FY 2025 DECP DE-FOA-0003311 Final.pdf

Fiscal Year 2025 Distinguished Early Career Program

U. S. Department of Energy

Idaho Operations Office

Funding Opportunity Announcement: DE-FOA-0003311

Announcement Type: Initial – May 20, 2024 Assistance Listings Number: 81.121

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

FOA Issue Date May 20, 2024 Application Due Date August 6, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time Planned Selection Announcement Date

March 6, 2025

NOTE: Deadlines are the dates/times by which DOE must receive the specified submittal i of vi

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, they 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 aim to respond to a question within three business days unless a similar question and answer has 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

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 your registration, contact the Innovative Nuclear Research (INR) Integration Office at 208-526-2123 or at neup@inl.gov.

Any questions pertaining to items such as application processes, eligibility, or application document requirements must also be directed to NEUP@inl.gov.

http://www.neup.gov/ https://www.sam.gov/SAM/ http://www.neup.gov/ https://neup.inl.gov/SitePages/Home.aspx https://www.neup.gov/ https://www.neup.gov/ mailto:neup@inl.gov mailto:NEUP@inl.gov ii of vi

Table of Contents

PART I – FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

1A. BACKGROUND

1B. MAJOR NE FUNDED RESEARCH

1B.1 Fuel Cycle Research and Development (FC R&D) 1B.2 Reactor Concepts Research, Development, and Demonstration (RC RD&D) 1B.3 Nuclear Energy Enabling Technologies (NEET)

PART II – AWARD INFORMATION

A. TYPE OF AWARD INSTRUMENT

B. ESTIMATED FUNDING

C. MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM AWARD SIZE

D. EXPECTED NUMBER OF AWARDS

E. ANTICIPATED AWARD SIZE

G. TYPE OF APPLICATION

PART III – ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

B. COST SHARING

C. ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS

D. LIMITATIONS ON SUBMISSIONS

PART IV – APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. ADDRESS TO REQUEST APPLICATION PACKAGE

B. DOCUMENT FORMAT REQUIREMENTS

C. CONTENT AND FORM for APPLICATIONS C.1 Interim Conflict of Policy for Financial Assistance

C.2 SF-424 Research and Related (R&R) C.3 Research and Related Other Project Information C.4 Project Abstract

C.5 Project Narrative C.6 Vitae C.7 Career Objective Statement C.8 Endorsement Letter from Academic/Unit Department Head C.9 Capabilities C.10 SF-424 Research and Related (R&R) Lead Budget Form C.11 Budget for DOE/NNSA Federally Funded Research and Development Center

(FFRDC) Contractor (Required for National Laboratory participants) C.12 Budget Justification C.13 Current and Pending Support iii of vi

C.14 Letter of Authorization for DOE/NNSA FFRDCs C.15 Project/Performance Site Locations C.16 Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) C.17 Certification and Assurances C.18 Letters of Support or Commitment

C.19 Summary of Required Forms/Files

D. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS IF SELECTED FOR NEGOTIATIONS

D.1 Environmental Checklist D.2 Data Management Plan (DMP)

E. SUBMISSIONS FROM SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS

F. SUBMISSION DATES AND TIMES

F.1 Application Due Date F.2 Late Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals

G. INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW

H. FUNDING RESTRICTIONS

I. PROHIBITION RELATED TO FOREIGN GOVERNMENT-SPONSORED

TALENT RECRUITMENT PROGRAMS

J. FOREIGN NATIONAL PARTICIPATION

K. FOREIGN TRAVEL

L. COST PRINCIPLES

M. PRE-AWARD COSTS

N. POTENTIALLY dUPLICATIVE fUNDING nOTICE

O. FOREIGN COLLABORATION CONSIDERATIONS

P. OTHER SUBMISSION AND REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

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

PART V - APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

A. CRITERIA

A.1 Initial Review Criteria A.2 Merit Review Criteria

B. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

B.1 Merit Review B.2 Program Policy Factors B.3 Selection B.4 Review of Risk B.5 Reporting of Matters Related to Recipient Integrity and Performance B.6 Government Discussions with Applicant

3. ANTICIPATED NOTICE OF SELECTION AND AWARD DATES

PART VI – AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

iv of vi

A. AWARD NOTICES

A.1 Applicants Selected for Award Negotiations A.2 Unsuccessful Applicants A.3 Nondisclosure and Confidentiality Agreements Representations A.4 Notice of Award

B. ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS

B.1 Administrative Requirements

C. REPORTING

PART VII – QUESTIONS/AGENCY CONTACTS

A. QUESTIONS

B. AGENCY CONTACTS

C. INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR

PART VIII – OTHER INFORMATION

A. MODIFICATIONS

B. GOVERNMENT RIGHT TO REJECT OR NEGOTIATE

C. COMMITMENT OF PUBLIC FUNDS

D. PROPRIETARY APPLICATION INFORMATION

E. EVALUATION AND ADMINISTRATION BY NON-FEDERAL PERSONNEL ... 43

F. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEVELOPED UNDER THIS PROGRAM

G. NOTICE REGARDING ELIGIBLE/INELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES

H. NO-COST TIME EXTENSIONS

I. REBUDGET REQUEST

J. CONFERENCE SPENDING

v of vi

Checklist for Avoiding Common Errors:

Item Issue Page Limits Strictly followed throughout application, including particular attention to:

- Research Narrative

- Career Objective Statement

- Endorsement Letter

- Data Management Plan(s) (DMPs)

Protected Personally Identifiable Information None present in the application Project Abstract Name of applicant, Principal Investigator (PI), PI’s institutional affiliation(s), Budget Use current negotiated indirect cost and fringe benefit rates Budget Justification Justify all requested costs (Please include quotes and pricing, negotiated rate plans, and/or links to university policy)

Vitae No page limits Current and Pending Support Provide a complete listing of all activities including brief abstract of scope of work for all items listed, regardless of source of funding.

Ensure the certification wording from Part IV Section E.11.1 is included in the template. (If using the SciENcv template, the certification wording, signature, and date must be appended to this form.)

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.

Data Management Plans (DMP) - If referring to an experiment’s DMP, describe the relationship to the proposed research.

- Include a DMP even if no experimental data is expected vi of vi

LIST OF ACRONYMS

CEJST Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool CFR Code of Federal Regulations CTD Crosscutting Technology Development DAC Disadvantaged Communities DECP Distinguished Early Career Program DMP Data Management Plan DOE Department of Energy FC R&D Fuel Cycle Research and Development FFATA Federal Funding and Transparency Act FOA Funding Opportunity Announcement FFRDC Federally Funded Research and Development Center FSRS FFATA Subaward Reporting System FWP Field Work Proposal HBCU Historically Black Colleges and Universities IHE Institution of Higher Education M&TE Measuring and Test Equipment MSI Minority-serving Institution NE Office of Nuclear Energy NEAMS Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation NEET Nuclear Energy Enabling Technologies NEUP Nuclear Energy University Program NRC Nuclear Regulatory Commission NSUF Nuclear Science User Facilities PI Principal Investigator PIE Post-irradiation Examination QA Quality Assurance R&D Research and Development RD&D Research, Development, and Demonstration SAM System for Award Management SMR Small Modular Reactor TCU Tribal Colleges and Universities

PART I – FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

General inquiries about this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) should be directed to Andrew Ford at fordaj@id.doe.gov. Questions about the application system should be sent to NEUP@inl.gov.

1A. BACKGROUND

The Distinguished Early Career Program (DECP) is the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy’s (NE) most prestigious award for the most innovative distinguished faculty members beginning their independent careers. The intent of the program is to provide stable support to those faculty to form the impactful research groups, innovative lines of inquiry, educational approaches, and critical new research directions that will drive the next generation of nuclear energy innovation. NE encourages all eligible applicants to apply, especially women, members of underrepresented minority groups, and persons with disabilities.

This FOA is soliciting distinguished early career applications that provide a clear research and education plan that highlights the applicant’s research and educational strengths; the research and education vision to support the development of the faculty member; and research infrastructure, curriculum, and outcomes that will advance the applicant’s research focus while training the next generation of nuclear energy professionals. Applications are required to focus on the NE mission areas as outlined below.

The extraordinary characteristic that places the NE Early Career Award into a Distinguished category is the truly integrated nature of excellence in research, education, and leadership. The applicant must demonstrate excellence in all three categories, including an integrated plan over the course of a career.

Excellence in research can be demonstrated by exceptional publications, presentations, invited seminars, research awards, and prestigious funding. Excellence in education can be demonstrated by the creation of new courses, curricula, national presentations, innovative teaching methods and engagement. Excellence in leadership can be demonstrated by extraordinary efforts to break new ground in interactions with industry, national laboratories, universities, international entities, professional groups, community groups, and startup companies. All examples cited are only for illustrative purposes and are not exhaustive.

Integration of Research and Education - All applications should describe an integrated path that will lead to a successful career as an outstanding researcher, educator, and contributor to the broader nuclear energy community. NE recognizes that there is no single approach to an integrated research and education plan but encourages all applicants to think creatively about the reciprocal relationship between the proposed research and education activities and how they may inform each other in the applicant’s career development as both an outstanding researcher and educator. These plans should reflect the proposer's own disciplinary and educational interests and goals, as well as the needs and context of their organization. Because there may be different expectations within different disciplinary fields and/or different organizations, a wide range of research and education activities may be appropriate for this program.

http://energy.gov/gc/standard-intellectual-property-ip-provisions-financial-assistance-awards mailto:NEUP@inl.gov

NE’s mission is to advance nuclear energy science and technology to meet United States (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; and

• 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.

All applications submitted under this FOA must demonstrate a strong tie to the mission.

NE conducts crosscutting nuclear energy research and development (R&D) and associated infrastructure support activities to develop innovative technologies that offer the promise of dramatically improved performance for its mission needs while maximizing the impact of DOE resources.

NE strives to promote integrated and collaborative research conducted by national laboratories, universities, industry, and international partners in conjunction with NE’s programs and to deploy innovative nuclear energy technologies to the market to meet the strategic goals and optimize the benefits of nuclear energy. NE funds research activities, through both competitive and direct mechanisms, as required to best meet those goals. This approach ensures a balanced R&D portfolio and encourages new nuclear power deployment with creative solutions to the universe of nuclear energy challenges through various major research programs funded by NE .

1.A.1 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.

1B. MAJOR NE FUNDED RESEARCH

This section describes various major research programs funded by NE. Applications are not limited to the specific described programs in this section.

1B.1 Fuel Cycle Research and Development (FC R&D)

The mission of FC R&D is to develop used nuclear fuel management strategies and technologies to support meeting the Federal Government responsibility to manage and dispose of the nation’s commercial used nuclear fuel and high-level waste, as well as to develop sustainable fuel cycle technologies and options that improve resource utilization and energy generation, reduce waste generation, enhance safety, and limit proliferation risk.

FC R&D’s vision is that by mid-century, strategies and technologies for the safe, long-term management and eventual disposal of U.S. commercial used nuclear fuel and any associated fuel cycle technologies that enhance the accident tolerance of light water reactors and enable sustainable fuel cycles are demonstrated and deployed. Together, these technologies and solutions support the enhanced availability, affordability, safety, and security of nuclear-generated electricity in the U.S.

Current challenges include the development of high burn-up fuel and cladding materials to withstand irradiation for longer periods of time with improved accident tolerance; simplified materials recovery technologies; waste management technologies including storage, transportation, and disposal; proliferation risk reduction methods; and processes and tools to evaluate and communicate sustainable fuel cycle system options.

1.B.1.1 Interim Storage for Commercial Spent Nuclear Fuel

The Office of Integrated Waste Management (IWM) is pursuing federal consolidated interim storage for commercial spent nuclear fuel using a consent-based siting approach. Interim storage and associated transportation, both key components of an integrated waste management system along with disposal pathways, will enable the federal government to take an important step toward fulfilling its responsibilities to dispose of the Nation’s spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste.

IWM activities address the technical, engineering, and operational aspects of implementing a storage facility and associated transportation in parallel with the consent-based approach to siting, which includes broad public participation, a focus on the needs and concerns of people and communities, and equity and environmental justice.

FC R&D Points of Contact (POC) Table

POC Area Contact Information Frank Goldner Advanced Fuels / Accident Tolerant

Fuels Frank.Goldner@nuclear.energy.gov

Kenneth Kellar

Advanced Fuels / Advanced Reactor Fuels

Kenneth.Kellar@nuclear.energy.gov

Matt Hahn TRISO Fuels

Matt.Hahn@nuclear.energy.gov

Bill Del Cul Material Recovery and Waste Form Development – Aqueous Separation and Molten Salt Separations

Bill.Delcul@nuclear.energy.gov

Jim Willit Material Recovery and Waste Form Development – Molten Salt Separation and Molten Salt Fuels

James.Willit@nuclear.energy.gov

POC Area Contact Information Kimberly Gray

Material Recovery and Waste Form Development – Waste Form and Off-gas

Kimberly.Gray@nuclear.energy.gov

Tansel Selekler

Material Protection, Accounting, and Control Technologies

Tansel.Selekler@nuclear.energy.gov

Ming Tang Innovative nuclear Cladding materials R&D

Ming.Tang@nuclear.energy.gov

John Orchard Spent Fuel Storage and Transportation John.Orchard@nucluear.energy.gov Prasad Nair Spent Fuel Disposition Prasad.Nair@nuclear.energy.gov Erica Bickford Spent nuclear Fuel Storage, transportation, and systems analysis Erica.Bickford@nuclear.energy.gov

Eric Ruesch Consent-based siting Eric.Ruesch@nuclear.energy.gov

1B.2 Reactor Concepts Research, Development, and Demonstration (RC RD&D)

The RC RD&D program supports RD&D on existing and advanced reactor designs and technologies. This RD&D enables industry to address technical and regulatory challenges associated with maintaining the existing fleet of nuclear reactors; promoting the development of a robust pipeline of advanced reactor designs, technologies, and associated supply chains; and progressing these advanced reactor designs and technologies towards demonstration when appropriate.

Program activities are focused on addressing technical, economic, safety, and security enhancement challenges associated with the existing commercial light water reactor fleet and advanced reactor technologies, covering large, small, and micro-sized designs across an array of reactor concepts including those cooled by light water, liquid metal, gas, and molten salt.

RC RD&D POC Table

POC Area Contact Information Dan Warner Advanced Reactor Safeguards and

Security and Light Water Reactor Sustainability (LWRS) – Physical Security

Daniel.Warner@nuclear.energy.gov

Sujata (Sue) Goetz

LWRS – Plant Modernization and Risk Informed Systems Analysis

Sujata.Goetz@nuclear.energy.gov

Sue Lesica LWRS – Materials R&D Sue.Lesica@nuclear.energy.gov

Jason Marcinkoski

LWRS – Flexible Plant Operation, Generation, Cybersecurity, and IES

Jason.Marcinkoski@nuclear.energy.gov

Diana Li Microreactors Diana.Li@nuclear.energy.gov

POC Area Contact Information Matt Hahn High Temperature Gas Reactor

(HTGR)

Matt.Hahn@nuclear.energy.gov

Kaatrin Abbott Fast Reactor Program (FRP) Kaatrin.Abbott@nuclear.energy.gov

Janelle Eddins Advanced Reactor Regulatory Development

Janelle.Eddins@nuclear.energy.gov

Michael Stoddard

Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) Michael.Stoddard@nuclear.energy.gov

Melissa Bates Advanced Small Modular Reactor

(SMR) RD&D

Melissa.Bates@nuclear.energy.gov

Savannah Fitzwater

National Reactor Innovation Center Savannah.Fitzwater@nuclear.energy.gov

1B.3 Nuclear Energy Enabling Technologies (NEET)

NEET conducts R&D and makes strategic investments in research capabilities to develop innovative and crosscutting technologies that resolve nuclear technology development issues.

NEET programs are:

• Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies (AMMT) that focuses on innovative research to accelerate the development, qualification, demonstration and deployment of advanced materials, manufacturing technologies, and supply chain capacity.

• Advanced Sensors and Instrumentation (ASI) that directs and performs research and development of ASOI to expand measurement capabilities by enhancing performance of existing technologies or developing novel techniques and systems to address critical technology gaps.

• Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS) that accelerates early-stage development of advanced reactor and fuel concepts and enables improved economics of new and existing designs by providing leading-edge computational tools to U.S. industry. The primary objective is to develop and deploy these predictive tools and methods to industry, academia, and Government, including the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), for research, analysis, design, and regulatory acceptance of advanced reactor and fuel cycle systems. These advanced computational tools employ scalable simulation methods on high-performance computing architectures, in combination with a science-based, mechanistic approach to physics modeling, to allow scientists and engineers to better understand reactor materials properties and coupled phenomena in nuclear energy systems. These tools span length scales from atomic to mesoscale to engineering scale, and time scales from picoseconds to seconds to days.

These tools are currently being used to move certain advanced reactor concepts forward to commercialization in several keyways, including design optimization, which is required to fully realize the economic and technological advantages of those concepts.

NEAMS capabilities also support development of advanced nuclear fuels, design and analysis of nuclear fuel experiments, and expansion of NRC confirmatory analysis capabilities.

• Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) that provides access to world-class capabilities at nuclear facilities to aid the advancement of nuclear science and technology. This is supported by providing access, at no cost to the user, to state-of-the-art experimental irradiation testing and post-irradiation examination (PIE) facilities, as well as technical assistance, including the design and analysis of reactor experiments. This unique model is best described as a distributed partnership with each facility bringing exceptional capabilities and expertise to the relationship, including reactors, beamlines, state-of-the-art instruments, hot cells, and high-performance computational resources. Together, these capabilities and people create a nation-wide infrastructure that allows the best innovative ideas to be proven using the most advanced capabilities. Through NSUF, researchers and their collaborators are building on current knowledge to better understand the complex behavior of materials and fuels under irradiation.

NEET POC Table

POC Area Contact Information Dirk Cairns- Gallimore

AMMT Dirk.Cairns-Gallimore@nuclear.energy.gov

Dan Nichols ASI Daniel.Nichols@nuclear.energy.gov Dave Henderson

NEAMS David.Henderson@nuclear.energy.gov

Chris Barr NSUF Christopher.Barr@nuclear.energy.gov

PART II – AWARD INFORMATION

A. TYPE OF AWARD INSTRUMENT

DOE anticipates awarding grants under this FOA.

B. ESTIMATED FUNDING

DOE anticipates that, subject to the availability of future year appropriations, a total of $3,200,000 in current fiscal year (FY) funds will be used to support awards under this FOA.

Awards are fully funded in the first project year.

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.

C. MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM AWARD SIZE

The total number of awards will depend on the number of meritorious applications and the availability of appropriated funds. The ceiling and floor for this FOA are the same. The maximum award size for a single award is $800,000 over five years.

NOTE: Requested funding may vary year-by-year to accommodate the real and expected needs of the proposed research. The average DECP award supports the Principal Investigator (PI), research staff under the PI’s direction (including postdocs and graduate students), equipment (including fabrication), and other necessary costs (materials, supplies, and travel).

D. EXPECTED NUMBER OF AWARDS

DOE anticipates up to 4 awards under this FOA. The exact number of awards will depend on the number of meritorious applications and the availability of appropriated funds.

E. ANTICIPATED AWARD SIZE

DOE expects the typical award size to be the maximum of $800,000 over five years.

F. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

DOE anticipates making awards with a project period of 5 years.

G. TYPE OF APPLICATION

DOE will only accept new applications under this FOA.

PART III – ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

In accordance with 2 CFR 910.126 - Competition, eligibility for award is restricted to eligible individuals from U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE), in accordance with information described in Part III C of this FOA.

Institutions of Higher Education

Applications must be submitted through a U.S. academic institution. An employee with a joint appointment between a university and a DOE national laboratory can apply through the IHE if the IHE pays the applicant’s salary and provides their benefits.

The act of submitting an application implies that the submitting institution has checked, confirmed, and certifies that the PI they are submitting for is eligible as outlined in Part III 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 U.S., 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 equity through effective teams and/or partnerships with minority serving institution institutions (MSI), 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.

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://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/M-21-28.pdf

If applicants believe that their institution qualifies as an MSI and is not listed, please contact neup@inl.gov with an explanation of how the university meets the conditions of being considered an MSI.

B. COST SHARING

Cost sharing is not required.

C. ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS

Eligible individuals with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research as a PI are invited to work with their organizations to develop an application for assistance. Individuals from underrepresented groups, those with disabilities, and people from all geographic and economic backgrounds, are encouraged to apply.

PIs must adhere to the respective eligibility standards below:

• The PI must be an untenured assistant professor at a U.S. academic institution on the tenure track and no more than seven years beyond the date their doctorate was awarded as of the last day of January 2025.

• The PI must be employed in the eligible position as of the last day of January 2025.

• There can be no co-PIs and funding cannot be used to directly support “peer collaborators” or mentors.*

• The PI cannot have received a similar type of a federally funded early career award.

Similar awards could include, but are not limited to, Office of Science Early Career Program and U.S. National Science Foundation Faculty Career Development Program (CAREER). If you have received another federally funded early career award and are not sure whether or not it is similar, please send your questions to neup@inl.gov.

*A collaborator is an individual who makes a defined, material contribution that is critical to the success of the project. Any individual appearing in the project abstract, technical narrative, benefit of collaboration, coordination and management plan, or budget documents would be considered a collaborator on the application form.

Extensions to eligibility may be considered for individuals who have had a major life event requiring an extended absence from the workplace including, but not limited to, active military service, an absence due to personal disability, or an absence covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act. Verification stating validity of requests for extended eligibility must be made by including in the application a letter signed by the dean, research vice president, or equivalent official as of the application deadline. The request for an eligibility extension will be evaluated as part of the application assessment. Extensions may be granted for the duration of the extended absence.

Extensions to eligibility should be submitted for consideration at least 30 calendar days before the application deadline at neup@inl.gov.

DOE reserves the right to confirm that the candidate has a tenure-track appointment during the review process and/or during award negotiations.

Proposed research for this submission must have a scope that is different from any non-early career federally funded award.

Limited circumstances may require use of national laboratory facilities, a DOE/National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), if major facilities are not available on the applicant’s campus. The costs associated with the use of a FFRDC may be covered as part of this application. If a FFRDC is used, then the FFRDC must provide a DOE field work proposal (FWP) and an authorization letter.

Participation by national laboratories is restricted to activities to gain access to facilities not available at a PIs home institution. Activities must be structured so that there are no national laboratory co-PIs or collaborators.

Applications submitted to this DECP FOA will be awarded to the IHE listed and will typically not be transferred to another institution if the PI changes institutions. However, DOE may consider PI requests for transferring or sub awarding an award from the original institution to the PI’s new institution. In the event a PI changes institutions, the PI must contact the Contract Specialist for approval prior to the award being transferred.

If a PI has a DECP award and accepts another similar federally funded early career award, the PI becomes ineligible for continued performance under their DECP award and must notify DOE immediately. Please see Section C above.

D. LIMITATIONS ON SUBMISSIONS

Only one application on behalf of a PI may be submitted to this FY 2025 FOA. A PI may not submit an application to more than three NE DECP FOAs as described in the eligibility criteria of Part III Section C.

Applicants may only receive one NE DECP award as outlined in the eligibility criteria of Part III Section C. Applicants are not eligible for award if the applicant has already been awarded other similar federally funded early career awards. Please see Section C above.

Research objectives for this opportunity must be distinct from current or past funded NE projects that the applicant has participated in as a lead PI, co-PI, or collaborator.

PART IV – APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. APPLICATION PACKAGE

Electronic applications and instructions are available at 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.

Paper copies of the application package can be requested at:

INR Integration Office Attn: Pamela Rich PO Box 1625 MS 3730 Idaho Falls, Idaho 83415

Telephone: 208-526-4854 Fax: 208-526-1844

B. DOCUMENT FORMAT REQUIREMENTS

All non-budget documentation (use templates when 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, including locking spreadsheet cells. 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.

https://neup.inl.gov/SitePages/Home.aspx

C. CONTENT AND FORM FOR APPLICATIONS

C.1 INTERIM CONFLICT OF POLICY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

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 project funded wholly or in part under the DOE financial assistance award. DOE’s interim COI Policy establishes standards that provide a reasonable expectation that the design, conduct, and reporting of projects funded wholly or in part under DOE financial assistance awards will be free from bias resulting from financial conflicts of interest or organizational conflicts of interest.

The applicant is subject to the requirements of the interim COI Policy and within each application for financial assistance, the applicant must certify that it is, or will be by the time of receiving any financial assistance award, compliant with all requirements in the interim COI Policy. The applicant must flow down the requirements of the interim COI Policy to any subrecipient non-Federal entities.

The applicant is required to disclose, manage, and report conflicts of interest as per the DOE interim COI Policy. Check the appropriate box on the application form certifying compliance with the COI Policy. If any disclosures need to be made, upload a COI document to the COI disclosure area of the application form.

Name File: 2025 COI Disclosure “Insert Tracking ID #”

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

Applicants shall complete the SF-424, R&R form, available at www.NEUP.gov, and upload a completed PDF copy of the form with the application.

Name File: 2025 SF424RR “Insert Tracking ID #”

C.3 Research and Related Other Project Information

Applicants shall complete items 1–6 on the R&R Other Project Information form available at www.NEUP.gov and upload a completed PDF copy of the form. Items 7-12 will be completed in the application form and do not need to be completed here.

Name File: 2025 R&R Other Project Information “Insert Tracking ID #”

C.4 Project Abstract

(Use Provided Template on Application Site)

The project abstract must contain a one-page summary of the proposed activity and be suitable https://www.energy.gov/management/financial-assistance-letter-no-fal-2022-02 for dissemination to the public. It should be a self-contained document that identifies the name of the applicant; the project PI; the project title; a list of major deliverables; the scope and objectives of the project; a description of the project, including major tasks (phases, planned approach, etc.) and methods to be employed; the potential impact of the project (i.e., benefits, outcomes). This document must not include any proprietary or sensitive business information, as NE may make it available to the public after awards are made.

Name File: 2025 Project Abstract “Insert Tracking ID #”; 1-page limit

C.5 PROJECT NARRATIVE

The integrated research and education project narrative must not exceed a page limit of 10 pages of technical information, including title page, table of contents, charts, graphs, maps, photographs, and other pictorial presentations, when printed using standard letter-size (8.5 x 11 inch) paper with 1-inch margins (top, bottom, left, and right). The font must not be smaller than 11-point. Merit reviewers will only consider the number of pages within the specified 10 pages.

Unlimited references are allowable at the bottom of the narrative beyond the limited 10-page project narrative described above.

Do not include any internet addresses (URLs) that provide supplementary or additional information that constitutes a part of the application. Merit reviewers are not required to access internet sites; however, internet publications in a list of references will be treated identically to print publications.

Background/Introduction: Explanation of the importance and relevance of the proposed work , as well as a review of the relevant literature.

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

Proposed Research and Methods: Identify the hypotheses to be tested (if any) and details of the methods to be used, including the integration of experiments with theoretical and computational research efforts.

Integration of Research and Educational Activities: Identify the educational aspects of the application and details about the methods and approaches the PI will use to integrate educational activities into overall project activities.

Leadership: Identify potential leadership in your area including, but not limited to, research performance, transformative nature of the work, creative vision, and leadership performance in scientific, technical, service-based activities, and educational areas.

Timetable of Activities: Timeline for all major activities including anticipated milestones and deliverables.

This comprises the project narrative for the project. It should contain enough background material in the introduction, including review of the relevant literature, to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the state of the science. The majority of the narrative should be devoted to a description and justification of the proposed project, including details of the method to be used. It should also include a timeline for the major activities of the proposed project and should indicate which project personnel will be responsible for which activities.

There should be no ambiguity about which personnel will perform particular parts of the project, and the time at which these activities will take place.

Name File: 2025 Project Narrative “Insert Tracking ID #”; 10-page limit

C.6 Vitae

• Provide a full biographical vitae for the PI listed in Section A of the R&R Budget form.

• Contact information.

• Education and Training: Provide institution, major/area, degree, and year for undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral training. List all education and training, foreign or domestic, at the applicant institution or elsewhere, whether or not remuneration is received, and, whether full-time, part-time, or voluntary.

• Research and Professional Experience: Beginning with the current position list, in chronological order (newest to oldest), professional/academic positions with a brief description. List all professional or institutional appointments, foreign or domestic, at the applicant institution or elsewhere, whether or not remuneration is received, and, whether full-time, part-time, or voluntary.

• Publications: Provide a complete list of publications. 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.

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

• Synergistic Activities: Fully list any professional and scholarly activities related to the effort proposed.

• There should be no lapses in time over the past 10 years or since age 18, whichever period is shorter.

Name File: 2025 CV “Last Name of Individual” “Insert Tracking ID #”

Note: There is no page limit associated with this vitae document. An optional CV template (located at neup.gov) is available for use.

C.7 Career Objective Statement

The applicant will provide a career objective statement that outlines the PI’s research interests and educational priorities and how they align with NE priorities.

Name File: 2025 Career Statement “Insert Tracking ID #”; 2-page limit

C.8 Endorsement Letter from Academic/Unit Department Head

The applicant will submit an endorsement letter from their respective department head that speaks to the following:

• PI’s qualifications and leadership roles.

• Current and future commitments of the department and applicant to focus on nuclear energy research/education/service.

Note: Only required documents, as outlined in the FOA will be reviewed. Additional letters of recommendation may not be reviewed. An optional template (located at neup.gov) is available for use.

Name File: 2025 Endorsement “Insert Tracking ID #”; 2-page limit

C.9 Capabilities

Provide information on the following, as applicable:

• Infrastructure Requirements: The applicant shall identify the infrastructure (e.g., facilities, equipment, instrumentation, and other resources) required to execute the proposed scope of work, including their location, availability, capabilities, and how they will be used in the project. Describe the non-labor (e.g., facilities, equipment, and instrumentation) resources that are available and accessible to the applicant and are required to execute the scope of work. Describe any unique equipment and facilities that are needed, are accessible, and will be used to execute the scope of work. Discuss the adequacy of these resources and identify any gaps and how these will be addressed.

• Ability to comply with the required or proposed performance schedule, taking into consideration all existing commercial and governmental business commitments.

See the electronic application submission instructions for document guidance. This FOA allows the applicant to propose the purchase of any needed equipment to conduct the proposed work. If equipment purchases are proposed, describe comparable equipment, if any, already at the institution and explain why it cannot be used.

Name File: 2025 Capabilities “Insert Tracking ID #”; 2-page limit

C.10 SF-424 Research and Related (R&R) Lead Budget Form

The applicant must complete a separate budget for each year of support requested. The form will generate a cumulative budget for the total project period. You may request funds under any of the categories listed 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 FOA.

NOTE: Do NOT lock the cells when saving this document. Applications containing budget forms with locked cells may not be evaluated further.

Name File: 2025 R&R Budget “Insert Tracking ID #”

C.11 Budget for DOE/NNSA Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) Contractor (Required for National Laboratory participants)

If using a DOE/NNSA FFRDC contractor, the FFRDC must provide a DOE Field Work Proposal (FWP) in accordance with the requirements in DOE Order 412.1A, Administrative (Admin) Change 1, Work Authorization System dated 05/21/2014. FWPs can be obtained from respective laboratory financial administrators. FFRDCs are permitted to propose costs in accordance with their established DOE contracts (e.g., overhead, fees, etc.).

Name File: 2025 DECP FWP “Insert Tracking ID #”

C.12 Budget Justification

Provide a justification that explains all costs proposed in the budget. For additional guidance, the Budget Justification Supporting Documentation is available at NEUP.gov. Provide the required supporting information for all costs required to accomplish the project, including the following costs: labor; equipment; domestic and foreign travel; participant/trainees; material and supplies; publication; consultant services; automated data processing/computer services;

subaward/consortium/contractual; equipment or facility rental/user fees; alterations and renovations; and indirect cost type. Provide any other information you wish to submit to justify the budget request.

A budget justification is required for the lead applicant and all sub-awardees. The justification can be combined into one document or submitted as separate files.

Foreign travel must be included in the budget justification request. Any foreign travel not included in the budget justification will not be approved upon issuance of the grant.

The following items of advice are offered to assist in developing a justification:

1. Organize the justification by listing items in the same categorical order as presented on the budget.

2. Ensure that the narrative matches the budget in dollar amounts and language.

3. Explain the line items. If costs are estimated, provide a basis for the estimate, including an estimate or prior ordering experience. Explain if costs are based on prior experience of similar activities. If a cost is based on the product of two numbers (such as a number of items at a per-item price), ensure that the math is correct.

4. If including an inflationary factor for future budget periods, explain the basis for the inflationary factor.

Provide any other information necessary to justify your budget request. If cost sharing is voluntarily proposed, provide an explanation of the source, nature, amount, and availability of any proposed cost sharing. Provide the details of all personnel (key or other) who will be working on the project, regardless of their source(s) of compensation. Explain their source(s) of compensation if it is not from this project. Include the indirect cost rate agreement and/or fringe rate agreement as a part of the budget justification.

Name File: 2025 Budget Justification “Insert Tracking ID #”

C.13 Current and Pending Support

Current and pending support is intended to allow the identification of potential duplication, overcommitment, potential conflicts of interest or commitment, and all other sources of support.

As part of the application, the PI and each senior/key person at the prime applicant and any proposed subaward level must provide a list of all sponsored activities, awards, and appointments, whether paid or unpaid; provided as a gift with terms or conditions or provided as a gift without terms or conditions; full-time, part-time, or voluntary; faculty, visiting, adjunct, or honorary; cash or in-kind; foreign or domestic; governmental or private-sector; directly supporting the individual’s research or indirectly supporting the individual by supporting students, research staff, space, equipment, or other research expenses.