Defense Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Consortium (DSEC) Cooperative Agreement
Funding Agency:
- Department of Defense
The Defense STEM Education Consortium (DSEC) is a collaborative partnership between States,
local governments, Indian tribes, Institutions of Higher Education (IHE), nonprofit organizations,
for‐profit organizations and other partners in STEM that aims to broaden STEM literacy and
prepare the STEM workforce of the future for the Department of Defense and for the Nation.
Aligned to the Federal STEM Strategic Plan4 and the DoD STEM Strategic Plan1, DSEC will aim to
inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers through activities that engage students
and educators in meaningful STEM experiences; connect student and educator participants to
the DoD science and technology mission; empower parents and legal guardians of student
participants to be better informed of the DoD STEM opportunities; serve military‐connected
students and those historically underrepresented in STEM; leverage the network of Consortium
Members to broaden reach and impact; and to evolve approach based on data.
The Department of Defense Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics (DoD STEM), under its National Defense Education Program
(NDEP) and 10 U.S. Code 2192, seeks to enter into a cooperative agreement with a Consortium
of like‐minded organizations (herein “Consortium Members”) to provide a continuum of
meaningful STEM learning experiences for students and educators through effective STEM
education and outreach programs. The Consortium will be named Defense STEM Education
Consortium (DSEC). The Department intends to award ONE (1) cooperative agreement award of
up to $190M over a period of performance of (up to) ten‐years. This cooperative agreement will
consist of ONE (1) two‐year base period of up to $37M, followed by up to FOUR (4) two‐year
option periods of $37.5M to $39M each, totaling up to ten years and up to $190M total
Optional renewal periods are subject to availability of funds based on annual budget
appropriations.
The STEM education and outreach activities of DSEC should leverage the strengths and unique
capabilities of each consortium member to align with the Federal and DoD STEM Education
Strategic Goals. Enhancing the permeability of ideas into DoD's workforce, especially the STEM
workforce, through mutually beneficial regional/national alliances with States, local
governments, Indian tribes, Institutions of Higher Education (IHE), nonprofit organizations, forprofit
organizations , and other partners in STEM should deliver far‐reaching sustainable and
scalable programs and partnerships. DSEC efforts will align with the DoD STEM mission to
“inspire, cultivate, and develop exceptional STEM talent through a continuum of opportunities
to enrich our current and future Department of Defense workforce poised to tackle evolving
defense technological challenges.” DSEC efforts should focus primarily on PreK‐12 activities for
students, educators, and parents. However, applicants are welcome to include activities that
continue to engage students at the undergraduate level. DSEC will work collaboratively with the
Government to provide a cohesive strategy to meet the vision, roles, and goals outlined in the
DoD STEM Strategic Plan.
Various
$190,000,000
11 MAR 2024
Ramila Century
Grantor
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