FundOpp_DE-FOA-0003244.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

NATIONAL NUCLEAR SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

OFFICE OF PARTNERSHIP AND ACQUISITION SERVICES

GLOVEBOX MANUFACTURING EXPANSION INITIATIVE (GMEI)

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY (NOFO) NUMBER

DE-NOFO-0003244

NOFO TYPE: INITIAL

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 81.258

NOFO Issue Date February 29, 2024

Informational Webinar March 11, 2024

Submission Deadline for Applications April 5, 2024

Expected Date for Selection Notifications June 1, 2024

Notice of Funding Opportunity: Glovebox Manufacturing Expansion Initiative

Table of Contents

SUMMARY

SECTION I – FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. GENERAL INQUIRIES ABOUT THIS NOFO SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO:

B. STATUTORY AUTHORITY

C. APPLICABLE REGULATIONS

D. INFORMATION

E. KEY DATES

SECTION II – AWARD INFORMATION

A. TYPE OF AWARD INSTRUMENT

B. ESTIMATED FUNDING

C. ESTIMATED AWARD RANGE AND SIZE:

D. EXPECTED NUMBER OF AWARDS

E. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

F. TYPE OF APPLICATION

SECTION III – ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

B. EXPECTATIONS

C. COST SHARING

SECTION IV – APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. APPLICATION PACKAGE

B. PROJECT NARRATIVE AND SUPPORTING APPENDICES

C. SUBMISSIONS FROM SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS

D. SUBMISSION DATES AND TIMES

SECTION V - APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

A. CRITERIA

B. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

C. ANTICIPATED NOTICE OF SELECTION AND AWARD DATES

SECTION VI – AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

A. AWARD NOTICES

B. ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS

C. REPORTING

D. REPORTING OF MATTERS RELATED TO RECIPIENT INTEGRITY AND

PERFORMANCE (DECEMBER 2015)

E. COMPLIANCE AUDITS

SECTION VII - QUESTIONS/AGENCY CONTACTS

A. QUESTIONS

B. AGENCY CONTACTS

SECTION VIII – SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL

A. REGISTRATION INFORMATION

B. POLICY PROVISIONS

C. ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS

D. REFERENCE MATERIAL

i

UPDATES AND REMINDERS

REPORTING AND ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS

DOE/NNSA is implementing enhanced reporting requirements for applications and awards.

Reporting and administrative requirements, including but not limited to those pertaining to other sources of support and potential conflicts of interest or commitment, are subject to change before the Federal award date. The terms and conditions of award will specify changed requirements:

Applicants have the right to reject any proposed awards. Terms and conditions may be modified at the time of an award modification: Recipients have the right to reject such modifications and allow an award to expire.

UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIFIER (UEI)

The Federal Government has transitioned from the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS), assigned by Dun and Bradstreet to the UEI, assigned by the System for Award Management at https://www.sam.gov, UEIs are required in accordance with 2 CFR Part 25, and the transition from UEI to UEI has resulted in the UEI being issued by the Federal Government in . SAM.gov.

Please follow the on-screen instructions or contact each system’s Help Desk for additional information. Detailed information about the transition is available at https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/organization/federal-acquisition-service/office-of-systems-management/integrated-award-environment-iae/iae-information-kit/unique-entity-identifier-update.

STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT

The DOE/NNSA is fully and unconditionally committed to fostering safe, diverse, equitable, and inclusive work, and funding environments that value mutual respect and personal integrity.

Discrimination and harassment undermine NNSA’s ability to achieve its mission by reducing productivity, discouraging, or inhibiting talent retention and career advancement, and weakening the integrity of the NNSA enterprise overall. NNSA does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind, including sexual or non-sexual harassment, bullying, intimidation, violence, threats of violence, retaliation, or other disruptive behavior in the federal workplace, including NNSA field site offices, or at national laboratories, scientific user facilities, academic institutions, other institutions receiving NNSA funding, or other locations where activities funded by NNSA are carried out.

https://www.sam.gov/ https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/organization/federal-acquisition-service/office-of-systems-management/integrated-award-environment-iae/iae-information-kit/unique-entity-identifier-update https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/organization/federal-acquisition-service/office-of-systems-management/integrated-award-environment-iae/iae-information-kit/unique-entity-identifier-update https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/organization/federal-acquisition-service/office-of-systems-management/integrated-award-environment-iae/iae-information-kit/unique-entity-identifier-update

SUMMARY

Current nuclear glovebox manufacturers do not have sufficient manufacturing capacity to meet the DOE/NNSA’s anticipated glovebox demand through 2035. The demand is driven principally by the magnitude and timing of gloveboxes required by the Los Alamos Plutonium Pit Production Project (LAP4) and the Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility (SRPPF).

Other projects, across NNSA, DOE, DoD, commercial industry, and the United Kingdom’s Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) also require gloveboxes in significant quantities and may compete with NNSA's programs for glovebox design and fabrication.

More specific information on each area of interest is outlined in the general and program specific information below.

Section I – FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. GENERAL INQUIRIES ABOUT THIS NOFO SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO:

Technical Program Contact:

Edward Hoegg National Nuclear Security Administration Production Modernization Program Phone: (240) 306-8561 Email: edward.hoegg@nnsa.doe.gov

NNSA Grants Officer Yolanda F. Robinson-Freeman National Nuclear Security Administration Specialty Acquisition Branch – Office of Partnership & Acquisition Services Phone: (505) 845-4693 Email: yolanda.r-freeman@nnsa.doe.gov

NNSA Grants Specialist:

Iralien Sainvilmar (Ira) National Nuclear Security Administration Specialty Acquisition Branch – Office of Partnership & Acquisition Services Phone: (505) 845-5569 mailto:edward.hoegg@nnsa.doe.gov mailto:yolanda.r-freeman@nnsa.doe.gov

Email: Iralien.sainvilmar@nnsa.doe.gov

B. STATUTORY AUTHORITY

Public Law 117-263; FY 2023 James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977 Public Law 95-22; 1977

C. APPLICABLE REGULATIONS

Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, codified at 2 CFR Part 200 and U.S. Department of Energy Financial Assistance Rules, codified at 2 CFR Part 910.

D. INFORMATION

To meet its mission, “to protect the Nation, our allies and our partners by providing a resilient and responsive Nuclear Security Enterprise,” the DOE/NNSA must sometimes rely on commercial manufacturers to help meet important mission objectives. In late 2022, the DOE/NNSA determined the need to ensure a sufficient supply of gloveboxes is available for necessary capital projects and equipment replacements and installations within designated facilities. After extensive market research and in coordination Energy Facility Contractors Group (EFCOG), the DOE/NNSA developed a Strategic Action Plan to coordinate efforts of federal management & operating (M&O) partners across technical, fiscal, contracting, and industrial base domains to create a coherent approach that uses all levers to meet prioritized mission requirements.

The Strategic Action Plan directed the Matrixed Execution Team (MET) Glovebox Working Group to pursue cost sharing grants for glovebox manufacturing expansion. To meet this directed action, the DOE/NNSA seeks cooperative agreement applications for the Glovebox Manufacturing Expansion Initiative (GMEI). Funding will support investments in facility expansion and equipment modernization of commercial facilities in the United States for the fabrication of Nuclear Quality Assurance (NQA-1) or International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001 nuclear gloveboxes. Applications must identify achievable expansion goals to meet the following:

1. Double current manufacturing capacity no later than December 31, 2028 Applicants should be prepared to show how facility expansion and/or equipment purchases will increase (at least double) their manufacturing capability no later than December 31, 2028. Multiple metrics may be appropriate. Applicants should estimate benefits in their applications and appendices using the same metrics by which they intend to measure success.

If an application is recommended for funding by DOE/NNSA, applicants are cautioned to strictly follow that organization's instructions regarding the transfer of the application and potential award administration. All Entities submitting applications for this NOFO must recognize the moral and legal obligations to comply with export controls and policies that limit the transfer of mailto:Iralien.sainvilmar@nnsa.doe.gov technology with potential dual use. Applicants are reminded that international activities must comply with nonproliferation, sanction and other protocols described at https://www.export.gov.

E. KEY DATES

Informational Meeting: 7 March 2024 Application Due Date: 5 April 2024 (due by 11:59 pm EST through grants.gov) Initial Review: 8 April – 12 April 2024 Merit Review Cycle: 15 April 2024 – 30 April 2024 Earliest Award Date: 1 June 2024

Section II – AWARD INFORMATION

A. TYPE OF AWARD INSTRUMENT

DOE/NNSA anticipates awarding Cooperative Agreements under this NOFO.

B. ESTIMATED FUNDING

$50 Million DOE/NNSA is under no obligation to pay for any costs associated with preparation or submission of applications. DOE/NNSA reserves the right to fund, in whole or in part, any, all, or none of the applications submitted in response to this NOFO.

C. ESTIMATED AWARD RANGE AND SIZE:

Estimated award range will vary based on the number of eligible applicants and amount requested by applicants.

Ceiling The maximum amount for a single award made under this NOFO is $14,000,000.

Floor The minimum amount for a single award made for this NOFO is $1,000,000.

D. EXPECTED NUMBER OF AWARDS

The number of awards will depend on the number of meritorious applications and the availability of appropriated funds.

https://www.export.gov/

E. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

DOE/NNSA anticipates making awards with a project period of up to four years. Selected applicants will be expected to show progress toward manufacturing expansion efforts within 24 months.

Continuation funding is contingent on: (1) progress towards meeting the objectives of the approved application; (2) submission of required reports; and (3) compliance with the terms and conditions of the award.

F. TYPE OF APPLICATION

DOE/NNSA will accept new applications for a cooperative agreement under this NOFO.

Section III – ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

This NOFO imposes several eligibility requirements for funding. To be considered for evaluation, an applicant’s submission must meet the criteria set forth:

1. Funding must be for the expansion or modernization of glovebox manufacturing facilities. For this NOFO, expansion or modernization includes significantly enlarging an existing facility or increasing the capacity of an existing facility via material capital investment. Both expansion and modernization will be evaluated on the materiality of the investment relative to existing production.

2. To comply with 2 CFR Part 200, funding is available to domestic nuclear glovebox manufacturers who have the domestic capability to perform the activity successfully.

a. To qualify as a domestic entity, the entry must be organized and incorporated (or otherwise formed) under the laws of a particular state or territory of the United States, have a majority domestic ownership and control, and have a physical place of business in the United States.

b. Entities banned from doing business with the U.S. government, such as entities debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible to participate in a federal program, are not eligible.

3. Applicants must be registered in SAM before submitting their applications and maintain the SAM registration with current information.

a. Applicants must provide a valid Unique Entity Identification number (UEI) in the application.

4. Funding is available to nuclear glovebox manufacturers that have demonstrated the ability to fabricate a nuclear NQA-1 or ISO 9001 certified glovebox.

5. Applicants shall have implemented or be in the process of implementing the cybersecurity requirements contained in National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-171.

B. EXPECTATIONS

The DOE/NNSA expects the following from glovebox manufacturers:

1. Applicants should have a clear understanding and demonstrated experience with

Common Industry Codes, Specifications, and Standards - AGS-G001-2007 Guideline for Gloveboxes

2. Applicants should have a clear understanding and demonstrated experience with Common Industry Codes, Specifications, and Standards - AGS-G006-2017 Standard of Practice for the Design and Fabrication of Nuclear Application Gloveboxes

3. Applicants should have a clear understanding and demonstrated experience with Common Industry Codes, Specifications, and Standards - AGS-G004, 2014:

Standard of Practice for Leak Test Methodologies for Gloveboxes and other Enclosures

4. Applicants should have a clear understanding and demonstrated experience with Common Industry Codes, Specifications, and Standards - ASME NQA-1: Quality Assurance Requirements for Nuclear Facility Applications

5. Applicants should have a clear understanding and demonstrated experience with Common Industry Codes, Specifications, and Standards - DOE Order 414.1D Quality Assurance

C. COST SHARING

Applicants are bound by the cost share proposed in their full applications if selected for award negotiations.

Effort Cost Share Requirement

Facility Expansion 80/20%

Equipment Purchases 80/20%

Legal Responsibility The cost share requirement applies to the applicant of the cooperative agreement. The prime recipient is legally responsible for paying the entirety of the cost share. If the funding agreement is terminated prior to the end of the agreement, the prime recipient is required to contribute at least the cost share percentage of total expenditures incurred through the date of termination.

Cost Share Allocation Cost share must come from non-federal sources (unless otherwise allowed by law), such as project participants, state or local governments, or other third-party financing. Federal financing, such as DOE Loan Guarantee, cannot be leveraged by applicants to provide the required cost share or otherwise support the same scope that is proposed under a project.

Cost share may be provided by the prime recipient, subrecipients, or third parties (entities that do not have a role in performing the scope of work). Vendors/contractors may not provide cost share. Any partial donation of goods or services is considered a discount and is not allowable.

Cash contributions include but are not limited to personnel costs, fringe costs, supply and equipment costs, indirect costs, and other direct costs.

In-kind contributions are those where a value of the contribution can be readily determined, verified, and justified but where no actual cash is transacted in securing the good or service comprising the contribution. Allowable in-kind contributions include but are not limited to the donation of volunteer time or the donation of space or use of equipment.

Cost Share Verification Applicants are required to provide written assurance of their proposed cost share contributions in their Full Applications.

Upon selection for award negotiations, applicants are required to provide additional information and documentation regarding their cost share contributions.

Section IV – APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. APPLICATION PACKAGE

Application forms and instructions are available at Grants.gov. To access these materials, go to https://www.Grants.gov, select “Search Grants”, and then enter the Assistance Listing Number (81.258) and/or the NOFO number shown on the cover of this opportunity announcement. Select the “Apply” button to access the application package.

1. SF-424 (R&R)

Complete this form first to populate data in other forms. Complete all the required fields in accordance with the pop-up instructions on the form. The list of certifications and assurances referenced in Field 17 is available on the DOE Financial Assistance Forms Page at https://energy.gov/management/office-management/operational-management/financial-assistance/financial-assistance-forms under Certifications and Assurances. Applicants are bound by their representations and certifications in SAM.gov.

B. PROJECT NARRATIVE AND SUPPORTING APPENDICES

1. Project Narrative Applicants must submit a project narrative and supporting appendices to be officially considered for the expansion initiative. The narrative should detail the following:

1. Brief company history and key personnel expected to be involved in the GMEI program.

2. Experience building NQA-1/ISO9001 gloveboxes and include the number of years of experience as well as any prior DOE/NNSA experience to include work contracted with NNSA Management and Operating (M&O) contractors.

3. Current manufacturing capacity

a. Total floor space and current available floor space for DOE/NNSA work https://www.grants.gov/ https://energy.gov/management/office-management/operational-management/financial-assistance/financial-assistance-forms https://energy.gov/management/office-management/operational-management/financial-assistance/financial-assistance-forms

b. Current available shop labor hours

i. Labor hours per glovebox type (Type I, Type II, Type III, Type IV)

c. Annual glovebox fabrication numbers for 2023

4. Plan to increase manufacturing capability

a. Describe the Applicant’s plan to increase manufacturing capability, including any proposed expansion and/or equipment purchases, detailing how the Applicant will move from the current manufacturing capacity to the capacity detailed in #5 below.

b. Include achievable goals in the plan and explain how the proposed efforts (i.e.

facility expansion and/or equipment purchases) will increase the glovebox manufacturing capacity, at least doubling manufacturing capability no later than December 31, 2028.

c. Include appropriate metrics by which Applicant will measure success.

5. Describe Applicant’s current resources available (e.g. welders, fabricators, project managers), the resources expected to be required to operate after capacity expansion, and the Applicant’s plans for adding these additional resources to meet capacity expansion.

6. Projected impacts to glovebox manufacturing once expansion is complete.

a. Total floor space available for NNSA work after expansion.

b. Projected number of available shop labor hours after expansion.

i. Labor hours per glovebox type (Type I, Type II, Type III, Type IV)

c. Projected glovebox fabrication estimates after expansion is complete.

7. Describe any process improvements/manufacturing initiatives Applicant has previously implemented, and the resulting outcomes of these initiatives.

8. Short description of NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 cybersecurity implementation efforts

a. If a security audit has been conducted by an NNSA M&O contractor, please provide a summary of findings and remediation efforts, or provide a description of efforts to comply with NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2.

All submissions must conform to the form and content requirements described below, including maximum page limitations.

• Each document must be submitted in Adobe PDF format unless stated otherwise.

• Must be written in English.

• All pages must be formatted to fit on 8.5” x 11” paper with margins not less than one inch, and black, 12-point, Times New Roman font.

• Narrative should be no more than twenty pages.

o The appendices will not count in the project narrative page limitation.

2. Supporting Appendices Appendices should include:

A. Company contact information; the company name, primary point of contact for purposes of this NOFO, e-mail address, and telephone number

B. Key Personnel contact information; name, e-mail address, and telephone number of each Key Person

C. A list of DOE\NNSA sites for which the applicant company is on the approved or qualified NQA-1 or ISO9001 suppliers list.

D. Schedule with no more than level 3 project milestones E. Budget/Cost outline for expansion effort, including but not limited to equipment necessary to support manufacturing capabilities.

a. Provide a justification that explains all costs proposed in the budget.

i. Organize the justification by listing items in the same order as presented in the budget.

ii. Ensure narrative matches the budget in dollars amounts and language.

iii. Explain the line items (if costs are estimated, please provide a basis for the estimate.)

F. Facility expansion plans

a. Expansion plans should include expanded manufacturing floorspace drawings.

G. List of major items of equipment necessary to expand manufacturing capacity.

a. Provide a brief description of the production equipment necessary to expand manufacturing capacity (including how it will be utilized during the manufacturing process.)

b. Estimated cost for each piece of equipment.

c. Estimated earliest date of production impact. (Please take into consideration equipment purchase and delivery lead times.)

3. Project/Performance Site Location(s) Indicate the primary site where the work will be performed. If a portion of the project will be performed at any other site(s), identify the site location(s) in the blocks provided.

Note that the Project/Performance Site Congressional District is entered in the format of the 2-digit state code followed by a dash and a 3-digit Congressional district code, for example VA-

001. Hover over this field for additional instructions.

Use the Next Site button to expand the form to add additional Project/Performance Site Locations.

4. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with the grant/cooperative agreement, you must complete and submit Standard Form

- LLL, “Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying.”

5. Identification of Merit Reviewer Conflicts Provide a list of individuals who should or should not serve as merit reviewers of this application, following the instructions in Section VIII of this NOFO. Attach this information to Field 12 of the Research and Related Other Project Information Form.

6. Summary of Required Forms/Files

Your application must include the following items:

Name of Document Format Attach to SF 424 Form N/A RELATED Other Project Information Project Narrative, including required appendices PDF Field 8

Identification of Merit Review Conflicts Excel template Field 12

PROJECT/PERFORMANCE SITE

LOCATION(S) Form N/A

SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, if applicable Form N/A

C. SUBMISSIONS FROM SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS

If selected for award, DOE/NNSA reserves the right to request additional or clarifying information for any reason deemed necessary, including, but not limited to:

• Indirect cost information

• Other budget information

• Name and phone number of the Designated Responsible Employee for complying with national policies prohibiting discrimination (See 10 CFR 1040.5)

D. SUBMISSION DATES AND TIMES

1. Application Due Date The application due date is printed on the cover of this NOFO.

You are encouraged to transmit your application well before the deadline. Applications may be submitted at any time between the publication of this NOFO and the stated deadline.

2. Late Submissions Delays in submitting applications and supporting detail may be unavoidable. DOE/NNSA has accepted late submissions when applicants have been unable to make timely submissions because of widespread technological disruptions or significant natural disasters. DOE/NNSA has made accommodations for incapacitating or life-threatening illnesses and for deaths of immediate family members. Other circumstances may or may not justify late submissions.

Unacceptable justifications include the following:

• Failure to begin submission process early enough.

• Failure to provide sufficient time to complete the process.

• Failure to understand the submission process.

• Failure to understand the deadlines for submissions.

• Failure to satisfy prerequisite registrations.

• Unavailability of administrative personnel.

You are responsible for beginning the submission process in sufficient time to accommodate reasonably foreseeable incidents, contingencies, and disruptions.

Applicants must contact the Program Office/Manager listed in this NOFO to discuss the option of a late submission. Contacting the Program Office/Manager after the deadline may reduce the likelihood that a request will be granted.

DOE/NNSA notes that not all requests for late submission will be approved.

Section V - APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

A. CRITERIA

1. Initial Review Criteria Prior to a comprehensive merit evaluation, DOE/NNSA will perform an initial review to determine that (1) the applicant is eligible for the award; (2) the information required by the NOFO has been submitted; (3) all mandatory requirements are satisfied; (4) the proposed project is responsive to the objectives of the NOFO. Applications that fail to pass the initial review will not be forwarded for merit review and will be eliminated from further consideration.

B. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

1. Merit Review Criteria Applications that pass the initial review will be subjected to a formal merit review and will be evaluated based on the criteria as noted below. Criterion 1 is the most important; Criterion 2, Criterion 3 and Criterion 4 are equally important; and Criterion 5 is the least important.

Merit Review Criterion 1: Nuclear glovebox manufacturing experience o The Applicant’s Experience building nuclear NQA-1/ISO 9001 nuclear gloveboxes will be evaluated to include the Applicant’s presence on NQA-1 or ISO9001 approved qualified suppliers list, years of experience, and prior DOE/NNSA glovebox fabrication experience.

Merit Review Criterion 2: Feasibility of plan to increase manufacturing capability o The feasibility of Applicant’s plan to increase manufacturing capability will be evaluated, and considerations will include whether the plan is sufficiently detailed and explains how funding will be used to increase capability and capacity, establishes clear and achievable goals and metrics, and whether implementation of the plan provided by Applicant is likely to increase the glovebox manufacturing capacity, with an objective of at least doubling manufacturing capability no later than December 31, 2028.

Merit Review Criterion 3: Effects on manufacturing capability o The Applicant’s ability to effect change to support DOE/NNSA glovebox needs through 2035 with the funding and expansion will be evaluated based on the Applicant’s projected increase to total floor space available for NNSA work after expansion, the projected number of available shop labor hours after expansion, and the glovebox fabrication estimate after expansion is complete.

Merit Review Criterion 4: Availability of resources and resource plan o The Applicant’s availability of resources and plan for resources after expansion will be evaluated to assess whether the Applicant is, and will be, sufficiently resourced both during and after capacity expansion.

Merit Review Criterion 5: Process improvements o The Applicant’s previous process improvements/manufacturing initiatives will be evaluated to assess the Applicant’s ability to create efficiencies likely to improve manufacturing.

2. Program Policy Factors Selection Officials may consider any of the following program policy factors in making the selection, listed in no order of significance:

• Availability of funds

• Performance under current and previous M&O awards o Project management experience and execution

• Relevance of proposed equipment and facility expansion to glovebox manufacturing capability

3. Selection The Selection Official will consider the findings of the merit review and may consider any of the Program Policy Factors described above.

4. Review of Risk Pursuant to 2 CFR 200.206, the NNSA will conduct an additional review of risk posed by the applications submitted under this NOFO. Such review of risk will include:

• Quality of application

• Financial stability

• Management systems and standards

• History of performance

• Previous audit reports and findings

• Ability to effectively implement requirements.

NNSA may adjust requirements when a risk-evaluation indicates that it may be merited either pre-award or post-award.

5. Discussions and Award The Government may enter discussions with selected applicants for any reason deemed necessary, including but not limited to the following: (1) the budget and proposed expansion plans are not appropriate or reasonable; (2) the government needs additional information to determine that the recipient can comply with the requirements and/or (3) special terms and conditions are required. Failure to resolve satisfactorily the issues identified by the Government will preclude award to the applicant.

C. ANTICIPATED NOTICE OF SELECTION AND AWARD DATES

DOE/NNSA is interested in seeing projects supported under this NOFO begin work May 1, 2024.

Section VI – AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

A. AWARD NOTICES

1. Notice of Selection Selected Applicants Notification: DOE/NNSA will notify applicants selected for award. This notice of selection is not an authorization to begin performance.

Non-selected Notification: Organizations whose applications have not been selected will be advised as promptly as possible. This notice will explain why the application was not selected.

2. Notice of Award An Assistance Agreement issued by the NNSA Contracting Officer/Grants Officer is the authorizing award document. It normally includes, either as an attachment or by reference, the following items: (1) Special Terms and Conditions, (2) Intellectual Property Provisions, (3) Federal Assistance Reporting Checklist and Instructions, (4) Budget Pages, (5) DOE Assistance Regulations, 2 CFR 200 as amended by 2 CFR 910 at https://www.ecfr.gov/, (6) Application/proposal as approved by DOE/NNSA.

2. Terms and Conditions A DOE/NNSA financial assistance award is valid only if it is in writing and is signed, either in writing or electronically by an NNSA Contracting Officer/Grants Officer. Recipients are free to accept or reject the award. A request to draw down funds constitutes the Recipient’s acceptance of the terms and conditions of this Award.

Selected awardees will be expected to show progress toward manufacturing expansion efforts within 24 months of receipt of first portion of funding.

Continuation funding is contingent on: (1) progress towards meeting the objectives of the approved application; (2) submission of required reports as outlined in Federal Assistance Reporting Checklist and Instructions (DOE F 4600.2); and (3) compliance with the terms and conditions of the award.

https://www.ecfr.gov/

3. NATIONAL POLICY ASSURANCES

The National Policy Assurances To Be Incorporated As Award Terms are located at https://energy.gov/management/office-management/operational-management/financial-assistance/financial-assistance-forms under Award Terms.

B. ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS

The following additional policy provisions are applicable to this NOFO. The full text of each provision is in Section VIII of this NOFO and may be accessed by navigating to the hyperlinks below:

1. Evaluation and Administration by Non-Federal Personnel

2. Government Right to Reject or Negotiate

3. Intergovernmental Review

4. Modifications

Awards made under this NOFO are subject to the following Administrative and National Policy Requirements. The full text of each provision is in Section VIII of this NOFO and may be accessed by navigating to the hyperlinks below:

1. Administrative Requirements

2. Availability of Funds

3. Conference Spending (February 2015)

4. Commitment of Public Funds

5. Corporate Felony Conviction and Federal Tax Liability Representations (March 2014)

6. Environmental, Safety and Health (ES&H) Performance of Work at DOE Facilities

7. Federal, State, and Local Requirements

8. Funding Restrictions

9. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Compliance

10. Nondisclosure and Confidentiality Agreements Representations (June 2015)

11. Notice Regarding Eligible/Ineligible Activities

12. Prohibition on Discrimination and Harassment

13. Prohibition on Lobbying Activity

14. Proprietary Application Information

15. Publications

16. Registration Requirements

17. Research Misconduct

18. Rights in Technical Data

19. Subaward and Executive Reporting

20. Title to Subject Inventions

C. REPORTING

Per reporting requirements identified on the Federal Assistance Reporting Checklist, DOE F 4600.2, attached to the award agreement, award recipients must adhere to the following reporting efforts and milestones.

https://energy.gov/management/office-management/operational-management/financial-assistance/financial-assistance-forms https://energy.gov/management/office-management/operational-management/financial-assistance/financial-assistance-forms

Management Reporting

Milestone Report Due Date

Progress Report Quarterly on the 10th business day following end of quarter.

Financial Report (SF-425 Federal Financial Report)

Quarterly on the 10th business day following end of quarter.

Closeout Reporting – Property Certification End of project period or after expansion efforts have been completed.

D. REPORTING OF MATTERS RELATED TO RECIPIENT INTEGRITY AND

PERFORMANCE (DECEMBER 2015)

DOE/NNSA, prior to making a federal award with a total amount of Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 USC 2313).

The applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on any information about itself that a federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM.

DOE/NNSA will consider any written comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant’s integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in 2 CFR 200.206 Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.

E. COMPLIANCE AUDITS

Per 2 CFR 501 compliance audits will be performed for awardees with award expenditures over $750,000 during the awardee’s fiscal year. 2 CFR 910.514 Scope of the audit, requires that the audit is conducted in accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards.

Section VII - QUESTIONS/AGENCY CONTACTS

A. QUESTIONS

Questions relating to the Grants.gov registration process, system requirements, how an application form works, or the submittal process must be directed to Grants.gov at 1-800- 518-4726 or support@Grants.gov. DOE/NNSA cannot answer these questions. Please only contact the Grants.gov help desk for questions related to Grants.gov.

Questions regarding the specific program areas and technical requirements may be directed to mailto:support@grants.gov the technical contacts listed for each program within the NOFO or below. Please contact the program staff with all questions not directly related to the Grants.gov.

B. AGENCY CONTACTS

Grants.gov Customer Support

800-518-4726 (toll-free) support@Grants.gov

NNSA Program Manager

Edward Hoegg 240 306-8561 Edward.hoegg@nnsa.doe.gov mailto:Edward.hoegg@nnsa.doe.gov

Section VIII – SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL

A. REGISTRATION INFORMATION

This section provides the application submission and receipt instructions for applications. Please read the following instructions carefully and completely.

ELECTRONIC DELIVERY

The NNSA is participating in the Grants.gov initiative to provide the community with a single site to find and apply for funding opportunities. NNSA requires applicants to submit their applications online through Grants.gov.

1. HOW TO REGISTER TO APPLY THROUGH GRANTS.GOV

a. Instructions: Read the instructions below about registering to apply for funds. Applicants should read the registration instructions 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.

Organizations must have a Data Universal Numbering System (UEI) Number, active System for Award Management (SAM) registration, and Grants.gov account to apply for. If individual applicants are eligible to apply for this NOFO, then you may begin with step 3, Create a Grants.gov Account, listed below.

Creating a Grants.gov account can be completed online in minutes, but UEI and SAM registrations may take several weeks. Therefore, an organization’s registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact the entity’s ability to meet required application submission deadlines.

Complete organization registration instructions can be found on Grants.gov 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 “Organizational UEI” on the SF-424 form. For more detailed instructions for obtaining a UEI Number, refer to:

https://www.Grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain- UEI-number.html

2) Register with SAM: All organizations applying online through Grants.gov must register with SAM at https://www.sam.gov. Failure to register with SAM will prevent your organization from applying through Grants.gov. SAM registration must be renewed annually. For more detailed instructions for registering with SAM, refer to:

https://www.Grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html https://www.sam.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html

3) Create a Grants.gov Account: The next step is to register an account with Grants.gov.

Follow the on-screen instructions or refer to the detailed instructions here:

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

4) Add a Profile to a Grants.gov Account: A profile in Grants.gov corresponds to a single applicant organization the user represents (i.e., an applicant) or an individual applicant. If you work for or consult with multiple organizations and have a profile for each, you may log in to one Grants.gov account to access all applications. To add an organizational profile to your Grants.gov account, enter the UEI Number for the organization in the UEI field while adding a profile. For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to: https://www.Grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/add-profile.html

5) EBiz POC Authorized Profile Roles: After you register with Grants.gov and create an Organization Applicant Profile, the organization applicant’s request for Grants.gov roles and access are sent to the Electronic Business Point of Contact (EBiz POC). The EBiz POC will then log in to Grants.gov and authorize the appropriate roles, which may include the Authorized Organization Representative (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 assigned the AOR role. For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to:

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

6) 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 applicant with the AOR role that submitted the application is inserted into the signature line of the application, serving as the electronic signature. The EBiz POC must authorize people who are able to make legally binding commitments on behalf of the organization as a user with the AOR role; this step is often missed, and it is crucial for valid and timely submissions.

HOW TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION 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 NOFO, 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

1) Create a Workspace: Creating a workspace allows you to complete it online and route it through your organization for review before submitting.

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/add-profile.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/authorize-roles.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/track-role-status.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html

2) Complete a Workspace: Add participants to the workspace, complete all the required forms, and check for errors before submission.

a. 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 forms. The individual PDF forms can be downloaded and saved to your local device storage, network drive(s), or external drives, then accessed through Adobe Reader.

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

b. 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.

c. Complete SF-424 Fields First: The forms are designed to fill in common required fields across other forms, such as the applicant’s 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.

3) 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 the application submission.

4) Track a Workspace: After successfully submitting a workspace package, a Grants.gov Tracking 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 opportunity, contact the number listed in the application package of the grant/cooperative agreement 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 with tracking your issue and understanding background information on the issue.

TIMELY RECEIPT REQUIREMENTS AND PROOF OF TIMELY SUBMISSION

Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by Grants.gov. An electronic date/time 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 stamp is generated within the system when the application is successfully received by Grants.gov. The applicant AOR will receive an acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) from Grants.gov with the successful transmission of their application. Applicant AORs will also receive the official date/time stamp and Grants.gov Tracking number in an email serving as proof of their timely submission.

When the NNSA successfully retrieves the application from Grants.gov, and acknowledges the download of submissions, Grants.gov will provide an electronic acknowledgment of receipt of the application to the email address of the applicant with the AOR role. Again, proof of timely submission shall be the official date and time that Grants.gov receives your application.

Applications received by Grants.gov after the established due date for the program will be considered late and may not be considered for funding.

Applicants using slow internet, such as dial-up connections, should be aware that transmission can take some time before Grants.gov receives your application. Again, Grants.gov will provide either an error or a successfully received transmission in the form of an email sent to the applicant with the AOR role. The Grants.gov Support Center reports that some applicants end the transmission because they think that nothing is occurring during the transmission process. Please be patient and give the system time to process the application.

2. How to Prepare an Application

APPLICATION PREPARATION

You must submit the application through Grants.gov at https://www.Grants.gov/, using either the online webforms or downloaded forms. (Additional instructions are provided in 7., above.)

You are required to use the compatible version of Adobe Reader software to complete a Grants.gov Adobe application package. To ensure you have the Grants.gov compatible version of Adobe Reader, visit the software compatibility page at https://www.Grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html.

You must complete the mandatory forms and any applicable optional forms (e.g., Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL)) in accordance with the instructions on the forms and the additional instructions below.

Files that are attached to the forms must be PDF files unless otherwise specified in this NOFO.

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 the following restrictions that apply to the names of all files attached to your application:

• Please limit file names to 50 or fewer characters

• Do not attach any documents with the same name. All attachments must have a unique name.

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

• Please use only the following characters when naming your attachments: A-Z, a-z, 0-9, underscore, hyphen, space, period, parenthesis, curly braces, square brackets, ampersand, tilde, exclamation point, comma, semi colon, apostrophe, at sign, number sign, dollar sign, percent sign, plus sign, and equal sign. Attachments that do not follow this rule may cause the entire application to be rejected or cause issues during processing.

IMPROPER CONTENTS OF APPLICATIONS

Applications submitted under this NOFO will be stored in controlled-access systems, but they may be made publicly available if an award is made. As such, it is critical that applicants follow these guidelines:

• Do not include information subject to any legal restriction on its open distribution, whether classified, export control, or unclassified controlled nuclear information.

• Do not include sensitive and protected personally identifiable information, including social security numbers, birthdates, citizenship, marital status, or home addresses. Pay particular attention to the content of biographical sketches and curriculum vitae.

• Do not include letters of support from Federal officials.

• Do not include letters of support on Federal letterhead. Letters that are not letters of support

(such as letters confirming access to sites, facilities, equipment, or data; or letters from cognizant Contracting Officers) may be on Federal letterhead.

• Clearly mark all proprietary or trade-secret information.

3. How to Prepare a List of Individuals Who Should Not Serve as Reviewers To assist in identifying individuals who should not serve as merit reviews, provide the following information for each and every senior/key person who is planned to be or is identified in Section A of the R&R Budget for the applicant and any proposed subrecipients:

• Advisees (graduate students or postdocs) of the senior/key person

• Advisors of the senior/key person while a…