FY23 Radioactive Material Disposition Announcement (Final).pdf

Part I - Overview Information

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

Title:

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Funding Opportunity Announcement, Information on Radioactive Material Disposition Cooperative Agreement Fiscal Year (FY) 2023

Announcement Type:

New

Announcement of Opportunity Number:

31310023K0001

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number:

CFDA #: 77.009

Key Dates:

Release/Posted Date: May 4, 2023 Application Due Date: June 5, 2023 Estimated Start Date: August 1, 2023

Additional Overview Content

Executive Summary:

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is an independent agency, established by the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, 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.

To accomplish its radiation protection mission, the NRC relies on users of materials to provide adequate control of radioactive material. The primary objective of this cooperative agreement is to effectively research and provide information regarding the disposition of unwanted and orphan material.

NRC is interested in projects that promote the NRC mission by effectively researching and providing information regarding the disposition of unwanted and orphan material.

The goal of this cooperative agreement is to effectively research and provide information regarding the disposition of unwanted and orphan material. Proper disposition of material that is unwanted or is orphan is essential to ensuring the safe use of radioactive materials for beneficial civilian purposes while also ensuring that people and the environment are protected.

Type of Award:

It is anticipated that this NOFO will result in the award a cooperative agreement. A cooperative agreement is a financial assistance mechanism where NRC anticipates substantial involvement http://www.nrc.gov/

31310023K0001 with the recipient during performance of the project. In addition to the usual monitoring provided to an award recipient, NRC’s programmatic involvement may include, but is not limited to, collaboration, participation, or involvement in the research to be performed under the award.

The PI(s) will retain the primary responsibility and dominant role for planning, directing, and executing the proposed project, with the substantial involvement of NRC staff. The award will identify the specific substantial involvement.

Funds Available and Anticipated Number or Awards:

The total amount of funding available for this program is $150,000 over all awards over a five (5) year period. Up to two (2) cooperative agreements may be awarded. The number of awards will depend on the number, duration, costs, and merit of the applications received.

Budget and Project Period:

Awards are for a projected period of up to 5 years depending on program requirements. Award amounts in prior years have ranged from $25,000 to $50,000 per year, based on the availability of funds.

Eligible Institutions/Organizations:

See Section III, 1.A. 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. The PI (who may not also be the subrecipient) will be solely responsible for planning, directing, and executing the proposed project. The PI’s role is not purely administrative, and the PI for the recipient institution must play an integral role in the performance of the proposed work.

Number of Applications:

An institution may submit only one application.

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 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) was created as an independent agency by Congress in 1974 to enable the nation to safely use radioactive materials for beneficial civilian purposes while ensuring that people and the environment are protected. The NRC regulates the nation's civilian use of byproduct, source, and special nuclear materials to ensure adequate protection of public health and safety, to promote the common defense and security, and to protect the environment. This regulatory control is most commonly accomplished through the process of licensing those that use and/or possess radioactive material.

An important component of safe use of material is proper disposition of material (typically through transfer to another authorized entity or proper final disposal) that is unwanted or orphan. The term ‘unwanted materials” is normally defined as material that is under regulatory control but no longer in use and no longer wanted by the user. Orphan materials are typically defined as materials that are outside of regulatory control, e.g., material that has been found by a member of the public, or as specified in the NRC glossary or in accordance with other relevant NRC guidance.

NRC is interested in projects that promote the NRC mission by effectively researching and providing information regarding the disposition of unwanted and orphan material.

The primary objective of this cooperative agreement is to effectively research and provide information regarding the disposition of unwanted and orphan material. Proper disposition of material that is unwanted or is orphan is essential to ensuring the safe use of radioactive materials for beneficial civilian purposes while also ensuring that people and the environment are protected.

The areas of interest to accomplish the primary objectives include but are not limited to:

- ability to research, assemble, maintain, and provide accurate information regarding available disposition options, processes and requirements for disposition of material;

- ability to research and provide information related to the disposition of radioactive material, including: characterization, packaging, transportation, and surveys;

- ability to research and provide information on whether unwanted and orphan materials are in compliance with all Federal and State regulatory requirements regarding disposition of radioactive material, including those for possession, transfer, transport and disposal;

- ability to research and produce accurate, knowledgeable determination of available disposition options for individual unwanted or orphan material situations;

- ability to effectively provide information to State and local governmental entities regarding unwanted or orphan material; and

- capability to research information related to orphan material.

Funding may be used for the direct costs associated with:

a) Establishing and maintaining programs that can effectively research and provide information regarding disposition of unwanted and orphan material in accordance with Federal and State regulatory requirements for the possession, transfer, transport, and disposal of radioactive material.

b) Researching and providing information to other entities that also provide information on the disposition of unwanted and orphan radioactive material.

Funding must not be used for costs, or reimbursement of costs, to dispose of unwanted material.

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 cooperative agreement. For purposes of this announcement, cost sharing or matching means additional contributions (either financial or in-kind) that enhance the overall goals of the program. Cost sharing or matching may be used to build infrastructure in nuclear and related disciplines. 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. If providing cost sharing or matching funds, institutions must include the type and value of support and describe how the contribution will enhance the program.

See 2 CFR200.306 for additional information.

Section III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Institutions

You may submit an application if your institution/organization has any of the following characteristics:

• Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other than Institutions of Higher Education)

• Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other than Institutions of Higher Education) http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=6513161b4160cdcdf773d20c58b46e80&amp%3Bmc=true&amp%3Bnode=se2.1.200_1306&amp%3Brgn=div8 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=6513161b4160cdcdf773d20c58b46e80&amp%3Bmc=true&amp%3Bnode=se2.1.200_1306&amp%3Brgn=div8

• State Governments

• Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Federally Recognized)

• Indian/Native American Tribally Designated Organizations

• County Governments

• City or Township Governments

• Special District Governments

For profit institutions are not eligible under this announcement.

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

Federal agencies, Federally Funded Research & Development Centers (FFRDCs), including Department of Energy National Laboratories, are not eligible to receive awards under this NOFO (regardless of whether such entities wish to receive Federal funds or offer “in kind” services).

Under this announcement, individuals, NRC licensees, and applicants for NRC licenses are not eligible to participate in this Federal assistance cooperative agreements (regardless of such entities wish to receive Federal funds or offer “in kind” services).

2. Eligibility Requirements

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.

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 cooperative agreement with a single PI or multiple PIs is the responsibility of the investigators and applicant organizations and will be determined by the technical goals of the project. Applications for cooperative agreements 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 technical 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 cooperative agreement 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 cooperative agreement application and are responsible for conducting and supervising the research, the actual applicant is the institution/organization.

2.B. Citizenship Requirement

At the time of application and for the full term of the cooperative agreement, all PIs, Co-PIs, researchers, graduate students, and other participants supported under or participating in the cooperative agreement must meet the following citizenship requirements:

(1) Be a United States citizen, or

(2) Be a noncitizen national of the United States,* or

(3) Have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence (i.e., in possession of a currently valid permanent resident Green Card.) Individuals on temporary visas, as well as refugees and asylees, are not eligible.

*Noncitizen nationals are persons born in outlying possessions of the United States (i.e., American Samoa and Swains Island).

COMPLIANCE WITH U.S. IMMIGRATION LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Cooperative agreement recipients are responsible to ensure that their foreign personnel (including PIs or Co-PIs) are not in violation of United States immigration laws and regulations, including employment authorization documents and visa requirements. Each recipient of funds under this award must be lawfully admitted for permanent residence at the time of the cooperative agreement application and for the duration of the cooperative agreement period, as evidenced by Permanent Resident Form I-551 (Green Card). The U.S.

Citizenship and Immigration Services provides information to cooperative agreement recipients to help them understand the employment eligibility verification process for non-US citizens. This information can be found on their website, http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis.

The NRC reserves the right to take any number of administrative actions (e.g., disallow costs, termination) should the recipient violate its responsibility under this clause.

Applicants shall include a certification statement regarding compliance with the Citizenship Requirement of this announcement. The required certification template is provided in Section IV.2.J. and must be submitted as a separate attachment to the application.

Section IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Application Forms

The institution may download an SF424 application package and instructions for this announcement by going to Grants.gov and following the directions provided on that Web site.

Institutions must complete a one-time registration at Grants.gov.

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html 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

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 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: 77.009 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

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.

2. Application Content

Required Elements of the Application:

• Executive Summary

• Program Description

• References

• Budget and Budget Narrative

• Current and Pending Support

• Curriculum Vitae

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

• Audit Report

• Citizenship Certification

• Other required forms

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.). This is a requirement for all pages included in the document, i.e., table of contents, references, etc.

http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays/ mailto:Support@grants.gov http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/track-my-application.html

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.

B. Executive Summary* (one-page maximum):

Describe the proposed project’s essential elements.

• Descriptive title of proposed project: NOTE: The applicant should describe its program as their own 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:

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.

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.

D. References:

While there is no established page limitation for the references, this section must include bibliographic citations only and must not be used to provide additional information outside of the Project Description.

E. 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 amount.

SF-424 Section A – Budget Summary: Fill in “31310023K0001” under the “Cooperative Agreement Program, Function, or Activity” (Column a). The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number is 77.009 (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 cooperative agreement 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.

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.

The budget narrative 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.

Applicants shall include a certification statement regarding compliance with Section III. 2.B., “Citizenship Requirement” of this announcement.

Application Involving Multiple Principal Investigators For applications designating multiple PIs, a section of the project plan, entitled “Multiple PI Leadership Plan” must be included. A rationale for choosing a multiple PI approach should be described. The governance and organizational structure of the leadership team and the project/program should be described, and should include communication plans, process for making decisions on technical direction, and procedures for resolving conflicts. The roles and administrative, technical, and financial responsibilities for the project or program should be delineated for the PIs and other collaborators.

If budget allocation is planned, the distribution of resources to specific components of the project or the individual PIs should be delineated in the Leadership Plan.

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.

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.

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. Cooperative agreement 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.

See Attachment 2 - for a sample budget narrative. This level of detail shall be followed in describing your budget narrative represented on the SF-424A.

Personnel The PI will be solely responsible for planning, directing, and executing the proposed project. Individuals participating in the design and implementation of the cooperative agreement 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. Limited administrative and clerical salary costs associated with the program may be proposed as direct charges to the cooperative agreement and must be specifically identified and adequately justified.

Fringe Benefits The recipient must provide a copy of the applicable fringe benefit rates. A description of how the cost was computed is required. Provide an explanation for rate changes or escalation, if any.

Travel The recipient must provide a detailed cost breakdown for travel cost. Cost needs to be itemized. Estimate the cost of all travel for each trip by destination, number of people and days, air fare, hotel, per diem, car rental, etc.

Equipment http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=daac6e6e8d3bc87ea6b6d0e2067bf629&amp%3Bnode=sp2.1.200.e&amp%3Brgn=div6 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=daac6e6e8d3bc87ea6b6d0e2067bf629&amp%3Bnode=sp2.1.200.e&amp%3Brgn=div6

The recipient must provide an itemized list of equipment showing the cost for each item and an explanation for why the equipment is needed. Proposals requesting to purchase equipment must include equipment quotes or vendor agreements.

Supplies The recipient must provide an itemized list of supplies which includes the cost and quantity per item. A basis for developing the cost estimate (vendor quotes, invoice prices, purchase order history, etc.) must be included.

Other Direct Cost This section of the cost proposal includes all other directly related costs required in support of the program. A description for each cost is required along with how the cost was computed. A basis for developing the cost estimate (vendor quotes, invoice prices, purchase order history, etc.) must be included.

Indirect Cost/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.

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 at the applicant institution. 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.

F. 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.

G. 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.

H. Past NRC Funding and Summary of Results from Past NRC Funding, if applicable:

I. Audit Report:

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

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=c71a8ba6c3931080ecfb3ffb0045f01c&mc=true&node=se2.1.200_1306&rgn=div8 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=c71a8ba6c3931080ecfb3ffb0045f01c&mc=true&node=se2.1.200_1414&rgn=div8

J. Citizenship Certification:

Applicants shall include a completed CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE WITH U.S.

IMMIGRATION LAWS AND REGULATIONS (COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT) to document compliance with the Citizenship Requirement of this announcement. The required certification template is provided below and must be submitted as a separate attachment to the application.

The applicant shall provide the following certification statement regarding the citizenship status of all researchers, graduate students, PIs, Co-PIs, and other participants supported under or participating in this cooperative agreement.

For PIs, Co-PIs, researchers, graduate students and other participants who are non-citizens, institutions are required to provide documentation of the individual’s lawful admittance to the United States. If applicable, the NRC will request the applicant to submit documentation as part of the pre-award compliance review.

{Provide this Certification Statement on the institution’s letterhead.}

CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE WITH U.S.

IMMIGRATION LAWS AND REGULATIONS

The NRC requires a duly authorized representative of the applicant institution to certify that all PIs, Co-PIs, researchers, students, and other participants supported under or participating in the cooperative agreement comply with the citizenship requirements of Section III. 2.B. of this announcement.

I hereby certify that all PIs, Co-PIs, researchers, graduate students, and other participants supported under or participating in the cooperative agreement comply with the citizenship requirements of Section III. 2.B of this announcement.

At the time of application and for the full term of the cooperative agreement, all PIs, Co-PIs, researchers, graduate students, and other participants supported under or participating in the cooperative agreement are—

(1) a United States Citizen; or

(2) a non-citizen national of the United States; or

(3) a non-United Citizen who has been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence (i.e., in possession of a permanent residence Green Card) at the time of application and for the full term of the cooperative agreement.

I further certify that there [ ] are [ ] are not personnel or other participants proposed under this cooperative agreement that are in violation of the United States immigration laws and regulations, including employment authorization documents and visa requirements.

Below I have provided the name, address, contact information, and citizenship status for each PI, Co-PI, researcher, graduate student, and other participant supported under or participating in the cooperative agreement.

[List proposed staff here and provide name, address, contact information, and citizenship status]

Documentation of the citizenship status for each of the following individuals who are included in my institution’s application and who are not United States citizens is available and will be provided upon request:

• Researchers, [as applicable, provide name, address, contact information, and citizenship status]

• Principal Investigators and Co-Principal Investigators [as applicable, provide name, address, contact information, and citizenship status],

• Participating graduate students [as applicable, provide name, address, contact information, and citizenship status], and

• Other participants [as applicable, provide name, address, contact information, and citizenship status].

Signature of Authorized Representative Date (mm/dd/yyyy) for Applicant Institution

Printed Name and Title of Authorized Representative

K. Required Forms:

• SF-424: Application for Federal Assistance - CFDA Number: 77.009

• 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

3. Submitting an Application Electronically

NRC encourages applicants to apply early to avoid problems uploading applications to www.Grants.gov . NRC 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 Cooperative agreements.gov due to transmission issues, applications may be submitted via email to the 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 Grant Officer listed in Section VII. Agency Contacts; and

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

4. 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.

FedConnect The NRC no longer provides electronic copies of award/modification documents via email. NRC uses a web portal, FedConnect, to provide official documents. 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!

5. 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.”

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

The NRC has delegated the Office of Small Business and Civil Rights (SBCR) authority to administer the agency’s civil rights programs, which include internal and external programs.

The cooperative agreements administration processes are regarded as an NRC conducted program or activity, which falls under SBCR’s external civil rights program functions.

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 cooperative agreement meet the legal requirements consistent with Supreme Court Decisions including Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin, Gratz v. Bollinger, and Grutter

v. Bollinger.

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.fms.treas.gov/asap/ http://www.fms.treas.gov/asap/ https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/fsservices/gov/pmt/asap/asap_home.htm http://www.fedconnect.net/ https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/Marketing/Documents/FedConnect_Ready_Set_Go.pdf https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/Marketing/Documents/FedConnect_Ready_Set_Go.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=85063e3d7f3002b9e9cc711c11fe4700&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=85063e3d7f3002b9e9cc711c11fe4700&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5

6.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.)

• Participate in mandatory NRC Compliance Reviews.

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

6.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 is 60-day SBCR periodic review.

6.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 cooperative agreement 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, http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/forms/nrc781.pdf http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/forms/nrc781.pdf 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 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 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.

6.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

6.E. Provide Civil Rights Training

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

6.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.

6.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

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

Section V. Application Review Information

1. Review Process

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. Applications that are submitted under the incorrect NOFO number shall not be reviewed or considered for award.

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 NOFO 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 http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/cor/ http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=9&amp%3BSID=f808f74c654776b90c18282eb4d8ec8d&amp%3Bty=HTML&amp%3Bh=L&amp%3Bmc=true&amp%3Bn=pt10.1.4&amp%3Br=PART https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/cfr/part004/ http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=9&amp%3BSID=f808f74c654776b90c18282eb4d8ec8d&amp%3Bty=HTML&amp%3Bh=L&amp%3Bmc=true&amp%3Bn=pt10.1.4&amp%3Br=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 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 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 https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/cfr/part019/part019-0032.html mailto:EEOPrograms.Resource@nrc.gov reviewers comprised of 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.

The following criteria items must be addressed and clearly labeled:

Criterion 1 - Significance Does this project address the stated objective? If the aims of the application are achieved, how will public safety be benefited? (30 points)

Criterion 2 - Approach Is the program framework, methods, and processes adequately developed, well integrated, well-reasoned, and appropriate to the aims of the project? Does the applicant acknowledge potential problem areas and consider alternative tactics? Are there clearly defined and measurable objectives? Is there a clearly defined process to measure and report against the progress and success of the objectives? (40 points)

Criterion 3 - Feasibility Can the proposed project be accomplished within the proposed budget by the entity, given their experience and expertise, past progress, available resources, institutional/organizational commitment, and (if appropriate) access to technologies? (30 points)

Budget and Period of Support: The reasonableness of the proposed budget and the appropriateness of the requested period of support in relation to the proposed project/research may be assessed by the reviewers. The priority score should not be affected by the evaluation of the budget.

3. Review and Selection Process

3.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. You may withdraw your application at any time.

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 cooperative agreement is awarded, the Federal government has the right to use or disclose the information to the extent authorized by law.

Applications are peer-reviewed and rated using the evaluation criteria provided above (Section V.2). Both Federal and non-Federal experts may be used in this process. Peer reviewers’ identities remain confidential. All peer reviewers must sign a conflict of interest form prior to acceptance as a reviewer. The applications, proposals and associated materials made available to reviewers, including the discussions that take place during review meetings are http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/foia/foia-privacy.html strictly confidential. Individual peer reviewers’ scores are averaged and rated prior to being presented to the selecting official.

3.B. Selection Process

Applications recommended for award will be made in accordance with the selection criteria.

The highest ranked applications will receive priority consideration for award within the limits of available funding. Applicants should recognize that some very good applications might not receive an award because of program priorities and available funding. The selecting official makes final award recommendations. The selecting official 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 cooperative agreement awards, or

• Has current awards have high levels of unexpended cooperative agreement funds.

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

Section VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

Formal notification in the form of a 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 Grant Officer is the authorizing document, and the Grant 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 cooperative agreement are at the recipient's risk. See Section IV.5., “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 NOFO.

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 cooperative agreements. Publishing this announcement does not obligate the NRC to award cooperative agreements 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.

Failure to submit financial reports will result in the suspension of the cooperative agreement ASAP account, termination of the cooperative agreement, and could be flagged for other awards or potential new cooperative agreement recommendations with the NRC.

Performance Progress Reports Performance Progress Reports should include a…