2022-NIST-PREP-01 Amendment 2 NOFO.pdf

Professional Research Experience Program (PREP)

Notice of Funding Opportunity July 25, 2022

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY (NOFO)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

• Federal Agency Name: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), United States Department of Commerce (DoC)

• Funding Opportunity Title: Professional Research Experience Program

(PREP)

• Announcement Type: Amendment

• Funding Opportunity Number: 2022-NIST-PREP-01

• Assistance Listing (CFDA Number): 11.620: Science, Technology, Business and/or Education Outreach

• Dates: Full Applications must be received at Grants.gov no later than 11:59 p.m.

Eastern Time, September 30, 2022. Applications received after this deadline will not be reviewed or considered. Please note that the due date has been extended from the original posting.

Applicants should be aware, and factor in their application submission planning, that the Grants.gov system closes periodically for routine maintenance.

Applicants should visit Grants.gov for information on any scheduled closures.

NIST expects to complete its review, selection of successful applicants, and award processing by November 2022. NIST expects the earliest start date for awards under this NOFO to be December 2022.

• Application Submission Address: Applications must be submitted using Grants.gov. Paper applications will not be accepted.

• Funding Opportunity Description: The NIST PREP is seeking applications from eligible institutions of higher education in the U.S. and its territories that offer two- or four- year degrees in academic science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines to establish and manage a program to support collaborative research relationships in the NIST labs. Eligible applicants may apply to establish and manage a program at the relevant NIST campuses in Boulder, Colorado (CO) (PREP Boulder), Gaithersburg, Maryland (MD) (PREP Gaithersburg), and/or Charleston, South Carolina (SC) (PREP Gaithersburg).

https://sam.gov/fal/3e9f85fbc380477e952f51f9b0e0b026/view https://sam.gov/fal/3e9f85fbc380477e952f51f9b0e0b026/view https://www.grants.gov/

Notice of Funding Opportunity July 25, 2022

• Anticipated Amounts: In FY22, NIST anticipates funding up to nine (9) awards for approximately $250 million in total with a project performance period of up to five years. New awards are expected to range from approximately $250,000 to $22,000,000 annually at PREP Boulder and from $500,000 to $28,000,000 annually at PREP Gaithersburg, with project performance periods of up to five (5) years, consistent with the multi-year funding policy described in Section II.2. of this NOFO. NIST may fund up to approximately $250 million for PREP awards operating across the NIST campuses in Boulder, CO, Gaithersburg, MD and Charleston, SC over five years. The specific number of awards will be determined during the selection process, based on the nature and quality of the proposals NIST receives and funding availability.

• Funding Instrument: COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT

• Eligibility: Eligible applicants include accredited institutions of higher education that offer two- or four-year degrees in the U.S. and its territories in academic disciplines relevant to the technical programs of the NIST laboratories and major programs. For the purposes of this NOFO, these disciplines include (but may not be limited to) artificial intelligence, biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, information technology, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical sciences, physics, social sciences, scientific/technical writing, science and technology policy, and statistics. Although Federal entities are not eligible to receive funding under this NOFO, they may participate as unfunded collaborators.

• Cost Sharing Requirements: Non-federal cost sharing IS NOT required for awards issued pursuant to this NOFO.

• Public Website, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): NIST has a public website that provides a “Frequently Asked Questions” page and other information pertaining to this Funding Opportunity.

Table of Contents I. Program Description II. Federal Award Information III. Eligibility Information IV. Application and Submission Information V. Application Review Information VI. Federal Award Administration Information VII. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts VIII. Other Information https://www.nist.gov/about-nist/work-nist https://www.nist.gov/about-nist/work-nist https://www.nist.gov/iaao/academic-affairs-office/nist-professional-research-experience-program-prep https://www.nist.gov/iaao/academic-affairs-office/nist-professional-research-experience-program-prep

Notice of Funding Opportunity July 25, 2022

FULL ANNOUNCEMENT TEXT

I. Program Description

The statutory authority for the NIST PREP Program is 15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c).

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST or the Institute), a non-regulatory Federal agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, is one of the nation's premiere research institutions for the physical and measurement sciences, standards, technology, and engineering. NIST provides a strong interface between government, industry and academia. NIST embodies a science culture, developed from a large and well-equipped research staff that enthusiastically blends programs that address the immediate needs of industry and the nation with longer-term research that anticipates future needs.

NIST’s mission in STEM education is to develop a diverse, world-class pool of scientists and engineers to support measurement science and standards research and develop a general population that understands and appreciates measurement science and standards.

Created in 1991, the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) is designed to support the agency’s mission in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, masters and bachelor’s degree holders, and faculty. The program is intended to:

• Establish a five (5) year cooperative agreement to develop a collaborative relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education to host eligible PREP researchers to work at NIST.

• Develop and train a diverse, world-class pool of scientists and engineers to support NIST's mission in measurement science and standards research.

• Increase the recruitment, retention, and graduation rates of undergraduate and graduate students pursuing STEM degrees.

• Recruit and retain historically marginalized groups (women, minorities, and persons with disabilities) in STEM.

• Assure continued growth and progress of a highly skilled STEM workforce in the United States.

PREP collaborative relationships will include research opportunities at the relevant NIST campuses in Boulder, Colorado (CO) (PREP Boulder), Gaithersburg, Maryland (PREP Gaithersburg), and/or Charleston, South Carolina (SC) (PREP Gaithersburg). Eligible applicants may apply to establish and manage a PREP Boulder program or a PREP Gaithersburg program or may apply to establish and manage programs for both. NIST

Notice of Funding Opportunity July 25, 2022 encourages eligible institutions that primarily enroll historically marginalized groups in STEM, including those who self-identify as a woman, African American, Black, Hispanic, Latinx, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, person with a disability, and/or LGBTQI+, to apply to establish and manage a PREP Boulder program, a PREP Gaithersburg program, or both.

1. NIST Administrative Roles

The management of the NIST PREP Program relies on a NIST PREP Program Manager, a NIST PREP Program Director for Boulder, and a NIST PREP Program Director for Gaithersburg.

The NIST PREP Program Manager is responsible for ensuring consistency with the application processes and the administration of the program across the Institute following award. In addition, the NIST PREP Program Manager coordinates with NIST PREP Program Directors in Boulder and Gaithersburg to resolve issues that arise throughout the period of the cooperative agreement.

The NIST PREP Program Director for Gaithersburg is a NIST employee stationed in Gaithersburg, MD responsible for day-to-day administration and execution of PREP Gaithersburg, including the application process and selections for PREP Gaithersburg researchers, and acts as a single point of contact for coordination with the PREP Gaithersburg Recipient University PREP Program Coordinators.

The NIST PREP Program Director for Boulder is a NIST employee stationed in Boulder, CO responsible for day-to-day administration and execution of PREP Boulder, including the application process and selections for PREP Boulder researchers, and acts as a single point of contact for coordination with the PREP Boulder Recipient University PREP Program Coordinators.

2. NIST Expectations of the Recipient

The recipient institution (PREP recipient) will establish and manage a program to support collaborative research relationships between NIST staff and the following categories of researchers, herein referred to collectively as PREP researchers 1:

• Undergraduate students: Students enrolled full-time in a two-year or four-year degree program at an accredited U.S. academic institution seeking an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree. Undergraduate students are eligible to collaborate with NIST as PREP researchers for five (5) years in this category.

PREP researchers in the undergraduate student category may request one (1) additional year of eligibility under extenuating circumstances. The extension is

1 A PREP researcher is described as an Associate working at NIST, who is not a Federal Employee, is technically qualified, collaborates with NIST on research projects of mutual interest, is not exclusively performing NIST mission-related work, and is employed by a U.S. university/college that has a federal funding agreement with NIST.

Notice of Funding Opportunity July 25, 2022 subject to approval by NIST and the recipient and must show compelling evidence for requesting the eligibility.

• Graduate students: Students enrolled full-time at an accredited U.S. academic institution seeking a master’s degree or doctoral degree. PREP researchers in the graduate student category are eligible for three (3) years as master’s degree seeking students and six (6) years as doctoral degree students. PREP researchers in the graduate student categories may request one (1) additional year of eligibility under extenuating circumstances. The extension is subject to approval by NIST and the recipient and must show compelling evidence for requesting the eligibility.

• Individuals with bachelor’s or master’s degrees: An individual holding a bachelor’s degree and/or master’s degree from an accredited U.S. academic institution who is engaged in temporary mentored research and/or scholarly training to acquire the skills necessary to pursue a career path of their choice.

Additionally, these individuals are not allowed to enroll in a degree seeking program at any university/college in the United States or abroad during their time participating in this category. Bachelor’s degree holders or master’s degree holders are eligible to collaborate as PREP researchers for three (3) and five (5) years, respectively.

• Post-doctoral fellows: An individual holding a doctoral degree for five (5) years or less who is engaged in temporary mentored research and/or scholarly training to acquire the skills necessary to pursue a career path of their choice. Post-doctoral fellows are eligible to collaborate as PREP researchers for five (5) years in this category.

• Senior research fellows: An individual holding a doctoral degree for more than five (5) years. PREP researchers participating as senior research fellows are eligible to collaborate with NIST on research projects for five (5) years in this

• Academic affiliates: 2 Individuals holding appointments at academic institutions.

These appointments include, but are not limited to, the following designations:

faculty, research faculty, adjunct faculty, research associates, instructors, and lecturers. There is not a term limitation for this category.

Note that PREP cooperative agreements are awarded for a maximum of five (5) years. Though certain PREP researcher categories may have an eligibility of five

(5) years or beyond, individual PREP researcher appointments cannot exceed

2 Academic affiliate designation refers to individuals holding appointments at academic institutions. These appointments include, but are not limited to, the following designations: faculty, research faculty, adjunct faculty, research associates, instructors, and lecturers.

Notice of Funding Opportunity July 25, 2022 the period of performance of the governing cooperative agreement. If a subsequent cooperative agreement is established with a given PREP recipient, the PREP recipient may request to extend a PREP researcher’s appointment, up to the maximum eligibility for a given category.

PREP researchers are employed by their academic institutions and may, if appropriate, matriculate to another PREP researcher category during their time participating in the program. As a result, PREP recipients are required to create Individual Development Plans for all PREP researchers to define their career goals and promote growth as PREP researchers. Furthermore, PREP recipients must develop a mechanism to provide career progression for PREP researchers who participate in the program for more than 12 months or matriculate to another PREP category (for example, advancing from a graduate student appointment to a postdoc appointment).

A recipient is expected to meet the objectives of the PREP Program, which are to:

• encourage the growth and progress of science and engineering in the United States by providing research opportunities for PREP researchers with NIST scientists and engineers and exposing them to cutting-edge research and development (R&D),

• increase the recruitment, retention, and graduation rates of all undergraduate and graduate students pursuing STEM degrees,

• promote diversity and equity in STEM, and

• provide professional development for PREP researchers.

In addition to the meeting the program objectives, each recipient will be required to have a University PREP Program Coordinator and University PREP Program Manager.

This section will describe the duties of these roles and their engagement with the NIST administrative roles.

The University PREP Program Coordinator will work closely with the NIST PREP Program Director for Gaithersburg or Boulder as applicable, to recruit and select PREP researchers for research opportunities at a NIST campus. A recipient’s PREP Program Coordinator should be a permanent employee within the recipient’s organization and will be responsible for establishing and managing the PREP program within their organization; the duties should include but not be limited to:

(a) create an outreach plan that describes how the recipient will conduct outreach and advertise PREP opportunities within their organizations, to the scientific and academic communities, and the general public;

(b) formulate a diversity and inclusion plan to recruit, select, and retain historically marginalized groups in STEM (women, African Americans, Blacks, Hispanic, Latinx, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, persons with disabilities and/or LGBTQI+) to the program;

(c) establish a PREP website, which includes job postings, appropriate program and contact information;

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(d) develop a communication plan to communicate with the NIST PREP Program Director for Boulder or Gaithersburg, as applicable, to identify and secure opportunities for PREP researchers at a NIST campus and communicate with PREP researchers during their tenure in the program;

(e) host orientation to inform PREP researchers of fellowship expectations, key program points of contact, and available resources;

(f) facilitate mentorship and professional and career development plans for each category of PREP researcher;

(g) serve as a single point of contact for Recipient staff, PREP Program applicants and researchers, and the NIST PREP Program Director for Boulder or Gaithersburg, as applicable;

(h) resolve any difficulties (i.e. administrative, visa processing, benefits, pay, leave, etc.) that may arise for PREP researchers when they are applying to the program and once they are engaged in the program and working on a NIST campus; and

(i) conduct entry and exit surveys for PREP researchers in order to capture the PREP researchers’ experience(s), as well as meet at least twice yearly with NIST PREP Program Manager and Program Directors to discuss outcomes and lessons learned.

Additionally, the recipient is required to establish a University PREP Program Manager. The University PREP Program Manager will work closely with the University PREP Program Coordinator for Gaithersburg or Boulder and sponsoring academic departments in their university to plan and manage professional development and career experiences of PREP researchers. As employees of PREP recipients, PREP researchers must receive appropriate career development and support through their employer and the University PREP Program Manager will have primary responsibility for ensuring the institution meets its obligations to its employees who participate as PREP researchers. This Manager should be a permanent employee within the recipient’s organization and will be responsible for establishing and managing the technical and research aspects of PREP program and coordinate with the appropriate academic college or department including, but not limited to:

a. Ensure that every PREP researcher will have an advisor who is expected to mentor and support the PREP researcher’s professional growth, including career goals, through the creation of an Individual Development Plan (IDP). The IDP is a combination of the technical performance, and professional and career development (which must include training) plans.

b. Develop and re-evaluate the PREP researcher’s IDP.

c. Evaluate the PREP researcher’s performance per the institution’s established procedures, using specified criteria which is shared with the PREP researcher during on-boarding, and the PREP researcher’s accomplishments to assess merit increases and candidacy for university technical awards.

d. Discuss PREP researcher concerns and experience to improve the broader PREP researcher experience.

Notice of Funding Opportunity

The PREP Program is conducted in English, and it is expected that a recipient will recruit and successfully place PREP researchers in research opportunities at a relevant NIST campus who are proficient in both writing and speaking English. PREP researchers are also expected to have the ability to work with others, a commitment to honesty, and a committed, enthusiastic interest in learning measurement science (metrology), standards, data and technology, and using their own innovativeness to develop new science through experimental or theoretical determinations.

Once PREP researchers are selected and stationed at a NIST campus, they will be required to receive general research guidance and laboratory training from NIST staff as part of the collaboration. PREP researchers are classified as NIST associates and participation as a PREP researcher does not imply consideration for future federal employment. Further, PREP researchers, as NIST associates, are generally prohibited from receiving career development and other training offered to federal employees.

Applicants must be able to ensure the availability of a diverse pool of PREP researchers for on-site collaborative research experiences within the NIST Laboratories operating at the NIST campuses in Boulder, CO, Gaithersburg, MD, or Charleston, SC concurrent with their academic studies.

PREP researchers include students and degree holders. Participating undergraduate or graduate students must be enrolled full-time in an academic program, and it is recommended that participating students have an un-weighted grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale, or equivalent. Additionally, PREP researchers participating as bachelor’s and master’s degree holders, post-doctoral fellows, and senior research fellows must earn the respective degree before beginning the appointment. For instance, a bachelor’s degree holder must have a B.S., and/or B.A.; a master’s degree holder must have a M.S. or M.A.; and post-doctoral fellows and senior research fellows must possess a Ph.D., Sc.D., or academically equivalent doctorate before beginning their appointment.

PREP researchers are not required to have U.S. citizenship to participate in the program. A Recipient must ensure that, for the duration of a PREP researcher’s tenure in the program, any PREP researcher who is not a United States (US) citizen or lawful permanent resident is in possession of an appropriate nonimmigrant visa and, if applicable, authorization to work in the United States; verification may be through the Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system 3 or another method, before a Recipient provides the PREP researcher with award funds. Recipients may not provide federal funding to a PREP researcher who no longer has valid immigration status or employment authorization. Any applicant assisting a PREP researcher who is not a US citizen or lawful permanent resident with visa or employment authorization applications is expected to take into consideration U.S. Department of State and Department of

3 https://www.uscis.gov/e-verify https://www.uscis.gov/e-verify

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Homeland Security processing times for obtaining the appropriate authorizations, including changing from one visa status to another and renewals of required documentation. If, at any time, a PREP researcher’s visa or employment authorization is no longer valid, the PREP researcher may no longer receive funding under the PREP program, until the issue is resolved.

Expenses related to obtaining a PREP researcher’s visa are allowable only at the time a Recipient initially hires a PREP researcher. Fees for expediting visa processing are not allowable costs and may not be included in the applicant’s budget.

Applicants may include reasonable travel and related costs in their program budget for PREP researchers to attend in-person or virtual scientific meetings, technical events, or other events that are relevant to the PREP Program, the PREP topical research areas, the PREP objectives, or the NIST mission, as described above in this NOFO. These costs should be reasonable and reflected in the budget form “SF-424A” (see Section IV.2.a.(2). of this NOFO) and described in the budget narrative (see Section IV.2.a.(7).

of this NOFO) and will be evaluated as part of the application review process (see Section V.1.d. for a description of the Budget Narrative evaluation criteria and how this information will be evaluated and scored). Federal funds may not be used to support expenses related to professional social gatherings, informal seminars, career and professional development trainings, or similar gatherings.

Applicants are encouraged to promote the participation of historically marginalized groups in any research conducted under an award pursuant to this NOFO.

a) NIST Laboratories and Facilities

NIST operates several laboratories to carry out its mission to promote innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life:

1) Communications Technology (CTL),

2) Engineering (EL),

3) Information Technology (ITL),

4) Material Measurement (MML), and

5) Physical Measurement (PML).

In addition, NIST operates two unique and valuable laboratory facilities: the NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR) and the Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology (CNST). Applicants are encouraged to visit their websites to learn about the multi-disciplinary nature of the NIST laboratories and user facilities. Periodically, there are opportunities for PREP researchers to participate in technical special projects in NIST offices outside of the NIST laboratories and user facilities.

https://www.nist.gov/labs-major-programs/laboratories https://www.nist.gov/labs-major-programs/user-facilities

Notice of Funding Opportunity July 25, 2022

All the laboratories identified above participate in the PREP Program. Each is described below along with descriptions of the research topic areas for each of the laboratories that are relevant to the PREP Program, in the order they are presented above.

NIST’s Communications Technology Laboratory (CTL) (in Boulder, CO and Gaithersburg, MD) promotes the development and deployment of reliable, resilient and secure communication networks of today and tomorrow, including advances in connectivity and interoperability for powerful solutions in manufacturing, public safety, and infrastructure. CTL’s six research focus areas include: Core Network Technology, Fundamental Electromagnetic Technologies and Standards, Next Generation Wireless Systems, Public Safety Communications, Smart Infrastructure and Manufacturing, and Spectrum Sharing & Sensing. More information about CTL can be found on the CTL website.

NIST’s Engineering Laboratory (EL) (in Gaithersburg, MD only) promotes U.S.

innovation and industrial competitiveness in areas of critical national priority by anticipating and meeting the measurement science and standards needs for engineering systems in ways that enhance economic prosperity and improve the quality of life. The EL research portfolio includes programs in Community Resilience, Earthquake Risk Reduction in Buildings and Infrastructure, Engineered Materials for Resilient Infrastructure, Fire Risk Reduction in Buildings, Fire Risk Reduction in Communities, Structural Performance for Multi-hazards, Net-Zero Energy, High- Performance Buildings, Embedded Intelligence in Buildings, Measurement Science for Additive Manufacturing, Measurement Science for Manufacturing Robotics, and Advanced Manufacturing Data Infrastructure and Analytics. More information about EL can be found on the EL website.

NIST’s Information Technology Laboratory (ITL) (in Boulder, CO and Gaithersburg, MD) develops and disseminates standards, measurements, and testing for interoperability, security, usability, and reliability of information systems, including cybersecurity standards and guidelines for Federal agencies and U.S. industry, supporting these and measurement science at NIST through fundamental and applied research in computer science, mathematics and statistics. Additional information about ITL can be found on the ITL website.

NIST's Material Measurement Laboratory (MML) (in Boulder, CO, Gaithersburg, MD and Charleston, SC) serves as the national reference laboratory for measurements in the chemical, biological and material sciences through activities ranging from fundamental and applied research to the development and dissemination of certified reference materials, critically evaluated data, and other programs and tools to assure the quality of measurement results. MML is also responsible for coordinating the NIST-wide Standard Reference Material and Standard Reference Data programs. Additional information about MML can be found on the MML website.

https://www.nist.gov/ctl https://www.nist.gov/ctl https://www.nist.gov/el https://www.nist.gov/itl https://www.nist.gov/mml

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NIST’s Physical Measurement Laboratory (PML) (in Boulder, CO and Gaithersburg, MD) develops and disseminates the national standards of length, mass, force and shock, acceleration, time and frequency, electricity, temperature, humidity, pressure and vacuum, liquid and gas flow, and electromagnetic, optical, microwave, acoustic, ultrasonic, and ionizing radiation. PML's activities range from fundamental measurement research through provision of measurement services, standards, and data. PML applies its measurement capabilities to problems of national significance through collaborations with industry, universities, professional and standards setting organizations, and other agencies of government. It supports the research community in such areas as communication, defense, electronics, energy, environment, health, lighting, manufacturing, microelectronics, radiation, remote sensing, space, and transportation.

PML establishes spectroscopic methods and standards for infrared, visible, ultraviolet, x-ray, and gamma-ray radiation; investigates the structure and dynamics of atoms, molecules, and biomolecules; develops the electrical, thermal, dimensional, mechanical, and physical metrology for measuring the properties of precision measurement devices and exploratory semiconductor, quantum electronic, nanoelectronic, bioelectronic, biooptical, optoelectronic, and quantum information devices and systems; and examines the thermophysical and interfacial properties of streams of flowing fluids, fluid mixtures, and solids. It develops and disseminates national standards by means of calibrations, measurement quality assurance, standard reference materials, technology transfer, education/training, and a comprehensive weights and measurement program to promote uniformity and accuracy at the international, federal, state, and local levels. It generates, evaluates, and compiles atomic, molecular, optical, ionizing radiation, electronic, and electromagnetic data in response to national needs; measures and improves accuracy of the fundamental physical constants; and develops and operates major radiation sources for measurement science and metrology. To learn more about PML, visit the PML webpage.

PML contains the NIST Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology (CNST).

NIST’s CNST (in Gaithersburg, MD only) supports the U.S. nanotechnology enterprise from discovery to production by providing industry, academia, NIST, and other government agencies with access to world-class nanoscale measurement and fabrication methods and technology. The CNST's shared-use NanoFab gives researchers access to and training on commercial state-of-the-art tools and clean room facilities required for cutting-edge nanotechnology development. Additional information about CNST can be found on the CNST website.

NIST’s Center for Neutron Research (NCNR) (in Gaithersburg, MD only) is a national resource for industry, universities, and government agencies, focused on providing neutron-measurement capabilities to the U.S. research community. Neutrons are powerful probes of the structure and dynamics of materials ranging from molecules inserted into membranes mimicking cell walls to protons migrating through fuel cells.

The unique properties of neutrons can be exploited by a variety of measurement techniques to provide information not available by other means. Neutron-based research covers a broad spectrum of disciplines, including engineering, biology, https://www.nist.gov/pml https://www.nist.gov/cnst

Notice of Funding Opportunity July 25, 2022 material science, polymers, chemistry, and physics. The NCNR is also operated as a major national user facility. Additional information can be found on the NCNR website.

b) Requirement to Comply with NIST Policies

In addition to adhering to the Administrative and National Policy Requirements in Section VI.2. of this NOFO, Applicants should be aware that participating PREP researchers will be required to comply with the following NIST policies:

a) The requirement that any research data 4 generated from NIST research or NIST funding be made accessible to the public. This requirement results from NIST’s response to the Open, Public, Electronic, and Necessary (OPEN) Government Data Act, Title II of Public Law 115-435, and the Office of Science and Technology Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies of February 22, 2013, Increasing Access to the Results of Federally Funded Scientific Research 5, as implemented through NIST Policy 5700.00, Managing Public Access to Results of Federally Funded Research 6, and NIST Order

5701.00 Managing Public Access to Results of Federally Funded Research 7.

b) The requirement that all research involving human subjects conducted or supported by NIST shall be carried out in accordance with 15 C.F.R. Part 27, the Department of Commerce’s implementation of the Common Rule for Protection of Human Subjects. The NIST Research Protections Office (RPO) reviews any NIST research that potentially involves human subjects. If a NIST employee proposes to include a PREP researcher in such research, the NIST RPO would review the proposal. If the PREP researcher’s participation in the proposal is approved by RPO, the PREP researcher’s work would be conducted under NIST’s Federalwide Assurance (FWA) issued by the Department of Health and Human Service’s Office of Human Research Protection, unless other arrangements are made after consultation with the PREP researcher’s employing institution. The PREP researcher will be required to complete the applicable NIST training, before being approved to participate in the research. For more information regarding research projects involving human subjects, contact Anne Andrews, Director, NIST Research Protections Office (e-mail: anne.andrews@nist.gov; phone: (301) 975- 5445).

c) The requirement that all testing, research, and training conducted or supported by NIST involving live vertebrate animals, including the custom collection of materials from live vertebrate animals for NIST, shall be carried out in accordance with the

4 NIST adopted the definition of “research data” at 2 C.F.R. § 200.315(e)(3) (available at http://go.usa.gov/3sZvQ).

5 https://www.science.gov/docs/ostp_public_access_memo_2013.pdf.

6 https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2018/06/19/final_p_5700.pdf.

7 https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2019/11/08/final_o_5701_ver_2.pdf.

https://www.nist.gov/ncnr mailto:anne.andrews@nist.gov http://go.usa.gov/3sZvQ https://www.science.gov/docs/ostp_public_access_memo_2013.pdf https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2018/06/19/final_p_5700.pdf https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2019/11/08/final_o_5701_ver_2.pdf

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Animal Welfare Act, its implementing regulations, and if appropriate, the Good Laboratory Practice for Nonclinical Laboratory Studies (21 C.F.R. Part 58). In addition, such research activities should be in compliance with the “U.S.

Government Principles for Utilization and Care of Vertebrate Animals Used in Testing, Research, and Training” (Principles). The NIST RPO also reviews any NIST research that potentially involves live vertebrate animals. If a NIST employee proposes to include a PREP researcher in such research, the NIST RPO would review the proposal and consult with the PREP researcher’s employing institution, as appropriate. The PREP researcher will be required to complete the applicable NIST training before being approved to participate in the research. For more information regarding research projects involving live vertebrate animals, contact Anne Andrews, Director, NIST Research Protections Office (e-mail: anne.andrews@nist.gov; phone: (301) 975-5445).

II. Federal Award Information

1. Funding Instrument.

The funding instrument that will be used is a Cooperative Agreement. The nature of NIST’s “substantial involvement” will generally include collaboration with the recipient organization in developing and implementing the approved scope of work, consistent with the definition of cooperative agreement in 2

CFR § 200.1.

2. Multi-Year Funding Policy.

When a proposal for a multi-year award is approved, funding will usually be provided for only the first year of the award. If a project is selected for funding, NIST has no obligation to provide any additional funding in connection with that award. Continuation of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the sole discretion of NIST. Continued funding will be contingent upon satisfactory performance, continued relevance to the mission and priorities of NIST, and the availability of funds.

3. Funding Availability.

In FY22, NIST anticipates funding up to nine (9) awards for approximately $250 million in total with a project performance period of up to five years. New awards are expected to range from approximately $250,000 to $22,000,000 annually at PREP Boulder and from $500,000 to $28,000,000 annually at PREP Gaithersburg, with project performance periods of up to five (5) years, consistent with the multi-year funding policy described in Section II.2. of this NOFO. NIST may fund up to approximately $250 million for PREP awards operating across the NIST campuses in Boulder, CO, Gaithersburg, MD and Charleston, SC over five years. The specific number of awards will be determined during the selection process, based on the nature and quality of the proposals NIST receives and funding availability.

mailto:anne.andrews@nist.gov

Notice of Funding Opportunity

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants Eligible applicants include accredited institutions of higher education that offer two- or four-year degrees in the U.S. and its territories in academic disciplines relevant to the technical programs of the NIST laboratories and major programs (https://www.nist.gov/labs-major-programs/laboratories). For the purposes of this NOFO, these disciplines include (but may not be limited to) artificial intelligence, biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, information technology, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical sciences, physics, scientific/technical writing, science and technology policy, technology management, and statistics. Although Federal entities are not eligible to receive funding under this NOFO, they may participate as unfunded collaborators.

Applicants must be able to ensure the availability of a diverse pool of PREP researchers for on-site (in-person) or virtual (within the U.S. and its territories per NIST IT security requirements and Recipient's policy) collaborative research experiences within the NIST Laboratories operating at the NIST campuses in Boulder, CO, Gaithersburg, MD, or Charleston, SC.

An eligible organization may work individually or include proposed sub-awardees, contractors or other collaborators in a project, effectively forming a team or consortium.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching Non-federal cost sharing IS NOT required for awards issued pursuant to this

NOFO.

3. Eligible PREP researchers. Participating individuals are eligible for the following PREP research categories:

a. Undergraduate students: Must be enrolled full-time in an associates or bachelor’s degree academic program. It is recommended that the participating students have an unweighted grade point average of 3.0 on a 4-point scale or equivalent.

Undergraduates are eligible for five (5) years in this category.

b. Graduate students: Must be enrolled full-time in a master’s degree or doctoral degree academic program. It is recommended that the participating students have an unweighted grade point average of

3.0 on a 4-point scale or equivalent. Master’s degree students are eligible for three (3) years and doctoral degree students are eligible for six (6) years to collaborate with NIST in this category.

c. Individuals with bachelor’s or master’s degrees: Must have earned a bachelor’s degree and/or master’s degree. Additionally, Notice of Funding Opportunity July 25, 2022 these individuals are not enrolled at a university during their appointment as PREP researchers. Bachelor’s degree holders are eligible for three (3) years and master’s degree holders are eligible for five (5) years in this category.

d. Post-doctoral fellows: Must have earned or held a doctoral degree for five (5) years or less. Researchers participating as PREP Post-doctoral fellows are eligible for five (5) years in this category.

e. Senior research fellows: An individual holding a doctoral degree for more than five (5) years who has a unique expertise to contribute to research which meets the NIST mission. PREP researchers participating as senior research fellows are eligible for five (5) years in this category.

f. Academic affiliates: Individuals holding appointments at academic institutions. These appointments include, but are not limited to, the following designations: faculty, research faculty, adjunct faculty, research associates, instructors, and lecturers. There is not an appointment limitation for this category.

To clarify, PREP student researchers (undergraduate and graduate) must be enrolled full time in a program toward an applicable degree at the recipient’s institution. PREP researchers participating as bachelor’s and master’s degree holders, post-doctoral fellows, senior research fellows, and academic affiliates must have earned an applicable degree (a B.S., B.A., M.S., M.A., Ph.D., Sc.D. or academically equivalent doctorate) before beginning their appointment in the applicable PREP research category. Furthermore, participating researchers may be considered for the next PREP research category after the years of eligibility are met and degree requirements are fulfilled for the initial category of the appointment. For instance, a postdoctoral fellow may transition to senior research fellow appointment five (5) years after their appointment, subject to the approval of both the recipient and NIST.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

The application package is available at Grants.gov under Funding Opportunity Number 2022-NIST-PREP-01.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission.

Set forth below are the required content and form of applications submitted pursuant to this NOFO.

a. Required Forms and Documents. The Application must contain the following:

http://www.grants.gov/

Notice of Funding Opportunity July 25, 2022

(1) SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. The SF-424 must be signed by an authorized representative of the applicant organization.

For SF-424, Item 8.d. Zip/Postal Code field, should reflect the Zip code + 4 (#####-####) format.

For SF-424, Item 12, should list the NOFO number 2022-NIST-PREP-01.

SF-424, Item 15, must specify either “PREP Boulder” or “PREP Gaithersburg” depending on the sub-program to which the particular application is directed.

SF-424, Item 18, should list the total budget information for the duration of the project.

The list of certifications and assurances referenced in Item 21 of the SF- 424 is contained in the Federal Financial Assistance Certifications and Representations (Certs and Reps) as part of the SAM.gov entity registration.

(2) SF-424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs

The focus of PREP is the researcher’s experience, and the budget must reflect this principle. The budget should reflect anticipated expenses for the entire project, considering all potential cost increases, including cost of living adjustments.

a. The applicant should reflect each year of the project, up to the first four

(4) years, on the SF-424A form that appears as part of the mandatory forms in the Grants.gov application package. The second SF-424A form should be submitted to cover year five (5) of the project, and its submission details are found in in Section IV.2.a.(13). of this NOFO.

b. In Section A, the Grant Program Function or Activity on Line 1 under

Column (a) should be entered as Science, Technology, Business and/or Education Outreach, CFDA 11.620, or an abbreviation thereof.

The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number on Line 1 under Column (b) should be entered as “11.620”. The total budget amount for the term of the award should be listed in Section A, Line 1, Column (e).

c. Section B, Column (1) of the SF-424A should reflect funds for the first year of the award. Section B, Column (2) of the SF-424A should reflect funds for the second year of the award. Section B, Column (3) of the SF-424A should reflect funds for the third year of the award. Section B, Column (4) of the SF-424A should reflect funds for the fourth year of the award.

d. Cost share IS NOT required. Section C may be blank since Non-

Federal cost sharing is not required for awards issued pursuant to this NOFO. Applicants who wish to pledge voluntary cost share to the project must complete the following sections: For Column (b) enter resources provided by the applicant. If not applicable, leave blank. For Column (c), enter resources provided by one or more States. If not applicable, leave blank. For Column (d) enter resources provided by the other sources (e.g., in-kind contribution, program income). If not applicable, leave blank.

e. Section D requires a breakdown of the first year’s budget by quarter.

f. Section E requires the budget estimate of federal funds needed for each year of the project. The budget estimate for the first year of the award should be entered in Section E, Line 16, Column (b). The budget estimate for the second year of the award should be entered in Section E, Line 16, Column (c). The budget estimate for the third year of the award should be entered in Section E, Line 16, Column (d). And the budget estimate for the fourth year of the award should be entered in Section E, Line 16, Column (e).

(3) CD-511, Certification Regarding Lobbying. Enter “2022-NIST-PREP-

01” in the Award Number field. Enter either “PREP Boulder” or “PREP Gaithersburg”, depending on the sub-program to which the particular application is directed, in the Project Name field.

(4) SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable).

(5) Communication Plan: The plan describes the key personnel and response time for communicating with the NIST PREP Program Director for Boulder or Gaithersburg, as applicable; the procedures to identify and secure opportunities for PREP researchers at a NIST campus and the dissemination of expectations, program contacts, and information pertaining to the appointment with PREP researchers during their tenure in the program. Additionally, the plan must describe the recipient’s approach to challenges (such as visa processing, conflict, and pay) which may occur before and during the appointment with PREP researchers.

(6) Outreach Plan: The plan describes how the recipient will conduct outreach and advertise PREP within their organization, to the scientific and academic communities, and the general public. Recipients are encouraged to describe the plan in detail.

Notice of Funding Opportunity July 25, 2022

(7) Diversity and Inclusion Plan: The plan describes strategies to recruit, select, and retain PREP researchers from populations historically marginalized groups in STEM. Additionally, the plan should be described with as much specificity as possible, including the types and/or names of academic institutions and professional organizations where students will be recruited and the efforts that will be made to attract members of underrepresented groups.

(8) Individual Development Plan: The plan is a combination of the Technical Performance Plan and Professional and Career Development Plan required for each category of PREP researchers. Additional details about the plan are described below.

a. Technical Performance Plan: The plan details the management and evaluation of the technical performance for each PREP researcher category. Plans must define the appraisal cycle and specific criteria used to monitor and evaluate technical performance. Additionally, the plan must describe the PREP researcher, NIST sponsoring laboratory, and recipient’s role in technical performance planning and review.

Furthermore, the plan must describe how the recipient will use the PREP researcher’s performance to assess merit increases and candidacy for university technical awards.

b. Professional and Career Development Plan: The recipient is responsible for supporting the professional and career development for PREP researchers employed by the recipient. The plan must describe the proposed topics for professional and career development for each PREP research category and the frequency of the opportunities. Plans for professional and career development must include training in the responsible and ethical conduct of research. Additionally, recipients are encouraged to develop plans which include opportunities to prepare for graduate school and careers in STEM, managing work/life balance, and navigating the job search for PREP researchers.

Federal funds may not be used to support expenses related to professional social gatherings, informal seminars, career and professional development trainings, or similar gatherings. Alternatively, recipients may offer professional and career development training created for traditional university staff in the plan. The Professional Development and Career Plan must include details of the course offerings for each PREP researcher category and the frequency which the trainings are available.

(9) Project Narrative. The Project Narrative is a word-processed document of no more than twenty-five (25) pages (double-spaced between lines), Notice of Funding Opportunity which is responsive to the program description and the evaluation criteria.

The page limit includes Cover Page; Table of Contents (if included);

Project Narrative with all required information, including figures, graphs, tables, images, and pictures).

The project narrative should contain the following information:

a. Cover Page. The cover page must specify to which program the applicant is applying (Gaithersburg or Boulder). If applying for both programs, the applicant must submit a separate application for each location.

b. Executive Summary. An executive summary of the proposed project should briefly describe the applicant’s plan to establish and manage a program to…