U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), Research and Development Grant, Fiscal (FY) 2025
ID: 357425Type: 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
Timeline
    Description

    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.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    This guidance document outlines the information collection requirements necessary for obtaining benefits under a grant from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). It specifies that the Research Performance Progress Reports (RPPR) must adhere to standardized reporting sections. Key elements include grant details, recipient information, project objectives, issues faced, current activities, expenditures, and compliance with citizenship requirements for participants. Reports must provide a comprehensive overview of progress, including problem areas and accomplishments during the reporting period. Additionally, the document emphasizes the importance of documenting resources and budget versus actual expenditures, and outlines requirements for final reports upon grant conclusion. The document stresses accountability and compliance as critical elements for reporting on grant usage and outcomes.
    The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has announced a new funding opportunity for the University Nuclear Leadership Program (UNLP) supporting research and development (R&D) in nuclear science and technology for FY 2025. The primary objective is to develop a workforce suited for managing nuclear facilities safely. The estimated budget for this program is between $9 and $10 million, with grants available up to $500,000 over a three-year period. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by January 31, 2025. Eligible applicants include U.S. higher education institutions, with an emphasis on historically underserved communities and minority-serving institutions. The NRC encourages innovative proposals that address significant technical gaps and promote advancements in nuclear technology, including areas like cybersecurity, advanced instrumentation, and environmental justice. The selection process will evaluate applications based on significance, approach, innovation, and partnership arrangements, especially with minority-serving institutions. The awards are contingent on fund availability, and all applicants must meet specific compliance and reporting requirements post-award. The NRC is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive research environment while ensuring that awarded projects are aligned with federal regulations and priorities.
    The University Nuclear Leadership Program provides a comprehensive glossary of terms related to federal grants and cooperative agreements. This glossary outlines essential definitions such as "acquisition cost," which encompasses all expenses required to ready an asset for its intended use, and "administrative requirements," which are necessary business management practices for grant administration. Key terms like “allowable costs,” “audit findings,” and “program income” further clarify the expectations and responsibilities of grant recipients. Additionally, it discusses the dynamics of "direct costs," "indirect costs," and various agreements such as contracts and cooperative agreements, emphasizing the regulatory framework and compliance measures governing federal funding. The glossary serves as a vital resource for understanding the processes involved in federal awarding, ensuring recipients adhere to legal and financial requirements for successful grant management. Overall, the document is structured to facilitate clear understanding and compliance within government funding mechanisms, essential for both grant applicants and awardees.
    The document outlines a checklist of required documents for submission as part of a government application package, specifying items necessary for consideration. It emphasizes that these documents ensure the application's completeness and compliance with federal guidelines. Key documents include the SF-424 application forms, Certificate Regarding Lobbying, Executive Summary, Project Description, and Budget Narrative, among others. Specific sections noted (IV.A to IV.B.10) indicate where each document can be found in the application guidelines. The structure facilitates organized application preparation, serving as a guide for applicants to avoid disqualification. The emphasis on regulatory compliance highlights the meticulous nature of government funding processes, underscoring the importance of thorough documentation to secure federal grants or fulfill RFP requirements. Overall, the checklist aims to streamline application submissions while ensuring adherence to federal standards.
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