FY 2025 University Nuclear Research Infrastructure Revitalization
ID: 357260Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Idaho Field Office (DOE-ID)

Award Range

$0 - $6M

Eligible Applicants

Private Institutions of Higher Education

Funding Category

Energy

Funding Instrument

Grant

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes
Timeline
    Description

    The Idaho Field Office of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is offering a funding opportunity titled "FY 2025 University Nuclear Research Infrastructure Revitalization," aimed at enhancing university-led nuclear research capabilities. This initiative seeks to revitalize the U.S. capacity for nuclear research and development by improving infrastructure that aligns with advanced reactor technologies, while also promoting collaboration among diverse institutions and supporting underrepresented communities in the field. The total funding available for this grant is $6 million, with a maximum award ceiling of $6 million and no minimum award amount, and applications are due by February 12, 2025. Interested applicants can contact Jacob Lingard at 208-526-5820 or via email at lingarjn@id.doe.gov for further information.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The U.S. Department of Energy's Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aims to revitalize university nuclear research infrastructure with funding up to $6 million for fiscal year 2025. The initiative is open to university-led consortia that enhance nuclear capabilities, particularly in nuclear cyber-physical protection, advanced reactor technologies, and small modular reactor development. Eligible prime applicants include U.S. universities and colleges, while various domestic entities can participate as subrecipients. The application deadline is February 12, 2025. Funding focuses on infrastructure improvements rather than new reactor construction. The program promotes collaboration among diverse institutions and seeks to support underrepresented communities through job creation and education in nuclear technology. The evaluation criteria for applications include project merit, the proposed approach, and team capabilities, with bonus points for diverse team partnerships. This funding opportunity reflects the DOE's commitment to address nuclear energy challenges, integrate environmental justice, and advance workforce development within the energy sector.
    Similar Opportunities
    Fuel Cycle Research and Development to Assess Options as Technologies and Economics Evolve
    Idaho Field Office
    The Idaho Field Office of the Department of Energy (DOE) is offering a federal grant opportunity titled "Fuel Cycle Research and Development to Assess Options as Technologies and Economics Evolve." This initiative aims to support research and development activities focused on evaluating technology options and the economics of recycling valuable components from irradiated nuclear fuel, including used nuclear fuel from both current and advanced reactor designs. The program is crucial for advancing nuclear fuel cycle technologies, promoting the U.S. nuclear energy portfolio, and addressing the clean energy transition while ensuring energy equity for disadvantaged communities. Interested small businesses can apply for funding ranging from $0 to $5 million, with a total estimated program funding of $10 million available. The application deadline is February 19, 2025, and inquiries can be directed to Jacob Lingard at 208-526-5820 or via email at lingarjn@id.doe.gov.
    University Nuclear Leadership Program– Scholarship and Fellowship Support
    Idaho Field Office
    The Idaho Field Office of the Department of Energy (DOE) is offering a funding opportunity through the University Nuclear Leadership Program (UNLP) to support scholarships and fellowships for students pursuing degrees in nuclear science and engineering disciplines. This initiative aims to attract qualified students to nuclear energy professions by providing financial assistance to accredited U.S. colleges and universities, facilitating the development of a skilled workforce in the nuclear energy sector. With an estimated total program funding of $50 million and an award ceiling of $3 million, the program anticipates awarding approximately 80 cooperative agreements, with scholarships up to $10,000 and fellowships up to $161,000 available for eligible students. Interested applicants can reach out to Andrew J. Ford at fordaj@id.doe.gov or by phone at 208-526-3059, and the application process will remain open until October 14, 2030.
    U.S. Advanced Nuclear Energy Licensing Cost-Share Grant Program
    Idaho Field Office
    The Idaho Field Office of the Department of Energy (DOE) is offering the U.S. Advanced Nuclear Energy Licensing Cost-Share Grant Program, aimed at providing financial assistance for regulatory review activities related to advanced reactors and supporting facilities. This program will support cost-shared grants to help cover Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) fees for pre-application and application review activities, thereby enhancing regulatory certainty and facilitating the certification and licensing process for small businesses in the nuclear energy sector. With an estimated total program funding of $50 million, grants will range from $5,000 to $8 million, and interested applicants must submit their proposals by April 8, 2025. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Alden Allen at ARLicensingGrantNOFO@id.doe.gov.
    U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), Research and Development Grant, Fiscal (FY) 2025
    Nuclear Regulatory Commission
    The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Fiscal Year 2025, aimed at supporting research and development (R&D) in nuclear science and technology through the University Nuclear Leadership Program (UNLP). This initiative seeks to develop a skilled workforce capable of safely managing nuclear facilities, with a total estimated funding of $10 million available for grants up to $500,000 over a three-year period. The NRC encourages applications from U.S. higher education institutions, particularly those serving historically underserved communities, and emphasizes innovative proposals that address significant technical gaps in areas such as cybersecurity and environmental justice. Interested applicants must submit their proposals via Grants.gov by January 31, 2025, and can direct inquiries to Grants Officer M'Lita R. Carr at MLita.Carr@nrc.gov or by phone at 301-415-6869.
    RFI - DOE R
    Idaho Field Office
    The Idaho Field Office of the Department of Energy (DOE) is seeking input through a Request for Information (RFI) aimed at informing the Competitive Research and Development Funding Opportunity Announcement, specifically targeting universities and other stakeholders in the nuclear energy sector. The RFI invites ideas, comments, and recommendations on potential research areas and funding opportunities to advance nuclear energy science and technology, with a focus on enhancing the operation of existing reactors and deploying advanced technologies. This initiative underscores the importance of collaborative research in the nuclear energy field, while explicitly excluding topics such as medical physics and nuclear fusion. Interested parties, including small businesses, are encouraged to submit their responses electronically via NEUP.gov, with a limit of three pages, and should note that submitting interest does not guarantee an award. For further inquiries, contact Andrew Ford, DOE Contract Specialist, at fordaj@id.doe.gov. The RFI remains open for submissions, with specific deadlines detailed in the attached document.
    RFI - DOE Infrastructure Work Scope Development
    Idaho Field Office
    The Idaho Field Office of the Department of Energy (DOE) is seeking input through a Request for Information (RFI) regarding infrastructure needs related to nuclear energy. The objective of this RFI is to gather insights, comments, and recommendations from stakeholders, including small businesses and educational institutions, to enhance nuclear research capabilities and identify critical research technologies and educational equipment priorities. This initiative reflects the DOE's commitment to advancing nuclear energy infrastructure while engaging the research community, with no immediate funding or contractual obligations associated with the responses. Interested parties can submit their feedback via NEUP.gov, and for further inquiries, they may contact Andrew Ford, the DOE Contract Specialist, at fordaj@id.doe.gov.
    High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) Nuclear Fuel Supply Chain Innovative Technology Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
    Idaho Field Office
    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.
    Nuclear Data Interagency Working Group (NDIAWG) Research Program
    Office of Science
    The Office of Science at the Department of Energy (DOE) is inviting applications for the Nuclear Data InterAgency Working Group (NDIAWG) Research Program under Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Number DE-FOA-0003498. This initiative aims to support research on nuclear data that is critical for the Nuclear Physics (NP) and Fusion Energy Sciences (FES) communities, focusing on challenges identified in annual workshops, particularly in acquiring neutron interaction data for fusion applications and improving predictive models. With a total expected funding of $2 million, eligible applicants include various entities such as DOE/NNSA National Laboratories and other federal agencies, while nonprofit organizations engaging in lobbying activities are excluded. Interested parties must submit a Letter of Intent by January 2, 2025, with full applications due by March 3, 2025. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Dr. Keith Jankowski at keith.jankowski@science.doe.gov or by phone at 301-903-9119.
    Private Facility Research Program
    Office of Science
    The Office of Science is offering a federal grant opportunity titled the Private Facility Research Program, aimed at supporting public research that utilizes advanced experimental capabilities owned by private companies in the field of Fusion Energy Sciences. This program encourages collaboration between public researchers and private facility partners to conduct foundational research essential for the development of Fusion Pilot Plants, thereby enhancing the scientific rigor of private sector efforts. The grant has an award ceiling of $21 million and a floor of $25,000, with no cost-sharing requirements, and applications are due by April 23, 2025. For further inquiries, interested applicants can contact Josh King, Ph.D., at josh.king@science.doe.gov or by phone at 240-535-0834.
    NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING CONSORTIUM FOR NONPROLIFERATION
    NNSA
    The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) of the U.S. Department of Energy is offering a funding opportunity to establish a Nuclear Science and Engineering Consortium for nonproliferation. This initiative aims to support innovative research at accredited U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) in critical areas such as nuclear physics, radiation detection, and nuclear material science, fostering collaboration between multiple universities and DOE National Laboratories. The program emphasizes the transition of basic research into practical applications to enhance the workforce in nuclear security, with a total funding amount of approximately $25 million available for a five-year cooperative agreement. Interested applicants must submit their proposals by April 4, 2025, and can contact Grants Officer Virginia Hernandez at virginia.hernandez@nnsa.doe.gov or by phone at 702-343-7704 for further information.