DE-FOA-0002013.pdf

MSIPP FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT: DE-FOA-0002013

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

NATIONAL NUCLEAR SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

OFFICE OF ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT

MINORITY SERVING INSTITUTIONS PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM (MSIPP)

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT (FOA) NUMBER:

DE-FOA-0002013

FOA TYPE: INITIAL

CFDA NUMBER: 81.123

FOA Issue Date: December 17, 2018 Submission Deadline for Letter of Intent: N/A Informational Webinar: N/A Submission Deadline for Concept Papers: N/A Submission Deadline for Pre-Applications:

N/A

Submission Deadline for Applications: February 15, 2019

Expected Date for Selection Notifications: May 2019

Registration Requirements

There are several one-time actions applicants must complete in order to submit an application in response to this Announcement (e.g., obtain a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, register with the System for Award Management (SAM), register with Grants.gov, or register with another portal as indicated in the FOA). Applicants who are not registered with SAM and Grants.gov should allow up to five weeks to complete these requirements. It is suggested that the process be started as soon as possible.

If an applicant has not already done so, they must:

1. Obtain a DUNS number. DUNS website: http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform.

2. Register with the SAM. SAM website: http://www.sam.gov/. For more information about SAM registration for applicants please refer to:

https://www.sam.gov/sam/transcript/Quick_Guide_for_Grants_Registrations_v1.7.pdf.

3. Register with Grants.gov and set up your Workspace. There are multiple steps to this process, for more information about Grants.gov registration for applicants please refer to: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html

For more information about setting up Workspace please refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html

For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/authorize-roles.html

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO POTENTIAL APPLICANTS: When you have completed the Grants.Gov registration process, you should call the Grants.gov Helpdesk at 1-800-518-4726 to verify that you have completed the final step.

4. Register with FedConnect to submit questions. FedConnect website:

www.fedconnect.net.

Questions

Questions regarding the content of the funding opportunity announcement must be submitted through the FedConnect portal. You must register with FedConnect to respond as an interested party to submit questions, and to view responses to questions. It is recommended that you register as soon after release of the FOA as possible to have the benefit of all responses. DOE/NNSA will try to respond to a question within 3 business days, unless a similar question and answer have already been posted on the website.

Questions relating to the Grants.Gov registration process, system requirements, or how an application form works must be directed to Grants.gov at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov.

Application Preparation

Applicants must prepare the application package and application forms from the Grants.gov website: http://www.grants.gov/ http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform http://www.sam.gov/ https://www.sam.gov/sam/transcript/Quick_Guide_for_Grants_Registrations_v1.7.pdf https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/authorize-roles.html http://www.fedconnect.net/ mailto:support@grants.gov http://www.grants.gov/

Additional instructions are provided in Section IV of this FOA.

Application Submission

Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov to be considered for award. You cannot submit an application through Grants.gov unless you are registered. Please read the registration requirements carefully and start the process immediately. Remember you have to update your SAM registration annually. If you have any questions about your registration, you should contact the Grants.gov Helpdesk at 1-800-518-4726 to verify that you are still registered in Grants.gov.

Table of Contents

Section I - FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION Description Section II - AWARD INFORMATION

A. Type of Award Instrument B. Estimated Funding C. Maximum and Minimum Award Size D. Expected Number of Awards E. Anticipated Award Size F. Period of Performance G. Type of Application H. Limitations on MSIPP FOA Applications by Same Organization

Section III - ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION A. Eligible Applicants B. Cost Sharing C. Other Eligibility Requirements

Section IV - APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION A. Address to Request Application Package B. Letter of Intent and Pre-Application C. Content and Application Forms

1. Application for Federal Assistance SF-424 (R&R)

2. Research and Related Other Project Information

3. Project Summary/Abstract

4. Project Narrative

5. Appendices to Project Narrative Information

6. Other Attachments

7. Required Budget Documents and Information

8. R&R Subaward Budget Form

9. Attachments Form

10. Financial Assistance Environmental Checklist

11. Project/Performance Site Location(s)

12. Certification Regarding Lobbying or Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

13. List of Assurances and Certifications

D. Summary of Required Forms and Files E. Submissions from Successful Applicants F. Submission Dates and Times G. Intergovernmental Review H. Funding Restrictions (December 2014) I. Other Submission and Registration Requirements

1. Where to Submit

2. Registration Process

3. Application Receipt Notices

Section V - APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION A. Criteria

1. Initial Review Criteria

2. Merit Review Criteria

1. Review of Risk

2. Reporting of Matters Related to Recipient Integrity and Performance (December 2015)

3. Government Discussions with Applicant (December 2014)

B. Anticipated Notice of Selection and Award Dates Section VI - AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

A. Award Notices

1. Notice of Selection

2. Notice of Award (December 2014)

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements C. Reporting D. Applicant Representations and Certifications

Section VII - QUESTIONS/AGENCY CONTACTS A. Questions B. Agency Contact

Section VIII - OTHER INFORMATION A. Modifications B. Government Right to Reject or Negotiate C. Commitment of Public Funds D. Proprietary Application Information E. Evaluation and Administration by Non-Federal Personnel F. Intellectual Property Developed Under this Program G. Notice of Right to Request Patent Waiver H. Notice Regarding Eligible/Ineligible Activities I. Protected Personally Identifiable Information J. Annual Compliance Audits

Section IX - APPENDICES/REFERENCE MATERIAL

Section I - FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

Description

A. Summary

The Minority Serving Institutions Partnership Program (MSIPP) within the Department of Energy’s (DOE), National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Office of Science, Academic Alliances and Partnerships subprogram funds academic programs to develop NNSA’s next-generation technical workforce. NNSA funds scientific academic programs to develop the next generation of highly trained technical workers able to support its core mission and to ensure there is a strong community of technical peers, external to the NNSA national laboratories, capable of providing peer review and scientific competition to strengthen the basic fields of research relevant to the NNSA.

MSIPP aligns investments in university capacity and workforce development with DOE/NNSA mission areas to develop the needed skills and talent for DOE/NNSA’s enduring technical workforce at the laboratories and production plants, and to enhance research and education at under-represented colleges and universities. This alignment is defined by the following crucial success factors:

1. Strengthen and expand MSI STEM capacity and research experience in NNSA/DOE mission areas of interest.

2. Target collaborations between MSIs and NNSA/DOE laboratories and plants that increase scientist-to-scientist interactions, visible participation of MSI faculty in NNSA/DOE technical engagements and activities and provide MSIs direct access to NNSA/DOE facilities relative to STEM.

3. Grow the number of minority students who graduate with STEM degrees.

4. Grow the number of minority graduates and post-doctoral students hired in to

NNSA/DOE's STEM workforce.

NNSA MSIPP is designed to increase participation of minorities across the nation in STEM disciplines, developing individuals, building core competencies for DOE/NNSA, and improving institutional capacity in MSIs. MSIPP supports MSI efforts including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs).

The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to announce the NNSA MSIPP’s interest in receiving applications for new or renewal grant financial assistance awards for Minority Serving Institutions Advanced Manufacturing, Cybersecurity, Energy Systems Integration, or Nuclear Security Consortium Partnerships. The topic areas of interest supported by the MSIPP include:

• Advanced Manufacturing

• Cybersecurity

• Energy Systems and Integration

• Nuclear Security

Only applications for new or renewal grant awards will be accepted for this funding opportunity.

B. Program Objectives

The objectives of the MSIPP are to:

• Build a sustainable pipeline between DOE’s sites/labs and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) in STEM disciplines, and bring a heightened awareness of NNSA plants and laboratories to MSIs with a common interest in STEM research fields.

• Provide opportunities for intellectual challenge and collaboration by promoting scientific interactions between the academic community and scientists at the DOE/NNSA laboratories.

• Develop and maintain a long-term recruiting pipeline to the DOE/NNSA laboratories by increasing the visibility of the DOE/NNSA scientific activities to U.S. academic communities, specifically Minority Serving Institutions.

C. Scope and Topical Areas

The scope of this funding opportunity is to enhance the participation of HBCUs, TCUs and HSIs in STEM disciplines in order to increase representation of African Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans in these disciplines in the public and private sectors throughout the country, including the DOE/NNSA complex, particularly National Laboratories. An additional purpose of this program is to enhance the “sustainability” of the HBCUs, HSIs and TCUs in STEM disciplines.

The term “sustainability” as applied to the MSIPP means increasing the capacity of the MSIs in technical areas by providing opportunities to do basic research and partner with DOE/NNSA laboratories in developing the skill and knowledge of their faculty and students, merging academic study with practical work experience for students majoring in relevant STEM fields and related disciplines to create pool of talented students to explore and understand professional practices within DOE, NNSA and the Federal government.

The DOE/NNSA will consider applications for university-led projects which can address one or more of the STEM topic areas outlined below. Multiple applications may be submitted by a university where there is no duplication of effort, or overlap with another application submitted.

Topic Area # 1: Advanced Manufacturing

Proposals are solicited in the area of advanced manufacturing. Advanced Manufacturing has come to the forefront as one of the most promising approaches to both improve the efficiency (energy, time, and materials) of the manufacturing process and significantly reduce the prototypical stage of product development. The following are some specific sub-topical areas of interest, but other sub-topics in Advanced Manufacturing are encouraged to be proposed as long as they align with the Advanced Manufacturing topic area:

• Metrology

• Powder Production

• Surface Finishes

• Composites

• Ceramics

• Polymers

• Physical Property Testing

• Modeling and simulation

• Surface Finishes

• Additive Manufacturing & Coating

Topic Area # 2: Cybersecurity

Proposals are solicited in the area of cybersecurity. Cybersecurity is the protection of computer systems from theft or damage to their hardware, software or electronic data, as well as from disruption or misdirection of the services they provide. The following are some specific sub-topical areas of interest, but other sub-topics in Cybersecurity are encouraged to be proposed as long as they align with the Cybersecurity topic area:

• Software development

• Data science and cyber and network analytics

• Information Technology

• System administration

• Host based forensics/application forensics/network forensics/ cloud based forensics

• Software and hardware reverse engineering

• Threat intel

• Vulnerability assessment

• Embedded programming

Topic Area # 3: Energy Systems Integration

Proposals are solicited in the area of energy systems integration. Energy System Integration encompasses the source of energy generation and all of the other subsystems and components that are needed to deliver electricity to the power grid and/or the to the end user of energy for water desalination, and the production of synthetic and bio fuels, to name a few.

The following are some specific sub-topical areas of interest, but other sub-topics in Energy Systems Integration are encouraged to be proposed as long as they align with the Energy Systems Integration topic area:

• Load following and dynamics

• Hybridization in power systems

• Advanced controls for future power systems

• Renewables and nuclear energy sources; energy storage

• Energy conversion

• Systems engineering

• Modeling and simulation

Topic Area # 4: Nuclear Security

Proposals are solicited in the area of nuclear security. Nuclear Security is the prevention and detection of, and response to, theft, sabotage, unauthorized access, illegal transfer or other malicious acts involving nuclear material, other radioactive substances or their associated facilities. The following are some specific sub-topical areas of interest, but other sub-topics in Nuclear Security are encouraged to be proposed as long as they align with the Energy Systems Integration topic area:

• Radiation

• Nuclear Science

• Nuclear Security

• Nuclear Technology

• Fissionable Fuels

• Nuclear Power

• Nuclear Weapons

• Nuclear Forensics

• Radiation Detection Systems

The key objectives of the MSIPP FOA are to:

• Strengthen the research and education capabilities of Minority Serving Institutions in the above-mentioned topic areas;

• Encourage minority students to excel in science, technology, engineering and math by providing them with practical experience and training through applicable research projects; and

• Enlarge the scientific, technical and market development knowledge and resource base in the above-mentioned topic areas.

All proposed work to be funded through this MSIPP announcement is to be UNCLASSIFIED. No proposals for CLASSIFIED work will be accepted.

D. Description of a Consortium Based Model Focused on Research Relative to Training in STEM

A Consortium includes at a minimum, two or four year Minority Serving colleges and/or universities (restricted to HBCUs, HSIs and TCUs) and a DOE/NNSA national laboratory/site. The maximum number of university partners per topic area are as follows:

• Topic Area 1 – Advanced Manufacturing The number of partners should not exceed 4 colleges and/or universities (one Lead college/university partner and three subawardees) and the maximum number of national lab/site partners should not exceed 3 DOE/NNSA national laboratories/sites.

• Topic Area 2 – Cybersecurity The number of partners should not exceed 6 colleges and/or universities (one Lead college/university partner and five subawardees) and the maximum number of national lab/site partners should not exceed 3 DOE/NNSA national

• Topic Area 3 – Energy Systems Integration The number of partners should not exceed 4 colleges and/or universities (one Lead college/university partner and three subawardees) and the maximum

• Topic Area 4 – Nuclear Security The number of partners should not exceed 4 colleges and/or universities (one Lead college/university partner and three subawardees) and the maximum

DOE/NNSA MSIPP Consortium Expectations. DOE/NNSA expects that each MSIPP consortium:

• is made up of a team of academic partners that performs exciting, creative, and challenging research in the Consortium’s topical area in a collaborative manner that is more efficient and effective than by the members of the team acting separately,

• has a sustained and successful leadership and management team comprised of lead senior researchers from the academic partners,

• has an advisory committee, comprised of at least 5 persons and includes representation from the NNSA National Labs, that provides advice on the management and direction of the Consortium to the management team,

• attracts high caliber undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and postdoctoral students and trains them in areas critical to NNSA’s mission,

• provides faculty and students with exposure to researchers and the environment of the NNSA National Laboratories, and

• mentors young researchers and prepares them for leadership and management roles.

Forms an Effective Collaborative Team. A successful Collaborative Team consists of a multi-investigator team, preferably from multiple academic institutions, that addresses an over-arching theme or themes of interest within a topical research area as defined in Section I. C. The Principal Investigator, or PI, serves as the Director of the Collaborative Team, and leads the effort collaboratively with the other senior researchers. The PI’s institution is the assignee for the grant. Members of the multi-investigator team are “Partners.” The “Collaborative Team” is defined as the Partners plus the PI. A Collaborative Team conducts research to address the scientific areas of interest as a team, in a manner that is more efficient and effective than by the members of the team acting separately. NOTE: NNSA Laboratory researchers may not receive funding through this FOA.

The Collaborative Team of investigators, students, and young researchers are encouraged to engage and collaborate with NNSA National Laboratory researchers in their scientific research. However, the National Laboratories are not part of the Consortium’s multi-institutional “partner” team and DOE/NNSA laboratories are not eligible to receive direct funding associated with this FOA (see Section III C). National Laboratory researchers are funded through existing Management & Operating (M&O) Contracts with NNSA.

Recruitment and development of students, young researchers, and staff scientists.

A successful Consortium attracts the brightest and most talented students and young researchers, attracting them to the exciting opportunities for research in fields relevant to DOE/NNSA mission critical areas. The Consortium students take advantage of opportunities to spend time at the DOE/NNSA National Laboratories, participate in on-site practicums, engage with National Laboratory scientists, and participate in real life work projects at the national laboratories that will develop and prepare them for the STEM workforce. A successful Consortium will send faculty and students to meaningfully engage in a research experiences at DOE/NNSA National Laboratories for a significant period of time (preferably at least 8 weeks) each year; either through internship or some other arrangement. Any non-employment related internships or visits to any NNSA M&O Laboratory will be assumed under the grant and annotated under the grant as “Participant Costs”. The student may be a different individual from year to year. Alternative approaches may be proposed but they must provide students of the Consortium with equivalent or more meaningful research experiences and engagement with the DOE/NNSA National Laboratories and must be approved by the Federal Program Manager. The alternative approach will be evaluated as part of the Consortium Reviews, and approval may be rescinded if the alternative approach is not meeting expectations.

The Consortium takes the initiative to reach out to other academic institutions that haven’t had a strong connection to STEM, to educate and engage students and faculty in the opportunities and activities of the Consortium.

Consortium graduates are encouraged to seek post-doctoral or staff positions at NNSA Laboratories. It is NNSA’s desire that graduates of the Consortium pursue careers either at U.S. institutions, U.S. universities, or at the DOE/NNSA National Laboratories, contributing to STEM fields that are relevant to MSIPP. Young researchers and staff scientists involved in the Consortium have opportunities to conduct exciting research, participate in collaborative efforts, and to assume leadership roles. The Director and senior researchers will actively mentor younger staff, helping to develop future leaders.

Commitment of Director and Collaborators to the Consortium. The success of a Consortium depends on the engagement of the Director and the senior researchers. It is the responsibility of the primary institution to notify, in writing and in a timely fashion, the DOE/NNSA Grants Officer and the MSIPP Program Manager of any significant change in the time commitment of the Consortium’s Director and senior research team to the work of the Consortium; such changes include reductions in effort, leaves of absence, joint appointments, retirements, sabbaticals, or intents to move to another institution. Failure to do so could result in reductions in funding, scope, or project period.

Prospective key personnel must indicate all sources of current or pending funding in the application. Once funds are awarded, key personnel are required to notify the MSIPP PM of any changes in such additional funding, including foreign sources of funding. The MSIPP PM must be notified, in a timely fashion and in writing, of any change in the Consortium’s key researcher’s efforts for a period of over 3 months.

The DOE/NNSA Grants Officer and MSIPP PM must be notified by the Contracting Officer of the lead institution of the desire to transfer the award to another lead institution and provide an explanation. Failure to do so can result in loss of the award. If the DOE/NNSA Grants Officer and MSIPP PM do not support the transfer, the award will be terminated. If the DOE/NNSA Grants Officer and MSIPP PM agree with the transfer to another lead institution, the project period, scope, reporting requirements, and budget of the Grant may be impacted.

Fulfills all obligations and reporting requirements. The Consortium is required to fulfill all obligations and reporting requirements under the grant. A post-award orientation meeting will be held with each Consortium to communicate roles and responsibilities under the agreement. The DOE/NNSA Grants Officer and the MSIPP PM will review the terms, conditions, and reporting requirements with the Principal Investigator and Contracting Officer, or their representative(s), of the grantee institution.

E. Consortium Reviews and Site Visits

The MSIPP PM for each Consortium will review the performance of the Consortium through site visits, site reviews, reports, publications by Consortium personnel, and other means. If a Consortium is not performing satisfactorily, the MSIPP PM and the DOE/NNSA Grants Officer will notify the institution of the performance issues/concerns, recommended action(s), and the timeline to demonstrate satisfactory performance. If performance does not improve to satisfaction and/or problems are not corrected, reduction in funding to the Consortium or termination of the grant may result.

The Consortium will be reviewed on a number of factors, which may include, but are not limited to:

• Progress towards addressing the key scientific and technical challenges presented in the technical proposal and/or the approved work plan.

• Progress toward and accomplishment of milestones, appropriately balanced with tackling challenging scientific problems and creative risk-taking in research.

• Significance of the technical contributions, demonstrated through publications, presentations, citations, recognition and awards.

• Efficient and effective use of resources (i.e., funding, technical, programmatic).

• How successful is the Consortium at using a collaborative team approach that positively impacts the research program? Has the Consortium engaged with NNSA National Laboratory researchers in the scientific work of the Consortium and with the Consortium’s students and young researchers?

• The Consortium’s recruitment strategy and how well it has produced high quality graduates.

• Exposure of undergraduate, graduate, doctoral students and post-doctoral research associates to the research and staff at the NNSA National Laboratories: Has the Consortium sent at least one student from each partner university to spend a significant effort (at least 8 weeks) to one of the DOE/NNSA National Laboratories each year, or provided an equivalent or more significant research experience with the NNSA National Labs for a student?

• Level of involvement of the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students; and post-doctoral researchers in the work of the Consortium and engagement with NNSA laboratories.

• Compliance with eligibility and reporting requirements: proper submittal of publications, status reports, financial reporting, and special reporting requirements.

• Quality and quantity of educational experiences available to students, specific to the disciplines investigated by the Consortium.

• Are there any issues regarding the availability and involvement of the Principal Investigator and the senior staff with the work of the Consortium?

• Does the Consortium have a succession plan for the Principal Investigator and/or provided opportunities for younger staff to develop into potential future leaders?

• The Consortium’s ability to expend and cost grant funding in a timely and efficient manner

F. Participation in Consortium Activities and Compliance

Any individual person, whether a prime recipient or subawardee recipient, receiving funding support under this grant must be a U.S. Person (A “U.S. Person” is defined as an individual that is a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence.)

All applicants are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable U.S. Export Control laws and regulations and all other applicable security requirements relating to any work performed under a resulting award.

Section II - AWARD INFORMATION

A. Type of Award Instrument

DOE/NNSA anticipates awarding grants under this funding opportunity announcement. The scope and topical research areas of interest to the Minority Serving Institution Partnership Program are defined in Section I – Funding Opportunity Description, sub-section C.

B. Estimated Funding

An estimated $11,832,000 is expected to be available for new awards under this announcement. Funding for all awards and future budget periods are contingent upon the availability of funds appropriated by Congress for the purpose of this program and the availability of future-year budget authority.

C. Maximum and Minimum Award Size

Ceiling (i.e., the maximum amount for an individual award made under this announcement):

$1,000,000 per year.

Floor (i.e., the minimum amount for an individual award made under this announcement):

$500,000 per year.

D. Expected Number of Awards

DOE/NNSA anticipates making four awards under this announcement.

E. Anticipated Award Size

DOE/NNSA anticipates that awards will be in the $1,500,000 to $3,000,000 range for the total three year project period.

F. Period of Performance

DOE/NNSA anticipates making awards with an estimated project period of three years.

G. Type of Application

DOE/NNSA will accept new and renewal applications under this announcement. Renewal applications are requests for additional funding for a period subsequent to that provided by a current award. Renewal applications compete with all other applications and must be submitted by any established due date/deadline or at least six months before additional funding is required if there is no specified due date/deadline. In preparing a renewal application, applicants should assume that reviewers will not have access to previous applications. The application should be developed as fully as though the applicant were applying for the first time. The application must include all the information required for a new project, plus the project narrative section should discuss the results from prior work.

H. Limitations on MSIPP FOA Applications by Same Organization

There is no limit on the number of proposals the same institution can submit to this FOA.

Multiple proposals may also be submitted to each topic area as specified in Section I – Funding Opportunity Description, sub-section C of this FOA. When submitting multiple proposals ensure that the same PI or supporting staff time does not exceed 100% of their time on all combined proposals, and ensure that all proposals are submitted in complete form with all required attachments as specified in the FOA. Multiple awards may be made to the same institution.

Section III - ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligible Applicants

Restricted Eligibility (December 2014)

In accordance with 2 CFR 910.126(b), eligibility for award is restricted to Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) as educational entities recognized by the Office of Civil Rights (OCR), U.S. Department of Education, and identified on the OCR's Department of Education U.S.

accredited postsecondary minorities institution list https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/edlite-minorityinst.html. For the purpose of this announcement “a minority serving U.S. university/academic institution of higher learning” is defined as an educational institution in any State, Federal District, or U.S. territory that:

(1) admits as regular students only persons having a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the recognized equivalent of such a certificate;

(2) is legally authorized within such State to provide a program of education beyond secondary education;

(3) provides an educational program for which the institution awards a bachelor’s degree or provides not less than a 2-year program that is acceptable for full credit toward such a degree; and

(4) is accredited by a nationally or regionally recognized accrediting agency or association, or if not so accredited, is an institution that has been granted reaccreditation status by such an agency or association that has been recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education for the granting of reaccreditation status, and the U.S. Secretary of Education has determined that there is satisfactory assurance that the institution will meet the accreditation standards of such an agency or association within a reasonable time.

For prospective applicants who are submitting financial assistance applications to this FOA, the individual(s) selected as the PI and Co-PI(s) for the grant must be a U.S. Person(s) and be:

(1) an active member of the teaching/research faculty of a U.S. university or academic institution of higher learning; or

A “U.S. Person” is defined as an individual that is a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence.

Adjunct professors, visiting professors, and post-doctoral fellows are ineligible to be PIs.

Investigators from foreign universities or academic institutions or foreign-based not-for-profit, non-degree-granting organizations, irrespective of citizenship, are ineligible to be PIs. Such individuals may receive funding under a subaward if the Principal Investigator requests and receives written permission for such funding from the MSIPP Program Manager. There may be security restrictions on participation by foreign nationals at certain facilities and https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/edlite-minorityinst.html conferences, in accordance with applicable U.S. Department of Energy Security Policy, Directives, Regulations, or Requirements.

Nonprofit organizations described in section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that engaged in lobbying activities after December 31, 1995 are eligible to apply only as a sub-applicant (team member) and will need to follow the application and submittal requirements for subawardees as discussed in Section IV – Application and Submission Information.

B. Cost Sharing

Cost sharing is not required.

C. Other Eligibility Requirements

Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC)/National Laboratories Collaboration Support (includes DOE/NNSA National Laboratories and other Federal Agency-Sponsored FFRDCs)

FFRDCs are not eligible for an award under this announcement. However, FFRDCs may participate as collaborators in order to:

(1) promote and sustain scientific interactions between the academic community and scientists at the FFRDC Laboratories through exchange of information and/or personnel,

(2) increase the availability of unique experimental facilities sited at the FFRDC

Laboratories to the academic community, particularly for collaborations in areas of relevance to stockpile stewardship, and

(3) develop and maintain a long-term recruiting pipeline to the DOE/NNSA FFRDC’s by increasing the visibility of the DOE/NNSA scientific activities to the U.S. faculty and student communities.

FFRDCs are not eligible to receive any direct funding associated with this FOA, except for reimbursement for use of facilities that require “user fees” in accordance with the institution’s written policies or procedures.

To affect this collaboration, a letter from an FFRDC employee who will be collaborating with the applicant must be submitted with the application. This letter must outline their understanding and role in the collaboration effort and indicate that no funds will be provided to the FFRDC from the awarded grant except for reimbursement for use of facilities that require “user fees” as stated above.

In addition to the collaboration letters, if an applicant is selected for award, the FFRDC contractor(s) participating as collaborating partners must receive prior authorization from the cognizant Federal Agency for non-DOE/NNSA FFRDCs and from the cognizant Contracting Officer for DOE/NNSA FFRDCs, subject to the following guidelines:

Authorization for non-DOE/NNSA FFRDCs. If selected for award, the Federal agency sponsoring the FFRDC contractor must authorize in writing the use of the

FFRDC contractor on the proposed project and this authorization must be submitted with the application. The use of a FFRDC contractor must be consistent with the contractor's authority under its award and must not place the FFRDC contractor in direct competition with the private sector.

Authorization for DOE/NNSA FFRDCs. If selected for award, the cognizant contracting officer for the FFRDC must authorize in writing the use of a DOE/NNSA FFRDC contractor on the proposed project and this authorization must be submitted with the application. The following wording is acceptable for this authorization.

"Authorization is granted for the [Name] Laboratory to participate in the proposed project.

The work proposed for the laboratory is consistent with or complimentary to the missions of the laboratory, will not adversely impact execution of the DOE/NNSA assigned programs at the laboratory, and will not place the laboratory in direct competition with the domestic private sector."

If selected for award, the recipient is responsible for making contact with the appropriate DOE/NNSA FFRDC collaborating partner(s) who should in turn obtain prior written authorization from the DOE/NNSA FFRDC Contracting Officer.

Applicant Responsibility. The applicant, if successful, will be the responsible authority regarding the settlement and satisfaction of all contractual and administrative issues, including but not limited to, disputes and claims arising out of any agreement between the applicant and the FFRDC contractor.

The Master Government List of FFRDCs is available at:

http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/ffrdclist/ http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/ffrdclist/

Section IV - APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. Address to Request Application Package

Application forms and instructions are available at Grants.gov. To access these materials, go to http://www.grants.gov, select "APPLICANTS”, then select “Apply for Grants," and then select "Get Application Package” button. Enter the funding opportunity number (DE-FOA-0002013). Under the PACKAGE tab, select “Apply” under the Actions column, and under Option: 1 Apply Now Using Workspace, select the Login to Apply Now button. Follow the prompts in Workspace to complete the application package. You are encouraged to review the Applicant FAQs in Grants.gov as you prepare and submit your application.

B. Letter of Intent and Pre-Application

Letters of Intent and Pre-applications are not required.

C. Content and Application Forms

All applicants including sub-applicants must complete the mandatory forms and any applicable optional forms as provided under Section IV – Application and Submission Information, sub-section D. Summary of Required Forms and Files of this FOA. All documents that are attached as forms must be submitted in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) unless otherwise specified in this FOA. Attached PDF files must be plain files consisting of text, numbers, and images without editable fields, signatures, passwords, redactions, or other advanced features available in some PDF-compatible software. Do not use PDF portfolios or binders.

Please note: you may only use the following UTF-8 characters when naming your application attachments: A-Z, a-z, 0-9, underscore (_), hyphen (-), space, period. You must limit the file name to 50 or fewer characters. Attachments that do not follow this rule may cause the entire application to be rejected or cause issues during processing.

To avoid interfering with the selection of peer reviewers, please do NOT include general letters of support for the proposal or list collaborators that do not have an active part in the project. General letters of support will not be used in making funding decisions.

Optional letters of collaboration for unfunded or funded collaborations may be placed in Appendix 6 (Other Attachments). Letters of collaboration should state the intention to participate, but they should not be written as recommendation or endorsement letters, which are not allowed.

1. Application for Federal Assistance SF-424 (R&R*) [MANDATORY]

For the Prime applicant, you must create a workspace using Grants.gov Workspace (see https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/Applicants/CreateWorkspace.htm) to complete the workspace online forms and submit your application workspace package.

Forms can either be completed online within a web browser or individual PDF forms from within the Forms tab of the Manage Workspace page can be downloaded and uploaded to Workspace when completed (see http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/Applicants/CreateWorkspace.htm https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/ManageWorkspaces/ManageWorkspaces.htm).

For the Prime applicant, in Grants.gov Workspace, Complete SF-424 Fields First: The forms are designed to fill in common required fields across other forms, such as the applicant name, address, and DUNS number. To trigger this feature, an applicant must complete the SF-424 information first. Once it is completed, the information will transfer to the other forms. *Note that although this will not be a Research and Related grant, there are several forms, including the Application for Federal Assistance SF-424 (R&R) form, where the R&R Family of forms will be used.

NOTE: If subawardees will participate in this award, this form is mandatory and must be submitted for all sub-applicants. See Section IV – Application and Submission Information, sub-section C. 8. R&R Subaward Budget Form below for sub-awardee instructions. Also, see Section IV – Application and Submission Information, sub-section D. Summary of Required Forms and Files, Table 1 - Prime Applicant Mandatory Forms and Table 2 - Sub-Applicant Mandatory Forms for additional instructions.

2. Research and Related Other Project Information [MANDATORY]

For the Prime applicant, the Research and Related (R&R) Other Project Information form is part of the Application Package that must be completed in Grants.gov Workspace. The special instructions for completing this form follow:

Fields 1 to 6.b: Applicant must complete the entries to these fields.

Field 7: Applicant must attach completed file for Project Summary/Abstract.

Field 8: Applicant must attach completed file for Project Narrative plus required appendices.

Field 12: Applicant must attach completed file for Project Management Plan.

Field 12: Applicant must attach completed National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance form in addition to the other forms as referenced below.

3. Project Summary/Abstract [MANDATORY]

For the Prime applicant, the project summary/abstract must be submitted and must contain a summary of the proposed activity suitable for dissemination to the public. It must be a self-contained document that identifies:

(1) the name of the applicant,

(2) the project director/principal investigator(s),

(3) the project title,

(4) the objectives of the project,

(5) the milestones of the project listed by year, and

(6) a description of the project, including methods to be employed, the potential impact of the project (i.e., benefits, outcomes), and major participants (for collaborative projects).

This document must not include any proprietary or sensitive business information as the DOE/NNSA may make it available to the public after awards are made. The project summary must not exceed 2 pages when printed using standard 8.5" by 11" paper with https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/ManageWorkspaces/ManageWorkspaces.htm

1" margins (top, bottom, left and right) {single spaced} with font not smaller than 11 point.

The Project Summary/Abstract file must be saved in PDF format and uploaded to the Grants.gov R&R Other Project Information form, which is part of the Application Package in Grants.gov Workspace. To attach the completed Project Summary/Abstract in PDF format, click the "Add Attachment" button next to Field 7 of the R&R Other Project Information form in Grants.gov Workspace.

4. Project Narrative [MANDATORY]

The project narrative must not exceed 30 pages, including cover page, table of contents, charts, graphs, maps, photographs, tables, and other pictorial presentations, when printed using standard 8.5" by 11" paper with 1 inch margins (top, bottom, left, and right) {single spaced} with font not smaller than 11 point.

EVALUATORS WILL ONLY REVIEW THE NUMBER OF PAGES SPECIFIED IN THE

PRECEDING SENTENCE. Do not include any Internet addresses (URLs) that provide information necessary to review the application, because the information contained in these sites will not be reviewed. See Section VIII – Other Information – Part D for instructions on how to mark proprietary application information.

Instructions: The Project Narrative Cover Page, Project Narrative, and Appendices must be saved as one single document in PDF format and uploaded to the Grants.gov R&R Other Project Information form, which is part of the Application Package in Grants.gov Workspace. To attach the completed Project Narrative in PDF format, click "Add Attachment" button next to field 8 of the R&R Other Project Information form in Grants.gov Workspace.

o The Project Narrative Cover Page (NTE 1-page)

Comprised of the following required components:

FOA Number;

Topic Area;

Application Title;

Type of organization (i.e. U.S. university/academic institution of higher learning or not-for-profit, non-degree-granting domestic U.S. organization;

Type of proposed award: New Award or Renewal of Existing Award (specify award number for existing award);

Name of Lead Institution;

Name, email address, and telephone number of organization’s business point of contact or Grants office point of contact.

Name, mailing address, telephone number, fax number, and electronic mail address of Lead Project Director;

Name(s), mailing addresses, telephone numbers, fax numbers, and electronic mail addresses of Team Members (institutional collaborators);

Previous DOE/NNSA Grant numbers. If applicable, provide DOE grant number for projects currently funded under the MSIPP Grant Program.

Listing of any DOE/NNSA national laboratory or site personnel collaborating on the project.

o Projective Narrative - (NTE 29 total pages) The Project Narrative portion is to provide a detailed description of the following:

I. Project Objectives: This section should provide a clear, concise statement of the specific objectives/aims of the proposed project.

II. Merit Review Criterion Discussion: The section should be formatted to address each of the merit review criterion and sub-criterion listed in Part V.A. Provide sufficient information so that reviewers will be able to evaluate the application in accordance with these merit review criteria.

NNSA WILL EVALUATE AND CONSIDER ONLY THOSE

APPLICATIONS THAT ADDRESS SEPARATELY EACH OF THE MERIT

REVIEW CRITERION AND SUB-CRITERION.

III. Relevance and Outcomes/Impacts: This section should explain the relevance of the effort to the MSIPP Program Objectives in the program announcement and the expected outcomes and/or impacts.

IV. Roles of Participants: For multi-organizational or multi-investigator projects, describe the roles and the work to be performed by each participant/investigator, business agreements between the applicant and participants, and how the various efforts will be integrated and managed.

V. Facilities And Other Resources: Identify the facilities (e.g., office, laboratory, computer, etc.) to be used at each performance site listed and, if appropriate, indicate their capacities, pertinent capabilities, relative proximity, and extent of availability to the project. Describe only those resources that are directly applicable to the proposed work. Provide any information describing the other resources available to the project such as machine and electronics shops.

VI. Equipment: List important items of equipment already available for this project and, if appropriate, note the location and pertinent capabilities of each. If you are proposing to acquire equipment, describe comparable equipment, if any, already at your organization and explain why it cannot be used.

VII. Statement of Project Objectives (SOPO): The project narrative must contain a single, detailed Statement of Project Objectives that addresses how the project objectives will be met. The Statement of Project Objectives must contain a clear, concise description of all activities to be completed during project performance and follow the structure discussed below. The Statement of Project Objectives may be released to the public by DOE in whole or in part after award. It is therefore required that it shall not contain proprietary or confidential business information.

The Statement of Project Objectives is generally less than 4 pages in total for the proposed work. Applicants shall prepare the Statement of Project Objectives in the following format:

TITLE OF WORK TO BE PERFORMED (Insert the title of work to be performed. Be concise and descriptive.)

A. OBJECTIVES

Include one paragraph on the overall objective(s) of the work. Also, include objective(s) for each phase of the work.

B. SCOPE OF WORK

This section should not exceed one-half page and should summarize the effort and approach to achieve the objective(s) of the work for each Phase.

C. TASKS TO BE PERFORMED

Tasks, concisely written, should be provided in a logical sequence and should be divided into the phases of the project, as appropriate.

This section provides a brief summary of the planned approach to this project. An outline of the Project Management Plan (referenced in Task 1.0 below and required to be submitted with your application) is provided later in this Section.

PHASE I

Task 1.0 - Project Management and Planning (Description includes work elements required to revise and maintain the Project Management Plan and to manage and report on activities in accordance with the plan) Subtask 1.1 (Description)

Task 2.0 - (Title) PHASE II (Optional)

Task 3.0 - (Title)

D. DELIVERABLES

The periodic, topical, and final reports shall be submitted in accordance with the attached "Federal Assistance Reporting Checklist" and the instructions accompanying the checklist.

[Note: The Recipient shall provide a list of deliverables other than those identified on the "Federal Assistance Reporting Checklist" that will be delivered. These reports shall also be identified within the text of the Statement of Project Objectives. See the following examples:

1. Task 1.1 - (Report Description)

2. Task 2.2 - (Report Description)

5. Appendices to Project Narrative Information [MANDATORY]

All applicants should complete the following appendices and attach them to the final

Project Narrative document. Do not attach any of the requested appendices described below as files for fields 9, 10, 11, and 12 in Grants.gov workspace.

Follow the below instructions to include the information as appendices in the single, bundled project narrative file. This attachment process should be completed prior to appending the Project Narrative document to Field 8 in the R&R Other Project Information form. All of the requested information for the following appendices will not count in the Project Narrative page limitation.

Appendix 1 - Biographical Sketch:

Provide a biographical sketch for the project director/principal investigator (PD/PI) and each senior/key person listed in Section A on the R&R Budget form, including the sub-applicant senior/key persons. Provide the biographical sketch information as an appendix to your project narrative. Do not attach a separate file.