The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) promotes many activities of importance to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette research enterprise, including math and science education, science and engineering research, and enhancing scientific research facilities. Some highlights of funds appropriated through ARRA that present opportunities for university funding though proposal submission directly to the agency, collaboration with an eligible entity, or proposal submission and/or contract though an eligible state or local eligible entity include:

• National Science Foundation: $3 billion, including $2 billion for employment opportunities in fundamental science & engineering, $400 million to build major research facilities, $300 million for major research equipment, $200 million to repair and modernize science and engineering research facilities at institutions of higher education, and $100 million to improve instruction in STEM disciplines.
• National Institutes of Health: $8.7 billion for expanding good jobs in biomedical research. $1.3 billion for NIH to renovate and equip university research facilities.
• Department of Energy: $2 billion for basic research in physical sciences and improvements to DOE laboratories and scientific facilities. $400 million for the Advanced Research Project Agency - Energy to support high-risk, high-payoff research into energy sources and energy efficiency.
• NASA: $1 billion, including $400 million for scientists doing climate change research; $400 million for exploration activities; $150 million for research, development, and demonstration to improve aviation safety; and $50 million to repair NASA centers damaged by hurricanes and floods.
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: $600 million for construction and repair of facilities, ships and equipment, to improve weather forecasting, support satellite development and address critical gaps in climate modeling.
• National Institute of Standards and Technology: $360 million for renovation and construction of new facilities and laboratories, including $180 million for competitive construction grants for research science buildings at colleges, universities, and other research organizations; and $220 million for additional research fellowships, equipment, and competitive grants.
• NOAA Operations, Research and Facilities: $230 million for ready-to-go research, restoration, navigation, & conservation activities.
• U.S. Geological Survey: $140 million to repair and modernize USGS science facilities & equipment.
• U.S. Department of Defense (DoD): $7.4 billion in overall ARRA funding, with $200 million reserved for research and development.
• National Endowment for the Arts (NEA): $50 million to support projects that focus on the preservation of jobs in the arts. Funds will be split between state arts agencies, regional arts organizations and competitive grants to nonprofit organizations.