04. Working with AOARD

The formal process for submitting a proposal to AOARD is usually initiated by contact (conference, e-mail, or phone call) with/from an AOARD PO, usually followed by a request for an idea paragraph or white paper, and then possibly a proposal after encouragement by the PO.  A key point is that the investigator needs to make the initial contact with the PO and work to develop a relationship to get a good sense of their technical area and research interests.  Each PO has their own way to work with PIs and usually has different requirements for idea paragraphs or white papers (more information).  For example, a PO may like to start with an idea paragraph rather than a white paper.  The key is to initiate a dialog early to learn how best to communicate your ideas to the PO.  Other POs may go straight to a white paper, or use a different approach.  See AOARD Proposal Submission Process for more detail on idea paragraph, white paper, and proposal requirements. 

Examples of the types of questions that we seek to answer through fundamental research are provided below. Addressing these points in a proposal increases the chance for recommendation, selection, and successful funding. Highly competitive proposals are selected based on the following criteria.

• Is the proposed research based on solid science?
• Is it feasible to accomplish the research project with available and proposed resources?
• Is the proposed research novel? How is the proposed research unique relative to other research published in this field?
• What impact and potential outcomes may result from this research if completed successfully? Will this effort lead to major advancement(s) to the field?
• What, if anything, makes this proposed research compelling? Is the proposed effort extensional work or does it present a real advancement to the field? Does this work advance the state-of-the-art?

For more information, see AOARD Proposal Submission Process.

Once on grant, expectations of AOARD and AFOSR PIs are relatively straight-forward and involve performing high caliber research that is to be published in the open literature in high quality journals; AOARD is to be referenced as a funding agency in publications and in conference and workshop presentations. PIs are requested to notify the PO of significant results or findings and to be responsive in a timely manner to POs and AOARD staff for information requests about research progress or grant issues. See Information Requests for information on reporting requirements.