Fiscal Year 2026 Distinguished Early Career Program
ID: 361022Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Idaho Field Office (DOE-ID)

Award Range

$0 - $800K

Eligible Applicants

Private Institutions of Higher Education

Funding Category

Energy

Funding Instrument

Grant

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Original Source

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/361022
Timeline
    Description

    The Idaho Field Office of the Department of Energy (DOE) is offering the Fiscal Year 2026 Distinguished Early Career Program (DECP), which provides grants to support early career faculty in nuclear energy research and education. This program aims to foster innovative research that aligns with the DOE's mission to advance nuclear energy science and technology, focusing on areas such as fuel cycle research and development, reactor concepts, and enabling technologies. With an estimated total funding of $3.2 million, the program anticipates awarding up to four grants, each with a maximum of $800,000 over five years. Applications are due by March 3, 2026, and must be submitted online via NEUP.gov, adhering to specific content and formatting guidelines. For further inquiries, interested applicants can contact Jacob Lingard at 208-526-5820 or via email at lingarjn@id.doe.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    lingarjn@id.doe.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    FY 2026 Distinguished Early Career Program NOFO Part 1 - FINAL 12DEC2025.pdf
    The Department of Energy (DOE) Idaho Operations Office has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) DE-FOA-0003540 for the Fiscal Year 2026 Distinguished Early Career Program (DECP). This program offers grants up to $800,000 over five years to support early career faculty at U.S. universities and colleges in nuclear energy research, education, and leadership. The NOFO emphasizes innovative research to advance nuclear energy science and technology, addressing areas like fuel cycle R&D, reactor concepts, and nuclear energy enabling technologies. Eligibility is restricted to untenured assistant professors within specific timeframes post-doctorate, who have not received similar federal early career awards. Applications are due by March 3, 2026, and must include a technical volume, career objective statement, and endorsement letter, adhering to strict formatting and content requirements. Cost-sharing is encouraged but not mandatory. The program aims to cultivate the next generation of nuclear energy innovators.
    FY 2026 Distinguished Early Career Program NOFO Part 2 - FINAL 12DEC2025.pdf
    The Department of Energy (DOE) Idaho Operations Office has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) DE-FOA-0003540 for the Fiscal Year 2026 Distinguished Early Career Program (DECP). This program, open to U.S. universities and colleges, aims to provide stable support to early career faculty members to establish impactful research groups and drive innovation in nuclear energy. The NOFO offers approximately $3.2 million, with 0-4 awards ranging up to $800,000 each over a five-year period. Key eligibility criteria include the principal investigator being an untenured assistant professor no more than four years beyond appointment and ten years beyond their doctorate as of January 2026, and not having received similar federal early career awards. Cost sharing is encouraged but not required. Applications are due by March 3, 2026, and must align with NE's mission areas, including Fuel Cycle R&D, Reactor Concepts R&D, and Nuclear Energy Enabling Technologies. The application process requires online submission via NEUP.gov and adherence to specific content and formatting guidelines.
    Similar Opportunities
    Fiscal Year 2026 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research
    Idaho Field Office
    The Idaho Field Office of the Department of Energy (DOE) is offering a federal grant opportunity titled "Fiscal Year 2026 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research." This grant aims to advance nuclear energy science and technology, supporting research and development initiatives that address challenges in the nuclear energy sector, enhance university-led nuclear innovation, and train the next generation of nuclear professionals. With an estimated total program funding of $5 million and an award ceiling of $1.5 million, the program anticipates making approximately 15 awards to eligible private institutions of higher education. Interested applicants must submit their proposals by April 9, 2026, and can reach out to Jacob Lingard at 208-526-5820 or via email at lingarjn@id.doe.gov for further information.
    Fiscal Year 2026 Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research
    Idaho Field Office
    The Idaho Field Office of the Department of Energy (DOE) is offering a federal grant opportunity titled "Fiscal Year 2026 Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research," aimed at advancing nuclear energy science and technology to meet U.S. energy, environmental, and economic needs. This grant seeks to enable the continued operation of existing U.S. nuclear reactors, facilitate the deployment of advanced nuclear reactors, and develop innovative nuclear fuel cycles, thereby maintaining U.S. leadership in nuclear energy technology. With an estimated total program funding of $57 million and an award ceiling of $3.1 million, the opportunity is open to small businesses, with applications due by June 9, 2026. Interested applicants can reach out to Jacob Lingard at 208-526-5820 or via email at lingarjn@id.doe.gov for further information.
    Fiscal Year 2026 Phase II Continuation Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research
    Idaho Field Office
    The Idaho Field Office of the Department of Energy (DOE) is offering a grant opportunity titled "Fiscal Year 2026 Phase II Continuation Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research" aimed at advancing nuclear energy science and technology. This funding opportunity seeks applications from small businesses and U.S. universities to conduct nuclear energy-related research that aligns with the DOE's mission priorities, including the operation of existing reactors, deployment of new reactors, and enhancement of the nuclear fuel cycle. The total estimated program funding is $3 million, with an award ceiling of $1.2 million and an expected four awards to be made. Interested applicants must submit their proposals by May 20, 2026, and can contact Jacob Lingard at 208-526-5820 or via email at lingarjn@id.doe.gov for further information.
    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.
    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.
    FY 2026 Continuation of Solicitation for the Office of Science Financial Assistance Program
    Office of Science
    The Office of Science within the Department of Energy (DOE) is inviting applications for its FY 2026 Continuation of Solicitation for the Financial Assistance Program, which supports a wide range of research areas including Advanced Scientific Computing, Basic Energy Sciences, and Fusion Energy Sciences. This annual open solicitation aims to fund projects that contribute to fundamental research, with awards ranging from $50,000 to $5,000,000, and a total estimated funding pool of $500,000,000 for approximately 500 awards. The program is open to all eligible applicants, excluding certain lobbying nonprofit organizations, and emphasizes the importance of comprehensive skills and resources in the application process. Interested parties can submit applications until September 30, 2026, and are encouraged to reach out via email at sc.opencall@science.doe.gov for further inquiries.
    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.
    NDEP STEM Open NFO
    Washington Headquarters Services
    The Washington Headquarters Services is offering a funding opportunity through the National Defense Education Program (NDEP) for initiatives aimed at enhancing STEM education and outreach. This program seeks innovative proposals that align with the Department of Defense's objectives to implement and research effective STEM activities, including education at community colleges, workforce development, and civic education initiatives. Eligible applicants include industry, non-profit institutions, and educational agencies, with grant awards ranging from $100,000 to $10 million. Interested parties must submit white papers by March 5, 2024, with full applications due by April 30, 2024, and anticipated award notifications by August 1, 2024. For further inquiries, contact Jonathan Bertsch at jonathan.e.bertsch.civ@mail.mil.
    MINORITY SERVING INSTITUTIONS PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM (MSIPP) CONSORTIA GRANT PROGRAM (CGP)
    NNSA
    The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is offering the Minority Serving Institutions Partnership Program (MSIPP) Consortia Grant Program (CGP) to support partnerships among Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). The program aims to enhance workforce capacity in the Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE) by expanding scientific knowledge in fields such as Advanced Manufacturing, Cybersecurity, Engineering, and Nuclear Security, while also providing experiential learning opportunities for students in STEM disciplines. With an estimated total program funding of $25 million, grants will range from $500,000 to $5 million, and the application deadline has been extended to June 17, 2024, at 11:59 PM EST. Interested applicants can reach out to Iralien Sainvilmar at 505-665-5491 or via email at iralien.sainvilmar@nnsa.doe.gov for further information.
    RESEARCH INITIATIVES AT THE NAVAL POST GRADUATE SCHOOL
    Naval Supply Systems Command
    The Naval Supply Systems Command is offering a federal grant opportunity titled "Research Initiatives at the Naval Postgraduate School," aimed at supporting basic and applied research in STEM fields relevant to national security. Eligible applicants, specifically private institutions of higher education, are encouraged to submit proposals that do not focus on the development of specific systems or hardware procurement. This initiative is significant for fostering innovative research that aligns with the Department of Defense's mission and priorities. The estimated total program funding is $20 million, with an expected 40 awards, and proposals can be submitted until January 13, 2026. Interested parties can contact Dwayne M. Casad at dwayne.m.casad.civ@us.navy.mil for further information.