FY26 CINR Phase II Continuation NOFO Part 2 - FINAL 12DEC2025.pdf

Financial Assistance

Notice of Funding Opportunity Part 2

Fiscal Year 2026 Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research Phase II Continuation Notice of Funding Opportunity Number DE-FOA-0003539

This is Part 2 of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The NOFO Part 2 is intended as a companion document to the NOFO Part 1. The NOFO Part 1 describes the specific DOE programmatic goals and evaluation criteria, eligibility, and other components that are specific to each funding opportunity.

Part 2 includes fixed DOE requirements that generally do not change from NOFO to NOFO. This document includes standard information for the application phase and describes expectations for award negotiations and post-award requirements for selected applications. Applicants should review both the NOFO Part 1 and the NOFO Part 2 prior to applying.

Notice of Funding Opportunity Number: DE-FOA-0003539l

Table of Contents

I. GET REGISTERED

A. SAM.gov Registration B. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) C. Grants.gov Registration D. NEUP.gov

II. ELIGIBILITY

A. Cost Sharing

1. Legal Responsibility

2. Cost Share Allocation

3. Cost Share Types and Allowability

4. Unallowable Cost Share Sources

5. Cost Share Contributions by FFRDCs

6. Cost Share Verification

7. Cost Share Calculation Examples

B. Other Eligibility Information

1. Questions Regarding Eligibility

2. Entity of Concern Prohibition

3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Application Use

III. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

A. Informational Webinar

IV. APPLICATION CONTENT AND FORM

A. Application Format Summary B. Application Content Requirements

1. Letter of Intent (LOI)

2. Full Application Content Requirements

C. Funding Restrictions

1. Allowable Costs

2. Pre-Award Costs

3. Performance of Work in the United States (Foreign Work Waiver) Requirement

4. Foreign Travel

5. Lobbying

6. Equipment and Supplies

7. Davis-Bacon Act Requirements

V. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

VI. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

A. Standard Evaluation and Selection Processes

1. Overview

2. Pre-Selection Interviews

3. Pre-Selection Clarification

4. Recipient Responsibility and Qualifications

5. Due Diligence Review for Research, Technology and Economic Security

6. Evaluation and Administration by Non-Federal Personnel

7. R&D and IRP LOI Review

8. R&D and IRP Full Applications

9. Selection

VII. SELECTION AND AWARD NOTICES

A. Selection Notices

1. Ineligible Submissions

2. Letter of Intent Notifications

3. Application Notifications

4. Applicants Selected for Award Negotiations

5. Alternate Selections

6. Applicants Not Selected for Award Negotiations

B. Post-Selection Information Requests

1. Example Information Requests

2. Entity Risk Assessment

3. Environmental Review in Accordance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

4. Flood Resilience

5. Trafficking in Persons

6. Construction Workforce Continuity Plan

7. Operations Workforce Continuity Plan

C. Award Notices

VIII. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

A. Post-Award Requirements and Administration

1. Award Administrative Requirements

2. Subaward and Executive Reporting

3. National Policy Requirements

4. Applicant Representations and Certifications

5. Statement of Federal Stewardship

6. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Financing Statements

7. Interim Conflict of Interest Policy for Financial Assistance

8. Whistleblower Protections

9. Fraud, Waste, and Abuse

10. Participants and Collaborating Organizations

11. Current and Pending Support

12. Prohibition Related to Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs

13. Foreign Collaboration Considerations

14. U.S. Manufacturing Commitments

15. Subject Invention Utilization Reporting

16. Intellectual Property Provisions

17. Technology Protection Plan

18. Data Management Plan

19. Conference Spending

20. Cost Share Payment

21. Implementation of Executive Order 13798, Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty

22. Pay Transparency

23. Human Subjects Research

B. Reporting

IX. OTHER INFORMATION

A. Government Right to Reject or Negotiate B. Commitment of Public Funds C. Treatment of Application Information D. Notice Regarding Eligible/Ineligible Activities E. Notice of Right to Conduct a Review of Financial Capability F. Requirement for Full and Complete Disclosure G. Retention of Submissions H. Title to Subject Inventions I. Government Rights in Subject Inventions J. Copyright K. Export Control L. Prohibition on Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment M. Personally Identifiable Information (PII) N. Annual Independent Audits O. Buy America Requirements for Infrastructure Projects; Required Use of American Iron, Steel, Manufactured

Products, and Construction Materials Produced in the United States P. Acronyms

Notice of Funding Opportunity Part 2 Section I: Get Registered

I. Get Registered

There are several required one-time actions applicants must take before applying to this NOFO.

Some of these actions may take several weeks, so it is vital applicants build in enough time to complete them. Failure to complete these actions could interfere with application or negotiation deadlines or the ability to receive an award if selected. If you are already registered, make sure your registration is active and up to date. All registrations are free.

A. SAM.gov Registration You must have an active account with SAM.gov, the System for Award Management (SAM).

This includes having a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

• What is it? SAM is a federal procurement database. All entities that want to do business with the federal government MUST be registered in SAM.

• Existing SAM registrations must be updated annually.

• Duration to complete: can take several weeks.

• Registration Link: https://sam.gov/content/home o NOTE: Subrecipients are not required to obtain an active SAM registration but must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier.

• HELP: https://sam.gov/content/help Applicants must allow several weeks for the SAM process to complete. All registrations rely on completion of the SAM registration.

(START Early)

B. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)

• What is it? UEI is a non-proprietary identifier that has replaced the Federal Government use of Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number effective April 4, 2022.

• Applicants must obtain an UEI from the SAM to uniquely identify the entity. The UEI is available in the SAM entity registration record.

o Note: Sub-awardees/subrecipients at all tiers must also obtain an UEI from the SAM and provide the UEI to the recipient before the subaward can be issued.

• Duration to complete: can take several weeks.

• Registration Link: https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration

• HELP: https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp

C. Grants.gov Registration

You must have an active Grants.gov registration to receive automatic updates when modifications to this NOFO are posted. Doing so requires a Login.gov registration as well.

• What is it? Website used to enable federal grant-making agencies to notify potential applicants of funding opportunities. Please note that letters of intent and applications will not be accepted through Grants.gov (see NEUP.gov information below).

• Step-by step instructions for applicants at How to Apply for Grants website https://grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-apply-for-grants

• Duration to complete: Can take several days.

• Registration Link: https://grants.gov

• HELP:

https://apply07.grants.gov/help/html/help/index.htm#t=GetStarted%2FGetStarted.htm https://sam.gov/content/home https://sam.gov/content/home https://sam.gov/content/help https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family https://grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-apply-for-grants https://grants.gov/ https://apply07.grants.gov/help/html/help/index.htm#t=GetStarted%2FGetStarted.htm

Section I: Get Registered

D. NEUP.gov

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

If you have any questions about NEUP site registration, application processes, eligibility, or application document requirements contact Nuclear Energy External Innovation Integration Office (NE-IO) at 208-526-4854 or at NEUP@inl.gov.

DISCLAIMER:

Applicants are discouraged from submitting information considered proprietary unless it is deemed essential for proper evaluation of the application. If the application contains information that the applicant organization considers to be trade secrets, information that is commercial or financial, or information that is privileged or confidential, the pages containing that information should be identified as specified in the application instructions. When such information is included in the application, it is furnished to the federal government in confidence, with the understanding that the information will be used or disclosed only for evaluation of the application.

The information contained in the application will be protected by DOE from unauthorized disclosure, consistent with the need for merit review of applications of financial assistance awards to assure the integrity of the competitive process and the accuracy and completeness of the information. If a federal financial assistance award is made as a result of or in connection with an application, the federal government has the right to use or disclose the information to the extent authorized by law. This restriction does not limit the federal government’s right to use the information if it is obtained without restriction from another source.

The rest of this page is intentionally left blank.

https://neup.inl.gov/ mailto:neup@inl.gov

Section II. Eligibility

II. Eligibility

Please refer to the NOFO Part 1, Eligibility for the eligibility criteria specific to your application.

This section includes additional information to help applicants understand the standard eligibility requirements across all DOE NOFOs.

A. Cost Sharing This section contains additional information to help applicants understand federal cost sharing requirements. Please refer to the NOFO Part 1, Eligibility—Cost Sharing for the cost sharing criteria specific to your application.

1. Legal Responsibility Although the cost share requirement applies to the entire project, including work performed by members of the project team other than the recipient, the recipient is legally responsible for paying the entire cost share. The recipient’s cost share obligation is expressed in the Assistance Agreement as a static amount in U.S. dollars (cost share amount) and as a percentage of the Total Project Cost (cost share percentage). If the funding agreement is terminated prior to the end of the project period, the recipient is required to contribute at least the cost share percentage of total expenditures incurred through the date of termination.

The recipient is solely responsible for managing cost share contributions by the project team and enforcing cost share obligation assumed by project team members in subawards or related agreements.

2. Cost Share Allocation Each project team is free to determine how best to allocate the cost share requirement among the team members. The amount contributed by individual project team members may vary, as long as the cost share requirement for the entire project is met.

3. Cost Share Types and Allowability Cost share must meet requirements set forth in 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.306 and 910.130, and cost principles set forth in 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.400-476 and 2 C.F.R. §§ 910.352. In addition, cost share must be verifiable upon submission of the full application. Cost share may be provided in the form of cash or cash equivalents, or in-kind contributions. Cost share must come from non-federal sources (unless otherwise allowed by law), such as project participants, state or local governments, or other third-party financing. DOE Loan Guarantees cannot be leveraged by applicants to provide the required cost share or otherwise support the same scope that is proposed under a project.

Cost share may be provided by the recipient, subrecipients, or third parties (entities that do not have a role in performing the scope of work). Vendors/contractors may not provide cost share.

Any partial donation of goods or services is considered a discount and is not allowable.

Cash contributions include but are not limited to personnel costs, fringe costs, supply and equipment costs, indirect costs, and other direct costs.

In-kind contributions are those where a value of the contribution can be readily determined, verified, and justified but where no actual cash is transacted in securing the good or service https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-IX/part-910/subpart-B/section-910.130 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFR1f52baf5ea70fff/section-200.400 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-IX/part-910/subpart-D/section-910.352 comprising the contribution. Allowable in-kind contributions include but are not limited to the donation of volunteer time or the donation of space or use of equipment.

Project teams may use funding or property received from state or local governments to meet the cost share requirement, so long as the federal government did not provide the funding to the state or local government.

Cost share contributions must be specified in the project budget, verifiable from the recipient’s records, and necessary and reasonable for proper and efficient accomplishment of the project.

As all sources of cost share are considered part of total project cost, DOE will review the cost share dollars according to the same federal regulations as federal dollars to the project. Every cost share contribution must be reviewed and approved in advance by the Contract Specialist and incorporated into the project budget before the expenditures are incurred.

4. Unallowable Cost Share Sources The recipient and subrecipient(s) may not use the following sources to meet cost share obligations:

• Cost share derived from federal sources (unless otherwise authorized by law).

• Cost share that does not meet:

o Requirements set forth in 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.306 and 910.130;

o Cost principles set forth in 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.400-476 and 2 C.F.R. §§ 910.352;

o For State Energy Programs, refer to 10 C.F.R. §§ 420.

• Cost share derived from the DOE loan program.

• Revenues or royalties from the prospective operation of an activity beyond the project period;

• Proceeds from the prospective sale of an asset of an activity;

• Federal funding or property (e.g., federal grants, equipment owned by the federal government);

• Expenditures that were reimbursed under a separate federal program.

• Cash or in-kind contributions used to meet cost share requirements for another federal project or program;

• Existing data as an in-kind contribution (e.g., data owned by an entity, that is not routinely sold commercially but is instead donated to the project and assigned a value);

• In general, deferred or avoided costs such as unrealized tax credits; or

• If applicable, other items as identified by DOE Programs and as specified in the applicable NOFO Part 1, Eligibility—Cost Sharing.

5. Cost Share Contributions by FFRDCs Because FFRDCs are funded by the federal government, costs incurred by FFRDCs generally may not be used to meet the cost share requirement. FFRDCs may contribute cost share only if the contributions are paid directly from the contractor’s Management Fee or another non-federal source.

6. Cost Share Verification Applicants are required to provide written assurance of their proposed cost share contributions in their applications. If selected for award negotiations, applicants are required to provide additional information and documentation regarding their cost share contributions. Please refer to the NOFO Part 1, Eligibility—Cost Sharing for specific requirements.

7. Cost Share Calculation Examples Cost sharing is calculated as a percentage of the Total Project Cost. FFRDC costs must be included in Total Project Costs.

Example 1, Standard Cost Share Calculation The following is an example of how to calculate cost sharing amounts for a project with $1 million in federal funds with a minimum 20% non-federal cost sharing requirement:

• Formula: Federal share ($) divided by federal share (%) = Total Project Cost

Example: $1,000,000 divided by 80% = $1,250,000

• Formula: Total Project Cost ($) minus federal share ($) = Non-federal share ($) Example: $1,250,000 minus $1,000,000 = $250,000

• Formula: Non-federal share ($) divided by Total Project Cost ($) = Non-federal share (%) Example: $250,000 divided by $1,250,000 = 20%

Example 2, Blended Cost Share Calculation The following example shows the math for calculating required cost share for a project with $2 million in federal funds, with four tasks requiring different non-federal cost share percentages:

Task Proposed Federal Share

Federal Share % Recipient Share %

Task 1 (R&D) $1,000,000 80% 20% Task 2 (R&D) $500,000 80% 20% Task 3 (Demonstration) $400,000 50% 50% Task 4 (Outreach) $100,000 100% 0%

Federal share ($) divided by federal share (%) = Task Cost

Each task must be calculated individually as follows:

Task 1

• $1,000,000 divided by 80% = $1,250,000 (Task 1 Cost)

• Task 1 Cost minus federal share = non-federal share

• $1,250,000 - $1,000,000 = $250,000 (non-federal share)

Task 2

• $500,000 divided 80% = $625,000 (Task 2 Cost)

• Task 2 Cost minus federal share = non-federal share

• $625,000 - $500,000 = $125,000 (non-federal share)

Task 3

• $400,000 / 50% = $800,000 (Task 3 Cost)

• Task 3 Cost minus federal share = non-federal share

• $800,000 - $400,000 = $400,000 (non-federal share)

Task 4

• Federal share = $100,000

• Non-federal cost share is not mandated for outreach = $0 (non-federal share)

The calculation may then be completed as follows:

Tasks $ Federal Share

% Federal Share

$ Non- Federal Share

% Non-Federal Share

Total Project Cost

Task 1 $1,000,000 80% $250,000 20% $1,250,000 Task 2 $500,000 80% $125,000 20% $625,000 Task 3 $400,000 50% $400,000 50% $800,000 Task 4 $100,000 100% $0 0% $100,000 Totals $2,000,000 $775,000 $2,775,000

Blended Cost Share %

• Non-federal share ($775,000) divided by Total Project Cost ($2,775,000) = 27.9% (non-federal)

• Federal share ($2,000,000) divided by Total Project Cost ($2,775,000) = 72.1% (federal)

B. Other Eligibility Information Refer to NOFO Part 1, Eligibility—Eligible Applicants for NOFO-specific eligibility information.

The information below is standard for DOE NOFOs.

1. Questions Regarding Eligibility DOE will not make eligibility determinations for potential applicants prior to the date on which applications to the NOFO Part 1 must be submitted. The decision to apply in response to the NOFO Part 1 lies solely with the applicant.

2. Entity of Concern Prohibition

Prohibition No Entity of Concern as defined in Section 10114 of Public Law 117-167 (42 USC 18912), may receive any grant, contract, cooperative agreement, or loan of $10 million or more in Department of Energy funds, including funds made available by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (Public Law 118-42).

In addition, for all awards involving Departmental activities authorized under Public Law 117- 167, no Entity of Concern (including an individual that owns or controls, is owned or controlled by, or is under common ownership or control with an Entity of Concern) may receive DOE funds or perform work under any award, subject to certain penalties. See Section 10114 of Public Law 117-167 (42 USC 18912) and Division D, Title III, Section 310 of Division D of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 (Pub. L. No. 118-42) for additional information.

By submitting an application to this NOFO, the applicant is certifying that neither the applicant nor any of the project participants qualify as Entities of Concern.

Definitions Entity of Concern is defined as in section 10114 of Public Law 117-167 (42 USC 18912), also known as the CHIPS and Science Act, as any entity, including a national, that is— https://www.congress.gov/117/plaws/publ167/PLAW-117publ167.pdf#page=105 https://www.congress.gov/118/bills/hr4366/BILLS-118hr4366enr.pdf https://www.congress.gov/117/plaws/publ167/PLAW-117publ167.pdf#page=105 https://www.congress.gov/117/plaws/publ167/PLAW-117publ167.pdf#page=105 https://www.congress.gov/117/plaws/publ167/PLAW-117publ167.pdf#page=105 https://www.congress.gov/117/plaws/publ167/PLAW-117publ167.pdf#page=105 https://www.congress.gov/118/bills/hr4366/BILLS-118hr4366enr.pdf https://www.congress.gov/118/bills/hr4366/BILLS-118hr4366enr.pdf

(A) identified under section 1237(b) of the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 (50 U.S.C. 1701 note; Public Law 105–261);

(B) identified under section 1260H of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 113 note; Public Law 116– 283);

(C) on the Entity List maintained by the Bureau of Industry and Security of the Department of Commerce and set forth in Supplement No. 4 to part 744 of title 15, Code of Federal Regulations;

(D) included in the list required by section 9(b)(3) of the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020 (Public Law 116–145; 134 Stat. 656); or

(E) identified by the Secretary, in coordination with the Director of the Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence and the applicable office that would provide, or is providing, covered support, as posing an unmanageable threat—

(i) to the national security of the United States; or

(ii) of theft or loss of United States intellectual property.

3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Application Use

Any use of artificial intelligence in the creation of any part of an application for this NOFO must be appropriately attributed. Even with the use of artificial intelligence, each applicant is responsible for and is representing to the U.S. Government that the information in its application documents is accurate, that the applicant is fully capable of performing the work described in the application, and that the submission of the application does not and will not infringe or violate any rights of any third party or entity.

Section III. Program Description

III. Program Description

Refer to NOFO Part 1, Program Description for all information related to the specific NOFO goals, objectives, and topic areas, if any.

A. Informational Webinar Refer to the NOFO Part 1, Basic Information—Key Dates to determine if DOE plans to conduct an informational webinar while the NOFO is open.

If applicable, DOE will conduct an informational webinar during the NOFO process. It will be held after the initial NOFO release but before the due date for the application.

Attendance is not mandatory and will not positively or negatively impact the overall review of any applicant submissions. The webinar will be open to all potential applicants who wish to participate. Applicants should refrain from asking questions or communicating information that would reveal confidential and/or proprietary information specific to their project.

The rest of this page is intentionally left blank.

Section IV. Application Content and Form

IV. Application Content and Form

This section contains supplemental information to help applicants understand the application content and form requirements outlined in the NOFO including detailed information on the content and naming conventions of the application content. Please refer to the NOFO Part 1, Application Content and Form section for the application contents and form specific to your application.

Note that some of the required application elements below have separate requirements for Research and Development (R&D) versus non-R&D NOFOs. Refer to the NOFO Part 1, Application Content Requirements section for specific instructions.

A. Application Format Summary All submissions must conform to the form and content requirements described below. Refer to the NOFO Part 1, Application Content and Form for the page limits.

Format Requirements

Parameter Requirement File Format Portable Document Format (PDF) unless stated otherwise Language English Paper Size 8.5" x 11"

Margins Not less than 1" (>= 1") on every side Font Times New Roman typeface, a black font color, and a font size of 11-point or larger (except in figures or tables, which may be 10-point font). A symbol font may be used to insert Greek letters or special characters, but the font size requirement still applies.

References References must be included as footnotes or endnotes in a font size of 10 or larger. Footnotes and endnotes are counted toward the maximum page requirement.

Tracking ID Number A tracking ID number will be assigned to the application once an applicant begins the application process and saves the application. Once saved, the tracking ID number will be generated at the bottom of the application. The tracking ID number must be included with all application documents.

Specifically, the control number must be prominently displayed on the upper right corner of the header of every page and included in the file name (i.e., Tracking ID Number_Applicant Name_Application).

Page Numbers Page numbers must be included in the footer of every page.

Each submission must not exceed the specified maximum page limit, including cover page, charts, graphs, maps, and photographs when printed using the formatting requirements set forth above and single spaced.

Page Count Limitations If applicants exceed the maximum page limitations, DOE will review only the authorized number of pages and disregard any additional pages.

The following information is intended to address issues typically encountered during the application process. If you have any questions about NEUP.gov site registration, or require technical assistance, contact the Nuclear Energy External Innovation Integration Office at neup@inl.gov.

Additional Information

Deadlines for Submission

NEUP.gov is designed to enforce the deadlines specified in this NOFO. The “Save” and “Submit” buttons will automatically disable at the defined submission deadlines.

Submission Difficulties

Applicants who experience technical difficulties with submission PRIOR to the NOFO deadline should contact NEUP@inl.gov for assistance.

Application Forms

To access application forms and instructions available on NEUP.gov, select the appropriate call under “My Applications.”

Size Limitations

The maximum file size that can be uploaded to NEUP.gov is 100MB. Files larger than 100MB cannot be uploaded and hence cannot be submitted for review. If a file is larger than 100MB but is still within the maximum page limit specified in the NOFO, it must be broken into parts and denoted to that effect. For example: "TechnicalVolume_Part_1", "TechnicalVolume_Part_2".

DOE will not accept late submissions that resulted from technical difficulties due to uploading files that exceed

100MB.

B. Application Content Requirements

The NOFO Part 1, Application Content Requirements identifies which of the following application documents are required including the program-specific requirements such as the technical volume and specified page limits. Each application must be limited to a single concept and must not exceed the stated page limits.

1. Letter of Intent (LOI) LOIs are a requirement for CINR Phase II Continuation (CINR II) projects. Applicants must submit a LOI by the specified due date and time to be eligible to submit an application.

Applicants who do not submit a LOI cannot submit an application. LOIs will be used by DOE to plan for the merit review process. The submission should not contain any proprietary or sensitive business information. LOIs will be used for down-selection purposes. Applicants are not bound to the statements made in the LOI; it is reasonable for project partners, locations, or other factors to change during the application development process. DOE will not provide feedback on the LOI.

mailto:neup@inl.gov mailto:NEUP@inl.gov

Application forms and instructions are available at the NEUP.gov website. To access these materials: (1) go to www.NEUP.gov; (2) select “Login” from the top right hand corner of the screen; (3) enter your user credentials; (4) select “Applications” from the menu; and (5) find “FY 2026 CINR II Letter of Intent” and click on “Create New Application” for the type of application you are creating.

Each applicant must provide the following information as part of the LOI:

Letter of Intent Content Requirements

Project Title The project title should be consistently used across other application documents.

Technical Area

Applicable technical area

• R&D

• IRP

Lead Organization Complete legal name of the lead organization.

Organization Type

Academic; Federal Government; Federally Funded Research and Development (FFRDC); Government Owned and Operated (GOGO);

Indian/Native American Tribal Government; Individual; Large Business; Non-Profit; Small Business; State and/or Local Government

Recipient Technical Point of Contact

(POC)

Name and title for the Principal Investigator (PI)

The LOI includes a brief project description, which should provide an explanation of the proposed project. Applicants must include the following information:

Letter of Intent Requirements

Project Description A LOI template is available via this link: Letter of Intent Template

Page Limit • 5-page limit; 11-point font

Senior/Key Team Members (Subrecipients)

• List individuals who contribute in a substantive, measurable way to the execution of the proposed project and their proposed roles.

• List all subrecipients locations (addresses).

Other Collaborator (including Proposed Vendors or subcontractors)

• List all vendors or subcontractors planned for the award.

• List all other collaborator locations (addresses).

Project Description

Description of the proposed project covering following items within limitation of 5 page and minimum font size 11:

• A description of current progress on the current CINR award and expected deliverables in the final 12 months of the project.

• Summary of milestone completion, schedule, and performance of the current award.

• A description of the new scope proposed as the CINR II portion of the project.

• A description of how the two projects would be integrated together and the importance of direct follow-on to the current research objectives.

• Identification of existing/new key/senior personnel that will make research contributions to the new scope of work.

• The importance of the work to the NE mission.

• Budget estimates and anticipated project duration for

CINR II.

Save template as: FY26 PhaseII LOI [Tracking ID#].pdf

2. Full Application Content Requirements Applicants must provide all information requested. Forms and optional templates may be used to provide the information in accordance with the instructions below. Files that are attached must be in PDF format, unless otherwise specified in this announcement. Optional document templates can be found on the NEUP.gov website by clicking the ‘Documents’.

You must save the Full Application before a tracking ID number will be generated.

2.1 Conflict of Interest (COI) Acknowledgement

The DOE interim Conflict of Interest Policy for Financial Assistance (COI Policy) can be found at https://www.energy.gov/management/department-energy-interim-conflict-interest-policy-requirements-financial-assistance. This policy is applicable to all non-Federal entities applying for, or that receive, DOE funding by means of a financial assistance award (e.g., a grant, cooperative agreement, or technology investment agreement) and, through the implementation of this policy by the entity, to each Investigator who is planning on participating in, or is participating in, the project funded wholly or in part under the DOE financial assistance award.

DOE’s interim COI Policy establishes standards that provide a reasonable expectation that the design, conduct, and reporting of projects funded wholly or in part under DOE financial assistance awards will be free from bias resulting from financial conflicts of interest or organizational conflicts of interest. The applicant is subject to the requirements of the interim COI Policy and within each application for financial assistance, the applicant must certify that it is or will be by the time of receiving any financial assistance award, compliant with all requirements in the interim COI Policy. The applicant must flow down the requirements of the interim COI Policy to any subrecipient non-Federal entities.

The applicant is required to disclose, manage, and report conflicts of interest as per the DOE interim COI Policy. Check the appropriate box on the application form certifying compliance with https://neup.inl.gov/resources/documents/ https://www.energy.gov/management/department-energy-interim-conflict-interest-policy-requirements-financial-assistance https://www.energy.gov/management/department-energy-interim-conflict-interest-policy-requirements-financial-assistance the COI Policy. If any disclosures need to be made, upload a COI document to the COI disclosure area of the application form.

Save file as: FY26 PhaseII COI [Tracking ID#].pdf

2.2 Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424 R&R)

Applicants must complete the SF-424, R&R form: Application for Federal Assistance, which is available here, and on the application site. The list of certifications and assurances can also be found at http://energy.gov/management/downloads/certifications-and-assurances-use-sf-424.

Complete all required fields in accordance with the instructions on the form. The System for Award Management (SAM) is the central repository for common government-wide certifications and representations required of Federal grants recipients. As registration in SAM is required for eligibility for a federal award and registration must be updated annually, Federal agencies use SAM information to comply with award requirements and avoid increased burden and costs of separate requests for such information, unless the recipient fails to meet a federal award requirement, or there is a need to make updates to their SAM registration for other purposes.

Please ensure that the dates (Block 12) and dollar amounts (Block 15) on the SF-424 (R&R) are for the complete project period and not just the first project year, first phase, or another subset of the project period.

Save file as: FY26 PhaseII SF424 [Tracking ID#].pdf

2.3 Research & Related Other Project Information

Applicants shall complete items 1-6 on the R&R Other Project Information from available at NEUP.gov, and upload a completed PDF copy of the form. Items 7-12 will be completed in the application form and do not need to be completed here.

Save document as: FY26 PhaseII R&R Other [Tracking ID#].pdf

2.4 Project Summary/Abstract File (use provided template on application site) The two (2) page project summary/abstract must contain a summary of the proposed activity suitable for dissemination to the public. It should be a self-contained document that identifies the applicant name; the name of the PI(s); and the names of key/senior personnel (for collaborative projects); the project title, the objectives of the project, and a description of the project, including methods to be employed, the potential impact of the project (i.e., benefits, outcomes), and major participants (for collaborative projects). Do not include any proprietary or sensitive business information in this document, because, if an award is made, the Department may make it available to the public. The required template can be found here.

Summary of Public Release Content

Applicant Name Provide the legal name of the applicant.

Major Participant Names List all and the names of key/senior personnel

Lead Project Manager / Principal Investigator(s)

Provide names and titles.

https://neup.inl.gov/content/uploads/14/2024/07/RR_SF424_5_0-V5.0-161.pdf https://neup.inl.gov/content/uploads/14/2024/07/RR_OtherProjectInfo_1_4-V1.4-2.pdf https://neup.inl.gov/content/uploads/14/2025/09/CINR-II-Abstract-template-2.docx

Project Title Provide the title for the planned project.

Project Objectives Should be a self-contained document that identifies the objectives of the project, a description of the project, including methods to be employed, the potential impact of the project, and major participants (for collaborative projects).

Project Description The description must include methods to be employed, the potential impact of the project (e.g., benefits, outcomes).

Publicly Releasable (Unlimited Rights) This document must not include any proprietary or business-sensitive information, as DOE may make it available to the public after selections are made.

Page Limit Clarification The summary must not exceed the stated page limit when printed, using standard 8.5” x 11” paper with 1” margins (top, bottom, left, and right) with font not smaller than 11-point.

1-page limit for R&D 2-page limit for IRP’s

Save template as: FY26 PhaseII Project Abstract [Tracking ID#].pdf

2.5 Technical Volume (previously-Project Narrative)

Applicant shall provide a written narrative addressing project execution strategy. The technical volume must not exceed 10 printed pages, including cover page, table of contents, charts, graphs, maps, photographs, references, other pictorial presentations, and must include all information in the table below, while complying with all document format instructions. The applicant should consider the weighing of each technical review criteria outlined in NOFO Part 1, Application Review Information, Technical Review Criteria when preparing the Technical Volume.

The documentation provided shall include the items specified below:

• Application title.

• Identification of associated CINR award by tracking ID #, DOE Contract Number, title, and year awarded.

• Project Objectives: Provide a clear, concise statement of specific objectives/aims of the proposed project in support of the NE mission.

• Proposed scope description.

• Logical path to accomplishing scope, including descriptions of tasks. This section will provide a clear, concise statement of the specific objectives/aims of the proposed project. This section should be formatted to address each of the merit review criterion and sub-criterion listed in Part V, Section A. Provide sufficient information so that reviewers will be able to evaluate the application in accordance with these merit review criteria. DOE has the right to evaluate and consider only those applications that separately address each of the merit review criteria.

• Relevance and Outcomes/Impacts: This section will provide a clear explanation of its importance and relevance to the NE mission as described in the objectives in Part I Section A.

• Schedule: Define timelines for executing the specified work, including all important activities or phases of the project. Successful applicants must use this schedule when reporting project progress.

• Milestones and deliverables.

• Type/Description of facilities that will be used to execute the scope (if applicable).

• The roles and responsibilities of each partnering organization in the execution of the work. Describe the role and work to be performed by each participant/investigator, the business arrangements between the applicant and participants, and how the various efforts will be integrated and managed.

• Unique challenges to accomplishing the work and planned mitigations.

• Information, data, plans, or drawings necessary to explain the details of the application.

Page limits include cover page, table of contents, charts, graphs, maps, photographs, tables, references and other pictorial presentations while complying with the document format instructions.

Applicants must provide sufficient citations and references to the primary research literature to justify the claims and approaches made in the Technical Volume. However, DOE and reviewers are under no obligation to review cited sources.

The Technical Volume should clearly describe and expand upon information provided in the Project Summary/Abstract File.

Technical Volume Content Requirements

SECTION/

PAGE LIMIT

DESCRIPTION/ 10-page limit

Cover Page The cover page should include the project title, the specific NOFO Topic Area being addressed (if applicable), both the technical and business points of contact (including the Administrative Officer, if applicable), names of all team member organizations, names of covered individuals and their organizations, the project location(s), and any statements regarding confidentiality.

Identification of associated CINR award by tracking ID #, DOE Contract Number, title, and year awarded.

Project Overview (Approximatel y 10% of the Technical Volume)

The Project Overview should contain the following information:

• Background: The applicant should discuss the background of its organization, including the history, successes, and current research and development status (i.e., the technical baseline) relevant to the technical topic being addressed in the Full Application.

• Project Goal: The applicant should explicitly identify the targeted improvements to the baseline technology and the critical success factors in achieving that goal.

• DOE Impact: The applicant should discuss the impact that DOE funding would have on the proposed project. Applicants should specifically explain how DOE funding, relative to prior, current, or anticipated funding from other public and private sources, is necessary to achieve the project objectives.

Technical Description, Innovation, and Impact (Approximatel y 30% of the Technical Volume)

The Technical Description should contain the following information:

• Relevance and Outcomes: The applicant should provide a detailed description of the technology or focus area, including the scientific and other principles and objectives that will be pursued during the project. This section should describe the relevance of the proposed project to the goals and objectives of the NOFO, including the potential to meet specific DOE technical targets or other relevant performance targets. The applicant should clearly specify the expected outcomes of the project.

• Feasibility: The applicant should demonstrate the technical feasibility of the proposed technology and capability of achieving the anticipated performance targets, including a description of previous work done and prior results. This section should also address the project’s access to necessary infrastructure (e.g., transportation, water, electricity transmission), including any use of existing infrastructure, as well as to a skilled workforce.

• Innovation and Impacts: The applicant should describe the current state-of-the-art in the applicable field, the specific innovation of the proposed technology or focus area, the advantages of proposed technology over current and emerging technologies, and the overall impact on advancing the state-of-the-art/technical baseline if the project is successful.

Workplan in Statement of Project Objectives (Approximatel y 40% of the Technical Volume)

The Workplan is described in the statement of project objectives (SOPO) that includes a summary of the Project Objectives, Technical Scope, Project Tasks, and Milestones. The SOPO is to be provided as part of the application. The SOPO should contain the following information:

• Project Objectives: The applicant should provide a clear and concise (high-level) statement of the goals and objectives of the project as well as the expected outcomes.

• Technical Scope Summary: The applicant should provide a summary description of the overall work scope and approach to achieve the objective(s). The applicant should describe the specific expected end result of each performance period.

• Task Description Summary: The SOPO should provide a high-level description of tasks, milestones, and deliverables required to accomplish the final project goal(s)with a hierarchy of performance period (approximately annual), task and subtasks. The SOPO shall contain a concise description of the specific tasks to be conducted over the life of the project. The description shall be a full explanation and disclosure of the project being proposed (i.e., a statement such as “we will then complete a proprietary process” is unacceptable).

• Milestone Summary: The SOPO should provide a summary of appropriate milestones throughout the project to demonstrate success. A milestone may be either a progress measure (which can be activity based) or a SMART technical milestone. SMART milestones should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely, and must demonstrate a technical achievement rather than simply completing a task. Unless otherwise specified in the NOFO, the minimum requirement is that each project must have at least one milestone per quarter for the duration of the project with at least one SMART technical milestone per year (depending on the project, more milestones may be necessary to comprehensively demonstrate progress). The applicant should also provide the means by which the milestone will be verified.

• End of Project Goal: The SOPO should include a summary of the end of project goal(s). At a minimum, each project must have one SMART end of project goal.

• Project Schedule (Gantt Chart or similar): The applicant should provide a schedule for the entire project, including task and subtask durations, and milestones.

• Buy America Requirements for Infrastructure Projects: The narrative must, include a short statement on whether the project will involve the construction, alteration, and/or repair of infrastructure in the U.S.

Build America, Buy America | Department of Energy for applicable definitions and other information to inform this statement.

• Project Management: The applicant should discuss the team’s proposed management plan, including the following:

• The overall approach to and organization for managing the work;

• The roles of each project team member;

• Any critical handoffs/interdependencies among project team members;

• The technical and management aspects of the management plan, including systems and practices, such as financial and project management practices;

• The approach to project risk management, including a plan for securing a qualified workforce and mitigating risks to project https://www.energy.gov/management/build-america-buy-america performance including but not limited to community or labor disputes;

• A description of how project changes will be handled;

• If applicable, the approach to Quality Assurance/Control; and

• How communications will be maintained among project team members.

• Market Transformation Plan: The applicant should provide a market transformation plan, including the following:

• Identification of target market, competitors, and distribution channels for proposed technology along with known or perceived barriers to market penetration, including a mitigation plan; and

• Identification of a product development and/or service plan, commercialization timeline, financing, product marketing, legal/regulatory considerations including intellectual property, infrastructure requirements, data dissemination, and product distribution.

Technical Qualification s and Resources (Approximatel y 20% of the Technical Volume)

The Technical Qualifications and Resources should contain the following information:

• A description of the project team’s unique qualifications and expertise, including those of key subrecipients;

• A description of the project team’s existing equipment and facilities, or equipment or facilities already in place on the proposed project site, that will facilitate the successful completion of the proposed project; include a justification of any new equipment or facilities requested as part of the project;

• Relevant, previous work efforts, demonstrated innovations, and how these enable the applicant to achieve the project objectives;

• The time commitment of the key team members to support the project;

• A description of the technical services to be provided by DOE/NNSA FFRDCs, if applicable;

• The skills, certifications, or other credentials of the construction and ongoing operations workforce;

• For multi-organizational projects, describe succinctly:

• The roles and the work to be performed by the project covered individuals at the prime and sub levels;

• Business agreements between the applicant and sub;

• How the various efforts will be integrated and managed;

• Process for making decisions on technical direction;

• Publication arrangements;

• Intellectual property issues; and

• Communication plans.

Save file as: FY26 PhaseII Technical Volume [Tracking ID#].pdf

2.6 Transition Plan

Applicants will outline the current status of the awarded CINR projects and describe within a 5-page limit:

• How the current CINR project will be completed and descriptions of milestones and deliverables including potential delays.

• How the current CINR project deliverables will inform the new scope of work and any risks to transitioning to the CINR II award. Risk mitigation plans should be identified for research that is still pending results.

• How the new scope will integrate, and compliment work already performed. This may include continuity of student researchers, expanded use of equipment, or other factors that would make a CINR II award more advantageous than a typical R&D award.

• Identifying any benefits or challenges to changes in team make-up between the current CINR project and new scope of work.

Applicants should provide sufficient detail to describe the impacts a CINR II award would have on the overall research goals of the project.

Save file as: FY26 PhaseII Transition Plan [Tracking ID#].pdf

2.7 Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Plan

If supplemental REU funds are requested, the applicant shall provide details about the proposed REU activities including:

• Total amount of requested funds and anticipated number of supported…