FY26 Scientific Infrastructure Support for CINR NOFO Part 2 - FINAL 12DEC2025.pdf

Financial Assistance Notice of Funding Opportunity

Part 2

Fiscal Year 2026 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research Notice of Funding Opportunity Number: DE-FOA-0003541

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 Department of Energy (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 Part 2 Table of Contents

I. GET REGISTERED

SAM.gov Registration Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Grants.gov Registration 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. Conflict of Interest (COI) Acknowledgement

2. Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424)

3. Project/Performance Site Location(s)

4. Project Summary/Abstract File

5. Project Summary Slide

6. Resume

7. Budget Information Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A)

8. Cost Sharing Letter(s) of Commitment

9. Budget Justification

10. Vendor Quotes

11. Current and Pending Support

12. Potentially Duplicative Funding Notice

13. Lobbying Activities

14. Transparency of Foreign Connections

15. Impacted Indian Tribes Documentation (if applicable)

D. Funding Restrictions

1. Allowable Costs

2. Pre-Award Costs

3. Performance of Work in the U.S. 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 Clarification

3. Recipient Responsibility and Qualifications

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

5. Evaluation and Administration by Non-Federal Personnel

6. Selection

VII. SELECTION AND AWARD NOTICES

A. Selection Notices

1. Ineligible Submissions

2. Application Notifications

3. Applicants Selected for Award Negotiations

4. Alternate Selections

5. 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. 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. Conference Spending

18. Cost Share Payment

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

20. Pay Transparency Requirements

21. 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 U.S P. Acronyms

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.

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)

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: Subawardees/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

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, concept papers, and applications will not be accepted through Grants.gov (see eXCHANGE information below).

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

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 the Innovative Nuclear Research (INR) Integration Office 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 https://www.neup.gov/ https://www.neup.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.

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

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 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 Grants Officer 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)

Example 3, Cost Share with Matching for Topic Area 2: General Scientific Infrastructure (GSI) Support

To maximize the use of available NE funding, cost matching is required on a 1:1 dollar match for requested amounts greater than $250,000 for applications under the GSI area. A general explanation of cost matching is located in Part VIII - G. For example, if a $300,000 project is proposed, cost matching requirements apply to $50,000 of this amount (the amount over $250,000), and the recipient would be required to contribute $25,000. This requirement may not be waived. There is no cost matching requirement for University Research RU Infrastructure Support Awards.

For cost match, applicants may include the following costs as allowable in accordance with the applicable cost principles:

a. Cash;

b. Personnel costs;

c. The value of a service, other resource, or third-party in-kind contribution determined in accordance with Subpart E—Cost Principles—of 2 CFR Part 200. For recipients that are for-profit organizations as defined by 2 CFR 910.122, the Cost Principles which apply are contained in 48 CFR Part 31 Subpart 31.2. See § 910.352 for further information. [NOTE: In-kind contributions, like any other cost, need to be incurred during the award project period (e.g., DOE cannot give credit for costs incurred prior to the award, including prior development costs, unless otherwise authorized by the applicable cost principles)];

d. Indirect costs or facilities and administrative costs; and

e. Any funds received under the power program of the Tennessee Valley Authority (except to the extent that such funds are made available under an annual appropriation act).

Applicants shall not include:

a. Revenues or royalties from the prospective operation of an activity beyond the time considered in the award;

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-910.122 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/chapter-1/subchapter-E/part-31/subpart-31.2 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/chapter-1/subchapter-E/part-31/subpart-31.2 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-910.352

b. Proceeds from the prospective sale of an asset of an activity; and

c. Other appropriated Federal funds.

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—

(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 https://www.congress.gov/117/plaws/publ167/PLAW-117publ167.pdf%22%20/l%20%22page=105 https://www.congress.gov/118/bills/hr4366/BILLS-118hr4366enr.pdf https://www.congress.gov/117/plaws/publ167/PLAW-117publ167.pdf%22%20/l%20%22page=105 https://www.congress.gov/117/plaws/publ167/PLAW-117publ167.pdf%22%20/l%20%22page=105 https://www.congress.gov/118/bills/hr4366/BILLS-118hr4366enr.pdf https://www.congress.gov/118/bills/hr4366/BILLS-118hr4366enr.pdf 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 (U.S.); or

(ii) of theft or loss of U.S. 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 concept papers or the application if concept papers are not required.

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.

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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 Calibri 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 Application 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.

DOE provides detailed guidance on the content and form of each component below.

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 https://www.neup.gov/ mailto:neup@inl.gov 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 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 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 COI [TRACKING ID#].pdf

2. Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) Applicants must complete the SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance, which is available here, (https://neup.inl.gov/content/uploads/14/2024/07/SF424_4_0-V4.0-16.pdf. 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 17) and dollar amounts (Block 18) on the SF-424 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 SF424 [TRACKING ID#].pdf

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

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

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

Save file as: FY26 Site Location [TRACKING ID#].pdf

4. Project Summary/Abstract File The one (1) page project summary/abstract must contain a summary of the proposed activity suitable for dissemination to the public. It should be a self-contained document that identifies the applicant’s name, names of major participants, 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:

https://neup.inl.gov/content/uploads/14/2024/07/Infrastructure-Abstract-Template-1.docx.

Summary of Public Release Content

Applicant Name Provide the legal name of the applicant.

Major Participant Names List all significant project participants and their roles.

Lead Project Manager / Principal Investigator(s)

Provide names and titles.

Project Title Provide the title for the planned project.

Project Objectives Identify the overarching project objectives aligned with requirements set forth in the NOFO.

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 12-point.

Save template as: FY26 Abstract [TRACKING ID#].pdf

5. Project Summary Slide

The one (1) slide project summary file must contain the following information: a graphical summary to illustrate the proposed activities, a one sentence project summary, list of key project goals and a summary of the project impact. The summary slide should be a self-contained document that also clearly identifies the name of the prime applicant, the project director/principal investigator(s), the project title, partner and participating institutions, project period, and the budget request and cost-share (if applicable). 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.

https://neup.inl.gov/content/uploads/14/2024/07/Infrastructure-Abstract-Template-1.docx

Summary Slide Content Project Title Provide the title for the planned project.

Prime Applicant Provide the legal name of the applicant.

PI/LPM and Key Personnel Information

Provide names and titles.

Requested DOE Funds Identify Federal funds requested for the project.

Proposed Cost Share Provide the amount of cost share contribution.

Technology Summary Describe the technology to be developed.

Technology Impact Describe the impact of the proposed technology if the project is successful.

Project Goals Identify the overarching project goals.

Key Graphics Illustrations, charts and/or tables.

Key Idea / Takeaway Describe the key takeaway that you would like to provide to the DOE.

Save file as: FY26 Summary Slide [TRACKING ID#].pdf

6. Resume

A curriculum vitae or resume provides information reviewers can use to evaluate an individual’s skills, experience, and potential for leadership within the scientific community. Applicants must submit a resume or biographical sketch (see description below the table) for each Principal Investigator or Lead Project Manager, Senior/Key Personnel, and all covered individuals as defined in the NOFO Part 1, Application Content and Form—Application Content Requirements, Covered Individual Definition, Designation and Responsibility.

DOE reserves the right to not proceed with merit reviews for incomplete applications. Applicants must screen resumes to ensure that they do not contain Personal Identifiable Information (PII) such as personal addresses, personal landline/cell phone numbers, and personal emails.

Resumes must include the following information, at a minimum:

Curriculum Vitae / Resume Requirements Page Limit 3 page limit.

Contact Information

Phone, email, and address associated with the applicant at their respective organization. Do not include PII.

Education & Training

Provide name of institution, major/area, degree, and year for undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral training.

Curriculum Vitae / Resume Requirements Research & Professional Experience

Beginning with the current position, list professional/academic positions in chronological order with a brief description. List all current academic, professional, or institutional appointments, foreign or domestic, at the applicant institution or elsewhere, whether remuneration is received, and, whether full-time, part-time, or voluntary.

Awards & Honors

List any notable awards and honors received.

Publications List of up to 10 publications most closely related to the proposed project. For each publication, identify the names of all authors (in the same sequence in which they appear in the publication), the article title, book or journal title, volume number, page numbers, year of publication, and website address if available electronically. Patents, copyrights, and software systems developed may be provided in addition to or substituted for publications. An abbreviated style such as the Physical Review Letters (PRL) convention for citations (list only the first author) may be used for publications with more than 10 authors.

Synergistic Activities

List up to five professional and scholarly activities related to the proposed effort.

Additional Criteria

There should be no lapses in time over the past 10 years or since age 18, whichever period is shorter.

As an alternative to a resume, it is acceptable to use the biographical sketch format approved by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The biographical sketch format may be generated by the Science Experts Network Curriculum Vita (SciENcv), a cooperative venture maintained at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sciencv/, and is also available at https://new.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24- 1/ch-2-proposal-preparation#ch2D2hi. The use of a format required by another agency is intended to reduce the administrative burden to researchers by promoting the use of common formats.

Save individual resumes as: FY26 Resume [LAST NAME] [TRACKING ID#].pdf

7. Budget Information Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A) Applicants must provide a separate budget for each year of support requested and a cumulative budget for the total project period of performance. Use the SF 424A Form, “Budget Information – Non- Construction Programs” form on the DOE Financial Assistance Forms page at https://www.energy.gov/management/financial-assistance-forms-and-information-applicants-and-recipients. Alternatively, the direct link to the form is located here:

https://www.energy.gov/management/articles/sf-424-budget-information-non-construction-programs

Applicants may request funds under any of the Object Class Categories as long as the item and amount are necessary to perform the proposed work, meet all the criteria for allowability under the applicable Federal cost principles, and are not prohibited by the funding restrictions outlined in the NOFO Part 1, Application Content and Form—Funding Restrictions.

Save file as: FY26 SF424A [TRACKING ID#].xlsx https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sciencv/ https://new.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1/ch-2-proposal-preparation#ch2D2hi https://new.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1/ch-2-proposal-preparation#ch2D2hi https://www.energy.gov/management/financial-assistance-forms-and-information-applicants-and-recipients https://www.energy.gov/management/financial-assistance-forms-and-information-applicants-and-recipients https://www.energy.gov/management/articles/sf-424-budget-information-non-construction-programs

8. Cost Sharing Letter(s) of Commitment Submit letters of commitment from all third-party cost share providers (i.e., a party other than the organization submitting the application). The letter must state that the third party is committed to providing a specific minimum dollar amount of cost sharing or in-kind contributions allocated to cost sharing. Submitting signed letters with the application provides assurance that the commitments have been agreed upon. Letters of support or endorsement for the project from entities that do not have a substantive role in the project will not be accepted.

Letters of Commitment Content

Organization Name Phone, email, and address.

Proposed Dollar Amount to be Provided

Value of the contribution and percentage of the total project costs.

Cost Sharing Type Cash or In-Kind contribution (or both).

Each letter must not exceed one page.

Save file as: FY26 Letters [Organization] [TRACKING ID#].pdf

9. Budget Justification Applicants are required to provide a detailed budget justification for the project as a whole, including all work to be performed by the Applicant and its Subrecipients and Contractors, and provide all requested documentation (e.g., a federally-approved rate agreement, contractor quotes). Applicants should include costs associated with the Buy America Requirements for Infrastructure projects required annual audits and incurred cost proposals in their proposed budget documents. Such costs may be reimbursed as direct or indirect costs.

The budget justification detailed requirement instructions are available at NEUP.gov (https://neup.inl.gov/content/uploads/14/2024/07/Budget-Justification-FINAL_Rev2.pdf). Although the data requested is required, the use of the budget justification workbook is not.

Applicants must justify the costs proposed in each Object Class Category/Cost Classification category.

Provide an equipment list with the following information:

(1) Clearly identified equipment (e.g., description, manufacturer part number, etc., if known);

(2) Explain how the proposed equipment meets the definition of “equipment” at 2 CFR 200.33, as opposed to items of supply;

(3) Explain the need for the equipment to accomplish the project;

(4) Indicate the unit cost and quantity for each item to be purchased; and

(5) Explain how the cost estimates for equipment purchases are established, are determined to be fair and reasonable, and are consistent with applicant institution’s established procurement procedures (compliant with 2 CFR 200.17-200.326). Include available supporting documents such as quotes or catalog pricing for the proposed equipment.

If cost sharing is proposed, provide an explanation of the source, nature, amount, and availability.

(1) the name of the organization;

https://neup.inl.gov/content/uploads/14/2024/07/Budget-Justification-FINAL_Rev2.pdf https://neup.inl.gov/content/uploads/14/2024/07/Budget-Justification-FINAL_Rev2.pdf

(2) the proposed dollar amount to be provided;

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

(4) the proposed cost sharing - cash, services, or property.

Funding restrictions for this NOFO:

(1) The application cannot include hiring or other human capital costs;

(2) Indirect costs are not allowed; the application cannot include the cost of routine operation and maintenance of equipment;

(3) Installation costs for equipment and instrumentation that are beyond the vendor’s standard installation cost are not allowed;

(4) Institution-specific costs, not specific to the equipment or instrumentation, are the responsibility of the applicant. For example, if a vendor needs to meet safety and health requirements to access the campus or a facility, these costs are the responsibility of the applicant;

(5) Funds are restricted to equipment for activities supporting research, teaching, and education;

and

(6) Upgrades to increase operational profit or support for commercial activities are not allowed.

Foreign travel is not allowed for awards made under this NOFO. Any foreign travel added to the budget justification will not be approved upon issuance of the grant.

DOE understands that projects selected under this NOFO may require the use of existing data. For purposes of this NOFO, DOE will consider data that is commercially available at an established price to be an allowable cost under the project (either as DOE share or non-federal cost share), but DOE will not consider in-kind data (e.g., data, owned by an entity, that is not routinely sold commercially but is instead donated to the project and assigned a value) to be an allowable cost under the project, including as Recipient cost share. Estimation methods used by the Recipient to assign a value to in-kind data cannot be objectively verified by DOE and therefore will not be accepted by DOE as an allowable cost under any project selected from this NOFO. Consequently, DOE will not recognize in-kind data costs in any resulting approved DOE budget.

Save file as: FY26 Budget Justification [TRACKING ID#].xlsx

10. Vendor Quotes Submit vendor quotes, referenced costs (e.g., catalog pricing), or other basis for estimate for any single item over $10,000. This is required even though the proposer may intend to submit the contract for open bids following award. Save vendor quotes in one single file.

Save file as: FY26 Vendor Quotes [Tracking ID#].pdf

11. Current and Pending Support Current and pending support is intended to allow the identification of potential duplication, overcommitment, potential conflicts of interest or commitment, and all other sources of support. As part of the application, the Principal Investigator or Lead Project Manager and all covered individuals as defined in the NOFO Part 1, Application Content Requirements—Covered Individual Definition, Designation, and Responsibility at the applicant and subrecipient level. Consistent with the chart below, the current and pending support disclosures and biosketch/resumes must together include a list of all sponsored activities, awards, and appointments, whether paid or unpaid; provided as a gift with terms or conditions or provided as a gift without terms or conditions; full-time, part-time, or voluntary; faculty, visiting, adjunct, or honorary; cash or in-kind; foreign or domestic; governmental or private-sector;

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

Information Required for Each Activity

Sponsor of the Activity The sponsor of the activity or the source of funding. Identify the entity for each proposal and/or active project that is providing the support. Include all Federal, State, Tribal, territorial, local, foreign, public or private foundations, non-profit organizations, industrial or other commercial organizations, or internal funds allocated toward specific projects.

Award Number The federal award number or any other identifying number.

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

Total Cost or ValueTotal Cost or Value The total cost or value of the award or activity, including direct and indirect costs and cost share.

For pending proposals, provide the total amount of requested funding. For in-kind contributions, enter the US dollar value of the in-kind contribution with an estimated value of $5000 or more. If the dollar value is not readily ascertainable, a reasonable estimate should be provided. If the support is in a foreign country’s currency, convert to US dollars at time of submission rounded to the nearest dollar.

Primary Place of Performance Identify the primary location where the proposal and/or active project is being executed. Enter the City, State/Province, and Country where the organization is located. If the State/Province is not applicable, state N/A.

Award Period The "Start Date" through "End Date."

Person-months The person-months of effort per year dedicated to the award or activity. Enter how much time the individual anticipates is necessary to complete the scope of work on the proposal and/or active…