FY 2026 Distinguished Early Career Program NOFO Part 2 - FINAL 12DEC2025.pdf

Financial Assistance Notice of Funding Opportunity

Part 2

Idaho Operations Office Fiscal Year 2026 Distinguished Early Career Program

Notice of Funding Opportunity Number DE-FOA-0003540

This is Part 2 of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The NOFO Part 2 is intended as a companion document to the NOFO Part 1. The NOFO Part 1 describes the specific DOE programmatic goals and evaluation criteria, eligibility, and other components that are specific to each funding opportunity.

Part 2 includes fixed DOE requirements that generally do not change from NOFO to NOFO. This document includes standard information for the application phase and describes expectations for award negotiations and post-award requirements for selected applications. Applicants should review both the NOFO Part 1 and the NOFO Part 2 prior to applying.

Notice of Funding Opportunity Part 2 Table of Contents

I. Table of Contents

I. GET REGISTERED

A. SAM.gov Registration B. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) C. Grants.gov Registration D. NEUP.gov

II. ELIGIBILITY

A. Cost Sharing

1. Legal Responsibility

2. Cost Share Allocation

3. Cost Share Types and Allowability

4. Unallowable Cost Share Sources

5. Cost Share Contributions by FFRDCs

6. Cost Share Verification

7. Cost Share Calculation Examples

B. Other Eligibility Information 10

1. Questions Regarding Eligibility

2. Entity of Concern Prohibition

3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Application Use

III. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

A. Informational Webinar

IV. APPLICATION CONTENT AND FORM

A. Application Format Summary B. Application Content Requirements

1. Conflict of Interest (COI) Acknowledgement

2. Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424 R&R)

3. Research & Related Other Project Information

4. Project Summary/Abstract File (use provided template on application site)

5. Technical Volume (previously titled Project Narrative)

6. Resumes of Research and Development (R&D) NOFOs

7. Career Objective Statement

8. Endorsement Letter from Academic/Unit Department Head

9. Capabilities

10. Research and Related (R&R) Lead Budget Form

11. Budget Justification

12. Field Work Proposal for DOE FFRDC contractor

13. Authorization for Non-DOE or DOE FFRDCs (if applicable)

14. Current and Pending Support

15. Digital Persistent Identifier (PID)

16. Research Security Training Requirement

17. Impacted Indian Tribes Documentation (if applicable)

18. Transparency of Foreign Connections

19. Potentially Duplicative Funding Notice

20. Project/Performance Site Location(s)

21. Lobbying Activities

C. Funding Restrictions

1. Allowable Costs

2. Pre-Award Costs

3. Performance of Work in the United States (Foreign Work Waiver) Requirement

4. Foreign Travel

5. Lobbying

6. Equipment and Supplies

7. Davis-Bacon Act Requirements

V. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

VI. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

A. Standard Evaluation and Selection Processes

1. Overview

2. Pre-Selection Interviews

3. Pre-Selection Clarification

4. Recipient Responsibility and Qualifications

5. Due Diligence Review for Research, Technology and Economic Security (RTES)

6. Evaluation and Administration by Non-Federal Personnel

7. Selection

VII. SELECTION AND AWARD NOTICES 41

A. Selection Notices

1. Ineligible Submissions

2. Application Notifications

3. Applicants Selected for Award Negotiations

4. Alternate Selections

5. Applicants Not Selected for Award Negotiations

B. Post-Selection Information Requests

1. Example Information Requests

2. Entity Risk Assessment

3. Environmental Review in Accordance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

4. Flood Resilience

5. Trafficking in Persons

6. Construction Workforce Continuity Plan

7. Operations Workforce Continuity Plan

C. Award Notices

VIII. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

A. Post-Award Requirements and Administration

1. Award Administrative Requirements

2. Subaward and Executive Reporting

3. National Policy Requirements

4. Applicant Representations and Certifications

5. Statement of Federal Stewardship

6. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Financing Statements

7. Interim Conflict of Interest Policy for Financial Assistance

8. Whistleblower Protections

9. Fraud, Waste, and Abuse

10. Participants and Collaborating Organizations

11. Current and Pending Support

12. Prohibition Related to Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs

13. Foreign Collaboration Considerations

14. U.S. Manufacturing Commitments

15. Subject Invention Utilization Reporting

16. Intellectual Property Provisions

17. Technology Protection Plan

18. Data Management and Sharing Plan

19. Conference Spending

20. Cost Share Payment

21. Implementation of Executive Order 13798, Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty

22. Pay Transparency Requirements

23. Human Subjects Research

B. Reporting

IX. OTHER INFORMATION

A. Government Right to Reject or Negotiate B. Commitment of Public Funds C. Treatment of Application Information D. Notice Regarding Eligible/Ineligible Activities E. Notice of Right to Conduct a Review of Financial Capability F. Requirement for Full and Complete Disclosure G. Retention of Submissions H. Title to Subject Inventions I. Government Rights in Subject Inventions J. Copyright K. Export Control L. Prohibition on Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment M. Personally Identifiable Information (PII) N. Annual Independent Audits O. Buy America Requirements for Infrastructure Projects; Required Use of American Iron, Steel, Manufactured Products, and Construction Materials Produced in the United States P. Acronyms

Section I: Get Registered

I. Get Registered

There are several required one-time actions applicants must take before applying to this NOFO.

Some of these actions may take several weeks, so it is vital applicants build in enough time to complete them. Failure to complete these actions could interfere with application or negotiation deadlines or the ability to receive an award if selected. If you are already registered make sure your registration is active and up to date. All registrations are free.

A. SAM.gov Registration You must have an active account with SAM.gov, the System for Award Management (SAM).

This includes having a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

• What is it? SAM is a federal procurement database. All entities that want to do business with the federal government MUST be registered in SAM.

• Existing SAM registrations must be updated annually.

• Duration to complete: can take several weeks.

• Registration Link: https://sam.gov/content/home o NOTE: Subrecipients are not required to obtain an active SAM registration but must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier.

• HELP: https://sam.gov/content/help Applicants must allow several weeks for the SAM process to complete. All registrations rely on completion of the SAM registration. (START Early)

B. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)

• What is it? UEI is a non-proprietary identifier that has replaced the Federal Government use of Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number effective April 4, 2022.

• Applicants must obtain an UEI from the SAM to uniquely identify the entity. The UEI is available in the SAM entity registration record.

o NOTE: Subawardees/subrecipients at all tiers must also obtain UEI from the SAM and provide the UEI to the recipient before the subaward can be issued.

• Duration to complete: can take several weeks.

• Registration Link: https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration

• HELP: https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp

C. Grants.gov Registration You must have an active Grants.gov registration to receive automatic updates when modifications to this NOFO are posted. Doing so requires a Login.gov registration as well.

• What is it? Website used to enable federal grant-making agencies to notify potential applicants of funding opportunities. Please note that letters of intent, concept papers, and applications will not be accepted through Grants.gov (see NEUP.gov information below).

• Step-by step instructions for applicants at How to Apply for Grants website https://grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-apply-for-grants

• Duration to complete: can take several days.

• Registration Link: https://grants.gov

• HELP:

https://apply07.grants.gov/help/html/help/index.htm#t=GetStarted%2FGetStarted.htm https://sam.gov/content/home https://sam.gov/content/home https://sam.gov/content/help https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family https://grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-apply-for-grants https://grants.gov/ https://apply07.grants.gov/help/html/help/index.htm#t=GetStarted%2FGetStarted.htm

Section I: Get Registered

D. NEUP.gov Register and create an account 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.

DISCLAIMER:

Applicants are discouraged from submitting information considered proprietary unless it is deemed essential for proper evaluation of the application. If the application contains information that the applicant organization considers to be trade secrets, information that is commercial or financial, or information that is privileged or confidential, the pages containing that information should be identified as specified in the application instructions. When such information is included in the application, it is furnished to the federal government in confidence, with the understanding that the information will be used or disclosed only for evaluation of the application.

The information contained in the application will be protected by DOE from unauthorized disclosure, consistent with the need for merit review of applications of financial assistance awards to assure the integrity of the competitive process and the accuracy and completeness of the information. If a federal financial assistance award is made as a result of or in connection with an application, the federal government has the right to use or disclose the information to the extent authorized by law. This restriction does not limit the federal government’s right to use the information if it is obtained without restriction from another source.

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https://neup.inl.gov/ https://neup.inl.gov/ mailto:neup@inl.gov

Section II. Eligibility

II. Eligibility

Please refer to NOFO Part 1, Eligibility for the eligibility criteria specific to your application. This section includes additional information to help applicants understand the standard eligibility requirements across all DOE NOFOs.

A. Cost Sharing This section contains additional information to help applicants understand federal cost sharing requirements. Please refer to NOFO Part 1, Eligibility—Cost Sharing for the cost sharing criteria specific to your application.

1. Legal Responsibility Although the cost share requirement applies to the entire project, including work performed by members of the project team other than the recipient, the recipient is legally responsible for paying the entire cost share. The recipient’s cost share obligation is expressed in the Assistance Agreement as a static amount in U.S. dollars (cost share amount) and as a percentage of the Total Project Cost (cost share percentage). If the funding agreement is terminated prior to the end of the project period, the recipient is required to contribute at least the cost share percentage of total expenditures incurred through the date of termination.

The recipient is solely responsible for managing cost share contributions by the project team and enforcing cost share obligation assumed by project team members in subawards or related agreements.

2. Cost Share Allocation Each project team is free to determine how best to allocate the cost share requirement among the team members. The amount contributed by individual project team members may vary, as long as the cost share requirement for the entire project is met.

3. Cost Share Types and Allowability Cost share must meet requirements set forth in 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.306 and 910.130, and cost principles set forth in 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.400-476 and 2 C.F.R. §§ 910.352. In addition, cost share must be verifiable upon submission of the full application. Cost share may be provided in the form of cash or cash equivalents, or in-kind contributions. Cost share must come from non-federal sources (unless otherwise allowed by law), such as project participants, state or local governments, or other third-party financing. DOE Loan Guarantees cannot be leveraged by applicants to provide the required cost share or otherwise support the same scope that is proposed under a project.

Cost share may be provided by the recipient, subrecipients, or third parties (entities that do not have a role in performing the scope of work). Vendors/contractors may not provide cost share.

Any partial donation of goods or services is considered a discount and is not allowable.

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

In-kind contributions are those where a value of the contribution can be readily determined, verified, and justified but where no actual cash is transacted in securing the good or service https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-IX/part-910/subpart-B/section-910.130 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFR1f52baf5ea70fff/section-200.400 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-IX/part-910/subpart-D/section-910.352 comprising the contribution. Allowable in-kind contributions include but are not limited to the donation of volunteer time or the donation of space or use of equipment.

Project teams may use funding or property received from state or local governments to meet the cost share requirement, so long as the federal government did not provide the funding to the state or local government.

Cost share contributions must be specified in the project budget, verifiable from the recipient’s records, and necessary and reasonable for proper and efficient accomplishment of the project.

As all sources of cost share are considered part of total project cost, DOE will review the cost share dollars according to the same federal regulations as federal dollars to the project. Every cost share contribution must be reviewed and approved in advance by the Contract Specialist and incorporated into the project budget before the expenditures are incurred.

4. Unallowable Cost Share Sources The recipient and subrecipient(s) may not use the following sources to meet cost share obligations:

• Cost share derived from federal sources (unless otherwise authorized by law).

• Cost share that does not meet:

o Requirements set forth in 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.306 and 910.130;

o Cost principles set forth in 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.400-476 and 2 C.F.R. §§ 910.352;

o For State Energy Programs, refer to 10 C.F.R. §§ 420.

• Cost share derived from the DOE loan program.

• Revenues or royalties from the prospective operation of an activity beyond the project period;

• Proceeds from the prospective sale of an asset of an activity;

• Federal funding or property (e.g., federal grants, equipment owned by the federal government);

• Expenditures that were reimbursed under a separate federal program.

• Cash or in-kind contributions used to meet cost share requirements for another federal project or program;

• Existing data as an in-kind contribution (e.g., data owned by an entity, that is not routinely sold commercially but is instead donated to the project and assigned a value);

• In general, deferred or avoided costs such as unrealized tax credits; or

• If applicable, other items as identified by DOE Programs and as specified in the applicable NOFO Part 1, Eligibility—Cost Sharing.

5. Cost Share Contributions by FFRDCs Because FFRDCs are funded by the federal government, costs incurred by FFRDCs generally may not be used to meet the cost share requirement. FFRDCs may contribute cost share only if the contributions are paid directly from the contractor’s Management Fee or another non-federal source.

6. Cost Share Verification Applicants are required to provide written assurance of their proposed cost share contributions in their applications. If selected for award negotiations, applicants are required to provide additional information and documentation regarding their cost share contributions. Please refer to the NOFO Part 1, Eligibility—Cost Sharing for specific requirements.

7. Cost Share Calculation Examples Cost sharing is calculated as a percentage of the Total Project Cost. FFRDC costs must be included in Total Project Costs.

Example 1, Standard Cost Share Calculation The following is an example of how to calculate cost sharing amounts for a project with $1 million in federal funds with a minimum 20% non-federal cost sharing requirement:

• Formula: Federal share ($) divided by federal share (%) = Total Project Cost

Example: $1,000,000 divided by 80% = $1,250,000

• Formula: Total Project Cost ($) minus federal share ($) = Non-federal share ($) Example: $1,250,000 minus $1,000,000 = $250,000

• Formula: Non-federal share ($) divided by Total Project Cost ($) = Non-federal share (%) Example: $250,000 divided by $1,250,000 = 20%

Example 2, Blended Cost Share Calculation The following example shows the math for calculating required cost share for a project with $2 million in federal funds, with four tasks requiring different non-federal cost share percentages:

Task Proposed Federal Share

Federal Share % Recipient Share %

Task 1 (R&D) $1,000,000 80% 20% Task 2 (R&D) $500,000 80% 20% Task 3 (Demonstration) $400,000 50% 50% Task 4 (Outreach) $100,000 100% 0%

Federal share ($) divided by federal share (%) = Task Cost

Each task must be calculated individually as follows:

Task 1

• $1,000,000 divided by 80% = $1,250,000 (Task 1 Cost)

• Task 1 Cost minus federal share = non-federal share

• $1,250,000 - $1,000,000 = $250,000 (non-federal share)

Task 2

• $500,000 divided 80% = $625,000 (Task 2 Cost)

• Task 2 Cost minus federal share = non-federal share

• $625,000 - $500,000 = $125,000 (non-federal share)

Task 3

• $400,000 / 50% = $800,000 (Task 3 Cost)

• Task 3 Cost minus federal share = non-federal share

• $800,000 - $400,000 = $400,000 (non-federal share)

Task 4

• Federal share = $100,000

• Non-federal cost share is not mandated for outreach = $0 (non-federal share)

The calculation may then be completed as follows:

Tasks $ Federal Share

% Federal Share

$ Non- Federal Share

% Non-Federal Share

Total Project Cost

Task 1 $1,000,000 80% $250,000 20% $1,250,000 Task 2 $500,000 80% $125,000 20% $625,000 Task 3 $400,000 50% $400,000 50% $800,000 Task 4 $100,000 100% $0 0% $100,000 Totals $2,000,000 $775,000 $2,775,000

Blended Cost Share %

• Non-federal share ($775,000) divided by Total Project Cost ($2,775,000) = 27.9% (non-federal)

• Federal share ($2,000,000) divided by Total Project Cost ($2,775,000) = 72.1% (federal)

B. Other Eligibility Information Refer to NOFO Part 1, Eligibility—Eligible Applicants for NOFO-specific eligibility information.

The information below is standard for DOE NOFOs.

1. Questions Regarding Eligibility DOE will not make eligibility determinations for potential applicants prior to the date on which applications to NOFO Part 1 must be submitted. The decision to apply in response to NOFO Part 1 lies solely with the applicant.

2. Entity of Concern Prohibition Prohibition No Entity of Concern as defined in Section 10114 of Public Law 117-167 (42 USC 18912), may receive any grant, contract, cooperative agreement, or loan of $10 million or more in DOE funds, including funds made available by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (Public Law 118-42).

In addition, for all awards involving Departmental activities authorized under Public Law 117- 167, no Entity of Concern (including an individual that owns or controls, is owned or controlled by, or is under common ownership or control with an Entity of Concern) may receive DOE funds or perform work under any award, subject to certain penalties. See Section 10114 of Public Law 117-167 (42 USC 18912) and Division D, Title III, Section 310 of Division D of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 (Pub. L. No. 118-42) for additional information.

By submitting an application to this NOFO, the applicant is certifying that neither the applicant nor any of the project participants qualify as Entities of Concern.

Definitions Entity of Concern is defined as in section 10114 of Public Law 117-167 (42 USC 18912), also known as the CHIPS and Science Act, as any entity, including a national, that is— https://www.congress.gov/117/plaws/publ167/PLAW-117publ167.pdf#page=105 https://www.congress.gov/118/bills/hr4366/BILLS-118hr4366enr.pdf https://www.congress.gov/118/bills/hr4366/BILLS-118hr4366enr.pdf https://www.congress.gov/117/plaws/publ167/PLAW-117publ167.pdf#page=105 https://www.congress.gov/117/plaws/publ167/PLAW-117publ167.pdf#page=105 https://www.congress.gov/117/plaws/publ167/PLAW-117publ167.pdf#page=105 https://www.congress.gov/117/plaws/publ167/PLAW-117publ167.pdf#page=105

(A) identified under section 1237(b) of the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 (50 U.S.C. 1701 note; Public Law 105–261);

(B) identified under section 1260H of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 113 note; Public Law 116– 283);

(C) on the Entity List maintained by the Bureau of Industry and Security of the Department of Commerce and set forth in Supplement No. 4 to part 744 of title 15, Code of Federal Regulations;

(D) included in the list required by section 9(b)(3) of the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020 (Public Law 116–145; 134 Stat. 656); or

(E) identified by the Secretary, in coordination with the Director of the Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence and the applicable office that would provide, or is providing, covered support, as posing an unmanageable threat—

(i) to the national security of the United States; or

(ii) of theft or loss of United States intellectual property.

3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Application Use Any use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the creation of any part of an application for this NOFO must be appropriately attributed. Even with the use of AI, each applicant is responsible for and is representing to the U.S. Government that the information in its application documents is accurate, that the applicant is fully capable of performing the work described in the application, and that the submission of the application does not and will not infringe or violate any rights of any third party or entity.

Section III. Program Description

III. Program Description

Refer to NOFO Part 1, Program Description for all information related to the specific NOFO goals, objectives, and topic areas, if any.

A. Informational Webinar Refer to NOFO Part 1, Basic Information—Key Dates to determine if DOE plans to conduct an informational webinar while the NOFO is open.

If applicable, DOE will conduct an informational webinar during the NOFO process. It will be held after the initial NOFO release but before the due date for concept papers or the application if concept papers are not required.

Attendance is not mandatory and will not positively or negatively impact the overall review of any applicant submissions. The webinar will be open to all potential applicants who wish to participate. Applicants should refrain from asking questions or communicating information that would reveal confidential and/or proprietary information specific to their project.

Section IV. Application Content and Form

IV. Application Content and Form

This section contains supplemental information to help applicants understand the application content and form requirements outlined in the NOFO including detailed information on the content and naming conventions of the application content. Please refer to NOFO Part 1, Application Content and Form section for the application contents and form specific to your application.

Note that some of the required application elements below have separate requirements for Research and Development (R&D) versus non-R&D NOFOs. Refer to NOFO Part 1, Application Content Requirements section for specific instructions.

A. Application Format Summary All submissions must conform to the form and content requirements described below. Refer to NOFO Part 1, Application Content and Form for the page limits.

Format Requirements

Parameter Requirement File Format Portable Document Format (PDF) unless stated otherwise Language English Paper Size 8.5" x 11"

Margins Not less than 1" (>= 1") on every side Font Times New Roman typeface, black font color, and a font size of 11-point or larger (except in figures or tables, which may be 10-point font). A symbol font may be used to insert Greek letters or special characters, but the font size requirement still applies.

References References must be included as footnotes or endnotes in a font size of 10 or larger. Footnotes and endnotes are counted toward the maximum page requirement.

Tracking ID Number A tracking ID number will be assigned to the application once an applicant begins the application process and saves the application. Once saved, the tracking ID number will be generated at the bottom of the application. The tracking ID number must be included with all application documents.

Specifically, the control number must be prominently displayed on the upper right corner of the header of every page and included in the file name (i.e., Tracking ID Number_Applicant Name_Application).

Page Numbers Page numbers must be included in the footer of every page.

Each submission must not exceed the specified maximum page limit, including cover page, charts, graphs, maps, and photographs when printed using the formatting requirements set forth above and single spaced.

Page Count Limitations If applicants exceed the maximum page limitations, DOE will review only the authorized number of pages and disregard any additional pages.

The following information is intended to address issues typically encountered during the application process. If you have any questions about NEUP.gov site registration, or require technical assistance, contact the Nuclear Energy External Innovation Integration Office at neup@inl.gov.

Additional Information

Deadlines for Submission

NEUP.gov is designed to enforce the deadlines specified in this NOFO. The “Save” and “Submit” buttons will automatically disable at the defined submission deadlines.

Submission Difficulties

Applicants who experience technical difficulties with submission PRIOR to the NOFO deadline should contact NEUP@inl.gov for assistance.

Application Forms

To access application forms and instructions available on NEUP.gov, select the appropriate call under “My Applications.”

Size Limitations

The maximum file size that can be uploaded to NEUP.gov is 100MB. Files larger than 100MB cannot be uploaded and hence cannot be submitted for review. If a file is larger than 100MB but is still within the maximum page limit specified in the NOFO, it must be broken into parts and denoted to that effect. For example: "TechnicalVolume_Part_1", "TechnicalVolume_Part_2".

DOE will not accept late submissions that resulted from technical difficulties due to uploading files that exceed

100MB.

B. Application Content Requirements

NOFO Part 1, Application Content Requirements identifies which of the following application documents are required including the program-specific requirements such as the technical volume and specified page limits. Each application must be limited to a single concept and must not exceed the stated page limits.

Applicants must provide all information requested. Forms and optional templates may be used to provide the information in accordance with the instructions below. Files that are attached must be in PDF format, unless otherwise specified in this announcement. Optional document templates can be found on the NEUP.gov website by clicking the ‘Documents’.

You must save the Application before a tracking ID number will be generated.

1. Conflict of Interest (COI) Acknowledgement The DOE interim Conflict of Interest Policy for Financial Assistance (COI Policy) can be found at https://www.energy.gov/management/department-energy-interim-conflict-interest-policy-requirements-financial-assistance. 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 on participating in, or is participating in, the project funded wholly or in part under the DOE financial assistance award.

mailto:neup@inl.gov https://neup.inl.gov/ mailto:NEUP@inl.gov https://neup.inl.gov/ https://neup.inl.gov/resources/documents/ https://www.energy.gov/management/department-energy-interim-conflict-interest-policy-requirements-financial-assistance https://www.energy.gov/management/department-energy-interim-conflict-interest-policy-requirements-financial-assistance

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.

Save file as: FY26 DECP COI [Tracking ID#].pdf

2. Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424 R&R) Applicants must complete the SF-424 R&R: Application for Federal Assistance, which is available here, and on the application site. The list of certifications and assurances can also be found on http://energy.gov/management/downloads/certifications-and-assurances-use-sf-424.

Complete all required fields in accordance with the instructions on the form. SAM is the central repository for common government-wide certifications and representations required of Federal grants recipients. As registration in SAM is required for eligibility for a federal award and registration must be updated annually, Federal agencies use SAM information to comply with award requirements and avoid increased burden and costs of separate requests for such information, unless the recipient fails to meet a federal award requirement, or there is a need to make updates to their SAM registration for other purposes.

Please ensure that the dates (Block 12) and dollar amounts (Block 15) on the SF-424 R&R are for the complete project period and not just the first project year, first phase, or another subset of the project period.

Save file as: FY26 DECP SF424 [Tracking ID#].pdf

3. Research & Related Other Project Information Applicants shall complete items 1-6 on the R&R Other Project Information from available at NEUP.gov or here 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.

Save document as: FY26 DECP R&R Other [Tracking ID#].pdf

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

https://neup.inl.gov/content/uploads/14/2024/07/RR_SF424_5_0-V5.0-161.pdf http://energy.gov/management/downloads/certifications-and-assurances-use-sf-424 https://neup.inl.gov/resources/documents/ https://neup.inl.gov/content/uploads/14/2025/07/RR_OtherProjectInfo_1_4-V1.4-2.pdf https://neup.inl.gov/resources/documents/

Summary of Public Release Content

Applicant Name Provide the legal name of the applicant.

Major Participant Names No Co-PIs and/or collaborators are allowed for this NOFO.

Lead Project Manager / Principal Investigator(s)

Provide names and titles.

Project Title Provide the title for the planned project.

Project Objectives Should be a self-contained document that identifies the objectives of the project, a description of the project, including methods to be employed, the potential impact of the project, and major participants (for collaborative projects).

Project Description The description must include methods to be employed, the potential impact of the project (e.g., benefits, outcomes).

Publicly Releasable (Unlimited Rights) This document must not include any proprietary or business-sensitive information, as DOE may make it available to the public after selections are made.

Page Limit Clarification The summary must not exceed the stated 1 page limit when printed, using standard 8.5” x 11” paper with 1” margins (top, bottom, left, and right) with font not smaller than 11-point.

Save template as: FY26 DECP Project Abstract [Tracking ID#].pdf

5. Technical Volume (previously titled Project Narrative) Applicant shall provide a written narrative addressing project execution strategy. The Technical Volume must not exceed a page limit of 10 printed pages, including title page, table of contents, charts, graphs, maps, photographs, and other pictorial presentations, and must include all information listed in the table below, while complying with all document format instructions. The applicant should consider the weighing of each technical review criteria outlined in NOFO Part 1, Application Review Information, Technical Review Criteria when preparing the Technical Volume. 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 Technical Volume 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.

The table below comprises the Technical Volume requirements 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 Technical Volume 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.

Technical Volume Content Requirements SECTION/ PAGE LIMIT DESCRIPTION / 10-page limit Cover Page The cover page should include the project title, both the technical and business points of contact (including the Administrative Officer, if applicable), names of all team member organizations, names of covered individuals and their organizations, the project location(s), and any statements regarding confidentiality.

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.

Save file as: FY26 DECP Technical Volume [Tracking ID#].pdf

6. Resumes of Research and Development (R&D) NOFOs A resume provides information reviewers can use to evaluate an individual’s skills, experience, and potential for leadership within the scientific community. Applicants must submit a resume or biographical sketch (see description below the table) for each Principal Investigator as defined in the NOFO Part 1, Application Content and Form—Application Content Requirements, Covered Individual Definition, Designation and Responsibility.

DOE reserves the right to not proceed with merit reviews for incomplete applications. Applicants must screen resumes to ensure that they do not contain PII such as personal addresses, personal landline/cell phone numbers, and personal emails.

Resumes must include the following information, at a minimum:

Resume Requirements (Research & Development Activities) Contact Information

Phone, email, and address

Education & Training

Provide name of institution, major/area, degree, and year for undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral training.

Research & Professional Experience

Beginning with the current position, list professional/academic positions in chronological order with a brief description. List all current academic, professional, or institutional appointments, foreign or domestic, at the applicant institution or elsewhere, whether 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. An abbreviated style such as the Physical Review Letters (PRL) convention for citations (list only the first author) may be used for publications with more than 10 authors.

Patents, copyrights, and software systems

May be provided in addition to or substituted for publications.

Synergistic Activities

Fully list any professional and scholarly activities related to the effort proposed.

Additional Criteria

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

As an alternative to a resume, it is acceptable to use the biographical sketch format approved by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The biographical sketch format may be generated by the Science Experts Network Curriculum Vita (SciENcv), a cooperative venture maintained at SciENcv: Science Experts Network Curriculum Vitae (nih.gov) also available at Common Form for Biographical Sketch (nsf.gov). The use of a format required by another agency is intended to reduce the administrative burden to researchers by promoting the use of common formats.

NOTE: There is no page limit associated with this document.

Save file as: FY26 DECP CV [Last Name] [Tracking ID#].pdf

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.

Page limit: 2 pages

Save file as: FY26 DECP Career Statement [Tracking ID#].pdf https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sciencv/ https://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/researchprotection/commonform_biographicalsketch.pdf https://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/researchprotection/commonform_biographicalsketch.pdf

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 NOFO will be reviewed. Additional letters of recommendation may not be reviewed. An optional template (located at neup.gov) is available for use.

Save file as: FY26 DECP Endorsement [Tracking ID#].pdf

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 NOFO allows the applicant to propose the purchase of any equipment needed 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.

Save file as: FY26 DECP Capabilities [Tracking ID#].pdf

10. Research and Related (R&R) Lead Budget Form Applicants must provide a separate budget for each year of support requested and a cumulative budget for the total project period of performance. Use the SF 424 Research and Related (R&R) 5- Year Budget form found here, and also under Documents on the application site.

You may request funds under any of the Object Class Categories as long as the item and amount are necessary to perform the proposed work, meet all the criteria for allowability under the applicable Federal cost principles, and are not prohibited by the funding restrictions in this

NOFO.

NOTE: Successful applicants may be requested to participate in an annual program review meeting and should budget travel accordingly.

https://neup.inl.gov/content/uploads/14/2024/07/SF-424_RR-Budget5Year.xlsx https://neup.inl.gov/resources/documents/

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

Save file as: FY26 DECP RR Budget [Tracking ID#].xlsx

11. Budget Justification

Provide 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.

Third Parties Contributing to Cost Sharing Information (if applicable):

A letter from each third party (i.e., a party other than the organization submitting the application) contributing to the cost share, must be submitted with the application. The letter must state that the third party is committed to providing a specific minimum dollar amount of cost sharing. Submitting the letters with applications provides assurance that the letter of commitment has been signed.

Budget Justification Supporting Documentation is available at NEUP.gov for use and to describe the level of detail required in the budget justification.

NOTE:

DOE understands that projects selected under this NOFO may require the use of existing data. For purposes of this NOFO, DOE will consider data that is commercially available at an established price to be an allowable cost under the project (either as DOE share or non-federal cost share) but DOE will not consider in-kind data (e.g., data, owned by an entity, that is not routinely sold commercially but is instead donated to the project and assigned a value) to be an allowable cost under the project, including as Recipient cost share. Estimation methods used by the Recipient to assign a value to in-kind data cannot be objectively verified by DOE and therefore will not be accepted by DOE as an allowable cost under any project selected from this NOFO. Consequently, DOE will not recognize in-kind data costs in any resulting approved DOE budget.

Save file as: FY26 DECP Budget Justification [Tracking ID#].pdf

12. Field Work Proposal for DOE FFRDC contractor If a DOE FFRDC is to perform a portion of the work, the applicant must provide a DOE field work proposal (FWP) in accordance with the requirements in DOE Order 412.1A, Work Authorization System, available at: https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0412.1-BOrder-a-chg1-AdmChg.

Save file as: FY26 DECP FFRDC [Tracking ID#].pdf

13. Authorization for Non-DOE or DOE FFRDCs (if applicable) If an FFRDC is to perform a portion of the work, the federal agency sponsoring the FFRDC must authorize in writing the use of the FFRDC on the proposed project. This authorization must be submitted with the application. The use of a FFRDC must be consistent with the contractor’s authority under its award. The following wording is acceptable for this authorization.

“Authorization is granted for the Fill-in 1: [Name] Laboratory to participate in the proposed project. The work proposed for the laboratory is consistent with or complimentary to the missions of the laboratory, will not adversely impact execution of the DOE/NNSA assigned programs at the laboratory, and will not place the laboratory in direct competition with the domestic private sector.”

NOTE: Individual Letters of Authorization may be submitted, if all FFRDC/non-FFRDC management has been notified of all submissions, and all participants are identified, may be submitted as a blanket permission.

Save file as: FY26 DECP CO Authorization [Tracking ID#].pdf

14. 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 Principal Investigator or Lead Project Manager and all covered individuals as defined in the NOFO Part 1, Application Content…