FOAAFRLAFOSR20240002 - Amendment 1.pdf

FOAAFRLAFOSR20240002 1

PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT

THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (DoD)

FISCAL YEAR 2024

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Program

AFOSR: FOAAFRLAFOSR20240002

FULL PROPOSAL DEADLINE

Friday, April 12, 2024 at 11:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time

SPECIAL NOTE: The STEM program is a stand-alone opportunity. Applications must be ‘VALIDATED’ by Grants.gov by the application deadline which can take up to 48 hours after successful submission. See Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission.

INQUIRIES AND QUESTIONS DEADLINE

Friday, March 29, 2024

Amendment 1 to this FOA updates the language in subsection D.5.d. (p. 22-23) to restrict the use of special formatting and special characters and symbols in the Publicly Releasable Project Summary/Abstract.

Air Force Office of Scientific Research

(AFOSR)

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OVERVIEW INFORMATION

The Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) announces the Fiscal Year 2024 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Program.

The AFOSR STEM program provides funds to support professional development, education and outreach programming. DODI 1025.11 gives Laboratories and Personnel Office (L&PO) the ability to: “Identify actions that the DoD may take to improve all levels of education in STEM skills [through the use of eligible entities]… pursuant to Section 2192 of Title 10 U.S.C.” And “[e]stablish programs to improve science and mathematics knowledge and skills of elementary and secondary school students and faculty members, pursuant to Section 2193a of Title 10, U.S.C.”

The AFOSR reserves the right to fund all, some, or none of the proposals received under this FOA. AFOSR provides no funding for direct reimbursement of proposal development costs.

Technical and budget proposals (or any other material) submitted in response to this FOA will not be returned. It is the policy of AFOSR to treat all white papers and proposals submitted under this FOA as sensitive competitive information and to disclose their contents only for the purposes of evaluation.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Applicants should be alert for any amendments that may modify the announcement. Amendments to the original funding opportunity announcement (FOA) will be posted to the Grants.gov Webpage: https://www.grants.gov/.

SUMMARY FUNDING OPPORTUNITY INFORMATION

1. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY NAME

Air Force Office of Scientific Research 875 North Randolph Street, STE 325, Room 3112 Arlington, VA 22203

2. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY TITLE

FISCAL YEAR 2024 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Program

3. ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE

Amendment 1 to Initial Announcement

4. ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER

FOAAFRLAFOSR20240002

5. CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE (CFDA) NUMBERS

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title10-section2192&num=0&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title10-section2193a&num=0&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title10-section2193a&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.grants.gov/

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12.800 Air Force Defense Research Sciences Program (AFOSR)

6. KEY DATES

Proposals must be received electronically through Grants.gov by Friday, April 12, 2024 at 11:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time.

Pre-proposal inquiries and questions must be submitted not later than Friday, March 29, 2024.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT

OVERVIEW INFORMATION

SUMMARY FUNDING OPPORTUNITY INFORMATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

2. COST SHARING OR MATCHING

3. OTHER

a. Types of Eligible Programs

b. Amount of Requested AFOSR Funding

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. ELECTRONIC DELIVERY

2. HOW TO REGISTER TO APPLY THROUGH GRANTS.GOV

a. Instructions

b. Electronic Signature

3. HOW TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO THE ADMINISTERING AGENCY VIA GRANTS.GOV

a. Create a Workspace

b. Complete a Workspace

c. Submit a Workspace

d. Track a Workspace

4. CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

a. Pre-Proposal Inquiries and Questions Encouraged

b. The Application as a Whole

c. Proposal Format

d. Proposal Length

e. Conflict of Interest/Conflict of Commitment Review:

f. Electronic Form and Proposal Attachments

g. Marking of Proposals with Confidential or Proprietary Information

h. Advance Preparation for Electronic Submission through Grants.gov

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5. COMPONENT PIECES OF THE APPLICATION

a. SF 424 (R&R) Application for Federal Assistance

b. SFLLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

c. R&R Other Project Information Form

d. Publicly Releasable Project Summary/Abstract

e. Project Narrative

f. Bibliography and References Cited

g. Facilities and Other Resources

h. R&R Senior/Key Person Profile Form

i. R&R Personal Data Form

j. R&R Budget Form

k. Budget Justification

l. R&R Project/Performance Site Locations Form

m. Information Successful Applicants Must Submit After Selection for a Possible Award

6. UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIFIER (UEI), COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY (CAGE), AND SYSTEM

FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (SAM)

a. SAM Registration Required

b. Questions about SAM Registration and Updates

c. Consequences of Non-Compliance with SAM Registration Requirements

7. SUBMISSION DATES AND TIMES

a. Pre-Proposal Inquiries and Questions Deadline

b. How Submission Time for Pre-Proposal Inquiries and Questions is Determined

c. Effect of Missing Pre-Proposal Inquiries and Questions Deadlines

d. Proposal Submission Deadline

e. Grants.gov Tracking Number is Application Receipt

f. Effect of Missing the Proposal Submission Deadline

8. INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW

9. FUNDING RESTRICTIONS

a. Award Value Limits and Exceptions

b. STEM Specific Funding Restrictions

c. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

d. Pre-Award Costs

e. Post-Award Budget Revisions

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f. Additional Funding Restrictions

g. Other Submission Requirements

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. CRITERIA

a. Evaluation Criteria

b. No further evaluation criterion or criteria will be used for proposal selection

2. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

a. Merit-Based, Competitive Procedures

b. Cost Analysis

3. NO GUARANTEED AWARD

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

1. SELECTION NOTICES

a. Electronic Notification

b. Selection for Possible Award Does Not Authorize Work

2. AWARD NOTICES

a. Federal Award Document

b. Electronic of Mail Federal Award Distribution

3. ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS

a. Reporting on Matters Related to Recipient Integrity and Performance

b. Agency Review of Risk Posed by Applicants

c. Cross-Cutting National Policy Requirements

d. Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements

e. DoD Research and Development General Terms and Conditions

f. Recipients Other Than Individuals

g. Minimum Record Retention Requirements

h. Section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019

i. Certification Regarding Disclosure of Funding Sources (Supplement to SF42 (R&R), block 17, Financial Assistance Certifications and Representations)

4. REPORTING

a. Monitoring and Reporting Program Performance

b. Technical Performance Report Format

c. Standard Form (SF) 425 Federal Financial Report

d. Electronic Payment Requests and Electronic Payment

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e. Electronic Submission of Technical and SF 425 Reports

f. Acknowledgement of Support and Disclaimer Requirements

G. AGENCY CONTACTS

1. ADMINISTERING AGENCY CONTACTS

H. OTHER INFORMATION

1. AIR FORCE OMBUDSMAN

2. GRANTS OFFICER’S AUTHORITY

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A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) seeks a broad range of applications for augmenting existing and/or developing innovative solutions that directly maintain and/or cultivate a diverse, world-class Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) workforce to maintain the U.S. Air Force and Space Force’s technological superiority. The goal of proposed efforts must provide solutions that establish, build, and/or maintain STEM educational pathways and workforce opportunities for diverse U.S. citizens directly relevant to AFOSR science and technology areas.

As the capacity of the Department of the Air Force (DAF) Science and Technology (S&T) workforce is interconnected with STEM education and outreach, AFOSR recognizes the need to support efforts that can jointly improve STEM student outcomes and align education and outreach efforts with DAF S&T current and future workforce needs. This announcement explicitly encourages projects that improve the capacity of education systems and communities to create impactful STEM educational experiences for students of all ages and the air and space-related workforce. Projects must aim to increase engagement in STEM, from students to the current workforce, and enhance people with needed DAF STEM skills, knowledge and abilities.

AFOSR encourages applications to utilize current STEM education research for informing project design and advancing STEM careers and opportunities of DAF relevance.

This FOA is specifically seeking STEM education and outreach projects that address scientific and technical areas identified in the following thrust areas. Project scope may range in size and complexity. While not a formal requirement or program focus of this FOA, applicants are strongly encouraged to consider under-represented and under-served populations including women and minorities in project plans. Special audience priority areas may include, but not be limited to, military connected students, veteran initiatives, and education systems integral to DAF science and technology.

AFOSR STEM topic areas include (see How to Find Our Research Interests on page 9):

• Engineering and Complex Systems

• Information and Networks

• Physical Sciences

• Chemistry and Biological Sciences

STEM interests include a broad range of STEM educational and training opportunities for career and workforce development, including but not limited to:

• Internships for veterans and underrepresented groups in STEM

• Professional development opportunities

• Programs to stimulate analytical/thinking skills

• Development of educational resources

• STEM education outreach activities

• Education and community engagement workshops

• Target age groups may require different levels of educational tools

• Coordinating and partnering with activities and organizations that support DAF research areas

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DoD STEM goals are as follows:

Goal 1.0: Inspire community engagement in DoD STEM education programs and activities to provide meaningful STEM learning opportunities for students and educators.

Goal 2.0: Attract the Nation's and DoD's current and future STEM workforce through multiple pathways to educational and career opportunities.

Goal 3.0: Increase participation of underserved and underrepresented groups in STEM education.

Goal 4.0: Advance the efficiency and effectiveness of STEM education and workforce development programs, activities, and outreach through evaluation and assessment. Relevant information includes, but is not limited to, details of any other Federal funds to be used, and any funds to be contributed by non-Federal sources toward STEM outreach and education.

Our areas of research interest are published at the following internet locations:

ADMINISTERING AGENCY HOW TO FIND OUR RESEARCH INTERESTS

Air Force Office of Scientific Research https://www.afrl.af.mil/AFOSR/

Navigate to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=345653 to view the “Research Interests of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research,” BAA FA9550-23-S-0001.

You must refer to the website cited above for detailed technical information and our technical goals. We encourage you to contact the Program Managers listed in the cited announcements before submitting proposals to explore research areas of mutual interest to you and us.

Applicants may submit proposals for 1 award per academic year. We discuss this again in sections C.3.b Amount of Requested AFOSR Funding.

We reserve the right to select and fund for award, all, some, part, or none of the proposals received. There is no guarantee of award.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Awards are made under the authority of 10 U.S.C. 4001 in the form of grants or cooperative agreements. We rely on discretionary appropriated funds for this program. Awards under https://www.afrl.af.mil/AFOSR/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=345653 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=345653 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title10-section4001&num=0&edition=prelim

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this STEM FOA are subject to the availability of funds for fiscal year 2024. We select what kind of award instrument we can use based on requirements in the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act 31 U.S.C. 6301 – 31 U.S.C. 6308.

We can make awards to universities conducting, or demonstrably capable of conducting, education and outreach in areas of interest to the AFOSR.

Approximately $1.8M is anticipated to support the awards under this announcement, subject to availability of funds. Proposals can be made for up to three (3) years in duration; that is, one (1) Base Year with two (2) Option Years. Proposals can request up to $150,000 per year, totaling $450,000 at the end of three (3) years. Proposals must use September 1, 2024, as the anticipated start date; however, the actual effective date is not final until an award is made.

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

All responsible sources from academia, non-profit organizations, and industry (for-profit) organizations may submit applications under this FOA. Multiple Principal Investigators from the same organization may apply for a STEM Program award, but each proposal must be distinctive. The STEM Program award also allows for CO- Principal Investigators.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, Tribal Colleges or Universities, Alaska Native-serving institutions, Native-Hawaiian-serving institutions, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institutions, Native American-serving nontribal institutions, Minority Institutions, and covered educational institutions in 10 U.S.C 4144 are especially encouraged to apply.

Federally Funded Research & Development Centers (FFRDCs), including Department of Energy National Laboratories, are not eligible to receive awards under this FOA.

However, teaming arrangements between FFRDCs and eligible principal applicants are allowed so long as they are permitted under the sponsoring agreement between the Government and the specific FFRDC.

Air Force Research laboratories, military universities, and warfare centers as well as other DoD and civilian agency laboratories are also not eligible to receive awards under this FOA and must not submit either white papers or applications in response to this FOA.

University Affiliated Research Centers (UARC) are eligible to submit white papers under this FOA unless precluded from doing so by their DoD UARC contract.

To assess risk posed by applicants, we review your application, proposal, and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) designated repositories of government-wide public and non-public data, including comments you have made, as required by 31 U.S.C. 3321 and 41 U.S.C. 2313 and described in 2 CFR 200.206 and 32 CFR 22.410 to confirm you are qualified, responsible, and eligible to receive an award.

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title31/subtitle5/chapter63&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:10%20section:4144%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title10-section4144)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title31-section3321&num=0&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title41-section2313&num=0&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title41-section2313&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.206 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=913b10a5a197ab08d9b08ff21d449c71&mc=true&node=sp32.1.22.d&rgn=div6

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2. COST SHARING OR MATCHING

We do not require cost sharing or matching for proposals under this announcement. You are not prohibited from including voluntary committed cost sharing or matching in your proposal. Cost sharing or matching is not an evaluation factor.

3. OTHER

a. Types of Eligible Programs STEM Program funds are available for supplementation of existing projects are eligible to compete with applications for new Federal awards under this FOA.

b. Amount of Requested AFOSR Funding

Applicants may submit proposals for 1 award per Funding Opportunity Announcement.

Proposals may not exceed three (3) years in duration; that is, one (1) Base Year with two (2) Option Years.

Proposals may not exceed $150,000 in funding per year; that is, the sum of $450,000 for all three years.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. ELECTRONIC DELIVERY

AFOSR participates in the Grants.gov initiative to provide the grant community with a single site to find and apply for grant funding opportunities. We encourage applicants to submit their applications online through Grants.gov.

We will not provide paper copies of this announcement or accept paper applications.

You can also search Grants.gov using the administering agency CFDA Number.

ADMINISTERING AGENCY CFDA NUMBER AND TITLE

Air Force Office of Scientific Research

(AFOSR)

12.800 Air Force Defense Research

Sciences Program

2. HOW TO REGISTER TO APPLY THROUGH GRANTS.GOV

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a. Instructions

Read the instructions below about registering to apply for administering agency’s funds. Applicants should read the registration carefully and prepare the information requested before beginning the registration process. Reviewing and assembling the required information before beginning the registration process will alleviate last minute searches for required information.

The registration process can take up to four weeks to complete. Therefore, registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet required application submission deadlines.

If individual applicants are eligible to apply for this grant funding opportunity, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html.

Organization applicants can find complete instructions here:

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

(1) Obtain a UEI Number: All entities applying for funding, including renewal funding, must have a UEI Number. Applicants must enter the UEI number in the data entry field labeled “UEI” on the Standard Form (SF) 424 in Block 5.

For more detailed instructions for obtaining a UEI number, refer to:

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

For more detailed instructions for obtaining a UEI number, refer to:

https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration

(2) Register with SAM: In addition to having a UEI number, organizations applying online through Grants.gov must register with SAM. All organizations must register with SAM in order to apply online. Registrations in SAM now include the acceptance of Certifications and Assurances. Entities creating new registrations and existing entities completing their annual registration renewals will be required to review financial assistance representations and certification before their registration can be activated. Failure to register with SAM will prevent your organization from applying through Grants.gov.

For more detailed instructions for registering with SAM, refer to:

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

(3) Create a Grants.gov Account: The next step in the registration process is to create an account with Grants.gov. Applicants must know their organization’s UEI number to complete this process. Completing this process automatically triggers an email request for applicant roles to the organization’s E-Business Point of Contact (EBiz POC) for review. The EBiz POC is a representative from your organization who is the contact listed for SAM. To apply for grants on behalf of your https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html

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organization, you will need the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) role.

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

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html.

(4) Authorize Grants.gov Roles: After creating an account on Grants.gov, the EBiz POC receives an email notifying them of your registration and request for roles.

The EBiz POC will then log in to Grants.gov and authorize the appropriate roles, which may include the AOR role, thereby giving you permission to complete and submit applications on behalf of the organization. You will be able to submit your application online any time after you have been approved as an AOR.

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

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/add-profile.html.

(5) Track Role Status: To track your role request, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/track-role-status.html.

b. Electronic Signature

When applications are submitted through Grants.gov, the name of the organization’s AOR that submitted the application is inserted into the signature line of the application, serving as the electronic signature. The EBiz POC must authorize individuals who are able to make legally binding commitments on behalf of the organization as an AOR, this step is often missed and it is crucial for valid and timely submissions.

3. HOW TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO THE ADMINISTERING AGENCY

VIA GRANTS.GOV

Grants.gov applicants can apply online using Workspace. Workspace is a shared, online environment where members of a grant team may simultaneously access and edit different webforms within an application. For each FOA, you can create individual instances of a workspace.

Below is an overview of applying on Grants.gov. For access to complete instructions on how to apply for opportunities, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html.

a. Create a Workspace

Creating a workspace allows you to complete it online and route it through your organization for review before submitting

b. Complete a Workspace https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/add-profile.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/track-role-status.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html

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Add participants to the workspace, complete all the required forms, and check for errors before submission.

(1) Adobe Reader: If you decide not to apply by filling out webforms, you can download individual PDF forms in Workspace so that they will appear similar to other Standard or administering agency forms. The individual PDF forms can be downloaded and saved to your local device storage, network drive(s), or external drive(s), then accessed through AdobeReader.

NOTE: Visit the Adobe Software Compatibility page on Grants.gov to download the appropriate version of the software at:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html.

(2) Mandatory Fields in Forms: In the forms, you will note fields marked with an asterisk and a different background color. These fields are mandatory fields that must be completed to successfully submit your application.

(3) 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 UEI 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.

c. Submit a Workspace

An application may be submitted through workspace by clicking the Sign and Submit button on the Manage Workspace page, under the Forms tab. Grants.gov recommends submitting your application package at least 24-48 hours prior to the close date to provide you with time to correct any potential technical issues that may disrupt application submission.

d. Track a Workspace

After successfully submitting a workspace package, a Grants.gov Tracing Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) is automatically assigned to the package. The number will be listed on the Confirmation page that is generated after submission.

For additional training resources, including video tutorials, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html.

Applicant Support: Grants.gov provides applicants 24/7 support via the toll-free number 1-800-518-4726 and email at support@grants.gov. For questions related to the specific grant opportunity, contact the number listed on the application package of the grant you are applying for.

If you are experiencing difficulties with your submission, it is best to call the Grants.gov Support Center and get a ticket number. The Support Center ticket number will assist the administering agency with tracking your issue and understanding background information https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html mailto:support@grants.gov

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on the issue.

4. CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

a. Pre-Proposal Inquiries and Questions Encouraged

If you need help with general questions or problems, the appropriate individual listed in section G. Agency Contacts should be contacted.

Your pre-proposal inquiries and questions should be submitted not later than Friday, March 29, 2024 We may not be able to answer questions received later. We discuss this more in section 7. Submission Dates and Times.

Program Managers and technical contacts do not have the authority to make commitment for us. Grants Officers acting within their warranted capacity are the only people authorized to make commitments for the Government.

b. The Application as a Whole

You must use the electronic SF 424 Research & Related (R&R) Form Family, OMB Number 4040-0001. The SF 424 (R&R) Application for Federal Assistance form must be your cover page. No pages may precede the SF 424 (R&R).

Your proposal must describe the research and related science and engineering that enables your STEM education program. Your proposal must adequately describe the research and research-related education so that we can assess relevance to our research priorities and DoD missions. You are encouraged to clarify the extent to which your research interests coincide with ours by:

(1) Contacting the administering agency Program Manager listed in section G.

Agency Contacts.

You must submit your proposal electronically through Grants.gov. DO NOT password protect attachments. You must mark your application with the announcement number.

We created a summary of what is required for a complete proposal in the table below.

• We require the forms and attachments in bold text with all applications

• Some applications require the attachments in italics

• We provide more instructions in section D.5. Component Pieces of the Application

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R&R FORM, OMB 4040-0001 FIELD ATTACHMENT

SF 424 (R&R) Application for Federal Assistance, including an authorized signature

18. Certification Regarding Lobbying Form, or SFLLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities per instructions in D.5.b

R&R Other Project Information Form

7. Project Summary/Abstract

8. Project Narrative

9. Bibliography and References Cited

10. Facilities and Other Resources

12. Other Attachments

R&R Senior/Key Person (Expanded) Profile Form

N/A Biographical Sketch

Current & Pending Support

R&R Budget Form N/A Budget Justification +

Any Quotes

R&R Personal Data Form N/A None

R&R Project /Performance Site Locations Form

N/A None

The SF 424 (R&R) must include the signature of an authorized applicant representative.

Your signature is affixed electronically by Grants.gov upon submission. This signature is considered the signature for the application as a whole.

We give you more instructions in section D.5. Component Pieces of the Application.

c. Proposal Format

• Paper Size: 8.5 x 11-inch paper http://www.grants.gov/

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• Margins: 1 inch

• Spacing: 1.0-line spacing

• Font: Times New Roman, 12 point

• Page Limitation: 25 pages*

• Content: as described below

d. Proposal Length

The total length of your project summary/abstract, project narrative, bibliography and references cited, and all curriculum vitae attached to the R&R Senior/Key Person (Expanded) Profile form must be no longer than twenty-five (25) pages. We will not read or evaluate any pages in excess of the twenty-five (25) page limit.

We describe what is included in the page count in the table below.

D.4.d. Page Count Table

*INCLUDED IN PAGE COUNT NOT INCLUDED IN PAGE COUNT

Project Summary/Abstract Everything else

Project Narrative

Bibliography and References Cited

Senior/Key Person Curriculum Vitae

We do not include Grants.gov forms in the page count. We do not include budget related information or required representations in the page count. Not having enough information to understand if your costs are reasonable and realistic is the most common reason awards are delayed. We cannot make an award unless we can determine you are eligible, the cost of your proposal is reasonable and realistic, and complies with 2 CFR 200 Subpart E – Cost Principles.

e. Conflict of Interest/Conflict of Commitment Review:

This announcement requires that all current and pending research support, as defined by Section 223 of the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act must be disclosed at the time of proposal, for all covered individuals. Such disclosure will be updated annually during the performance of any research project selected for funding, and whenever covered individual are added or identified as performing under this project. Covered Individuals are those who are listed as key personnel https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/subpart-e https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/subpart-e

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on proposals including but not restricted to the principal investigator or co-principal investigator.

Any decision to accept a proposal for funding under this announcement will include full reliance on the applicant’s statements. Failure to report fully and completely all sources of project support and outside positions and affiliations may be considered a materials statement within the meaning of the federal False Claims Act, and constitute a violation of law.

The funding agency may conduct a pre-award conflict of interest/conflict of commitment review of any proposal selected for funding as described in the DoD Component Decision Matrix to Inform Fundamental Research Proposal Mitigation Decisions. Offerors are advised that any significant conflict of interest/conflict of commitment identified may be a basis for the rejection of an otherwise awardable proposal.

f. Electronic Form and Proposal Attachments

Your application and proposal attachments must be in electronic file formats using Workspace.

DO NOT password protect attachments.

Grants.gov provides information about Adobe software compatibility at:

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html.

g. Marking of Proposals with Confidential or Proprietary Information

You must mark your proposal and proposal sections that contain proprietary or confidential information. You must use the protective legend found at FAR 52.215-1(e) Instructions to Offerors – Competitive Acquisition modified to permit release to our outside evaluators.

We make every effort to protect the confidentiality of proposals, including any proposal evaluations; however, under Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requirements, some or all proposal information may be subject to release.

Your entire proposal, or any portions thereof, without protective markings or otherwise identified as requiring protection will be considered voluntarily furnished to us without restriction and will be treated as such for all purposes.

h. Advance Preparation for Electronic Submission through Grants.gov

Your proposal must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov. Your organization must complete several one-time actions before electronic submission. Registration with Grants.gov may take up to twenty-one (21) days.

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.215-1 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.215-1 https://www.grants.gov/

FOAAFRLAFOSR20240002 19

(1) You should verify that the person authorized to submit proposals for your organization has completed registration well in advance of the submission deadline.

Grants.gov electronic proposal submissions cannot be accomplished before your organization is fully registered.

(2) A Grants.gov getting started checklist is available at:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/learn-grants/grants-101/getting-started-checklist.html.

(3) Guidance for registering with Grants.gov as an organization may be found at:

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html.

(4) Questions relating to the Grants.gov registration process, system requirements, how an application works, or the proposal submittal process can be answered by email at support@grants.gov, telephone at (800) 518-4726 or (606) 545-5035, or at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html.

(5) An active SAM registration and an active UEI number are required to register through Grants.gov. Sections D.2.a and D.6 provide more information.

5. COMPONENT PIECES OF THE APPLICATION

We have arranged this section to generally follow the table in section D.4.b. The Application as a Whole.

a. SF 424 (R&R) Application for Federal Assistance

You must use the electronic SF 424 (R&R) Application for Federal Assistance form as your application cover page. No pages may precede the SF 424 (R&R). This form is not included in your page count.

You must use September 1, 2024 as the anticipated start date in your proposal and budget; however, the actual effective date is not final until an award is made.

(1) Complete all required fields in accordance with the “pop-up” instructions on the SF 424 (R&R) form. The completion of most fields is self-explanatory.

(2) You can turn on Grants.gov “Help Mode” to provide additional instructions on a form-specific basis. “Help Mode” is turned on by the icon with the pointer and question mark located at the top of the form.

We have special instructions for completing several SF 424 (R&R form fields for applications under this announcement. Our instructions are:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/learn-grants/grants-101/getting-started-checklist.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/learn-grants/grants-101/getting-started-checklist.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html mailto:support@grants.gov http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html https://www.sam.gov/

FOAAFRLAFOSR20240002 20

FIELD INSTRUCTION

2. You may leave “Applicant Identifier” blank

3. You may leave “Date Received by State” and “State Application Identifier” blank

4.a. AFOSR Submissions: Leave “Federal Identifier” blank

4.b. AFOSR Submissions: Enter the Program Manager’s name:

Dr. Kimberly Jacoby Morris

8. Complete as indicated. Provide the name(s) and phone number(s) of the Point(s) of Contact at the agency.

If you run out of space in field 8, include an attachment to field 12 of the R&R Other Project Information form. Name that attachment “Continuation of SF 424 (R&R) Field 8.” This attachment is included in your page count.

9. List the appropriate DoD administering agency name:

Air Force Office of Scientific Research

This field is usually pre-populated by Grants.gov.

11. Enter a descriptive title for your project.

Using one phrase or sentence, title the proposal so that it is STEM program oriented. For example, “STEM - Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Test Flights in Enclosed UAV Test Facility for K12 Education Training”.

DO NOT use the word “WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT,” “FACILITY,” “OUTREACH,” or the Program Manager’s name in your title.

16. Check “No,” and “Program is Not Covered by Executive Order 12372.”

17. Select “I Agree” to:

Certify that all statements in the proposal and Internal Confidentially Agreement, written or otherwise, are true, complete, and accurate to the best of your knowledge

FOAAFRLAFOSR20240002 21

See section F.3. Administrative and National Policy Requirements for more information and links to the full text of these items.

Additionally, this provides the certification regarding lobbying that is required by 31 U.S.C. 1352 as implemented by the DoD in 32 CFR Part

The full text of this certification may be found in Appendix A to Part 28 of 32 CFR at https://www.ecfr.gov/ or we will provide you a copy if you ask for one.

18. You must attach the completed D.5.b. SFLLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities if you have lobbying activity that you must disclose under 31 U.S.C. 1352 as implemented by the DoD in 32 CFR Part 28.

b. SFLLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

When required, the SFLLL form is attached to field 18 of the R&R Other Project Information form. This attachment is not included in your page count.

If you have lobbying activity that you must disclose under 31 U.S.C. 1352 as implemented by the DoD at 32 CFR Part 28, you must attach the completed SFLLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities.

You can find instructions for completing this form at:

https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/instructions/S FLLL_2_0-V2.0-Instructions.pdf.

c. R&R Other Project Information Form

This form is not included in your page count.

Complete all information as requested. You must attach the publicly releasable Project Summary/Abstract and Project Narrative to this form.

FIELD INSTRUCTION

1, 1a. You must address all prospective human subject involvement by answering these questions. Additional documentation pursuant to National Policy and U.S.

Air Force and Space Force standards is required for all proposals with human use research or involvement.

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:31%20section:1352%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title31-section1352)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-32/subtitle-A/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-28 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-32/subtitle-A/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-28 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-32/subtitle-A/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-28/appendix-Appendix%20A%20to%20Part%2028 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:31%20section:1352%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title31-section1352)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:31%20section:1352%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title31-section1352)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-32/subtitle-A/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-28 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:31%20section:1352%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title31-section1352)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-32/subtitle-A/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-28 https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/instructions/SFLLL_2_0-V2.0-Instructions.pdf https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/instructions/SFLLL_2_0-V2.0-Instructions.pdf

FOAAFRLAFOSR20240002 22

2, 2a. You must address all prospective animal subject and/or recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (rDNA) involvement by answering these questions.

We will not consider any application for conference or workshop support that requires evaluation or approval of with animal or rDNA use or involvement protocol.

4a. For any proposal that has an actual or potential impact on the environment, answer yes and provide the answers and attachments required for fields 4b, 4c, and 4d. Additional documentation in accordance with National Policy and U.S. Air Force standards is required for any proposal with an actual or potential impact on the environment. We will not consider any application for conference or workshop support that requires any form of environmental impact study.

7 Attach your D.5.d. Publicly Releasable Abstract

8. Attach your D.5.e. Project Narrative

9. Attach your D.5.f. Bibliography and References Cited if necessary

10. Attach a Facilities and Other Resources description document here if you need to supplement your D.5.e. Project Narrative facilities and resources section.

11. N/A

12. You may supplement your D.5.k. Budget Justification by attaching quotes for training materials & supplies, local travel, etc.

d. Publicly Releasable Project Summary/Abstract

You must attach the Project Summary/Abstract to field 7 of the R&R Other Project Information form. This attachment is included in your page count.

You must provide a concise abstract of 4,000 characters or less with your proposal.

Spaces are included in the character count. Your abstract must be marked as publicly releasable. Your abstract should use terms the public can understand to describe your STEM program and the related education.

Enter the Project Summary/Abstract on the form as a single block of plain text. Do not use special formatting such as line breaks, tables, or superscript/subscript. Do not use

FOAAFRLAFOSR20240002 23

special characters or symbols such as μ, λ, γ, π, &, :, /, \ , “, or ?.

Your abstract header should include the Agency Program Manager or Officer’s name(s) and directorate(s) you listed in SF 424 (R&R) field 4.b. as discussed in section D.5.a. SF 424 (R&R) Application for Federal Assistance.

If you receive an award, we must publish your abstract to a searchable website available to the general public as required by statue. The website address is https://dodgrantawards.dtic.mil/grants/#/home.

e. Project Narrative

You must attach the Project Narrative to field 8 of the R&R Other Project Information form. The narrative must be complete and self-contained to qualify for review. This attachment is included in your page count.

In developing the Project Narrative, keep in mind the AFOSR Research Interests sand DoD STEM goals stated in Section A, Program Description.

You must clearly describe your proposed STEM program, including objective and approach. Your project narrative will be evaluated using the criteria listed in section E.1.

Criteria. You should show strength in as many of the evaluation and selection areas as practicable to demonstrate maximum competitiveness.

Your narrative shall include the following elements:

(1) Statement of Objectives

You must fit your proposed STEM program on a single page titled “Statement of Objectives.” AFOSR may decide to incorporate your statement of objectives into the award instead of incorporating the whole technical proposal.

You should use active verbs when you prepare the statement of objectives, e.g., “conduct” training in a subject area, “investigate” a problem, “determine” to test a hypothesis.

(2) STEM Program Effort

Draft your STEM program curriculum and include your STEM program evaluation plans. You must clearly describe your STEM program in detail.

• Describe the unique educational programming and best practices for demonstrations, training materials and/or hands-on experiential learning opportunities for K-16 learners; specifically, detail the connections to AFOSR research interests.

• How it will enhance the quality of STEM and research-related education;

specifically, describe the amount of proposed support for the research-related education to be facilitated.

https://dodgrantawards.dtic.mil/grants/#/home

FOAAFRLAFOSR20240002 24

• How it will establish outreach strategies to promote research-related education in areas of interest to the AFOSR and DoD; specifically, detail your proposed K-16 participation recruitment plan, and indicate how your STEM program will support workforce development for the AFOSR and DoD.

The adequacy of this information will influence the overall evaluation in accordance with the criteria and procedures specified in section E. Application Review Information.

(3) Your Facilities

• Describe the facilities available for performing the proposed research or outreach, and any additional facilities or equipment the organization proposes to acquire at its own expense for the project.

• Indicate any government-owned facilities that will be used. Indicate any government-owned equipment possessed presently that will be used. The facilities contract number, or in absence of a facilities contract, the specifics of the facilities or equipment, and the number of the award under which they are accountable are required.

f. Bibliography and References Cited

You must attach your Bibliography and references Cited to field 9 of the R&R Other Project Information form. If you are unsure if you need to include this attachment, please contact the agency contact to make sure. This attachment is included in your page count.

Your bibliography and references should encompass your recruitment plan.

g. Facilities and Other Resources

You may attach your Facilities and Other Resources information to field 10 of the R&R Other Project Information form. This attachment is not included in your page count.

h. R&R Senior/Key Person Profile Form

You must attach a short biographical sketch and list of significant publications (vitae) for each Senior/Key Person, whether or not the individuals’ efforts under the project are to be funded by the DoD. You must also attach a list of current and pending support as discussed in the aforementioned vitae.

You must list all key persons proposed for the research on the R&R Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) form. Key persons are generally the PI, and Co-PIs, and senior staff.

We use this information to evaluate the qualifications of you and your research team.

To evaluate compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C.

A subsection 1681 Et. Seq.), the DoD is collecting certain demographic and career

FOAAFRLAFOSR20240002 25

information to be able to assess the success rates of women who are proposed for key roles in applications in STEM disciplines.

To enable this assessment, each applicant must include this form completed as indicated. The Degree Type and Degree Year fields will be used by the DoD as the source for career information. In addition to the required fields on the form applicants must complete these two fields for all individuals that are identified as having the project role of Project Director (PD)/PI or Co-PD/PI on the form. Additional senior/key persons can be adding by selecting the “Next Person” button.

Failure to submit this information may cause the proposal to be returned without further review. Additionally, DoD reserves the right to request further details from the proposer before making a final determination on the funding effort.

This information will be used to support protection of intellectual property, controlled information, key personnel, and information about critical technologies relevant to national security. Additionally, this information will be used to limit undue influence, including foreign talent programs, by countries that desire to exploit the United States’ technology within the DoD research, science and technology, and innovation enterprise.

i. R&R Personal Data Form

This form will be used by the DoD as the source of demographic information, such as gender, race, ethnicity, and disability information for the PD/PI and all other persons identified as Co-PDs/PIs. Each application must include this form with the name fields of the PD/PI and any Co-PDs/PIs completed; however, provision of the demographic information in the form is voluntary. If completing the form for multiple individuals, each Co-PD/PI can be added by selecting the “Next person” button. The demographic information, if provided, will be used for statistical purposes only and will not be made available to merit reviewers. Applicants who do not wish to provide some or all of the information should check or select the “Do not wish to provide” option.

NOTE: The Government Accountability Office (GAO), in its report GAO-16-14, WOMEN IN STEM RESEARCH: Better Data and Information Sharing Could Improve Oversight of Federal Grant Making and Title IX Compliance, December 3, 2015, recommended that the DoD collect certain demographic and career information to be able to assess the success rates of women who are proposed for key roles in applications in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics disciplines. To enable this assessment, each application must include the following forms completed as indicated: R&R Senior/Key Person Profile (expanded) form, and the R&R Personal Data form.

j. R&R Budget Form

You must include a budget that identifies the program administration costs per item, and the total cost. Cite the proposed sources of the program management on the budget justification attachment. This form is not included in your page count.

FOAAFRLAFOSR20240002 26

Your costs should be based on recent quotations from manufacturers or distributors.

Itemize supplies for education outreach on the R&R Budget form to the extent possible, or provide an itemization on the budget justification attachment.

You must use September 1, 2024 as the anticipated start date in your proposal and budget; however the actual effective date is not final until an award is made.

k. Budget Justification

You must provide a detailed budget justification. The entire budget justification and supporting documentation must be…