FY25 N0001425SF006 ONR STEM_.pdf

ONR Announcement N0001425SF0006

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY (NOFO)

FY25 Office of Naval Research (ONR) Science, Technology, Engineering and

Mathematic (STEM) Education and Workforce Program

Deadlines

Applications must be received no later than June 30, 2026 (Tuesday) at 5:00 PM Eastern Time

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Contents Overview of the Research Opportunity

A. Basic Information

1. Federal Agency Name

2. Funding Opportunity Title

3. Announcement Type

4. Funding Opportunity Number

5. Assistance Listing Number

6. Funding Details

7. Key Dates

8. Executive Summary

9. Agency Contact Information

B. Eligibility

1. Eligibility for Competition

2. Eligible Applicants

3. Funding Restrictions

4. Cost Sharing or Matching

C. Program Description

1. Instrument Type

2. Model Grants

D. Application Content and Format

1. Applications Contents and Format

a. General Information

b. White Papers are not required. If the Principal Investigator decides to submit a white paper use the following format

c. Full Proposals

E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

1. Address to Request Application Package

2. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM)

3. Submission Instructions

a. White Paper Submission Instructions

b. Full Proposal Submission Instructions

c. Applicant Support

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4. Submission Dates and Times

a. Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission

b. Proposal Receipt Notice

F. Application Review Information

1. Responsiveness Reviews

2. Review Criteria

3. Review and Selection Process

a. Evaluation

b. Options

c. Evaluation Panel

4. Risk Review

G. Award Notices

1. Email

2. Electronic Document Access (EDA)

H. Post-Award Requirements and Administration

1. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

a. Export Control

b. Requirements Concerning Live Organisms:

c. Biosafety and Biosecurity Requirements:

d. Research Involving Recombinant (rDNA) or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules:

e. Institutional Dual Use Research of Concern:

f. Department of Defense High Performance Computing Modernization Program:

g. Project Review Meetings and Program Review Meetings:

h. Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006:

i. Financial Assistance Certification:

j. Certifications Regarding Restrictions on Lobbying:

k. Certifications Regarding the Prohibition on Using Funds with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements (Grant Information Circular (GIC) 19-02 November 2019) (Supplement to SF424 (R&R), block 17, Financial Assistance Certifications and Representations) ... 32

l. Certification Regarding Disclosure of Funding Sources (Supplement to SF424, block 17, Financial Assistance Certifications and Representations

m. Conflict of Interest

n. Code of Conduct

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o. Requirements for Operation and Procurement of Commercial Off the Shelf Unmanned Aircraft Systems

p. Research Integrity

2. Reporting

a. Reporting Procedures

b. Reporting Frequency

c. Definitions

d. Post Award Reporting Requirements

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Overview of the Research Opportunity

This publication constitutes a Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcement (NOFO) as contemplated in the Department of Defense Grants and Agreements regulations (DoDGARS) 32 CFR 22.315(a). The ONR reserves the right to fund all, some, or none of the proposals received under this NOFO. ONR provides no funding for direct reimbursement of proposal development costs. Technical and budget proposals (or any other material) submitted in response to this NOFO will not be returned. It is the policy of ONR to treat all white papers and proposals submitted under this NOFO as sensitive competitive information and to disclose their contents only for the purposes of evaluation.

This NOFO is for STEM education programs and activities, which is formal or informal education that is primarily focused on physical and natural sciences, technology, engineering, social sciences, and mathematics disciplines, topics, or issues (including environmental science education or stewardship).

STEM education programs and activities that could be supported by this NOFO include one or more of the following as the primary objective:

• Develop learners’ knowledge, skill, or interest in STEM.

• Attract students to pursue certifications, licenses, or degrees (two-year degrees through post-doctoral degrees) or careers in STEM fields.

• Provide growth and research opportunities for post-secondary, college and graduate students in

STEM fields, such as working with researchers or conducting research that is primarily intended to further education.

• Improve mentor/educator (K-12 pre-service or in-service, post-secondary, and informal) quality in STEM areas.

• Improve or expand the capacity of institutions to promote or foster STEM fields.

This NOFO will not consider applications for research, with the exception of those whose primary purpose is intended to further education (as described in third bullet above) and that are not expected to generate intellectual property. Efforts for research, including those supporting STEM, should be submitted under the current fiscal year Long Range BAA.

Hyperlinks have been embedded within this document and appear as underlined, blue-colored words. The reader may “jump” to the linked section by clicking the hyperlink.

Feedback: ONR is seeking feedback on the pre and post-award process in order to improve communication and the overall process, please provide your feedback to the questionnaires below, as appropriate.

Feedback on the pre-award process for an assistance award: https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/KDHbVQmme7

Feedback on the post-award process for an assistance award: https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/yq3ZA1ziYQ https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/KDHbVQmme7 https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/yq3ZA1ziYQ

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A. Basic Information

1. Federal Agency Name

Office of Naval Research One Liberty Center 875 N. Randolph Street Arlington, VA 22203-1995

2. Funding Opportunity Title

FY25 ONR Office Of Naval Research (ONR) Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education and Workforce Program

3. Announcement Type

Initial

4. Funding Opportunity Number

N0001425SF006

5. Assistance Listing Number

12.330 Title: Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics (STEM) Education, Outreach, and Workforce Program

6. Funding Details

The funded amount and period of performance of each proposal selected for award may vary depending on the technology area and the technical approach to be pursued by the offeror selected.

7. Key Dates

This announcement will remain open from the date of publication, until replaced by a successor. FOA proposals may be submitted at any time during this period. Selections for award will be made throughout this FOA open period of July 7, 2025 through June 30, 2026. The Government reserves the right not to review white papers or full proposals submitted after June 30, 2026, or after a successor to this FOA is issued, whichever occurs first.

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8. Executive Summary A brief description that is written in plain language and summarizes the goals and objectives of the program, the target audience, and eligible recipients. The text of the executive summary should not exceed 500 words

9. Agency Contact Information

All UNCLASSIFIED communications shall be submitted via e-mail to the Technical Point of Contract (POC) with a copy to the designated Business POC, as designated below.

Comments or questions submitted should be concise and to the point, eliminating any unnecessary verbiage. In addition, the relevant part and paragraph of the Funding Opportunity Announcement NOFO) should be referenced. Questions submitted within 2 weeks prior to a deadline may not be answered, and the due date for submission of the white paper and/or full proposal will not be extended.

• Questions of a technical nature shall be submitted to:

Point of Contact Name: Mr. William Ellis Jr.

Point of Contact Occupation Title: Program Officer Education and Workforce Division Code: 311 Address: 875 North Randolph Street, Arlington VA 22203-1995 Email Address: william.h.ellis.civ@us.navy.mil

• Questions regarding Grants proposal submissions shall be submitted to:

Veronica Lacey, Grants Officer Office of Naval Research ONR Code 253 One Liberty Center 875 N. Randolph Street Arlington, VA 22203-1995 Email Address: veronica.y.lacey.civ@us.navy.mil

B. Eligibility

1. Eligibility for Competition

Proposals for supplementation of existing projects are eligible to compete with applications for new Federal awards under this NOFO.

2. Eligible Applicants

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Disclosures of current and pending support made in this application may render an applicant ineligible for funding. Prior to award and throughout the period of performance, DoD may continue to request updated continuing and pending support information, which will be reviewed and may result in discontinuation of funding.

All responsible sources from academia, non-profit and for-profit organizations may submit applications under this NOFO. Foreign entities will be considered.

Federally Funded Research & Development Centers (FFRDCs), including Department of Energy National Laboratories, are not eligible to receive awards under this NOFO. However, teaming arrangements between FFRDCs and eligible principal applicants are allowed so long as they are permitted under the sponsoring agreement between the Government and the specific FFRDC.

Navy laboratories, military universities, and warfare centers as well as other Department of Defense and civilian agency laboratories are also not eligible to receive awards under this NOFO and must not submit either white papers or applications in response to this NOFO.

University Affiliated Research Centers (UARC) are eligible to submit white papers under this NOFO unless precluded from doing so by their Department of Defense UARC contract.

Limitations on Number of Applications – There is no limitation on the number of applications an applicant (organization) may submit under the announcement.

3. Funding Restrictions

Section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 (Public Law 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency from obligating or expending loan or grant funds to procure or obtain, extend, or renew a contract to procure or obtain, or enter into a contract (or extend or renew a contract) to procure or obtain the equipment, services, or systems prohibited systems as identified in section 889 of the NDAA for FY 2019.

1. In accordance with 2 CFR 200.216 and 200.471, all awards that are issued on or after August 13, 2020, recipients and subrecipients are prohibited from obligating or expending loan or grant funds to:

(1) Procure or obtain;

(2) Extend or renew a contract to procure or obtain; or

(3) Enter into a contract (or extend or renew a contract) to procure or obtain equipment, services, or systems that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. As described in Public Law 115-232, section 889, covered telecommunications equipment is telecommunications equipment produced by Huawei Technologies Company or ZTE Corporation (or any subsidiary or affiliate of such entities).

(i) For the purpose of public safety, security of government facilities, physical security surveillance of critical infrastructure, and other national security purposes, video surveillance and telecommunications equipment produced by Hytera Communications Corporation, Hangzhou

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Hikvision Digital Technology Company, or Dahua Technology Company (or any subsidiary or affiliate of such entities).

(ii) Telecommunications or video surveillance services provided by such entities or using such equipment.

(iii) Telecommunications or video surveillance equipment or services produced or provided by an entity that the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Director of the National Intelligence or the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, reasonably believes to be an entity owned or controlled by, or otherwise connected to, the government of a covered foreign country.

2. In implementing the prohibition under Public Law 115-232, section 889, subsection (f), paragraph (1), heads of executive agencies administering loan, grant, or subsidy programs shall prioritize available funding and technical support to assist affected businesses, institutions and organizations as is reasonably necessary for those affected entities to transition from covered communications equipment and services, to procure replacement equipment and services, and to ensure that communications service to users and customers is sustained.

3. See Public Law 115-232, section 889 for additional information.

COVERED FOREIGN COUNTRY means the People’s Republic of China.

4. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost sharing is not expected and will not be used as a factor during the merit review of any application hereunder. However, the Government may consider voluntary cost sharing if proposed.

C. Program Description

This NOFO is for STEM education programs and activities, which is formal or informal education that is primarily focused on physical and natural sciences, technology, engineering, social sciences, and mathematics disciplines, topics, or issues (including environmental science education or stewardship).

STEM education programs and activities that could be supported by this NOFO include one or more of the following as the primary objective:

• Develop learners’ knowledge, skill, or interest in STEM.

• Attract students to pursue certifications, licenses, or degrees (two-year degrees through post-doctoral degrees) or careers in STEM fields.

• Provide growth and research opportunities for post-secondary, college and graduate students in

STEM fields, such as working with researchers or conducting research that is primarily intended to further education.

• Improve mentor/educator (K-12 pre-service or in-service, post-secondary, and informal) quality in STEM areas.

• Improve or expand the capacity of institutions to promote or foster STEM fields

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1. Instrument Type

The authority for awards is 10 U.S.C. 2358 in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 63. The applicable regulations are 2 CFR 200, “Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards,” as implemented by 2 CFR Chapter XI, Subchapter A and DoDGARs at 32 CFR Subchapter C.

a. Grant: A legal instrument that, consistent with 31 U.S.C. 6304, is used to enter into a relationship:

• The principal purpose of which is to transfer a thing of value to the recipient to carry out a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by a law or the United States, rather than to acquire property or services for the Federal Government’s direct benefit or use.

• Substantial involvement is not expected between the Federal Government and the recipient when carrying out the activity contemplated by the grant.

• No fee or profit is allowed.

b. Cooperative Agreement: A legal instrument which, consistent with 31 U.S.C 6305, is used to enter into the same kind of relationship as a grant, except:

• Substantial involvement is expected between the Federal Government and the recipient when carrying out the activity contemplated by the cooperative agreement. No fee or profit is allowed. (For information on the substantial involvement ONR expects to have in cooperative agreements, prospective applicants should contact the Technical Point of Contact identified in the STEM area of interest.)

• The term does not include “cooperative R&D agreement (CRADA)” as defined at 15.U.S.C. 3710a

• No fee or profit is allowed.

• In accordance with 10 U.S.C. §4021(i), as amended, the following information submitted during the solicitation and award process of Cooperative Agreement for performance of basic, applied, or advanced research authorized by section 4001 are exempt from disclosure requirements of 5 U.S.C.

§552, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), for a period of five years from the date the Department receives the information. Offeror’s should mark the following documents with a legend asserting that they are submitted on a confidential basis:

o A proposal, proposal abstract, and supporting documents;

o A business plan submitted on a business proprietary basis;

o Technical information submitted on a controlled basis, as outlined in DoDI 5230.24, Distribution

Statements on Technical Documents.

2. Model Grants

The model grants at the link below are only provided as examples. In the event of any conflict between these examples and current 2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance or ONR terms and conditions, current 2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance or ONR terms and conditions will govern.

Examples of model grants can be found on the ONR website at the following link:

https://www.onr.navy.mil/work-with-us/how-to-apply/submit-grant-application

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D. Application Content and Format

1. Applications Contents and Format

a. General Information

All submissions will be protected from unauthorized disclosure in accordance with applicable law and DoD/DoN regulations. Applicants are expected to appropriately mark each page of their submission that contains any proprietary information.

Titles given to the submissions should be descriptive of the work they cover and not be merely a copy of the title of this announcement.

b. White Papers are not required. If the Principal Investigator decides to submit a white paper use the following format.

i. Format

• Paper size – 8.5x11-inch

• Margins – 1 inch

• Spacing – single-spaced

• Font – Times New Roman, 12-point

• Page limit – 5 pages, excluding cover page and references

ii. Content

White papers shall include the following:

• Technical Concept (Page limit): A description of the effort for STEM, including the objective and proposed approach.

• Future Naval Relevance-A descriptions of potential Naval relevance and contributions of the effort to the agency’s specific mission

• Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM)

• Curriculum Vitae (if needed)

c. Full Proposals

Prospective applicants must complete the mandatory forms in accordance with the instructions provided on the forms and the additional instructions below. Files that are attached to the forms must be in Adobe Portable Document Format (.PDF); cannot contain macros; and cannot be password protected. If an attachment is not PDF, contain macros or is password protected, they will not pass ONR’s automated acceptance check and will need to be resubmitted. Block 2, “Type of Application” on the SF 424 should be marked “New” on the resubmission.

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i. Format for Technical Proposal

• Paper size – 8.5 x 11 inch

• Margins – 1 inch

• Spacing – single-spaced

• Font – Times New Roman, 12-point

• Page Limit – 5 pages, excluding cover pages and reference.

NOTE: The following components are excluded from the page limit

Cover page Table of contents Letters of Support

There are no page limitations for the budget.

ii. Content

NOTE: The electronic file name for all documents submitted under this NOFO must not exceed 68 characters in length, including the file name extension.

Mandatory SF-424 Research and Related (R&R) Family Forms

The mandatory forms are found at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms.html

i. SF-424 (R&R)

The SF-424 (R&R) form must be used as the cover page for all proposals. Complete all required fields in accordance with the “pop-up” instructions on the form and the following instructions for specific fields.

Please complete the SF-424 first, as some fields on the SF-424 are used to auto-populate fields on other forms. Guidance can be found at https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/r-r-family.

The completion of most fields is self-explanatory with the exception of the following special instructions:

• Field 3 - Date Received by State: Leave Blank

• Field 4a - Federal Identifier: For new proposals, enter N00014. If the application is a renewal or expansion of an existing award, enter the ONR award number. Note: There is a space between the code and the first [ and between the , and the First Name. There is no space between the first [ and the last name.

• Field 4b - Agency Routing Number: Enter the three (3) digit Program Office Code and the Program Officer’s name, last name first, in brackets (e.g., 331 [Smith, John]). Note: There is a space between the code and the first [ and between the , and the First Name. There is no space between the first [ and the last name.

Where the Program Office Code only has two digits, add a “0” directly after the Code (e.g., Code 31 would be entered as 310) https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms.html

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Applicants who fail to provide a Program Officer Code identifier may receive a notice that their proposal is rejected.

• Field 4c - Previous Grants.gov Tracking ID: If this submission is for a Changed/Corrected Application, enter the Grants.gov tracking number of the previous proposal submission; otherwise, leave blank.

• Field 5 – Application Information: Email address entered by the grantee on the SF424 application to create the EDA notification profile. ONR recommends that organizations provide a global business address.

• Field 7 - Type of Applicant. Complete as indicated: If the organization is a Minority Institution, select “Other” and under “Other (Specify)” note that the institution is a Minority Institution (MI).

• Field 9 - Name of Federal Agency: List the Office of Naval Research as the reviewing agency. This field is pre-populated in Grants.gov.

• Field 11 – Descriptive Title of Applicant’s Project: Include the ONR White Paper Tracking Number provided to the applicant by ONR.

• Field 14 – Project Director/Principal Investigator: Email address entered by the grantee on the SF424 application to create the EDA notification profile

• Field 16 - Is Application Subject to Review by State Executive Order 12372 Process? Choose “No”.

Check “Program is Not Covered by Executive Order 12372.”

• Field 17 – Certification: All awards require some form of certifications of compliance with national policy requirements. By checking “I Agree” on the SF 424 (R&R) block 17 you agree to abide by the following statement: “By signing this application, I certify (1) to the statements contained in the list of certifications and (2) that the statements herein are true, complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I also provide the required assurances and agree to comply with any resulting terms if I accept an award. I am aware that any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or claims may subject me to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties. (U.S. code, Title18, Section 1001). In addition, the Financial Assistance General Certifications and Representations must be completed in SAM.gov (https://sam.gov/content/home).

• Field 19 – Authorized Representative: Email address entered by the grantee on the SF424 application to create the EDA notification profile.

ii. PROJECT/ABSTRACT

The project summary/abstract must identify the STEM problem and objectives, technical approaches, anticipated outcome of the research, if successful, and impact on DoD capabilities. Use only characters available on a standard QWERTY keyboard. Spell out all Greek letters, other non-English letters, and symbols. Graphics are not allowed and there is a one page or 4,000-character including spaces limit whichever is less.

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Do not include proprietary or confidential information. The project summary/ abstract must be marked by the applicant as “Approved for Public Release”. Abstracts of all funded research projects will be posted on the public DTIC website: https://discover.dtic.mil/public-access-search/

RESEARCH AND RELATED OTHER PROJECT INFORMATION

• Fields 1 and 1a – Human Subject Use: Each proposal must address human subject involvement in the research by completing Fields 1 and 1a of the R&R Other Project Information form. For proposals containing activities that include or may include “research involving human subject” as defined in DoDI 3216.02, prior to award, the Applicant must submit the required documentation under “Use of Human Subjects in Research” (Section H).

• Fields 2 and 2a – Vertebrate Animal Use: Each proposal must address animal use protocols by addressing Fields 2 and 2a of the R&R Other Project Information form. If animals are to be utilized in the research effort proposed, the applicant must submit the documents described under “Use of Animals” (Section H).

• Fields 4a through 4d – Environmental Compliance: Address these fields and briefly indicate whether the intended research will result in environmental impacts outside the laboratory, and how the applicant will ensure compliance with environmental statutes and regulations.

Federal agencies making grant or cooperative agreement awards and recipients of such awards must comply with all applicable environmental planning and regulatory compliance requirements. The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), 42 U.S.C. § 4321 et seq. for example, requires that agencies consider the environmental impact of “major Federal actions” prior to any final agency decision. With respect to those awards which constitute “major Federal actions,” as defined in 40 CFR 1508.18, federal agencies may be required to comply with NEPA and prepare environmental planning documentation such as an environmental impact statement (EIS), even if the agency does no more than provide grant funds to the recipient. Most field research funded by ONR, however, constitute activities covered by a NEPA categorical exclusion that do not require preparation of further environmental planning documentation.

This is particularly true with regard to basic and applied scientific research conducted entirely within the confines of a laboratory, if the research complies with all other applicable safety, environmental and natural resource conservation laws. Questions regarding NEPA or other environmental planning or regulatory compliance issues should be referred to the technical point of contact.

• Field 7 – Project Summary/Abstract: Leave Field 7 blank; complete Form SF 424 Project Abstract. If an error message occurs when leaving Block 7 blank, upload the Project Abstract.

• Field 8 – Project Narrative: Clearly describe the STEM effort, including the objective and approach to be performed, keeping in mind the evaluation criteria. Attach the entire proposal narrative to R&R Other Project Information form in Field 8. To attach a Project Narrative to Field 8, click on “Add attachment” and attach the technical proposal as a single PDF file. Save the file as “Technical Proposal” as typing in the box is prohibited.

The technical proposal must describe the STEM effort in sections as described below:

o Cover Page (not included in page limit): This must include the words “Technical Proposal” and the following:

https://discover.dtic.mil/public-access-search/ https://discover.dtic.mil/public-access-search/

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NOFO Number: N0001425SF006;

Title of proposal;

Identity of prime applicant and complete list of subawardees, if applicable;

Technical contact (name, address, phone/fax, electronic mail address);

Administrative/business contact (name, address, phone/fax, electronic mail address); and Proposed period of performance (identify both the base period and options, if included).

o Table of Contents (not included in page limit): An alphabetical/numerical listing of the sections within the proposal, including corresponding page numbers.

o Technical Approach (included in page limit): Describe the technical concepts that will be investigated, providing the complete plan for STEM efforts. Describe what is innovative about the proposed approach. Provide the proposed approach compared to alternate approaches others in the field have taken. Given the successful completion, describe the results, new knowledge, or insights.

Future Naval Relevance: A description of potential Naval relevant and contributions of the effort to the agency’s specific mission.

Project Schedule and Milestones: A summary of the schedule of events and milestones.

o Management Approach (included in page limit): Describe the overall management approach and provide rationale for participation of key team members. Describe the planned relationships with any subawardees or collaborators. This is a single PI award; if there are subawardees or collaborators, explain how the proposed team fits the single PI structure. If appropriate, briefly describe anticipated schedule.

o Principal Investigator Qualifications (included in page limit): A discussion of the qualifications of the proposed Principal Investigator and any other key personnel.

o Responsibility (included in page limit): Applicants must provide the following information to ONR in order to assist in ONR’s evaluation of the applicant’s responsibility:

Describe how you have adequate resources or the ability to obtain such resources as required to complete the activities proposed.

Describe how you have the ability to comply with the grant conditions, taking into account all existing and currently prospective commitments of the applicant, nongovernmental and governmental.

Describe your performance history; specifically, your record in managing Federal awards and the extent to which any previously awarded amounts will be expended prior to future awards.

Describe your record of integrity and business ethics.

Describe qualifications and eligibility to receive an award under applicable laws and regulations.

Describe your organization, experience, accounting, and operational controls and technical skills or the ability to obtain them (including as appropriate such elements as property control systems, quality assurance measures, and safety programs applicable to the efforts to be performed).

• Field 9 – Bibliography & Referenced Cited: Upload your Bibliography/Referenced cited as a single PDF.

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• Field 10 – Facilities & Other Resources: Describe facilities available for performing the proposed effort for STEM and any additional facilities the applicant proposes to acquire at its own expense. Indicate government-owned facilities already possessed that will be used. (Additional equipment will not be provided unless the effort for STEM cannot be completed by any other practical means.)

• Field 11 – Equipment: Describe any equipment available or any additional equipment the application proposes to acquire at its own expense. Indicate government owned equipment that will be used. Justify the need for each equipment item and provide vendor quotes. (Additional equipment will not be provided unless the research cannot be completed by any other practical means.)

• Field 12 – Other Attachments: Optional, as necessary

Grants do not include the delivery of software, prototypes or other hardware deliverables.

iii. RESEARCH AND RELATED BUDGET

The applicant must use the Grants.gov forms (including the Standard Form (SF) Research and Related (R&R) Budget Form) from the application package template associated with the NOFO on the Grants.gov web site located at http://www.grants.gov/. If options are proposed, the cost proposal must provide the pricing information for the option periods; failure to include the proposed costs for the option periods will result in the options not being included in the award.

The applicant shall provide a detailed cost breakdown of all costs, by cost category.

A separate Adobe .pdf document shall be included in the application that provides appropriate justification and/or supporting documentation for each element of cost proposed and include a link to the current since audit report. This document shall be attached under Section K. “Budget Justification” of the Research and Related Budget form. Click “Add Attachment” to attach.

• Part 1: The itemized budget should include the following. All costs should be rounded to the nearest dollar.

• Direct Labor – Individual labor categories or persons, with associated labor hours and unburdened direct labor rates. Provide escalation rates for out years.

• Administrative and Clerical Labor – Salaries of administrative and clerical staff are normally indirect costs (and included in an indirect cost rate). Direct charging of these costs may be appropriate when a major project requires an extensive amount of administrative or clerical support significantly greater than normal and routine levels of support. Budgets proposing direct charging of administrative or clerical salaries must be supported with a budget justification which adequately describes the major project and the administrative and/or clerical work to be performed.

Fringe Benefits and Indirect Costs (Facilities and Administration (F&A), Overhead, G&A, etc.) – The proposal should show the rates and calculation of the costs for each rate category. If the rates have been approved/negotiated by a Government agency, provide a copy of the memorandum/agreement. If the non-Federal entity has never received a negotiated indirect cost rate, they may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 15% of modified total direct costs or provide sufficient detail to enable a determination of allowability, allocability and reasonableness of the allocation bases, and how the rates are calculated. See 2 CFR 200.414(f) regarding the use of a de minimis rate.

• Travel – The proposed travel cost must include the following for each trip: the purpose of the trip, origin

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and destination if known, approximate duration, the number of travelers, and the estimated cost per trip must be justified based on the organizations historical average cost per trip or other reasonable basis for estimation. Such estimates and the resultant costs claimed must conform to the applicable Federal cost principles. Applicants may include travel costs for the Principal Investigator to attend the peer reviews described in Section H of this NOFO. A sample Travel Estimate Spreadsheet with the required information is located at the following link: https://www.onr.navy.mil/work-with-us/how-to-apply/submit-grant-application.

• Subawards/Subcontracts – Provide a description of the work to be performed by the subrecipient/subcontractor. For each subaward, a detailed cost proposal is required to be submitted by the subrecipient(s) using the R&R budget form. The same requirements for the individual categories identified in this section apply to the subaward/subcontract. Include subrecipient(s) name at the top of the budget justification document. A proposal and any supporting documentation must be received and reviewed before the Government can complete its cost analysis of the proposal and enter negotiations. ONR's preferred method of receiving subcontract information is for this information to be included with the Prime's proposal. However, a subcontractor's cost proposal can be provided in a sealed envelope with the recipient's cost proposal or via e-mail directly to the Program Officer at the same time the prime proposal is submitted. The e-mail should identify the proposal title, the prime applicant and that the attached proposal is a subcontract.

• Consultants – Provide a breakdown of the consultant’s hours, the hourly rate proposed, and any other proposed consultant costs, a copy of the signed Consulting Agreement or other documentation supporting the proposed consultant rate/cost, and a copy of the consultant’s proposed statement of work if it is not already separately identified in the prime applicant’s proposal.

• Materials & Supplies – In the budget justification, indicate general categories (e.g., glassware, chemicals, animal costs, etc.) and if the total cost of all the items in the category is less than $1,000, itemization is not required, but include the basis for the estimate (e.g., quotes, prior purchases, catalog price lists) . If the total cost for the category is greater than or equal to $1,000, provide an itemized list of all proposed materials and supplies including quantities, unit prices, and the basis of estimate (e.g., quotes, prior purchases, catalog price lists).

• Recipient Acquired Equipment or Facilities – Equipment and/or facilities are normally furnished by the Recipient. If acquisition of equipment and/or facilities is proposed, a justification for the purchase of the items must be provided. Provide an itemized list of all equipment and/or facilities costs and the basis for the estimate (e.g., quotes, prior purchases, catalog price lists). General purpose equipment (i.e., equipment not used exclusively for STEM, or other technical activities, such as personal computers, laptops, office equipment) should not be requested unless they will be used primarily or exclusively for the project. For computer/laptop purchases and other general purpose equipment, if proposed, include a statement indicating how each item of equipment will be integrated into the program or used as an integral part of the effort. Applicants must provide vendor quotes for any proposed capital equipment costs.

• Other Direct Costs – Provide an itemized list of all other proposed other direct costs such as Graduate Assistant tuition, laboratory fees, report and publication costs, and the basis for the estimate (e.g., quotes, prior purchases, catalog price lists).

The funds provided by ONR (including ONRG), generally may not be used to pay for food or beverages as a direct cost except in exceptional circumstances. The funds shall not be used for food or beverages unless

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a. The grant proposal contains a request for such funding that is fully supported factually in accordance with the cost principles of the relevant OMB Circular, and

b. The Grants Officer determines that the funding is a reasonable, allocable, allowable expense under the relevant cost principles.

• Fee/Profit – Fee/profit is unallowable under assistance agreements at either the prime or subaward level but may be permitted on contracts issued by the prime awardee.

iv. RESEARCH AND RELATED SENIOR/KEY PERSON PROFILE (EXPANDED)

To evaluate compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. A§ 1681 Et.

Seq.), the Department of Defense is collecting certain demographic and career information to be able to assess the success rates of women who are proposed for key roles in applications in STEM disciplines

The R&R Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) form has inputs to collect both ”biosketch” and “current and pending support” by using the common forms located at https://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/nstc_disclosure.jsp.

The Privacy Act and Burden Statement for the Common Form for Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support Information can be found at the following link under How to Submit a Grant Application – Full Application Submission: https://www.onr.navy.mil/work-with-us/how-to-apply/submit-grant-application.

Additional senior/key persons, biographical sketches, and current and pending support can be added by selecting the “Add Attachment” or “Next Person” button. Note that, although applications without these fields completed may pass Grants.gov edit checks, if ONR receives an application without the required information, ONR may determine that the application is incomplete and may cause it to be returned without further review. DoD reserves the right to request further details from the applicant before making a final determination on funding the effort.

v. RESEARCH AND RELATED PERSONAL DATA

This form will be used by ONR as the source of demographic information, such as gender, race, ethnicity, and disability information for the Project Director/Principal Investigator and all other persons identified as Co-Project Director(s)/Co-Principal Investigator(s). Each application must include this form with the name fields of the Project Director/Principal Investigator and any Co-Project Director(s)/Co-Principal Investigator(s) completed; however, provision of the demographic information in the form is voluntary. If completing the form for multiple individuals, each Co-Director/Co-Principal Investigator can be added by selecting the “Next Person” button. The demographic information may be accessible to the reviewer, but will not be considered in the evaluation. Applicants who do not wish to provide some or all of the information should check or select the “Do not wish to provide” option.

E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

1. Address to Request Application Package https://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/nstc_disclosure.jsp

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This NOFO may be accessed from the sites below. Amendments, if any, to this NOFO will be posted to these websites when they occur. Interested parties are encouraged to periodically check these websites for updates and amendments.

• Grants.gov (www.grants.gov)

• ONR website (https://www.onr.navy.mil/work-with-us/funding-opportunities)

2. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM)

All applicants submitting proposals or applications must:

a) Be registered in SAM prior to submission;

b) Provide a valid UEI number in each application or proposal it submits to the agency;

c) Obtain a CAGE Code; and

d) Maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active

Federal award or an application under consideration by a Federal awarding agency; and

SAM may be accessed at https://www.sam.gov/content/home.

A Federal awarding agency may not make a Federal award to an applicant/offeror until the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements and, if an applicant/offeror has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the Federal awarding agency is ready to make a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may determine that the applicant/offeror is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant/offeror.

3. Submission Instructions

a. White Paper Submission Instructions

ONR utilizes the ONR Submission Portal for the submission of white papers. The ONR Submission portal is a web portal that bridges the gap between government agencies and performers to streamline the process of doing business with the government. Through this portal, performers will be able to submit white papers and ask questions. To access the ONR Submission Portal go to https://submissions.nre.navy.mil/.

A registration and submission guide for the ONR Submission Portal can be found at:

i. How to register for ONR Submission Portal A registration and submission guide for the ONR Submission Portal can be found at https://submissions.nre.navy.mil/UserSupport/UserSupportPage

ONR Submission Portal Assistance If you need assistance, the ONR Submission Portal Support Team is standing by to assist you.

Email: ONR.NCR.053.list.onedesk@us.navy.milPhone: 703-696-1313 option “0” http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.onr.navy.mil/work-with-us/funding-opportunities https://www.sam.gov/ https://submissions.nre.navy.mil/ https://submissions.nre.navy.mil/UserSupport/UserSupportPage

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Hours: Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. to 6p.m. ET. Closed on Federal holidays.

b. Full Proposal Submission Instructions

i. Grants.gov Application Submission and Receipt Procedures

This section provides the application submission and receipt instructions for the Office of Naval Research (ONR) program applications. Please read the following instructions carefully and completely.

(a) Electronic Delivery ONR is participating in the Grants.gov initiative to provide the grant community with a single site to find and apply for grant funding opportunities. ONR applicants shall submit their applications online through Grants.gov.

(b) How to Register for Grants.gov

(1) Instructions: Read the instructions below about registering to apply for ONR funds. Applicants should read the registration instructions carefully and prepare the information requested before beginning the registration process. Reviewing and assembling the required information before beginning the registration process will alleviate last-minute searches for required information.

Organizations must have an active System for Award Management (SAM) registration, and Grants.gov account to apply for grants. If individual applicants are eligible to apply for this funding opportunity, then you may begin with step 3, Create a Grants.gov Account, listed below.

Creating a Grants.gov account can be completed online in minutes, but SAM registrations may take additional time. Therefore, an organization's registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact the entity's ability to meet required application submission deadlines.

Complete organization instructions can be found on Grants.gov here:

https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration/

1) Register with SAM: All organizations applying online through Grants.gov must register with the System for Award Management (SAM). Failure to register with SAM will prevent your organization from applying through Grants.gov. SAM registration must be renewed annually.

For more detailed instructions for registering with SAM, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration/

2) Create a Grants.gov Account: The next step in the registration process is to create an account with Grants.gov. Follow the on-screen instructions provided on the registration page.

3) Add a Profile to a Grants.gov Account: A profile in Grants.gov corresponds to a single applicant organization the user represents (i.e., an applicant) or an individual applicant. If you work for or consult with multiple organizations and have a profile for each, you may log in to one Grants.gov account to access all of your grant applications. To add an organizational profile to your Grants.gov account, enter the UEI Number for the organization in the UEI field. For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration/ebiz-poc-authorizes-profile-roles https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration/ https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration/ebiz-poc-authorizes-profile-roles

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4) EBiz POC Authorize Profile Roles: After you register with Grants.gov and create an Organization Applicant Profile, the organization applicant's request for Grants.gov roles and access is sent to the EBiz POC. The EBiz POC will then log in to Grants.gov and authorize the appropriate roles, which may include the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) role, thereby giving you permission to complete and submit applications on behalf of the organization. You will be able to submit your application online any time after you have been assigned the AOR role. For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration/ebiz-poc-authorizes-profile-roles

5) Track Role Status: To track your role request, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration/track-profile-role-status

(2) Electronic Signature: When applications are submitted through Grants.gov, the name of the organization's AOR that submitted the application is inserted into the signature line of the application, serving as the electronic signature. The EBiz POC must authorize individuals who are able to make legally binding commitments on behalf of the organization as an AOR; this step is often missed and it is crucial for valid and timely submissions.

ii. How to Submit an Application to the Office of Naval Research via Grants.gov

White Papers must NOT be submitted through the Grants.gov application process. White paper submissions must be submitted through the ONR Submission Portal.

All attachments to grant applications submitted through Grants.Gov must be in Adobe Portable Document Format. Proposals with attachments submitted in word processing, spreadsheet, or any format other than Adobe Portable Document Format will not be considered for award.

Grants.gov applicants can apply online using Workspace. Workspace is a shared, online environment where members of a grant team may simultaneously access and edit different web forms within an application. For each funding opportunity announcement (NOFO), you can create individual instances of a workspace.

Below is an overview of applying on Grants.gov. For access to complete instructions on how to apply for opportunities, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/applicants/workspace-overview

1) Create a Workspace: Creating a workspace allows you to complete it online and route it through your organization for review before submitting.

2) Complete a Workspace: Add participants to the workspace, complete all the required forms, and check for errors before submission. The Workspace progress bar will display the state of your application process as you apply. As you apply using Workspace, you may click the blue question mark icon near the upper-right corner of each page to access context-sensitive help.

a. Adobe Reader: If you decide not to apply by filling out web forms you can download individual PDF forms in Workspace so that theywill appear similar to other Standard or ONR forms. The individual https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration/ebiz-poc-authorizes-profile-roles https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration/track-profile-role-status https://www.grants.gov/applicants/workspace-overview

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PDF forms can be downloaded and saved to your local device storage, network drive(s), or external drives, then accessed through Adobe Reader.

NOTE: Visit the Adobe Software Compatibility page on Grants.gov to download…