Title: Domestic Nuclear Detection Office-National Science Foundation 
        Academic Research Initiative (ARI)
Date: 01/26/09
Replaced: NSF 08-534




Domestic Nuclear Detection Office-National Science Foundation Academic
Research Initiative (ARI)

Program Solicitation
NSF 09-532

Replaces Document(s):
NSF 08-534



[NSF Logo]     National Science Foundation

                         Directorate for Computer & Information Science &
                         Engineering

                         Directorate for Education & Human Resources

                         Directorate for Engineering

                         Directorate for Mathematical & Physical Sciences

                         Office of International Science and Engineering

                         Office of Cyberinfrastructure


[DHS  logo]     Department of Homeland Security
          
                          Domestic Nuclear Detection Office

                          Transformational and Applied Research
                          Directorate



Full Proposal Deadline(s) (due by 5 p.m. proposer's local time):

     April 27, 2009

     Fourth Monday in April, Annually Thereafter

          through 2011

REVISION NOTES

Please be advised that the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide
(PAPPG) includes revised guidelines to implement the mentoring provisions
of the America COMPETES Act (ACA) (Pub. L. No. 110-69, Aug. 9, 2007.)   As
specifed in the ACA, each proposal that requests funding to support
postdoctoral researchers must include a description of the mentoring
activities that will be provided for such individuals.  Proposals that do
not comply with this requirement will be returned without review (see the
PAPP Guide Part I: Grant Proposal Guide Chapter II for further information
implementation of this new requirement).

SUMMARY OF PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

General Information

Program Title:

     Joint Domestic Nuclear Detection Office-National Science
     Foundation: Academic Research Initiative  (ARI)

Synopsis of Program:

          In FY 2009, the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office
          (DNDO) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
          will invest, in partnership with the National Science
          Foundation (NSF), in frontier research at academic
          institutions. This transformational research effort
          will be focused on detection systems, individual
          sensors or other research that is potentially relevant
          to the detection of nuclear weapons, special nuclear
          material, radiation dispersal devices and related
          threats. The joint DNDO-NSF effort, in coordination
          with the efforts of other agencies, seeks to advance
          fundamental knowledge in new technologies for the
          detection of nuclear threats and to develop
          intellectual capacity in fields relevant to long-term
          advances in nuclear detection capability. This research
          and the research community that will be built under the
          ARI are seen as critical to our nation's ability to
          deploy effective nuclear detection measures to counter
          the serious threat of a nuclear terrorist attack.

          Proposals outside of the scope described in this
          solicitation will be returned without review.

          Research proposals on detection of biological,
          chemical, and conventional weapons are specifically
          excluded from the scope of this solicitation.



Cognizant Program Officer(s):

   * Suhada Jayasuriya, Lead Program Director, Control Systems, ENG/CMMI,
     telephone: (703) 292-7014, email: sjayasur@nsf.gov

   * Austin Kuhn, DNDO Lead Program Manager, Transformational and Applied
     Research Directorate, DNDO, telephone: (202)254-7619, email:
     austin.kuhn@dhs.gov

   * Radhakishan Baheti, Program Director, Power, Controls and Adaptive
     Networks, ENG/ECCS, telephone: (703) 292-8339, email: rbaheti@nsf.gov

   * Allena K. Opper, Program Director, Nuclear Physics, MPS/PHY,
     telephone: (703) 292-8958, email: aopper@nsf.gov

   * Bruce Hamilton, Program Director, Environmental Sustainability,
     ENG/CBET, telephone: (703) 292-8320, email: bhamilto@nsf.gov

   * Nicholas Prins, Deputy Assistant Director, Transformational and
     Applied Research Directorate, DNDO, telephone: (202)254-7473, email:
     nicholas.prins@dhs.gov

   * Leland Jameson, Program Director, Computational Mathematics, MPS/DMS,
     telephone: (703) 292-4883, email: ljameson@nsf.gov

   * Bradley Keister, Program Director, Nuclear Physics, MPS/PHY,
     telephone: (703) 292-7377, email: bkeister@nsf.gov

   * Sylvia Spengler, Program Director, Information Integration and
     Informatics, CISE/IIS, telephone: (703) 292-8930, email:
     sspengle@nsf.gov

   * Clark Cooper, Materials and Surface Engineering, ENG/CMMI, telephone:
     (703) 292-7899, email: ccooper@nsf.gov

   * Jon Stoffel, Program Director, Program Director, OD/OCI, telephone:
     (703) 292-8544, email: jstoffel@nsf.gov

   * Anne Emig, Program Director, OD/OISE, telephone: (703) 292-7241,
     email: aemig@nsf.gov

   * John F. Mateja, Program Director, DUE/EHR, telephone: (703) 292-4641,
     email: jmateja@nsf.gov

Applicable Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s):

   * 47.041 --- Engineering
   * 47.049 --- Mathematical and Physical Sciences
   * 47.070 --- Computer and Information Science and Engineering
   * 47.076 --- Education and Human Resources
   * 47.079 --- Office of International Science and Engineering
   * 47.080 --- Office of Cyberinfrastructure
   * 97.077 --- Homeland Security Testing, Evaluation, and Demonstration of
     Technologies

Award Information

Anticipated Type of Award:  Other Grant    - Standard grant for the first
year from NSF. Award type for follow-up years determined by DNDO.

Estimated Number of Awards:    7 to  8   new awards in FY 2009, not to
exceed $400,000 annually per award for a maximum duration of five years
with a maximum total award size of up to $2,000,000, inclusive of both
direct and indirect costs.

Anticipated Funding Amount:   $58,000,000  over a five-year period from
2007 to 2011 for ARI solicitations to be awarded through NSF and DNDO,
subject to availability of funds and the quality and appropriateness of
proposals received. FY 2009 is the third year of this program. In fiscal
year 2009, the total funding available for this solicitation is $3,000,000
for the first year of these awards. NSF will support the initial year of
the projects with funds made available from DHS in accordance with NSF
policies and conditions. Future funding beyond year one will be awarded and
administered by DNDO, contingent upon awardees' progress and availability
of funds, in accordance with the DHS/DNDO policies and procedures. This
solicitation is anticipated to reopen annually with the number of
additional projects selected based on the availability of funding and the
progress of on-going projects.

Eligibility Information

Organization Limit:

     Proposals may only be submitted by the following:

        * Universities and Colleges - Universities and two- and
          four-year colleges (including community colleges) accredited
          in, and having a campus located in the US, acting on behalf
          of their faculty members. Such organizations also are
          referred to as academic institutions.

PI Limit:

     None Specified

Limit on Number of Proposals per Organization:

     None Specified

Limit on Number of Proposals per PI: 1

     An individual researcher may not be named as a participant on
     more than one proposal submitted to this solicitation. This
     limitation includes participation as a PI, co-PI, senior
     researcher, consultant, or any other role for which financial
     remuneration is requested.

Proposal Preparation and Submission Instructions

A. Proposal Preparation Instructions

   * Letters of Intent: Not Applicable

   * Preliminary Proposal Submission: Not Applicable

   * Full Proposals:

        * Full Proposals submitted via FastLane: NSF Proposal and Award
          Policies and Procedures Guide, Part I: Grant Proposal Guide (GPG)
          Guidelines apply. The complete text of the GPG is available
          electronically on the NSF website at:
          http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=gpg.

        * Full Proposals submitted via Grants.gov: NSF Grants.gov
          Application Guide: A Guide for the Preparation and Submission of
          NSF Applications via Grants.gov Guidelines apply (Note: The NSF
          Grants.gov Application Guide is available on the Grants.gov
          website and on the NSF website at:
          http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/grantsgovguide607.pdf)

B. Budgetary Information

   * Cost Sharing Requirements: Cost Sharing is not required under this
     solicitation.

   * Indirect Cost (F&A) Limitations:  Not Applicable

   * Other Budgetary Limitations: Other budgetary limitations apply. Please
     see the full text of this solicitation for further information.

C. Due Dates

   * Full Proposal Deadline(s) (due by 5 p.m. proposer's local time):

          April 27, 2009

          Fourth Monday in April, Annually Thereafter

               through 2011

Proposal Review Information Criteria

Merit Review Criteria:   National Science Board approved criteria.
Additional merit review considerations apply. Please see the full text of
this solicitation for further information.

Award Administration Information

Award Conditions:   Additional award conditions apply. Please see the full
text of this solicitation for further information.

Reporting Requirements:   Additional reporting requirements apply. Please
see the full text of this solicitation for further information.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

     Summary of Program Requirements

  I. Introduction

 II. Program Description

III. Award Information

 IV. Eligibility Information

  V. Proposal Preparation and Submission Instructions
       A. Proposal Preparation Instructions
       B. Budgetary Information
       C. Due Dates
       D. FastLane/Grants.gov Requirements

 VI. NSF Proposal Processing and Review Procedures
       A. NSF Merit Review Criteria
       B. Review and Selection Process

VII. Award Administration Information
       A. Notification of the Award
       B. Award Conditions
       C. Reporting Requirements

VIII.Agency Contacts

 IX. Other Information

I. INTRODUCTION

In FY 2009, DNDO, in partnership with NSF, will invest in leading edge,
frontier research on nuclear detection technology and other research that
is potentially relevant to the detection of domestic nuclear threats.

Recent advances in nuclear detection technology have yielded innovative
instruments and systems that have been of tremendous value to our national
security. Additional frontier research in areas critical to our nation will
yield similar advances. This is particularly true for the technologies
applicable to countering the threat of a nuclear terrorist attack. Through
this solicitation, DNDO, in partnership with NSF, will provide funding to
establish and maintain strong research efforts at a broad range of academic
institutions. These efforts will rebuild intellectual capability in
academic disciplines relevant to nuclear detection through the initiation
and maintenance of long-term frontier research at academic institutions.

This Academic Research Initiative (ARI) seeks to advance fundamental
knowledge for nuclear detection. The DNDO-NSF investment will coordinate
with and leverage on research currently underway in other areas of the
federal government. The Department of Homeland Security, the Department of
Energy, the Department of Defense, and others each fund active research
into developing nuclear detection technology and systems. By making a
long-term commitment to frontier research in the field, effective
technologies and systems to counter such threats can best be developed and
eventually implemented. This research and the research community that will
be developed under the ARI are seen as critical to our nation's ability to
deploy increasingly effective homeland security measures.

Research Description

The sensitivity, resolution and stand-off capability of sensors and sensor
systems determine what nuclear and radiological threats can be detected, at
what location, and how quickly. This is particularly important for shielded
nuclear material where the signatures are faint and difficult to
distinguish from normally occurring background.

The key objective for any research into nuclear detection is to distinguish
threats from non-threats in a realistic environment, thereby resulting in a
detection system that has minimal-to-no false alarms. Topics include
advancements in detector materials, detection systems, individual sensors,
associated electronics and/or signal processing, non-intrusive
interrogation technologies, stand-off detection, and autonomous system
technologies.

Specific areas of research may include the development of detectors based
on new detection materials that maximize efficiency of the system while
producing the best possible energy resolution. An example is advanced
scintillators or semiconductors capable of excellent efficiency and
resolution. Additional research may go toward the development of new
detectors or systems that exploit non-traditional techniques to detect a
photon or particle interaction in a material. Furthermore, advances in the
growth, processing, and characterization of new detection materials is
needed.  This applies to both emerging semiconductor and scintillator
materials.   In the area of  non-intrusive interrogation technologies,
research may include the development of techniques for determination of
high density, high atomic number, and nuclear materials that may be hidden
among a wide variety of non-threat materials.

Some applications require portable, compact, rugged, and low-power
detection systems. Research in detector electronics and signal processing
to meet these needs is also desirable including signal generation and
processing, fast readout, and visualization in order to extract the maximum
amount of information from small electronic signals produced by gamma or
neutron interactions in the detection material. Also, in order to maintain
active sensors in the field, small reliable power sources are required.

Complementing this sensor research would be advances in modeling and
simulations and analysis of detector response and background, isotope
identification, pattern recognition techniques, and prediction of materials
properties. In addition, research in the area of nuclear forensics could
provide significant benefit to DNDO while training the next generation of
researchers.

Additional perspective is provided in the report on the Workshop on the
Role of the Nuclear Physics Research Community in Combating Terrorism:
http://www.sc.doe.gov/henp/np/homeland/CombatTerrorismFinal110602.pdf

II. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Under the broad category of nuclear detection, examples of possible topics
that build on previous DHS/DNDO or NSF-supported research include:

Science and Engineering of Detector Materials, Concepts and Designs for New
Sensors and Sensing Systems. Proposed research should have the potential to
lead to sensors or sensor systems that are sensitive, selective, and stable
with rapid response times. Research to significantly improve the yield and
performance of sensor materials beyond those presently available is needed
with particular emphasis on the growth, processing, and characterization of
new detection materials. This includes development and improvement of
scintillator materials (e.g., faster response, higher light output, better
linearity, and improvements in growth and fabrication) as well as
semiconductor materials (e.g., reducing impurities, optimizing charge
collection, allowing room temperature operation, and innovatively improving
blocking contacts) with the goals of excellent efficiency and energy
resolution. Research in non-traditional detector concepts including
electro-optical, acousto-optical, microwave, or radio frequency (RF)
technologies that may involve actively probing materials via optical or
other means are also of interest.  Sensors or systems that are capable of
mobility, large standoff distance, or unattended operation are desired. In
addition, nation-wide deployment requires an emphasis on reduced cost and
size as well as increased portability and reliability.

Science and Engineering of Non-Intrusive Active Interrogation Systems;
Particle Generators and Accelerators, Associated Detectors, and Algorithms
for Improved Data Analysis. Proposed research should improve the automated
material discrimination and/or anomaly detection capability of non
intrusive inspection (NII) imaging systems used for air, land, and sea
cargo and vehicle scanning.  Examples of NII imaging systems include, but
are not limited to, radiography, computed tomography, and backscatter
imaging.  Proposed techniques must include the determination of high
density, high atomic number, and nuclear materials. The research may
address full-systems or system components including 1) compact accelerators
for x-ray or other particle generation; 2) high efficiency detectors
designed for radiography and/or tomography applications; and 3) fast,
reliable, and automated data analysis algorithms.

Nuclear Forensics and Attribution.  Proposed research should emphasize
advancements in the analytical techniques and instrumentation used in
determining the origin and transit route of nuclear materials. These
developments need to be applicable in providing assistance to law
enforcement, federal, and international agencies responsible for oversight
in the proliferation of these materials and in the identification of their
origin. An emphasis is being given to identifying ways to improve
instrumentation and techniques for the physical, chemical, radiological, or
morphological analysis of nuclear or radioactive materials and any
associated materials.  Applications include determination of the origins,
transport and use of these materials as well as prevention of their use.
Acceptable studies can emphasize improvements in existing methods and
instrumentation for chemical and radiological characterization, as well as
the development of novel, advanced approaches.  Improvements in the
separation or analysis of non-nuclear material associated with nuclear
materials, as well as automation, are also considered to be within the
scope of this initiative.  In addition, research studies which identify
ways to improve on current utilization of signatures, which can be used to
identify source materials in the nuclear fuel cycle are encouraged.

In all cases, the DNDO and NSF, which will jointly manage the program, seek
significant advances in nuclear detection capabilities. These advances can
be based on new technology or by enabling transformational uses of current
technology. Evolutionary (i.e. spiral) advances in current technology are
generally not appropriate topics for ARI proposals.

This DNDO-NSF research program strongly encourages PIs to develop education
initiatives that train graduate and undergraduate students in this
important area.  PIs are particularly encouraged to provide experiential
opportunities that allow students to develop a deeper knowledge, expertise,
and appreciation of this important area  (e.g., undergraduate research
experiences for individual students or for multiple students through a
program like NSF's Research Experiences for Undergraduates Sites).  This
program seeks to integrate research and education, which is a key strategy
NSF supports and promotes. Proposals with an international dimension are
welcome.

Research proposals on detection of biological, chemical, and conventional
weapons are excluded from the scope of this solicitation.

TYPE OF SUPPORT

Proposals should involve a comprehensive program of innovative and
high-risk research in a focused or interdisciplinary area with potential
for high impact. The research must include the involvement of multiple
undergraduate and graduate students as well as post-doctoral fellows. The
requested budget may be for up to an all-inclusive total, including both
direct and indirect costs, of $2,000,000, not to exceed $400,000 per year
and five years in duration. Collaborations with National Laboratories
including, e.g. summer internships and other exchange of personnel, are
strongly encouraged but must be performed on a no-exchange-of-funds basis.

All students supported with award funds must be citizens or permanent
residents of the US, its territories, or its possessions.

III. AWARD INFORMATION

Anticipated Type of Award: Standard grant for the first year from NSF.
Award type for follow-up years determined by DNDO.

Estimated Number of Awards: 7 - 8 new awards in FY 2009, not to exceed
$400,000 annually per award for a maximum duration of five years with a
maximum total award size of up to $2,000,000, inclusive of both direct and
indirect costs.

Anticipated Funding Amount: $58,000,000 over a five-year period from 2007
to 2011 for ARI solicitations to be awarded through NSF and DNDO, subject
to availability of funds and the quality and appropriateness of proposals
received. FY 2009 is the third year of this program. In fiscal year 2009,
the total funding available for this solicitation is $3,000,000 for the
first year of these awards. NSF will support the initial year of the
projects with funds made available from DHS in accordance with NSF policies
and conditions. Future funding beyond year one will be awarded and
administered by DNDO, contingent upon awardees' progress and availability
of funds, in accordance with the DHS/DNDO policies and procedures. This
solicitation is anticipated to reopen annually with the number of
additional projects selected based on the availability of funding and the
progress of on-going projects.

Estimated program budget, number of awards and average award size or
duration are subject to the availability of funds, and the quality and
appropriateness of proposals received.

IV. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

Organization Limit:

     Proposals may only be submitted by the following:

        * Universities and Colleges - Universities and two- and
          four-year colleges (including community colleges) accredited
          in, and having a campus located in the US, acting on behalf
          of their faculty members. Such organizations also are
          referred to as academic institutions.

PI Limit:

     None Specified

Limit on Number of Proposals per Organization:

     None Specified

Limit on Number of Proposals per PI: 1

     An individual researcher may not be named as a participant on
     more than one proposal submitted to this solicitation. This
     limitation includes participation as a PI, co-PI, senior
     researcher, consultant, or any other role for which financial
     remuneration is requested.

Additional Eligibility Info:

V. PROPOSAL PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

A. Proposal Preparation Instructions

Full Proposal Preparation Instructions: Proposers may opt to submit
proposals in response to this Program Solicitation via Grants.gov or via
the NSF FastLane system.

   * Full proposals submitted via FastLane: Proposals submitted in response
     to this program solicitation should be prepared and submitted in
     accordance with the general guidelines contained in the NSF Grant
     Proposal Guide (GPG). The complete text of the GPG is available
     electronically on the NSF website at:
     http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=gpg. Paper copies
     of the GPG may be obtained from the NSF Publications Clearinghouse,
     telephone (703) 292-7827 or by e-mail from pubs@nsf.gov. Proposers are
     reminded to identify this program solicitation number in the program
     solicitation block on the NSF Cover Sheet For Proposal to the National
     Science Foundation. Compliance with this requirement is critical to
     determining the relevant proposal processing guidelines. Failure to
     submit this information may delay processing.

   * Full proposals submitted via Grants.gov: Proposals submitted in
     response to this program solicitation via Grants.gov should be
     prepared and submitted in accordance with the NSF Grants.gov
     Application Guide: A Guide for the Preparation and Submission of NSF
     Applications via Grants.gov. The complete text of the NSF Grants.gov
     Application Guide is available on the Grants.gov website and on the
     NSF website at:
     (http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/grantsgovguide607.pdf). To obtain
     copies of the Application Guide and Application Forms Package, click
     on the Apply tab on the Grants.gov site, then click on the Apply Step
     1: Download a Grant Application Package and Application Instructions
     link and enter the funding opportunity number, (the program
     solicitation number without the NSF prefix) and press the Download
     Package button. Paper copies of the Grants.gov Application Guide also
     may be obtained from the NSF Publications Clearinghouse, telephone
     (703) 292-7827 or by e-mail from pubs@nsf.gov.

In determining which method to utilize in the electronic preparation and
submission of the proposal, please note the following:

Collaborative Proposals. All collaborative proposals submitted as separate
submissions from multiple organizations must be submitted via the NSF
FastLane system. Chapter II, Section D.3 of the Grant Proposal Guide
provides additional information on collaborative proposals.

  1. Cover Sheet:

     Project Title Block: The project title for ARI proposals must
     begin with "ARI-MA" and follow with an informative title.

     Program Selection Block: This will be populated automatically
     upon selecting the ARI solicitation (see next program block).

     Program Solicitation Block:

        * FastLane Users: Select the ARI program solicitation number
          from the pull-down list. Entries on the cover sheet are
          limited to the principal investigator and a maximum of four
          co-principal investigators. Additional project leaders or
          senior personnel should be listed on the Project Summary
          page and entered into FastLane as senior investigators.
        * Grants.gov Users: The ARI program solicitation number will
          be pre-populated by Grants.gov on the NSF Grant Application
          Cover Page. NSF allows one principal investigator and a
          maximum of four co-principal investigators to be identified
          on a proposal. Instructions for entering additional senior
          project participants are included in Section V.5. of the NSF
          Grants.gov Application Guide.

  2. Project Summary:

     The Project Summary is limited to one page.

     The Project Summary must address the intellectual merit and
     broader impacts of the proposal and must include a brief but
     explicit statement on how the proposed research relates to
     nuclear threat detection. Omission of this statement will result
     in the proposal being returned without review.

  3. Project Description:

     Descriptor Codes: To facilitate the proposal review process, at
     the beginning of the project description, each proposal must
     specify a primary review code chosen from the following list:

     Primary Review Code (specify one and only one)

     CISE (for Computer & Information Science & Engineering)

     ENG (for Engineering)

     MPS (for Mathematical and Physical Sciences)

     OCI (for Cyberinfrastructure)

     IDP (for Interdisciplinary: optional designation for proposals
     that are broadly interdisciplinary or for which no single
     disciplinary area stands out as primary)

     Also, to underscore multidisciplinary collaborations, up to two
     secondary review codes chosen from the list below may be
     specified below the primary review code:

     Secondary Review Codes (specify from none up to two)

     CISE (for Computer & Information Science & Engineering)

     EHR (for Education and Human Resources)

     ENG (for Engineering)

     MPS (for Mathematical and Physical Sciences)

     OCI (for Cyberinfrastructure)

     INT (for International: optional designation for proposals that
     include a significant international dimension)

     IDP (for Interdisciplinary: designation for proposals that are
     interdisciplinary and/or for which no single disciplinary area
     stands out)

     Project Descriptions must adhere to the 15-page limit, as
     described in the NSF Grant Proposal Guide (GPG) or NSF Grants.gov
     Application Guide.

     Describe the vision and goals of the proposed research,
     approaches and methodologies to attain the goals, and the
     expected outcomes. The project description must present a clear
     and compelling explanation of the cutting-edge nature of the
     proposed research and its potential for significantly advancing
     nuclear detection capabilities. High-risk proposals with the
     potential for high impact are encouraged.

     Proposed Research: Narrative consisting of the following items:

        * An explanation of the scientific context, intellectual
          merit, relevance to nuclear threat detection, the
          transformational potential and timeliness of the proposed
          project;
        * A description of the proposed research;
        * A discussion of the broader impacts of the proposed work;
        * If appropriate, a justification for why an effort involving
          at least two investigators is necessary to carry out the
          proposed project;
        * If appropriate, a discussion of the mode of collaboration
          with description of any use of cyberinfrastructure;
        * A description of the contribution to be made by each senior
          investigator;
        * A timeline for the planned work; and
        * Plans for disseminating the results.

     Modes of Dissemination and Education: Narrative describing:

        * The mode of training undergraduate students, graduate
          students, and postdoctoral researchers, including
          co-mentorship or other collaborative training; and
        * Plans for dissemination and education/outreach, including
          any pilot activities.

     Management Plan: If appropriate, narrative describing:

        * How the group effort will be coordinated, including any use
          of cyberinfrastructure;
        * How decisions will be made regarding the conduct of the
          project; and
        * How collaboration will be evaluated;

  4. References Cited:

     References should include full titles of articles and book
     chapters cited. This section should include bibliographic
     citations only and must not be used to provide parenthetical
     information outside of the project description. Indicate with an
     asterisk (*) references co-authored by two or more proposal
     investigators.

  5. Biographical sketches:

     For PIs, co-PIs and all senior personnel, provide brief
     biographical sketches using the format described in the Grant
     Proposal Guide. Note that recent collaborators and other
     affiliates should also be collected into the combined list given
     in the Supplementary Documentation (see below).

  6. Budget:

     Include up to five annual budgets, one for each year of the
     duration of the award; a cumulative budget will be automatically
     generated by FastLane or Grants.gov. A detailed budget
     justification (up to three pages) should document proposed
     expenses. Multi-institutional proposals should use the award-sub
     award proposal mechanisms or the collaborative mechanism (see GPG
     guidelines, chapter II.D.3).

     Mention if any government-furnished equipment (GFE, e.g. specific
     radioactive sources to calibrate or test detector systems) is
     required.

     An annual grantees workshop will enable the investigators of
     grants awarded through this solicitation to review progress,
     exchange information, and promote collaborations. The PI, all
     co-PIs, and at least one of the students supported from each
     funded grant will be required to participate. Members of the DNDO
     global nuclear defense architecture team and appropriate members
     of the end-user community are also expected to be present at this
     annual workshop to provide guidance on the rapidly evolving needs
     in nuclear detection. Funds must be included in each year of the
     proposal budget for attendance at this annual workshop. For
     budgetary purposes, the workshop may be assumed to be in the
     Washington, D.C. area and be of three days duration. This
     workshop will be a primary mechanism for the DNDO/NSF program
     managers to assess progress and thus to adjust the future funding
     profiles for individual projects.

  7. Current and Pending Support:

     A full description of the total level of current and pending
     support from all sources for the key personnel. Any overlap
     between federally funded projects and the proposed research must
     be clarified.

  8. Facilities:

     A description of the facilities (including laboratories,
     computational facilities, and cyber infrastructure) that will be
     made available to the project. Separate facilities descriptions
     should be included for multi-institutional projects or those
     involving non-academic partners.

  9. Suggested Reviewers/Reviewers Not to Include (Optional):

     Include potential reviewers who span the range of disciplines
     represented by the ARI proposal.

 10. Supplementary Documentation:

     Proposers must submit the following information immediately after
     submission of their proposal to NSF separately from the Fastlane
     submission. After receipt of the NSF proposal number, follow the
     instructions found at http://www.nsf.gov/eng/cmmi/ari.jsp to
     submit two lists: the first containing the last names, first
     names and institutional affiliations of all senior personnel (PI
     and co-PIs) and any named personnel whose salary is requested in
     the project budget; the second one containing the full names and
     institutional affiliations of all people having conflicts of
     interest with any senior personnel (PI and co-PIs) or named
     personnel whose salary is requested in the project budget. These
     lists will be used by DHS and NSF to check for conflicts of
     interest during the selection of reviewers.

     Additionally, in order to facilitate accurate and effective
     review of each submitted proposal by a group of experts,
     proposers are required to submit the following information noting
     which of the following categories best describe the proposed
     research. This information will be supplied to NSF following the
     directions listed at the same web site address listed above for
     conflicts.  Proposers are allowed to select up to two per
     proposal of the following:

        * Semiconductor Detector Materials
        * Scintillator Detector Materials
        * Other Detector Materials
        * Neutron Detector Materials
        * Neutron Detection Systems
        * Integrated Detection Systems/Networks
        * Nontraditional Detection Concepts
        * Passive Detection Systems
        * Non-Intrusive Imaging Systems/Techniques
        * Active Interrogation Systems/Techniques
        * Accelerators/Particle Generators for Active Interrogation
        * Algorithms, Software Tools, or Analysis Techniques
        * Nuclear Forensics
        * Other (Explain)

     If "Other" is being selected, please limit your explanation to a
     brief paragraph.

B. Budgetary Information

Cost Sharing:   Cost sharing is not required under this solicitation.

Other Budgetary Limitations:

All students supported with award funds must be citizens or permanent
residents of the US, its territories or its possessions.

ARI award funds may not provide salary support to industry, government
laboratories, or international organizations, but may be used, in limited
cases, to support travel in support of collaborative work.

C. Due Dates

   * Full Proposal Deadline(s) (due by 5 p.m. proposer's local time):

          April 27, 2009

          Fourth Monday in April, Annually Thereafter

               through 2011

D. FastLane/Grants.gov Requirements

   * For Proposals Submitted Via FastLane:

     Detailed technical instructions regarding the technical aspects of
     preparation and submission via FastLane are available at:
     https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/a1/newstan.htm. For FastLane user
     support, call the FastLane Help Desk at 1-800-673-6188 or e-mail
     fastlane@nsf.gov. The FastLane Help Desk answers general technical
     questions related to the use of the FastLane system. Specific
     questions related to this program solicitation should be referred to
     the NSF program staff contact(s) listed in Section VIII of this
     funding opportunity.

     Submission of Electronically Signed Cover Sheets. The Authorized
     Organizational Representative (AOR) must electronically sign the
     proposal Cover Sheet to submit the required proposal certifications
     (see Chapter II, Section C of the Grant Proposal Guide for a listing
     of the certifications). The AOR must provide the required electronic
     certifications within five working days following the electronic
     submission of the proposal. Further instructions regarding this
     process are available on the FastLane Website at:
     https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/fastlane.jsp.

   * For Proposals Submitted Via Grants.gov:

     Before using Grants.gov for the first time, each organization must
     register to create an institutional profile. Once registered, the
     applicant's organization can then apply for any federal grant on the
     Grants.gov website. The Grants.gov's Grant Community User Guide is a
     comprehensive reference document that provides technical information
     about Grants.gov. Proposers can download the User Guide as a Microsoft
     Word document or as a PDF document. The Grants.gov User Guide is
     available at: http://www.grants.gov/CustomerSupport. In addition, the
     NSF Grants.gov Application Guide provides additional technical
     guidance regarding preparation of proposals via Grants.gov. For
     Grants.gov user support, contact the Grants.gov Contact Center at
     1-800-518-4726 or by email: support@grants.gov. The Grants.gov Contact
     Center answers general technical questions related to the use of
     Grants.gov. Specific questions related to this program solicitation
     should be referred to the NSF program staff contact(s) listed in
     Section VIII of this solicitation.

     Submitting the Proposal: Once all documents have been completed, the
     Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) must submit the
     application to Grants.gov and verify the desired funding opportunity
     and agency to which the application is submitted. The AOR must then
     sign and submit the application to Grants.gov. The completed
     application will be transferred to the NSF FastLane system for further
     processing.

VI. NSF PROPOSAL PROCESSING AND REVIEW PROCEDURES

Proposals received by NSF are assigned to the appropriate NSF program and,
if they meet NSF proposal preparation requirements, will be reviewed. All
proposals are carefully reviewed by DNDO-NSF staff, and by three to ten
other persons outside NSF and DNDO who are experts in the particular fields
represented by the proposal. These reviewers are selected by the DNDO-NSF
Program Officers charged with the oversight of the review process.
Proposers are invited to suggest names of persons they believe are
especially well qualified to review the proposal and/or persons they would
prefer not review the proposal. These suggestions may serve as one source
in the reviewer selection process at the Program Officer's discretion.
Submission of such names, however, is optional. Care is taken to ensure
that reviewers have no conflicts with the proposer.

A. DNDO-NSF Merit Review Criteria

All  proposals are evaluated through use of the two National Science Board
(NSB)-approved merit review criteria: intellectual merit and the broader
impacts of the proposed effort. DNDO and NSF will employ additional
criteria as provided elsewhere in this solicitation to highlight the
specific objectives of certain programs and activities.

The two NSB-approved merit review criteria are listed below. The criteria
include considerations that help define them. These considerations are
suggestions and not all will apply to any given proposal. While proposers
must address both merit review criteria, reviewers will be asked to address
only those considerations that are relevant to the proposal being
considered and for which the reviewer is qualified to make judgements.

     What is the intellectual merit of the proposed activity?
     How important is the proposed activity to advancing knowledge and
     understanding within its own field or across different fields?
     How well qualified is the proposer (individual or team) to
     conduct the project? (If appropriate, the reviewer will comment
     on the quality of the prior work.) To what extent does the
     proposed activity suggest and explore creative, original, or
     potentially transformative concepts? How well conceived and
     organized is the proposed activity? Is there sufficient access to
     resources?

     What are the broader impacts of the proposed activity?
     How well does the activity advance discovery and understanding
     while promoting teaching, training, and learning? How well does
     the proposed activity broaden the participation of
     underrepresented groups (e.g., gender, ethnicity, disability,
     geographic, etc.)? To what extent will it enhance the
     infrastructure for research and education, such as facilities,
     instrumentation, networks, and partnerships? Will the results be
     disseminated broadly to enhance scientific and technological
     understanding? What may be the benefits of the proposed activity
     to society?

Examples illustrating activities likely to demonstrate broader impacts are
available electronically on the NSF website at:
http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/gpg/broaderimpacts.pdf.

DNDO-NSF staff will give careful consideration to the following in making
funding decisions:

     Integration of Research and Education
     One of the principal strategies in support of NSF's goals is to
     foster integration of research and education through the
     programs, projects, and activities it supports at academic and
     research institutions. These institutions provide abundant
     opportunities where individuals may concurrently assume
     responsibilities as researchers, educators, and students and
     where all can engage in joint efforts that infuse education with
     the excitement of discovery and enrich research through the
     diversity of learning perspectives.

     Integrating Diversity into NSF Programs, Projects, and Activities
     Broadening opportunities and enabling the participation of all
     citizens -- women and men, underrepresented minorities, and
     persons with disabilities -- is essential to the health and
     vitality of science and engineering. NSF is committed to this
     principle of diversity and deems it central to the programs,
     projects, and activities it considers and supports.

     Additional Review Criteria:

     The following additional merit review considerations apply:

        * How well does the proposal describe how the project will lead to
          progress in addressing a "big problem" in detection of the
          nuclear threat that involves innovation and/or high risk?
        * How well does the proposal describe why a project requires a long
          timeline, multi-disciplinary and/or multi-institutional effort?
        * What potential does the project have for a major advance that is
          relevant to detection of shielded or unshielded nuclear weapons
          or special nuclear material (plutonium or highly enriched
          uranium)?
        * What is the project's potential to attract broad scientific and
          public interest and support?
        * How effective are the project's educational, dissemination, and,
          especially for large awards, management plans?

B. Review and Selection Process

Proposals submitted in response to this program solicitation will be
reviewed by Panel Review.

Reviewers will be asked to formulate a recommendation to either support or
decline each proposal. The Program Officer assigned to manage the
proposal's review will consider the advice of reviewers and will formulate
a recommendation.

After scientific, technical and programmatic review and consideration of
appropriate factors, a panel consisting of a DNDO Executive and an NSF
Executive will recommend whether the proposal should be declined or
recommended for award. DNDO-NSF are striving to be able to tell applicants
whether their proposals have been declined or recommended for funding
within six months. The time interval begins on the date of receipt.  The
interval ends when the DNDO-NSF Executive Panel accepts the Program
Officer's recommendation.

A summary rating and accompanying narrative will be completed and submitted
by each reviewer. In all cases, reviews are treated as confidential
documents. Verbatim copies of reviews, excluding the names of the
reviewers, are sent to the Principal Investigator/Project Director by the
DNDO-NSF Program Officers.  In addition, the proposer will receive an
explanation of the decision to award or decline funding.

In all cases, after programmatic approval has been obtained, the proposals
recommended for funding will be forwarded to the Division of Grants and
Agreements for review of business, financial, and policy implications and
the processing and issuance of a grant or other agreement. Proposers are
cautioned that only a Grants and Agreements Officer may make commitments,
obligations or awards on behalf of NSF or authorize the expenditure of
funds. No commitment on the part of NSF or DNDO should be inferred from
technical or budgetary discussions with an DNDO-NSF Program Officer. A
Principal Investigator or organization that makes financial or personnel
commitments in the absence of a grant or cooperative agreement signed by
the NSF Grants and Agreements Officer does so at their own risk.

VII. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

A. Notification of the Award

Notification of the award is made to the submitting organization by a
Grants Officer in the Division of Grants and Agreements. Organizations
whose proposals are declined will be advised as promptly as possible by the
DNDO-NSF Program Managers administering the program. Verbatim copies of
reviews, not including the identity of the reviewer, will be provided
automatically to the Principal Investigator. (See Section VI.B. for
additional information on the review process.)

B. Award Conditions

An NSF award consists of: (1) the award letter, which includes any special
provisions applicable to the award and any numbered amendments thereto; (2)
the budget, which indicates the amounts, by categories of expense, on which
NSF has based its support (or otherwise communicates any specific approvals
or disapprovals of proposed expenditures); (3) the proposal referenced in
the award letter; (4) the applicable award conditions, such as Grant
General Conditions (GC-1); * or Research Terms and Conditions * and (5) any
announcement or other NSF issuance that may be incorporated by reference in
the award letter. Cooperative agreements also are administered in
accordance with NSF Cooperative Agreement Financial and Administrative
Terms and Conditions (CA-FATC) and the applicable Programmatic Terms and
Conditions. NSF awards are electronically signed by an NSF Grants and
Agreements Officer and transmitted electronically to the organization via
e-mail.

*These documents may be accessed electronically on NSF's Website at
http://www.nsf.gov/awards/managing/award_conditions.jsp?org=NSF. Paper
copies may be obtained from the NSF Publications Clearinghouse, telephone
(703) 292-7827 or by e-mail from pubs@nsf.gov.

More comprehensive information on NSF Award Conditions and other important
information on the administration of NSF awards is contained in the NSF
Award & Administration Guide (AAG) Chapter II, available electronically on
the NSF Website at
http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=aag.

Special Award Conditions:

NSF will fund the initial year of the projects with funds made available
from DHS in accordance with NSF policies and conditions. Future funding
beyond year one will be awarded and administered by DNDO, contingent upon
awardees' progress and availability of funds, in accordance with DHS/DNDO
policies and procedures.

C. Reporting Requirements

For all multi-year grants (including both standard and continuing grants),
the Principal Investigator must submit an annual project report to the
cognizant Program Officer at least 90 days before the end of the current
budget period. Within 90 days after expiration of a grant, the PI also is
required to submit a final project report.

Although NSF will provide funding only for the initial year of each award,
all annual and final project reports must be submitted through FastLane.

Failure to provide the required annual or final project reports will delay
NSF review and processing of any future funding increments as well as any
pending proposals for that PI. PIs should examine the formats of the
required reports in advance to assure availability of required data.

PIs are required to use NSF's electronic project-reporting system,
available through FastLane, for preparation and submission of annual and
final project reports.  Such reports provide information on activities and
findings, project participants (individual and organizational)
publications; and, other specific products and contributions.  PIs will not
be required to re-enter information previously provided, either with a
proposal or in earlier updates using the electronic system.  Submission of
the report via FastLane constitutes certification by the PI that the
contents of the report are accurate and complete.

An annual grantees workshop will enable the investigators of grants awarded
through this solicitation to review progress, exchange information, and
promote collaborations. The PI, all co-PIs, and at least one of the
students supported from each funded grant will be required to participate.
Members of the DNDO global nuclear defense architecture team and
appropriate members of the end-user community are also expected to be
present at this annual workshop to provide guidance on the rapidly evolving
needs in nuclear detection. Funds must be included in each year of the
proposal budget for attendance at this annual workshop. For budgetary
purposes the workshop may be assumed to be in the Washington, D.C. area and
be of three days duration. This workshop will be a primary mechanism for
the DNDO-NSF program managers to assess progress and thus to adjust the
future funding profiles for individual projects. (Include in budget
request.)

VIII. AGENCY CONTACTS

General inquiries regarding this program should be made to:

   * Suhada Jayasuriya, Lead Program Director, Control Systems, ENG/CMMI,
     telephone: (703) 292-7014, email: sjayasur@nsf.gov

   * Austin Kuhn, DNDO Lead Program Manager, Transformational and Applied
     Research Directorate, DNDO, telephone: (202)254-7619, email:
     austin.kuhn@dhs.gov

   * Radhakishan Baheti, Program Director, Power, Controls and Adaptive
     Networks, ENG/ECCS, telephone: (703) 292-8339, email: rbaheti@nsf.gov

   * Allena K. Opper, Program Director, Nuclear Physics, MPS/PHY,
     telephone: (703) 292-8958, email: aopper@nsf.gov

   * Bruce Hamilton, Program Director, Environmental Sustainability,
     ENG/CBET, telephone: (703) 292-8320, email: bhamilto@nsf.gov

   * Nicholas Prins, Deputy Assistant Director, Transformational and
     Applied Research Directorate, DNDO, telephone: (202)254-7473, email:
     nicholas.prins@dhs.gov

   * Leland Jameson, Program Director, Computational Mathematics, MPS/DMS,
     telephone: (703) 292-4883, email: ljameson@nsf.gov

   * Bradley Keister, Program Director, Nuclear Physics, MPS/PHY,
     telephone: (703) 292-7377, email: bkeister@nsf.gov

   * Sylvia Spengler, Program Director, Information Integration and
     Informatics, CISE/IIS, telephone: (703) 292-8930, email:
     sspengle@nsf.gov

   * Clark Cooper, Materials and Surface Engineering, ENG/CMMI, telephone:
     (703) 292-7899, email: ccooper@nsf.gov

   * Jon Stoffel, Program Director, Program Director, OD/OCI, telephone:
     (703) 292-8544, email: jstoffel@nsf.gov

   * Anne Emig, Program Director, OD/OISE, telephone: (703) 292-7241,
     email: aemig@nsf.gov

   * John F. Mateja, Program Director, DUE/EHR, telephone: (703) 292-4641,
     email: jmateja@nsf.gov

For questions related to the use of FastLane, contact:

   * FastLane Help Desk, telephone: 1-800-673-6188; e-mail:
     fastlane@nsf.gov.

For questions relating to Grants.gov contact:

   * Grants.gov Contact Center: If the Authorized Organizational
     Representatives (AOR) has not received a confirmation message from
     Grants.gov within 48 hours of submission of application, please
     contact via telephone: 1-800-518-4726; e-mail: support@grants.gov.

IX. OTHER INFORMATION

The NSF Website provides the most comprehensive source of information on
NSF Directorates (including contact information), programs and funding
opportunities. Use of this Website by potential proposers is strongly
encouraged. In addition, MyNSF (formerly the Custom News Service) is an
information-delivery system designed to keep potential proposers and other
interested parties apprised of new NSF funding opportunities and
publications, important changes in proposal and award policies and
procedures, and upcoming NSF Regional Grants Conferences. Subscribers are
informed through e-mail or the user's Web browser each time new
publications are issued that match their identified interests. MyNSF also
is available on NSF's Website at http://www.nsf.gov/mynsf/.

Grants.gov provides an additional electronic capability to search for
Federal government-wide grant opportunities. NSF funding opportunities may
be accessed via this new mechanism. Further information on Grants.gov may
be obtained at http://www.grants.gov.

     ABOUT THE DOMESTIC NUCLEAR DETECTION OFFICE

     Recognizing the risks associated with the potential use of a
     nuclear weapon within the United States, the Department of
     Homeland Security (DHS) has integrated all nuclear detection
     research, development, testing, evaluation, acquisition, and
     operational support into a single office: the Domestic Nuclear
     Detection Office (DNDO). The DNDO will develop a global nuclear
     detection architecture; conduct research and development; and
     acquire and support the deployment of domestic nuclear detection
     systems.

     The DNDO is a jointly staffed office established to improve the
     Nation's capability to detect and report unauthorized
     attempts to import, possess, store, develop, or transport nuclear
     or radiological material for use against the Nation, and to
     further enhance this capability over time.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent Federal agency
created by the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended (42 USC
1861-75). The Act states the purpose of the NSF is "to promote the progress
of science; [and] to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare
by supporting research and education in all fields of science and
engineering."

NSF funds research and education in most fields of science and engineering.
It does this through grants and cooperative agreements to more than 2,000
colleges, universities, K-12 school systems, businesses, informal science
organizations and other research organizations throughout the US. The
Foundation accounts for about one-fourth of Federal support to academic
institutions for basic research.

NSF receives approximately 40,000 proposals each year for research,
education and training projects, of which approximately 11,000 are funded.
In addition, the Foundation receives several thousand applications for
graduate and postdoctoral fellowships. The agency operates no laboratories
itself but does support National Research Centers, user facilities, certain
oceanographic vessels and Antarctic research stations. The Foundation also
supports cooperative research between universities and industry, US
participation in international scientific and engineering efforts, and
educational activities at every academic level.

Facilitation Awards for Scientists and Engineers with Disabilities provide
funding for special assistance or equipment to enable persons with
disabilities to work on NSF-supported projects. See Grant Proposal Guide
Chapter II, Section D.2 for instructions regarding preparation of these
types of proposals.

The National Science Foundation has Telephonic Device for the Deaf (TDD)
and Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) capabilities that enable
individuals with hearing impairments to communicate with the Foundation
about NSF programs, employment or general information. TDD may be accessed
at (703) 292-5090 and (800) 281-8749, FIRS at (800) 877-8339.

The National Science Foundation Information Center may be reached at (703)
292-5111.

 The National Science Foundation promotes and advances scientific
 progress in the United States by competitively awarding grants and
 cooperative agreements for research and education in the sciences,
 mathematics, and engineering.

 To get the latest information about program deadlines, to download
 copies of NSF publications, and to access abstracts of awards, visit the
 NSF Website at http://www.nsf.gov

        * Location:                       4201 Wilson Blvd. Arlington,
                                          VA 22230
        * For General Information         (703) 292-5111
          (NSF Information Center):
        * TDD (for the hearing-impaired): (703) 292-5090

        * To Order Publications or Forms:

              Send an e-mail to:          pubs@nsf.gov

                 or telephone:            (703) 292-7827

        * To Locate NSF Employees:        (703) 292-5111

PRIVACY ACT AND PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENTS

The information requested on proposal forms and project reports is
solicited under the authority of the National Science Foundation Act of
1950, as amended. The information on proposal forms will be used in
connection with the selection of qualified proposals; and project reports
submitted by awardees will be used for program evaluation and reporting
within the Executive Branch and to Congress. The information requested may
be disclosed to qualified reviewers and staff assistants as part of the
proposal review process; to proposer institutions/grantees to provide or
obtain data regarding the proposal review process, award decisions, or the
administration of awards; to government contractors, experts, volunteers
and researchers and educators as necessary to complete assigned work; to
other government agencies or other entities needing information regarding
applicants or nominees as part of a joint application review process, or in
order to coordinate programs or policy; and to another Federal agency,
court, or party in a court or Federal administrative proceeding if the
government is a party. Information about Principal Investigators may be
added to the Reviewer file and used to select potential candidates to serve
as peer reviewers or advisory committee members. See Systems of Records,
NSF-50, "Principal Investigator/Proposal File and Associated Records," 69
Federal Register 26410 (May 12, 2004), and NSF-51, "Reviewer/Proposal File
and Associated Records, " 69 Federal Register 26410 (May 12, 2004).
Submission of the information is voluntary. Failure to provide full and
complete information, however, may reduce the possibility of receiving an
award.

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, an information collection unless it displays a valid Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The OMB control number for this
collection is 3145-0058. Public reporting burden for this collection of
information is estimated to average 120 hours per response, including the
time for reviewing instructions. Send comments regarding the burden
estimate and any other aspect of this collection of information, including
suggestions for reducing this burden, to:

Suzanne H. Plimpton
Reports Clearance Officer
Division of Administrative Services
National Science Foundation
Arlington, VA 22230


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