N0001425SF003 FY25 DoN STEM Amendment 1.pdf

REV NOV 2024

ONR Announcement N0001425SF003

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY (NOFO)

FY25 Department of Navy (DON) Science, Technology, Engineering, and

Mathematics (STEM) Education and Workforce Program

Deadlines

White Paper Inquiries and Questions 04 April 2025 (Friday)

White Papers must be received no later than

11 April 2025 (Friday) at 5:00 PM Eastern Time

Application Inquiries and Questions 22 August 2025 (Friday)

Applications must be received no later than

29 August 2025 (Friday) at 5:00 PM Eastern Time

Amendment 1: makes corrections to hyperlinked NOFO section references throughout the text.

This version of the NOFO supersedes all previous versions.

SPECIAL NOTE: DO NOT USE THE FEDCONNECT MESSAGE CENTER TO SUBMIT

QUESTIONS OR WHITE PAPERS. PLEASE FOLLOW THE WHITE PAPER SUBMISSION

INSTRUCTIONS IN THE FEDCONNECT HOW-TO GUIDE, OR SUBMIT QUESTIONS TO

THE APPROPRIATE AGENCY CONTACT LISTED IN SECTION A.9.

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Contents Overview of the Opportunity

A. Basic Information

1. Federal Agency Name

2. Funding Opportunity Title

3. Announcement Type

4. Funding Opportunity Number

5. Assistance Listing Number

6. Funding Details

Funded Amount and Period of Performance

7. Key Dates

8. Executive Summary

9. Agency Contact Information

B. Eligibility

1. Eligibility for Competition

2. Eligible Applicants

3. Funding Restrictions

4. Cost Sharing or Matching

C. Program Description

1. Instrument Type

2. Model Grants

D. Application Content and Format

1. Applications Contents and Format

a. General Information

b. White Papers

c. Full Proposals

E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

1. Address to Request Application Package

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

3. Submission Instructions

a. White Paper Submission Instructions

b. Full Proposal Submission Instructions

c. Applicant Support

4. Submission Dates and Times

a. Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission

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b. Proposal Receipt Notice

F. Application Review Information

1. Responsiveness Reviews

2. Review Criteria

3. Review and Selection Process

a. Evaluation

b. Options

c. Evaluation Panel

4. Risk Review

G. Award Notices

1. Email

2. Electronic Document Access (EDA)

H. Post-Award Requirements and Administration

1. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

2. Reporting

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Overview of the Opportunity

This publication constitutes a Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcement (N0001425SF003) as contemplated in the Department of Defense Grants and Agreements regulations (DoDGARS) 32 CFR 22.315(a). The ONR reserves the right to fund all, some, or none of the proposals received under this NOFO. ONR provides no funding for direct reimbursement of proposal development costs. Technical and budget proposals (or any other material) submitted in response to this NOFO will not be returned. It is the policy of ONR to treat all white papers and proposals submitted under this NOFO as sensitive competitive information and to disclose their contents only for the purposes of evaluation.

This NOFO is for STEM education programs and activities vital to the Department of the Navy, which is formal or informal education that is primarily focused on physical and natural sciences, technology, engineering, social sciences, and mathematics disciplines.

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

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

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

Provide growth and research opportunities for post-secondary, college and graduate students in STEM fields, such as working with researchers or conducting research that is primarily intended to further education.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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A. Basic Information

1. Federal Agency Name

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

2. Funding Opportunity Title

FY25 Department of Navy (DON) Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education and Workforce Program

3. Announcement Type

Amendment 1

4. Funding Opportunity Number

N0001425SF003

5. Assistance Listing Number

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

6. Funding Details

Funded Amount and Period of Performance

Under this NOFO, ONR intends to award o Anticipated Number of Awards: 8 o Anticipated Range of Individual Award Amounts: $200,000 per year for no more than 3 years o Previous Year(s) Average Individual Award Amounts: $600,000 for 3 years o Anticipated Period of Performance: 3 years

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7. Key Dates

Anticipated Schedule of Events *

Event Date

(MM/DD/YEAR)

Time (Local Eastern Time)

Questions Regarding Eligibility and Technical Requirements **

04/04/2025

White Papers Due 04/11/2025 5:00 PM Eastern Time

Notifications of Initial Navy Evaluations of White Papers*

07/18/2025

Questions for Grants Officer Regarding Proposal Submission**

08/22/2025

Proposals or Invited Proposals Due Date

08/29/2025 5:00 PM Eastern Time

Notification of Selection for Award * 12/12/2025

Start Date of Grant* 02/01/2026 *These dates are estimates as of the date of this announcement.

**Questions submitted after the Q&A deadline may not be answered.

IMPORTANT NOTE: White Papers are MANDATORY. Proposal submission is by invitation only.

8. Executive Summary

The Naval STEM Coordination Office (NSCO) is inviting a wide range of applications aimed at enhancing existing solutions or developing innovative approaches to maintain and cultivate a world-class Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) workforce. This workforce is essential for preserving the technological superiority of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

The proposed projects should focus on creating, enhancing, or sustaining educational pathways and workforce opportunities in STEM fields for U.S. citizens, particularly in areas relevant to Department of the Navy (DON) science and technology.

The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) encourages initiatives that strengthen the capacity of educational systems and local communities to provide impactful STEM learning experiences for students of all ages, as well as for the naval-related workforce.

9. Agency Contact Information

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

Comments or questions submitted should be concise and to the point, eliminating any unnecessary verbiage. In addition, the relevant part and paragraph of the Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcement (NOFO) should be referenced. Questions submitted within 2 weeks prior to a deadline

NOFO N0001425SF003 FY25 DON STEM Education and Workforce Program 7 may not be answered, and the due date for submission of the white paper and/or full proposal will not be extended.

NOTE: DO NOT SUBMIT QUESTIONS VIA THE FEDCONNECT MESSAGE CENTER.

Questions of a technical nature shall be submitted to:

Point of Contact Name: Dr. Michael Simpson Point of Contact Occupation Title: Director of Education and Workforce Division Title: Mathematics, Computer and Information Sciences (MCIS) Division Code: 311 Address: 875 N. Randolph Street, Arlington, VA 22203-1995 Email Address: usn.pentagon.cnr-arlington-va.mbx.don-stem-grants@us.navy.mil

Questions regarding Grants proposal submissions shall be submitted to:

Sarah Jaeschke, Grants Officer Office of Naval Research ONR Code 253 One Liberty Center 875 N. Randolph Street Arlington, VA 22203-1995 Email Address: sarah.m.jaeschke.civ@us.navy.mil

B. Eligibility

1. Eligibility for Competition

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

2. Eligible Applicants

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

All responsible sources from academia, non-profit, and industry (for-profit) organizations may submit white papers under this NOFO. Foreign entities will not be considered.

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

Navy laboratories, military universities, and warfare centers as well as other Department of Defense and

NOFO N0001425SF003 FY25 DON STEM Education and Workforce Program 8 civilian agency laboratories are also not eligible to receive awards under this NOFO and must not submit either white papers or applications in response to this NOFO.

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

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

3. Funding Restrictions

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

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

(1) Procure or obtain;

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

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

(i) For the purpose of public safety, security of government facilities, physical security surveillance of critical infrastructure, and other national security purposes, video surveillance and telecommunications equipment produced by Hytera Communications Corporation, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company, or Dahua Technology Company (or any subsidiary or affiliate of such entities).

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

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

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

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

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

4. Cost Sharing or Matching

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

C. Program Description

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) is interested in receiving a broad range of proposals for augmenting existing and/or developing innovative solutions that directly maintain, and/or cultivate an innovative, world-class Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) workforce to maintain the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps’ technological superiority. The goal of proposed efforts must provide solutions that establish, build, and/or maintain STEM educational pathways of U.S.

citizens directly relevant to the needs of Department of Navy’s (DON) current and future workforce.

As the capacity of the DON Science and Technology (S&T) workforce is interconnected with the STEM education system, DON recognizes the need to support efforts that can jointly improve STEM student outcomes and align educational and outreach efforts with Naval S&T current and future workforce needs, including skilled technical workforce. This announcement explicitly encourages programs that improve the capacity of education systems and communities to create impactful STEM educational experiences for students of all ages and the naval related workforce. Programs must aim to increase engagement in naval relevant STEM, and enhance the corresponding skills, knowledge, and abilities of participants. ONR encourages applicants to utilize current STEM educational research for informing program design and advancing STEM careers and opportunities of naval relevance.

While this announcement is relevant for any stage of the STEM educational system, funding efforts will primarily target projects addressing the below communities or any combination of these communities:

Secondary education communities;

Post-Secondary communities;

Informal science communities; and/or Current Naval STEM workforce communities.

Project scope may range in size and complexity. Projects that are already established with prior funding sources or have established stakeholder partnerships are especially encouraged to consider the following scope areas:

Develop and implement exploratory pilot projects that seek to create new educational experiences within educational and training communities.

Develop larger cohesive STEM education and training activities that strengthen the capacity of regional communities and stakeholders to improve STEM education and training.

Establish meetings with stakeholders that must seek to connect relevant people and organizations to explicitly develop broader projects for affecting entire communities.

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The technical content of any idea must establish naval relevance, such as, but not limited to, the science and technology areas listed here: https://www.nre.navy.mil/our-research/onr-technology-and-research

Eligible applicants under this NOFO may seek interest of Naval STEM Stakeholder Organizations (NSSO) and/or other naval organizations to partner on proposed efforts. NSSO carry out localized and community education and outreach efforts (SECNAVINST 3900.45A). NSSOs and/or other naval organizations have the option to collaborate if it is in the best interest of the DON. With regard to white paper submissions: Applicants should describe how they would identify and arrange partnerships with NSSOs. While Applicants may discuss their project ideas with NSSOs to gauge their level of interest about the proposed effort, applicants should NOT contact NSSOs for the sole purpose of establishing partnerships prior to a grant being awarded. Applicants are NOT required to establish partnerships with NSSOs.

With regard to invited applications: Letters of Interest (LOI) from NSSOs are not required.

For general information on NSSOs please contact the NSCO at usn.pentagon.cnr-arlington-va.mbx.don-stem-grants@us.navy.mil. The subject line of the email should read “N0001425SF003: Naval STEM Stakeholder Organization Information Inquiry.” The body of email should include a summary of your proposed project.

Applicants are encouraged to understand the significant reorganization of STEM funding across the Federal government. Applicants seeking to improve general national STEM performance rather than a focus on naval workforce needs, and particularly efforts aimed at the P/K-9 levels, are encouraged to seek funding from one of the designated lead agencies: The Department of Education, the National Science Foundation, or the Smithsonian Institution.

White papers are required and should:

Align with DONs Mission;

Have scientific and technical merit; and Show program viability during and after the period of performance.

Specific application evaluation criteria for this NOFO are included in Section F. Program overview/white paper information sessions will be held prior to the white paper submission deadline (11 April 2025).

Sessions will be open to all eligible applicants and potential partners. Please contact NSCO (usn.pentagon.cnr-arlington-va.mbx.don-stem-grants@us.navy.mil) for dates, times, and registration information.

DON STEM Education and Workforce Topic Chief: Dr. Michael Simpson, ONR Code 311 usn.pentagon.cnr-arlington-va.mbx.don-stem-grants@us.navy.mil

The assistance listing is listed in the overview section, paragraph 5 of this NOFO. The authority for awards is 10 U.S.C. 2358 in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 63. The applicable regulations are 2 CFR 200, “Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards,” as implemented by 2 CFR Chapter XI, Subchapter A and DoDGARs at 32 CFR Subchapter C.

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1. Instrument Type

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

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

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

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

No fee or profit is allowed.

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

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

The term does not include “cooperative R&D agreement (CRADA)” as defined at 15.U.S.C. 3710a No fee or profit is allowed.

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

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

o A proposal, proposal abstract, and supporting documents;

o A business plan submitted on a business proprietary basis;

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

Statements on Technical Documents.

2. Model Grants

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

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

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

D. Application Content and Format

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1. Applications Contents and Format

a. General Information

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

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

First – Prospective awardees MUST submit a white paper using FedConnect; and

Second – Based on assessment of the white paper, applicants will either be invited or not invited to submit a grant application. Proposals submitted without an invitation will not be reviewed and subsequently will be rejected.

NOTE TO APPLICANTS:

The Government seeks only applications that are relevant and responsive to the Funding Opportunity Description in Section C. White papers that fail to address the areas listed in the Funding Opportunity Description will be rejected and not considered further.

White papers must be received via FedConnect by 11 April 2025, 5:00 pm Eastern Time. In order to ensure timely receipt and evaluation of white paper submissions, NSCO will send a notification via usn.pentagon.cnr-arlington-va.mbx.don-stem-grants@us.navy.mil to the listed Principal Investigator and business contact no later than 18 April 2025. Submitters must contact NSCO no later than 24 April 2025 to submit an inquiry if receipt from NSCO was not received. Failure to submit an inquiry by the date listed will result in the white paper not being evaluated. Note: The notification from NSCO is separate from the notification that will be received from FedConnect. Applicants are responsible for ensuring correct submission of white papers to FedConnect.

b. White Papers

a) Format Paper size – 8.5x11-inch Margins – 1 inch Spacing – single-spaced Font – Times New Roman, 12-point Page limit – 4 pages, excluding cover page and references

b) Content

White papers shall include the following:

Cover Page (MANDATORY): The Cover Page can be found at https://www.nre.navy.mil/work-with-us/how-to-apply/submit-grant-application for grant submissions. FedConnect will not accept a white paper unless the Cover Sheet is included. The Program Officer’s information is a required

NOFO N0001425SF003 FY25 DON STEM Education and Workforce Program 13 field on the cover sheet. The Program Officer can be found in Section A.9, Federal Awarding Agency Contacts.

Title: Please include program titles at the start of the white paper as part of the 4-page document.

Technical Approach and Justification (1.5-Page Maximum): A description of the proposed effort, target audience, and STEM discipline. The project idea, technical rationale, and approach must identify a problem(s), arguments to substantiate claims made, and proposed approach to address the issue. The applicant’s capacity must be discussed as they relate to achieving success in the project. Discuss plan for sustainment beyond the award period. The project must address the NOFO description stated in Section C.

Future Naval Relevance (0.5 Page Maximum)-A description of potential Naval relevance and contributions of the effort to the agency’s specific mission. This may include naval partnerships, community partnerships, and the Naval need in terms of both technical focus area and targeted level of STEM Education.

Naval Partnerships (0.5 Page Maximum, if applicable) – Applicants should briefly describe any interest in partnerships from NSSOs or plans to identify or contact POCs as well as provide a table identifying any potential Naval partners, including the organization name and contacts (email, phone number, and role in the program where applicable). While Applicants may discuss their project ideas with NSSOs to gauge their level of interest about the proposed effort, Applicants should NOT contact NSSOs for the sole purpose of establishing partnerships prior to a grant being awarded. Applicants are NOT required to establish partnerships with NSSOs.

Management Approach (0.5 Page Maximum) – Provide a description of the management approach to carry out the program successfully.

Metrics of Evaluation (0.5 Page Maximum) – A description of a set of program specific measures of performance and measures of effectiveness appropriate to the goals of the project.

Rough Order of Magnitude (0.5 Page Maximum) - White Paper submissions shall include a table of rough order of magnitude cost showing requested funding per year, total cost, and suggests spending priorities to satisfy Section C.

c. Full Proposals

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

a) Format for Technical Proposal

Paper size – 8.5 x 11 inch Margins – 1 inch Spacing – single-spaced Font – Times New Roman, 12-point Page Limit – Technical Proposal: 25 pages

NOTE: The following components are excluded from the page limit

Cover page

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Table of contents Letters of Support and interest Curriculum Vitae (CV) Cited references

There are no page limitations for the budget.

The 25-page technical proposal must include the following sections:

Cover page Table of Contents Technical Approach – no more than 13 pages Naval Relevance and Partnerships – no more than 1 and one-half pages Project Schedule and Milestones – no more than 2 pages Management Approach – no more than 2 pages Metrics and Evaluation – no more than 2 pages Qualifications – no more than 2 pages Responsibilities – no more than 2 pages Reports – no more than one-half page

b) Content

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

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

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

i. SF-424 (R&R)

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

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

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

Field 3 - Date Received by State: Leave Blank

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

Field 4b - Agency Routing Number: Enter the three (3) digit Program Office Code and the Program

Officer’s name, last name first, in brackets (e.g., 331 [Smith, John]). Note: There is a space between the code and the first [ and between the , and the First Name. There is no space between the first [ and the last name.

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For this NOFO, use Code 311 [Simpson, Michael]

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

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

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

Field 7 - Type of Applicant. Complete as indicated: If the organization is a Minority Institution, select

“Other” and under “Other (Specify)” note that the institution is a Minority Institution (MI).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ii. PROJECT/ABSTRACT

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

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

iii. RESEARCH AND RELATED OTHER PROJECT INFORMATION

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

Fields 2 and 2a – Vertebrate Animal Use: Each proposal must address animal use protocols by addressing Fields 2 and 2a of the R&R Other Project Information form. If animals are to be utilized in the research effort proposed, the applicant must submit the documents described under “Use of Animals” (Section H.1.).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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NOFO Number: N0001425SF003;

Title of proposal;

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

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

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

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

o Technical Approach (included in page limit): Describe the technical concepts that will be investigated, providing the complete plan. Describe what is innovative about the proposed approach.

Provide the proposed approach compared to alternate approaches other researchers in the field have taken. Given the successful completion, describe the results, new knowledge, or insights.

Discuss scientific and technical merits and its potential to achieve the objectives of the program, including the extent to which the proposed effort would enhance current capabilities;

Identify proposed efforts for increasing or maintaining the educational pathway and the potential of the proposed program to educate future scientists and engineers in STEM disciplines critical to the Naval mission;

Discuss increased or enhanced opportunities to disseminate information on Naval programs and careers;

Discuss the potential and extent to which the proposed program engages Naval laboratories as active participants in program execution; and

Discuss plan for sustainment after the funding period ends.

o Future Naval Relevance and Partnerships (included in page limit):

A description of potential Naval relevance and contributions of the effort to the agency’s specific mission; and A list of any potential Naval Partnerships (if applicable) in a table along with the name, organization, and email and telephone number.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Describe your record of integrity and business ethics.

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

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

o Reports (included in page limit): The Applicant must acknowledge that the following reports are required under an ONR funded STEM effort:

Quarterly Technical – A template will be provided to each starting grant. The report will include programmatic developments, and major successes or major problems that warrant ONR attention;

Monthly Financial Progress Reports – This report will include information on current expenses and invoices (with numbers) for each month;

Annual Performance Progress Report – A template will be provided to each starting grant. A complete annual Research Performance Report is mandated by ONR. This report will be due during the summer months regardless of grant start date; and

Final Report – Detail the full programmatic accomplishments and a forecast for ongoing program sustainability and contribution to Naval Education and Workforce needs as the funding ends.

Include, as feasible, examples of educational materials produced, links to digital materials, and other resultant material from the award.

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

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

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

Field 12 – Other Attachments: Optional, as necessary

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

iv. RESEARCH AND RELATED BUDGET

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travel – The proposed travel cost must include the following for each trip: the purpose of the trip, origin and destination if known, approximate duration, the number of travelers, and the estimated cost per trip must be justified based on the organizations historical average cost per trip or other reasonable basis for estimation. Such estimates and the resultant costs claimed must conform to the applicable Federal cost principles. Applicants may include travel costs for the Principal Investigator to attend the peer reviews described in Section H.1.vii of this NOFO. A sample Travel Estimate Spreadsheet with the required information is located at the following link: https://www.nre.navy.mil/work-with-us/how-to-apply/submit-grant-application.

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

Consultants – Provide a breakdown of the consultant’s hours, the hourly rate proposed, and any other proposed consultant costs, a copy of the signed Consulting Agreement or other documentation supporting

NOFO N0001425SF003 FY25 DON STEM Education and Workforce Program 20 the proposed consultant rate/cost, and a copy of the consultant’s proposed statement of work if it is not already separately identified in the prime applicant’s proposal.

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

Recipient Acquired Equipment or Facilities – Equipment and/or facilities are normally furnished by the

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

Other Direct Costs – Provide an itemized list of all other proposed other direct costs such as Graduate

Assistant tuition, laboratory fees, report and publication costs, and the basis for the estimate (e.g., quotes, prior purchases, catalog price lists).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Privacy Act and Burden Statement for the Common Form for Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support Information can be found at the following link under How to Submit a Grant Application – Full Application Submission:…