Operations Engineering
Last verified by NonDilute: 2026-06-08. Official notice and agency instructions control.
If you've built analytical methods that solve real operations problems in manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, or government—this is your NSF match.
Report stale or inaccurate summary
What this is
This NSF program backs methodological research in operations engineering with real-world application potential: think optimization algorithms for manufacturing, simulation for healthcare delivery, or risk analysis for public safety. The program explicitly favors cross-disciplinary proposals that combine quantitative rigor with domain expertise and high-impact engineering problems. Pure methodology disconnected from engineering applications will not be funded.
Who can apply
Open to any entity type (universities, companies, non-profits, individuals) with no stated restrictions, subject to any additional clarifications in the program solicitation. No geographic limitations stated.
Eligible applicant types
- Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility"
Full description — from the agency
The Operations Engineering (OE) program supports fundamental research on advanced analytical methods for improving operations in complex decision-driven environments. Analytical methods include, but are not limited to, deterministic and stochastic modeling, optimization, decision and risk analysis, data science, and simulation. Methodological research is highly encouraged but must be motivated by problems that have potential for high impact in engineering applications. Application domains of particular interest to the program arise in commercial enterprises (e.g., production/manufacturing systems and distribution of goods, delivery of services), the public sector/government (e.g., public safety and security), and public/private partnerships (e.g., health care, environment and energy). The program also welcomes operations research in new and emerging domains and addressing systemic societal or technological problems. The OE program particularly values cross-disciplinary proposals that leverage application-specific expertise with strong quantitative analysis in a decision-making context. Proposals for methodological research that are not strongly motivated by high-potential engineering applications are not appropriate for this program. PIs are encouraged to send any program inquiries to both Program Directors.
Topics: operations research · optimization algorithms · stochastic modeling · decision analysis · simulation · data-driven operations · operations engineering · analytical methods
Public-source funding discovery only. This summary is generated from public agency data and may be incomplete or stale. NonDilute is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any government agency. Official notices and agency instructions control. NonDilute does not determine eligibility, provide grant-writing advice, or guarantee funding.