FY_2024_Scientific_Infrastructure_FOA_6-12-23.pdf

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT

U. S. Department of Energy

Idaho Operations Office

Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

Funding Opportunity Announcement: DE-FOA-0003040

Announcement Type: Initial – June 12, 2023

Assistance Listings Number: 81.121

Informational Webinar: May 31, 2023 (Video links and presentations will be available at www.NEUP.gov)

Issue Date: June 12, 2023

Application Due Date: August 24, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time

NOTE: Deadlines are the dates/times by which DOE must receive the specified submittal.

http://www.neup.gov/

Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

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Registration Requirements

There are several one-time actions applicants must complete in order to submit an application in response to this Announcement (e.g., obtain Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number, register with the System for Award Management (SAM), and create an account on the NEUP.gov website at:

www.NEUP.gov. Applicants who are not registered with SAM should allow up to five weeks to complete this requirement. It is suggested that the process be started as soon as possible.

The applicant must complete or have already completed the following actions:

(1) Register with the SAM: https://www.sam.gov/. For more information about SAM registration for applicants please refer to: https://www.sam.gov/content/entity-landing.

(2) Obtain the Unique Entity Identifier (ID) generated number generated in SAM.gov.

(3) Create an account on the NEUP.gov website at www.NEUP.gov using the “Sign In” tab in the top right-hand corner. To create an account: 1) click “Create a new account”; 2) fill out the required information and click “Create User”; and 3) fill out the information in the “My Information” section.

Questions

Questions regarding the content of this funding opportunity announcement (FOA) must be submitted using the contact information found at Part VII, Section B, of this FOA. DOE will try to respond to a question within three (3) business days unless a similar question and answer have already been posted on the website.

Application Preparation

Applicants must prepare the application package and application forms from the NEUP.gov website: https://neup.inl.gov/SitePages/Home.aspx.

Additional instructions are provided in Section IV of this FOA.

Application Submission

Instructions and a copy of the FOA can be found at www.NEUP.gov.

Electronic applications and instructions are available at the NEUP website. To access these materials:

(1) go to www.NEUP.gov;

(2) select “Sign In” from the top right-hand corner of the screen;

(3) enter your user credentials;

(4) select “Applications” from the menu; and

(5) click on “Create New Application” for the type of application you are creating.

Apply at www.NEUP.gov. If you have any questions about your registration, contact the INR Integration Office at 208-681-3848 or at neup@inl.gov.

https://www.neup.gov/ https://www.sam.gov/ https://www.sam.gov/content/entity-landing https://www.sam.gov/content/entity-landing http://www.neup.gov/ https://neup.inl.gov/SitePages/Home.aspx https://www.neup.gov/ https://www.neup.gov/ http://www.neup.gov/ mailto:neup@inl.gov

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I - FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

B. RELATED COLLABORATIVE OPPORTUNITIES

C. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY AREAS

C.1 University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support C.2 General Scientific Infrastructure Support for Universities

D. ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION RESTRICTIONS

D.1 University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support D.2 General Scientific Infrastructure Support for Universities D.3 General Application Restrictions

PART II - AWARD INFORMATION

A. TYPE OF AWARD INSTRUMENT

B. ESTIMATED FUNDING

B.1 University Research Reactor Upgrades (RU) Infrastructure Support B.2 General Scientific Infrastructure (GSI) Support for Universities

C. MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM AWARD SIZE

D. EXPECTED NUMBER OF AWARDS

E. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

F. TYPE OF APPLICATION

PART III - ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

B. COST SHARING

C. COST MATCHING FOR GENERAL SCIENTIFIC INFRASTRUCTURE (GSI)

SUPPORT APPLICATIONS

D. OTHER ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

PART IV - APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. ADDRESS TO REQUEST APPLICATION PACKAGE

B. DOCUMENT FORMAT REQUIREMENTS

C. LETTER OF INTENT AND PRE-APPLICATION

C.1 Letter of Intent C.2 Pre-applications

D. CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION

D.1 SF-424 – Application for Federal Assistance D.2 Project/Performance Site Location(s)

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D.3 Project Summary/Abstract File D.4 Project Narrative File D.5 Project Team Curriculum Vitae (CV) D.6 SF-424A Excel, Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs File D.7 Budget Justification File D.8 Vendor Quotes D.9 Cost Sharing and Cost Matching D.10 Past, Current, and Pending Support D.11 Interim Conflict of Interest Policy (Required for All Applicants) D.12 Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL ) (Required for All Applicants) D.13 Certifications and Assurances D.14 Letters of Support or Commitment

E. SUBMISSIONS FROM SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS

E.1 Environmental Checklist

F. SUBMISSION DATES AND TIMES

F.1 Letter of Intent Due Date F.2 Pre-application Due Date F.3 Application Due Date

G. INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW

H. FUNDING RESTRICTIONS

H.1 Prohibition related to Foreign Government-Sponsored Talent Recruitment Programs H.2 Buy America Requirements for Infrastructure Projects

I. OTHER SUBMISSION AND REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

I.1 Where to Submit I.2 Application Validity Timeframe

PART V - APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

A. CRITERIA

A.1 Initial Review Criteria A.2 Merit Review Criteria A.3 Other Selection Factors

B. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

B.1 Merit Review B.2 Selection B.3 Discussions and Award

C. ANTICIPATED NOTICE OF SECTION AND AWARD DATES

PART VI - AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

A. AWARD NOTICES

A.1 Notice of Selection A.2 Notice of Award

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B. ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS

B.1 Administrative Requirements B.2 System For Award Management and Unique Entity Identifier Requirements B.3 Subaward and Executive Reporting B.4 Special Terms and Conditions and National Policy Requirements B.5 Nondisclosure And Confidentiality Agreements Representations (JUNE 2015)

C. NO-COST TIME EXTENSIONS

D. REPORTING

PART VII - QUESTIONS/AGENCY CONTACTS

A. QUESTIONS

B. AGENCY CONTACT

C. INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR

PART VIII - OTHER INFORMATION

A. AMENDMENTS

B. GOVERNMENT RIGHT TO REJECT OR NEGOTIATE

C. COMMITMENT OF PUBLIC FUNDS

D. PROPRIETARY APPLICATION INFORMATION

E. EVALUATION AND ADMINISTRATION BY NON-FEDERAL PERSONNEL

F. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEVELOPED UNDER THIS PROGRAM

G. UNDERSTANDING COST SHARING AND COST MATCHING

G.1 Cost Sharing G.2 Cost Matching

H. NOTICE REGARDING ELIGIBLE/INELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES

I. CONFERENCE SPENDING

APPENDIX A – REQUIRED USE OF AMERICAN IRON, STEEL, MANUFACTURED

PRODUCTS, AND CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS BUY AMERICA REQUIREMENTS

FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS ......................................................................................... I

A. DEFINITIONS ..................................................................................................................... I

B . BUY AMERICA REQUIREMENTS FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS................. I

C. DOE SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR FULL APPLICATION ............................. II D. WAIVERS ........................................................................................................................ III

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LIST OF ACRONYMS

CFR Code of Federal Regulations CINR Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research COI Conflict of Interest DE Department of Energy (FOA Number) DOE Department of Energy FC R&D Fuel Cycle Research and Development FFATA Federal Funding and Transparency Act of 2006 FOA Funding Opportunity Announcement FSRS FFATA Subaward Reporting System FY Fiscal Year GSI General Scientific Infrastructure HBCU Historically Black Colleges and Universities HPC High-Performance Computing INL Idaho National Laboratory MSI Minority-serving Institution NE Office of Nuclear Energy NEAMS Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation NEID Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Database NEUP Nuclear Energy University Program NS&E Nuclear Science & Engineering NSUF Nuclear Science User Facilities OMI Other Minority Institutions PDF Adobe Portable Document Format PI Principal Investigator RC RD&D Reactor Concepts Research, Development and Demonstration RU Reactor Upgrades R&D Research and Development SAM System for Award Management SF Standard Form UEI Unique Entity Identifier U.S. United States

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CHECKLIST FOR AVOIDING COMMON ERRORS

Item Issue

Page Limits Strictly follow page limits and font size throughout application documents, including, but not limited to:

- Project Summary/Abstract File (use appropriate template)

- Project Narrative File (8 pages)

- Project Team Curriculum Vitae (2-page max.

each CV)

Project Summary / Abstract Name of applicant, Principal Investigator (PI), PI’s institutional affiliation(s), project title, objectives of the project, description of the project, potential impact, and major participants

Budget Use current negotiated indirect cost and fringe benefit rates

Budget Justification (attached to budget) Justify all requested costs

Vendor Quotes (Referenced costs (catalog pricing) or other basis for estimate)

Submit vendor quotes for any single item over $5,000

Current and Pending Support Ensure complete listing of all activities, including brief abstract of scope of work for all items listed, regardless of source of funding

Certifications and Assurances Ensure that signatures are complete for both sections of the certifications and assurances documentation (typically, three (3) signatures are required).

Font Size Pay particular attention to required font format and sizes, typically, Times New Roman, 11 pt. font.

Forms Use associated links for any/all forms.

PART I - FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is for General Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research and University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support for the U.S. nuclear research community. It is referred to in this document as the “Infrastructure FOA.”

A. BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) mission is to advance nuclear energy science and technology to meet U.S. energy, environmental, and economic needs. NE has identified the following goals to address challenges in the nuclear energy sector, help realize the potential of advanced technology, and leverage the unique role of the government in spurring innovation:

• Keep existing U.S. nuclear reactors operating

• Deploy new nuclear reactors

• Secure and sustain our nuclear fuel cycle

• Expand international nuclear energy cooperation

Collectively, all NE-sponsored activities support the Department’s priorities to combat the climate crisis, create clean energy jobs with the free and fair chance to join a union and bargain collectively, and promote equity and environmental justice by delivering innovative clean energy technologies for nuclear energy systems.

The development of nuclear energy-related infrastructure and basic capabilities in the research community is necessary to promote Research and Development (R&D) that supports nuclear science and engineering (NS&E), NE’s mission, and the nation’s nuclear energy challenges.

Accordingly, DOE intends to facilitate the education and training of nuclear scientists, engineers, and policy-makers through graduate and undergraduate study, two-year programs, and R&D that is relevant to the Department and the U.S. nuclear energy industry in general.

Within Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP), the specific goals of this Infrastructure FOA are:

• To support, maintain, or enhance the institution’s capacities to attract and teach high quality students interested in nuclear energy-related studies;

• Build the institution’s research or education capabilities; and

• Enhance the institution’s capabilities to perform R&D that is relevant to NE’s mission.

The following targeted objectives within this Infrastructure FOA will aide in achieving these goals.

(1) Upgrade and improve U.S. university nuclear research and training reactors.

Upgrades for a research reactor that include the acquisition of equipment and/or instrumentation for activities related to safety, performance, control, or operational reliability. For example, equipment acquired for security/safety enhancements required by the federal/state/local regulatory agencies is permitted.

(2) Obtain equipment and instrumentation that significantly improves or expands the research, instruction, training capabilities, and/or operating capabilities related to NE program missions (e.g., utilization or handling of radiological or radioactive materials). For example, this may include radiation detection and measurement equipment.

(3) Contribute to strengthening the academic community’s nuclear engineering infrastructure.

Requests should focus on individual, discrete, definable items or capabilities. An applicant must demonstrate the educational or R&D connection between requested pieces of equipment to support the NE mission. Applications made of several uncorrelated equipment requests are not of interest. A request should not duplicate existing capabilities. To review existing NE R&D capabilities in the United States, refer to the Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Database (NEID), available at https://nsuf-infrastructure.inl.gov (account login required). Information on current NE research programs can be found at NE’s website: https://energy.gov/ne.

NE reserves the right to respond to potential shifts in priorities during FY 2024 that may be driven by events, policy developments, or Congressional/budget direction. NE will factor such considerations into decisions related to the timing and scale of award announcements associated with this FOA.

B. RELATED COLLABORATIVE OPPORTUNITIES

Utilization of equipment acquired through this Infrastructure FOA may have the potential to enhance or benefit currently funded or proposed NE R&D projects.

Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF)

NE provides nuclear energy researchers access to world-class capabilities to facilitate the advancement of nuclear science and technology through the NSUF. Access to the capabilities of the NSUF is granted through the separate FY24 Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research (CINR) FOA (DE-FOA-0003038). The NSUF provides state-of-the-art experimental irradiation testing and post-irradiation examination facilities, as well as technical assistance in design and analysis of reactor experiments at no cost to the user. This access allows university, national laboratory, and industry researchers and their collaborators to build on current knowledge to better understand the complex behavior of materials and fuels in the radiation environment of a nuclear reactor.

The NSUF at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and its partner facilities represent a prototype laboratory for the future. This unique model is best described as a distributed partnership with each facility bringing exceptional capabilities to the relationship, including reactors, beamlines, state-of-the- art instruments, hot cells, and most importantly, expert mentors. Together, these capabilities and people create a nationwide infrastructure that allows the best ideas to be investigated, using the most advanced capabilities. Information about existing capabilities within the NSUF can be found on the website (nsuf.inl.gov) or a more general overview of capabilities throughout the world can be found in the NEID available at https://nsuf-infrastructure.inl.gov.

Awarding of infrastructure grants through this FOA is one of the methods to expand the NSUF to serve more users. The role that a requested capability might play should be emphasized in an application. If the NSUF determines the new equipment/capability adds significant value to https://nsuf-infrastructure.inl.gov/ https://energy.gov/ne

DOE, the host institution may be invited to join the NSUF partnership so that the equipment may be available to other researchers. As the NSUF focuses on investigating the effects of irradiation on nuclear fuels and materials, applications for capabilities that can accommodate work with radioactive/irradiated materials (>5mrem/hr @ 30 cm, beta/gamma only) will be given higher priority.

The NSUF provides access to high-performance computational (HPC) resources at INL at no charge to users. Consequently, applications requesting to purchase scientific computing equipment (such as institutional clusters, HPC nodes, etc.) will not be entertained. See nsuf.inl.gov or hpc.inl.gov for information on accessing HPC resources through the NSUF.

To apply to any of the areas in this FOA, the applicant is required to demonstrate the ability and willingness to join the NSUF as a partner should NSUF offer an invitation.

Visit the NSUF website https://nsuf.inl.gov and contact nsuf@inl.gov for information on becoming an NSUF partner.

C. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY AREAS

DOE is seeking applications under the Infrastructure FOA in the following areas:

Area Number of Applications Allowed

University Research Reactor Upgrades (RU) Infrastructure Support

One (1) application from each institution for each reactor

General Scientific Infrastructure (GSI) Support for Universities

One (1) application from each institution

NOTE: If a university operates two (2) research reactors, it may submit a total of three (3) applications under this FOA, one (1) for each reactor for a total of two (2) under the RU area and one (1) under the GSI area for a total of three (3) applications).

C.1 University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support This section summarizes derived requirements, restrictions, and preferences related to University Research Reactor Upgrades (RU) Infrastructure Support.

Please note the following:

• The primary purpose of this FOA area is to improve the safety, security, and operational reliability of university research reactors. Applications addressing those needs will be given highest priority.

• This FOA area covers the procurement of spare parts and associated hardware for research reactor control consoles. These systems are vital for continued safe and reliable reactor operation. Replacements often take months from order to delivery. Applications to support continued long-term operation of the university research reactor by purchasing spare parts, subsystems, channels, and detectors will be highly regarded.

• NE reserves the right to award portions of a request so that available funding can have the highest impact for the research reactor community.

http://nsuf.inl.gov/ http://hpc.inl.gov/ https://nsuf.inl.gov/ mailto:nsuf@inl.gov

• Infrastructure requests that support the sharing and use of equipment and instrumentation by multiple campuses of a university or multiple universities are encouraged.

Requests for equipment and associated upgrades, specifically for general scientific laboratories, are addressed in the next section, Part I - C.2.

C.2 General Scientific Infrastructure Support for Universities This section summarizes derived requirements, restrictions, and preferences related to General Scientific Infrastructure (GSI) Support for Universities. All eligible universities can submit applications under the GSI area that support NE’s mission and objectives by specifically supporting or improving the instructional mission of the university.

Please note the following:

• Under this FOA area, applications can be submitted for equipment, software, instrumentation, and associated non-reactor upgrade requests that support nuclear energy-related R&D or education.

• Funding requests may include, but are not limited to, equipment and instrumentation for specialized facilities, classrooms, and teaching laboratories, and non-reactor NS&E research.

• Infrastructure requests that support the sharing and use of equipment and instrumentation by multiple campuses of a university, multiple universities, or with national laboratories are encouraged.

• Equipment and associated upgrades specifically for university research reactors are the subject to the RU area of this FOA.

D. ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION RESTRICTIONS

In accordance with 2 CFR 910.126(b), eligibility for award is restricted to U.S. universities and colleges.

D.1 University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support The following institutions with research reactors are eligible to submit applications under the RU area. Each institution is permitted to submit a single, separate application for each research reactor that it operates.

1 Idaho State University 13 The Ohio State University

2 Kansas State University 14 University of California, Davis

3 Massachusetts Institute of Technology 15 University of California, Irvine

4 Missouri University of Science & Technology 16 University of Florida

5 North Carolina State University 17 University of Maryland, College Park

6 Oregon State University 18 University of Massachusetts, Lowell

7 Pennsylvania State University 19 University of Missouri, Columbia

8 Purdue University 20 University of New Mexico

9 Reed College 21 University of Texas at Austin

10 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 22 University of Utah

11 Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center 23 University of Wisconsin, Madison

12 Texas A&M University 24 Washington State University

D.2 General Scientific Infrastructure Support for Universities.

Universities are permitted to submit one single application to GSI support section of this FOA area per institution.

D.3 General Application Restrictions An application to either RU or GSI areas is restricted to equipment for activities supporting research, teaching, and education, such as the purchase, set-up, and vendor installation costs for equipment and instrumentation, as well as building modifications that immediately support the installation and operation of the equipment. The following costs are not allowed under this FOA for both areas:

• Application shall not include hiring or other human capital costs;

• Indirect costs shall not be allowed;

• The application shall not include the cost of routine operation and maintenance of equipment;

• Installation costs for equipment and instrumentation that are beyond the vendor's standard installation cost shall not be allowed;

• Institution-specific costs, not specific to the equipment or instrumentation, are the responsibility of the applicant. For example, if a vendor needs to meet safety and health requirements to access the campus or a facility, then these costs are the responsibility of the applicant; and

• Funds are restricted to equipment for activities supporting research, teaching, and education. Upgrades that directly increase operational profit or support for commercial activities shall not be allowed.

Accordingly, DOE reserves the right to consider the results of its ongoing evaluation of priorities as part of the award selection process.

PART II - AWARD INFORMATION

A. TYPE OF AWARD INSTRUMENT

DOE anticipates awarding grants to universities and colleges.

B. ESTIMATED FUNDING

The estimated amounts identified for each FOA area is contingent upon Congressional appropriations and is subject to significant change.

B.1 University Research Reactor Upgrades (RU) Infrastructure Support DOE currently estimates that it will fund approximately $2.5 million in awards for University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support.

B.2 General Scientific Infrastructure (GSI) Support for Universities DOE currently estimates that it will fund approximately $2.5 million in awards for University GSI support.

C. MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM AWARD SIZE

For the two FOA areas, the maximum amount of funding available for an individual award under this area is identified as the FOA ceiling, and the minimum amount of funding available for an individual award under this area is identified as the floor. The ceilings and floors are listed below:

University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support

General Scientific Infrastructure Support for Universities

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

None None

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

$5,000,000 $5,000,000

Anticipated Awards Multiple smaller awards that are no more than $1,500,00 each

Average award will be approximately $250,000 for the total project period

Cost Share / Cost Match Requirement *

No Cost Share / No Cost Match

No Cost Share / 1:1 Cost Match >$250k**

* Definition of Cost Sharing and Cost Matching is located in Part VIII - G.

**For additional details, refer to Part III - C. “Cost Matching For General Scientific

Infrastructure (GSI) Support Applications”

D. EXPECTED NUMBER OF AWARDS

The estimated amounts, identified for each FOA area, are contingent upon Congressional appropriations and are subject to change. However, DOE anticipates making numerous awards under each FOA area, depending on the quality of the submissions and availability of funds.

DOE reserves the right to make no awards under this announcement.

E. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

DOE anticipates making awards with an estimated project period of 1 year and 2 months, beginning August 1, 2024. Additional time, if needed, may be requested and justified in the application.

F. TYPE OF APPLICATION

DOE will accept only new applications under this announcement.

PART III - ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

The following requirements apply to all FOA areas unless specific requirements are identified.

A. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Universities and Colleges: In accordance with 2 CFR 910.126(b), eligibility for award is restricted to U.S. universities and colleges. Please see Part I - D for additional restrictions.

To support the goal of building a clean and equitable energy economy, NE strives to contribute to the President’s goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments flow to Disadvantaged Communities (DAC) (the Justice40 Initiative)1. The goal is to spur economic development and job creation in DACs throughout the United States, through effective teams and/or partnerships with institutions, located in a disadvantaged community that may receive funding support from the project.

In support of the Justice40 Initiative, the White House has developed the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST) tool to identify DACs. CEJST can be found at https://screeningtool.geoplatform.gov/en/#3/33.47/-97.5. Applicants are encouraged to use CEJST to illustrate how their project supports DACs.

NE also strives to ensure energy justice through effective teams and/or partnerships with MSIs, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs).

Information on Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) can be found at https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/idues/eligibility.html#tips. This information predominately covers institutions that have been awarded grants through the Department of Education and does not include all institutions that may meet the definition of an MSI. This resource is not an exhaustive list of minority-serving institutions. For purposes of identifying MSIs in NE’s application system, NE is using a directory based on 2020 U.S. Department of Education data, compiled by Rutgers University’s Center for MSIs, which can be found at:

https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/idues/2022eligibilitymatrix.xlsx. This list is also not an exhaustive list of MSIs but will be used as a starting point for self-identifying MSIs. If applicants believe that their institution qualifies as an MSI and is not listed, please contact neup@inl.gov with an explanation for how the university meets the conditions of being considered an MSI.

B. COST SHARING

For both RU and GSI areas, cost sharing is NOT required, but it is encouraged. A general explanation of cost sharing is located in Part VIII - G.

1 The Justice40 initiative, established by E.O. 14008, sets a goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities. The Justice40 Interim Guidance provides a broad definition of disadvantaged communities (Page 2): https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/M-21-28.pdf.

https://screeningtool.geoplatform.gov/en/#3/33.47/-97.5 https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/M-21-28.pdf

C. COST MATCHING FOR GENERAL SCIENTIFIC

INFRASTRUCTURE (GSI) SUPPORT APPLICATIONS

To maximize the use of available NE funding, cost matching is required on a 1:1 dollar match for requested amounts more than $250,000 for applications under the GSI area. A general explanation of cost matching is located in Part VIII - G. For example, if a $300,000 project is proposed, cost matching requirements apply to $50,000 of this amount (the amount over $250,000), and the recipient would be required to contribute $25,000. This requirement may not be waived. There is no cost matching requirement for University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support Awards.

For cost match, applicants may include the following costs as allowable in accordance with the applicable cost principles:

a. Cash;

b. Personnel costs;

c. The value of a service, other resource, or third-party in-kind contribution determined in accordance with Subpart E—Cost Principles—of 2 CFR part 200. For recipients that are for-profit organizations as defined by 2 CFR 910.122, the Cost Principles which apply are contained in 48 CFR 31.2. See § 910.352 for further information. [NOTE: In-kind contributions, like any other cost, need to be incurred during the award project period (e.g., DOE cannot give credit for costs incurred prior to the award, including prior development costs, unless otherwise authorized by the applicable cost principles)];

d. Indirect costs or facilities and administrative costs; and

e. Any funds received under the power program of the Tennessee Valley Authority (except to the extent that such funds are made available under an annual appropriation act).

Applicants shall not include:

a. Revenues or royalties from the prospective operation of an activity beyond the time considered in the award;

b. Proceeds from the prospective sale of an asset of an activity; and

c. Other appropriated Federal funds.

D. OTHER ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

NSUF Partner Facilities

To apply to any of the areas in this FOA, the applicant is required to demonstrate the ability and willingness to join the NSUF, as a partner, should the NSUF offer an invitation.

• Visit the NSUF website (https://nsuf.inl.gov) and contact nsuf@inl.gov for information on becoming an NSUF partner.

• If the NSUF determines the new equipment/capability adds significant value to DOE, the equipment/capability may be invited to join the NSUF so the equipment is available to other researchers. Information about existing capabilities within the NSUF can be found https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-910.122 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/section-31.2 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-910.352 mailto:nsuf@inl.gov on the website (nsuf.inl.gov) or a more general overview of capabilities throughout the world can be found in the NEID available at NSUF-infrastructure.inl.gov.

PART IV - APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Note: The requirements apply to all FOA areas unless specific requirements are identified.

A. ADDRESS TO REQUEST APPLICATION PACKAGE

Electronic applications and instructions are available at the www.NEUP.gov website. To access these materials:

(1) go to www.NEUP.gov;

(2) select “Sign In” from the top right hand corner of the screen;

(3) enter your user credentials;

(4) select “Applications” from the menu; and

(5) click on “Create New Application” for the type of application you are creating.

B. DOCUMENT FORMAT REQUIREMENTS

All non-budget documentation (use templates where provided) is to be prepared using standard 8.5” × 11” paper with 1-inch margins (top, bottom, left, right), using a font size no smaller than Times New Roman 11 point. This is a requirement for all pages included in the document, (i.e., table of contents, references, etc.). The preferred file format is Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) for all documents except for spreadsheets. All spreadsheets are to be uploaded in Excel file format to the online application. Do NOT lock any cells in the spreadsheet.

Applicants must comply with all pertinent page limitations. Any text (including references and data tables) in a document that does not adhere to the requirements listed above (except graphics, graphs, charts, and equations) will be removed from the document and will not be reviewed.

DOE reserves the right to dismiss applications that violate formatting requirements. Signature blocks must be signed by the designated official.

Documents should be saved using the document naming suggestion at the bottom of each document description. The tracking ID will automatically be generated by the application system and can be found at the top of the application form under “Tracking ID.”

DOE reserves the right to dismiss applications, which it deems, after initial review, to lack enough detail for reviewers to adequately judge technical merit. Applications submitted with corrupted, incomplete, or incorrect files may be dismissed without further review.

C. LETTER OF INTENT AND PRE-APPLICATION

C.1 Letter of Intent Letters of Intent are not required.

C.2 Pre-applications Pre-applications are not required.

https://www.neup.gov/

D. CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION

Applicants must complete the mandatory forms, and any applicable optional forms (e.g., Disclosure of Lobbying Activities), in accordance with the instructions in sub-sections D.1 through D.13. Files attached to forms must be merged into a single PDF file, unless otherwise specified in the instructions. The following table summarizes all the required forms and files for an application.

Required Form/File Format File Name Signature Required

Application for Federal Assistance – SF-424 Form FY24 SF424 Fed Assist

[TRACKING ID#].pdf Yes

Project/Performance Site Location(s) Form FY24 Performance Site [TRACKING ID#].pdf

Project Summary/Abstract File PDF FY24 Summary Abstract [TRACKING ID#].pdf

Project Narrative File (limit of 8 pages) PDF FY24 Project Narrative

[TRACKING ID#].pdf

Project Team Curriculum Vitae (limit of 2 pages per Vitae) PDF FY24 CV [PI NAME]

[TRACKING ID#].pdf

SF-424A Excel – Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs

Excel FY24 Budget SF424A [TRACKING ID#].xls

Budget Justification File PDF FY24 Budget Justification [TRACKING ID#].pdf

Vendor Quotes (applicable if over $5K) PDF FY24 Vendor Quotes

[TRACKING ID#].pdf

Cost Sharing and Cost Matching Commitment Letter(s) (if applicable)

PDF FY24 Commitment Letter [TRACKING ID#].pdf

Past, Current, and Pending Support (if applicable) PDF FY24 Support [TRACKING

ID#].pdf

Conflict of Interest Statement Certification

Conflict of Interest Disclosure (if applicable)

PDF FY24 COI Disclosure [TRACKING ID#].pdf

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) Form FY24 SF-LLL [TRACKING

ID #].pdf Yes

Certifications and Assurances Form FY24 Cert & Assurances [TRACKING ID#].pdf Yes

(Optional) Letters of Support or Commitment PDF FY24 EEandJustice40

[TRACKING ID#].pdf

D.1 SF-424 – Application for Federal Assistance Complete all required fields in accordance with the pop-up instructions on the form. The correct form to use is the Application for Federal Assistance SF-424 (OMB 4040-0004), which is available at: www.NEUP.gov. The list of certifications and assurances referenced in Field 21 can be found on the DOE Financial Assistance page at: http://energy.gov/management/office-management/operational-management/financial-assistance/financial-assistance-forms under Certifications and Assurances.

Save form as “FY24 SF424 Fed Assist [TRACKING ID#].pdf”

D.2 Project/Performance Site Location(s) Insert 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: the Project/Performance Site Congressional District is entered in the format of the two-digit state code followed by a dash and a three-digit Congressional district code (i.e., VA-001).

Hover over the field in the form for additional instructions.

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

Save form as “FY24 Performance Site [TRACKING ID#].pdf”

D.3 Project Summary/Abstract File The one (1) page project summary/abstract must contain a summary of the proposed activity suitable for dissemination to the public. It should be a self-contained document that identifies the name of the applicant, the project director/principal investigator(s), the project title, the objectives of the project, a description of the project, including methods to be employed, the potential impact of the project (i.e., benefits, outcomes), and major participants (for collaborative projects). Do not include any proprietary or sensitive business information in this document, because, if an award is made, the Department may make it available to the public.

Page limit: 1-page

Save this information in a file named "FY24 Summary Abstract [TRACKING ID#].pdf”

D.4 Project Narrative File The project narrative must not exceed eight (8) printed pages, including cover page, table of contents, charts, graphs, maps, photographs, references, and other pictorial presentations while complying with the document format instructions in Part IV, Section B. Applicants must comply with all pertinent page limitations.

DOE reserves the right to dismiss applications that violate formatting requirements. Signature blocks must be signed by the designated official. EVALUATORS WILL REVIEW ONLY EIGHT PAGES, AS SPECIFIED ABOVE. Do not include any Internet addresses (URLs) that provide information necessary to review the application. See Part VIII, Section D, for instructions on how to mark proprietary application information.

Page limit: 8-pages

Save the information in a single file named "FY24 Project Narrative [TRACKING ID#].pdf” http://www/ https://neup.inl.gov/SitePages/Related_Documents.aspx http://energy.gov/management/office-management/operational-management/financial-assistance/financial-assistance-forms http://energy.gov/management/office-management/operational-management/financial-assistance/financial-assistance-forms

NOTE: The narrative should address each of the merit review criterion and sub-criterion listed in greater detail in Part I - D. Applicants should provide sufficient information to enable reviewers to evaluate the application in accordance with the merit review criteria and other selection factors.

The project narrative must include the following:

(1) Cover Page: containing the following information:

a. Name of organization;

b. Announcement number;

c. FOA Opportunity Title (e.g., University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support or General Scientific Infrastructure Support);

d. Technical and business points-of-contact for the applicant, denoting the names, titles, addresses, telephone and facsimile numbers, and electronic mail addresses;

e. Principal Investigator’s (PI’s) name, telephone number, facsimile number, e-mail address, and organization name/unit; and

f. Names of team members or partnerships.

(2) Project Goals and Objectives: This section should provide a clear, concise statement of the specific objectives/aims of the proposed project. For this FOA, a "goal" is an outcome the proposed team would like to achieve, while an objective is an action or outcome related to a metric. Including the following in no specific order:

a. A narrative that describes how the proposed effort will further NS&E R&D and education.

b. Describe the NS&E program(s) at your school. If you do not have a current program, describe your plans to establish such a program.

c. Describe comparable equipment, if any, already at your organization or within the DOE complex, and explain why it is unavailable. Review the NEID available at https://nsuf-infrastructure.inl.gov for information about existing capabilities.

NOTE: Address any proposed equipment described in the Budget Justification file (see Part IV - D.7) in the narrative.

d. Overall goal(s) of the proposed upgrades and/or equipment. The proposed goal(s) may include multiple components or aspects and may be linked to specific measurable objectives. Goals and objectives must encompass the following (in no particular order):

i. How the request fills institutional and/or national infrastructure gaps and complements existing infrastructure and personnel capabilities.

ii. How the proposed effort outcome or process will tie into the NE mission and/or

NSUF.

iii. How the new equipment will enable the university’s learning mission.

iv. Utilization of the upgrades and/or equipment by researchers within and external to your organization. It is recommended to include target metrics of utilization by the proposing institution and others in the research community. If there is a preexisting capability, provide a description of how the upgrade or equipment will improve utilization.

e. Address the Buy America Requirements for Infrastructure Projects. Include a short statement on whether the project will involve the construction, alteration, and/or repair of infrastructure in the United States. The applicant must assume that the Buy America Requirements are applicable to purchase of equipment. See Appendix A for applicable definitions and other information to inform this statement.

(3) Schedule and Description of Tasks: This section should provide a breakdown of individual tasks related to the overall effort. Successful applicants must use this project timetable to report progress. This section should also include a scope of work and execution plan with detail appropriate to the complexity of the project. This will form the basis for the Project Implementation merit review listed in Section V, A.2.1.3 and A.2.2.3. Include the following:

a. An overall timeline and key milestones of the proposed tasks (e.g. Gantt chart, timeline, etc.).

b. Applicants must demonstrate the educational or R&D connection between requested upgrades or equipment. Applications made of several uncorrelated equipment requests are not of interest.

(4) Relevance and Outcomes/Impacts: This section is a justification for the proposed project and should explain the relevance of the effort to the mission of NE and the expected outcomes and/or impacts. This section should include a clear statement of the importance of the project in terms of the utility of the outcomes and the target community of beneficiaries. List all applicable NE funded R&D projects in this section. Specifically list any NE R&D program relevance.

(5) Roles of Participants: Describe the capabilities and qualifications of the PI and application team to accomplish the proposed work. This should include personnel information for any expertise required to accomplish the proposed project. References should be specific to individuals. The PI should state explicitly whether there is any expertise that must be acquired to complete the project and the plan to acquire the expertise (new hires, consultants, etc.).

(6) Facilities, Complementary Equipment, and Other Resources: Identify the facilities (e.g., office, laboratory, computer, etc.), equipment (computers, oscilloscopes, etc.), and other resources (machine shops, electronic shops, etc.) to be used at each performance site.

Describe utilization of facilities, equipment, and other resources that are directly applicable to the proposed work. Include pertinent capabilities, capacities, relative proximity, and extent of availability to the project.

D.5 Project Team Curriculum Vitae (CV) Applicants must provide a CV for the PI. CVs should be provided for all staff providing significant and required expertise on the project. CV must include the following:

(1) Contact Information.

(2) Education and Training: Undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral training. Identify institution, major/area, degree, and year.

(3) Research and Professional Experience: Beginning with the current position, list, in chronological order, professional/academic positions with a brief description.

(4) Publications: Provide a list of up to 10 publications most closely related to the proposed project. For each publication, identify the names of all authors (in the same sequence in which they appear in the publication), the article title, book or journal title, volume number, page numbers, year of publication, and website address if available electronically.

(5) Patents, copyrights, and software systems developed may be provided in addition to or substituted for publications.

(6) Synergistic Activities: List no more than 5 professional and scholarly activities related to the effort proposed.

Save each CV as a separate file named “FY24 CV [PI NAME] [TRACKING ID#].pdf”

D.6 SF-424A Excel, Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs File Applicants must provide a separate budget for each year of support requested, and a cumulative budget for the total project period. Use the SF-424A Excel, "Budget Information - Non Construction Programs" form on the DOE Financial Assistance Forms page at http://energy.gov/management/office-management/operational-management/financial-assistance/financial-assistance-forms.

Applicants may request funds under the appropriate Object Class Categories, as long as the item and amount are necessary to perform the proposed work, meet all the criteria for allowability under the applicable Federal cost principles, and are not prohibited by the funding restrictions in this announcement (see Part IV, Section G).

Save this information in a single file named "FY24 Budget SF424A [TRACKING ID#].xlsx"

D.7 Budget Justification File Applicants must justify the costs proposed in each Object Class Category/Cost Classification category. Provide an equipment list with the following information:

(1) Identify clearly the equipment (e.g., description, manufacturer part number, etc., if known);

(2) Explain how the proposed equipment meets the definition of “equipment” at 2 CFR 200.33, as opposed to items of supply;

(3) Explain the need for the equipment to accomplish the project;

(4) Indicate the unit cost and quantity for each item to be purchased; and

(5) Explain how the cost estimates for equipment purchases are established, are determined to be fair and reasonable, and are consistent with applicant institution’s established http://energy.gov/management/office-management/operational-management/financial-assistance/financial-assistance-forms http://energy.gov/management/office-management/operational-management/financial-assistance/financial-assistance-forms procurement procedures (compliant with 2 CFR 200.17-200.326). Include available supporting documents such as quotes or catalog pricing for the proposed equipment.

If cost sharing is proposed, refer to Part IV - D.9. Additionally, the budget justification file must identify the following information for each third party contributing cost sharing:

a. the name of the organization;

b. the proposed dollar amount to be provided;

c. the amount as a percentage of the total project cost; and

d. the proposed cost sharing - cash, services, or property.

NOTE: there are restrictions on the use of funds under this FOA:

(1) The application cannot include hiring or other human capital costs;

(2) Indirect costs are not allowed, except as specified in this FOA;

(3) The application cannot include the cost of routine operation and maintenance of equipment;

(4) Installation costs for equipment and instrumentation that are beyond the vendor’s standard installation cost are not allowed;

(5) Institution-specific costs, not specific to the equipment or instrumentation, are the responsibility of the applicant. For example, if a vendor needs to meet safety and health requirements to access the campus or a facility, these costs are the responsibility of the applicant;

(6) Funds are restricted to equipment for activities supporting research, teaching, and education; and

(7) Upgrades to increase operational profit or support for commercial activities are not allowed.

Save the budget justification information in a single file named “FY24 Budget Justification [TRACKING ID#].pdf”

D.8 Vendor Quotes Submit vendor quotes, referenced costs (catalog pricing), or other basis for estimate for any single item over $5,000. This is required even though the applicant may intend to submit the contract for open bids following the award.

Save file as “FY24 Vendor Quotes [TRACKING ID#].pdf”

D.9 Cost Sharing and Cost Matching If cost sharing is proposed or cost matching is required (under GSI), applicants must have a commitment letter from each third party contributing to the cost share or match (i.e., a party other than the organization submitting the application), stating that the third party is committed to providing a specific minimum dollar amount of cost sharing.

Save file as “FY24 Commitment Letter [TRACKING ID#].pdf”

D.10 Past, Current, and Pending Support Identify funding that is pending or has been awarded, for similar activities related to nuclear infrastructure/curriculum within the last three years. Please identify by source and amount requested/awarded.

Save this information in a file named “FY24 Support [TRACKING ID#].pdf”

D.11 Interim Conflict of Interest Policy (Required for All Applicants) The DOE interim Conflict of Interest Policy for Financial Assistance (COI Policy) can be found at Financial Assistance Letter No. FAL 2022-02 | Department of Energy. This policy is applicable to all non-Federal entities applying for, or that receive, DOE funding by means of a financial assistance award (e.g., a grant, cooperative agreement, or technology investment agreement) and, through the implementation of this policy by the entity, to each Investigator who is planning to participate in, or is participating in, the…