FY 2025 CINR DE-FOA-0003309 Final.pdf

U. S. Department of Energy Idaho Operations Office

Fiscal Year 2025 Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

Funding Opportunity Announcement: DE-FOA-0003309 Announcement Type: Initial – May 20, 2024

Assistance Listings Number 81.121

Informational Webinar (Video links and presentations are available at www.NEUP.gov) May 9, 2024

Issue Date May 20, 2024

DOE Topic Area Program Manager Q&A (Video links and presentations are available at www.NEUP.gov) May 28-30, 2024

Letter of Intent (Mandatory only for NSUF-1 and NSUF-2 Applications) Due Date June 5, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET

R&D/NSUF Pre-Applications (Mandatory except for IRPs) Due Date

June 26, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET

NSUF Pre-application Statement of Work Due Date August 01, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET

NSUF Full Application Statement of Work Due Date October 30, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET

Full R&D/NSUF and IRP Applications Due Date

November 13, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET

Planned Award Announcement Date March 6, 2025

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

http://www.neup.gov/

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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 funding opportunity announcement (FOA) (e.g., register with the System for Award Management (SAM), obtain a Unique Entity Identifier, and create an account on 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.

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

1. Register with the SAM: https://www.sam.gov/SAM/.

2. Obtain the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) 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 FOA must be submitted using the contact information found in Part VII, Section B of this FOA. DOE will try to respond to a question within three 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 Part IV of this FOA.

Application Submission

Apply for this FOA at www.NEUP.gov. Electronic applications and instructions are available at the 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.

If you have any questions about NEUP site registration, application processes, eligibility, or application document requirements contact the Innovative Nuclear Research (INR) Integration Office at 208-526-4854 or at neup@inl.gov.

https://www.sam.gov/SAM/ https://neup.inl.gov/SitePages/Home.aspx https://www.neup.gov/ https://www.neup.gov/ mailto:neup@inl.gov

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CHECKLIST FOR AVOIDING COMMON ERRORS

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

- Technical Abstract (use appropriate template)

- Technical Narrative (font must not be less than 11 pt for all, including tables, figures, and references)

- Research Experience for Undergraduates Plan

- Benefit of Collaboration

- Capabilities

- CVs

Protected Personally Identifiable Information

Ensure none are present in the application. (Do not include citizenship numbers in applications.)

Collaborators - List all collaborators in the Collaborators section of the application form, including name, organization, funding amount, phone, email, U.S. Person status and citizenship, country, state, city, and zip code. This includes any individual appearing in the technical abstract, technical narrative, benefit of collaboration, coordination and management plan, or budget documents.

- NSUF support staff at specified facilities should be listed as “Other Collaborators or Personnel”, including NSUF Technical Leads.

Budget - Use current negotiated indirect cost and fringe benefit rates.

- Include separate subaward budgets, if applicable.

Budget Justification - Justify all requested costs.

- Include separate subaward budget justifications, if applicable.

Current and Pending Support - Ensure complete disclosures of current and pending support for the PI and all Senior and Key Personnel named in the application, even if no funds are allocated. (This form is not required for national laboratory participants.)

- Ensure the certification wording from Part IV Section E.11.1 is included in the template.

Certifications and Assurances Ensure that signatures are completed for both sections of the Certifications and Assurances documentation.

R&R Other Project Information - If marking proprietary information, clearly mark the sections where proprietary information is in the narrative or other documents using the procedure outlined in the

FOA.

- If marking ‘yes’ to international collaboration, list all institutions and countries.

Readiness for NSUF access

Refer to Part IX Appendix D Accessing Nuclear Science User Facilities. Ensure all actions as they pertain to your proposal are provided.

Program Concurrence for NSUF topic areas

For fuels or materials coming from other DOE programs (not NSUF), attach a statement of program concurrence.

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Item Issue

Commitment Letter for NSUF topic areas

Applicants for NSUF Access Only topic areas are responsible for costs similar to travel costs to NSUF facilities for facility access training, technical meetings, examinations, experiment loading, etc.; applicant salary support; graduate student support; post-doctoral or other researcher support; and materials and supplies support at the PI’s work location. If invited to submit a Full Application, a letter of commitment is required that explains how the applicant will pay for these types of costs.

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PART I – FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTIONS

A. STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

A.1 Background and Objectives

A.2 Statutory Authority

A.3 NE Program Resources

B. FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

B.1 U.S. University-led R&D Projects

B.2 U.S. University-, National Laboratory-, or Industry-led NSUF Access Projects B.2.1 NSUF Readiness

B.3 Research Experiences for Undergraduates Supplement

PART II – AWARD INFORMATION

A. TYPE OF AWARD INSTRUMENT

B. ESTIMATED FUNDING

B.1 U.S. University-led R&D Projects and NSUF Access with R&D (NSUF-1) Projects B.1.1 Research Experiences for Undergraduates Supplement

B.2 U.S. University-led IRPs B.2.1 Research Experiences for Undergraduates Supplement

B.3 U.S. University-, National Laboratory-, or Industry-led NSUF Access Only (NSUF-2) Projects .8

C. MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM AWARD SIZE

C.1 U.S. University-led R&D Projects and NSUF Access with R&D (NSUF-1) Projects C.1.1 Research Experiences for Undergraduates Supplement

C.2 U.S. University-led IRPs C.2.1 Research Experiences for Undergraduates Supplement

C.3 U.S. University-, National Laboratory-, or Industry-led NSUF Access Only (NSUF-2) Projects .9

D. EXPECTED NUMBER OF AWARDS

D.1 U.S. University-led R&D Projects and NSUF Access with R&D (NSUF-1) Projects D.1.1 Research Experiences for Undergraduates Supplement

D.2 U.S. University-led IRPs D.2.1 Research Experiences for Undergraduates Supplement

D.3 U.S. University-, National Laboratory-, or Industry-led NSUF Access Only (NSUF-2) Projects

E. ANTICIPATED AWARD SIZE

E.1 U.S. University-led R&D Projects and NSUF Access with R&D (NSUF-1) Projects E.1.1 Research Experiences for Undergraduates Supplement

E.2 U.S. University-led IRPs E.2.1 Research Experiences for Undergraduates Supplement

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E.3 U.S. University-, National Laboratory-, or Industry-led NSUF Access Only (NSUF-2) Projects

F. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

G. TYPE OF APPLICATION

PART III – ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

A.1 Domestic Entities

A.2 U.S. Incorporated Foreign Entities

A.3 Incorporated Consortia

A.4 Unincorporated Consortia

B. APPLICATION RESTRICTIONS

B.1 R&D Application Restrictions

B.2 IRP Application Restrictions

B.3 Research Experiences for Undergraduates Supplement Eligibility

C. COST SHARING

D. OTHER ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

D.1 FFRDC Contractors

PART IV – APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. ADDRESS TO REQUEST APPLICATION PACKAGE

B. DOCUMENT FORMAT REQUIREMENTS

C. NSUF APPLICATION SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS

C.1 Letter of Intent (LOI) C.1.1 LOI Submittal Instructions C.1.2 Agreement Requirements

C.2 Pre-Application

C.3 NSUF Pre-Application Statement of Work (Pre-Application SOW)

C.4 NSUF Full Application Statement of Work (Final SOW)

D. CONTENT AND FORM OF ALL PRE-APPLICATIONS

D.1 Pre-Application Narrative

D.2 Benefit of Collaboration

D.3 Publications

D.4 Principal Investigator Vitae

D.5 Collaborators

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D.6 Intention to include Research Experiences for Undergraduates Supplement

D.7 Agreement Requirements

E. CONTENT AND FORM OF ALL FULL APPLICATIONS

E.1 Conflict-of-Interest (COI) Acknowledgement

E.2 SF-424 Research and Related (R&R)

E.3 R&R Other Project Information

E.4 Project Abstract

E.5 Project Narrative

E.6 Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Plan

E.7 Vitae (Technical Expertise and Qualifications)

E.8 Benefit of Collaboration

E.9 Capabilities

E.10 Letters of Support or Commitment E.10.1 Letters of Support (IRPs only), if applicable E.10.2 NSUF Letter of Commitment Funding (NSUF-2 Only) E.10.3 Program Commitment Letter, (NSUF-1 and NSUF-2 Only), if applicable E.10.4 Project Commitment to Energy Justice and Energy Equity (Optional)

E.11 Budget Documents E.11.1 SF-424 Research and Related (R&R) Lead Budget Form E.11.2 SF-424 Research and Related (R&R) Subaward Budget Form E.11.3 Budget for DOE/NNSA Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) Contractor E.11.4 Budget Justification

E.12 Additional Attachments E.12.1 Current and Pending Support E.12.2 Coordination and Management Plan E.12.3 Letter of Authorization for DOE/NNSA FFRDCs E.12.4 Project/Performance Site Location(s) E.12.5 Disclosure of Lobbying Activities E.12.6 Certifications and Assurances E.12.7 Transparency of Foreign Connections

F. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AFTER SELECTION FOR NEGOTIATIONS

F.1 Environmental Checklist

F.2 Data Management Plan (DMP)

G. SUBMISSION FROM SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS

H. SUBMISSION DATES AND TIMES

H.1 NSUF LOI Due Date

H.2 R&D/NSUF Pre-Application Due Date

H.3 NSUF Pre-application Statement of Work Due Date

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H.4 NSUF Full Application Statement of Work Due Date

H.5 IRP Application Due Date

H.6 Full R&D/NSUF Application Due Date

H.7 Late Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals of Pre-Applications, Applications, and NSUF Statement of Work

I. INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW

J. FUNDING RESTRICTIONS

J.1 Prohibition related to Foreign Government-Sponsored Talent Recruitment Programs

J.2 FOREIGN TRAVEL

J.3 Cost Principles

J.4 Pre-Award Costs

J.5 POTENTIALLY DUPLICATIVE FUNDING NOTICE

J.6 FOREIGN COLLABORATION CONSIDERATIONS

J.7 RISK ASSESSMENT

K. OTHER SUBMISSION AND REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

K.1 Where to Submit

K.2 Application Validity Timeframe

PART V – APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

A. CRITERIA

A.1 Pre-Application Review (only for R&D and NSUF Projects) A.1.1 Initial Review Criteria of Pre-Applications A.1.2 Relevancy Criteria A.1.3 Technical Review Merit Criteria A.1.4 Diverse Team Review A.1.5 Feasibility Review (only for NSUF Projects) A.1.6 Readiness Review (only for NSUF Projects) A.1.7 Pre-Applications Invitations

A.2 Initial Review Criteria of Full Applications

A.3 R&D Merit Review Criteria: Full Applications (for R&D and NSUF Projects) A.3.1 Relevancy Criteria A.3.2 Technical Review Merit Criteria A.3.3 Diverse Team Review A.3.4 Readiness Review (only for NSUF Projects)

A.4 IRP Merit Review for Full Applications A.4.1 Initial Review Criteria for IRPs A.4.2 Relevancy Criteria A.4.3 Technical Review Merit Criteria A.4.4 Diverse Team Review

A.5 Other Selection Factors

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A.6 Selection

A.7 Review of Risk

B. SUMMARY OF THE REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

B.1 R&D and NSUF Pre-Applications

B.2 R&D and NSUF Full Applications

B.3 IRP Full Applications

B.4 Reporting of Matters Related to Recipient Integrity and Performance

C. ANTICIPATED NOTICE OF SELECTION

PART VI – AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

A. AWARD NOTICES

A.1 Notice of Selection

A.2 Nondisclosure and Confidentiality Agreements Representations

A.3 Notice of Award

A.4 Participants and Collaborating Organizations

A.5 Current and Pending Support

A.6 Post Selection Information Requests

B. ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS

B.1 Administrative Requirements B.1.1 Unique Entity ID and SAM Requirements B.1.2 Subaward and Executive Reporting

B.2 Special Terms and Conditions and National Policy Requirements

B.3 Intellectual Property Provisions

B.4 Interim Conflict of Interest Policy for Financial Assistance

B.5 Lobby Restrictions

B.6 Corporate Felony Conviction and Federal Tax Liability Representations

B.7 Statement of Federal Stewardship

B.8 Fraud, Waste, and Abuse

C. REPORTING

PART VII – QUESTIONS/AGENCY CONTACTS

A. QUESTIONS

B. AGENCY CONTACT

C. INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR

PART VIII – OTHER INFORMATION

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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. NOTICE REGARDING ELIGIBLE/INELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES

H. NO-COST TIME EXTENSIONS

I. REBUDGET REQUEST

J. CONFERENCE SPENDING

K. ORGANIZATION FOR ECONOMIC COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT (OECD) NUCLEAR

ENERGY AGENCY (NEA) NUCLEAR EDUCATION, SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGY (NEST) PROGRAM 77

PART IX – APPENDICES/REFERENCE MATERIAL

Appendix A: Topic areas for U.S. University-led R&D Projects and NSUF Access with R&D (NSUF-1) Projects

Appendix B: Topic areas for U.S. University-led IRPs

Appendix C: Topic areas for U.S. University-, National Laboratory-, or Industry-led NSUF Access Only (NSUF-2) Projects

Appendix D: Accessing Nuclear Science User Facilities

Appendix E: Draft Nuclear Science User Facilities User Agreement

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LIST OF ACRONYMS

CFDA Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

CFA Call for Full Applications

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

CINR Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

COI Conflict of Interest

DE Department of Energy unique identifier FOA Number prefix

DMP Data Management Plan

DOE Department of Energy

FFATA Federal Funding and Transparency Act of 2006

FFRDC Federally Funded Research and Development Center

FOA Funding Opportunity Announcement

FSRS FFATA Subaward Reporting System

FWP Field Work Proposal

FY Fiscal Year

GAIN Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear

HBCU Historically Black Colleges and Universities

ID Identifier

IHE Institute of Higher Education

IRP Integrated Research Project

LOI Letter of Intent

M&O Management and Operating

M&TE Measuring and Test Equipment

MSI Minority Serving Institution

NCE No Cost Time Extension

NE Office of Nuclear Energy

NEUP Nuclear Energy University Program

NFML NSUF Nuclear Fuels and Materials Library

NSUF Nuclear Science User Facilities

NNSA National Nuclear Security Administration

OMI Other Minority Institutions

PDF Adobe Portable Document Format

PIE Post-Irradiation Examination

PI Principal Investigator

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POC Point of Contact

QA Quality Assurance

R&D Research and Development

REU Research Experiences for Undergraduates

RPA Request for Pre-Applications

SAM System for Award Management

SOW Statement of Work

TCU Tribal Colleges and Universities

U.S. United States

Fiscal Year 2025 Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research PART I

PART I – FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTIONS

A. STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

This FOA is for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research (CINR) and is thus referred to in this document as the “CINR FOA.”

A.1 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.

NE strives to promote integrated and collaborative research conducted by national laboratory, university, industry, and international partners under the direction of NE’s programs, and to deploy innovative nuclear energy technologies to the market and to optimize the benefits of nuclear energy.

All applications submitted under this CINR FOA must demonstrate a strong tie to at least one of the four mission priorities and highlight how it supports the DOE priorities. Applications focused specifically in areas not of interest to the NE mission, such as fusion energy, medical physics, nuclear forensics, or environmental management, will not be reviewed or considered.

This CINR FOA provides competitive R&D opportunities through the Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP) and the Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF). NEUP supports university-led infrastructure and R&D projects relevant to the NE mission. NSUF provides access to material test reactors, beamlines, and post-irradiation examination facilities to researchers from U.S. universities, industry, and national laboratories.

NE reserves the right to respond to potential shifts in R&D priorities during Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 that may be driven by events, policy developments, or Congressional/budget direction.

Further, NE reserves the right to fund all or part of an application to this CINR FOA.

A.2 Statutory Authority The activities to be supported under this FOA are authorized under § 951 (a) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, as codified at 42 U.S.C. § 16271(a). Additionally, 42 U.S.C. § 16274 and 31 U.S.C. § 6304 applies.

A.3 NE Program Resources For more information on current NE programs, please visit the following links provided in the sections below.

• Fuel Cycle Technologies: https://www.energy.gov/ne/initiatives/fuel-cycle-technologies

• Reactor Technologies: https://www.energy.gov/ne/nuclear-reactor-technologies

• NEET Crosscutting Technologies: https://www.energy.gov/ne/nuclear-energy-enabling-technologies-neet

• Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP): https://neup.inl.gov

• Spent Fuel and Waste Disposition: https://www.energy.gov/ne/spent-fuel-and-waste-disposition

• Consent-Based Siting: https://www.energy.gov/ne/consent-based-siting

• Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN): https://gain.inl.gov/

• Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF): https://nsuf.inl.gov/

B. FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

NE is seeking applications from U.S. universities, national laboratories, and industry to conduct nuclear energy-related research to help meet the objectives of the major NE funded research areas.

All research must be non-proprietary and awarded projects must publish their results at the DOE, Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI) website for public access (https://www.osti.gov).

Specifically, this CINR FOA contains the following three separate funding opportunity areas:

1) U.S. University-led R&D Projects and NSUF Access with R&D (NSUF-1) Projects

• Optional Research Experiences for Undergraduates Supplement available (as described in Part I, Section B.4)

2) U.S. University-led Integrated Research Projects (IRPs)

• Optional Research Experiences for Undergraduates Supplement available (as described in Part I, Section B.4)

3) U.S. University-, National Laboratory-, or Industry-led Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) Access Only (NSUF-2) Projects

These three funding opportunity areas are described in detail in Part I, Sections B.1, B.2, and B.3 below, with the Research Experience for Undergraduates Supplement described in Part I, Section B.4.

B.1 U.S. University-led R&D Projects The U.S. University-led R&D Projects funding opportunity area is available to U.S. university-led teams. In general, R&D is defined by the statement of objectives defined in the topic areas in https://www.energy.gov/ne/initiatives/fuel-cycle-technologies https://www.energy.gov/ne/nuclear-reactor-technologies https://www.energy.gov/ne/nuclear-energy-enabling-technologies-neet https://www.energy.gov/ne/nuclear-energy-enabling-technologies-neet https://neup.inl.gov/ https://www.energy.gov/ne/spent-fuel-and-waste-disposition https://www.energy.gov/ne/spent-fuel-and-waste-disposition https://www.energy.gov/ne/consent-based-siting https://gain.inl.gov/ https://nsuf.inl.gov/ https://www.osti.gov/

Appendix A. R&D work must be directly tied to the NE mission. U.S. university Principal Investigators (PIs) are invited to propose research projects in response to this area of the CINR FOA and the associated topic areas in Part IX, Appendix A of this CINR FOA.

B.1.1. Note for U.S. University-led Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF-1) Access Projects R&D Projects with joint NSUF Access applications require a Letter of Intent (LOI) in addition to the Pre-Application and, if invited (see Part V, Section B.1 of this CINR FOA), a Full Application. R&D Projects with NSUF Access applications will also require a feasibility review and readiness review in addition to the relevancy and technical reviews. Important aspects of NSUF Access applications including NSUF readiness are described in Part IX, Appendix D of this CINR FOA and should be considered when preparing applications. It is strongly recommended that all potential proposers review the contents of the NSUF website for user access and capability information. U.S. University-led IRPs

IRPs comprise a significant element of NE’s innovative nuclear research objectives and represent significant needs to support the NE mission objectives. IRPs are significant projects within specific research areas. IRPs are intended to develop a capability within each area to address specific needs, problems, or capability gaps identified by NE. These projects are multidisciplinary and require multi-institutional partners. IRPs may include a combination of evaluation capability development, research program development, experimental work, and computer simulations. IRPs are intended to integrate several disciplinary skills to present solutions to complex systems design problems that cannot be addressed by a less comprehensive team.

A university PI must lead the proposing team and include at least one additional university collaborator outside of their organization. The proposed project team may include multiple universities and non-university partners (e.g., industry/utility, minority-serving institutions (MSIs), national laboratories, and international partners).

U.S. university PIs are invited to propose research projects in response to this area of the CINR FOA and the associated topic areas contained in Part IX, Appendix B of this CINR FOA.

B.2 U.S. University-, National Laboratory-, or Industry-led NSUF Access Projects NSUF Access project applications require a Letter of Intent (LOI) in addition to the Pre- Application and, if invited (see Part V, Section B.1 of this CINR FOA), a Full Application.

NSUF Access project applications will also require a feasibility review and readiness review in addition to the relevancy and technical reviews. Important aspects of NSUF Access applications including NSUF readiness are described in Part IX, Appendix D of this CINR FOA and should be considered when preparing applications. It is strongly recommended that all potential proposers review the contents of the NSUF website NSUF.inl.gov/ for user access and capability information.

DOE intends to fully fund all awarded NSUF Access projects for the entire duration of the project, subject to any conditions or limitations contained in the award instruments. NSUF Access project attributes include:

• U.S. university PIs may apply for NSUF access with a joint request for R&D (NSUF-

1) financial support and by-way-of the associated topic area in Part IX, Appendix A of this CINR FOA. Applications must comply with the provisions of Part IX, Appendix D of this CINR FOA.

• U.S. university, national laboratory, and industry PIs may apply for NSUF Access Only (NSUF-2) funding and by-way-of the associated topic area in Part IX, Appendix C of this CINR FOA. Applications must comply with the provisions of Part IX, Appendix D of this CINR FOA.

While NSUF will strive to implement the full scope detailed in the statement of work (SOW), NSUF does not guarantee results but only access to NSUF capabilities. The extent of an NSUF Access project will be described in the SOW. Deviations from the SOW are limited and must be approved by the NSUF Program Office. NSUF does not provide funding to the PI to support salaries, tuition, travel, or other costs typically supported via NE Program funds.

B.2.1 NSUF Readiness

Applicants must demonstrate that their project is ready for NSUF access. All preparatory work should be completed so the remaining effort is the actual irradiation testing or post-irradiation examination. Only limited development work is allowed in an NSUF application.

• In the NSUF Pre-Application, a summary (one or two paragraphs) of readiness is required.

• In the Full Application, a detailed description (up to one page) of readiness is required.

Applications that do not adequately demonstrate readiness will not be considered for selection. Awarded projects that are found to not be ready for NSUF access may be discontinued. Applicants should clearly state any testing or conditions that would fall under NSUF readiness.

Questions about NSUF readiness should be directed to the NSUF Program Office or the assigned NSUF Technical Lead for the applicant’s project.

Additional information on the NSUF process and a detailed description of the readiness criteria are included in Part IX, Appendix D.

B.3 Research Experiences for Undergraduates Supplement The goal of a Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program (REU) is to promote undergraduate university-based research opportunities in nuclear energy research and development by incentivizing CINR projects to include both on campus and off campus students in research activities. This program is intended to promote nuclear energy as a viable undergraduate option and provide students with knowledge, research experience, and connections with faculty interested in nuclear energy related research. The REU Supplement is not intended to be used for internships at a national laboratory. The REU Supplement is limited to $100,000.

Based on the competitive nature of CINR projects, REU components of CINR projects will be proposed as part of the research proposal. Applicants should provide as many details as possible about their plan, including how they would structure the opportunity, how they would recruit and evaluate students, and how undergraduates would be incorporated into the research. Additional details about how the REU program will be conducted will be left for the project execution phase to allow for adjustments to the plan during project execution.

Applicants will indicate their intention for supplementing their application with an REU by selecting that they are ‘participating in an REU supplement’ during the pre- and full-application phases. If REU funds are requested, an REU plan will be required as part of the full application.

If an applicant selects that they are “participating in an REU supplement” during the pre-application, they are not required to make that same selection during the full application.

Applicants may split the REU portion between the prime applicant and any proposed subrecipients.

The REU supplement portion of the award is expected to fall under participant support costs as defined by 2 CFR 200:

Participant support costs means direct costs for items such as stipends or subsistence allowances, travel allowances, and registration fees paid to or on behalf of participants or trainees (but not employees) in connection with conferences, or training projects.

Participant support costs are typically excluded from the allocation base of the indirect cost calculations unless explicitly provided for in the awardee’s or subawardee’s Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement.

This program will be split into two different focus areas:

1. REU funds may be provided to support on-campus undergraduate students. The experience would need to be structured, for a specific duration (e.g., a semester) and be focused on an active NEUP project. The undergraduate would be paid on an ‘on-effort basis’ (pro-rata). Although any eligible student can qualify, the focus is for faculty to identify high performing, underserved students for these opportunities.

2. REU summer programs to support an undergraduate summer research program for students from other universities. Selection of students should focus on underserved communities and students from MSIs as a selection factor.

The REU is a research training experience paid via a stipend, not employment (work) paid with a salary or wage. In the REU program, the student's training consists of closely mentored independent research. The funds received by students may be taxable income under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and may also be subject to state or local taxes.

Note: REU supplements will be considered as part of the overall technical approach and will receive consideration based on how well students are integrated into the project in Criterion 3 of the full application review.

Topic areas for the respective CINR FOA areas, with the indicated funding opportunities described above, may be found in the Part IX Appendices of this CINR FOA as follows:

• Appendix A: “Topic areas for U.S. University-led R&D Projects or NSUF Access with R&D (NSUF-1) Projects”

• Appendix B: “Topic areas for U.S. University-led IRPs”

• Appendix C: “Topic areas for U.S. University-, National Laboratory-, or Industry-led

NSUF Access Only (NSUF-2) Projects”

Table 1. FY 2025 Topic Area Overview

*University-led and collaboration with minority serving institutions (MSIs), including historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and tribal colleges and universities (TCUs), is required. Please refer to Part III, Section A for more information on and identification of MSIs.

Topic Area

A ppendix

N

SU

F A ccess

Led by:

U niversity

N ational

L aboratory

Industry

Topic Area 1 – Reactor Development and Plant Optimization A No X

Topic Area 2 – Existing Plant Optimization A No X

Topic Area 3 – Nuclear Fuel Recycle Technologies A No X

Topic Area 4 – Fuels A No X

Topic Area 5 – Disposal Research A No X

Topic Area 6 – Storage and Transportation Research A No X Topic Area 7 – Public Perceptions of an Integrated Waste Management System A No X

Topic Area 8 – Modeling and Simulation A No X

Topic Area 9 – Measuring, Monitoring, and Controls A No X

Topic Area 10 – Licensing, Safety, Security and Safeguards A No X Topic Area 11 – Advanced Nuclear Materials and Manufacturing Technologies A No X

Topic Area 12 – Strategic Needs Blue Sky A No X NSUF-1: Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) Joint R&D and Access A Yes X

IRP-1: Grand Challenge IRP – Accelerating Reactor Development B No X

IRP-2: Grand Challenge IRP – Advanced Reactor SNF Disposition B No X IRP-3: Grand Challenge Research and Development at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs)* B No X

NSUF-2: Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) Access Only C Yes X X X

Fiscal Year 2025 Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research PART II

PART II – AWARD INFORMATION

A. TYPE OF AWARD INSTRUMENT

DOE anticipates awarding grants under this CINR FOA with the exception of awards to national laboratories, which will be funded through field work proposals (FWPs), and NSUF Access Awards, which will be funded through an NSUF User Agreement.

B. ESTIMATED FUNDING

The estimated amounts identified for each of the CINR FOA areas are specified in Sections B.1- B.3 below with ceilings and floors specified in Section C below. Funding for all awards is contingent upon the availability of funds appropriated by Congress for the purpose of this program.

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

B.1 U.S. University-led R&D Projects and NSUF Access with R&D (NSUF-1) Projects NE currently estimates that it will fund approximately $60 million in awards for the U.S.

University-led R&D Projects CINR FOA area.

B.1.1 Research Experiences for Undergraduates Supplement NE currently estimates that it will fund approximately $2 million total across both U.S.

University-led R&D or IRP project supplements.

B.2 U.S. University-led IRPs NE currently estimates that it will fund approximately $6 million in awards for the U.S.

University-led IRP Projects CINR FOA area.

B.2.1 Research Experiences for Undergraduates Supplement NE currently estimates that it will fund approximately $2 million total across both U.S.

University-led R&D or IRP project supplements.

B.3 U.S. University-, National Laboratory-, or Industry-led NSUF Access Only (NSUF-2) Projects

NE currently estimates that it will fund approximately $6 million in award value for the U.S.

University-, National Laboratory-, or Industry-led Nuclear Science User Facilities Access Projects (NSUF Access Only) CINR FOA area.

C. MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM AWARD SIZE

The ceiling (i.e., the maximum amount for an individual award made under each area) and floor (i.e., the minimum amount for an individual award made under each area) for each of the three CINR FOA areas are identified in Part II, Sections C.1-C.3 below.

C.1 U.S. University-led R&D Projects and NSUF Access with R&D (NSUF-1) Projects

• Ceiling: up to $1,000,000 (3-year project) for non-REU supplemented project. Up to $1,100,000 for REU supplemented project, except as explicitly noted in individual topic areas. NSUF Access with R&D (NSUF-1) may have up to a 7-year duration.

• Floor: None.

C.1.1 Research Experiences for Undergraduates Supplement

• Ceiling: up to $100,000 (3-year project), as supplement total across both U.S. university-led R&D or IRP supplements.

• Floor: None.

C.2 U.S. University-led IRPs

• Ceiling: up to $3,000,000 (3-year project) for non-REU supplemented project. Up to $3,100,000 for REU supplemented project, except as explicitly noted in individual topic areas.

• Floor: None.

C.2.1 Research Experiences for Undergraduates Supplement

• Ceiling: up to $100,000 (3-year project), as supplement total across both U.S. university-led R&D or IRP supplements.

• Floor: None.

C.3 U.S. University-, National Laboratory-, or Industry-led NSUF Access Only (NSUF-2) Projects

• Ceiling: Irradiation/PIE Project: $4,000,000 NSUF Access Only Value (up to a 7-year project).

• Floor: None.

D. EXPECTED NUMBER OF AWARDS

The number of awards for each of the three CINR FOA areas are identified in Part II, Sections D.1-D.3 below. The number of awards is dependent on the size of the awards. DOE reserves the right to make more or fewer (or even no awards) depending on funding availability and/or the quality of the applications.

D.1 U.S. University-led R&D Projects and NSUF Access with R&D (NSUF-1) Projects NE anticipates making approximately 55 awards under the U.S. University-led R&D Projects CINR FOA area.

D.1.1 Research Experiences for Undergraduates Supplement NE anticipates making up to 20 awards to supplement awarded U.S. University-led R&D and IRP projects.

D.2 U.S. University-led IRPs NE anticipates making approximately 2 awards under the U.S. University-led IRPs CINR FOA area.

D.2.1 Research Experiences for Undergraduates Supplement NE anticipates making up to 20 awards to supplement awarded U.S. University-led R&D and IRP projects.

D.3 U.S. University-, National Laboratory-, or Industry-led NSUF Access Only (NSUF-2) Projects

NE anticipates making approximately 3 awards under the U.S. University-, National Laboratory- , or Industry-led NSUF Access Only (NSUF-2) CINR FOA area.

E. ANTICIPATED AWARD SIZE

The anticipated award size for each of the three CINR FOA areas are identified in Part II, Sections E.1-E.3 below. Amounts represent anticipated maximum per award.

E.1 U.S. University-led R&D Projects and NSUF Access with R&D (NSUF-1) Projects DOE anticipates that awards will be up to $1,000,000 per award (except as explicitly stated in individual topic areas).

E.1.1 Research Experiences for Undergraduates Supplement NE anticipates that awards will be up to $100,000 per award to supplement proposed U.S.

University-led R&D and U.S. University-led IRP projects.

E.2 U.S. University-led IRPs NE anticipates that awards will be up to $3,000,000 for the U.S. University-led IRPs CINR FOA area, except as stated in individual topic areas.

E.2.1 Research Experiences for Undergraduates Supplement NE anticipates that awards will be up to $100,000 per award to supplement proposed U.S.

University-led R&D and U.S. University-led IRP projects.

E.3 U.S. University-, National Laboratory-, or Industry-led NSUF Access Only (NSUF-2) Projects

Access value of these awards (funds not provided to the PI) will be defined by a final cost estimate provided by the NSUF office.

F. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

NE anticipates making awards for up to three years for each of the CINR FOA areas with the exception of awards involving NSUF access, which may take up to seven years if neutron irradiation and PIE is requested. Assuming NE makes awards under this CINR FOA by March 2025, funded projects shall begin no later than August 1, 2025. Proposing different start dates for the project and budget periods may make the application ineligible for award. If a different project start date, other than August 1, 2025, is necessary for the successful performance of the project, it must be fully documented and justified in the application for consideration by NE.

G. TYPE OF APPLICATION

DOE will accept only new applications for each of the three CINR FOA areas defined in Part I, Section B of this FOA. Applications made to previous FOAs will not be considered. Previous applications can be resubmitted as a new application to this CINR FOA.

Fiscal Year 2025 Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research PART III

PART III – ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

DOE has restricted eligibility for award in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations, 2 CFR 910.126(b). This eligibility restriction does not apply to subrecipients, subawards, vendors, or team members of the prime/lead applicant. This CINR FOA is open to only U.S. universities, national laboratories, and U.S. industry entities. The eligibility of this FOA is restricted to support U.S. universities and colleges for topics in Appendix A and B, and NSUF user access eligibility is restricted to U.S. industry, U.S. universities and colleges, and national laboratories in Appendix C that are pursuing fundamental and applied research in the nuclear sciences pursuant to 42 USC 16274.

Restricting eligibility ensures the Nuclear Energy University Program supports university research, collaborations with industry and national laboratories, and training and educating the next generation nuclear workforce. Pursuant to the Nuclear Science User Facilities mission, access to user facilities is open to a broader range of applicants in Appendix C.

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 disadvantaged communities. 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 equity through effective teams and/or partnerships with MSIs, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs).

Information on MSIs 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/2023eligibilitymatrix.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.

https://screeningtool.geoplatform.gov/en/#3/33.47/-97.5 https://www/ https://www/

The application must originate from the lead institution. All lead PIs must have an active account in the NEUP.gov website submittal system. Research consortiums may be composed of diverse institutions including academia, national laboratories, non-profit research institutes, industry/utilities, and international partners. Research teams should strive to achieve the synergies that arise when individuals with forefront expertise in different methodologies, technologies, disciplines, and areas of content knowledge approach a problem together, overcoming impasses by considering the issue from fresh angles and discovering novel solutions.

While international partners are encouraged to participate, no U.S. Government funding will be provided to entities incorporated outside of the U.S. or to a foreign government or any entity owned or controlled by a foreign government. Foreign government ownership means direct ownership of the applicant entity, its parent organization (e.g., trust, holding company, corporation, etc.), and any and all other entities in the corporate structure regardless of the applicant entity’s place of incorporation and operation. NE will evaluate the benefit and contribution of any such proposed partnerships as part of its evaluation of the relevancy to the NE mission. A collaborator is an individual that makes a defined, material contribution that is critical to the success of the project and/or contributing to joint publications. Any individual appearing in the project summary, technical narrative, benefit of collaboration, coordination and management plan, or budget documents should be listed directly as collaborators on the application form. All collaborators must be added to the application form with complete information. Any individuals that do not meet these criteria should not be listed as collaborators on the application. NE has two designations for collaborators and personnel: 1) senior/key personnel and 2) ‘other personnel’. Document requirements will vary depending on whether an individual is designated as ‘senior/key personnel’ or as a ‘other collaborator’. Senior/key personnel should be listed in the first “collaborators” section on the application form. Other collaborators or personnel should be listed on the second “collaborators” section of the application form. Refer to the application requirements to provide needed information for all key/senior personnel. Applicants must have the full consent of each collaborator prior to listing them on an application form. Non-university collaborators and personnel, in composite, can have no more than 20% of the total funds provided by the Government. An employee with a joint appointment between a university and a DOE national laboratory can apply through the institute of higher education (IHE) if the institution pays his or her salary and provides his or her benefits.

Research consortiums may be composed of diverse institutions including academia, national laboratories, non-profit research institutes, industry/utilities, and international partners. Research teams should strive to achieve the synergies that arise when individuals with forefront expertise in different methodologies, technologies, disciplines, and areas of content knowledge approach a problem together, overcoming impasses by considering the issue from fresh angles and discovering novel solutions.

This CINR FOA provides award opportunities to U.S. owned entities as defined in 2 CFR 910.124.

While international partners are encouraged to participate, no U.S. Government funding will be provided to entities incorporated outside of the United States or to a foreign government or any entity owned or controlled by a foreign government. Foreign government ownership means direct ownership of the applicant entity, its parent organization (e.g., trust, holding company, corporation, etc.), and any and all other entities in the corporate structure regardless of the applicant entity’s place of incorporation and operation. NE will evaluate the benefit and contribution of any such proposed partnerships as part of its evaluation of the relevancy to the NE mission.

A collaborator is an individual that makes a defined, material contribution that is critical to the success of the project and/or contributing to joint publications. Any individual appearing in the project summary, technical narrative, benefit of collaboration, coordination and management plan, or budget documents should be listed directly as collaborators on the application form. All collaborators must be added to the application form with complete information. Any individuals that do not meet these criteria should not be listed as collaborators on the application.

NE has two designations for collaborators and personnel: 1) senior/key personnel and 2) other personnel’. Document requirements will vary depending on whether an individual is designated as ‘senior/key personnel’ or as a general collaborator. Senior/key personnel should be listed in the first “collaborators” section on the application form. Other collaborators or personnel including NSUF Technical Leads should be listed on the second “collaborators” section of the application form.

Refer to each required area of the pre- and full-application requirements to provide needed information for all Senior/key personnel.

Applicants must have the full consent of each collaborator prior to listing them on an application form. Non-university collaborators and personnel (except in NSUF Access Only CINR FOA areas), in composite, can have no more than 20% of the total funds provided by the Government.

An employee with a joint appointment between a university and a DOE national laboratory can apply through the institute of higher education (IHE) if the institution pays his or her salary and provides his or her benefits.

Part IV, Section I of this CINR FOA outlines funding restrictions for this CINR FOA.

A.1 Domestic Entities For-profit entities, educational institutions, and nonprofits1 that are organized, chartered or incorporated (or otherwise formed) under the laws of a particular state or territory of the United States; have majority domestic ownership and control; and have a physical place of business in the United States are eligible to apply for funding as a prime or subrecipient (only educational institutions may apply as a prime recipient for U.S. university-led projects).

1 Nonprofit organizations described in section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that engaged in lobbying activities after December 31, 2005, are not eligible to apply for funding.

State, local, and tribal government entities are eligible to apply for funding as a subrecipient (for U.S. university-, national laboratory-, or industry-led projects only).

DOE/National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDC) and DOE Government-Owned Government-Operated laboratories are eligible to apply for funding as a prime recipient, team member, or subrecipient in the NSUF Access Only CINR FOA area. If an FFRDC is proposed as a team member or subrecipient, the requirements contained in Part III, Section C, apply.

Non-DOE/NNSA FFRDCs and non-DOE Government-Operated Government-Owned laboratories are eligible to apply for funding as a subrecipient but are not eligible to apply as a prime recipient.

Federal agencies and instrumentalities (other than DOE) are eligible to apply for funding as a subrecipient but are not eligible to apply as a prime recipient.

Entities banned from doing business with the U.S. government such as entities debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participating in federal programs are not eligible.

Nonprofit organizations described in Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that engaged in lobbying activities after December 31, 1995, are not eligible to apply for funding.

A.2 U.S. Incorporated Foreign Entities U.S. incorporated foreign entities, whether for-profit or otherwise, are eligible to apply for funding under this CINR FOA as either a prime recipient or subrecipient subject to the requirements in 2 CFR 910.124.

A.3 Incorporated Consortia Incorporated consortia, which may include domestic and/or foreign entities, are eligible to apply for funding as a prime recipient (U.S.