FY20 IUP (Research Program) FOA (Final) v.2.pdf

31310020K0001

Part I - Overview Information

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

Title:

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), Research and Development Grant, Fiscal Year (FY) 2020.

Announcement Type:

New

Announcement of Opportunity Number:

31310020K0001

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number:

CFDA #: 77.008

Key Dates:

Release/Posted Date: 02-10-2020 Application Due Date: 04-10-2020 Earliest Anticipated Start Date: 09-30-2020

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., ET on 04-10-2020. 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 will not be accepted, unless extenuating circumstances are documented.

Failure to follow the instructions included in this FOA will result in your application not being considered for award.

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 http://www.nrc.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp 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.

Funds Available and Anticipated Number or Awards:

The estimated budget for this program is $6,000,000.00. The NRC anticipates that there may be up to 15 grants awarded as a result of this FOA. The number of awards depends on the number, quality, duration and costs of the applications received.

Budget and Project Period:

This is a three- (3) year program with no extensions. Research and development funds may be requested for up to $500,000.00 total costs (direct costs and facilities and administrative costs) for the project 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/organization to develop an application.

Number of Applications:

An applicant/institution may submit more than one application in response to this announcement.

Continuation Applications:

Not applicable.

Application Materials:

See Section IV for application materials.

Hearing Impaired:

Telecommunications for the hearing impaired are available at: TTY 240-428-3217.

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

The program provides funding to support research and 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.

More specifically, the program supports future-focused research aimed at helping NRC prepare for upcoming challenges. These include but are not limited to: (a) the continued safe operation of existing nuclear reactors; (b) the regulation of future advanced nuclear reactors, including demonstration and development activities and relevant fuel cycle technologies; and

(c) the transformation of NRC into a modern, risk-informed regulator. The latter involves activities to increasingly risk-inform NRC’s regulatory framework, decision-making processes, procedures, and guidance in all of its regulatory arenas.

Of particular interest are projects aimed at:

• Improving Agency future capabilities and organizational effectiveness, including tools and data for analysis and evaluation of emerging or anticipated reactor and fuel cycle technologies; operational; licensing concepts, and potential safety issues.

• Addressing technical gaps and major uncertainties in current analyses supporting risk-informed decision-making.

• Improving foundational knowledge that provides the basis for future risk-informed decision-making.

• Advanced technology approaches (e.g., data and text analytics and artificial intelligence) and applications (e.g., data mining, risk communication).

• Characterization, handling, storage, or disposal of waste streams (including used fuel) from nuclear power plants (including the various advanced reactor designs that are currently under development.

See Section VIII, Other Information, 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 research grant program. 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. See 2 CFR

200.306 for additional information.

See Section III.2.B, 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 (HSIs)

• Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

• Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs)

• Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions

• Predominately Black Institutions (PBIs)

• Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AAPIs)

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.

Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions) are not eligible to apply.

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 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=6513161b4160cdcdf773d20c58b46e80&mc=true&node=se2.1.200_1306&rgn=div8 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=6513161b4160cdcdf773d20c58b46e80&mc=true&node=se2.1.200_1306&rgn=div8 http://www.doleta.gov/recovery/pdf/20_USC_1002.pdf https://oui.doleta.gov/dmstree/gal/gal99/gal_0299a.htm https://oui.doleta.gov/dmstree/gal/gal99/gal_0299a.htm

2.A. Eligible Individuals

Any individual(s) with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research as the PI is invited to work with his/her organization to develop an application for support. Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities are always encouraged to apply for NRC support.

More than one PI (i.e., multiple PIs), may be designated on the application for projects that require a “team science” approach and therefore clearly do not fit the single-PI model.

The decision of whether to apply for a grant with a single PI or multiple PIs grant is the responsibility of the investigators and applicant organizations and should be determined by the scientific goals of the project. Applications for grants with multiple PIs will require additional information, as outlined in the instructions below. The NRC review criteria for approach, investigators, and environment have been modified to accommodate applications involving either a single PI or multiple PIs. When considering the multiple PI option, please be aware that the structure and governance of the PI leadership team as well as the knowledge, skills and experience of the individual PIs will be factored into the assessment of the overall scientific merit of the application. Multiple PIs on a project share the authority and responsibility for leading and directing the project, intellectually and logistically. Each PI is responsible and accountable to the grantee organization, or, as appropriate, to a collaborating organization, for the proper conduct of the project or program, including the submission of required reports.

Although the PIs write the grant application and are responsible for conducting and supervising the research, the actual applicant is the research institution/organization.

2.B. Citizenship Requirement

All 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, as well as refugees and asylees, 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, refer to:

Grants.gov

• Contact Center Phone: 800-518-4726 http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html

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

1. Request Application Information

Applicants must download the SF-424 application forms and instructions 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.

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 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 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. 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 distinctly with the

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.

http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays/ mailto:Support@grants.gov http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=daac6e6e8d3bc87ea6b6d0e2067bf629&node=sp2.1.200.e&rgn=div6 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=daac6e6e8d3bc87ea6b6d0e2067bf629&node=sp2.1.200.e&rgn=div6 program, that are not normally provided by the applicant organization, may be direct charges to the grant only when specifically identified and adequately justified.

Graduate students may be included on applications. Graduate students should not be listed as principal investigators, co-principal investigators, or senior personnel. Further, their compensation should not be listed under Personnel and should be listed separately under Other Expenses.

Other Program-Related Expenses: Consultant costs, equipment, supplies, travel for key persons, 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. Travel to NRC to present research results and/or attend NRC’s Annual Regulatory Information Conference (RIC) is an allowable expense. These expenses must be itemized, as appropriate, in the SF424A object class categories and fully documented in the budget justification. Committed Cost Sharing/Matching becomes an official part of the budget and should be documented on the SF424A and in the proposed budget justification.

Recipient Commitment and Responsibilities: The recipient must demonstrate a commitment to support the program objectives of this FOA. 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 student support to individuals who successfully compete in a selection process proposed by the recipient. In a cooperative or partnership arrangement the recipient receiving the NRC grant is responsible for all support provided under the grant. 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. A copy of course listings must also be included. 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 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 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=44e3684e06a91b148b0f4a441cfa234b&node=se2.1.200_1306&rgn=div8 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=44e3684e06a91b148b0f4a441cfa234b&node=se2.1.200_1306&rgn=div8 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=44e3684e06a91b148b0f4a441cfa234b&node=se2.1.200_1306&rgn=div8 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=a634a292156cfe9c0a18d58eb750d0d3&node=se2.1.200_1414&rgn=div8

See Section IV.3.A. for details.

3. A. Submission and Anticipated Start Dates

Release/Posted Date: 02-10-2020 Application Due Date: 04-10-2020 Estimated Award Date: 09-30-2020

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

Failure to follow the instructions included in this FOA (including page restrictions) will result in your application not being reviewed or considered for award.

Required Elements for Applications

A. Format:

Font Size, Style, and Color

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

Page Size and Margins

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

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

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

Footer

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

Attachments

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

Applications that do not adhere to the required format will not be reviewed or considered for award.

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.

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/download-application-package.html

• The project’s total funding request.

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

If the executive summary exceeds half-page the application will not be reviewed or considered for award.

C. Project Description:

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

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

2. 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.

3. 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.

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.

* If the program description exceeds five (5) pages the application will not be reviewed or considered for award.

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. Any CV that exceeds 2 pages will not be reviewed or considered for award.

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 “31310020K0001” 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.

Sub-award: A budget narrative is requested for sub-award 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 a detailed description of all costs in the budget justification.

The budget 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.

G. Audit Report

Submit a current copy of the institution’s A-133 Audit report.

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. The Authorized Organization Official should 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.

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html

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. Applications that are received after the closing date and time, incomplete or non-responsive will not be reviewed or considered for award.

Failure to follow the instructions included in this FOA will result in your application not being reviewed or considered for award.

Grants.gov will acknowledge receipt of applications. The submitting Authorized Organizational Representative receives the Grants.gov acknowledgments. Applicants can track the recipient’s 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.

Applicants must ensure that individuals selected as beneficiaries of support under this grant meet the legal requirements consistent with Supreme Court Decisions including Fisher, Gratz, and Grutter.

5.A. 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.)

http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/track-my-application.html https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=85063e3d7f3002b9e9cc711c11fe4700&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5

• Participate in mandatory NRC Compliance Reviews.

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

5.B. 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. If, during the pre-award review, an item of non-compliance is found, an award may be executed with language indicating that the awardee is under a 60-day SBCR periodic review.

5.C. 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 http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/forms/nrc781.pdf

• 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 a written report stating whether or not the institution is in compliance with Federal Civil Rights Laws and certifying eligibility to receive an award. The report includes recommendations for achieving compliance if any deficiencies are identified.

• Designate Equal Opportunity Coordinators

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

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

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

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

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

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

5.D. Submit Compliance Reports

Submit an annual Equal Opportunity compliance report to SBCR no later than December 31 of each calendar year. Based on compliance monitoring, recipients may be required to provide interim EO reports.

5.E. 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.F. Establish Complaint Process

Establish procedures for “processing and disposition” of discrimination complaints. Maintain complaint log, which includes complainants’ characteristic designation as covered under Title IX, Title VI and Coordinating Regulations and Executive Orders, etc. a unique identifier for the complainant; the nature of the complaint and date filed; the investigation completion date; the date and nature of the disposition; and other pertinent information.

5.G. 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 ORDERSLICENSING

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 The NRC will no longer provide electronic copies of award/modification documents via email.

Therefore, applicants are required to register with FedConnect at www.FedConnect.net.

Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov. Please see instructions on using FedConnect at: FedConnect: Ready, Set, Go!

http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/cor/ http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=9&SID=f808f74c654776b90c18282eb4d8ec8d&ty=HTML&h=L&mc=true&n=pt10.1.4&r=PART http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=9&SID=f808f74c654776b90c18282eb4d8ec8d&ty=HTML&h=L&mc=true&n=pt10.1.4&r=PART https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/cfr/part004/ http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=9&SID=f808f74c654776b90c18282eb4d8ec8d&ty=HTML&h=L&mc=true&n=pt10.1.4&r=PART https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/cfr/part005/ https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/cfr/part005/ https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/cfr/part002/part002-0111.html https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/cfr/part002/part002-0111.html http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-1999-title10-vol1/xml/CFR-1999-title10-vol1-part2.xml http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-1999-title10-vol1/xml/CFR-1999-title10-vol1-part2.xml https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/cfr/part019/part019-0032.html https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/cfr/part019/part019-0032.html mailto:OCCPrograms.Resource@nrc.gov http://www.fms.treas.gov/asap/ http://www.fms.treas.gov/asap/ http://www.fms.treas.gov/asap/ https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/fsservices/gov/pmt/asap/asap_home.htm https://www.sam.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs/obtaining-duns-number.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs/obtaining-duns-number.html https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/fsservices/gov/pmt/asap/asap_home.htm https://www.sam.gov/index.html/?portal%3AcomponentId=1f834b82-3fed-4eb3-a1f8-ea1f226a7955&interactionstate=JBPNS_rO0ABXc0ABBfanNmQnJpZGdlVmlld0lkAAAAAQATL2pzZi9uYXZpZ2F0aW9uLmpzcAAHX19FT0ZfXw%2A%2A&portal%3Atype=action http://www.fedconnect.net/ https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/Marketing/Documents/FedConnect_Ready_Set_Go.pdf

Section V. Application Review Information

Failure to follow the instructions included in this FOA may result in your application not being considered further for award.

The NRC protects the information contained in an application from unauthorized disclosure, consistent with the need for objective review of the application and the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act. However, if a grant is awarded, the Federal government has the right to use or disclose the information to the extent authorized by law. A recipient may withdraw its application at any time.

1. Review Process

Prior to a comprehensive technical evaluation, the NRC will perform a preliminary review to assess the responsive of each application. This review includes an administrative review of the application to determine if it’s complete and complies with the FOA requirements. If an application is determined to be noncompliant or nonresponsive it will not receive a technical evaluation. Only applications meeting the preliminary review criteria will be considered for technical review.

2. Selection Criteria

Technical evaluation of applications shall be based on how well the applications meet or exceed the selection criteria. Applications are evaluated and rated individually by a panel of peer reviewers comprised of both Federal and non-Federal experts in the field. The selection criteria are identified below along with the corresponding weighted value. The following criteria items must be addressed and clearly labeled:

Criteria 1 - Relevance Is the proposed project relevant to programmatic mission as described in the Project Objectives? Is the proposed project technical area from the NRC listed areas of interest? (25 points)

Criteria 2 - Significance Demonstrate that the study is significant, addresses an important problem, and demonstrates how knowledge or field practice be advanced. Explain the effect of these studies on the concepts, methods, technologies, treatments, services, or preventative interventions that drive this field? (25 points)

Criteria 3 - Approach Demonstrate the conceptual approach or field framework, design, methods, and analyses adequately developed, well integrated, well-reasoned, and appropriate to the aims of the project. (20 points)

Criteria 4 - Innovation Demonstrate that the research is original and innovative. Does the project challenge existing paradigms or field practice; address an innovative hypothesis or critical barrier to progress in the field. Does the project develop or employ novel concepts, approaches, methodologies, tools, or technologies for this area? (15 points) http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/foia/foia-privacy.html

Criteria 5 – Principal Investigators Demonstrate that the PI(s), and other researchers are experienced and have the expertise, past progress, and available resources to execute the project. (10 points)

3. Selection Process

Applications recommended for award will be made in accordance with the selection criteria. The highest ranked applications will receive priority consideration within the limits of available funding. The selecting official makes the final award recommendations and generally recommends funding in rank order, unless a particular recipient/selectee:

• Submits an application that supports geographic diversity,

• Submits an application that ensures diversity in technical disciplines,

• Demonstrated prior award performance issues,

• Received multiple prior NRC grant awards, or

• Has current awards with high levels of unexpended grant funds.

The decision not to award a grant, or to award a grant at a particular funding level, is discretionary and is not subject to appeal to any NRC official or board.

4. Anticipated Effective Date

The estimated award date for this Funding Opportunity Announcement is 09-30-2020.

Section VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

Formal notification in the form of a Grant or Cooperative Agreement will be provided to the applicant organization via FedConnect. (See Section IV, Application and Submission Information, Item 6. Other Submission Requirements and Information.) The award signed by the Grants Officer is the authorizing document, and the Grants Officer is the only person authorized to obligate funds and permit changes to approved projects on behalf of the NRC.

Selection of an application for award is not an authorization to begin performance. Any costs incurred before receipt of the Grant are at the recipient's risk. See Section IV.4., “Funding Restrictions.”

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

“The Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Standard Terms and Conditions for U.S.

Nongovernmental Recipients” contain the administrative and national policy requirements for all NRC awards and is located at the end of this FOA.

3. Limitation of Liability

The NRC is not responsible for any applicable costs if agency priorities cause it to cancel this program prior to awarding any grants. Publishing this announcement does not obligate the NRC to award grants under this announcement.

4. Reporting

FEDERAL FINANCIAL REPORTS

Federal Financial Reports (SF-425) are semi-annually, for the periods ending March 31 and September 30, or any portion thereof, regardless of the award date. Reports are due within 30 calendar days following the end of the reporting period and must be submitted through FedConnect. The SF-425 form and instructions are available at Grants.gov.

RESEARCH PERFORMANCE PROGRESS REPORTS

The performance (technical) report is subject to 2 CFR §200.328. The Research Performance Progress Reports (RPPR) should include a concise summary describing a recipient’s technical research progress. Details on project status, outcomes and any changes that have occurred during the grant reporting period should be included.

Performance reports must be submitted semi-annually, for the periods ending March 31 and September 30, or any portion thereof, regardless of the award date. Reports are due within 30 days following the end of each reporting period and must be submitted through FedConnect. Failure to submit progress reports could result in suspension of the grant ASAP account and could affect other awards or potential new grant recommendations with the NRC.

Recipients are instructed to limit progress reports to 10 pages or less, including attachments.

FINAL REPORTS

A Final Performance Progress Report and Federal Financial Report (SF-425) are required within 90 days after the award has expired, been relinquished, or terminated;

to include the submission of a final, Tangible Property Report, (SF-428 and SF428-B).

The report should include final project outcomes or findings of research performed under grant. All final reports must be submitted through FedConnect.

Section VII. Agency Contacts

We encourage the recipient’s inquiries concerning this funding opportunity and welcome the opportunity to answer questions from potential applicants.

Contacts:

NRC Financial Contact NRC Program Contact M’Lita Carr Nancy Hebron-Isreal Grants Officer Grants Program Manager Phone: 301-415-6869 Phone: 301-415-6996 E-mail: MLita.Carr@nrc.gov E-mail: Nancy.Hebron-Isreal@nrc.gov http://www.fedconnect.com/ http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2014-title2-vol1/pdf/CFR-2014-title2-vol1-sec200-328.pdf http://www.fedconnect.com/ http://www.fedconnect.com/ mailto:MLita.Carr@nrc.gov mailto:Nancy.Hebron-Isreal@nrc.gov

Section VIII. Other Information

1. Required Federal Citations

Program Authority: Section 31b, 141b, and 243 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended.

2. Authority and Regulations

This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance at http://www.cfda.gov/ and is not subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372, amended by E.O. 12416 and supplemented by E.O. 13132.

Financial assistance awards are made under the authorization 42 U.S.C. § 2051. All awards are subject to the cost principles and other considerations described in 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.

3. Non-Delinquency on Federal Debt

The Federal Debt Collection Procedure Act, 28 U.S.C. 3201(e), provides that an organization or individual that is indebted to the United States, and has a judgment lien filed against it, is ineligible to receive a Federal grant. NRC cannot award a grant unless the authorized organizational official of the applicant organization certifies, by means of his/her signature on the application, that the organization is not delinquent in repaying any Federal debt. If the applicant discloses delinquency on a debt owed to the Federal Government, NRC may not award the grant until the debt is satisfied or satisfactory arrangements are made with the agency to which the debt is owed.

4. Office of Small Business and Civil Rights (SBCR)

Compliance (Promote non-discrimination in NRC assisted programs and activities

Before a grant award can be made, a domestic applicant organization must complete the NRC SBCR pre-award compliance review. (See Section IV.5.) Organizations must certify compliance in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (P.L. 88352, as amended), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin;

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-112, as amended), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of handicaps; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (P.L. 92-318, as amended), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex; and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (P.L. 94-135), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of age.

http://www.cfda.gov/ http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title%3A42%20section%3A2051%20edition%3Aprelim)%20OR%20(granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title42-section2051)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=2a01dd62df7bb67ade9f3f8ca28f1d5f&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=2a01dd62df7bb67ade9f3f8ca28f1d5f&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Standard Terms and Conditions for U.S. Nongovernmental Recipients

Preface

This award is based on the application submitted to, and as approved by, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) under the authorization 42 U.S.C. § 2051(b), pursuant to section 31b and 141b of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, and is subject to the terms and conditions incorporated either directly or by reference in the grant or cooperative agreement. The following also apply:

• Restrictions on the expenditure of Federal funds in appropriation acts, to the extent those restrictions are pertinent to the award.

• Code of Federal Regulations/Regulatory Requirements – 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform

Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.

Any inconsistency or conflict in terms and conditions specified in the award will be resolved according to the following order of precedence: public laws, regulations, applicable notices published in the Federal Register, Executive Orders (E.O.), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars, the NRC’s Mandatory Standard Provisions, special award conditions, and standard award conditions.

Certifications and Representations: These terms incorporate the certifications and representations required by statute, executive order, or regulation that were submitted in System for Award Management (SAM), the central repository for government-wide certifications and representations required of Federal grants recipients.

I. Mandatory General Requirements

The order of these requirements does not make one requirement more important…