Office of the Vice President for Research

Please see below information on an exciting opportunity for University of Utah researchers to collaborate with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) on innovative biomedical and human performance research.

Continuing Human Enabling, Enhancing, Restoring, and Sustaining (CHEERS), is an Open, Two-Step Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA) with the ability to issue future Calls that enable study efforts on novel concepts as well as R&D contracts to mature specific technologies to appropriate Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) depending on end use. This MAA allows consideration of white papers as well as calls issued by the Government when specific requirements are identified.

AFRL is the Department of the Air Force’s primary R&D center, traditionally focused on aerospace and defense technologies. However, its portfolio now includes cutting-edge biomedical research aimed at enhancing warfighter health, readiness, and resilience, areas that strongly overlap with Internal Medicine. Submitted white papers and/or proposals should target specific research challenges within the Product Line (PL), Core Technical Competency (CTC) and/or Core Research Areas (CRA) and exactly identify the technical requirement(s) (by nomenclature below) for which they are proposing.

The Airman Systems Directorate (RH) is the heart of Airman-centered science and technology for the USAF. RH is focused on enduring challenges to enable, sustain, and enhance multi-domain capable Airman and Airman-machine operations. RH leverages five primary Technical Competencies to deliver technology options for future USAF capabilities: Training, Adaptive Warfighter Interfaces, Bioeffects, Bioengineering and Warfighter Medical Optimization. The RH Directorate develops Airman-related technology for systems crucial to continued aerospace superiority and works to transfer the same or similar technology to civilian applications when appropriate.

Key focus areas include:

• Airman Biosciences (RHB): Discover, demonstrate, and transition knowledge products and technology solutions from the full spectrum of bioscience, biotechnology and aerospace medicine, to enable, enhance, sustain, and restore the health and performance of the multi-domain Airman.
• Bioeffects (RHD): Protects against and exploits the bioeffects of battlefield environmental stressors.
• Warfighter Interactions & Readiness (RHW): Enable a more informed, agile, and lethal force by delivering revolutionary capabilities that enhance preparation and mission execution across the full range of military operations

For a complete list of Product Lines (PLs), Core Technical Competency (CTC), and/or Core Research Areas (CRAs) to align your white papers please refer to this Statement of Objectives (SOO) document.

AFRL uses a two-step proposal process designed to be accessible to academic and clinical researchers:

1. White Paper (Initial Concept): Through 30 September 2027 Submit a brief summary (limited to 5 pages) describing your idea, its relevance to AFRL’s mission, and potential collaborators. This helps AFRL assess initial interest.
2. Full Proposal (If Invited): If selected, you’ll be invited to submit a full proposal detailing your research plan, milestones, and how your work could transition into practical applications for the Air Force.

AFRL encourages collaboration with its scientists and engineers, and platforms like Tech Connect can help facilitate these connections.

Typical awards range from $50,000 for pilot projects to $200,000 for extended collaborations. AFRL also offers access to specialized labs, data, and personnel to support your research.

If you’re interested in exploring this opportunity, our team in the Applied Medical & Engineering (AM&E) Lab are happy to assist with white paper development or help connect you with AFRL collaborators. Please contact Dr. Jim McDonough for more information and thanks.