apply directly to the academy and receive a nomination, usually from a Member of Congress. Students are officers-in-training and are referred to as midshipmen.
The academic program grants a Bachelor of Science degree with a curriculum that grades midshipmen's performance upon a broad academic program, military leadership performance, and mandatory participation in competitive athletics. Midshipmen are required to adhere to the academy's Honor Concept.
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YIP -- Young Investigator Program -- Program seeks to identify and support academic scientists and engineers who are in their first or second full-time tenure-track or tenure-track-equivalent academic appointment and who show exceptional promise for doing creative research. The program's objectives are to attract outstanding faculty members of Institutions of Higher Education to the Department of the Army's research program, to support their research, and to encourage their teaching and research careers.
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