U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), Research and Development Grant, Fiscal (FY) 2024
ID: 352498Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)

Award Range

$0 - $500K

Eligible Applicants

Others

Funding Category

Science and Technology and other Research and Development

Funding Instrument

Grant

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Original Source

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/352498
Timeline
    Description

    The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for its Research and Development Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2024, aimed at advancing research in nuclear science and engineering. This grant program seeks to support multiple awards, with a focus on enhancing workforce capabilities and addressing challenges in nuclear regulation, particularly through partnerships with minority-serving institutions. The total estimated funding available is $10 million, with individual project awards ranging from $0 to $500,000, and applications are due by April 1, 2024, at 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Interested applicants can direct inquiries to Grants Officer Aracelis Perez-Ortiz at 301-415-0085 or via email at Aracelis.Perez-Ortiz@nrc.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Aracelis.Perez-Ortiz@nrc.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    01_RD Program FY24 Cover Letter Amendment 02.pdf
    01_RD.pdf
    The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for its Research and Development Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2024. This program, announced on February 16, 2024, solicits applications due by April 1, 2024, with total funding available up to $500,000 for a project period of three years. The recent Amendment No. 000002, released on March 27, 2024, includes additional FAQs to address applicants' inquiries while maintaining the application deadline and other grant conditions unchanged. Applicants must have an active FedConnect account to apply. The NOFO seeks to support multiple grant awards aimed at advancing research and development in nuclear regulation. Questions and clarifications can be directed to the grants officer mentioned in the notice.
    02_FY24 Research NOFO Amendment 02 (no changes).pdf
    02_FY24.pdf
    The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is announcing a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the University Nuclear Leadership Program, aimed at supporting research and development in nuclear science and engineering for Fiscal Year 2024. The program emphasizes enhancing workforce capabilities for the design, operation, and regulation of nuclear facilities, with an estimated budget of $9-10 million for multiple grants. Eligible institutions include U.S.-accredited public or private higher education institutions, with a focus on historically underserved communities and minority-serving institutions. Each applicant can submit no more than two applications, with project funding up to $500,000. The application process involves an electronic submission through Grants.gov, with applications due by April 1, 2024. Key areas of interest include advanced technologies in nuclear applications, risk assessment methodologies, cybersecurity in nuclear operations, and improvements in human reliability analysis. The evaluation process emphasizes significance, approach, innovation, and collaborations with minority-serving institutions. The NOFO aims to cultivate a diverse research landscape while tackling challenges within the nuclear sector, aligning with NRC's objectives of safety, security, and environmental protection throughout the grant period. Effective applicant partnerships and evidence of innovation or originality are crucial for a successful proposal.
    03_Attachment I Sample Budget Narrative.pdf
    03_Attachment.pdf
    This budget narrative outlines a three-year funding request totaling $450,000, aimed at supporting research and academic initiatives at a university. The budget includes personnel costs of $168,285 for faculty and PhD student researchers, and fringe benefits of $6,709. Travel expenses are set at $24,000 for faculty and students to attend conferences. Supplies totaling $26,000 are allocated for research activities and course development, while other expenses, including invited speaker fees and graduate student tuition remissions, amount to $93,462. Indirect costs are calculated at $131,542 using a federally negotiated rate. The narrative details specific financial needs for personnel, travel, supplies, and indirect costs, including escalation rates for salary and benefits. The document is structured to clarify the financial allocation across different categories, emphasizing a well-planned approach to resource utilization for enhancing research capabilities and academic development. This file serves as a critical component for federal grant applications, illustrating the project's viability and budgetary requirements essential for funding approval.
    03a_Attachment II Questions and Answers Amendment 00001 31310024K0001.pdf
    03a_Attachment.pdf
    The document outlines the questions and answers related to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), specifically the Research and Development Grant for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY2024). Key topics include eligibility for submission—allowing separate campus applications if they possess unique identifiers—and the requirement for partnerships with designated Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) to strengthen applications, although such partnerships are not mandatory. The NRC grants provide opportunities for U.S. accredited institutions, including private ones. Clarifications emphasize that stipends for undergraduate research assistants are permissible while outlining the prohibition on foreign students participating in grant-supported activities. The document affirms that consultants can be included, provided they meet specific criteria. Furthermore, it reinforces that the NOFO is explicitly for R&D purposes and guides potential applicants on technical issues faced while submitting through Grants.gov. The overarching goal is to foster diversity and collaboration in nuclear research through structured funding mechanisms that encourage new partnerships while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
    03b_Attachment III Questions and Answers Amendment 00002 31310024K0001.pdf
    03b_Attachment.pdf
    The document serves as a clarification of questions related to the NRC 2024 Research and Development Grant opportunity. It outlines eligibility criteria for principal investigators (PIs), co-principal investigators (Co-PIs), and collaborators from U.S. higher education institutions, emphasizing that eligibility is tied to the nature of institutional partnerships and funding distribution in proposals. Key points include that travel costs related to research activities are allowable, and the staggered award dates for grants span from September 30 to November 31, 2024. Attendance at the NRC’s Annual Regulatory Information Conference is not mandatory but can be funded. Clarifications regarding proposal submissions, such as the use of the SciENcv platform for current and pending support documentation, are provided, affirming that submissions can comprise both PDF files and alternative formatting as long as core content is maintained. The overall purpose is to ensure clear guidance and compliance for applicants navigating the grant process, reinforcing the importance of adherence to specified criteria and documentation for successful submission.
    04_NOFO INSTRUCTIONS R&D Program FY24.pdf
    04_NOFO.pdf
    The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for a Research and Development Grant for the fiscal year 2024, with a submission deadline of April 1, 2024, at 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Applicants must submit a complete proposal, including required forms like SF-424 and SF-LLL, all organized as separate PDF files. Full proposals must contain an Executive Summary, Project Description, Budget, Curriculum Vitae, and other elements specified in the guidelines. The Project Description should focus on the significance of the research, the approach to achieving objectives, innovation within the project, and the qualifications of the Principal Investigators. Special attention is given to partnerships with minority-serving institutions (MSIs), and clear documentation regarding these collaborations is required. The document emphasizes the importance of adherence to formatting, including font size, margins, and page limits, with the Project Description limited to seven pages. Applications must comply with NRC standards to be considered for review, reflecting the NRC's commitment to advancing research within the nuclear regulatory context while supporting inclusive partnerships.
    05_FedConnect_Ready_Set_Go.pdf
    The FedConnect® 3.0 guide serves as a comprehensive resource for organizations looking to engage with the U.S. federal government regarding contracts and grants. It outlines the registration process, which requires a DUNS number and a SAM MPIN, and details navigating the platform. FedConnect streamlines interactions between vendors and agencies, providing access to various procurement and grant opportunities. Key features include the ability to register interest in opportunities, join response teams, and manage submissions securely. Users can track awards and communicate with government agencies through an integrated Message Center. The document emphasizes user support, offering contact information for assistance. Overall, this guide aims to facilitate effective participation in federal procurement processes, ensuring an accessible platform for vendors and grant applicants while adhering to governmental regulations and procedures.
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