Chief of Naval Research (CNR) Fellows Program
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Office of Naval Research (ONR), under the Department of the Navy, is seeking nominations for its Chief of Naval Research (CNR) Fellows Program. This Request for Quote (RFQ) aims to award up to five Firm-Fixed-Price purchase orders to recently tenured academic research professors for a one-year fellowship, integrating them into ONR to infuse state-of-the-art knowledge and provide insight into critical Navy and Marine Corps research challenges.
Program Overview & Purpose
The CNR Fellows Program is designed to build a powerful bridge between academia and the Department of the Navy. Fellows will spend one year at ONR, contributing their expertise to naval Science & Technology (S&T) efforts.
Key Responsibilities & Deliverables
- Immerse in the naval S&T ecosystem.
- Provide technical feedback on research efforts.
- Spend an average of four days per month at ONR facilities.
- Submit a written report 330 days after contract award.
- Amplify ONR's mission by sharing knowledge.
- Build the talent pipeline by connecting students with opportunities.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price purchase orders.
- Number of Awards: Up to five (5) anticipated.
- Total Value per Award: Not to exceed $200,000.00 (comprising a $150,000.00 stipend and up to $50,000.00 for reimbursable travel expenses).
- Profit/Fee: No fee or profit is authorized.
- Period of Performance: One (1) year from the date of award.
Eligibility & Set-Aside
- Eligibility: Nominees must be a United States Citizen or permanent resident. They must also be a tenured associate professor by September 1, 2026, OR a full professor promoted to that rank within the last two (2) years.
- Set-Aside: None specified.
Submission & Evaluation
This is a two-phase, down-select procurement process:
- Phase 1: Initial Nomination Package
- Due Date: July 3, 2026, 1600 EDT.
- Submission: Email to Dr. Thomas C. Fu (thomas.c.fu2.civ@us.navy.mil).
- Contents: Letter of Nomination (outlining qualifications, research acumen, potential impact) and candidate's full Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Evaluation: Based on candidate's qualifications and alignment with program objectives. Up to fifteen (15) individuals will be selected as CNR Fellow Finalists.
- Phase 2: White Paper Submission
- For: Finalists Only.
- Due Date: July 20, 2026.
- Content: Address how ONR experience will benefit the DoN and how background/experience contributes to the ONR mission.
- Evaluation: White papers will be evaluated to select up to five (5) CNR Fellows for award.
- Anticipated Selection: On or about July 31, 2026.
Contact Information
For inquiries, contact Dr. Thomas Fu at thomas.c.fu2.civ@us.navy.mil`.