Apparently, the current US administration has learned from the antiquated Bell Lab, its many large companies' research division, and inability for small biz to do independent research.
They're going back to DARPA model of smaller and much numerous grants approach which tends to be more responsive to real world needs.
Theorectical realm, like Livermore Lab or Idaho DoE, might take a backseat or they could just do many more smaller grants but with very specific real-world needs.
So, your first grant had better be (at least a micro-)success or it will be a long time before another grant comes along.
They're going back to DARPA model of smaller and much numerous grants approach which tends to be more responsive to real world needs.
Theorectical realm, like Livermore Lab or Idaho DoE, might take a backseat or they could just do many more smaller grants but with very specific real-world needs.
So, your first grant had better be (at least a micro-)success or it will be a long time before another grant comes along.