Opportunity Information: Apply for MDA STEM BEST MATERIALS 2023
The MDA STEM BEST Robotics Grant is a discretionary grant opportunity offered by the Department of Defense, Missile Defense Agency (MDA), designed to strengthen K-12 style STEM engagement through the BEST (Boosting Engineering, Science, and Technology) robotics program. The core purpose of the grant is to help official Local Competition Hubs expand hands-on robotics learning by providing funding to purchase tangible program materials, specifically new robotics kits, field quadrant materials used for competition setups, and supporting tools. By adding more kits and build resources, hubs can increase the number of student teams they can serve and reduce the bottlenecks that happen when multiple groups must share limited equipment.
A major emphasis of the opportunity is widening access. The grant is framed as a way to broaden participation for underserved populations, particularly students and communities that may not otherwise have the funding or infrastructure to join robotics competitions. In practical terms, this means the grant is intended to lower barriers to entry by helping hubs acquire the baseline equipment needed for meaningful participation, enabling more students to design, build, test, and compete in an applied engineering environment that reinforces problem-solving, teamwork, and technical skills.
This funding opportunity is listed under the title "MDA STEM BEST Robotics Grant" with the funding opportunity number "MDA STEM BEST MATERIALS 2023." It is categorized as a grant (funding instrument type: Grant) and falls under the activity category of Science and Technology and other Research and Development. The associated CFDA number is 12.330. The program anticipated making a small number of awards, with an expected total of 3 awards, and a maximum award amount (award ceiling) of $15,000 per award, indicating relatively targeted, materials-focused support rather than large-scale program operations funding.
Eligibility is described broadly as "Others," with additional eligibility details referenced as being in an "Additional Information on Eligibility" section of the full announcement. The opportunity was created on June 21, 2023, and the original application closing date was July 21, 2023, suggesting a one-month application window. Overall, the grant is best understood as a focused materials and capacity-building award aimed at enabling recognized BEST local hubs to serve more students, run stronger competitions, and expand access to robotics-based STEM learning in communities that need extra support.Apply for MDA STEM BEST MATERIALS 2023
- The Department of Defense, Missile Defense Agency in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "MDA STEM BEST Robotics Grant" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 12.330.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jun 21, 2023.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 21, 2023. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $15,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 3 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
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FAQs: MDA STEM BEST Robotics Grant (MDA STEM BEST MATERIALS 2023)
What is the MDA STEM BEST Robotics Grant?
The MDA STEM BEST Robotics Grant is a discretionary grant opportunity offered by the Department of Defense (DoD), Missile Defense Agency (MDA). It is designed to strengthen K-12 style STEM engagement through the BEST (Boosting Engineering, Science, and Technology) robotics program by helping eligible local competition hubs expand hands-on robotics learning capacity.
What is the main purpose of this grant?
The core purpose is to provide funding to official Local Competition Hubs so they can purchase tangible program materials (such as new robotics kits and competition field materials). By increasing the amount of equipment available, hubs can serve more student teams and reduce bottlenecks caused by limited shared resources.
Who is offering the funding?
The funder is the Department of Defense, Missile Defense Agency (MDA).
What program does this grant support?
The grant specifically supports the BEST (Boosting Engineering, Science, and Technology) robotics program and is intended to strengthen robotics-based STEM participation tied to BEST local competitions.
What types of expenses are intended to be funded?
The opportunity is described as materials-focused support. Funding is intended to help purchase tangible program materials, including:
- New robotics kits
- Field quadrant materials used for competition setups
- Supporting tools
What is the grant not primarily designed for?
Based on the description provided, the grant is positioned as targeted, materials and capacity-building support rather than large-scale funding for broader program operations.
How does this grant help students and teams?
By enabling hubs to purchase additional kits and build resources, the grant helps increase the number of student teams a hub can support. It also reduces delays and scheduling conflicts that occur when multiple groups must share limited equipment.
Is there a focus on equity or underserved communities?
Yes. A major emphasis is widening access and broadening participation, especially for underserved populations. The grant is framed as a way to lower barriers for students and communities that may lack the funding or infrastructure to participate in robotics competitions.
What outcomes is the grant aiming to support?
The grant aims to expand opportunities for students to design, build, test, and compete in an applied engineering environment that reinforces skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and technical competence.
What is the funding opportunity title and number?
The title is "MDA STEM BEST Robotics Grant" and the funding opportunity number is "MDA STEM BEST MATERIALS 2023."
What is the funding instrument type?
The funding instrument type is a Grant.
What activity category does this opportunity fall under?
It falls under Science and Technology and other Research and Development.
What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
The associated CFDA number is 12.330.
How many awards are expected?
The program anticipated making a small number of awards, with an expected total of 3 awards.
What is the maximum award amount?
The award ceiling is $15,000 per award.
Does the grant appear to be intended for large-scale budgets?
No. The ceiling of $15,000 per award and the emphasis on purchasing specific program materials indicate a targeted grant meant to expand capacity through equipment purchases rather than fund major or ongoing operational costs.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is described broadly as "Others." Additional eligibility details are referenced as being located in an "Additional Information on Eligibility" section of the full announcement.
Is this grant aimed at individual students or teams applying directly?
The description emphasizes supporting official Local Competition Hubs with equipment purchases to increase the number of teams served. Based on the information provided, the intended applicant appears to be the hub (not individual students), though the full eligibility requirements are referenced as being in the full announcement.
When was the opportunity created?
The opportunity was created on June 21, 2023.
What was the original application closing date?
The original closing date was July 21, 2023.
How long was the application window?
Based on the created date (June 21, 2023) and the original closing date (July 21, 2023), the application window was approximately one month.
What does "BEST Local Competition Hub" mean in the context of this grant?
In the context provided, a Local Competition Hub is the local organizing entity responsible for running BEST robotics competitions and supporting participating student teams. The grant is intended to help these official hubs expand hands-on learning capacity by purchasing additional kits and competition field materials.
Why does the grant emphasize robotics kits and field quadrant materials?
These items are core, tangible resources needed to run a robotics program and set up competitions. Adding kits increases build capacity for more teams, and field quadrant materials enable realistic competition setups for testing and events.
What is the overall goal of the program as described?
Overall, the grant is best understood as a focused materials and capacity-building award intended to help recognized BEST local hubs serve more students, run stronger competitions, and expand access to robotics-based STEM learning, particularly in communities that need additional support.
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