Opportunity Information: Apply for MDA 2020 STEM 0001
The Boosting Engineering Science and Technology (BEST) Robotics Grant: Kits 2020 is a discretionary grant opportunity offered by the Missile Defense Agency to support STEM education through the expansion of BEST Robotics programs. The main goal is to help official BEST Robotics Local Competition Hubs that are still early in their development, specifically those within their first five years of existence, secure funding to buy new robotics kits. By increasing the number of available kits, these hubs can grow the number of student teams that are able to participate in competitions, which in turn broadens access to hands-on engineering experiences and strengthens STEM awareness and engagement for K-12 students.
This opportunity is identified as Funding Opportunity Number MDA 2020 STEM 0001 and is categorized under the Education funding activity area, with CFDA number 12.330. The funding instrument is a grant, and the program is designed to provide targeted, practical support rather than general operating funds, focusing specifically on equipment purchases that directly enable more student participation. The award ceiling is $15,000, meaning applicants can request up to that amount to purchase robotics kits that expand competition capacity at the local hub level.
Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (excluding higher education institutions in the nonprofit category listed). In practical terms, this means colleges, universities, and qualifying nonprofit organizations that are operating or supporting an official BEST Robotics Local Competition Hub within its first five years can apply, provided they meet the program requirements and can demonstrate that the funds will be used to acquire additional robotics kits that increase the number of teams served.
The opportunity was created on March 16, 2020, and the original closing date was May 31, 2020. While the notice centers on equipment funding, the broader intent is educational impact: enabling more schools and student groups to join local BEST competitions, increasing exposure to real-world problem solving, design, building, and testing, and strengthening community engagement around STEM learning.Apply for MDA 2020 STEM 0001
- The Missile Defense Agency in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Boosting Engineering Science and Technology (BEST) Robotics Grant: Kits 2020" 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 2020-03-16.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2020-05-31. (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.
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education.
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FAQs: Boosting Engineering Science and Technology (BEST) Robotics Grant: Kits 2020
What is the BEST Robotics Grant: Kits 2020?
The Boosting Engineering Science and Technology (BEST) Robotics Grant: Kits 2020 is a discretionary grant opportunity offered by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to support STEM education by expanding official BEST Robotics programs. It is designed to help eligible applicants buy additional robotics kits so more student teams can participate in BEST Robotics competitions.
What is the main purpose of this grant?
The main goal is to provide targeted funding for the purchase of new robotics kits for official BEST Robotics Local Competition Hubs that are still early in development (specifically within their first five years). By increasing the number of kits available, a hub can serve more teams, expand access to hands-on engineering experiences, and strengthen STEM awareness and engagement for K-12 students.
Who is offering this grant?
This opportunity is offered by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA).
What is the Funding Opportunity Number?
The Funding Opportunity Number is MDA 2020 STEM 0001.
What is the CFDA number for this program?
The CFDA number listed for this opportunity is 12.330.
What funding activity area does this opportunity fall under?
This grant is categorized under the Education funding activity area.
What type of funding instrument is used?
The funding instrument is a grant.
What is the award ceiling?
The award ceiling is $15,000. Applicants can request up to $15,000 to purchase robotics kits that increase competition capacity at the local hub level.
What can the grant funds be used for?
Based on the information provided, the program is focused specifically on equipment purchases, with an emphasis on buying new robotics kits that directly enable more student participation in BEST Robotics competitions. The intent is targeted, practical support rather than general operating funds.
Is this grant meant to cover general operating expenses?
No. The opportunity emphasizes targeted, practical support focused on equipment purchases (robotics kits) rather than general operating funds.
Which organizations are eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (excluding higher education institutions listed in the nonprofit category)
Does an applicant need to be connected to a BEST Robotics Local Competition Hub?
Yes. In practical terms, applicants should be operating or supporting an official BEST Robotics Local Competition Hub, and the hub should be within its first five years of existence. The application should show that funds will be used to acquire additional kits that increase the number of teams served.
What kind of BEST Robotics hubs are the focus of this funding?
The opportunity is aimed at official BEST Robotics Local Competition Hubs that are still early in their development, specifically those in their first five years.
How does buying more kits support STEM education?
Increasing the number of robotics kits allows a local hub to grow the number of student teams able to participate in competitions. This broadens access to hands-on engineering activities such as real-world problem solving, design, building, and testing, and it strengthens STEM awareness and engagement for K-12 students.
Who benefits from this grant?
The direct support is intended for eligible organizations tied to official BEST Robotics Local Competition Hubs (especially newer hubs), while the ultimate beneficiaries are K-12 students and the schools and student groups that gain expanded access to BEST Robotics competitions and hands-on engineering experiences.
When was this funding opportunity created?
The opportunity was created on March 16, 2020.
What was the original closing date?
The original closing date was May 31, 2020.
What is the broader educational intent of the program beyond equipment purchases?
Beyond the immediate goal of funding kits, the broader intent is to increase participation in local BEST competitions, expand exposure to engineering and real-world problem solving, and strengthen community engagement around STEM learning for K-12 students.
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