The Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service Program Cooperative Agreement

What the official notice requires

Pulled from the official notice SMART_CA_2026_NFO.pdf (46 pages) so you can see the requirements at a glance. Each item shows the notice's own words. Open the page to read it in context.

Award size and project length

• Award amounts here are per year · p. 16

  “Anticipated funding level for tuition and stipends and other academic expenses is $60 - $100 million per year, based on budget.” Open page 16

Registrations you need first (3)

• SAM.gov · p. 23

  “In deciding whether a Recipient is otherwise qualified, the Grants Officer shall ensure that the potential Applicant is registered and in good standing in the System for Award Management (SAM).” Open page 23

• Grants.gov · p. 23

  “Grants.gov (www.grants.gov) Amendments to this NOFO, if any, will be posted to these websites when they occur.” Open page 23

• Unique Entity ID (UEI) · p. 26

  “Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or Federal awarding agency that is exempt from those requirements under 2 CFR 25.110(b) or (c), or has an exemption approved by the Federal…” Open page 26

Registration is free but can take weeks, so start now, not when the deadline is close. Get-ready checklist

What to submit

• Form SF-LLL · p. 24

  “For compatible versions of Adobe Reader, please see the following link: https://www.grants.gov/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html Applicants must complete the mandatory forms and any optional forms (e.g., SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities)…” Open page 24

• Project abstract or summary · p. 24

  “The project summary must not exceed 5 pages.” Open page 24

• Resumes or bios of key staff · p. 25

  “Chapter 4 - Credentials - Credentials are limited to 8 pages to include the resumes or biographical sketches of individuals.” Open page 25

• Budget narrative / justification · p. 25

  “Provide budget justification.” Open page 25

• Form SF-424 · p. 37

  “By electronically signing SF-424, the applicant affirms its agreement with the following certification. i.” Open page 37

Length limits

• Page limit (see quote): 5 pages max · p. 24

  “The project summary must not exceed 5 pages.” Open page 24

• Page limit (see quote): 15 pages max · p. 24

  “Applicants are advised that Chapter 1 must not exceed 15 pages, utilizing one side of the” Open page 24

• Page limit (see quote): 8 pages max · p. 25

  “Applicants are advised that Chapter 2 of the proposal must not exceed 8 pages, utilizing one side of the page.” Open page 25

• Page limit (see quote): 6 pages max · p. 25

  “Applicants are advised that Chapter 3 of the proposal must not exceed 6 pages, utilizing one side of the page.” Open page 25

• Credentials: 8 pages max · p. 25

  “Chapter 4 - Credentials - Credentials are limited to 8 pages to include the resumes or biographical sketches of individuals.” Open page 25

Formatting rules

• 11-point font · p. 24

  “Font – No smaller than Times New Roman, 11 point” Open page 24

Cost share or match

• Cost share / match · p. 4

  “Cost Share or Matching Cost sharing or matching is not required for this NOFO.” Open page 4

Mistakes that get applications rejected (3)

• Over the length limit: Pages in excess of this page limit will not be evaluated. · p. 24

  “Pages in excess of this page limit will not be evaluated.” Open page 24

• Over the length limit: Pages in excess of the noted page limits will not be evaluated. · p. 24

  “Pages in excess of the noted page limits will not be evaluated.” Open page 24

• Late or not validated: Proposals submitted after the closing date will not be considered or evaluated by the Government. b. · p. 26

  “Proposals submitted after the closing date will not be considered or evaluated by the Government. b.” Open page 26