NRL Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (PFP)

The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) is issuing a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), N0017324STS01, for the establishment of NRL's Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (PFP). The objective of NRL's PFP is to provide postdoctoral scientists and engineers of unusual promise and ability opportunities to engage in research on problems, largely of their own choice, that are compatible with the interests of the Government and will potentially contribute to the general effort of NRL. NRL's PFP will further science and technology through fundamental research, with this research having potentially both civilian and military applications.

Subject to the availability of funds, this announcement will result in the award of Cooperative Agreements (CA) as defined at 31 U.S.C. 6305 for execution of NRL's PFP. The CA is subject to the Department of Defense Grant and Agreement Regulations (DoDGARs). The principal purpose of NRL's partnership with the recipient(s) is to carry out the public purpose for the support or stimulation of basic and applied research in areas of science with potential interest to NRL rather than the acquisition of supplies or services for the direct benefit of the Government. This partnership will result in bringing new talent, ideas and techniques to NRL and will also introduce emerging researchers to the roles and needs of the Warfighter. This partnership will also provide researchers access to NRL's world class research facilities, while supporting collaborative fundamental research of mutual interest to the Navy and the researcher. Substantial Government involvement is expected through the collaborative planning, management and execution of the research to be performed by the participants in the PFP and NRL.

It is the intent of this FOA to solicit the most creative, innovative, and effective approaches to the execution of the NRL PFP.

In response to the announcement, awardees should be prepared to:

(1) Formulate an advertising plan to attract qualified applicants based on the NRL mission and capabilities. This plan should consider issues such as potential sources of applicants, e.g., major domestic colleges, universities, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs); various types of methods to disseminate information (e.g., professional trade journals, and professional society meetings and seminars; different ways to advertise (e.g., electronic and print media) and implementation methods;

(2) Prepare marketing materials, in collaboration with the Government, to outline the NRL PFP;

(3) Establish an ongoing application process to solicit the interest of qualified individuals (i.e. postdoctoral scientists and engineers) with interests in Research proposals largely of their own choice, that are compatible with the interests in Research that is consistent with the NRL Mission;

(4) Establish a competitive review process for the review of applications and the selection of the various types of applicants;

(5) Identify the process by which the applications will be reviewed, vetted, approved and recommended to NRL; and

(6) Identify a management structure and plan to address the management required for successful execution of the PFP, to include items such as progress reports and evaluations for each Fellow, support provided to fellows/researchers, recordkeeping requirements, payment and financial reports.

The announcement provides the estimated number of Postdoctoral Fellows, estimated Stipend levels and performance locations, based on historical data. The Postdoctoral Fellows are expected to perform research primarily at the NRL facilities in Washington, DC, Stennis, MS, and Monterey, CA. Thus, opportunities for participation as a Fellow are only open to citizens and Permanent Residents of the United States. There is no limitation on the place of performance for all other activities performed by the Recipient to execute the PFP. The CA award(s), if any, made as a result of this announcement will provide for a period of performance of five (5) years (four (4) years for new fellowship awards, and a final year for a close out with no new fellowship awards).

The FOA will be posted on www.grants.gov. Proposals shall be submitted electronically through the www.grants.gov portal. Proposals sent by fax or email will NOT be considered.