FY24 UNLP Education Program NOFO (Final).pdf

31310024K0002

Part I. Overview Information

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

Title:

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), the University Nuclear Leadership Program, Scholarship and Fellowship Education Grant, Distinguished Faculty Advancement Grant, and Trade School and Community College Scholarship Grant, Fiscal Year (FY) 2024.

Announcement Type:

New

Announcement of Opportunity Number:

31310024K0002

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number:

CFDA #: 77.008

Key Dates:

Release/Posted Date: 07-24-2024 Application Due Date: 09-06-2024 Estimated Start Date: 04-30-2025

Applications must be successfully received by Grants.gov no later than 5:00 p.m., ET on 09-06- 2024. If the recipient needs information on alternate means of submitting its application, see Section IV.3.

Additional Overview Content

Executive Summary:

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

Type of Award:

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

Funds Available and Anticipated Number or Awards:

The total amount of funding available for the following programs is $5 - $7 million: scholarships, fellowships, distinguished faculty advancement grants, and trade school and community college scholarships. The number of awards will depend on the number, duration, costs, and merit of the applications received.

http://www.nrc.gov/

Budget and Project Period:

Scholarships:

• Scholarships for Institutions of Higher Education that Offer Bachelor’s Degrees

This is a three- (3) year program exclusively for institutions of higher education that offer bachelor’s degrees. This includes universities as well as those Community Colleges that offer 4-year bachelor’s degrees, and it does not include trade schools. Scholarship funds may be requested for up to $200,000.00 total costs (direct costs and facilities and administrative costs) for the grant period. A scholarship student may not receive more than $20,000.00 over the 3-year grant period.

• Scholarships for Institutions of Higher Education that are Trade Schools or

Community Colleges that offer Certificate Programs or Associate’s Degrees This is a two- (2) year program exclusively for institutions of higher education that are either Trade Schools or Community Colleges that offer certificate programs or associate’s degrees.

Trade School and Community College funds may be requested for up to $150,000.00 total costs (direct costs and associated facilities and administrative costs) for the 2-year grant period. A student funded by a Trade School and Community College scholarship may not receive more than $5,000.00 per year or exceed $10,000.00 over a 2-year grant period.

Fellowships: This is a four- (4) year program exclusively for institutions of higher education that offer Master and Doctoral degrees. Fellowship funds may be requested for up to $400,000.00 total costs (direct costs and facilities and administrative costs) for the project period. A post-graduate student may not receive funding more than $50,000.00 per year or exceeding $200,000.00 over a 4-year period. Note: Trade Schools and Community Colleges are not eligible to apply for NRC’s Fellowship grants.

Distinguished Faculty Advancement Program: This is a four- (4) year program.

Distinguished Faculty Advancement funds may be requested for up to $600,000 total costs (direct costs and facilities and administrative costs) for the project period, provided that an additional $100,000 is fully matched by the recipient. Other direct costs include but are not limited to course development, equipment, stipends, participation in professional society meetings, and preparation of papers, travel, and associated expenses. The base award is up to $500,000. However, the NRC may increase the award amount to the extent that a portion of the award is matched dollar for dollar by the recipient. Note: Trade Schools and Community Colleges are not eligible to apply for the NRC’s Distinguished Faculty Advancement Program grants.

Eligible Institutions:

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

Recipient Commitment and Responsibilities The recipient must demonstrate a commitment to the purposes of this NOFO. The PI and the recipient institution are expected to have or to develop an administrative structure that enables faculty, academic administrators, and others involved in the project to interact productively and provide mentoring during the award period. Recipient institutions will provide support to the participants (individuals) who receive scholarships, fellowships, distinguished faculty advancement grants, and trade schools and community college scholarships. The recipient institution receiving the NRC grant is responsible for all support provided under the grant. For scholarships, fellowships and trade schools and community college scholarships the recipient institution must clearly describe the student support structure, outline plans to manage the program, provide a description of its selection criteria and process, provide a copy of course listings, and agree to provide the NRC with a list of students. Recipient institutions must agree to provide compliance monitoring of student’s academic performance. Recipient institutions are required to maintain contact information for the subrecipients.

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. The PI for an NRC distinguished faculty advancement grant may not also be the supported faculty member under that grant.

Number of Applications:

An institution may submit only one application in response to this announcement for each of the Scholarship, Fellowship, Distinguished Faculty Advancement, and Trade School and Community College Scholarship grant programs. If applying for more than one program, the institution must submit separate applications for each program. Applications for the different grant programs cannot be combined.

Hearing Impaired:

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

Table of Contents Part I - Overview Information

Part II - Full Text of Announcement

Section I. Funding Opportunity Description

Section II. Award Information

Section III. Eligibility Information

Section IV. Application and Submission Information

Section V. Application Review Information

Section VI. Award Administration Information

Section VII. Agency Contacts

Section VIII. Other Information

Section IX. Standard Terms and Conditions for U.S. Non-Governmental Recipients

Part II - Full Text of Announcement

Section I. Funding Opportunity Description

1. Program Objectives To enhance the development of a workforce that will support the design, construction, operation, and regulation of nuclear facilities, this program provides funding for students and early career (untenured) faculty to support areas in nuclear-related fields, including nuclear science, engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, environmental science, electrical engineering, fire protection, geotechnical sciences, nuclear technology, structural and material engineering, health physics, nuclear fusion (fusion energy research), nuclear safety, and other nuclear-related disciplines. Related disciplines supported by this funding are intended to benefit the nuclear safety and security broadly. Proposals will be considered under this announcement for projects that would foster the development of innovative community engagement strategies, including incorporation of principles of equity and environmental justice. The following types of grants will be awarded under this NOFO:

• Scholarships o Scholarships for Institutions of Higher Education that Offer Bachelor’s Degrees;

o Scholarships for Institutions of Higher Education that are Trade Schools; or

Community Colleges that Offer Certificate Programs or Associate’s Degrees;

• Fellowships; and

• Distinguished Faculty Advancement Program.

Section II. Award Information

1. Cost-Sharing or Matching Cost-sharing or matching is not required. However, institutions are encouraged to cost share or match NRC funding (non-Federal funds) to enhance the benefits of the NRC grant. For purposes of this announcement, cost sharing or matching means additional contributions (either financial or in-kind) that enhance the overall goals of the scholarship, fellowship, distinguished faculty advancement, and trade school and community college grant programs. Cost-sharing or matching may be used to build infrastructure in nuclear and related disciplines and may include a variety of areas ranging from support of students to facility improvements or expansion. A written agreement or letter, within the last 12 months, with a cost-sharing or matching commitment is required at the time the application is submitted. See 2 CFR 200.306 for additional information.

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. Academic year faculty release time is not a valid “in-kind” cost share/matching contribution.

2. Service Agreements NRC requires service agreements for all scholarship and fellowship students under this program. Service agreement requirements are set forth in Section IX, “Standard Terms and Conditions” of this announcement (see Subsection 4, “Programmatic Requirements.”

http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=6513161b4160cdcdf773d20c58b46e80&amp%3Bmc=true&amp%3Bnode=se2.1.200_1306&amp%3Brgn=div8 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306

Section III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Institutions The NRC is fully committed to broadening the inclusion and contribution of communities that have been historically underserved. Eligible minority serving institutions (MSIs, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), or institutions located in overburdened and underserved communities are highly encouraged to apply to this NOFO.

• Institutional representatives may submit an application(s) if the institution is a regionally accredited U.S. public or private institution of higher education, as defined in Section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 USC 1002).

• Public/State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education

• Private Institutions of Higher Education

• Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs)

• Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

• Predominantly Black Institutions. (PBIs)

• Tribal Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCUs)

• Native American Non-Tribal Institutions (NANTI)

• Alaskan Native or Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions (ANNHIs)

• Asian American Pacific Islander Institutions (AANAPISIs)

Institutional representatives may submit an application(s) if the institution is a regionally accredited U.S. public or private institution of higher education, as defined in Section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 USC 1002). Institutions of Higher Education that are part of a statewide university system but have a unique Employer/Taxpayer Identification Number (EIN/TIN) may submit applications.

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

Under this announcement, Federal agencies, national laboratories, and Federally funded research and development centers are not eligible to apply for or participate in these Federal assistance grants (regardless of whether such entities wish to receive Federal funds or offer “in kind” services).

Under this announcement, entities other than qualified educational institutions (including individuals, NRC licensees, applicants for NRC licenses, and other non-institutional entities) are not eligible to participate in these Federal assistance grants (regardless of such entities wish to receive Federal funds or offer “in kind” services).

Applicants partnering with entities other than U.S. institutions of higher education will be deemed unresponsive and ineligible for consideration and the application will not be reviewed.

http://www.doleta.gov/recovery/pdf/20_USC_1002.pdf https://oui.doleta.gov/dmstree/gal/gal99/gal_0299a.htm http://www.doleta.gov/recovery/pdf/20_USC_1002.pdf

2. Eligibility Requirements

2.A. Eligible Scholarship Students Attending Institutions of Higher Education that Offer Bachelor’s Degrees

The Scholarship Program provides funding to 4-year colleges and universities to award scholarships to individuals pursuing degrees in nuclear-related fields; e.g., nuclear science, engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, environmental science, electrical engineering, fire protection, geotechnical sciences, nuclear technology, structural and material engineering, health physics, nuclear fusion (fusion energy research) and other nuclear related disciplines that may be beneficial in developing and maintaining a nuclear workforce. Students must be enrolled in an undergraduate bachelor’s degree program offered by an accredited institution of higher education in the United States that offers bachelor’s degrees. Institutions receiving NRC grants must implement procedures to monitor the academic progress of the scholarship students. The NRC will allow students of sophomore status to be considered for support after successfully completing year one of the degree program and adhering to the below criteria (e.g., 3.0 GPA, etc.).

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

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

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

3. Be matriculated in a bachelor’s degree/major program in a nuclear or specifically identified (to NRC) nuclear-related discipline (as listed above). The degree program must be outlined in the proposal.

NOTE:

• See Section 2.D for information about scholarships for Trade School and Community Colleges offering certificates or 2-year associate’s degrees.

• Community Colleges that offer 4-year bachelor’s degrees in nuclear science, engineering, health physics, and other disciplines are eligible to apply for Scholarship grants under Section 2.A.

• A student can be supported under an NRC scholarship/fellowship award and also perform research under a separate NRC research and development (R&D) grant.

However, the student should receive funding from the R&D grant for the work being completed under the R&D award, not from an NRC scholarship/fellowship award.

2.B. Eligible Fellowship Students Attending Institutions of

Higher Education that Offer Master and Doctoral Degrees

The Fellowship Program provides funding to colleges and universities to award fellowships to individuals pursuing degrees in nuclear-related fields; e.g., nuclear science, engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, environmental science, electrical engineering, fire protection, geotechnical sciences, nuclear technology, structural and material engineering, health physics, nuclear fusion (fusion energy research) and other nuclear-related disciplines that may be beneficial in developing and maintaining a nuclear workforce.

Students must be enrolled in a graduate degree program offered by an accredited institution of higher education in the United States. Institutions receiving NRC grants must implement procedures to monitor the academic progress of the fellowship students. The application must clearly describe how the funds will be applied.

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

1. Have at the time of application and maintain a 3.3 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) overall and within their major.

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

3. Be matriculated in a graduate degree program in a nuclear or specifically identified (to the NRC) nuclear-related discipline. The degree program must be specifically outlined in the proposal.

NOTE:

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

• A student can be supported under an NRC scholarship/fellowship award and also perform research under a separate NRC research and development (R&D) grant.

However, such a student should receive funding from the R&D grant for the work being completed under R&D award, not from an NRC scholarship/fellowship award.

2.C. Eligible Recipients of Distinguished Faculty Advancement Grants

Eligible faculty for distinguished faculty advancement grants are probationary, untenured assistant/associate professors who are on the tenure track. This includes faculty that are highly qualified individuals early in their academic teaching careers (who have not yet obtained tenure.

Recipient institutions will determine that the supported faculty member is committed to an academic career in nuclear-related fields; e.g., nuclear science, engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, environmental science, electrical engineering, fire protection, geotechnical sciences, nuclear technology, structural and material engineering, health physics, nuclear fusion (fusion energy research) and other nuclear-related disciplines. Faculty who are supported under a comparable early career development award funded by other Federal agencies are not eligible. The faculty member selected for support by an NRC Distinguished Faculty Advancement grant cannot also serve as the PI for the same grant.

Applications must describe the following: (1) how the institution will select the supported faculty member, (2) the level of support the institution will provide, and (3) how the institution will evaluate the supported faculty member during the grant period.

Proposed faculty can be supported for a maximum of 4 years. Supported faculty requesting an extension to the 4-year grant period due to major life events (e.g., a call to active military duty, an absence covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act, etc.) must submit their requests to the NRC in writing.

When a university wishes to propose a faculty candidate to be supported under the NRC Distinguished Faculty Advancement grant, the university will forward the following to the NRC: (1) the proposed faculty candidate’s curriculum vitae; (2) a statement confirming that the proposed faculty candidate meets the grant application requirements; and (3) documentation of the proposed candidate’s citizenship status, as required in Section III, “Eligibility Information” (see 2.E. Citizenship Requirements) of this notice of funding opportunity. The NRC shall review and approve the documentation for the proposed faculty candidate and issue a modification for the grant prior to the proposed faculty member’s commencement of support under the grant.

NOTE:

• Trade Schools and Community Colleges are not eligible for NRC Distinguished Faculty Advancement grants.

2.D. Eligible Trade School and Community College

Scholarship Students Attending Institutions of Higher Education that Offer Certificate Programs or Associate’s Degrees

The Trade School and Community College scholarship program provides funding to institutions to award scholarships to individuals pursuing certifications or Associate’s degrees in nuclear-related fields: e.g., nuclear science, engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, environmental science, electrical engineering, fire protection, geotechnical sciences, nuclear technology, structural and material engineering, health physics, nuclear fusion (fusion energy research) and other nuclear-related disciplines that are beneficial in developing and maintaining a nuclear workforce.

Institutions receiving NRC grants must implement procedures to monitor the academic progress of the scholarship recipients. The application must clearly state how the funds will be applied.

Student applicants must meet the following criteria to receive a trade school and community college scholarship:

1. Maintain satisfactory academic progress in the student’s field of study.

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

3. Be matriculated in a Certificate or Associate’s degree program for the field of nuclear- related study for which the scholarship was approved.

2.E. Citizenship Requirement

1. Scholarships and Fellowships Pursuant to Section 243 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, a student supported by a scholarship or fellowship must be a United States citizen. Students must also have full-time status at the recipient institution (universities, colleges, community colleges, or trade schools). Students holding F1 student visas are not eligible.

2. Distinguished Faculty Advancement Grants For the duration of the grant period and pursuant to Section 31a and 141b of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, all students, faculty, PIs, Co-PIs, and other participants supported under or participating in the grant must meet the following citizenship requirements:

(1) a United States citizen; or

(2) a non-citizen national of the United States (i.e., person born in outlying possessions of the United States such as American Samoa and Swains Island); or

(3) a non-citizen of the United States who has been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence (i.e., in possession of a currently valid Alien Registration Receipt Card I-551) for the term of the grant. Individuals on temporary or student visas, as well as refugees and asylees, are not eligible.

COMPLIANCE WITH U.S. IMMIGRATION LAWS AND REGULATIONS

1) Scholarships and Fellowships

Students supported by a scholarship or fellowship must be United States citizens.

2) Distinguished Faculty Advancement Grants For faculty supported by a distinguished faculty advancement grant, recipient institutions are responsible to ensure that their foreign faculty and personnel (including PIs or Co-PIs) are in compliance with all United States immigration laws and regulations, including employment authorization documents and visa requirements. Each institution receiving a distinguished faculty advancement grant under this award must ensure that foreign faculty supported are lawfully admitted to the U.S. for permanent residence for the duration of the grant period, as evidenced by Permanent Resident Form I-551 (Green Card). The U.S.

Citizenship and Immigration Services provides information to grant 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, pursue recoupment, and/or termination) should the recipient institution violate its responsibility under this clause.

Section IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Application Forms and Content The institution may download an SF-424 Grant 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.

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 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 http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays/ http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays/ mailto: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: 77.008 SF-424A: Budget Information – complete Sections A, B1, 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 Applications that do not include the required elements will be considered incomplete, non-compliant and/or nonresponsive.

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. If not applicable, a statement to that effect is required.

• Audit Report or working hyperlink

• Other required forms

• Cost Share Letter, if applicable

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.

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.

1 Applicants shall provide the budget breakdown required in Section B - Budget Categories by Year.

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

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 the University’s program and not NRC’s program.

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

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

• The project’s total funding request.

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

C. Project Description:

The project description shall address the evaluation criteria in Section V.2 and is limited to five

(5) pages or less, including text, tables, and visual materials (e.g., charts, graphs, maps, photographs).

Applications must include and clearly identify the following elements, which should be addressed in the evaluation criteria.

Scholarship and Fellowship Program

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

2. Describe the recruitment activities and specific marketing strategies designed to attract a large and diverse pool of applicants. Describe the selection process that will ensure that the most qualified applicants are selected based on academic merit. Identify the management structure and the capability for administering the program. Identify an evaluation plan that will provide information on the effectiveness of the project in attracting, preparing, and retaining individuals in nuclear careers. All projects are expected to include an evaluation plan to measure the project’s impact and the effectiveness of proposed strategies in attracting, preparing, and retaining students.

The evaluation plan should include a mechanism for tracking the scholarship and fellowship students as they fulfill their academic obligation and reporting to the NRC.

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

4. Identify whether or not these scholarships or fellowships are contemplated as an integrated element of a State or regional strategic plan including innovative approaches covering such arrangements as consortia, partnerships with other institutions, including Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), shared/distance learning programs, etc. Post- Secondary Minority Institutions are listed at:

http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/edlite-minorityinst.html.

http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/edlite-minorityinst.html

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

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

Distinguished Faculty Advancement Program

1. Describe the proposed distinguished faculty advancement program. Ensure that the faculty meets the eligibility timeframe.

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

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

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

5. Identify any arrangements with other non-Federal entities that provide additional support, usually in the form of cost sharing or matching to the goals of this project.

A written agreement or letter is required from the source of the matching funds.

Trade School and Community College Scholarship Program

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

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

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

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

5. Identify any arrangements with other non-Federal entities that provide additional support, usually in the form of cost sharing or matching, to the goals of this grant (a written agreement or letter is required with the application). Institutions must agree to require individual trade school and community college scholarship students to accept the service agreement terms as defined in this NOFO.

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 5-page 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. See Attachment 1 - sample budget narrative. This level of detail shall be followed in describing your budget narrative under SF-424A.

SF-424 Section A – Budget Summary: Fill in “31310024K0002” under the “Grant Program Function or Activity” (Column a). The Assistance Listing Number (ALN) number is 77.008 (Column b). Columns (c) and (d) should be left blank. Columns (e) and (f) should include the total Federal and Non-Federal funding for the entire grant period.

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

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

Include a detailed description of all costs in the budget justification.

The budget 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.

Applications Involving Multiple Institutions When multiple institutions are involved in a partnership arrangement, one recipient institution must be designated as the prime institution and funding for the other institution(s) must be requested via a subaward 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 subaward 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”. Student housing is not an allowable cost under this program. The recipient must provide documentation of tuition rates, if included in the application.

Grant funds may not be used to supplant funds otherwise available at the applicant institution. It is recommended that the recipient consult NRC contacts identified in Section VII, if there are any questions regarding allowable costs.

Personnel The PI will be solely responsible for planning, directing, and executing the proposed project.

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

Program Faculty/Mentors: Participating faculty/mentors should be actively engaged in mentoring, research or other scholarly activities related to the NRC grant funded project, or related disciplines.

For Distinguished Faculty Advancement grants only, undergraduate, and graduate students may be included on applications, not to exceed 4 students per supported faculty member.

Graduate students should not be listed as PIs, co-PIs, or senior personnel, and graduate student participation must directly relate to the faculty advancement plan. PIs must be formally affiliated with an accredited institution of higher education to be involved in this application.

Personnel costs to support graduate students assisting the faculty being advanced under the grant may be an international student, as long as the student is lawfully admitted in the United States for permanent residence (i.e., Green card). The PI cannot be the faculty participant selected to receive support.

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 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.

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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 for educational programs at the applicant institution.

Travel/virtual participation to the NRC to present research results and/or attend the NRC’s Annual Regulatory Information Conference (RIC) is an allowable expense. These expenses must be itemized, as appropriate, in the SF424A object class categories and fully documented in the budget justification. Committed Cost Sharing/Matching becomes an official part of the budget and should be documented on the SF424A and in the proposed budget justification.

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 curriculum vitae (two (2) pages maximum in length) for each individual proposed in the grant application, including the proposed PI, Co-PI, Distinguished Faculty Advancement faculty, and other senior personnel. The curriculum vitae must include 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.

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J. Citizenship Certification:

CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE WITH U.S. IMMIGRATION LAWS AND REGULATIONS

– TO BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO AWARD

When Should the Citizenship Certification of Compliance Statement be Submitted to the

NRC?

Applicant institutions are not required at the time of application to complete the Citizenship Certification of Compliance Statement. However, if your institution’s application is recommended for award, the NRC will contact your institution and require at that time that your institution provide a complete Citizenship Certification of Compliance Statement on your institution’s Letterhead.

Required Language for the Citizenship Certification of Compliance Statement (to be Submitted on University Letterhead) The required certification template is provided and must be submitted prior to award, and when required by the NRC. The certification must be on the institution’s letterhead and be signed by the Dean of the University.

When required by the NRC, the applicant shall provide the certification statement regarding the citizenship status of all students, researchers, PIs, Co-PIs, and other participants supported under or participating in this grant. For researchers, PIs, Co-PIs, graduate students, and other participants who are non-U.S. citizens, institutions are required to provide documentation that the individual is admitted to the United States for permanent residence (i.e., a current permanent residence Green Card). Individuals on temporary visas, as well as refugees and asylees, are not eligible.

An institution awarded an NRC grant will have an ongoing obligation to notify the NRC when it proposes to add a new participant to the grant (e.g., PI, Co-PI, graduate student, etc.). If the institution adds a new participant to the grant, the NRC will require a new Citizenship Certification of Compliance Statement at that time. (See attachments below)

• Attachment 2 (Certification of Compliance with U.S. Immigration Laws And Regulations (Scholarships and Fellowships including those for Trade Schools and Community Colleges)

• Attachment 3 Certification of Compliance with U.S. Immigration Laws And

Regulations (Distinguished Faculty Advancement Grants)

3. Submitting an Application Electronically to the NRC Applicants are encouraged to apply early to avoid problems uploading applications to www.Grants.gov. If necessary, the NRC will make adjustments to the correction window or submission deadlines to protect applicants’ ability to submit on-time.

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

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

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

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

Applicants must ensure that individuals selected as beneficiaries of support under this grant meet the legal requirements consistent with Supreme Court Decisions including Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin, Gratz v. Bollinger, Grutter v. Bollinger, and Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v.

President and Fellows of Harvard College http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/support/about-grants-gov 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.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.