FY24 DE-FOA-0003041 Reactor Sharing Amend 1 01-24-24.pdf

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT

U.S. Department of Energy

Idaho Operations Office

Fiscal Year 2024 University Reactor Sharing and Outreach

Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA): DE-FOA-0003041

Announcement Type: Initial: December 6, 2023 Amendment 001: January 24, 2024 Assistance Listing Number: 81.121

Issue Date: December 6, 2023

Informational Webinar: December 13, 2023 (video links and presentations will be available at www.NEUP.gov)

Application Due Date: February 14, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time http://www.neup.gov/

Amendment 001: This amendment makes the following change(s):

Part IV – Application and Submission Information, Section D. Content and Form of Application (Table). Corrects Project Narrative File page limit from 5 pages to 8 pages.

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Registration Requirements

There are several one-time actions applicants must complete in order to submit an application in response to this Announcement (e.g., obtain Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number, register with the System for Award Management (SAM), and create an account on the NEUP.gov website at:

www.NEUP.gov. Applicants, who are not registered with SAM, should allow up to five weeks to complete this requirement. It is suggested that the process be started as soon as possible.

The applicant must complete or have already completed the following actions:

1. Register with the SAM: https://www.sam.gov/. For more information about SAM registration for applicants please refer to: https://www.sam.gov/content/entity-landing

2. Obtain the Unique Entity Identifier (ID) generated number generated in SAM.gov.

3. Create an account on the NEUP.gov website at https://www.neup.gov/ using the “Sign In” tab in the top right-hand corner. To create an account: 1) click “Create a new account”; 2) fill out the required information and click “Create User”; and

3) fill out the information in the “My Information” section.

Questions Questions regarding the content of this funding opportunity announcement (FOA) must be submitted using the contact information found at Part VII, Section B, of this FOA. The Department of Energy (DOE) will try to respond to a question within three (3) business days unless a similar question and answer have already been posted on the website.

Application Preparation

Applicants must prepare the application package and application forms from the NEUP.gov website: https://neup.inl.gov/SitePages/Home.aspx.

Additional instructions are provided in Section IV of this FOA.

Application Submission

Instructions and a copy of the FOA can be found at www.NEUP.gov.

Electronic applications and instructions are available at the NEUP website. To access these materials:

(1) go to www.NEUP.gov; (2) select “Sign In” from the top right-hand corner of the screen; (3) enter your user credentials; (4) select “Applications” from the menu; and (5) click on “Create New Application” for the type of application you are creating. Apply at www.NEUP.gov. If you have any questions about your registration, contact the Innovative Nuclear Research (INR) Integration Office at neup@inl.gov.

https://www.neup.gov/ https://www.sam.gov/ https://www.sam.gov/content/entity-landing https://www.sam.gov/content/entity-landing https://www.neup.gov/ https://neup.inl.gov/SitePages/Home.aspx https://www.neup.gov/ https://www.neup.gov/ https://www.neup.gov/ mailto:neup@inl.gov iii

CHECKLIST FOR AVOIDING COMMON ERRORS

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

- Project Summary/Abstract File

- Project Narrative File

- Project Team Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Project Summary / Abstract Name of the applicant, the project director/principal investigator(s), the project title, the objectives of the project, a description of the project, including methods to be employed, the potential impact of the project (i.e., benefits, outcomes), and major participants (for collaborative projects).

Budget Use current negotiated indirect cost and fringe benefit rates

Budget Justification (attached to budget) Justify all requested costs Past, Current and Pending Support Identify funding that is pending or has been awarded, for similar activities related to reactor sharing initiatives within the last three years. Please identify by source and amount requested/awarded.

Certifications and Assurances Ensure that signatures are completed for both sections of the certifications and assurances documentation (typically, three

(3) signatures are required).

Font Size Pay particular attention to required font format and sizes, typically, Times New Roman, 11 pt. font.

Forms Use associated links for any/all forms.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I - FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

B. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

PART II - AWARD INFORMATION

A. TYPE OF AWARD INSTRUMENT

B. ESTIMATED FUNDING

C. MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM AWARD SIZE

D. EXPECTED NUMBER OF AWARDS

E. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

F. TYPE OF APPLICATION

PART III - ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

B. COST SHARING

C. OTHER ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

PART IV - APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. ADDRESS TO REQUEST APPLICATION PACKAGE

B. DOCUMENT FORMAT REQUIREMENTS

C. LETTER OF INTENT AND PRE-APPLICATION

C.1 Letter of Intent C.2 Pre-applications

D. CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION

D.1 SF-424 – Application for Federal Assistance D.2 Project/Performance Site Location(s) D.3 Project Summary/Abstract File D.4 Project Narrative File D.5 Project Team Curriculum Vitae (CV) D.6 SF-424A Budget Information – Non-Construction Program File D.7 Budget Justification File D.8 Cost Sharing D.9 Current & Pending Support and Duplicative Funding D.10 Interim Conflict of Interest Policy v

D.11 Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) D.12 Certifications and Assurances D.13 Project Commitment to Energy Equity and Justice40 Initiative

E. SUBMISSION FROM SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS

F. SUBMISSION DATES AND TIMES

F.1 Letter of Intent Due Date F.2 Pre-Application Due Date F.3 Application Due Date

G. INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW

H. FUNDING RESTRICTIONS

H.1 Cost Principles H.2 Pre-award Costs H.3 Prohibition Related to Foreign Government-Sponsored Talent Recruitment Programs H.4 Foreign Collaboration Considerations

I. OTHER SUBMISSION AND REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

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

PART V - APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

A. CRITERIA

A.1 Initial Review Criteria A.2 Relevancy Criteria A.3 Merit Review Criteria A.4 Other Selection Factors

B. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

B.1 Merit Review B.2 Selection B.3 Discussions and Award

C. ANTICIPATED NOTICE OF SELECTION AND AWARD DATES

PART VI - AWARD ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

A. AWARD NOTICES

A.1 Notice of Selection A.2 Notice of Award vi

B. ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS

B.1 Administrative Requirements B.2 System for Award Management and Unique Entity Identifier Requirements B.3 Subaward and Executive Reporting B.4 Special Terms and Conditions and National Policy Requirements B.5 Nondisclosure And Confidentiality Agreements Representations (JUNE 2015)

C. NO-COST TIME EXTENSIONS

D. REPORTING

PART VII - QUESTIONS AN AGENCY CONTACTS

A. QUESTIONS

B. AGENCY CONTACT

C. INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR

PART VIII - OTHER INFORMATION

A. AMENDMENTS

B. GOVERNMENT RIGHT TO REJECT OR NEGOTIATE

C. COMMITMENT OF PUBLIC FUNDS

D. PROPRIETARY APPLICATION INFORMATION

E. EVALUATION AND ADMINISTRATION BY NON-FEDERAL PERSONNEL

F. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEVELOPED UNDER THIS PROGRAM

G. NOTICE REGARDING ELIGIBLE/INELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES

H. CONFERENCE SPENDING

I. EXPORT CONTROL

J. PROHIBITION ON CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO

SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT

vii

ACRONYMS

CFR Code of Federal Regulations CINR Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research COI Conflict of Interest CV Curriculum Vitae DE Department of Energy (FOA Number) DOE Department of Energy FC R&D Fuel Cycle Research and Development FFATA Federal Funding and Transparency Act of 2006 FOA Funding Opportunity Announcement FSRS FFATA Subaward Reporting System FY Fiscal Year HBCU Historically Black Colleges and Universities HPC High-Performance Computing INL Idaho National Laboratory MSI Minority-Serving Institution NE Office of Nuclear Energy NEAMS Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation NEID Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Database NEUP Nuclear Energy University Program NS&E Nuclear Science & Engineering NSUF Nuclear Science User Facilities OMI Other Minority Institutions PDF Adobe Portable Document Format PI Principal Investigator QOZ Qualified Opportunity Zone RC RD&D Reactor Concepts Research, Development and Demonstration R&D Research and Development RS&O Reactor Sharing and Outreach SAM System for Award Management SF Standard Form UEI Unique Entity Identifier U.S. United States

Fiscal Year 2024 University Reactor Sharing and Outreach

PART I - FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

The University Reactor Sharing and Outreach (RS&O) Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) will support universities and colleges with nuclear research reactors to share resources and capabilities with the community to increase nuclear science, engineering, and technology awareness. This may include educational institutions without research reactors-, such as universities, colleges, K-12, vocational schools, community colleges, and others.

The objectives of this RS&O FOA are to:

(1) Strengthen nuclear science and engineering instruction in the curricula of colleges and universities that do not own research reactors (hereby referred to as “User Institutions”);

(2) Increase opportunities for collaboration among faculty and students on nuclear science and engineering;

(3) Improve public awareness and understanding of nuclear science, engineering, and technology through research reactor visits and other outreach opportunities; and

(4) Engage with underrepresented communities to promote nuclear science, engineering, and technology to educate and recruit the next generation nuclear energy workforce.

Examples of activities of interest for this FOA could include nuclear science laboratories to supplement nuclear engineering, physics, or chemistry courses; tours for classes and student groups; science teacher workshops in nuclear science; or other activities that share one institution’s research reactor infrastructure with other communities or educational institutions.

University research reactors could also be used as versatile neutron sources and in specialized research projects. By increasing access to these facilities among colleges and universities, there is a potential for collaboration and cross-pollination in education and research opportunities for pre-college, undergraduate, and graduate students, as well as university faculty members.

During fiscal year (FY) 2024, the Department of Energy (DOE) anticipates that approximately $1,000,000 will be available for this FOA. Universities and colleges with nuclear research reactor(s) are hereby referred to as “Host Institutions” in this FOA.

B. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

DOE is seeking applications under this RS&O FOA from Host Institutions that support at least one of the following goals:

(1) Meaningful qualitative and quantitative educational and research engagement of faculty and students from User Institutions.

(2) Evidence of engagements with other educational institutions (e.g., K-12, vocational schools, and community colleges) and underrepresented communities to expand knowledge in nuclear science and engineering.

(3) Establish pathways for future self-sustaining mutually beneficial partnerships with User Institutions or other educational institutions.

PART II - AWARD INFORMATION

A. TYPE OF AWARD INSTRUMENT

DOE anticipates awarding grants to Host Institutions (universities or colleges with a nuclear reactor).

B. ESTIMATED FUNDING

The estimated amounts identified for this FOA are contingent upon Congressional appropriations and are subject to change. DOE currently estimates that it will fund approximately $1 million in awards.

C. MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM AWARD SIZE

The maximum and minimum amount of funding available for an individual award under this area is identified as the FOA ceiling and floor, respectively. The ceiling and floor are as follows:

• Federal Floor: None.

• Federal Ceiling: $200,000 per institution.

• Anticipated Awards: Several smaller awards that are no more than $200,000 each.

• Cost Share Requirement: None, cost-share is not required.

D. EXPECTED NUMBER OF AWARDS

The estimated amounts, identified for each FOA area, are contingent upon Congressional appropriations and are subject to change. However, DOE anticipates making approximately 5 awards, depending on the quality of the submissions and availability of funds. DOE reserves the right to make no awards under this announcement.

E. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

DOE anticipates making awards with an estimated project period of up to two years, beginning August 1, 2024. Additional time, if needed, may be requested, and justified in the application.

F. TYPE OF APPLICATION

DOE will accept only new applications under this announcement.

PART III - ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Universities and Colleges. In accordance with 2 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 910.126(b), eligibility for award is restricted to U.S. universities and colleges with a nuclear research reactor, specifically designated as Host Institutions under this FOA. Other educational institutions and users may collaborate with a Host Institution in the development of an application.

The following Host Institutions are eligible to apply:

1 Idaho State University 13 The Ohio State University 2 Kansas State University 14 University of California, Davis 3 Massachusetts Institute of Technology 15 University of California, Irvine 4 Missouri University of Science &

Technology 16 University of Florida

5 North Carolina State University 17 University of Maryland, College Park 6 Oregon State University 18 University of Massachusetts, Lowell 7 Pennsylvania State University 19 University of Missouri, Columbia 8 Purdue University 20 University of New Mexico 9 Reed College 21 University of Texas at Austin 10 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 22 University of Utah 11 Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center 23 University of Wisconsin, Madison 12 Texas A&M University 24 Washington State University

To support the goal of building a clean and equitable energy economy, the Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) strives to contribute to the President’s goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments flow to Disadvantaged Communities (DACs) (the Justice40 Initiative). The goal is to spur economic development and job creation in DACs throughout the U.S., through effective teams and/or partnerships with institutions, located in a disadvantaged community that may receive funding support from the project.

In support of the Justice40 Initiative, the White House has developed the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST) tool to identify DACs. CEJST can be found at https://screeningtool.geoplatform.gov/en/#3/33.47/-97.5. Applicants are encouraged to use CEJST to illustrate how their project supports DACs.

NE also strives to advance energy equity through effective teams and/or partnerships with Minority-Serving Institutions (MSI) including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs).

Information on MSIs can be found at https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/idues/eligibility.html#tips. This information predominately covers institutions that have been awarded grants through the Department of Education and does not include all institutions that may meet the definition of an MSI. This resource is not an exhaustive list of MSIs. For purposes of identifying MSIs in NE’s application system, NE is using a directory based on 2023 U.S. Department of Education data, which can be found at: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/idues/2022eligibilitymatrix.xlsx and https://screeningtool.geoplatform.gov/en/#3/33.47/-97.5 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww2.ed.gov%2Fabout%2Foffices%2Flist%2Fope%2Fidues%2Feligibility.html%23tips&data=05%7C01%7CAnna.Podgorney%40inl.gov%7C09966166ecf14700e46008da852233a1%7C4cf464b7869a42368da2a98566485554%7C0%7C0%7C637968680215395909%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=YoJeZjMg%2FXyS09AL2vqYp5cbpRwMZgCSoxCO%2BfhD%2BhU%3D&reserved=0 https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/idues/2022eligibilitymatrix.xlsx https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/edlite-minorityinst.html. Either is not an exhaustive list of MSIs but will be used as a starting point for self-identifying MSIs. If applicants believe that their institution qualifies as an MSI and is not listed, please contact neup@inl.gov with an explanation for how the university meets the conditions of being considered an MSI.

What is a Disadvantaged Community (DAC)?

According to Executive Order 14008, a disadvantaged community is one that has been historically marginalized and overburdened by pollution and underinvestment in housing, transportation, water and wastewater infrastructure, and health care. A community qualifies as “disadvantaged” if the census tract is above the threshold for one or more environmental or climate indicators and the tract is above the threshold for the socioeconomic indicators as defined by the White House Climate Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST), https://screeningtool.geoplatform.gov/en/.

What is an underrepresented community?

According to the Equity Executive Orders: 13985, 14020, and EO 14091, an “underrepresented” community refers to populations sharing a particular characteristic, as well as geographic communities, that have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life, such as Black, Latino, Indigenous and Native American, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander persons and other persons of color; members of religious minorities; women and girls; LGBTQI+ persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; persons who live in United States Territories; persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality; and individuals who belong to multiple such communities. Further, according to the National Science Foundation's 2023, report titled, Diversity and STEM: Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities, (https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsf23315/report) the U.S. STEM workforce has gradually diversified between 2011 and 2021, with increased representation from these underrepresented communities. However, Hispanic workers represented 15% of the total STEM workforce in 2021, and Asian and Black workers were 10% and 9%, respectively. American Indians and Alaska Natives together made up less than 1% of the U.S. population and STEM workforce in 2021. DOE seeks to inspire underrepresented American to pursue careers in energy and support their advancement into leadership positions. (https://www.energy.gov/articles/introducing-minorities-energy-initiative).

B. COST SHARING

For Host Institution applicants, cost sharing is not required, but is encouraged.

C. OTHER ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Each Host Institution is limited to one (1) application under this RS&O FOA.

Each Host Institution may have only one (1) active RS&O award at a time.

NOTE: Any previous RS&O awards must be completed before another RS&O award can be placed.

https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/edlite-minorityinst.html mailto:neup@inl.gov https://screeningtool.geoplatform.gov/en/ https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsf23315/report https://www.energy.gov/articles/introducing-minorities-energy-initiative https://www.energy.gov/articles/introducing-minorities-energy-initiative

Non-university collaborators, in composite, can have no more than 20% of the total funds provided by the Government.

PART IV - APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. ADDRESS TO REQUEST APPLICATION PACKAGE

Electronic applications and instructions are available at the NEUP.gov website. To access these materials: (1) go to www.NEUP.gov; (2) select “Sign In” from the top right hand corner of the screen; (3) enter your user credentials; (4) select “Applications” from the menu; and (5) click on “Create New Application” for the type of application that you are creating. Apply at www.NEUP.gov.

B. DOCUMENT FORMAT REQUIREMENTS

All non-budget documentation (use templates where provided) is to be prepared using standard 8.5” × 11” paper with 1-inch margins (top, bottom, left, right), using a font size no smaller than Times New Roman 11 point. This is a requirement for all pages included in the document, (i.e., table of contents, references, etc.). The preferred file format is Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) for all documents except for spreadsheets. All spreadsheets are to be uploaded in Excel file format to the online application. Do NOT lock any cells in the spreadsheet.

Applicants must comply with all pertinent page limitations. Any text (including references and data tables) in a document that does not adhere to the requirements listed above (except graphics, graphs, charts, and equations) will be removed from the document and will not be reviewed.

DOE reserves the right to dismiss applications that violate formatting requirements. Signature blocks must be signed by the designated official.

Documents should be saved using the document naming suggestion at the bottom of each document description. The tracking ID will automatically be generated by the application system and can be found at the top of the application form under “Tracking ID.”

DOE reserves the right to dismiss applications, which it deems, after initial review, to lack enough detail for reviewers to adequately judge technical merit. Applications submitted with corrupted, incomplete, or incorrect files may be dismissed without further review.

C. LETTER OF INTENT AND PRE-APPLICATION

C.1 Letter of Intent Letters of Intent are not required.

C.2 Pre-applications Pre-applications are not required.

D. CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION

Applicants must complete the mandatory forms, and any applicable optional forms (e.g., Disclosure of Lobbying Activities) in accordance with the instructions on the forms and the additional instructions below. Files attached to the forms must be in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) and merged into a single PDF file, unless otherwise specified in this announcement. The following table summarizes all the required forms and files. The following sub-sections (D.1 through D.12) describe the required and optional contents of each document or form.

Required Form/File Format File Name Signature Required

Application for Federal Assistance – SF-

Form FY24 SF424 Fed Assist [TRACKING ID#].pdf

Yes

Project/Performance Site Location(s) Form FY24 Performance Site [TRACKING ID#].pdf

Project Summary/Abstract File PDF FY24 Summary Abstract

Project Narrative File (limit of 8 pages) PDF FY24 Project Narrative

Project Team Curriculum Vitae (limit of 3 pages per CV)

PDF FY24 CV [PI NAME]

SF424A Budget Information for Non- Construction Programs

Excel FY24 Budget SF424A [TRACKING ID#].xls

Budget Justification File PDF FY24 Budget Justification

Cost Sharing Commitment Letters (if applicable)

PDF FY24 Commitment Letter [TRACKING ID#].pdf

Current and Pending Support

PDF FY24 Support

Potentially Duplicative Funding Notice (if applicable)

PDF FY24 PDFN

Conflict of Interest Certification/ Conflict of Interest Disclosure (if applicable)

PDF FY24 COI Disclosure

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-

LLL)

Form FY24 SF-LLL [TRACKING ID#].pdf

Yes

Certifications and Assurances Form FY24 Cert & Assurances [TRACKING ID#].pdf

Yes

Project Commitment to Energy Equity and Justice 40 Initiative

PDF FY24 EEandJustice40

D.1 SF-424 – Application for Federal Assistance Complete all required fields in accordance with the pop-up instructions on the form. The correct form to use is the Application for Federal Assistance SF-424 (OMB 4040-0004), which is available at: www.NEUP.gov or through the link, SF-424. The list of certifications and assurances referenced in Field 21 can be found on the DOE Financial Assistance page at:

http://energy.gov/management/office- management/operational-management/financial-assistance/financial-assistance-forms under Certifications and Assurances.

https://www.neup.gov/ https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424_4_0-V4.0.pdf http://energy.gov/management/office-%20management/operational-management/financial-assistance/financial-assistance-forms http://energy.gov/management/office-%20management/operational-management/financial-assistance/financial-assistance-forms

Save form as:

FY24 SF424 Fed Assist [TRACKING ID#].pdf

D.2 Project/Performance Site Location(s) Insert the primary site where the work will be performed. If a portion of the project will be performed at any other site(s), identify the site location(s) in the blocks provided.

NOTE: The Project/Performance Site Congressional District is entered in the format of the two-digit state code followed by a dash and a three-digit Congressional district code (i.e., VA-001).

Hover over the field in the form for additional instructions.

Use the Next Site button to expand the form to add additional Project/Performance Site Locations.

Save form as:

FY24 Performance Site [TRACKING ID#].pdf

D.3 Project Summary/Abstract File The one (1) page project summary/abstract must contain a summary of the proposed activity suitable for dissemination to the public. It should be a self-contained document that identifies the name of the applicant, the project director/principal investigator(s) (PI), the project title, the objectives of the project, a description of the project, including methods to be employed, the potential impact of the project (i.e., benefits, outcomes), and major participants (for collaborative projects). Do not include any proprietary or sensitive business information in this document, because, if an award is made, the Department may make it available to the public.

Page limit: 1-page. (Use provided Template on the application site)

Save in a file named:

FY24 Summary Abstract [TRACKING ID#].pdf

D.4 Project Narrative File The narrative must not exceed 8 printed pages, including cover page, charts, graphs, maps, photographs, references, and other pictorial presentations while complying with the document format instructions in Part IV, Section B. Applicants must comply with all pertinent page limitations.

DOE reserves the right to dismiss applications that violate formatting requirements. Signature blocks must be signed by the designated official. EVALUATORS WILL REVIEW ONLY 8 PAGES, AS SPECIFIED ABOVE. Do not include any Internet addresses (URLs) that provide information necessary to review the application. See Part VIII, Section D, for instructions on how to mark proprietary application information.

Page limit: 8 pages.

Save in a single file named:

FY24 Project Narrative [TRACKING ID#].pdf https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/General%20Documents/Full_App_Documents/Infrastructure%20Abstract%20Template.docx

The project narrative must include the following:

(1) Introduction. Including program or project title and names of key personnel involved with the effort.

(2) Goals and Objectives. This section shall provide a clear and concise statement of the specific objectives and/or goals of the proposed effort. For this FOA, a “goal” is an outcome the proposed team would like to achieve while an objective is an action or outcome related to a metric. Including the following:

a. Overall goal(s) of the proposed effort with the team must incorporate two (2) of the FOA goals listed in Part I - B. The proposed goal(s) may include multiple components or aspects and may be linked to specific measurable objectives.

b. Primary objectives that will be achieved during the effort with quantifiable metrics.

The following are examples of objectives in no priority. The type and quantity of objectives are established by the applicant.

i. Minimum number of hours collaborating with K-12 schools and organizations.

ii. Data produced from an experiment performed at the Host Institution in support of a User Institution student project.

iii. Minimum number of tours with active engagement over the award.

iv. Engagement with underrepresented communities.

c. Describe the Nuclear Science and Engineering (NS&E) program at the Host Institution, User Institution, and/or educational organization (where applicable). If there is no current program, briefly describe intentions or plans to establish a program or pathway to future collaboration.

(3) Schedule and Description of Tasks. This section shall provide a breakdown of individual tasks related to the overall effort. Including the following:

a. An overall timeline of the proposed tasks throughout the effort (e.g., Gantt chart).

b. Key milestones linked to metrics.

c. The role of each task in achieving the goals and objectives.

(4) Participant Roles. Describe the capabilities, expertise, and qualifications of the Program Lead (PL) and individual team members that would be essential to achieving the goals of the proposed effort. Reference should be specific to individuals where appropriate. The PL should state explicitly if there is any expertise that must be acquired to complete the effort and plans to incorporate additional personnel (e.g., new hires, consultants, etc.).

(5) Facilities, Equipment, and Other Resources. Identify the facilities (e.g., office, laboratory, etc.), equipment (computers, oscilloscopes, etc.), and other resources (machine shops, electronics shops, etc.) to be used at Host Institution and/or User Institutions, if appropriate.

Include details regarding capacities, pertinent capabilities, relative proximity, and extent of availability to the effort. Describe the utilization of those resources that are directly applicable to the proposed work.

D.5 Project Team Curriculum Vitae (CV) Applicants must provide a CV for the PI. CVs are limited to a 3-page maximum. CV must include the following:

1. Contact Information

2. Education and Training: Undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral training. Identify institution, major/area, degree, and year.

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

4. Publications: Provide a list of up to 10 publications most closely related to the proposed project. For each publication, identify the names of all authors (in the same sequence in which they appear in the publication), the article title, book or journal title, volume number, page numbers, year of publication, and website address if available electronically.

5. Patents, Copyrights, and Software Systems: developed may be provided in addition to or substituted for publications.

6. Synergistic Activities: List no more than 5 professional and/or scholarly activities related to the proposed effort.

Page limit: 3 pages

Save in a single file named:

FY24 CV [PI NAME] [TRACKING ID#].pdf

D.6 SF-424A Budget Information – Non-Construction Program File Applicants must provide a separate budget for each year of support requested, and a cumulative budget for the total project period. Use the SF-424A Excel file, "Budget Information – Non- Construction Programs" form on the DOE Financial Assistance Forms page at https://neup.inl.gov/SitePages/Related_Documents.aspx

Applicants may request funds under the appropriate Object Class Categories, as long as the item and amount are necessary to perform the proposed work, meet all the criteria for allowability under the applicable Federal cost principles, and are not prohibited by the funding restrictions in this announcement (see Part IV - H).

Save this information in a single file named:

FY24 Budget SF424A [TRACKING ID#].xlsx https://neup.inl.gov/SitePages/Related_Documents.aspx

D.7 Budget Justification File Applicants (Host Institution) must justify the costs proposed in each Object Class Category/Cost Classification category.

The Budget Justification Supporting Documentation is available at NEUP.gov. Provide the required supporting information for all costs required to accomplish the project, including the following costs: labor, equipment, domestic and foreign travel, participant/trainees, material and supplies, publication, consultant services, automated data processing/computer services, subaward/consortium/contractual, equipment or facility rental/user fees, alterations and renovations, and indirect cost type. Provide any other information you wish to submit to justify the budget request.

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

If cost sharing is proposed, please refer to Part IV - D.8. Additionally, the budget justification file must identify the following information for each third-party contributing cost sharing:

1. the name of the organization;

2. the proposed dollar amount to be provided;

3. the amount as a percentage of the total project cost; and

4. the proposed cost sharing – cash, services, or property.

The following are restrictions on the use of funds under this FOA:

1. Consumables, materials, and supplies are allowable for activities exclusively supporting reactor sharing, teaching, education, and outreach;

2. Equipment purchases greater than or equal to $5,000 are not allowed;

3. Upgrades to increase operational profit or support directly for commercial activities are not allowed;

4. Foreign travel is not allowed; and

5. Non-university collaborators, in composite, can have no more than 20% of the total funds provided by the Government.

Save the budget justification information in a single file named:

“FY24 Budget Justification [TRACKING ID#].pdf”

D.8 Cost Sharing If cost sharing is proposed, applicants must include a commitment letter from each third party contributing to the cost sharing (i.e., a party other than the organization submitting the application), stating that the third party is committed to providing a specific minimum dollar amount of cost sharing. The commitment letter must include the cost sharing items listed in Part

IV - D.7.

https://neup.inl.gov/SiteAssets/AboutUs/RandDFullAppDocs/Budget%20Justification-FINAL_Rev1%20.pdf

Save commitment letter as:

FY24 Commitment Letter [TRACKING ID#].pdf

D.9 Current & Pending Support and Duplicative Funding D.9.1 Current & Pending Support

(Required for All Applicants)

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

As part of the application, the principal investigator and each senior/key person at the prime applicant and any proposed subaward level must provide a list of all sponsored activities, awards, and appointments, whether paid or unpaid; provided as a gift with terms or conditions or provided as a gift without terms or conditions; full-time, part-time, or voluntary; faculty, visiting, adjunct, or honorary; cash or in-kind; foreign or domestic; governmental or private-sector;

directly supporting the individual’s research or indirectly supporting the individual by supporting students, research staff, space, equipment, or other research expenses. All involvement in foreign government-sponsored talent recruitment programs must be identified in current and pending support.

For every activity, list the following items:

• The sponsor of the activity or the source of funding.

• The award or other identifying number.

• The title of the award or activity. If the title of the award or activity is not descriptive, add a brief description of the research being performed that would identify any overlaps or synergies with the proposed research.

• The total cost or value of the award or activity, including direct and indirect costs and cost share. For pending proposals, provide the total amount of requested funding.

• The award period (start date – end date).

• The person-months of effort per year being dedicated to the award or activity.

If required to identify overlap, duplication of effort, or synergistic efforts, append a description of the other award or activity to the current and pending support.

Details of any obligations, contractual or otherwise, to any program, entity, or organization sponsored by a foreign government must be provided on request to either the applicant institution or DOE. Supporting documents of any identified source of support must be provided to DOE on request, including certified translations of any document.

The information may be provided in the approved common disclosure format available at Common Form for Current and Pending (Other) Support (nsf.gov). Each current and pending support disclosure must be signed and dated and include the following certification statement. If using the common disclosure format, the following signed and dated statement should be appended to the form:

I, [Full Name and Title], certify to the best of my knowledge and belief that the information contained in this Current and Pending Support Disclosure Statement is https://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/researchprotection/commonform_cps.pdf true, complete, and accurate. I understand that any false, fictitious, or fraudulent information, misrepresentations, half-truths, or omissions of any material fact, may subject me to criminal, civil or administrative penalties for fraud, false statements, false claims or otherwise. (18 U.S.C. §§ 1001 and 287, and 31 U.S.C. 3729-3733 and 3801-3812). I further understand and agree that (1) the statements and representations made herein are material to DOE’s funding decision, and (2) I have a responsibility to update the disclosures during the period of performance of the award should circumstances change which impact the responses provided above.

Save this information in a file named:

FY24 Support [TRACKING ID#].pdf

D.9.2 Potentially Duplicative Funding Notice (if applicable)

If the applicant or project team member has other active awards of federal funds, the applicant must determine whether the activities of those awards potentially overlap with the activities set forth in its application to this FOA. If there is a potential overlap, the applicant must notify DOE in writing of the potential overlap and state how it will ensure any project funds (i.e., recipient cost share and federal funds) will not be used for identical cost items under multiple awards.

Likewise, for projects that receive funding under this FOA, if a recipient or project team member receives any other award of federal funds for activities that potentially overlap with the activities funded under the DOE award, the recipient must promptly notify DOE in writing of the potential overlap and state whether project funds from any of those other federal awards have been, are being, or are to be used (in whole or in part) for one or more of the identical cost items under the DOE award. If there are identical cost items, the recipient must promptly notify the DOE Contracting Officer in writing of the potential duplication and eliminate any inappropriate duplication of funding.

Save this information in a single file named:

FY24 PDFN [TRACKING ID#].pdf

D.10 Interim Conflict of Interest Policy (Required for All Applicants)

The DOE Interim Conflict of Interest Policy for Financial Assistance (COI Policy) can be found at Financial Assistance Letter No. FAL 2022-02 | Department of Energy. This policy is applicable to all non-Federal entities applying for, or that receive, DOE funding by means of a financial assistance award (e.g., a grant, cooperative agreement, or technology investment agreement) and, through the implementation of this policy by the entity, to each Investigator who is planning to participate in, or is participating in, the project funded wholly or in part under the DOE financial assistance award. DOE’s interim COI Policy establishes standards that provide a reasonable expectation that the design, conduct, and reporting of projects funded wholly or in part under DOE financial assistance awards will be free from bias resulting from financial conflicts of interest or organizational conflicts of interest. The applicant is subject to the requirements of the interim COI Policy and within each application for financial assistance, the applicant must certify that it is, or will be by the time of receiving any financial assistance award, https://www.energy.gov/management/financial-assistance-letter-no-fal-2022-02 compliant with all requirements in the interim COI Policy. The applicant must flow down the requirements of the interim COI Policy to any subrecipient non-Federal entities.

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

Fully complete the COI application form and save in a single file named:

FY24 COI Disclosure [TRACKING ID#].pdf

D.11 Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) (Required for All Applicants)

Identify any funds, other than Federal appropriated funds, that have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with the grant/cooperative agreement.

Save this form in a single file named:

FY24 SF-LLL [TRACKING ID#].pdf

D.12 Certifications and Assurances Applicants must complete and attach the Certifications and Assurances form found on the DOE Financial Assistance Forms Page at: https://neup.inl.gov/SitePages/Related_Documents.aspx https://www.energy.gov/management/articles/certifications-and-assurances-use-sf-424

Save this form in a single file named:

FY24 Cert & Assurances [TRACKING ID#].pdf

D.13 Project Commitment to Energy Equity and Justice40 Initiative (Required)

Applicants are encouraged to describe how their projects or project teams will: (1) contribute to the Justice40 Initiative (as described in Part III - A of this FOA); and/or (2) ensure energy justice through effective teams and/or partnerships with MSIs, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), or institutions located in a Disadvantaged Community (DAC).

Justice40 Initiative. Applicants may include information on how the projects supports the Justice40 Initiative, including for example:

o Extent to which the applicant identifies the following: specific and measurable benefits for Disadvantaged Communities (DACs); how the benefits will flow to DACs; and how negative environmental impacts affecting DACs would be mitigated. Benefits include (but are not limited to) measurable direct or indirect investments or positive project outcomes that achieve or contribute to the following in DACs: (1) a decrease in energy burden; (2) a decrease in environmental exposure and burdens; (3) an increase in access to low-cost capital; (4) an increase in high-quality job creation, the clean energy job pipeline, and job training for individuals; (5) increases in clean energy enterprise creation https://neup.inl.gov/SitePages/Related_Documents.aspx https://www.energy.gov/management/articles/certifications-and-assurances-use-sf-424 and contracting (e.g., minority-owned or disadvantaged business enterprises); (6) increases in energy democracy, including community ownership; (7) increased parity in clean energy technology access and adoption; and (8) an increase in energy resilience.

o Extent to which the project would contribute to meeting the objective that 40% of the benefits of climate and clean energy investments will flow to DACs;

o The degree to which the proposed project provides funding to DACs or seeks to address communities with environmental justice concerns that experience disproportionate and adverse human health or environmental burdens in accordance with Executive Order 14096;

o Whether the entity is located in a DAC. The onus is on the applicant to self-identify whether it is located in a DAC or partners with an entity, located in a DAC;

o The degree to which the proposed project incorporates applicant or team members from DACs; and o Whether the proposed project may directly or indirectly benefit DACs or has team member participants from DACs.

Advance Energy Equity. (NOTE: Energy equity centers the concerns of DACs and aims to make energy more accessible, affordable, clean, and democratically managed for all communities.) Applicants are also encouraged to describe how their projects or project teams contribute to energy equity. Applicants may include a section on how the projects advance energy equity, including for example: the degree to which the proposed project incorporates team member diversity with participants from MSIs, including HBCUs and TCUs; and/or partnerships with Minority Business Enterprises, Minority Owned Businesses, Woman Owned Businesses, Veteran Owned Businesses, or Tribal Nations.

Save this form in a single file named:

FY24 EEandJustice40 [TRACKING ID#].pdf

E. SUBMISSION FROM SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS

If selected for award negotiations, DOE reserves the right to request additional or clarifying information, for any reason deemed necessary, including, but not limited to:

• Indirect cost information;

• Environmental checklist;

• Other budget information;

• Name and phone number of the Designated Responsible Employee, for complying with national policies prohibiting discrimination (see 10 CFR 1040.5); and/or

• Representation of Limited Rights Data and Restricted Software, if applicable.

F. SUBMISSION DATES AND TIMES

F.1 Letter of Intent Due Date Letters of Intent are not required.

F.2 Pre-Application Due Date Pre-applications are not required.

F.3 Application Due Date Applications must be received by February 14, 2024, no later than 5:00PM Eastern Time.

Applicants are encouraged to transmit applications before the deadline. APPLICATIONS

RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL NOT BE REVIEWED OR CONSIDERED FOR

AWARD.

G. INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW

This program is not subject to Executive Order 12372 - Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.

H. FUNDING RESTRICTIONS

Funding for all awards is contingent upon the availability of funds appropriated by Congress.

H.1 Cost Principles Costs must be allowable, allocable, and reasonable, in accordance with the applicable Federal cost principles referenced in 2 CFR part 200.

H.2 Pre-award Costs Recipients may charge to an award resulting from this announcement, pre-award costs incurred within the ninety (90) calendar day period immediately preceding the effective date of the award, provided the costs are allowable in accordance with the applicable Federal cost principles referenced in 2 CFR part 200. Recipients must obtain the prior written approval of the CO for any pre-award costs that are for periods greater than this 90-day calendar period.

Pre-award costs are incurred at the applicant’s risk. DOE is under no obligation to reimburse such costs if, for any reason, the applicant does not receive an award, or the award is made for a lesser amount than the applicant expected.

H.3 Prohibition Related to Foreign Government-Sponsored Talent Recruitment Programs.

Prohibition

Persons participating in a Foreign Government-Sponsored Talent Recruitment Program of a Foreign Country of Risk are prohibited from participating in projects selected for federal funding under this FOA. Should an award result from this FOA, the recipient must exercise ongoing due diligence to reasonably ensure that no individuals participating on the DOE-funded project are participating in a Foreign Government-Sponsored Talent Recruitment Program of a Foreign Country of Risk. Consequences for violations of this prohibition will be determined according to applicable law, regulations, and policy. Further, the recipient must notify DOE within five (5) business days upon learning that an individual on the project team is or is believed to be participating in a foreign government talent recruitment program of a foreign country of risk.

DOE may modify and add requirements related to this prohibition to the extent required by law.

Definitions:

1. Foreign Government-Sponsored Talent Recruitment Program. An effort directly or indirectly organized, managed, or funded by a foreign government to recruit science and technology professionals or students (regardless of citizenship or national origin, and whether having a full-time or part-time position). Some foreign government-sponsored talent recruitment programs operate with the intent to import or otherwise acquire from abroad, sometimes through illicit means, proprietary technology or software, unpublished data and methods, and intellectual property to further the military modernization goals and/or economic goals of a foreign government. Many, but not all, programs aim to incentivize the targeted individual to physically relocate to the foreign state for the above purpose. Some programs allow for or encourage continued employment at U.S. research facilities or receipt of Federal research funds while concurrently working at and/or receiving compensation from a foreign institution, and some direct participants not to disclose their participation to U.S. entities. Compensation could take many forms including cash, research funding, complimentary foreign travel, honorific titles, career advancement opportunities, promised future compensation, or other types of remuneration or consideration, including in-kind compensation.

2. Foreign Country of Risk. DOE has designated the following countries as foreign countries of risk: Iran,…