Phase VIII Solicitation

The solicitation is to inform those interested in applying to be new institutional members, for existing members wishing to continue participation please see the existing member application for the information requested.

1. Overview and Purpose

The Federal Demonstration Partnership (FDP) invites eligible organizations that are recipients of federal research or research-related funding to apply for participation as Institutional Members in Phase VIII of the Federal Demonstration Partnership. FDP is a nationally recognized collaborative of federal agencies and academic research institutions working together to improve effectiveness and efficiency of the research enterprise.

For over three decades, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) has served as secretariat to facilitate the FDP’s mission and activities described above. In its role as secretariat, NAS provides administrative support for the FDP and a neutral location for FDP meetings. NAS has no role in or responsibility for any decisions or work product generated by the FDP. The FDP is a program with its own governance and decision-making process. The long-standing relationship underpins FDP as a trusted national forum for collaboration among federal agencies, research institutions, and faculty to address shared challenges across the research enterprise.

Through FDP, members do not simply participate – they help shape the future of research administration. Members directly contribute to the design, testing, and implementation of innovative approaches to research administration while strengthening accountability and stewardship. FDP provides a unique platform to engage with federal partners, inform policy and practice, and pilot solutions that influence operations across the research ecosystem.

Phase VIII continues FDP’s long-standing mission of testing and implementing innovative, evidence-based approaches to streamline the administration of federally sponsored research and foster collaboration across the national research enterprise with an increased emphasis on engaging faculty, administrators, and federal partners in co-developing practical, scalable solutions.

2. Background

The FDP traces its origins to the Florida Demonstration Project (Phase I) and evolved through subsequent phases of the Federal Demonstration Project and the Federal Demonstration Partnership. Each phase has expanded participation and strengthened FDP’s role as a trusted forum for collaboration among federal agencies and recipient organizations and as a platform for advancing nationally adopted research administration practices.

Phase VIII builds upon the successes, lessons learned, and governance structures established in prior phases and reflects the evolving research, regulatory, technological, and policy environment, positioning FDP to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities with greater speed, inclusivity, and impact.

3. Phase VIII Period of Performance

Phase VIII is anticipated to begin on January 1, 2027, and conclude on December 31, 2032. Membership, once granted, is for the full duration of Phase VIII.

4. Eligible Applicants

The FDP welcomes applications from a broad range of organizations, including:

Public and private colleges and universities (large and small)
Predominantly undergraduate institutions (PUIs)
Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs)
Emerging Research Institutions (ERIs)
Non-profit research and education organizations (e.g., research institutes, science museums)
Research hospitals and medical centers

Eligibility is based on an organization’s role as a recipient of federal research or research-related funding and its capacity to engage meaningfully in FDP activities.

FDP encourages applications from institutions that bring that bring different perspectives, demonstrate commitment to collaboration, and are prepared to actively contribute to shaping the future of the research enterprise.

5. Modes of Participation

The participation categories may include:

Institutional Member: Institutions and non-profit organizations that undertake research or educational activities supported by federal funds. Institutional members will fully participate in FDP governance, committees, demonstrations, and meetings.
Federal Agency Membership: Any grant-making federal agency is eligible for Federal Agency Membership in the FDP. Federal agencies can apply for membership in the FDP at any time.
Affiliate Member: Associations of researchers, research administrators, state and/or local governments, scientific societies, and other groups are eligible to become Affiliate Members at any time.

This Solicitation pertains only to Institutional Memberships. Details on responsibilities, privileges, and fee structures for each mode of participation are provided in separate guidance.

6. Expectations of Institutional Membership

Institutional membership in FDP reflects a commitment of institutional time, expertise, and engagement and reflects a commitment to active, sustained, and collaborative participation in advancing improvements to the national research enterprise. Members are expected to:

Actively participate in FDP meetings (minimum of 2 per year), and volunteer for committees, subcommittees, working groups, and demonstrations.
Contribute to collaborative discussions with federal partners to inform policy, guidance, and operational practices at the national level.
Pilot and assess proposed administrative innovations.
Uphold FDP’s principles of transparency, stewardship, and accountability.
Submit annual participation reports to the Executive Committee.
Execute a Memorandum of Understanding.

7. Application Requirements

Applicants will be required to submit an application that should include:

Institutional profile and research portfolio overview
Statement of interest and alignment with FDP mission
Description of anticipated contributions to FDP activities, including areas of expertise and interest in demonstrations, pilots, or emerging issues impacting the research enterprise
Institutional letter of support from senior leadership
Agreement to accept the terms of the MOU, including the timely payment of Membership Dues

Current Phase VII members in good standing should confirm their intent to continue participation by submitting an expression of interest.

8. Review and Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed and approved by the FDP Executive Committee using the following criteria:

Eligibility
Completeness of the application
Alignment with FDP mission and goals
Capacity for active participation
Contribution to the breadth of institutional perspectives within FDP membership, including ERIs and MSIs
For Phase VII members, in good financial standing with FDP and a record of active participation in Phase VII

FDP seeks to maintain a balanced, engaged, and high-contributing membership; therefore, not all eligible applicants may be selected.