FY16 NRC Combined FOA Announcement (FINAL).docx

NRC-HQ-84-16-FOA-0001

Part I. Overview Information

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (http://www.nrc.gov)

Title:

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), Scholarship and Fellowship Education Grant, Faculty Development Grant, and Trade School and Community College Scholarship Grant, Fiscal Year (FY) 2016.

Announcement Type:

New

Announcement of Opportunity Number:

NRC-HQ-84-16-FOA-0001

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number:

CFDA #: 77.008

Key Dates:

The recipient must submit applications in response to this FOA for Federal assistance electronically through Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov) using the SF-424 forms and the Application Guide included with this announcement in Grants.gov/Apply for Grants (hereafter called Grants.gov/Apply).

The recipient’s application must be successfully received by Grants.gov no later than 5:00 p.m., EST. If the recipient needs information on alternate means of submitting its application, see Section IV.3.B.1.

Electronic submissions of applications through Grants.Gov is preferred. Therefore, paper applications may not be accepted.

Additional Overview Content

Executive Summary:

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is an independent agency, established by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, tasked with licensing and regulating the Nation’s civilian use of byproduct, source, and special nuclear material to ensure adequate protection of public health and safety, to promote the common defense and security, and to protect the environment.

Type of Award:

It is anticipated that this FOA will result in the award of multiple grants.

In cases where a university has an existing award with the NRC, the NRC, at its discretion, may choose to modify the existing grant to increase the total estimate amount of the award versus issuing a new award.

Funds Available and Anticipated Number or Awards:

The total amount of funding available for scholarship, fellowship, faculty development, and trade school and community college awards will depend on the agency’s final FY 2016 appropriation of funds. The number of awards for FY 2016 depends on the number, quality, duration and costs of the applications received. Future year awards will depend on annual appropriations.

Note:

Awards and award amounts pursuant to this funding opportunity and future years are contingent upon the availability of funds.

Budget and Project Period:

Scholarship: This is a two (2) year program. Scholarship funds may be requested for up to $200,000.00 total costs (direct costs and facilities and administrative costs) for the project period. A scholarship student may not receive more than $10,000.00 per year or exceed $20,000.00 over a 2-year period.

Fellowship: This is a four (4) year program. Fellowship funds may be requested for up to $400,000.00 total costs (direct costs and facilities and administrative costs) for the project period. A post graduate student may not receive funding in excess of $50,000.00 per year over a 4-year period.

Faculty Development: This is a three (3) year program. Faculty Development funds may be requested for up to $450,000.00 total costs (direct costs and facilities and administrative costs) for the project period, provided that an additional $50,000.00 per year is fully matched by the recipient. Other direct costs includes but are not limited to course development, equipment, stipends, participation in professional society meetings, and preparation of papers, travel, and associated expenses. The base award is up to $300,000.00. However, the NRC may increase, up to $450,000.00, to the extent that a portion of the award is matched dollar for dollar by the recipient. For example, an award in the amount of $400,000.00 would require a match of $100,000.00 from the recipient.

Trade School and Community College: This is a two (2) year program. Trade School and Community College funds may be requested for up to $150,000.00 total costs (direct costs and associated facilities and administrative costs) for the project period. A scholarship student may not receive more than $10,000.00 over a 2-year period.

Eligible Institutions:

See Section III, 1. for eligible institutions. Please note, in the context of this document, the term “institution” is used synonymously with the term “recipient”, however in the case of a teaming arrangement or consortium, only the lead university is the recipient.

Eligible Principal Investigators (PIs):

Individuals with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to conduct the proposed project are invited to work with their institution to develop an application.

Number of Applications:

An applicant may submit only one application for each of the Scholarship, Fellowship, Faculty Development, and Trade School and Community College Scholarship grant programs. If applying for more than one grant program, then the applicant must submit separate applications.

NOTE: Trade Schools and Community Colleges may only apply to the Trade School and Community College Scholarship Grant program. Trade Schools and Community Colleges are not eligible for Faculty Development grants.

Continuation Applications:

Not applicable.

Application Materials:

See Section IV. for application materials.

Hearing Impaired:

Telecommunications for the hearing impaired are available at: TDD: 301-415-5575.

Table of Contents

Part I - Overview Information

Part II - Full Text of Announcement

Section I. Funding Opportunity Description

Section II. Award Information

Section III. Eligibility Information

Section IV. Application and Submission Information

Section V. Application Review Information

Section VI. Award Administration Information

Section VII. Agency Contacts

Section VIII. Other Information

Part II - Full Text of Announcement Section I. Funding Opportunity Description

1. Program Objectives

Scholarship The primary objective is to support scholarships for nuclear science, engineering, technology and related disciplines to develop a workforce capable of supporting the design, construction, operation, and regulation of nuclear facilities and the safe handling of nuclear materials. The nuclear-related discipline supported by this funding is intended to benefit the nuclear sector broadly.

Fellowship The primary objective is to support fellowships for nuclear science, engineering, technology and related disciplines to develop a workforce capable of supporting the design, construction, operation, and regulation of nuclear facilities and the safe handling of nuclear materials. The nuclear related discipline supported by this funding is intended to benefit the nuclear sector broadly.

Faculty Development The primary objective is to support faculty development for nuclear science, engineering, technology and related disciplines to develop a workforce capable of supporting the design, construction, operation, and regulation of nuclear facilities and the safe handling of nuclear materials.

The objectives are to attract and retain highly-qualified individuals in academic teaching careers. The grants specifically target probationary, tenure-track faculty during the first 6 years of their career and new faculty hires in the following academic areas: Nuclear Engineering, Health Physics, Radiochemistry, Probabilistic Risk Assessment (Levels 2 & 3), Seismology, and related disciplines.

Grants may include support for developing applications for new research or continuing research projects in their areas of expertise. The program provides support to enable newer faculty to enhance their careers as professors and researchers in the university department where employed. The research supported by this announcement is intended to benefit the nuclear sector broadly.

Trade School and Community College Scholarships The primary objective is to support scholarships for nuclear science, engineering, technology, and related disciplines to develop a workforce capable of supporting the design, construction, operation, and regulation of nuclear facilities and the safe handling of nuclear materials. The nuclear-related discipline supported by this funding is intended to benefit the nuclear sector broadly.

See Section VIII, Other Information - Required Federal Citations, for policies related to this announcement.

Section II. Award Information

1. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost sharing or matching is not required. However, institutions are encouraged to cost share or match NRC funding (non-Federal funds) to enhance the benefits of the NRC grant. For purposes of this announcement, cost sharing or matching means additional contributions (either financial or in-kind) that enhance the overall goals of the scholarship, fellowship, faculty development, and trade school and community college grant programs. Cost sharing or matching may be used to build infrastructure in nuclear and related disciplines and may include a variety of areas ranging from support of students to facility improvements or expansion. A written agreement or letter, within the last 12 months, with a cost sharing or matching commitment is required at the time the application is submitted.

Applicants are to be careful with providing unrealistic or excessive cost share or match since, at the end of the grant, if the identified match has not been provided, then a portion of the Federal share may be required to be returned to the Government.

See Faculty Development for cost share or matching information.

See 2 CFR 200.306 for additional information.

2. Service Agreements

Service agreements must be signed by the student (including contact information) and by the NRC Program Manager, prior to the student receiving financial support. The recipient shall facilitate the distribution of the service agreement to the students and submitting the signed copies to the NRC Program Manager.

NRC requires scholarship, fellowship, and trade school and community college scholarship grant students receiving funds under the NRC Scholarship, Fellowship, and Trade School and Community College Scholarship grant program serve six (6) months in nuclear-related employment for each full or partial year of academic support. The employment may be with NRC, other Federal agencies, State agencies, Department of Energy laboratories, nuclear-related industry, or academia in the students sponsored fields of study.

Scholarship, Fellowship, and Trade School and Community College Scholarship students who fail to satisfy the service agreement requirements of the program must immediately request a waiver from the NRC or reimburse the United States Government for the entire amount of the assistance provided them under the programs plus interest (at a rate consistent with the U.S. Treasury Current Value of Funds Rate and 10 CFR Part 15, Debt Collection Procedures). (http://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/grants.html) Recipients cannot impose additional requirements to scholarship, fellowship, and trade school and community college scholarship students beyond the NRC Service Agreement.

If a waiver is submitted by a student, NRC may waive, in whole or in part, the service obligation, upon determining that compliance by the student is impractical. If the requested waiver is denied, a written request for payment may be issued to the student by the NRC under the provisions found in 10 CFR 15.21, which shall be due 30 days after the date of receipt of the letter. Any repayment of funds due to non-compliance with the service agreement terms is solely the responsibility of the student and not the university. The NRCs determination of a waiver request is final and not appealable.

See Section III.2.E, for citizenship requirements.

See Section VIII., Other Information, for policies related to this announcement.

Section III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Institutions

Institutional representatives may submit an application(s) if the institution has any of the following characteristics:

· Public/State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education

· Private Institutions of Higher Education

· Hispanic-Serving Institutions

· Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

· Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs)

· Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions

· Predominately Black Institutions

· Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions

Institutional representatives may submit an application(s) if the institution is a regionally accredited U.S. public or private institution of higher education, as defined in Section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 USC 1002). Affiliates that manage externally funded programs for Institutions of Higher Education are eligible to submit applications for this FOA on behalf of the institution; however, award funds are only provided to the institution’s project.

Federal agencies are not eligible to receive Federal assistance under this announcement. Individuals and other entities may not apply directly to NRC for these grants.

2. Eligibility Requirements

2.A. Eligible Scholarship Students

The Scholarship Program provides funding to 4-year colleges and universities to award scholarships to individuals pursuing nuclear science, engineering, and other disciplines that may be beneficial in developing and maintaining a nuclear workforce. Students must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program offered by an accredited institution of higher education in the United States. Institutions receiving NRC grants must establish programs to monitor the academic progress of the scholarship students. The NRC recommends that funds for scholarships not be awarded to freshman or sophomores.

Student applicants must meet the following criteria to receive a scholarship:

1. Have at the time of application, and maintain a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) overall and within major.

2. Maintain a course load of at least 12 credit hours per semester or be classified as a full-time student, in accordance with the university’s policies and practices.

3. Be matriculated in a baccalaureate degree program in a nuclear or nuclear-related area.

NOTE: Trade Schools and Community Colleges are not eligible for Scholarship grants.

2.B. Eligible Fellowship Students

The Fellowship Program provides funding to colleges and universities to award fellowships to individuals pursuing nuclear science, engineering and other disciplines which may be beneficial in developing and maintaining a nuclear workforce. NRC provides funds for fellowships in the fields of Nuclear Engineering, Health Physics, Radiochemistry, Probabilistic Risk Assessment (Levels 2 or 3), Seismology, and related disciplines. Students need to be enrolled in a graduate degree program offered by an accredited institution of higher education in the United States. Institutions receiving NRC grants must establish programs to monitor the academic progress of the fellowship students.

Student applicants must meet the following criteria to receive a fellowship:

3. Be matriculated in a graduate degree program in a nuclear-related area, including the fields of Nuclear Engineering, Health Physics, Radiochemistry and related disciplines as determined by the NRC.

NOTE: Trade Schools and Community Colleges are not eligible for Fellowship grants.

2.C. Eligible Faculty Development Recipients

Eligible faculty development recipients are probationary, tenure-track faculty in the first 6 years of their career, who have been determined by the recipient institution to be committed to an academic career in Nuclear Engineering, Health Physics, Radiochemistry, Probabilistic Risk Assessment (Levels 2 or 3), Seismology and related disciplines. New faculty can be hired under this announcement.

The application must describe how the institution will select the faculty participant, what level of support the institution will provide, the procedures that will be used to evaluate, and the type of follow-up that will be provided for the completion of the development plan. The application must also describe how it will work toward building institutional capacity once the participant completes their faculty development activities.

NOTE: Trade Schools and Community Colleges are not eligible for Faculty Development grants.

2.D. Eligible Trade School and Community College Scholarship Students

The Trade School and Community College scholarship program provides funding to institutions to award scholarships to individuals pursuing certifications or Associates degrees in disciplines that may be beneficial in developing and maintaining a nuclear workforce. Institutions receiving NRC grants must establish programs to monitor the academic progress of the scholarship recipients.

Student applicants must meet the following criteria to receive a scholarship:

1. Have at the time of application, and maintain a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) overall and within major.

2. Maintain a course load of at least 12 credit hours per semester or be classified as a full-time student, in accordance with the institution’s policies and practices.

3. Be matriculated in a Certificate or Associates degree program in a nuclear or nuclear-related area.

All institutions of higher education accredited by the Department of Education are eligible for this program.

2.E. Citizenship Requirement

All scholarship, fellowship, faculty development, and trade schools and community colleges students and supported faculty must be United States citizens or a noncitizen national of the United States, or have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence (i.e., in possession of a currently valid Alien Registration Receipt Card I-551, or other legal verification of such status). Noncitizen nationals are persons born in outlying possessions of the United States (i.e., American Samoa and Swains Island). Students must have full-time status at the recipient institution. Individuals on temporary or student visas are not eligible.

Section IV. Application and Submission Information

The institution may download an SF424 Grant Application Package and instructions for completing the SF424 forms for this FOA by linking to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html and following the directions provided on that Web site. Institutions must complete a one-time registration at Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html)

If the institution has questions regarding Grants.gov registration, direct them to:

Grants.gov

· Contact Center Phone: 800-518-4726 Hours of Operation: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Closed on federal holidays (see Office of Personnel Management Federal Holidays).

· Email Support: Support@grants.gov The NRC requires all prospective awardees to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database prior to award, during performance, and through the end of the project period. The institution should allow processing time of at least 48 hours, when registering with SAM. If the institution is not currently registered, the NRC recommends that it consider registering immediately to avoid delays. The institution may obtain registration information at: http://www.sam.gov.

1. Request Application Information

The institution must download the SF-424 application forms and instructions to apply for this FOA through Grants.gov/Apply.

2. Application Forms and Content The institution prepares its application using the SF-424 application form. Both the application form and instructions for completing it can be downloaded from http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html.

Approved Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Grants Management Forms are available on the OMB website, http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_forms/.

The SF-424 application has several components. An institution’s application is complete only if it includes the following components:

Required Components:

SF-424: Application for Federal Assistance - CFDA Number: 77.008 SF-424A: Budget Information - complete Sections A, B, C, D, E and F SF-424B: Assurances and Certifications Certificate Regarding Lobbying Form SF-LLL: Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, if applicable

Allowable Costs: Allowable costs must be consistent with 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart E—COST PRINCIPLES, be well documented and fully justified for the activities proposed. These costs include but are not limited to the following: materials, supplies, travel to professional meetings, support to defray student participation expenses, such as student compensation (when appropriate) and other student costs (e.g., fees, books, tuition and lab fees) for no more than the amounts specified in the section entitled “Budget and Project Period”. The recipient must provide documentation of tuition rates, if included in the application. Grant funds may not be used to supplant funds otherwise available at the applicant institution. It is recommended that the recipient consult NRC contacts identified in Section VII, if there are any questions regarding allowable costs.

Personnel: The Principal Investigator (PI) will be solely responsible for planning, directing, and executing the proposed project. Individuals participating in the design and implementation of the grant may request salary and fringe benefits appropriate for the person months devoted to the program. These expenses must be itemized in Sections A and B, as appropriate, of the SF-424A Budget page. Salaries requested may not exceed the levels commensurate with the institution's policy for similar positions. If mentoring interactions and other activities with students/participants are considered a regular part of an individual's academic duties, then mentoring and other interactions with students/participants are non-reimbursable from grant funds. Limited administrative and clerical salary costs associated with the program may be proposed as direct charges to the grant and must be specifically identified and justified.

For Faculty Development grants only, graduate students may be included on applications. Graduate students should not be listed as PIs, co-PIs, or senior personnel and their participation must directly relate to the faculty development plan. PIs must be formally affiliated with an accredited institution of higher education to be involved in this application. Personnel costs to support graduate students assisting the faculty being developed under the grant may be an international student as long as the student is lawfully admitted in the United States.

Other Program-Related Expenses: Consultant costs, limited equipment, supplies, travel for personnel, and other program-related expenses must be justified as specifically required by the proposed program and must not duplicate items generally available for educational programs at the applicant institution. These expenses must be itemized, as appropriate, in the SF-424A object class categories and fully documented in the budget justification. Committed cost sharing or matching becomes an official part of the budget and should be documented on the SF-424A and the proposal budget justification page.

Recipient Commitment and Responsibilities: The recipient must demonstrate a commitment to the purposes of this FOA in the fields of Nuclear Engineering, Health Physics, Radiochemistry, Probabilistic Risk Assessment (Levels 2 or 3), Seismology, or related disciplines. Evidence of recipient commitment to the program is strongly encouraged. The PI and the recipient institution are expected to have or to develop an administrative structure that enables faculty, academic administrators, and others involved in the project to interact productively during the award period. Recipients will provide scholarship, fellowship, faculty development, and trade schools and community college scholarship support to individuals who successfully compete in a selection process proposed by the recipient. In a cooperative or partnership arrangement, which is permitted and encouraged, the recipient receiving the NRC grant is responsible for all support provided under the grant. For scholarships, fellowships, and trade school and community college scholarships, the recipient must clearly describe the student support structure, outline plans to manage the program, provide a description of its selection criteria and process, and agree to provide the NRC with a list of students. Recipient institutions must agree to provide compliance monitoring of students’ academic performance.

Applications Involving Multiple Institutions: When multiple institutions are involved in a cooperative or partnership arrangement, one recipient institution must be designated as the prime institution and funding for the other institution(s) must be requested via a subcontract to be administered by the prime institution. The prime institution should submit its budget using the SF-424A Budget component, including the subcontract(s) total amount. Contractual costs for support services are occasionally sufficiently high to warrant a categorical breakdown of costs. When this is the case, provide detailed information as part of the budget narrative. Letters of commitment between multiple institutions, signed by their respective authorized organization representatives, are required as part of the application.

All other institutions (subcontractors) should complete their individual SF-424A budget forms attached separately, and information concerning the consortium/subcontract budget must be provided in their budget narrative.

Facilities and Administrative (F&A) Costs: A copy of the recipient’s current rate agreement is required in the application with the budget justification. Applicants will use their negotiated indirect rate agreements. F&A will be allowed in accordance with 2 CFR § 200.306 & 2 CFR § 200.414.

3. Submission Dates and Times

See Section IV.3.A. for details.

3.A. Submission and Anticipated Start Dates

3.A.1 Application Content

The recipient must download a grant application package from http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/download-application-package.html

Required Elements for Applications

A. Format:

Font Size, Style, and Color

1. 11 point, Arial, black color (A Symbol font may be used to insert Greek letters or special characters.)

Page Size and Margins

1. Use standard paper size (8 ½" x 11”).

1. Use one inch margins (top, bottom, left, and right).

1. NRC requires all text attachments to the SF424 application forms to be submitted as PDF files. Adobe PDF format is preferred.

Footer

1. Each page should include a page number and Principal Investigator’s last name in the bottom right-hand corner.

Attachments

1. NRC requires all text attachments to the SF424 application forms to be submitted as PDF files. Adobe PDF format is preferred.

B. Executive Summary (half-page maximum):

Describe the proposed project’s essential elements.

· Descriptive title of proposed project: NOTE: The applicant should describe its program as the University’s program and not NRC’s program.

· Name, address, email address and telephone number of the PI(s).

· Name(s), address, email address and affiliations of other investigator/collaborative personnel who will contribute significantly to the project.

· The project’s total funding request.

· Concise statement of the project’s objectives and benefits.

C. Project Description:

Applications must include and clearly identify the following elements in the Project Description section:

Scholarship and Fellowship Program

1. Describe the proposed program including the number and size of the scholarships or fellowships and associated institutions, if any.

2. Describe the recruitment activities and specific marketing strategies designed to attract a large and diverse pool of applicants.

3. Describe the selection process that will ensure the most qualified applicants are selected based on academic merit. State the management structure and the capability for administering the program.

4. Identify an evaluation plan that will provide information on the effectiveness of the project in attracting, preparing and retaining individuals in nuclear careers. All projects are expected to include an evaluation plan to measure the project’s impact and the effectiveness of proposed strategies in attracting, preparing, and retaining students. The evaluation plan should include a mechanism for tracking the scholarship and fellowship students as they fulfill their academic obligation and reporting to the NRC.

5. Provide a schedule of tuition fees and other pertinent costs for students who would be participating in this program.

6. State whether or not these scholarships or fellowships are contemplated as an integrated element of a State or regional strategic plan including innovative approaches covering such arrangements as consortia, partnerships with other institutions, including Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), shared/distance learning programs, etc. Post-Secondary Minority Institutions are listed at: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/edlite-minorityinst.html.

7. State any arrangements with other non-Federal entities (State, local government or private) that provide additional support, typically in the form of cost sharing or matching, to the goals of this grant. A written cost sharing or matching agreement or letter is required with the application.

8. Institutions must require individual scholarship and fellowship students to accept the service agreement terms as defined in this FOA.

Faculty Development Program

1. Describe the proposed faculty development program.

2. Describe the selection process that will ensure that best-qualified applicants are selected based on potential capabilities to become tenured or research professors.

3. State the management structure and the capability for administering the program.

4. Identify the evaluation plan that will provide information on the effectiveness of the project in attracting, preparing, and retaining individuals in educational careers. This plan should include methodologies for measuring the effectiveness of the faculty development program.

5. State any arrangements with other non-Federal entities that provide additional support, usually in the form of cost sharing or matching to the goals of this project. A written agreement or letter is required from the source of the matching funds.

Trade School and Community College Scholarship Program

1. Describe the proposed program including the number and size of the scholarships and associated institutions, if any. State the management structure and the capability for administering the program. Provide a schedule of tuition fees and other pertinent costs for students who would be participating in this program.

2. Describe the recruitment activities and specific marketing strategies designed to attract a large and diverse pool of student applicants. Describe the selection process that will ensure the most qualified student applicants are selected based on academic merit, with consideration given to financial need and the goal of promoting the participation of minorities, women, and persons with disabilities.

3. Identify an evaluation plan that will provide information on the effectiveness of the project in attracting, preparing and retaining individuals in nuclear careers. This plan should include methodologies for measuring the effectiveness of the program. The evaluation plan should include a mechanism for tracking the trade school and community college scholarship students as they fulfill their academic obligation and for reporting to the NRC.

4. State whether or not these scholarships are contemplated as an integrated element of a State or regional strategic plan including innovative approaches covering such arrangements as consortia, partnerships with other institutions (including Minority Supporting Institutions), shared or distance learning programs, etc. Post-Secondary Minority Institutions are listed at: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/edlite-minorityinst.html.

5. State any arrangements with other non-Federal entities that provide additional support, usually in the form of cost sharing or matching, to the goals of this grant (a written agreement or letter is required with the application).

6. Institutions must agree to require individual trade school and community college scholarship students to accept the service agreement terms as defined in this FOA. (See http://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/grants/trade-svc-agreement.pdf at http://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/grants.html ). Institutions cannot impose additional requirements to scholarship recipients beyond the NRC Service Agreement.

The project description (which is not the same as the evaluation criteria in Section V.1) is limited to five (5) pages or less, including text, tables, and visual materials (e.g., charts, graphs, maps, photographs). The page limit does not include the:

· Executive Summary

· Budget and Budget Narrative

· Current and Pending Support

· Curriculum Vitae

· Past NRC Funding and Summary of Results from Past NRC Funding, if applicable

· Other required forms.

D. Summary of Current and Pending Support:

The applicant must provide information on all current and pending support for ongoing projects and proposals. Include the proposed project and all other projects or activities using Federal assistance or that require a portion of time of the PI or other senior personnel. Describe the relationship between the proposed project and these other projects and state the number of person-months per year to be devoted to the projects.

E. Curriculum Vitae:

Include a two (2) page maximum vitae for each PI and other senior personnel involved in carrying out the proposal, including recent relevant publication references.

F. Detailed Budget Narrative and Application Instructions:

Submit a detailed budget narrative explaining the need for and justifying the costs of the Federal and the non-Federal expenditures as they relate to the application objectives. Budget should be labeled with each budget line item and proposed funding.

SF-424 Section A – Budget Summary: Fill in “NRC-HQ-84-16-FOA-0001” under the “Grant Program Function or Activity” (Column a). The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number is 77.008 (Column b). Columns (c) and (d) should be left blank. Columns (e) and (f) should include the total Federal and Non-Federal funding for the entire grant period.

List all expenditures in the budget narrative using the same budget categories on SF-424A, Section B (Budget Category). Describe each expense in the budget narrative by object class (e.g., personnel, equipment, travel, and other costs) in the order that they appear on the SF-424A, Section B. Include the dollar amounts in the budget narrative/justification and how the dollar amounts were derived.

Subaward: A budget narrative is requested for subaward institutions. Letters of commitment between multiple institutions, signed by their respective authorized organization representatives, are required as part of the application.

The cost sharing or matching amount, if applicable, should be entered in the SF-424A, Section C, “Non-Federal Resources.” The total on Section D, Line 14, and Section E, Line 21, equals total project costs.

Include detailed descriptions of all cost justifications. The website, http://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/grants/faqs.html lists numerous Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that may be of assistance in preparing cost justification.

The budget narrative attachment with justification submitted with the application must match the dollar amounts on all required forms (i.e., SF-424, SF-424A, Section F). Please explain each calculation and provide a narrative that supports each budget category as it relates to the project objectives.

3.B. Submitting an Application Electronically to the NRC

We encourage applicants to apply early to avoid problems uploading applications to www.Grants.gov. We will make adjustments to the correction window or submission deadlines if necessary to protect applicants’ ability to submit on-time.

Electronic submission is required through www.Grants.gov. If the recipient cannot submit through Grants.gov due to transmission issues, applications may be submitted via email to NRC. Contact the GRANTS.GOV SUPPORT to document and help resolve the submission issues, then:

1. Document the issue with the NRC Grants Officer listed in Section VII. Agency Contacts; and

2. Include recipient’s www.Grants.gov support ticket number with recipient’s alternate submission.

3.B.1. Alternate submissions

Email submissions must be sent by the institution’s Authorized Organization Official (not the PI) to the Agency contacts found in Section VII in this announcement. The email subject line should include the www.Grants.gov support ticket number with the recipient’s name.

3.C. Application Processing

Applications received will be evaluated by the NRC. Late, incomplete or non-responsive applications may not be evaluated.

Grants.gov will acknowledge receipt of applications. The submitting Authorized Organizational Representative receives the Grants.gov acknowledgments. Applicants can track the recipients applications at:

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/track-my-application.html.

4. Funding Restrictions

All NRC awards are subject to the administrative requirements in accordance with 2 CFR Part 200 and other considerations described in “The Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Standard Terms and Conditions for U.S. Non-Governmental Recipients.”

5. Information on Civil Rights Compliance Requirements Imposed as a Condition of Award of NRC Federal Financial Assistance

The NRC assures nondiscrimination in NRC conducted and Federal financially assisted programs and activities. The NRC’s Office of Small Business and Civil Rights (SBCR) provides applicants/recipients with direction, guidance and technical assistance. SBCR also monitors program activities, conducts compliance reviews, investigates complaints, enforces violations and submits reports to Federal oversight agencies.

5.A. Submit a Standard Form (SF) 424B Statement of Assurances

Statements must be signed by individuals with authority to assure that the recipients’ programs comply with Federal civil rights laws, mandates, and NRC regulations.

5.B. Provide Public Notification

Recipients will display the NRC’s nondiscrimination policy and procedures for filing complaints in prominent locations to inform staff, beneficiaries and potential beneficiaries; disseminate a nondiscrimination policy statement (e.g., recruitment materials, brochures and other materials, handbooks, applications and postings); and distribute notices regarding programs and activities to eligible populations, including minority and low-income populations; and to Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals. (See LEP Guidance FR Doc 04-4672.)

· Participate in mandatory NRC Compliance Reviews.

· Participate in pre- and post-award compliance reviews.

5.C. Pre-Award Compliance Review

A pre-award compliance review (typically a desk-audit) must be conducted prior to award of NRC financial assistance. Applicants and recipients are required to complete NRC Form 781 Parts A, B, and C. If a determination cannot be made from the submitted data, SBCR will take steps to request additional information, which could include conducting an on-site audit or inspection.

5.D. Post Award Audit

Post-award compliance reviews will be based on desk audits and input from advocacy groups, community organizations, and results from ongoing research to identify recipients that should be selected to undergo an on-site audit. The following criteria will be used to help identify recipients for a post-award compliance on-site audit:

· Areas of “questionable” compliance identified in a desk audit;

· Issues raised in a complaint or identified during a complaint investigation (not covered in the scope of the investigation);

· Noncompliance issues raised;

· Amount of program funding ($100K or greater), or size and complexity of the project;

· Geographical areas the agency wishes to target because of known problems beneficiaries are experiencing;

· Problems identified to the agency by other civil rights agencies;

· Problems identified to the agency by community organizations or advocacy groups that are familiar with actual incidents to support their concerns;

· Issues frequently identified as problems faced by program beneficiaries;

· Issues targeted in the agency's strategic plan;

· Problems identified to the agency by its block grant recipients; and/or

· Proximity of the recipient to NRC offices.

Post-award compliance (on-site) audits (sampling not to exceed 10%) encompass a broad review of recipients’ programs and practices to determine actual compliance with regulations, and include:

· Civil rights implementation and enforcement policies and practices;

· Statistical evidence by racial and ethnic minorities based on the recipient’s: (a) staffing patterns, (b) beneficiary program participation rates, and (c) rejection rates;

· Applications or interview materials related to program participation or selection;

· Demographic make-up of the affected community or potential participants;

· Actions to educate the public and affected communities, particularly LEP individuals;

· Any discrimination complaints lodged against the recipient;

· Auxiliary aids, reasonable accommodations, facility accessibility; and

· Any previous findings of compliance or noncompliance related to the recipient.

Post-award compliance (on-site) audits will include:

· Interviews of recipient’s officials, representatives, participants or beneficiaries; and review recipients’ data collection and analysis used to assess compliance.

· SBCR will issue written results of its compliance findings and issue a written report containing recommendations for achieving compliance.

· Designate Equal Opportunity Coordinators

· Appoint Coordinators (e.g., Title VI and IX, Disability, Age) in order to:

· Inform those eligible to participate in programs and activities about all available services and their rights under applicable Federal civil rights regulations;

· Collect data on who is being served by the programs and activities offered;

· Monitor compliance and alerting recipient officials of any complaints or noncompliance issues that require action;

· Plan, develop, and implement periodic Equal Opportunity civil rights training;

· Maintain records and report compliance to SBCR/Outreach and Compliance Coordination Program (OCCP) as required by Agency regulations that are (1) OMB approved and (2) statute requires information/data collections; and

· Ensure prompt corrective action has been taken to adequately address any deficiencies.

5.E. Submit Compliance Reports

Submit compliance reports throughout the program year and an annual Equal Opportunity compliance report to SBCR no later than December 31 of each calendar year.

5.F. Provide Civil Rights Training

Provide comprehensive civil rights training for existing and new staff for those administering the grant, and periodically retrain existing staff to establish and update their knowledge of Equal Opportunity civil rights statutes and emerging issues.

5.G. Establish Complaint Process

Establish procedures for “processing and disposition” of discrimination complaints. Maintain complaint log, which includes the complainant’s: race, color, or national origin; the identity of the recipient; the nature of the complaint and date filed; the investigation completion date; the date and nature of the disposition; and other pertinent information.

5.H. Technical Assistance

Technical assistance is provided by SBCR to assist stakeholders with understanding and complying with regulations. Links are provided to the U.S. Department of Justice website and the following NRC regulations:

· 10 CFR Part 4--NONDISCRIMINATION IN FEDERALLY ASSISTED PROGRAMS OR ACTIVITIES RECEIVING FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE COMMISSION Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance From the Commission

· 10 CFR Part 5--NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF SEX IN EDUCATION PROGRAMS OR ACTIVITIES RECEIVING FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

· 10 CFR § 2.111, 10 CFR Part 2--RULES OF PRACTICE FOR DOMESTIC LICENSING PROCEEDINGS AND ISSUANCE OF ORDERS

· 10 CFR § 19.32, 10 CFR Part 19--NOTICES, INSTRUCTIONS AND REPORTS TO WORKERS: INSPECTION AND INVESTIGATIONS

OCCP staff is available to provide direction, guidance, and technical assistance to help ensure compliance. OCCP staff can be contacted via email at OCCPrograms.Resource@nrc.gov or by phone at 301-415-7380.

6. Other Submission Requirements and Information

Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP)

The NRC uses ASAP for recipient reimbursement. ASAP is a recipient-initiated payment and information system, designed to provide a single point of contact for the request and delivery of Federal funds. ASAP was developed by the Financial Management Service (FMS) of the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) of Richmond. For information about ASAP, see Department of Treasury’s Automated Standard Application for Payment (ASAP) system. Recipient organizations must be enrolled in ASAP.Gov and their bank account must be linked to the NRC Agency Link Code (31000001) to receive funds.

Organizational Dun and Bradstreet Numbering System (DUNS) The DUNS (Dun and Bradstreet Numbering System) number on the application must match the DUNS number provided in the SAM database at https://www.sam.gov with http://www.grants.gov.

For additional information, see http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs/obtaining-duns-number.html

If the Payee DUNS for ASAP.Gov is different from the DUNS number provided in the SAM.gov registration, please include the Payee DUNS at the end of the budget narrative under the heading ASAP DUNS. Payments may be delayed if this information is missing in the application.

FedConnect Applicants are strongly encouraged, however, not required to register with FedConnect at www.FedConnect.net. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov and may also be submitted through FedConnect. Please see attached instructions on using FedConnect at: FedConnect: Ready, Set, Go!

Section V. Application Review Information

1. Full Review Criteria

Applications are evaluated and rated individually by multiple peer reviewers using both Federal and non-Federal experts in the field. The following criteria items must be addressed and clearly labeled. These items are used to evaluate applications using the corresponding weighted value.

Scholarship and Fellowship Program

1. Capacity and ability of the institution to effectively conduct the program including quality and feasibility of the recruitment and marketing strategies. (25 points)

2. Type and degree of proposed student support (i.e., mentoring or advisor assistance). Including quality of technical programs for scholars and fellows. (25 points)

3. Feasibility and completeness of an evaluation plan to measure the effectiveness of the scholarship or fellowship program. (15 points)

4. Institutional support for the program and plans for sustainability, as well as number and quality of students that will be served by the program. (25 points)

5. Innovation demonstrated through establishment of consortia or partnerships with other institutions to increase the universe of students reached through distance learning, shared courses, facility sharing, etc. Other institutions in the consortia and partnerships may be from industry, Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) or non-MSI colleges or universities. For reference purposes, a list of Post-Secondary Minority Institutions are found at: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/edlite-minorityinst.html. (10 points)

Faculty Development Program

1. Capacity and ability of the institution to effectively conduct the program, including quality and feasibility of the recruitment and marketing strategies. (25 points)

2. The qualifications and experience of the (new or existing) faculty candidate. (20 points)

3. Feasibility and completeness of an evaluation plan to measure the effectiveness of the faculty development program. (25 points)

4. Institutional support for the program and plans for sustainability. (25 points)

5. The amount and type of cost sharing or matching as a result of this announcement. (5 points) *To receive total points for this criteria item, a written agreement or commitment letter, within the last 12 months, from the applicable university department head, must accompany the application.

Trade Schools and Community College Scholarship Program

1. Capacity and ability of the institution to effectively conduct the program including quality and feasibility of the recruitment and marketing strategies. (25 points)

2. Type and degree of proposed student support (i.e., mentoring or advisor assistance). Including quality of technical programs for scholars. (25 points)

3. Feasibility and completeness of an evaluation plan to measure the effectiveness of the scholarship program. (15 points)

4. Institutional support for the program and plans for sustainability as well as number and quality of students that will be served by the program. (25 points)

5. Innovation demonstrated through establishment of consortia or partnerships with other institutions to increase the universe of students reached through distance learning, shared courses, facility sharing, etc. (10 points)

2. Review and Selection Process

2.A. Review Process

The NRC conducts an initial administrative review to determine that the proposal is complete and complies with the announcement’s requirements. Ineligible applications or non-responsive applications may not be reviewed. The recipient may withdraw its application at any time.

The NRC protects the information…