Amendment 0001 FY22 NOFO_Research final.pdf

31310022K0001

Part I - Overview Information

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (http://www.nrc.gov)

Title:

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), the University Nuclear Leadership Program (formerly the Integrated University Program), Research and Development Grant, Fiscal Year (FY) 2022.

Announcement Type:

New

Announcement of Opportunity Number:

Required Federal Citations:

Program Authority: Section 31b and 141b of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number:

CFDA #: 77.008

Key Dates:

Release/Posted Date: 02-01-2022 Application Due Date: 04-05-2022 Earliest Anticipated Start Date: 09-30-2022

The recipient must submit applications in response to this NOFO for Federal assistance electronically through Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov) using the SF-424 forms and the Application Guide included with this announcement in Grants.gov/Apply for Grants (hereafter called Grants.gov/Apply).

The recipient’s application must be successfully received by Grants.gov no later than 5:00 p.m., ET on 04-05-2022. If the recipient needs information on alternate means of submitting its application, see Section IV.3.B.1.

Electronic submissions of applications through Grants.Gov is preferred. Therefore, paper applications will not be accepted, unless extenuating circumstances are documented.

Applications that are incomplete, non-compliant and/or nonresponsive will not be reviewed.

Additional Overview Content

Executive Summary:

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is an independent agency, established by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, tasked with licensing, and regulating the Nation’s http://www.nrc.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp civilian use of byproduct, source, and special nuclear material to ensure adequate protection of public health and safety, to promote the common defense and security, and to protect the environment.

Type of Award:

It is anticipated that this NOFO will result in the award of multiple grants.

Funds Available and Anticipated Number or Awards:

Award of these grants is contingent upon the availability of funds. The estimated budget for this program is $6,000,000.00. The NRC anticipates that there may be up to twelve (12) grants awarded as a result of this NOFO. The number of awards depends on the number, quality, duration, and costs of the applications received.

Budget and Project Period:

This is a three (3)- year program. Research and development funds may be requested up to $500,000.00 total costs (direct costs and facilities and administrative costs) for the project period.

Eligible Institutions:

See Section III, 1. for eligible institutions. Please note, in the context of this document, the term “institution” is used synonymously with the term “recipient; however, in the case of a teaming arrangement or consortium, only the lead university is the recipient.

Eligible Principal Investigators (PIs):

Individuals with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to conduct the proposed project are invited to work with their institution/organization to develop an application. A Principal Investigator (PI) may submit only one (1) application in response to this announcement. A PI may not be a Co-PI on another application in response to this announcement.

Number of Applications:

An applicant/institution may submit no more than two (2) applications in response to this announcement.

Continuation Applications:

Not applicable.

Application Materials:

See Section IV for application materials.

Hearing Impaired:

Telecommunications for the hearing impaired are available at: TTY 240-428-3217.

Table of Contents

Part I - Overview Information

Part II - Full Text of Announcement

Section I. Funding Opportunity Description

Section II. Award Information

Section III. Eligibility Information

Section IV. Application and Submission Information

Section V. Application Review Information

Section VI. Award Administration Information

Section VII. Agency Contacts

Section VIII. Other Information

Part II - Full Text of Announcement

Section I. Funding Opportunity Description

1. Program Objectives

The program provides funding to support research and development (R&D) for nuclear science, engineering, technology, and related disciplines to develop a workforce capable of supporting the design, construction, operation, and regulation of nuclear facilities and the safe handling of nuclear materials. University R&D activities provide an opportunity complement current, ongoing NRC-led research. A summary of NRC planned research activities can be found at https://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/regulatory/research/activities.html.

More specifically, the program shall be used to provide financial assistance for R&D projects relevant to the programmatic mission of the NRC referenced above, with an emphasis on providing financial assistance with respect to research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities relevant to civilian advanced nuclear reactors, including but not limited to, relevant fuel cycle technologies, advanced construction, manufacturing, and fabrication methods.

The NRC invites R&D projects that complement its current research portfolio and that help the NRC prepare for upcoming challenges. The NRC seeks projects that provide a variety of direct and indirect, near- and longer-term benefits. These benefits include:

• Identification and closure of potentially important technical gaps ahead of regulatory needs,

• Heightened awareness and knowledge of key advanced technology developments being pursued outside of NRC, and

• Improved foundational knowledge on key topics of future regulatory interest.

Areas of particular interest include:

• Aging/degradation of nuclear plant systems, structures, and components;

• Cyber security impacts of new/advanced technologies at nuclear facilities;

https://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/regulatory/research/activities.html

• Application of wireless communications, drones, robotics, and autonomous control in operations and maintenance activities;

• Digital engineering/analytics, advanced sensors, and digital instrumentation/controls at nuclear facilities;

• Advanced materials and manufacturing for nuclear applications;

• Advanced construction techniques for nuclear builds;

• Application of digital twin and other digital engineering techniques in the design;

construction, and operations of nuclear facilities;

• Advanced non-destructive examination techniques, including the application of artificial intelligence to nuclear applications;

• Evaluation of technical gaps and major uncertainties in assessing risk for advanced reactors;

• Human and organizational factors and human reliability analysis for advanced nuclear applications, including improved models for dependency, consideration of organizational factors, and dynamic methods;

• Characterization of low frequency, high consequence natural or industrial hazards for advanced nuclear application;

• Characterization, handling, fabrication, transportation, storage, or disposal of fresh and spent nuclear fuel for nuclear power plants (including the various advanced reactor designs that are currently under development);

• Analyses, data, and evaluations that will support an understanding of the safety, technical gaps and major uncertainties for (1) small modular and advanced reactor designs with emphasis in the areas, natural circulation, heat transfer, boron dilution, neutronics, source term analysis, severe accident analysis and (2) fuel cycle technologies, with emphasis on experimental test and analytical model data to help validate the NRC’s scientific computer codes and ability to assess application of these technologies;

• Analysis models and methods for fuel and cladding performance under steady state, transient, and accident conditions including fuel fragmentation, relocation, and dispersal;

• Advanced technology approaches (e.g., data and text analytics and artificial intelligence) and applications (e.g., data mining, risk communication, autonomous control) in nuclear power-related applications. Some specific areas of focus could be (1) assessing or developing methods for explainable artificial intelligence, (2) gaining new insights from existing publicly available agency datasets (e.g., ADAMS, Licensee Event Reports), (3) incorporating equipment failure trends, (4) using AI for autonomous control in complex systems, (5) optimizing maintenance activities, (6) using machine learning to study physical processes in materials and fluid mechanics, including advanced non-destructive examination techniques, and

(7) probabilistic risk assessment, and (8) risk-informed decision- making in licensing, inspection, and other regulatory activities;

• Evaluation of the radiological releases and offsite consequences for fusion reactor accidents; and

• Analytical approaches that combine probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) risk quantification methods with reactor systems sensitivity or uncertainty analysis methods to quantify the risk significance of safety analysis errors or uncertainties.

An example application might be to quantify the risk significance of a given error in the safety analysis critical heat flux correlation in terms of the likelihood and extend of fuel rod failures per year.

Although the NOFO identifies many of the NRC’s R&D priorities, the NRC will strive to award projects that cover multiple project areas specified above. Your application should emphasize the technical area(s) proposed under this project.

See Section VIII, Other Information, for policies related to this announcement.

Section II. Award Information

1. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost sharing or matching funds is not required. However, institutions are encouraged to cost share or match NRC funding (non-Federal funds) to enhance the benefits of the NRC grant.

For purposes of this announcement, cost sharing or matching means additional contributions (either financial or in-kind) that enhance the overall goals of the research grant program. Cost sharing or matching may be used to build infrastructure in nuclear and related disciplines and may include a variety of areas ranging from support of students to facility improvements or expansion. A written agreement or letter, within the last twelve (12) months, with a cost sharing or matching commitment is required at the time the application is submitted. See 2 CFR 200.306 for additional information.

If providing cost sharing or matching funds, institutions must include the type and value of support and describe how the contribution will enhance the program. *Academic year faculty release time is not a valid “in kind” cost share/matching contribution.

Cost sharing or matching funds is NOT a scored review criterion.

See Section III.2.B, for citizenship requirements.

See Section VIII., Other Information, for policies related to this announcement.

Section III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Institutions

The NRC encourages the diversification of its grants through effective cooperative or partnership arrangements with Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) that may receive funding support from this program.

The NRC strongly encourages diversifying its grants through effective cooperative or partnership arrangements with Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) that may receive funding support from this program.

Institutional representatives may submit an application(s) if the institution is a regionally accredited U.S. public or private institution of higher education, as defined in Section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 USC 1002). Affiliates that manage externally funded programs for Institutions of Higher Education are eligible to submit applications for this NOFO on behalf of the institution; however, award funds are only provided to the institution’s project.

The NRC is committed to the diversification of its grants by encouraging institutions to partner with MSIs such as the following:

• Public/State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education, http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=6513161b4160cdcdf773d20c58b46e80&amp%3Bmc=true&amp%3Bnode=se2.1.200_1306&amp%3Brgn=div8 http://www.doleta.gov/recovery/pdf/20_USC_1002.pdf https://oui.doleta.gov/dmstree/gal/gal99/gal_0299a.htm https://oui.doleta.gov/dmstree/gal/gal99/gal_0299a.htm

• Private Institutions of Higher Education,

• Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs),

• Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs),

• Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs),

• Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions,

• Predominately Black Institutions (PBIs), and

• Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs).

No funds under this announcement are reserved or otherwise set-aside for any specific institutions.

Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions) are not eligible to apply.

Federal agencies, national laboratories, and Federally funded research and development centers are not eligible to receive Federal assistance under this announcement. Individuals and other entities not listed above may not apply directly to the NRC for these grants.

2. Eligibility Requirements

2.A. Eligible Individuals

Any individual(s) with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research as the PI is invited to work with his/her organization to develop an application for support. Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities are always encouraged to apply for NRC support.

More than one PI (i.e., multiple PIs), may be designated on the application for projects that require a “team science” approach and therefore clearly do not fit the single-PI model.

The decision of whether to apply for a grant with a single PI or multiple PIs grant is the responsibility of the investigators and applicant organizations and should be determined by the scientific goals of the project. Applications for grants with multiple PIs will require additional information, as outlined in the instructions below. When considering the multiple PI option, please be aware that the structure and governance of the PI leadership team as well as the knowledge, skills and experience of the individual PIs will be factored into the assessment of the overall scientific merit of the application. Multiple PIs on a project share the authority and responsibility for leading and directing the project, intellectually and logistically. Each PI is responsible and accountable to the grantee organization, or as appropriate to a collaborating organization, for the proper conduct of the project or program, including the submission of required reports.

Although the PIs write the grant application and are responsible for conducting and supervising the research, the actual applicant is the research institution/organization.

PIs may submit only one application in response to this announcement.

2.B. Citizenship Requirement

At the time of application and for the full term of the grant, all graduate students, faculty, PIs, Co-PIs, and other participants supported under or participating in the grant must meet the following citizenship requirements:

(1) Be a United States citizen, or

(2) Be a noncitizen national of the United States,* or

(3) Have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence (i.e., in possession of a currently valid Alien Registration Receipt Card I-551, or other legal verification of such status). Individuals on temporary visas, as well as refugees and asylees, are not eligible.

*Noncitizen nationals are persons born in outlying possessions of the United States (i.e., American Samoa and Swains Island).

COMPLIANCE WITH U.S. IMMIGRATION LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Grant recipients are responsible to ensure that their foreign personnel (including PIs or Co-PIs) are not in violation of United States immigration laws and regulations, including employment authorization documents and visa requirements. Each recipient of funds under this award must be lawfully admitted for permanent residence at the time of application and for the duration of the grant period, as evidenced by Permanent Resident Form I-551 (Green Card) or must present other evidence from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that employment will not affect his/her immigration status. The U.S.

Citizenship and Immigration Services provides information to grant recipients to help them understand the employment eligibility verification process for non-U.S. citizens. This information can be found on their website, http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis.

The NRC reserves the right to take any number of administrative actions (e.g., disallow costs, termination) should the recipient violate its responsibility under this clause.

Applicants shall include a certification statement regarding compliance with the Citizenship Requirement of this announcement. The required certification template is provided in Section IV.H. and must be submitted as a separate attachment to the application.

Section IV. Application and Submission Information

The institution may download an SF424 Grant Application Package and instructions for completing the SF424 forms for this NOFO by linking to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html and following the directions provided on that Web site. Institutions must complete a one-time registration at Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html).

If the institution has questions regarding Grants.gov registration, refer to:

Grants.gov

• Contact Center Phone: 800-518-4726

Hours of Operation: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Closed on Federal holidays (see Office of Personnel Management Federal Holidays).

• Email Support: Support@grants.gov http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays/ mailto:Support@grants.gov

The NRC requires all prospective awardees to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database prior to award, during performance, and through the end of the project period. The institution should allow processing time of at least 48 hours, when registering with SAM. If the institution is not currently registered, the NRC recommends that it consider registering immediately to avoid delays. The institution may obtain registration information at: http://www.sam.gov.

1. Request Application Information

Applicants must download the SF-424 application forms and instructions for this NOFO through Grants.gov/Apply.

2. Application Forms and Content

The institution prepares its application using the SF-424 application form. Both the application form and instructions for completing it can be downloaded from http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html.

The SF-424 application has several components. An institution’s application is complete only if it includes the following components:

Required Components:

SF-424: Application for Federal Assistance - CFDA Number: 77.008 SF-424A: Budget Information - complete Sections A, B1, C, D, E and F Certificate Regarding Lobbying Form SF-LLL: Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, if applicable

Allowable Costs: Allowable costs must be consistent with 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart E— COST PRINCIPLES, be well documented and fully justified for the activities proposed.

These costs include but are not limited to the following: materials, supplies, travel to professional meetings, support to defray student participation expenses, such as student compensation (when appropriate) and other student costs (e.g., fees, books, tuition and lab fees) for no more than the amounts specified in the section entitled “Budget and Project Period”. The recipient must provide documentation of tuition rates, if included in the application. Grant funds may not be used to supplant funds otherwise available at the applicant institution. It is recommended that the recipient consult NRC contacts identified in Section VII, if there are any questions regarding allowable costs.

Personnel: The Principal Investigator will be solely responsible for planning, directing, and executing the proposed project. Individuals participating in the design and implementation of the grant may request salary and fringe benefits appropriate for the person months devoted to the program. These expenses must be itemized in Sections A and B, as appropriate, of the SF 424A Budget page. Salaries requested may not exceed the levels commensurate with the institution's policy for similar positions. Limited administrative and clerical salary costs associated distinctly with the program, that are not normally provided by the applicant organization, may be direct charges to the grant only when specifically identified and adequately justified.

1 Applicants shall provide the budget breakdown required in Section B - Budget Categories by Year.

http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=daac6e6e8d3bc87ea6b6d0e2067bf629&amp%3Bnode=sp2.1.200.e&amp%3Brgn=div6 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=daac6e6e8d3bc87ea6b6d0e2067bf629&amp%3Bnode=sp2.1.200.e&amp%3Brgn=div6

Graduate students may be included on applications. Graduate students should not be listed as principal investigators, co-principal investigators, or senior personnel. Further, their compensation should not be listed under Personnel and should be listed separately under Other Expenses.

Fringe Benefits The recipient must provide a copy of the applicable fringe benefit rates. A description of how the cost was computed is required. Provide an explanation for rate changes or escalation, if any.

Travel The recipient must provide a detailed cost breakdown for travel cost. Cost needs to be itemized. Estimate the cost of all travel for each trip by destination, number of people and days, air fare, hotel, per diem, car rental, etc.

Equipment The recipient must provide an itemized list of equipment showing the cost for each item and an explanation for why the equipment is needed. Proposals requesting to purchase equipment must include equipment quotes or vendor agreements.

Supplies The recipient must provide an itemized list of supplies which includes the cost and quantity per item. A basis for developing the cost estimate (vendor quotes, invoice prices, purchase order history, etc.) must be included.

Other Direct Cost This section of the cost proposal includes all other directly related costs required in support of the program. A description for each cost is required along with how the cost was computed. A basis for developing the cost estimate (vendor quotes, invoice prices, purchase order history, etc.) must be included.

Indirect Cost/Facilities and Administrative (F&A) Costs A copy of the recipient’s current rate agreement is required in the application with the budget justification. Applicants will use their negotiated indirect rate agreements. F&A will be allowed in accordance with 2 CFR § 200.306 & 2 CFR § 200.414.

Other Program-Related Expenses: Consultant costs, equipment, supplies, travel for key persons, and other program-related expenses must be justified as specifically required by the proposed program and must not duplicate items generally available for educational programs at the applicant institution. Travel/virtual participation to the NRC to present research results and/or attend the NRC’s Annual Regulatory Information Conference (RIC) is an allowable expense. These expenses must be itemized, as appropriate, in the SF424A object class categories and fully documented in the budget justification. Committed Cost Sharing/Matching becomes an official part of the budget and should be documented on the SF424A and in the proposed budget justification.

Recipient Commitment and Responsibilities: The recipient must demonstrate a commitment to support the program objectives of this NOFO. The PI and the recipient institution are expected to have or to develop an administrative structure that enables faculty, academic administrators, and others involved in the project to interact productively during the award period. In a cooperative or partnership arrangement the recipient receiving the NRC grant is responsible for all support provided under the grant.

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=c71a8ba6c3931080ecfb3ffb0045f01c&mc=true&node=se2.1.200_1306&rgn=div8 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=c71a8ba6c3931080ecfb3ffb0045f01c&mc=true&node=se2.1.200_1414&rgn=div8

Applications Involving Multiple Institutions: When multiple institutions are involved in a cooperative or partnership arrangement, one institution must be designated as the prime institution and funding for the other institution(s) must be requested via a subcontract to be administered by the prime institution. The prime institution should submit its budget using the SF-424A Budget component, including the subcontract(s) total amount. Contractual costs for support services are occasionally sufficiently high to warrant a categorical breakdown of costs.

When this is the case, provide detailed information as part of the budget narrative. Letters of commitment between multiple institutions, signed by their respective authorized organization representatives, are required as part of the application.

All other institutions (subcontractors) should complete their individual SF-424A budget forms attached separately, and information concerning the consortium/subcontract budget must be provided in their budget narrative.

3. Submission Dates and Times

See Section IV.3.A. for details.

3. A. Submission and Anticipated Start Dates

Release/Posted Date: 02-01-2022 Application Due Date: 04-05-2022 Earliest Anticipated Start Date: 09-30-2022

3.A.1 Application Content

The recipient must download a grant application package from http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/download-application-package.html

Required Elements for Applications

A. Format:

Font Size, Style, and Color

• 11 point, Arial, black color (A Symbol font may be used to insert Greek letters or special characters.) This is a requirement for all pages included in the document, i.e., table of contents, references, etc.

Page Size and Margins

• Use standard paper size (8 ½" x 11”).

• Use one-inch margins (top, bottom, left, and right).

• The NRC requires all text attachments to the SF424 application forms to be submitted as PDF files. Adobe PDF format is preferred.

Footer

• Each page should include a page number and Principal Investigator’s last name in the bottom right-hand corner.

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/download-application-package.html

Attachments

• The NRC requires all text attachments to the SF424 application forms to be submitted as separate individual PDF files. Adobe PDF format is preferred.

B. Executive Summary* (one-page maximum):

Describe the proposed project’s essential elements.

• Descriptive title of proposed project: NOTE: The applicant should describe its program as the University’s program and not the NRC’s program.

• Name, address, email address and telephone number of the PI(s).

• Name(s), address, email address and affiliations of other investigator/collaborative personnel who will contribute significantly to the project.

• The project’s total funding request.

• Concise statement of the project’s objectives and benefits.

Applications that are incomplete, non-compliant and/or nonresponsive will not be reviewed.

C. Project Description:

Applications must include and clearly identify the following elements in the Project Description section:

1. State the management structure and the capability for administering the program.

2. Identify the evaluation plan that will provide information on the effectiveness of the project.

3. State any arrangements with other non-Federal entities that provide additional support, usually in the form of cost sharing or matching to the goals of this project. A written agreement or letter is required from the source of the matching funds.

The project description (which is not the same as the evaluation criteria in Section V.1) is limited to seven (7*) pages or less, including text, tables, and visual materials (e.g., charts, graphs, maps, photographs). The page limit does not include the following:

• Executive Summary;

• Budget and Budget Narrative;

• Current and Pending Support;

• Curriculum Vitae;

• Past NRC Funding and Summary of Results from Past NRC Funding, if applicable; or

• Other required forms.

D. Summary of Current and Pending Support:

The applicant must provide information on all current and pending support for ongoing projects and proposals. Include the proposed project and all other projects or activities using Federal assistance or that require a portion of time of the PI or other senior personnel. Describe the relationship between the proposed project and these other projects and state the number of person-months per year to be devoted to the projects.

E. Curriculum Vitae:

Include a two- (2) page maximum curriculum vitae for each PI and other senior personnel involved in carrying out the proposal, including recent relevant publication references.

F. Detailed Budget Narrative and Application Instructions:

Submit a detailed budget narrative explaining the need for and justifying the costs of the Federal and the non-Federal expenditures as they relate to the application objectives.

Budget should be labeled with each budget line item and proposed funding. See Attachment I - for a sample budget narrative. This level of detail shall be followed in describing your budget narrative under SF-424A.

SF-424 Section A – Budget Summary: Fill in “31310022K0001” under the “Grant Program Function or Activity” (Column a). The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number is 77.008 (Column b). Columns (c) and (d) should be left blank. Columns (e) and

(f) should include the total Federal and Non-Federal funding for the entire grant period.

List all expenditures in the budget narrative using the same budget categories on SF- 424A, Section B (Budget Category). Describe each expense in the budget narrative by object class (e.g., personnel, equipment, travel, and other costs) in the order that they appear on the SF-424A, Section B. Include the dollar amounts in the budget narrative/justification and how the dollar amounts were derived.

Sub-award: A budget narrative is requested for sub-award institutions. Letters of commitment between multiple institutions, signed by their respective authorized organization representatives, are required as part of the application.

The cost sharing or matching amount, if applicable, should be entered in the SF-424A, Section C, “Non-Federal Resources.” The total on Section D, Line 14, and Section E, Line 21, equals total project costs.

Include a detailed description of all costs in the budget justification.

The budget justification submitted with the application must match the dollar amounts on all required forms (i.e., SF-424, SF-424A, Section F). Please explain each calculation and provide a narrative that supports each budget category as it relates to the project objectives.

Applicants shall include a certification statement regarding compliance with Section 2.B., “Citizenship Requirement” of this announcement.

G. Audit Report

Submit a current copy of the institution’s A-133 Audit report.

H. CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE WITH U.S. IMMIGRATION LAWS AND

REGULATIONS (RESEARCH GRANTS)

Applicants shall include a completed CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE WITH U.S.

IMMIGRATION LAWS AND REGULATIONS (RESEARCH GRANTS) to document compliance with the Citizenship Requirement of this announcement. The required certification template is provided below and must be submitted as a separate attachment to the application.

The university recipient shall provide the following certification statement regarding the citizenship status of all researchers, graduate students, PIs, Co-PIs, and other participants supported under or participating in this grant.

For researchers, PIs, Co-PIs, graduate students, and other participants who are non-citizens, institutions are required to provide in the grant application documentation of the individual’s lawful admittance to the United States.

{Provide this Certification Statement on Your Institution’s Letterhead as a separate document.}

CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE WITH U.S. IMMIGRATION

LAWS AND REGULATIONS (RESEARCH GRANTS)

The NRC requires a duly authorized representative of the applicant institution to certify that all researchers, PIs, Co-PIs, graduate students, and other participants supported under or participating in the grant comply with the citizenship requirements of Section 2.B. of this announcement.

I hereby certify that all researchers, PIs, Co-PIs, graduate students, and other participants supported under or participating in the grant comply with the citizenship requirements of Section 2.B of this announcement.

At the time of application and for the full term of the grant, all researchers, PIs, Co-PIs, graduate students, and other participants supported under or participating in the grant are—

(1) a United States Citizen; or

(2) a non-citizen national of the United States; or

(3) a non-United Citizen who has been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence (i.e., in possession of a currently valid Alien Registration Receipt Card I-551, or other legal verification of such status) at the time of application and for the full term of the grant.

I further certify that there [ ] are [ ] are not personnel or other participants proposed under this grant agreement that are in violation of the United States immigration laws and regulations, including employment authorization documents and visa requirements.

Below I have provided the name, address, contact information, and citizenship status for each researcher, PI, Co-PI, graduate student, and other participant supported under or participating in the grant.

[provide name, address, contact information, and citizenship status]

I have provided documentation of the citizenship status for each of the following individuals who are included in my institution’s application and who are not United States citizens:

• Researchers, [as applicable, provide name, address, contact information, and citizenship status]

• Principal Investigators and Co-Principal Investigators [as applicable, provide name, address, contact information, and citizenship status],

• Participating graduate students [as applicable, provide name, address, contact information, and citizenship status], and

• Other participants [as applicable, provide name, address, contact information, and citizenship status].

Signature of Authorized Representative Date (mm/dd/yyyy) for Applicant Institution

Printed Name and Title of Authorized Representative

1.A. Submitting an Application Electronically to the NRC

We encourage applicants to apply early to avoid problems uploading applications to www.Grants.gov. If necessary, the NRC will make adjustments to the correction window or submission deadlines to protect applicants’ ability to submit on-time.

Electronic submission is required through www.Grants.gov. If the recipient cannot submit through Grants.gov due to transmission issues, applications may be submitted via email to the NRC. The Authorized Organization Official should contact the GRANTS.GOV SUPPORT to document and help resolve the submission issues, then:

1. Document the issue with the NRC Grants Officer listed in Section VII.

Agency Contacts; and

2. Include recipient’s www.Grants.gov support ticket number with recipient’s alternate submission.

3.B.1. Alternate submissions

Email submissions must be sent by the institution’s Authorized Organization Official (not the PI) to the Agency contacts found in Section VII in this announcement. The email subject http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html line should include the www.Grants.gov support ticket number with the recipient’s name.

1.B. Application Processing

Applications received will be evaluated by the NRC. Applications that are received after the closing date and time, incomplete or non-responsive will not be reviewed or considered for award. Applications that are submitted under the incorrect NOFO number shall not be reviewed or considered for award.

Grants.gov will acknowledge receipt of applications. The submitting Authorized Organizational Representative receives the Grants.gov acknowledgments. Applicants can track the recipient’s applications at:

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/track-my-application.html.

2. Funding Restrictions

All NRC awards are subject to the administrative requirements in accordance with

2 CFR Part 200 and other considerations described in “The Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Standard Terms and Conditions for U.S. Non-Governmental Recipients.”

3. Information on Civil Rights Compliance Requirements Imposed as a Condition of Award of NRC Federal Financial Assistance

The NRC has delegated the Office of Small Business and Civil Rights (SBCR) authority to administer the agency’s civil rights programs, which include internal and external programs.

The grants administration processes are regarded as an NRC conducted program or activity, which fall under SBCR’s external civil rights program functions. Federal nondiscrimination laws and regulations as adopted by the NRC, clearly states that your rights provided under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits that no person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), status as a parent; or age, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any NRC program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance (42 U.S.C. Chapter 21, Subchapter 5; 42 U.S.C. 5801;

29 U.S.C. 701 note; 42 U.S.C. 3001 note). SBCR conducts compliance reviews, investigates complaints, enforces violations and submits reports to Federal oversight agencies. Relevant NRC regulations can be found under 10 CFR Part 4 and 10 CFR Part 5.

Applicants must ensure that individuals selected as beneficiaries of support under this grant meet the legal requirements consistent with Supreme Court Decisions, including Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin, Gratz v. Bollinger, and Grutter v. Bollinger.

3.A. Requirements of Recipients

Recipients are required to:

http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/track-my-application.html https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=85063e3d7f3002b9e9cc711c11fe4700&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=85063e3d7f3002b9e9cc711c11fe4700&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5 https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/cfr/part004/ https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/cfr/part005/

• Participate in mandatory NRC pre- and post-award compliance reviews, conducted by

SBCR.

• Submit an annual Equal Opportunity compliance report to SBCR no later than December 31 of each calendar year. Based on compliance monitoring, recipients may be required to provide interim EO reports.

• Provide comprehensive civil rights training for existing and new staff for those administering the grant, and periodically retrain existing staff to establish and update their knowledge of Equal Opportunity civil rights statutes and emerging issues.

• Establish procedures for “processing and disposition” of discrimination complaints and maintain a complaint log, which includes complainants’ characteristic designation as covered under Title IX, Title VI and coordinating Regulations and Executive Orders, etc. a unique identifier for the complainant; the nature of the complaint and date filed;

the investigation completion date; the date and nature of the disposition; and other pertinent information

• Display the NRC’s nondiscrimination policy and procedures for filing complaints in prominent locations to inform staff, beneficiaries and potential beneficiaries;

disseminate a nondiscrimination policy statement (e.g., recruitment materials, brochures and other materials, handbooks, applications and postings); and distribute notices regarding programs and activities to eligible populations, including minority and low- income populations; and to Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals. (See “Guidance to Federal Financial Assistance Recipients Regarding Title VI Prohibition Against National Origin Discrimination Affecting Limited English Proficient Persons,” 69 FR 10066, March 3, 2004.)

3.B. Additional Links

• 10 CFR § 2.111, 10 CFR Part 2--RULES OF PRACTICE FOR DOMESTIC

LICENSING PROCEEDINGS AND ISSUANCE OF ORDERSLICENSING

PROCEEDINGS AND ISSUANCE OF ORDERS

• 10 CFR § 19.32, 10 CFR Part 19--NOTICES, INSTRUCTIONS AND

REPORTS TO WORKERS: INSPECTION AND INVESTIGATIONS

SBCR staff is available to provide direction, guidance, and technical assistance to help ensure compliance. SBCR staff can be contacted via email at EEOPROGRAMS.Resource@nrc.gov or by phone at 301-415-7380.

4. Other Submission Requirements and Information

Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP)

The NRC uses ASAP for recipient reimbursement. ASAP is a recipient-initiated payment and information system, designed to provide a single point of contact for the request and delivery of Federal funds. ASAP was developed by the Financial Management Service (FMS) of the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) of Richmond. For information about ASAP, see Department of Treasury’s Automated Standard Application for Payment (ASAP) system. Recipient organizations must be enrolled in ASAP.Gov and their bank account must be linked to the NRC Agency Link Code (31000001) to receive funds.

Organizational Dun and Bradstreet Numbering System (DUNS)

The DUNS (Dun and Bradstreet Numbering System) number on the application must https://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/civil-rights/occp/award-compliance.html https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/tix_dis.html https://www.justice.gov/crt/fcs/TitleVI-Overview https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/cfr/part002/part002-0111.html https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/cfr/part002/part002-0111.html http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-1999-title10-vol1/xml/CFR-1999-title10-vol1-part2.xml http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-1999-title10-vol1/xml/CFR-1999-title10-vol1-part2.xml https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/cfr/part019/part019-0032.html https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/cfr/part019/part019-0032.html mailto:EEOPROGRAMS.Resource@nrc.gov mailto:

http://www.fms.treas.gov/asap/ http://www.fms.treas.gov/asap/ http://www.fms.treas.gov/asap/ https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/fsservices/gov/pmt/asap/asap_home.htm match the DUNS number provided in the SAM database at https://www.sam.gov with http://www.grants.gov.

For additional information, see http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs/obtaining-duns-number.html

If the Payee DUNS for ASAP.Gov is different from the DUNS number provided in the SAM.gov registration, please include the Payee DUNS at the end of the budget narrative under the heading ASAP DUNS. Payments may be delayed if this information is missing in the application.

FedConnect The NRC will no longer provide electronic copies of award/modification documents via email.

Therefore, applicants are required to register with FedConnect at www.FedConnect.net.

Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov. Please see instructions on using FedConnect at: FedConnect: Ready, Set, Go!

Section V. Application Review Information

The NRC protects the information contained in an application from unauthorized disclosure, consistent with the need for objective review of the application and the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act. However, if a grant is awarded, the Federal government has the right to use or disclose the information to the extent authorized by law.

A recipient may withdraw its application at any time.

1. Review Process

Prior to a comprehensive technical evaluation, the NRC will perform a preliminary review to assess the responsive of each application. This review includes an administrative review of the application to determine if it’s complete and complies with the NOFO requirements. If an application is determined to be noncompliant or nonresponsive it will not receive a technical evaluation. Only applications meeting the preliminary review criteria will be considered for technical review.

2. Selection Criteria

Technical evaluation of applications shall be based on how well the applications meet or exceed the selection criteria. Applications are evaluated and rated individually by a panel of peer reviewers comprised of both Federal and non-Federal experts in the field. The selection criteria are identified below along with the corresponding weighted value. The NRC will award up to 10 discretionary points to grant applications that both address the agency’s research priorities and include a related research study involving a cooperative or partnership arrangement with one or more Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs).

The following criteria items must be addressed and clearly labeled:

Criterion 1 - Significance Demonstrate that the study is significant, addresses an important problem, and https://www.sam.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs/obtaining-duns-number.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs/obtaining-duns-number.html https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/fsservices/gov/pmt/asap/asap_home.htm https://www.sam.gov/index.html/?portal%3AcomponentId=1f834b82-3fed-4eb3-a1f8-ea1f226a7955&amp%3Binteractionstate=JBPNS_rO0ABXc0ABBfanNmQnJpZGdlVmlld0lkAAAAAQATL2pzZi9uYXZpZ2F0aW9uLmpzcAAHX19FT0ZfXw%2A%2A&amp%3Bportal%3Atype=action http://www.fedconnect.net/ https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/Marketing/Documents/FedConnect_Ready_Set_Go.pdf http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/foia/foia-privacy.html demonstrates how knowledge or common practice be advanced. Explain the effect of these studies on the concepts, methods, technologies, treatments, services, or preventative interventions that drive this field. (25 points)

Criterion 2- Approach Demonstrate the conceptual approach or design, methods, and analyses are adequately developed, well integrated, well-reasoned, and appropriate to the objectives of the project. (25 points)

Criterion 3 - Innovation Demonstrate that the research is original and innovative. Does the project challenge existing paradigms or common practice; address an innovative hypothesis or critical barrier to progress in the field? Does the project develop or employ novel concepts, approaches, methodologies, tools, or technologies for this area? (20 points)

Criterion 4 – Principal Investigators Demonstrate that the PI(s), and other researchers are experienced and have the expertise, past experience, and available resources to execute the project. (20 points)

Criterion 5 – Partnerships with Minority Serving Institutions Proposed research study includes a cooperative or partnership arrangement with one or more MSI. Details of the partnership and implementation plan must be provided.

(10 points)

3. Selection Process

Applications recommended for award will be made in accordance with the selection criteria. The highest ranked applications will receive priority consideration within the limits of available funding. The selecting official makes the final award recommendations and generally recommends funding in rank order, unless a particular recipient/selectee:

• Submits an application that ensures diversity in technical disciplines,

• Demonstrated prior award performance issues,

• Received multiple prior NRC grant awards, or

• Has current awards with high levels of unexpended grant funds.

The decision not to award a grant, or to award a grant at a particular funding level, is discretionary and is not subject to appeal to any NRC official or board.

4. Anticipated Effective Date

The estimated award date for this Funding Opportunity Announcement is 09-30-2022.

Section VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

Formal notification in the form of a Grant or Cooperative Agreement will be provided to the applicant organization via FedConnect. (See Section IV, Application and Submission Information, Item 6. Other Submission Requirements and Information.) The award signed by the Grants Officer is the authorizing document, and the Grants Officer is the only person authorized to obligate funds and permit changes to approved projects on behalf of the NRC.

Selection of an application for award is not an authorization to begin technical research. Any costs incurred before receipt of the Grant are at the recipient's risk. See Section IV.4., “Funding Restrictions.”

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

“The Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Standard Terms and Conditions for U.S.

Nongovernmental Recipients” contain the administrative and national policy requirements for all NRC awards and is located at the end of this NOFO.

3. Limitation of Liability

The NRC is not responsible for any applicable costs if agency priorities cause it to cancel this program prior to awarding any grants. Publishing this announcement does not obligate the NRC to award grants under this announcement.

4. Reporting

FEDERAL FINANCIAL REPORTS

Federal Financial Reports (SF-425) are semi-annually, for the periods ending March 31 and September 30, or any portion thereof, regardless of the award date. Reports are due within 30 calendar days following the end of the reporting period and must be submitted through FedConnect. The SF-425 form and instructions are available at Grants.gov.

Failure to submit financial reports will result in the…