FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT

U. S. Department of Energy
Idaho Operations Office
Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for
Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research
Funding Opportunity Announcement: DE-FOA-0003040
Announcement Type: Initial – June 12, 2023
Assistance Listings Number: 81.121

Informational Webinar: May 31, 2023
(Video links and presentations will be available at www.NEUP.gov)
Issue Date: June 12, 2023
Application Due Date: August 24, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
NOTE: Deadlines are the dates/times by which DOE must receive the specified
submittal.

Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

Registration Requirements
There are several one-time actions applicants must complete in order to submit an application in
response to this Announcement (e.g., obtain Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number, register with
the System for Award Management (SAM), and create an account on the NEUP.gov website at:www.NEUP.gov. Applicants who are not registered with SAM should allow up to five weeks tocomplete this requirement. It is suggested that the process be started as soon as possible.
The applicant must complete or have already completed the following actions:(1) Register with the SAM: https://www.sam.gov/. For more information about SAM
registration for applicants please refer to: https://www.sam.gov/content/entitylanding.
(2) Obtain the Unique Entity Identifier (ID) generated number generated in SAM.gov.
(3) Create an account on the NEUP.gov website at www.NEUP.gov using the “Sign
In” tab in the top right-hand corner. To create an account: 1) click “Create a new
account”; 2) fill out the required information and click “Create User”; and 3) fillout the information in the “My Information” section.
Questions
Questions regarding the content of this funding opportunity announcement (FOA) must be
submitted using the contact information found at Part VII, Section B, of this FOA. DOE will try
to respond to a question within three (3) business days unless a similar question and answer havealready been posted on the website.
Application Preparation
Applicants must prepare the application package and application forms from the NEUP.gov
website: https://neup.inl.gov/SitePages/Home.aspx.
Additional instructions are provided in Section IV of this FOA.
Application Submission
Instructions and a copy of the FOA can be found at www.NEUP.gov.
Electronic applications and instructions are available at the NEUP website. To access thesematerials:(1) go to www.NEUP.gov;(2) select “Sign In” from the top right-hand corner of the screen;(3) enter your user credentials;(4) select “Applications” from the menu; and(5) click on “Create New Application” for the type of application you are creating.
Apply at www.NEUP.gov. If you have any questions about your registration, contact
the INR Integration Office at 208-681-3848 or at neup@inl.gov.
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Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

TABLE OF CONTENTSPART I - FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION ............................................................... 1A.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES............................................................................... 1

B.

RELATED COLLABORATIVE OPPORTUNITIES ........................................................ 2C.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY AREAS ................................................................................ 3
C.1
University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support .................................. 3
C.2
General Scientific Infrastructure Support for Universities............................................ 4

D.

ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION RESTRICTIONS ................................................... 4
D.1
University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support. ................................. 4
D.2
General Scientific Infrastructure Support for Universities. ........................................ 5
D.3
General Application Restrictions ................................................................................ 5

PART II - AWARD INFORMATION ........................................................................................... 7
A.

TYPE OF AWARD INSTRUMENT.................................................................................. 7

B.

ESTIMATED FUNDING ................................................................................................... 7
B.1
University Research Reactor Upgrades (RU) Infrastructure Support .......................... 7
B.2
General Scientific Infrastructure (GSI) Support for Universities ................................ 7

C.

MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM AWARD SIZE................................................................. 7

D.

EXPECTED NUMBER OF AWARDS.............................................................................. 8E.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE ......................................................................................... 8F.

TYPE OF APPLICATION ................................................................................................. 8

PART III - ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION ................................................................................. 9A.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS ................................................................................................. 9

B.

COST SHARING................................................................................................................ 9

C. COST MATCHING FOR GENERAL SCIENTIFIC INFRASTRUCTURE (GSI)
SUPPORT APPLICATIONS.................................................................................................... 10D.

OTHER ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................... 10

PART IV - APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION.......................................... 12A.

ADDRESS TO REQUEST APPLICATION PACKAGE ................................................ 12

B.

DOCUMENT FORMAT REQUIREMENTS .................................................................. 12C.

LETTER OF INTENT AND PRE-APPLICATION......................................................... 12
C.1
Letter of Intent........................................................................................................... 12
C.2
Pre-applications......................................................................................................... 12

D.

CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION................................................................. 13
D.1
SF-424 – Application for Federal Assistance ............................................................ 14
D.2
Project/Performance Site Location(s)........................................................................ 14

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Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

D.3
D.4
D.5
D.6
D.7
D.8
D.9
D.10
D.11
D.12
D.13
D.14

Project Summary/Abstract File ................................................................................. 14
Project Narrative File ................................................................................................ 14
Project Team Curriculum Vitae (CV) ....................................................................... 16
SF-424A Excel, Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs File ................. 17
Budget Justification File ............................................................................................ 17
Vendor Quotes .......................................................................................................... 18
Cost Sharing and Cost Matching .............................................................................. 18
Past, Current, and Pending Support ........................................................................... 19
Interim Conflict of Interest Policy (Required for All Applicants) ............................. 19
Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL ) (Required for All Applicants) ........... 19
Certifications and Assurances ................................................................................... 19
Letters of Support or Commitment ........................................................................... 20

E.

SUBMISSIONS FROM SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS................................................. 21
E.1
Environmental Checklist ........................................................................................... 21

F.

SUBMISSION DATES AND TIMES .............................................................................. 21
F.1
Letter of Intent Due Date........................................................................................... 21
F.2
Pre-application Due Date .......................................................................................... 21
F.3
Application Due Date ................................................................................................ 21

G.

INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW ............................................................................. 22H.

FUNDING RESTRICTIONS ........................................................................................... 22
H.1
Prohibition related to Foreign Government-Sponsored Talent Recruitment
Programs................................................................................................................................ 22
H.2
Buy America Requirements for Infrastructure Projects ............................................. 23

I.

OTHER SUBMISSION AND REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS ............................ 23
I.1 Where to Submit ........................................................................................................... 23
I.2 Application Validity Timeframe ................................................................................... 23

PART V - APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION ............................................................. 24A.

CRITERIA ........................................................................................................................ 24
A.1
Initial Review Criteria ............................................................................................... 24
A.2
Merit Review Criteria ................................................................................................ 24
A.3
Other Selection Factors ............................................................................................. 25

B.

REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS ........................................................................ 26
B.1
Merit Review ............................................................................................................. 26
B.2
Selection.................................................................................................................... 26
B.3
Discussions and Award ............................................................................................. 26

C.

ANTICIPATED NOTICE OF SECTION AND AWARD DATES ................................. 26

PART VI - AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION .................................................... 27
A.

AWARD NOTICES.......................................................................................................... 27
A.1
Notice of Selection .................................................................................................... 27
A.2
Notice of Award ........................................................................................................ 27

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Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

B.

ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS .......................... 27
B.1
Administrative Requirements ................................................................................... 27
B.2
System For Award Management and Unique Entity Identifier Requirements .......... 27
B.3
Subaward and Executive Reporting .......................................................................... 28
B.4
Special Terms and Conditions and National Policy Requirements ........................... 28
B.5
Nondisclosure And Confidentiality Agreements Representations (JUNE 2015) ...... 29

C.

NO-COST TIME EXTENSIONS ..................................................................................... 30

D.

REPORTING .................................................................................................................... 30

PART VII - QUESTIONS/AGENCY CONTACTS .................................................................... 31A.

QUESTIONS .................................................................................................................... 31

B.

AGENCY CONTACT ...................................................................................................... 31

C.

INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR...................................................................................... 31

PART VIII - OTHER INFORMATION ....................................................................................... 32
A.

AMENDMENTS .............................................................................................................. 32

B.

GOVERNMENT RIGHT TO REJECT OR NEGOTIATE.............................................. 32

C.

COMMITMENT OF PUBLIC FUNDS ........................................................................... 32

D.

PROPRIETARY APPLICATION INFORMATION ....................................................... 32

E.

EVALUATION AND ADMINISTRATION BY NON-FEDERAL PERSONNEL........ 33F.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEVELOPED UNDER THIS PROGRAM ................. 33

G.

UNDERSTANDING COST SHARING AND COST MATCHING ............................... 34
G.1
Cost Sharing .............................................................................................................. 34
G.2
Cost Matching ........................................................................................................... 35

H.

NOTICE REGARDING ELIGIBLE/INELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES .................................. 37

I.

CONFERENCE SPENDING............................................................................................ 37

APPENDIX A – REQUIRED USE OF AMERICAN IRON, STEEL, MANUFACTUREDPRODUCTS, AND CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS BUY AMERICA REQUIREMENTS
FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS ......................................................................................... IA.

DEFINITIONS ..................................................................................................................... I

B . BUY AMERICA REQUIREMENTS FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS................. IC.

DOE SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR FULL APPLICATION ............................. II

D.

WAIVERS ........................................................................................................................ III

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Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

LIST OF ACRONYMS
CFR
CINR
COI
DE
DOE
FC R&D
FFATA
FOA
FSRS
FY
GSI
HBCU
HPC
INL
MSI
NE
NEAMS
NEID
NEUP
NS&E
NSUF
OMI
PDF
PI
RC RD&D
RU
R&D
SAM
SF
UEI
U.S.

Page v of vi

Code of Federal Regulations
Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research
Conflict of Interest
Department of Energy (FOA Number)
Department of Energy
Fuel Cycle Research and Development
Federal Funding and Transparency Act of 2006
Funding Opportunity Announcement
FFATA Subaward Reporting System
Fiscal Year
General Scientific Infrastructure
Historically Black Colleges and Universities
High-Performance Computing
Idaho National Laboratory
Minority-serving Institution
Office of Nuclear Energy
Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation
Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Database
Nuclear Energy University Program
Nuclear Science & Engineering
Nuclear Science User Facilities
Other Minority Institutions
Adobe Portable Document Format
Principal Investigator
Reactor Concepts Research, Development and Demonstration
Reactor Upgrades
Research and Development
System for Award Management
Standard Form
Unique Entity Identifier
United StatesFiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

CHECKLIST FOR AVOIDING COMMON ERRORS
Item

Issue

Page Limits

Strictly follow page limits and font size
throughout application documents, including,but not limited to:- Project Summary/Abstract File (useappropriate template)- Project Narrative File (8 pages)- Project Team Curriculum Vitae (2-page max.
each CV)

Project Summary / Abstract

Name of applicant, Principal Investigator (PI),PI’s institutional affiliation(s), project title,
objectives of the project, description of the
project, potential impact, and major
participants

BudgetUse current negotiated indirect cost and fringe
benefit rates

Budget Justification (attached to budget)

Justify all requested costs

Vendor Quotes(Referenced costs (catalog pricing) or otherbasis for estimate)

Submit vendor quotes for any single item over
$5,000Current and Pending Support

Ensure complete listing of all activities,
including brief abstract of scope of work for all
items listed, regardless of source of funding

Certifications and Assurances

Ensure that signatures are complete for both
sections of the certifications and assurances
documentation (typically, three (3)signatures are required).

Font Size

Pay particular attention to required fontformat and sizes, typically, Times New
Roman, 11 pt. font.

Forms

Use associated links for any/all forms.

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Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

PART I - FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTIONThis Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is for General Scientific Infrastructure Support
for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research and University Research Reactor Upgrades
Infrastructure Support for the U.S. nuclear research community. It is referred to in this document
as the “Infrastructure FOA.”

A. BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVESThe Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) mission is to advance nuclear energy science and technology
to meet U.S. energy, environmental, and economic needs. NE has identified the following goals
to address challenges in the nuclear energy sector, help realize the potential of advanced
technology, and leverage the unique role of the government in spurring innovation:••••

Keep existing U.S. nuclear reactors operating
Deploy new nuclear reactors
Secure and sustain our nuclear fuel cycle
Expand international nuclear energy cooperation

Collectively, all NE-sponsored activities support the Department’s priorities to combat theclimate crisis, create clean energy jobs with the free and fair chance to join a union and bargain
collectively, and promote equity and environmental justice by delivering innovative clean energy
technologies for nuclear energy systems.
The development of nuclear energy-related infrastructure and basic capabilities in the researchcommunity is necessary to promote Research and Development (R&D) that supports nuclear
science and engineering (NS&E), NE’s mission, and the nation’s nuclear energy challenges.
Accordingly, DOE intends to facilitate the education and training of nuclear scientists, engineers,and policy-makers through graduate and undergraduate study, two-year programs, and R&D thatis relevant to the Department and the U.S. nuclear energy industry in general.
Within Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP), the specific goals of this Infrastructure
FOA are:•To support, maintain, or enhance the institution’s capacities to attract and teach highquality students interested in nuclear energy-related studies;•

Build the institution’s research or education capabilities; and•Enhance the institution’s capabilities to perform R&D that is relevant to NE’s mission.

The following targeted objectives within this Infrastructure FOA will aide in achieving thesegoals.
(1) Upgrade and improve U.S. university nuclear research and training reactors.
Upgrades for a research reactor that include the acquisition of equipment and/or
instrumentation for activities related to safety, performance, control, or operationalreliability. For example, equipment acquired for security/safety enhancements requiredby the federal/state/local regulatory agencies is permitted.
(2) Obtain equipment and instrumentation that significantly improves or expands the
Page 1 of 37

Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Researchresearch, instruction, training capabilities, and/or operating capabilities related to
NE program missions (e.g., utilization or handling of radiological or radioactive
materials). For example, this may include radiation detection and measurement
equipment.
(3) Contribute to strengthening the academic community’s nuclear engineering
infrastructure.
Requests should focus on individual, discrete, definable items or capabilities. An applicant must
demonstrate the educational or R&D connection between requested pieces of equipment tosupport the NE mission. Applications made of several uncorrelated equipment requests are not ofinterest. A request should not duplicate existing capabilities. To review existing NE R&D
capabilities in the United States, refer to the Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Database (NEID),
available at https://nsuf-infrastructure.inl.gov (account login required). Information on current
NE research programs can be found at NE’s website: https://energy.gov/ne.
NE reserves the right to respond to potential shifts in priorities during FY 2024 that may be
driven by events, policy developments, or Congressional/budget direction. NE will factor suchconsiderations into decisions related to the timing and scale of award announcements associatedwith this FOA.

B. RELATED COLLABORATIVE OPPORTUNITIES
Utilization of equipment acquired through this Infrastructure FOA may have the potential toenhance or benefit currently funded or proposed NE R&D projects.
Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF)
NE provides nuclear energy researchers access to world-class capabilities to facilitate theadvancement of nuclear science and technology through the NSUF. Access to the capabilities of
the NSUF is granted through the separate FY24 Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research(CINR) FOA (DE-FOA-0003038). The NSUF provides state-of-the-art experimental irradiation
testing and post-irradiation examination facilities, as well as technical assistance in design andanalysis of reactor experiments at no cost to the user. This access allows university, national
laboratory, and industry researchers and their collaborators to build on current knowledge tobetter understand the complex behavior of materials and fuels in the radiation environment of a
nuclear reactor.
The NSUF at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and its partner facilities represent a prototype
laboratory for the future. This unique model is best described as a distributed partnership witheach facility bringing exceptional capabilities to the relationship, including reactors, beamlines,
state-of-the- art instruments, hot cells, and most importantly, expert mentors. Together, thesecapabilities and people create a nationwide infrastructure that allows the best ideas to beinvestigated, using the most advanced capabilities. Information about existing capabilities within
the NSUF can be found on the website (nsuf.inl.gov) or a more general overview of capabilities
throughout the world can be found in the NEID available at https://nsuf-infrastructure.inl.gov.
Awarding of infrastructure grants through this FOA is one of the methods to expand the NSUF toserve more users. The role that a requested capability might play should be emphasized in an
application. If the NSUF determines the new equipment/capability adds significant value toPage 2 of 37

Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

DOE, the host institution may be invited to join the NSUF partnership so that the equipment may
be available to other researchers. As the NSUF focuses on investigating the effects of irradiation
on nuclear fuels and materials, applications for capabilities that can accommodate work withradioactive/irradiated materials (>5mrem/hr @ 30 cm, beta/gamma only) will be given higher
priority.
The NSUF provides access to high-performance computational (HPC) resources at INL at nocharge to users. Consequently, applications requesting to purchase scientific computing
equipment (such as institutional clusters, HPC nodes, etc.) will not be entertained. See
nsuf.inl.gov or hpc.inl.gov for information on accessing HPC resources through the NSUF.
To apply to any of the areas in this FOA, the applicant is required to demonstrate the ability andwillingness to join the NSUF as a partner should NSUF offer an invitation.
Visit the NSUF website https://nsuf.inl.gov and contact nsuf@inl.gov for information on
becoming an NSUF partner.

C. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY AREAS
DOE is seeking applications under the Infrastructure FOA in the following areas:
Area

Number of Applications Allowed

University Research Reactor Upgrades (RU)
Infrastructure Support

One (1) application from each institution foreach reactor

General Scientific Infrastructure (GSI)
Support for Universities

One (1) application from each institution

NOTE: If a university operates two (2) research reactors, it may submit a total of three (3)applications under this FOA, one (1) for each reactor for a total of two (2) under the RU area andone (1) under the GSI area for a total of three (3) applications).
C.1 University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support
This section summarizes derived requirements, restrictions, and preferences related to University
Research Reactor Upgrades (RU) Infrastructure Support.
Please note the following:•

The primary purpose of this FOA area is to improve the safety, security, and operationalreliability of university research reactors. Applications addressing those needs will begiven highest priority.

•

This FOA area covers the procurement of spare parts and associated hardware forresearch reactor control consoles. These systems are vital for continued safe and reliable
reactor operation. Replacements often take months from order to delivery. Applications
to support continued long-term operation of the university research reactor by purchasing
spare parts, subsystems, channels, and detectors will be highly regarded.

•

NE reserves the right to award portions of a request so that available funding can have thehighest impact for the research reactor community.

Page 3 of 37

Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research•

Infrastructure requests that support the sharing and use of equipment and instrumentation
by multiple campuses of a university or multiple universities are encouraged.

Requests for equipment and associated upgrades, specifically for general scientific laboratories,
are addressed in the next section, Part I - C.2.
C.2 General Scientific Infrastructure Support for Universities
This section summarizes derived requirements, restrictions, and preferences related to General
Scientific Infrastructure (GSI) Support for Universities. All eligible universities can submit
applications under the GSI area that support NE’s mission and objectives by specificallysupporting or improving the instructional mission of the university.
Please note the following:•

Under this FOA area, applications can be submitted for equipment, software,
instrumentation, and associated non-reactor upgrade requests that support nuclear energyrelated R&D or education.

•

Funding requests may include, but are not limited to, equipment and instrumentation for
specialized facilities, classrooms, and teaching laboratories, and non-reactor NS&E
research.

•

Infrastructure requests that support the sharing and use of equipment and instrumentation
by multiple campuses of a university, multiple universities, or with national laboratories
are encouraged.

•

Equipment and associated upgrades specifically for university research reactors are
the subject to the RU area of this FOA.

D. ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION RESTRICTIONSIn accordance with 2 CFR 910.126(b), eligibility for award is restricted to U.S. universities andcolleges.
D.1 University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support
The following institutions with research reactors are eligible to submit applications under the RU
area. Each institution is permitted to submit a single, separate application for each research
reactor that it operates.

Page 4 of 37

Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

1

Idaho State University

13

The Ohio State University

2

Kansas State University

14

University of California, Davis

3

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

15

University of California, Irvine

4

Missouri University of Science &Technology

16

University of Florida

5North Carolina State University

17

University of Maryland, College Park

6

Oregon State University

18

University of Massachusetts, Lowell7

Pennsylvania State University

19

University of Missouri, Columbia

8

Purdue University

20

University of New Mexico

9

Reed College

21

University of Texas at Austin

10

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute22

University of Utah

11

Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center

23

University of Wisconsin, Madison

12

Texas A&M University

24

Washington State University

D.2 General Scientific Infrastructure Support for Universities.
Universities are permitted to submit one single application to GSI support section of this FOA
area per institution.
D.3 General Application Restrictions
An application to either RU or GSI areas is restricted to equipment for activities supporting
research, teaching, and education, such as the purchase, set-up, and vendor installation costs forequipment and instrumentation, as well as building modifications that immediately support the
installation and operation of the equipment. The following costs are not allowed under this FOA
for both areas:•

Application shall not include hiring or other human capital costs;•

Indirect costs shall not be allowed;•

The application shall not include the cost of routine operation and maintenance ofequipment;•

Installation costs for equipment and instrumentation that are beyond the vendor's standard
installation cost shall not be allowed;•

Institution-specific costs, not specific to the equipment or instrumentation, are theresponsibility of the applicant. For example, if a vendor needs to meet safety and healthrequirements to access the campus or a facility, then these costs are the responsibility of
the applicant; andPage 5 of 37

Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research•Funds are restricted to equipment for activities supporting research, teaching, andeducation. Upgrades that directly increase operational profit or support for commercial
activities shall not be allowed.

Accordingly, DOE reserves the right to consider the results of its ongoing evaluation of priorities
as part of the award selection process.

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Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

PART II - AWARD INFORMATION
A. TYPE OF AWARD INSTRUMENT
DOE anticipates awarding grants to universities and colleges.

B. ESTIMATED FUNDING
The estimated amounts identified for each FOA area is contingent upon Congressional
appropriations and is subject to significant change.
B.1 University Research Reactor Upgrades (RU) Infrastructure Support
DOE currently estimates that it will fund approximately $2.5 million in awards for University
Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support.
B.2 General Scientific Infrastructure (GSI) Support for Universities
DOE currently estimates that it will fund approximately $2.5 million in awards for University
GSI support.

C. MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM AWARD SIZEFor the two FOA areas, the maximum amount of funding available for an individual award under
this area is identified as the FOA ceiling, and the minimum amount of funding available for anindividual award under this area is identified as the floor. The ceilings and floors are listed
below:

Federal Floor(i.e. minimum amount for
an individual award madeunder this announcement)
Federal Ceiling(i.e. maximum amount for
an individual award madeunder this announcement)
Anticipated Awards

University Research
Reactor Upgrades
Infrastructure Support

General Scientific
Infrastructure Support for
Universities

None

None

$5,000,000$5,000,000

Multiple smaller awards that
Average award will be
are no more than $1,500,00
approximately $250,000 for
each
the total project period
Cost Share / Cost MatchNo Cost Share / No CostNo Cost Share / 1:1 Cost
Requirement *Match
Match >$250k*** Definition of Cost Sharing and Cost Matching is located in Part VIII - G.
**For additional details, refer to Part III - C. “Cost Matching For General Scientific
Infrastructure (GSI) Support Applications”

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Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

D. EXPECTED NUMBER OF AWARDSThe estimated amounts, identified for each FOA area, are contingent upon Congressional
appropriations and are subject to change. However, DOE anticipates making numerous awards
under each FOA area, depending on the quality of the submissions and availability of funds.
DOE reserves the right to make no awards under this announcement.

E. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE
DOE anticipates making awards with an estimated project period of 1 year and 2 months,
beginning August 1, 2024. Additional time, if needed, may be requested and justified in theapplication.

F. TYPE OF APPLICATION
DOE will accept only new applications under this announcement.

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Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

PART III - ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
The following requirements apply to all FOA areas unless specific requirements are identified.

A. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
Universities and Colleges: In accordance with 2 CFR 910.126(b), eligibility for award isrestricted to U.S. universities and colleges. Please see Part I - D for additional restrictions.
To support the goal of building a clean and equitable energy economy, NE strives to contributeto the President’s goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments flow to
Disadvantaged Communities (DAC) (the Justice40 Initiative) 1. The goal is to spur economic
development and job creation in DACs throughout the United States, through effective teams
and/or partnerships with institutions, located in a disadvantaged community that may receive
funding support from the project.
In support of the Justice40 Initiative, the White House has developed the Climate and Economic
Justice Screening Tool (CEJST) tool to identify DACs. CEJST can be found athttps://screeningtool.geoplatform.gov/en/#3/33.47/-97.5. Applicants are encouraged to use
CEJST to illustrate how their project supports DACs.
NE also strives to ensure energy justice through effective teams and/or partnerships with MSIs,
including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Tribal Colleges andUniversities (TCUs).
Information on Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) can be found athttps://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/idues/eligibility.html#tips. This information
predominately covers institutions that have been awarded grants through the Department of
Education and does not include all institutions that may meet the definition of an MSI. This
resource is not an exhaustive list of minority-serving institutions. For purposes of identifying
MSIs in NE’s application system, NE is using a directory based on 2020 U.S. Department of
Education data, compiled by Rutgers University’s Center for MSIs, which can be found at:https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/idues/2022eligibilitymatrix.xlsx. This list is also not
an exhaustive list of MSIs but will be used as a starting point for self-identifying MSIs. If
applicants believe that their institution qualifies as an MSI and is not listed, please contact
neup@inl.gov with an explanation for how the university meets the conditions of being
considered an MSI.

B. COST SHARINGFor both RU and GSI areas, cost sharing is NOT required, but it is encouraged. A generalexplanation of cost sharing is located in Part VIII - G.

The Justice40 initiative, established by E.O. 14008, sets a goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal
investments flow to disadvantaged communities. The Justice40 Interim Guidance provides a broad definition ofdisadvantaged communities (Page 2): https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/M-21-28.pdf.

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Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

C. COST MATCHING FOR GENERAL SCIENTIFICINFRASTRUCTURE (GSI) SUPPORT APPLICATIONS
To maximize the use of available NE funding, cost matching is required on a 1:1 dollar match forrequested amounts more than $250,000 for applications under the GSI area. A generalexplanation of cost matching is located in Part VIII - G. For example, if a $300,000 project is
proposed, cost matching requirements apply to $50,000 of this amount (the amount over
$250,000), and the recipient would be required to contribute $25,000. This requirement may not
be waived. There is no cost matching requirement for University Research Reactor Upgrades
Infrastructure Support Awards.
For cost match, applicants may include the following costs as allowable in accordance with theapplicable cost principles:a. Cash;b. Personnel costs;c. The value of a service, other resource, or third-party in-kind contribution determined inaccordance with Subpart E—Cost Principles—of 2 CFR part 200. For recipients that are
for-profit organizations as defined by 2 CFR 910.122, the Cost Principles which apply
are contained in 48 CFR 31.2. See § 910.352 for further information. [NOTE: In-kind
contributions, like any other cost, need to be incurred during the award project period(e.g., DOE cannot give credit for costs incurred prior to the award, including priordevelopment costs, unless otherwise authorized by the applicable cost principles)];d. Indirect costs or facilities and administrative costs; ande. Any funds received under the power program of the Tennessee Valley Authority (except
to the extent that such funds are made available under an annual appropriation act).
Applicants shall not include:a. Revenues or royalties from the prospective operation of an activity beyond the time
considered in the award;b. Proceeds from the prospective sale of an asset of an activity; andc. Other appropriated Federal funds.

D. OTHER ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
NSUF Partner Facilities
To apply to any of the areas in this FOA, the applicant is required to demonstrate the ability andwillingness to join the NSUF, as a partner, should the NSUF offer an invitation.
•

Visit the NSUF website (https://nsuf.inl.gov) and contact nsuf@inl.gov for information on
becoming an NSUF partner.

•

If the NSUF determines the new equipment/capability adds significant value to DOE, theequipment/capability may be invited to join the NSUF so the equipment is available toother researchers. Information about existing capabilities within the NSUF can be found

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Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Researchon the website (nsuf.inl.gov) or a more general overview of capabilities throughout theworld can be found in the NEID available at NSUF-infrastructure.inl.gov.

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Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

PART IV - APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION
Note: The requirements apply to all FOA areas unless specific requirements are identified.

A. ADDRESS TO REQUEST APPLICATION PACKAGE
Electronic applications and instructions are available at the www.NEUP.gov website. To accessthese materials:(1) go to www.NEUP.gov;(2) select “Sign In” from the top right hand corner of the screen;(3) enter your user credentials;(4) select “Applications” from the menu; and(5) click on “Create New Application” for the type of application you are creating.

B. DOCUMENT FORMAT REQUIREMENTS
All non-budget documentation (use templates where provided) is to be prepared using standard
8.5” × 11” paper with 1-inch margins (top, bottom, left, right), using a font size no smaller thanTimes New Roman 11 point. This is a requirement for all pages included in the document, (i.e.,table of contents, references, etc.). The preferred file format is Adobe Portable Document Format(PDF) for all documents except for spreadsheets. All spreadsheets are to be uploaded in Excel
file format to the online application. Do NOT lock any cells in the spreadsheet.
Applicants must comply with all pertinent page limitations. Any text (including references anddata tables) in a document that does not adhere to the requirements listed above (except graphics,
graphs, charts, and equations) will be removed from the document and will not be reviewed.
DOE reserves the right to dismiss applications that violate formatting requirements. Signature
blocks must be signed by the designated official.
Documents should be saved using the document naming suggestion at the bottom of eachdocument description. The tracking ID will automatically be generated by the application systemand can be found at the top of the application form under “Tracking ID.”
DOE reserves the right to dismiss applications, which it deems, after initial review, to lackenough detail for reviewers to adequately judge technical merit. Applications submitted withcorrupted, incomplete, or incorrect files may be dismissed without further review.

C. LETTER OF INTENT AND PRE-APPLICATION
C.1 Letter of Intent
Letters of Intent are not required.
C.2 Pre-applications
Pre-applications are not required.

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Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

D. CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION
Applicants must complete the mandatory forms, and any applicable optional forms (e.g.,
Disclosure of Lobbying Activities), in accordance with the instructions in sub-sections D.1
through D.13. Files attached to forms must be merged into a single PDF file, unless otherwise
specified in the instructions. The following table summarizes all the required forms and files foran application.
Required Form/File

FormatApplication for Federal Assistance –SF-424Form

Project/Performance Site Location(s)FormProject Summary/Abstract File

PDF

Project Narrative File(limit of 8 pages)
Project Team Curriculum Vitae(limit of 2 pages per Vitae)
SF-424A Excel – Budget
Information for Non-Construction
Programs
Budget Justification File
Vendor Quotes(applicable if over $5K)
Cost Sharing and Cost Matching
Commitment Letter(s)(if applicable)
Past, Current, and Pending Support(if applicable)
Conflict of Interest Statement
Certification
Conflict of Interest Disclosure(if applicable)
Disclosure of Lobbying Activities(SF-LLL)

PDF
PDF
Excel
PDF
PDF

FY24 SF424 Fed Assist[TRACKING ID#].pdf
FY24 Performance Site
[TRACKING ID#].pdf
FY24 Summary Abstract[TRACKING ID#].pdf
FY24 Project Narrative[TRACKING ID#].pdf
FY24 CV [PI NAME][TRACKING ID#].pdf

PDF

FY24 Support [TRACKING
ID#].pdf

PDF

FY24 COI Disclosure[TRACKING ID#].pdf

Form(Optional) Letters of Support orCommitment

PDF

Yes

FY24 Budget Justification[TRACKING ID#].pdf
FY24 Vendor Quotes[TRACKING ID#].pdf
FY24 Commitment Letter[TRACKING ID#].pdf

Form

Signature
Required

FY24 Budget SF424A[TRACKING ID#].xls

PDF

Certifications and Assurances

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File NameFY24 SF-LLL [TRACKING
ID #].pdf
FY24 Cert & Assurances[TRACKING ID#].pdf
FY24 EEandJustice40[TRACKING ID#].pdf

Yes
Yes

Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

D.1 SF-424 – Application for Federal AssistanceComplete all required fields in accordance with the pop-up instructions on the form. The correct
form to use is the Application for Federal Assistance SF-424 (OMB 4040-0004), which isavailable at: www.NEUP.gov. The list of certifications and assurances referenced in Field 21 canbe found on the DOE Financial Assistance page at: http://energy.gov/management/officemanagement/operational-management/financial-assistance/financial-assistance-forms under
Certifications and Assurances.
Save form as “FY24 SF424 Fed Assist [TRACKING ID#].pdf”
D.2 Project/Performance Site Location(s)Insert the primary site where the work will be performed. If a portion of the project will be
performed at any other site(s), identify the site location(s) in the blocks provided.
NOTE: the Project/Performance Site Congressional District is entered in the format of the twodigit state code followed by a dash and a three-digit Congressional district code (i.e., VA-001).
Hover over the field in the form for additional instructions.
Use the “Next Site” button to expand the form to add additional Project/Performance Site
Locations.
Save form as “FY24 Performance Site [TRACKING ID#].pdf”
D.3 Project Summary/Abstract FileThe one (1) page project summary/abstract must contain a summary of the proposed activity
suitable for dissemination to the public. It should be a self-contained document that identifies thename of the applicant, the project director/principal investigator(s), the project title, theobjectives of the project, a description of the project, including methods to be employed, thepotential impact of the project (i.e., benefits, outcomes), and major participants (for collaborative
projects). Do not include any proprietary or sensitive business information in this document,
because, if an award is made, the Department may make it available to the public.
Page limit: 1-page
Save this information in a file named "FY24 Summary Abstract [TRACKING ID#].pdf”
D.4 Project Narrative File
The project narrative must not exceed eight (8) printed pages, including cover page, table ofcontents, charts, graphs, maps, photographs, references, and other pictorial presentations while
complying with the document format instructions in Part IV, Section B. Applicants must comply
with all pertinent page limitations.
DOE reserves the right to dismiss applications that violate formatting requirements. Signature
blocks must be signed by the designated official. EVALUATORS WILL REVIEW ONLY
EIGHT PAGES, AS SPECIFIED ABOVE. Do not include any Internet addresses (URLs) thatprovide information necessary to review the application. See Part VIII, Section D, for
instructions on how to mark proprietary application information.
Page limit: 8-pages
Save the information in a single file named "FY24 Project Narrative [TRACKING ID#].pdf”
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Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

NOTE: The narrative should address each of the merit review criterion and sub-criterion listed
in greater detail in Part I - D. Applicants should provide sufficient information to enable
reviewers to evaluate the application in accordance with the merit review criteria and otherselection factors.
The project narrative must include the following:(1) Cover Page: containing the following information:a. Name of organization;b. Announcement number;c. FOA Opportunity Title (e.g., University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure
Support or General Scientific Infrastructure Support);
d. Technical and business points-of-contact for the applicant, denoting the names, titles,
addresses, telephone and facsimile numbers, and electronic mail addresses;
e. Principal Investigator’s (PI’s) name, telephone number, facsimile number, e-mail address,
and organization name/unit; andf. Names of team members or partnerships.
(2) Project Goals and Objectives: This section should provide a clear, concise statement of thespecific objectives/aims of the proposed project. For this FOA, a "goal" is an outcome theproposed team would like to achieve, while an objective is an action or outcome related to a
metric. Including the following in no specific order:
a. A narrative that describes how the proposed effort will further NS&E R&D andeducation.
b. Describe the NS&E program(s) at your school. If you do not have a current program,describe your plans to establish such a program.
c. Describe comparable equipment, if any, already at your organization or within the DOE
complex, and explain why it is unavailable. Review the NEID available at https://nsufinfrastructure.inl.gov for information about existing capabilities.
NOTE: Address any proposed equipment described in the Budget Justification file (seePart IV - D.7) in the narrative.
d. Overall goal(s) of the proposed upgrades and/or equipment. The proposed goal(s) may
include multiple components or aspects and may be linked to specific measurable
objectives. Goals and objectives must encompass the following (in no particular order):i. How the request fills institutional and/or national infrastructure gaps andcomplements existing infrastructure and personnel capabilities.
ii. How the proposed effort outcome or process will tie into the NE mission and/or
NSUF.
iii. How the new equipment will enable the university’s learning mission.
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Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

iv. Utilization of the upgrades and/or equipment by researchers within and external toyour organization. It is recommended to include target metrics of utilization by the
proposing institution and others in the research community. If there is a preexisting
capability, provide a description of how the upgrade or equipment will improveutilization.
e. Address the Buy America Requirements for Infrastructure Projects. Include a shortstatement on whether the project will involve the construction, alteration, and/or repair of
infrastructure in the United States. The applicant must assume that the Buy America
Requirements are applicable to purchase of equipment. See Appendix A for applicabledefinitions and other information to inform this statement.
(3) Schedule and Description of Tasks: This section should provide a breakdown of individualtasks related to the overall effort. Successful applicants must use this project timetable toreport progress. This section should also include a scope of work and execution plan withdetail appropriate to the complexity of the project. This will form the basis for the Project
Implementation merit review listed in Section V, A.2.1.3 and A.2.2.3. Include the following:a. An overall timeline and key milestones of the proposed tasks (e.g. Gantt chart, timeline,etc.).
b. Applicants must demonstrate the educational or R&D connection between requested
upgrades or equipment. Applications made of several uncorrelated equipment requests
are not of interest.
(4) Relevance and Outcomes/Impacts: This section is a justification for the proposed
project and should explain the relevance of the effort to the mission of NE and the
expected outcomes and/or impacts. This section should include a clear statement of theimportance of the project in terms of the utility of the outcomes and the target
community of beneficiaries. List all applicable NE funded R&D projects in thissection. Specifically list any NE R&D program relevance.
(5) Roles of Participants: Describe the capabilities and qualifications of the PI andapplication team to accomplish the proposed work. This should include personnel
information for any expertise required to accomplish the proposed project. References
should be specific to individuals. The PI should state explicitly whether there is any
expertise that must be acquired to complete the project and the plan to acquire theexpertise (new hires, consultants, etc.).
(6) Facilities, Complementary Equipment, and Other Resources: Identify the facilities (e.g.,
office, laboratory, computer, etc.), equipment (computers, oscilloscopes, etc.), and otherresources (machine shops, electronic shops, etc.) to be used at each performance site.
Describe utilization of facilities, equipment, and other resources that are directly applicableto the proposed work. Include pertinent capabilities, capacities, relative proximity, and extent
of availability to the project.
D.5 Project Team Curriculum Vitae (CV)Applicants must provide a CV for the PI. CVs should be provided for all staff providing
significant and required expertise on the project. CV must include the following:
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Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research(1) Contact Information.
(2) Education and Training: Undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral training. Identify
institution, major/area, degree, and year.
(3) Research and Professional Experience: Beginning with the current position, list, inchronological order, professional/academic positions with a brief description.
(4) Publications: Provide a list of up to 10 publications most closely related to the proposed
project. For each publication, identify the names of all authors (in the same sequence inwhich they appear in the publication), the article title, book or journal title, volume
number, page numbers, year of publication, and website address if available
electronically.
(5) Patents, copyrights, and software systems developed may be provided in addition to or
substituted for publications.
(6) Synergistic Activities: List no more than 5 professional and scholarly activities related tothe effort proposed.
Save each CV as a separate file named “FY24 CV [PI NAME] [TRACKING ID#].pdf”
D.6 SF-424A Excel, Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs File
Applicants must provide a separate budget for each year of support requested, and a cumulative
budget for the total project period. Use the SF-424A Excel, "Budget Information - Non
Construction Programs" form on the DOE Financial Assistance Forms page at
http://energy.gov/management/office-management/operational-management/financialassistance/financial-assistance-forms.
Applicants may request funds under the appropriate Object Class Categories, as long as the item
and amount are necessary to perform the proposed work, meet all the criteria for allowability
under the applicable Federal cost principles, and are not prohibited by the funding restrictions inthis announcement (see Part IV, Section G).
Save this information in a single file named "FY24 Budget SF424A [TRACKING ID#].xlsx"
D.7 Budget Justification File
Applicants must justify the costs proposed in each Object Class Category/Cost Classification
category. Provide an equipment list with the following information:(1) Identify clearly the equipment (e.g., description, manufacturer part number, etc., if
known);(2) Explain how the proposed equipment meets the definition of “equipment” at 2 CFR
200.33, as opposed to items of supply;(3) Explain the need for the equipment to accomplish the project;(4) Indicate the unit cost and quantity for each item to be purchased; and(5) Explain how the cost estimates for equipment purchases are established, are determined to
be fair and reasonable, and are consistent with applicant institution’s established
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Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Researchprocurement procedures (compliant with 2 CFR 200.17-200.326). Include available
supporting documents such as quotes or catalog pricing for the proposed equipment.
If cost sharing is proposed, refer to Part IV - D.9. Additionally, the budget justification file must
identify the following information for each third party contributing cost sharing:a. the name of the organization;b. the proposed dollar amount to be provided;c. the amount as a percentage of the total project cost; andd. the proposed cost sharing - cash, services, or property.
NOTE: there are restrictions on the use of funds under this FOA:
(1) The application cannot include hiring or other human capital costs;(2) Indirect costs are not allowed, except as specified in this FOA;
(3) The application cannot include the cost of routine operation and maintenance ofequipment;(4) Installation costs for equipment and instrumentation that are beyond thevendor’s standard installation cost are not allowed;(5) Institution-specific costs, not specific to the equipment or instrumentation, are theresponsibility of the applicant. For example, if a vendor needs to meet safety andhealth requirements to access the campus or a facility, these costs are theresponsibility of the applicant;(6) Funds are restricted to equipment for activities supporting research, teaching, andeducation; and(7) Upgrades to increase operational profit or support for commercial activities are notallowed.
Save the budget justification information in a single file named “FY24 Budget Justification[TRACKING ID#].pdf”
D.8 Vendor Quotes
Submit vendor quotes, referenced costs (catalog pricing), or other basis for estimate for any
single item over $5,000. This is required even though the applicant may intend to submit thecontract for open bids following the award.
Save file as “FY24 Vendor Quotes [TRACKING ID#].pdf”
D.9 Cost Sharing and Cost Matching
If cost sharing is proposed or cost matching is required (under GSI), applicants must have acommitment letter from each third party contributing to the cost share or match (i.e., a party otherthan the organization submitting the application), stating that the third party is committed toproviding a specific minimum dollar amount of cost sharing.
Save file as “FY24 Commitment Letter [TRACKING ID#].pdf”
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Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

D.10 Past, Current, and Pending Support
Identify funding that is pending or has been awarded, for similar activities related to nuclear
infrastructure/curriculum within the last three years. Please identify by source and amountrequested/awarded.
Save this information in a file named “FY24 Support [TRACKING ID#].pdf”
D.11 Interim Conflict of Interest Policy (Required for All Applicants)
The DOE interim Conflict of Interest Policy for Financial Assistance (COI Policy) can be foundat Financial Assistance Letter No. FAL 2022-02 | Department of Energy. This policy isapplicable to all non-Federal entities applying for, or that receive, DOE funding by means of afinancial assistance award (e.g., a grant, cooperative agreement, or technology investment
agreement) and, through the implementation of this policy by the entity, to each Investigator who
is planning to participate in, or is participating in, the project funded wholly or in part under the
DOE financial assistance award. DOE’s interim COI Policy establishes standards that provide a
reasonable expectation that the design, conduct, and reporting of projects funded wholly or inpart under DOE financial assistance awards will be free from bias resulting from financial
conflicts of interest or organizational conflicts of interest.
The applicant is subject to the requirements of the interim COI Policy and within each application
for financial assistance, the applicant must certify that it is, or will be by the time of receiving
any financial assistance award, compliant with all requirements in the interim COI Policy. The
applicant must flow down the requirements of the interim COI Policy to any subrecipient nonFederal entities.
The applicant is required to disclose, manage, and report conflicts of interest as per the DOE
interim COI Policy. Check the appropriate box on the application form certifying compliancewith the COI Policy. If any disclosures need to be made, upload a COI document to the COI
disclosure area of the application form.
Save this sheet in a single file named “FY24 COI Disclosure [TRACKING ID#].pdf”
D.12 Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL ) (Required for All Applicants)
Identify any funds, other than Federal appropriated funds, that have been paid or will be paid toany person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, aMember of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member ofCongress in connection with the grant/cooperative agreement.
Save this form as “FY24 SF-LLL [TRACKING ID#].pdf”
D.13 Certifications and Assurances
Applicants must complete and attach the Certifications and Assurances form found on the DOE
Financial Assistance Forms Page at: Certifications and Assurances for Use with SF-424 |Department of Energy.
Save this file as “FY24 Cert & Assurances [TRACKING ID#].pdf”

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Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

D.14 Letters of Support or Commitment
D.14.1 Project Commitment to Energy Equity and Justice40 Initiative (Optional)
Applicants are encouraged to describe how their projects or project teams will: (1) contribute to
the Justice40 Initiative (as described in Part III A of this FOA); and/or (2) ensure energy justicethrough effective teams and/or partnerships with MSIs, including Historically Black Collegesand Universities (HBCUs) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), or institutions locatedin a disadvantaged community.
Justice40 Initiative. Applicants may include information on how the projects supports theJustice40 Initiative, including for example:• Extent to which the applicant identifies the following: specific and measurable benefits
for DACs; how the benefits will flow to DACs; and how negative environmental impacts
affecting DACs would be mitigated. Benefits include (but are not limited to) measurable
direct or indirect investments or positive project outcomes that achieve or contribute to
the following in DACs: (1) a decrease in energy burden; (2) a decrease in environmental
exposure and burdens; (3) an increase in access to low-cost capital; (4) an increase inhigh-quality job creation, the clean energy job pipeline, and job training for individuals;(5) increases in clean energy enterprise creation and contracting (e.g., minority-owned or
disadvantaged business enterprises); (6) increases in energy democracy, including
community ownership; (7) increased parity in clean energy technology access andadoption; and (8) an increase in energy resilience.
• Extent to which the project would contribute to meeting the objective that 40% of thebenefits of climate and clean energy investments will flow to DACs;• The degree to which the proposed project provides funding to DACs or seeks to addresscommunities with environmental justice concerns that experience disproportionate andadverse human health or environmental burdens in accordance with Executive Order
14096;• Whether the entity is located in a DAC. The onus is on the applicant to self-identify
whether it is located in a DAC or partners with an entity, located in a DAC;• The degree to which the proposed project incorporates applicant or team members from
DACs; and• Whether the proposed project may directly or indirectly benefit DACs or has teammember participants from DACs.
Ensure Energy Equity. (NOTE: Energy equity centers the concerns of disadvantaged
communities and aims to make energy more accessible, affordable, clean, and democraticallymanaged for all communities.) Applicants are also encouraged to describe how their projects or
project teams contribute to energy equity. Applicants may include a section on how the projects
ensures energy equity, including for example: the degree to which the proposed project
incorporates team member diversity with participants from Minority Serving Institutions (e.g.,
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)/Other Minority Serving Institutions);
and/or partnerships with Minority Business Enterprises, Minority Owned Businesses, Woman
Owned Businesses, Veteran Owned Businesses, or Tribal nations.

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Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

Name File: FY24 EEandJustice40 [TRACKING ID#].pdf

E. SUBMISSIONS FROM SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS
If selected for award, DOE reserves the right to request additional or clarifying information, for
any reason deemed necessary, including, but not limited to:•Indirect cost information;•

Environmental Checklist;•

Other budget information;•

Name and phone number of the Designated Responsible Employee, for complying withnational policies prohibiting discrimination (see 10 CFR 1040.5); and/or•

Representation of Limited Rights Data and Restricted Software, if applicable.

E.1 Environmental Checklist
An environmental checklist will be required at the time of award negotiations. If selected foraward negotiations, please fill out the Environmental Checklist.
DOE’s decision whether and how to distribute federal funds under this FOA is subject to the
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. § 4321, et seq.). NEPA requires federal
agencies to integrate environmental values into their decision-making processes by considering
the potential environmental impacts of their proposed actions. For additional background on
NEPA, please see DOE’s NEPA website at https://www.energy.gov/nepa.
While NEPA compliance is a federal agency responsibility and the ultimate decisions remain
with the federal agency, all recipients selected for an award will be required to assist in thetimely and effective completion of the NEPA process in the manner most pertinent to their
proposed project. If DOE determines certain records must be prepared to complete the NEPA
review process (e.g., biological evaluations or environmental assessments), the recipient may berequired to prepare the records and the costs to prepare the necessary records may be included aspart of the project costs.

F. SUBMISSION DATES AND TIMES
F.1 Letter of Intent Due Date
Letters of Intent are not required.
F.2 Pre-application Due Date
Pre-applications are not required.
F.3 Application Due Date
Applications must be received by August 24, 2023, no later than 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
Applicants are encouraged to transmit applications well before the deadline. APPLICATIONSRECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL NOT BE REVIEWED OR CONSIDERED FOR
AWARD.

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Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

G. INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEWThis program is not subject to Executive Order 12372 - Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.

H. FUNDING RESTRICTIONS
Funding for all awards is contingent upon the availability of funds appropriated by Congress forthe purpose of this program.
•

Cost Principles. Costs must be allowable, allocable, and reasonable, in accordance withthe applicable Federal cost principles referenced in 2 CFR part 200.

•

Pre-award Costs. Recipients may charge to an award resulting from this announcement,
pre- award costs incurred within the ninety (90) calendar day period immediately
preceding the effective date of the award, provided the costs are allowable in accordancewith the applicable Federal cost principles referenced in 2 CFR part 200. Recipients mustobtain the prior written approval of the Contracting Officer for any pre-award costs thatare for periods greater than this 90-day calendar period.
Pre-award costs are incurred at the applicant's risk. DOE is under no obligation toreimburse such costs if, for any reason, the applicant does not receive an award, or theaward is made for a lesser amount than the applicant expected.

H.1 Prohibition related to Foreign Government-Sponsored Talent Recruitment Programs
Persons participating in a Foreign Government-Sponsored Talent Recruitment Program of a
Foreign Country of Risk are prohibited from participating in projects selected for federal funding
under this FOA. Should an award result from this FOA, the recipient must exercise ongoing due
diligence to reasonably ensure that no individuals participating on the DOE- funded project are
participating in a Foreign Government-Sponsored Talent Recruitment Program of a Foreign
Country of Risk. Consequences for violations of this prohibition will be determined according toapplicable law, regulations, and policy. Further, the recipient must notify DOE within five (5)business days upon learning that an individual on the project team is or is believed to beparticipating in a foreign government talent recruitment program of a foreign country of risk.
DOE may modify and add requirements related to this prohibition to the extent required by law.
Definitions
Foreign Government-Sponsored Talent Recruitment Program. An effort directly or indirectly
organized, managed, or funded by a foreign government to recruit science and technology
professionals or students (regardless of citizenship or national origin, and whether having a fulltime or part-time position). Some foreign government-sponsored talent recruitment programs
operate with the intent to import or otherwise acquire from abroad, sometimes through illicit
means, proprietary technology or software, unpublished data and methods, and intellectual
property to further the military modernization goals and/or economic goals of a foreign
government. Many, but not all, programs aim to incentivize the targeted individual to physicallyrelocate to the foreign state for the above purpose. Some programs allow for or encouragecontinued employment at U.S. research facilities or receipt of Federal research funds while
concurrently working at and/or receiving compensation from a foreign institution, and somedirect participants not to disclose their participation to U.S. entities. Compensation could take
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Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Researchmany forms including cash, research funding, complimentary foreign travel, honorific titles,
career advancement opportunities, promised future compensation, or other types of remunerationor consideration, including in-kind compensation.
Foreign Country of Risk. DOE has designated the following countries as foreign countries ofrisk: Iran, North Korea, Russia, and China. This list is subject to change.
H.2 Buy America Requirements for Infrastructure Projects
Federally assisted projects which involve infrastructure work, undertaken by applicable recipient
types, require that:•

all iron, steel, and manufactured products used in the infrastructure work are produced in
the United States; and•all construction materials used in the infrastructure work are manufactured in the UnitedStates.

Whether a given project must apply this requirement is project-specific and dependent on several
factors, such as the recipient’s entity type, whether the work involves “infrastructure,” as thatterm is defined in Section 70914 of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and whether the
infrastructure in question is publicly owned or serves a public function.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult Appendix A of this FOA to determine whether
their project may have to apply this requirement, both to make an early determination as to theneed of a waiver, as well as to determine what impact, if any, this requirement may have on the
proposed project’s budget.

I. OTHER SUBMISSION AND REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
I.1 Where to Submit
Applications must be submitted through www.NEUP.gov.
I.2 Application Validity Timeframe
By submitting an application in response to this FOA, applicants agree that their applications arevalid for at least one year from the date set forth for receipt of applications to this FOA. DOE
reserves the right (with the concurrence of the applicant) to use the submitted application(s) tomake additional awards during this one-year time frame, even after DOE’s initial selection
announcement has occurred.

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Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

PART V - APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATIONNOTE: The following requirements apply to all FOA areas unless specific requirements are
identified.

A. CRITERIA
A.1 Initial Review Criteria
Prior to a comprehensive merit evaluation, DOE will perform an initial review to determine that:
a.
b.
c.
d.

Proposed work is relevant to the NE mission;
Applicant is eligible for an award;
Information and documents, required by the FOA, have been submitted; andApplications submitted do not exceed the number of applications permitted per
institution:i. No more than one application per research reactor under the University Research
Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure Support area; andii.
No more than one application under the GSI area.

Applications that fail to pass the initial review will not be forwarded for merit review and will beeliminated from further consideration.
A.2 Merit Review Criteria
The following evaluation criteria and weights will be used to evaluate applications submitted in
response to this FOA in each area. Rating criteria include whether applicant has shown how the
project will increase or enhance research and/or teaching capabilities.
A.2.1

University Research Reactor Upgrades Infrastructure(1) (40%) Safety and/or Security: potential of the requested equipment,
instrumentation, or modification to:a. Enhance the safety, performance, control, or operational reliability of research
reactor systems; orb. Increase the quality, safety/security, or efficiency of the operation of theresearch reactor facility;(2) (20%) Impact: potential of the requested equipment, instrumentation, or
modification to facilitate, improve, or expand ongoing NE research and training
capabilities;(3) (20%) Utilization: as a result of the proposed equipment, the amount of student andfaculty usage of the research reactor facility and the amount and variety of
research and/or services actually provided by the facility; and(4) (20%) Execution: capability to implement the full scope of the project, including
timely project completion, personnel qualifications, budget, and feasibility.
A.2.2

University General Scientific Infrastructure (GSI) Support(1) (25%) Impact: potential of the requested equipment, instrumentation, orPage 24 of 37

Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

modification to facilitate, improve, or expand ongoing NE research and training
capabilities;(2) (25%) Utilization: as a result of the proposed equipment, the amount of student,
faculty, or researcher usage of the capabilities and the amount and variety of
research and/or services actually provided by the facility;(3) (25%) Execution; capability to implement the full scope of the project including
timely project completion, personnel qualifications, budget, and feasibility; and(4) (25%) Educational and/or Research Innovation: uses of equipment for educational or
research purposes.
NSUF Priority Bonus Consideration
Up to 3 bonus points will be attributed if the proposed upgrade improves an existing
NSUF partner facility or creates a capability that is identified as a potential partner
facility.
A.3 Other Selection Factors
The selection official may also consider the following program policy factors in the selection
process under all FOA areas, as appropriate (not listed in order of importance):•

Degree to which proposed project optimizes/maximizes use of available NE funding toachieve DOE program goals and objectives. This includes how those infrastructure
projects support NE research; it may also include how the infrastructure project supports
other complementary efforts or projects, which, when taken together, will best achieve
program research goals and objectives.

•

Application selection may optimize appropriate mix of projects to achieve NE researchgoals and objectives.

•

Impact of the proposed project on the NSUF.

•

Other Cost/Budget considerations, including how well the proposed budget for theequipment or instrumentation will achieve the proposed objectives, and availability offunding.

•

The demonstrated ability of the applicant to complete projects in the specified timeframe.
This includes prior year DOE applicant awards in progress or not yet completed, as wellas any existing or pending no-cost extensions.

•

Existing Nuclear Science and Engineering (NS&E) Program, or realistic plan to establish
NS&E program.

•

Cost share or cost match, if any, proposed.

•

Extent or degree to which projects provide a balanced programmatic effort, a variety of
research capabilities among various sizes and kinds of organizations, and theirgeographic distribution.

•

Projects that contribute to energy equity

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Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research•

Projects that support the Justice40 Initiative

The above program policy factors may be used by the Selection Official to assist in determining
which application(s) shall receive DOE funding support. These factors, while not indicators of
the application’s technical excellence, applicant’s ability, etc., are essential to the process of
selecting the application that, individually or collectively, will best achieve the program
objectives and maximize public benefits.

B. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS
B.1 Merit Review
Applications that pass the initial review will be subjected to a merit review in accordance with theguidance provided in DOE’s Merit Review Guide for Financial Assistance and Unsolicited
Proposals. This guide is available under Financial Assistance Policy and Guidance at Merit
Review Guide for Financial Assistance and Unsolicited Proposals - Current Guides | Departmentof Energy. https://www.energy.gov/management/articles/merit-review-guide-financialassistance-and-unsolicited-proposals-current
B.2 Selection
The Selection Official will consider the merit review recommendation, program policy factors,
and the amount of funds available.
B.3 Discussions and Award
The Government may enter into discussions with a selected applicant for any reason deemednecessary, including but not limited to: 1) the budget is not appropriate or reasonable for therequirement; 2) only a portion of the application is selected for award; 3) the Government needs
additional information to determine whether the recipient is capable of complying with therequirements in 2 CFR part 200; and/or 4) special terms and conditions are required. Failure to
resolve satisfactorily the issues identified by the Government will preclude award to theapplicant.

C. ANTICIPATED NOTICE OF SECTION AND AWARD DATESDOE anticipates notifying applicants selected for award and making awards by July 31, 2024.
DOE reserves the right to make additional award selections using applications submitted in
response to this FOA. Award(s) for this project are subject to the availability of Federal funding.

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Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

PART VI - AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION
A. AWARD NOTICES
A.1 Notice of Selection
DOE will notify applicants selected for award. This notice of selection is not an authorization to
begin performance. See Part IV - H, with respect to the allowability of pre-award costs.
Organizations whose applications have not been selected will be advised as promptly as possible.
A.2 Notice of Award
An Assistance Agreement issued and signed by the Contracting Officer is the authorizing award
document. It normally includes either as an attachment or by reference the following:(1) Special Terms and Conditions;(2) Applicable program regulations, if any;(3) Application as approved by DOE;
(4) DOE assistance regulations at 2 CFR part 200, as amended by 2 CFR part 910;
(5) National Policy Assurances, to be incorporated as award terms;(6) Budget Summary; and(7) Federal Assistance Reporting Checklist, which identifies the reporting requirements.

B. ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS
B.1 Administrative Requirements
The administrative requirements for DOE grants and cooperative agreements are contained in 2
CFR part 200, as amended by 2 CFR part 910 (see https://www.ecfr.gov/). Grants andcooperative agreements made to universities, non-profits, and other entities, subject to Title 2
CFR, are subject to the Research Terms and Conditions located on the National Science
Foundation website at https://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/rtc/index.jsp.
B.2 System For Award Management and Unique Entity Identifier Requirements
Applicants that do not have an exemption under 2 CFR 25.110 must:(1) Be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) at https://www.sam.gov prior
to submitting an application or plan;(2) Provide its unique entity identifier in each application or plan it submits to DOE;
(3) Maintain an active SAM registration with current information, including information on aits immediate and highest-level owner and subsidiaries, as well as on all predecessors thathave been awarded a Federal contract or financial assistance award within the last three
years, if applicable, at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an
application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency;(4) Remain registered in the SAM database after the initial registration;
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Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research(5) Update its information in the SAM database as soon as it changes;(6) Review its information in the SAM database on an annual basis from
(7) The date of initial registration or subsequent updates to ensure it is current, accurate andcomplete; and(8) Not make a subaward to any entity unless the entity has provided its unique entity
identifier. Subrecipients are not required to obtain an active SAM registration but mustobtain a Unique Entity Identifier.
(9) For purposes of this FOA provision:a. System for Award Management (SAM) means the Federal repository into which an
applicant must provide information required for the conduct of business as a recipientof Federal funds. Additional information about registration procedures may be foundat the SAM internet site (currently at https://www.sam.gov).
b. Unique Entity Identifier means the identifier assigned by SAM to uniquely identify
business entities.
c. Entity includes non-Federal entities as defined at 2 CFR 200.1 and includes all of thefollowing for purposes of this part:i.

A foreign organization;ii.

A foreign public entity;iii.

A domestic for-profit organization; andiv.

A Federal agency.

d. Subaward has the meaning given in 2 CFR 200.1.
e. Subrecipient has the meaning given in 2 CFR 200.1.
B.3 Subaward and Executive Reporting
Additional administrative requirements necessary for DOE grants and cooperative agreements tocomply with the Federal Funding and Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA) are in 2 CFR part 170(see eCFR :: 2 CFR Part 170 -- Reporting Subaward and Executive Compensation Information).
Prime awardees must register with the new FFATA Subaward Reporting System (FSRS)
database, and report the required data on their first tier sub-awardees. Prime awardees must
report the executive compensation for their own executives as part of their registration profile in
the System for Award Management (SAM).
B.4 Special Terms and Conditions and National Policy Requirements
Special Terms and Conditions and National Policy Requirements. The DOE Special Terms andConditions for Use in Most Grants and Cooperative Agreements are located at:https://energy.gov/management/downloads/special-terms-and-conditions-use-most-grants-andcooperative-agreements.
The National Policy Assurances to Be Incorporated as Award Terms are located at:https://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/rtc/appc.pdf.
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Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear ResearchIntellectual Property Provisions. The standard DOE financial assistance intellectual property
provisions applicable to the various types of recipients are located at:
http://energy.gov/gc/standard- intellectual-property-ip-provisions-financial-assistance-awards.
Lobbying Restrictions. By accepting funds under this award, you agree that none of the funds
obligated on the award shall be expended, directly or indirectly, to influence congressional action
on any legislation or appropriation matters pending before Congress, other than to communicate
to Members of Congress as described in 18 U.S.C. 1913. This restriction is in addition to thoseprescribed elsewhere in statute and regulation.
B.5 Nondisclosure And Confidentiality Agreements Representations (JUNE 2015)
In submitting an application in response to this FOA the Applicant represents that:(1) It does not and will not require its employees or contractors to sign internal nondisclosure orconfidentiality agreements or statements prohibiting or otherwise restricting its employees orcontactors from lawfully reporting waste, fraud, or abuse to a designated investigative or law
enforcement representative of a Federal department or agency authorized to receive suchinformation.
(2) It does not and will not use any Federal funds to implement or enforce any nondisclosure
and/or confidentiality policy, form, or agreement it uses unless it contains the following
provisions:a. “These provisions are consistent with and do not supersede, conflict with, orotherwise alter the employee obligations, rights, or liabilities created by existing
statute or Executive order relating to(1) classified information, (2) communications to Congress, (3) the reporting to an
Inspector General of a violation of any law, rule, or regulation, or mismanagement, agross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger topublic health or safety, or (4) any other whistleblower protection. The definitions,requirements, obligations, rights, sanctions, and liabilities created by controlling
Executive orders and statutory provisions are incorporated into this agreement and arecontrolling.”b. The limitation above shall not contravene requirements applicable to Standard Form
312, Form 4414, or any other form issued by a Federal department or agency
governing the nondisclosure of classified information.
Notwithstanding provision listed in paragraph (a), a nondisclosure or confidentiality
policy form or agreement that is to be executed by a person connected with theconduct of an intelligence or intelligence-related activity, other than an employee orofficer of the United States Government, may contain provisions appropriate to theparticular activity for which such document is to be used. Such form or agreement
shall, at a minimum, require that the person will not disclose any classified
information received in the course of such activity unless specifically authorized to do
so by the United States Government. Such nondisclosure or confidentiality forms
shall also make it clear that they do not bar disclosures to Congress, or to an
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Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Researchauthorized official of an executive agency or the Department of Justice, that are
essential to reporting a substantial violation of law.

C. NO-COST TIME EXTENSIONS
Unilateral no-cost time extensions will NOT be permitted to awards made under this FOA. All
no-cost time extensions must provide adequate justification and receive written approval fromthe Contracting Officer. No-cost time extensions should be requested as soon as the need is
identified, and normally, no later than 3 months before the original project end date.
One no-cost time extension request may be granted for up to 12 months, pending review andapproval. No-cost time extension information and form can be found at:https://neup.inl.gov/SitePages/Research%20and%20Development.aspx.

D. REPORTING
Reporting requirements are identified on the Federal Assistance Reporting Checklist, DOE F
4600.2, attached to the award agreement. A sample checklist is available under Award Form at:https://energy.gov/management/office-management/operational-management/financialassistance/financial-assistance-forms.

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Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

PART VII - QUESTIONS/AGENCY CONTACTS
A. QUESTIONSQuestions regarding the content of the announcement must be submitted to the Agency Contact
listed in Part VII, Section B of this Infrastructure FOA. Questions and comments concerning thisFOA shall be submitted not later than ten (10) calendar days prior to the application due date.
Questions submitted after that date may not allow the Government sufficient time to respond.

B. AGENCY CONTACT
Name: Mr. Andrew Ford
E-mail: fordaj@id.doe.gov
Phone: 208-526-3059

C. INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR
NE holds a webinar each year to discuss changes to its FOAs and workscope areas for upcoming
opportunities. Applicants can watch the live webinar and submit questions to be answered in realtime. All webinar presentations are recorded and posted on www.NEUP.gov for review by all
applicants.
Webinar presentations from past years can also be found in the “Archive” section of the
www.NEUP.gov website.

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Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

PART VIII - OTHER INFORMATION
A. AMENDMENTS
Notices of any amendments to this announcement will be posted on www.FedConnect.net andwww.Grants.gov, and, as a courtesy, will also be posted on both https://nsuf.inl.gov/ andhttps://neup.inl.gov. It is recommended that applicants check the https://nsuf.inl.gov/ site
frequently to ensure they receive timely notice of any modifications or other announcements.

B. GOVERNMENT RIGHT TO REJECT OR NEGOTIATE
DOE reserves the right, without qualification, to reject any or all applications received in
response to this announcement, and to select any application, in whole or in part, as a basis fornegotiation and/or award.

C. COMMITMENT OF PUBLIC FUNDSThe Contracting Officer is the only individual who can make awards and commit theGovernment to the expenditure of public funds. A commitment by anyone other than theContracting Officer, either explicit or implied, is invalid.

D. PROPRIETARY APPLICATION INFORMATION
Patentable ideas, trade secrets, proprietary or confidential commercial or financial information,
disclosure of which may harm the applicant, should be included in an application only when suchinformation is necessary to convey an understanding of the proposed project. The use anddisclosure of such data may be restricted, provided the applicant includes the following legendon the first page of the project narrative and specifies the pages of the application which are to be
restricted:“The data contained in pages [INSERT PAGES] of this application have been
submitted in confidence and contain trade secrets or proprietary information, andsuch data shall be used or disclosed only for evaluation purposes, provided that if
this applicant receives an award as a result of or in connection with thesubmission of this application, DOE shall have the right to use or disclose the data
herein to the extent provided in the award. This restriction does not limit the
government’s right to use or disclose data obtained without restriction from any
source, including the applicant.”
To protect such data, each line or paragraph on the pages containing such data must be
specifically marked with double brackets [ ] in the margins with the following statement in theheader.
“This page contains proprietary information that (name of applicant) requests not
be released to persons outside the Government, except for purposes of review andevaluation.”
DOE will make its own determination about the confidential status of the information andtreat it according to its determination.

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Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

E. EVALUATION AND ADMINISTRATION BY NON-FEDERALPERSONNEL
In conducting the merit review evaluation, the Government may seek the advice of qualified
non- Federal personnel as reviewers. The Government may also use non-Federal personnel toconduct independent reviews, as well as routine, nondiscretionary administrative activities. The
applicant, by submitting its application, consents to the use of non-Federal reviewers/
administrators. Non-Federal reviewers must sign conflict of interest and non-disclosureagreements prior to reviewing an application. Non-Federal personnel conducting administrative
activities must sign a non-disclosure agreement.

F. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEVELOPED UNDER THISPROGRAM
Patent Rights. Domestic small businesses and domestic nonprofit organizations will receive thepatent rights clause at 37 CFR 401.14, i.e., the implementation of the Bayh-Dole Act. This clause
permits domestic small business and domestic non-profit organizations to retain title to subject
inventions.
Class Patent Waiver. For applicant’s that are not domestic small businesses or nonprofit
organizations, the Office Nuclear Energy (NE) Class Patent Waiver W(C) 2020-002 may be
applicable to an award made under this announcement. The class patent waiver will provide
applicants, not subject to the Bayh-Dole Act, the option to retain title to their own inventions,subject to the same government retained rights identified in the Act above. To receive the classwaiver, an applicant, must agree to provide statutory minimum cost share required under theaward and agree to substantially manufacture technology created under the award in the U.S., orprovide other economic benefits to the U.S. in accordance with the U.S. Competitivenessprovision set forth in the above-referenced class patent waiver.
Rights in Technical Data. Normally, the government has unlimited rights in technical data
created under a DOE agreement. Delivery or third-party licensing of proprietary software or data
developed solely at private expense will not normally be required, except as specificallynegotiated in an agreement to satisfy DOE's own needs or to ensure the commercialization oftechnology developed under a DOE agreement.
Special Protected Data Statutes. This program is covered by a special protected data statute.
These special protected data statutes apply to only those applicants who cost share. The
provisions of the statute provide for the protection from public disclosure, for a period of up to
five (5) years from the development of the information, of data that would be a trade secret, orcommercial or financial information that is privileged or confidential, if the information had beenobtained from a non-Federal party. Generally, the provision entitled, Rights in Data - Programs
Covered Under Special Protected Data Statutes (Item 4 under 2 CFR 910, Appendix A to
Subpart D), would apply to an award made under this announcement. This provision will identify
data or categories of data first produced in the performance of the award that will be madeavailable to the public, notwithstanding the statutory authority to withhold data from publicdissemination, and will also identify data that will be recognized by the parties as protected data.

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Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

G. UNDERSTANDING COST SHARING AND COST MATCHING
Cost share is often confused with some form of cost match. The following sections describe thedifferences and provide calculation examples.
G.1 Cost Sharing
Cost share is calculated as a percentage of the total allowable costs of the project. It is NOT a
percentage of the DOE funds. The cost share percentage is calculated from the entire project,including all awardee funds, DOE funds, subcontracts, and (if applicable) FFRDC requirements.
When determining the cost share value, it is first necessary to determine the entire project cost.
Initially, no consideration would be given as to where the funds would come from. An applicant
would determine that a certain cost (e.g., hours, travel, supplies, etc.) would be needed tocomplete the project as proposed in the application. Once the project cost is determined, anapplicant can then calculate the cost share requirement by multiplying the cost share percentage
by the project cost. The resulting dollar figure would be the dollar requirement that the applicant
must provide as cost share.
Below are examples of how the cost share amount is calculated:
Example 1
The applicant determines that the following budget requirements are needed to carry out
the work described in its application to DOE:
Direct Labor
TravelEquipment
Supplies
Subcontract
Total Project Cost

$100,000$3,000$17,000$10,000$20,000$150,000

A cost share requirement of 20% was specified in the funding announcement.
Cost Share = (Cost Share Percentage) × (Total Project Cost)
Cost Share = (20%) × ($150,000)
Cost Share = $30,000
The applicant must now identify $30,000 of $150,000 as cost share.
The applicant would then request DOE funding in the amount of $120,000.
DOE Share = $120,000

Awardee (or third party) Share = $30,000

Example 2
The applicant determines that the following budget requirements are needed to carry out
the work described in its application to DOE:
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Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

Direct Labor
TravelEquipment
Supplies
FFRDC Subcontract
Total Project Cost

$200,000$10,000$20,000$10,000$60,000$300,000

A cost share requirement of 20% was specified in the funding announcement.
Cost Share = (Cost Share Percentage) × (total project cost)
Cost Share = (20%) × ($300,000)
Cost Share = $60,000
The applicant must now identify $60,000 of $300,000 as Cost Share. DOE would pay$60,000 directly to the FFRDC. The applicant would then request DOE funding in theamount of $180,000.
DOE Share = $180,000 (funds to Awardee) + $60,000 (FFRDC) = $240,000
Awardee Share = $60,000
NOTE: FFRDC funds are paid directly to the FFRDC by DOE. The work provided by
the FFRDC is still considered part of the total project cost; therefore, it is included in thebase from which the awardee cost share is calculated.
In all cases, the applicant must specify the individual costs that make up each part of the total
project cost and indicate whether DOE or non-DOE funds will be used to cover the cost.
The budget from Example 1 might look something like the following:
Direct Labor
TravelEquipment
Supplies
Subcontract
Total Project Cost

$100,000$3,000$17,000$10,000$20,000$150,000

DOE

Non-DOE$70,000$3,000$17,000$10,000$20,000$120,000$30,000$0$0$0$0$30,000

The application forms in this CINR FOA will facilitate the identification of funding sources.
G.2 Cost Matching
Cost matching is a ratio dollar match for requested amounts more than a specified value. Cost
match is calculated from the entire project, including all awardee funds, DOE funds,
subcontracts, and (if applicable) FFRDC requirements.
When determining the cost match value, it is first necessary to determine the entire project cost.
Initially, no consideration would be given as to where the funds would come from. An applicant
would determine that a certain cost (e.g., hours, travel, supplies, etc.) would be needed toPage 35 of 37

Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Researchcomplete the project as proposed in the application. Once the project cost is determined, the costmatch can be calculated.
Below are examples of how the cost match amount is calculated:
Example 1
The applicant determines that the following budget requirements are needed to carry out
the work described in its application to DOE:
Direct Labor
TravelEquipment
Supplies
Subcontract
Total Project Cost

$100,000$3,000$17,000$150,000$130,000$300,000

A cost match requirement of 1:1 dollar match above $250,000 was specified in thefunding announcement.
Cost Match = �𝑁𝑁

𝑁𝑁𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 +𝑁𝑁𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷

1

� × (Total Project Cost - $250,000)

Cost Match = �1+1� × ($300,000 - $250,000)

Cost Match = $25,000

DOE Share = $275,000Awardee (or third party) Share = $25,000

Example 2
The applicant determines that the following budget requirements are needed to carry out
the work described in its application to DOE:
Direct Labor
TravelEquipment
Supplies
Subcontract
Total Project Cost

$100,000$0$80,000$150,000$120,000$450,000

A cost match requirement of 1:1 dollar match above $250,000 was specified in thefunding announcement.
Cost Match = �𝑁𝑁

𝑁𝑁𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 +𝑁𝑁𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷

1

� × (Total Project Cost - $250,000)

Cost Match = �1+1� × ($450,000 - $250,000)

Cost Match = $100,000
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Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

DOE Share = $350,000

Awardee (or third party) Share = $100,000

H. NOTICE REGARDING ELIGIBLE/INELIGIBLE ACTIVITIESEligible activities under this program include those which describe and promote theunderstanding of scientific and technical aspects of specific energy technologies, but not thosewhich encourage or support political activities, such as the collection and dissemination of
information related to potential, planned, or pending legislation.

I. CONFERENCE SPENDING
The recipient shall not expend funds for the purpose of defraying the cost to the United States
Government of a conference that was more than $20,000 [described in subsection (c) of theConsolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2013]; or circumventing therequired notification by the head of any such Executive Branch department, agency, board,commission, or office to the Inspector General, or senior ethics official for any entity without an
Inspector General, of the date, location, and number of employees attending such conference thatis not directly and programmatically related to the purpose of the grant or cooperative agreement.

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Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

APPENDIX A – REQUIRED USE OF AMERICAN IRON, STEEL,MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS, AND CONSTRUCTION MATERIALSBUY AMERICA REQUIREMENTS FOR INFRASTRUCTURE
PROJECTS
A. DEFINITIONS
For purposes of the Buy America requirements, the following definitions apply:Construction materials includes an article, material, or supply—other than an item of primarily
iron or steel; a manufactured product; cement and cementitious materials; aggregates such asstone, sand, or gravel; or aggregate binding agents or additives 2 —that is or consists primarily of:•non-ferrous metals;•

plastic and polymer-based products (including polyvinylchloride, composite building
materials, and polymers used in fiber optic cables);•glass (including optic glass);•

lumber; or•

drywall.

Infrastructure includes, at a minimum, the structures, facilities, and equipment for, in the UnitedStates, roads, highways, and bridges; public transportation; dams, ports, harbors, and othermaritime facilities; intercity passenger and freight railroads; freight and intermodal facilities;
airports; water systems, including drinking water and wastewater systems; electrical transmission
facilities and systems; utilities; broadband infrastructure; and buildings and real property.
Infrastructure includes facilities that generate, transport, and distribute energy.
In addition to the above, the infrastructure in question must be publicly owned or must serve a
public function; privately owned infrastructure that is solely utilized for private use is notconsidered “infrastructure” for purposes of Buy America applicability. The Agency, not theapplicant, will have the final say as to whether a given project includes infrastructure, as defined
herein. Accordingly, in cases where the “public” nature of the infrastructure is unclear, DOE
strongly recommends that applicants complete their full application with the assumption that Buy
America requirements will apply to the proposed project.
Project means the construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of infrastructure in the UnitedStates.

B . BUY AMERICA REQUIREMENTS FOR INFRASTRUCTURE
PROJECTS
In accordance with section 70914 of the BIL, none of the project funds (includes federal share

2

BIL, § 70917(c)(1)Appendix A - i of iii

Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Researchand recipient Cost Share) may be used for a project for infrastructure unless:(1) all iron and steel used in the project are produced in the United States--this means all
manufacturing processes, from the initial melting stage through the application of
coatings, occurred in the United States;(2) all manufactured products used in the project are produced in the United States—thismeans the manufactured product was manufactured in the United States; and the cost of
the components of the manufactured product that are mined, produced, or manufactured
in the United States is greater than 55 percent of the total cost of all components of the
manufactured product, unless another standard for determining the minimum amount ofdomestic content of the manufactured product has been established under applicable law
or regulation; and(3) all construction materials 3 are manufactured in the United States—this means that all
manufacturing processes for the construction material occurred in the United States. The
Buy America requirements only applies to articles, materials, and supplies that are
consumed in, incorporated into, or affixed to an infrastructure project. As such, it does
not apply to tools, equipment, and supplies, such as temporary scaffolding, brought to theconstruction site and removed at or before the completion of the infrastructure project.
Nor does a Buy America requirements apply to equipment and furnishings, such as
movable chairs, desks, and portable computer equipment, that are used at or within thefinished infrastructure project, but are not an integral part of the structure or permanently
affixed to the infrastructure project.
The Buy America requirements only apply to articles, materials, and supplies that are consumed
in, incorporated into, or affixed to an infrastructure project. As such, it does not apply to tools,
equipment, and supplies, such as temporary scaffolding, brought to the construction site andremoved at or before the completion of the infrastructure project. Nor does the Buy America
requirements apply to equipment and furnishings, such as movable chairs, desks, and portablecomputer equipment, that are used at or within the finished infrastructure project, but are not an
integral part of the structure or permanently affixed to the infrastructure project.
These requirements must flow down to all sub-awards, all contracts, subcontracts and purchaseorders for work performed under the proposed project.
For additional information related to the application and implementation of these Buy America
requirements, please see OMB Memorandum M-22-11, issued April 18, 2022:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/M-22-11.pdf

C. DOE SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR FULL APPLICATION
Within the first two pages of the workplan, applicants must provide a short statement on whether
the project will involve the construction, alteration, and/or repair of infrastructure in the UnitedStates. The ultimate determination about whether a project includes infrastructure remains with
DOE, but the applicant’s statement will assist project planning and integration of domestic
preference requirements, which may impact the project’s proposed budget.

3

Excludes cement and cementitious materials, aggregates such as stone, sand, or gravel, or aggregate binding agents or additives.

Appendix A - ii of iii

Fiscal Year 2024 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

D. WAIVERS
In limited circumstances, DOE may waive the application of the Buy America requirements
where DOE determines that:(1) applying the Buy America requirements would be inconsistent with the public interest;(2) the types of iron, steel, manufactured products, or construction materials are not producedin the United States in sufficient and reasonably available quantities or of a satisfactory
quality; or(3) the inclusion of iron, steel, manufactured products, or construction materials produced in
the United States will increase the cost of the overall project by more than 25 percent.
If an applicant is seeking a waiver of the Buy America requirements, it must include a written
waiver request with the Full Application. A waiver request must include:•

A detailed justification for the use of “non-domestic” iron, steel, manufactured products,
or construction materials to include an explanation as to how the non-domestic item(s) isessential to the project•

A certification that the applicant or recipient made a good faith effort to solicit bids fordomestic products supported by terms included in requests for proposals, contracts, andnonproprietary communications with potential suppliers;•

Applicant /Recipient name and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)•

Total estimated project cost, DOE and cost-share amounts•

Project description and location (to the extent known)•

List and description of iron or steel item(s), manufactured goods, and construction
material(s) the applicant or recipient seeks to waive from Domestic Content Procurement
Preference requirement, including name, cost, country(ies) of origin (if known), andrelevant PSC and NAICS code for each.

•

Waiver justification including due diligence performed (e.g., market research, industry
outreach) by the applicant or recipient•

Anticipated impact if no waiver is issued

DOE may require additional information before considering the waiver request.
Waiver requests are subject to public comment periods of no less than 15 days and must be
reviewed by the Made in America Office. There may be instances where an award qualifies, inwhole or in part, for an existing waiver described at [link to awarding agency web site withinformation on currently applicable general applicability waivers].
The applicant does not have the right to appeal DOE’s decision concerning a waiver request.

Appendix A - iii of iii