High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) Nuclear Fuel Supply Chain Innovative Technology Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
ID: 357823Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Idaho Field Office (DOE-ID)

Award Range

$0 - $40M

Eligible Applicants

Small Businesses

Funding Category

Energy

Funding Instrument

Cooperative Agreement

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Original Source

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/357823
Timeline
    Description

    The Idaho Field Office of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is inviting applications for the High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) Nuclear Fuel Supply Chain Innovative Technology Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). This initiative aims to advance technological innovations across the nuclear fuel supply chain, focusing on enhancing safety, sustainability, and efficiency from mining to deconversion processes. The program allocates a total of $80 million over five years, with up to $40 million available for demonstration projects and another $40 million for research and development projects, requiring varying levels of cost sharing. Interested applicants, particularly small businesses, must submit their proposals by February 26, 2025, and can reach out to Jeff A. Rigby at 208-223-2479 or via email at rigbyja@id.doe.gov for further information.

    Point(s) of Contact
    rigbyja@id.doe.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Attachments-.pdf
    The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) DE-FOA-0003487 invites applications for projects focusing on High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) Innovative Technology. It provides a comprehensive set of required application documents aimed at streamlining the submission process for applicants. Key documents include the Application for Federal Assistance, Detailed Project Management Plan, a comprehensive Budget Justification, and Environmental Impact Checklist, among others. Applicants are advised to ensure compliance with all requirements outlined in both Part 1 and Part 2 of the NOFO. This funding opportunity underscores the government's intent to advance HALEU technologies through innovative projects that align with environmental and community benefit standards.
    FundOpp_DE-FOA-0003487.pdf
    The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is soliciting applications for funding through the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) DE-FOA-0003487 aimed at advancing the High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) nuclear fuel supply chain technologies. The initiative allocates $80 million over five years for projects enhancing the domestic enriched uranium supply chain's safety, sustainability, and efficiency. Two primary topics are identified: Topic Area 1 involves up to two demonstration projects with a budget of $40 million, requiring 50% cost sharing, while Topic Area 2 encompasses funding for up to ten research and development projects, with $40 million available, requiring 20% cost sharing. Eligible applicants include domestic entities, with foreign participation subject to waiver approval. All work must occur in the U.S. The applications must address technological advancements from mining to deconversion processes, ensuring U.S. leadership in nuclear fuel. A strong emphasis is placed on community benefits, supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives as part of the Justice40 program. The application deadline is February 26, 2025, with reviews and potential notifications following in mid-2025.
    FY2025.pdf
    The "Notice of Funding Opportunity Part 2" serves as a companion document to the DOE's funding opportunities, detailing fixed requirements for applicants. Key sections include registration processes on SAM.gov and Grants.gov, essential for funding application eligibility. Eligibility criteria emphasize cost sharing, with legal responsibility lying with the recipient for overall project costs. Other considerations include artificial intelligence use and prohibitions against funding to Entities of Concern linked to national security risks. The program description is referenced in Part 1, while application content demands submissions such as letters of commitment, project objectives, and budgets. Additional requirements address community benefits, emphasizing engagement with labor and local stakeholders, equitable job creation, and compliance with the Justice40 Initiative aimed at supporting disadvantaged communities. Waivers for foreign entity participation or foreign work may be requested but must justify their necessity and potential contributions to U.S. economic interests. The document outlines the formal processes, requirements, and expectations throughout the award lifecycle, reinforcing accountability and the government’s role in supporting projects that align with public interests and community engagement. This comprehensive approach ensures a structured framework for recipients to follow while promoting transparency and equity in federal funding initiatives.
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