FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT

U.S. Department of Energy
Idaho Operations Office
Fiscal Year 2024 University Reactor Sharing
and Outreach
Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA): DE-FOA-0003041
Announcement Type: Initial: December 6, 2023
Amendment 001: January 24, 2024
Assistance Listing Number: 81.121

Issue Date: December 6, 2023
Informational Webinar: December 13, 2023
(video links and presentations will be available at www.NEUP.gov)
Application Due Date: February 14, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time

Amendment 001: This amendment makes the following change(s):Part IV – Application and Submission Information, Section D. Content and Form of Application(Table). Corrects Project Narrative File page limit from 5 pages to 8 pages.

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
to complete 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 https://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”; and3) fill out the information in the “My Information” section.
Questions
Questions regarding the content of this funding opportunity announcement (FOA) mustbe submitted using the contact information found at Part VII, Section B, of this FOA. The
Department of Energy (DOE) will try to respond to a question within three (3) business days
unless a similar question and answer have already 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 Innovative Nuclear Research (INR)
Integration Office at neup@inl.gov.

ii

CHECKLIST FOR AVOIDING COMMON ERRORS
ItemPage Limits

Issue
Strictly followed throughout application,
including particular attention to:- Project Summary/Abstract File
- Project Narrative File
- Project Team Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Project Summary / Abstract

Name of the applicant, the project
director/principal investigator(s), the project
title, the objectives of the project, a descriptionof the project, including methods to be
employed, the potential impact of the project(i.e., benefits, outcomes), and major
participants (for collaborative projects).
Use current negotiated indirect cost and fringe
benefit rates
Justify all requested costs
Identify funding that is pending or has been
awarded, for similar activities related toreactor sharing initiatives within the last
three years. Please identify by source andamount requested/awarded.

BudgetBudget Justification (attached to budget)
Past, Current and Pending Support

Certifications and Assurances

Ensure that signatures are completed forboth sections of the certifications andassurances 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.

iii

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

A. STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES ....................................................................................... 1
B. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ............................................................................................... 1
PART II -AWARD INFORMATION ...................................................................................... 2

A. TYPE OF AWARD INSTRUMENT................................................................................... 2
B. ESTIMATED FUNDING .................................................................................................... 2
C. MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM AWARD SIZE.................................................................. 2
D. EXPECTED NUMBER OF AWARDS............................................................................... 2
E. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE .......................................................................................... 2F.

TYPE OF APPLICATION .................................................................................................. 2

PART III -ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION .............................................................................. 3

A. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS .................................................................................................. 3
B. COST SHARING................................................................................................................. 4
C. OTHER ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................ 4
PART IV -APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION ........................................ 6

A. ADDRESS TO REQUEST APPLICATION PACKAGE ................................................... 6
B. DOCUMENT FORMAT REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................... 6
C. LETTER OF INTENT AND PRE-APPLICATION............................................................ 6
C.1

Letter of Intent .............................................................................................................. 6

C.2

Pre-applications ............................................................................................................ 6

D. CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION.................................................................... 6
D.1

SF-424 – Application for Federal Assistance ............................................................... 7

D.2

Project/Performance Site Location(s) ........................................................................... 8

D.3

Project Summary/Abstract File .................................................................................... 8

D.4

Project Narrative File.................................................................................................... 8

D.5

Project Team Curriculum Vitae (CV) ........................................................................ 10

D.6

SF-424A Budget Information – Non-Construction Program File .............................. 10

D.7

Budget Justification File ............................................................................................. 11

D.8

Cost Sharing ............................................................................................................... 11

D.9

Current & Pending Support and Duplicative Funding ............................................... 12

D.10 Interim Conflict of Interest Policy .............................................................................. 13iv

D.11 Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) ............................................................. 14
D.12 Certifications and Assurances .................................................................................... 14
D.13 Project Commitment to Energy Equity and Justice40 Initiative ................................ 14
E. SUBMISSION FROM SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS .................................................... 15
F.

SUBMISSION DATES AND TIMES ............................................................................... 15
F.1

Letter of Intent Due Date ............................................................................................ 15

F.2

Pre-Application Due Date .......................................................................................... 16

F.3

Application Due Date ................................................................................................. 16

G. INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW .............................................................................. 16
H. FUNDING RESTRICTIONS ............................................................................................ 16
H.1

Cost Principles ............................................................................................................ 16

H.2

Pre-award Costs .......................................................................................................... 16

H.3 Prohibition Related to Foreign Government-Sponsored Talent Recruitment
Programs. ............................................................................................................................... 16
H.4
I.

Foreign Collaboration Considerations ........................................................................ 17

OTHER SUBMISSION AND REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS ............................. 18
I.1

Where to Submit ......................................................................................................... 18

I.2

Application Validity Timeframe ................................................................................ 18

PART V -APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION ......................................................... 19

A. CRITERIA ......................................................................................................................... 19
A.1

Initial Review Criteria ................................................................................................ 19

A.2

Relevancy Criteria ...................................................................................................... 19

A.3

Merit Review Criteria ................................................................................................. 19

A.4

Other Selection Factors .............................................................................................. 20

B. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS ......................................................................... 22
B.1

Merit Review .............................................................................................................. 22

B.2

Selection ..................................................................................................................... 22

B.3

Discussions and Award .............................................................................................. 22

C. ANTICIPATED NOTICE OF SELECTION AND AWARD DATES ............................. 22
PART VI -AWARD ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION ................................................. 23

A. AWARD NOTICES........................................................................................................... 23
A.1

Notice of Selection ..................................................................................................... 23

A.2

Notice of Award ......................................................................................................... 23v

B. ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS ........................... 23
B.1

Administrative Requirements ..................................................................................... 23

B.2

System for Award Management and Unique Entity Identifier Requirements............ 23

B.3

Subaward and Executive Reporting ........................................................................... 24

B.4

Special Terms and Conditions and National Policy Requirements ............................ 24

B.5

Nondisclosure And Confidentiality Agreements Representations (JUNE 2015) ....... 25

C. NO-COST TIME EXTENSIONS ...................................................................................... 26
D. REPORTING ..................................................................................................................... 26
PART VII - QUESTIONS AN AGENCY CONTACTS ............................................................ 27
A. QUESTIONS ..................................................................................................................... 27
B. AGENCY CONTACT ....................................................................................................... 27
C. INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR....................................................................................... 27
PART VIII - OTHER INFORMATION ...................................................................................... 28
A. AMENDMENTS ............................................................................................................... 28
B. GOVERNMENT RIGHT TO REJECT OR NEGOTIATE............................................... 28
C. COMMITMENT OF PUBLIC FUNDS ............................................................................ 28
D. PROPRIETARY APPLICATION INFORMATION ........................................................ 28
E. EVALUATION AND ADMINISTRATION BY NON-FEDERAL PERSONNEL......... 28F.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEVELOPED UNDER THIS PROGRAM .................. 29

G. NOTICE REGARDING ELIGIBLE/INELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES ................................... 29
H. CONFERENCE SPENDING............................................................................................. 30
I.

EXPORT CONTROL ........................................................................................................ 30

J. PROHIBITION ON CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEOSURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT .................................................................. 30

vi

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

Code of Federal Regulations
Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research
Conflict of Interest
Curriculum Vitae
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
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
Qualified Opportunity Zone
Reactor Concepts Research, Development and Demonstration
Research and Development
Reactor Sharing and Outreach
System for Award Management
Standard Form
Unique Entity Identifier
United Statesvii

Fiscal Year 2024 University Reactor Sharing and OutreachPART I A.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTIONSTATEMENT OF OBJECTIVESThe University Reactor Sharing and Outreach (RS&O) Funding Opportunity Announcement(FOA) will support universities and colleges with nuclear research reactors to share resources
and capabilities with the community to increase nuclear science, engineering, and technology
awareness. This may include educational institutions without research reactors-, such asuniversities, colleges, K-12, vocational schools, community colleges, and others.
The objectives of this RS&O FOA are to:(1) Strengthen nuclear science and engineering instruction in the curricula of colleges anduniversities that do not own research reactors (hereby referred to as “User Institutions”);(2) Increase opportunities for collaboration among faculty and students on nuclear scienceand engineering;(3) Improve public awareness and understanding of nuclear science, engineering, andtechnology through research reactor visits and other outreach opportunities; and(4) Engage with underrepresented communities to promote nuclear science, engineering, andtechnology to educate and recruit the next generation nuclear energy workforce.
Examples of activities of interest for this FOA could include nuclear science laboratories tosupplement nuclear engineering, physics, or chemistry courses; tours for classes and student
groups; science teacher workshops in nuclear science; or other activities that share one
institution’s research reactor infrastructure with other communities or educational institutions.
University research reactors could also be used as versatile neutron sources and in specialized
research projects. By increasing access to these facilities among colleges and universities, there
is a potential for collaboration and cross-pollination in education and research opportunities forpre-college, undergraduate, and graduate students, as well as university faculty members.
During fiscal year (FY) 2024, the Department of Energy (DOE) anticipates that approximately$1,000,000 will be available for this FOA. Universities and colleges with nuclear research
reactor(s) are hereby referred to as “Host Institutions” in this FOA.

B.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

DOE is seeking applications under this RS&O FOA from Host Institutions that support at least
one of the following goals:(1) Meaningful qualitative and quantitative educational and research engagement of faculty
and students from User Institutions.
(2) Evidence of engagements with other educational institutions (e.g., K-12, vocational
schools, and community colleges) and underrepresented communities to expand
knowledge in nuclear science and engineering.
(3) Establish pathways for future self-sustaining mutually beneficial partnerships with User
Institutions or other educational institutions.
Page 1 of 30

Fiscal Year 2024 University Reactor Sharing and OutreachPART II - AWARD INFORMATIONA.

TYPE OF AWARD INSTRUMENT

B.

ESTIMATED FUNDINGC.

MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM AWARD SIZEDOE anticipates awarding grants to Host Institutions (universities or colleges with a nuclear
reactor).
The estimated amounts identified for this FOA are contingent upon Congressional appropriations
and are subject to change. DOE currently estimates that it will fund approximately $1 million inawards.
The maximum and minimum amount of funding available for an individual award under this area
is identified as the FOA ceiling and floor, respectively. The ceiling and floor are as follows:•

Federal Floor: None.

•

Federal Ceiling: $200,000 per institution.

•

Anticipated Awards: Several smaller awards that are no more than $200,000 each.

•

Cost Share Requirement: None, cost-share is not required.

D.

EXPECTED NUMBER OF AWARDSE.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCEF.

TYPE OF APPLICATIONThe estimated amounts, identified for each FOA area, are contingent upon Congressional
appropriations and are subject to change. However, DOE anticipates making approximately 5
awards, depending on the quality of the submissions and availability of funds. DOE reserves theright to make no awards under this announcement.
DOE anticipates making awards with an estimated project period of up to two years, beginning
August 1, 2024. Additional time, if needed, may be requested, and justified in the application.
DOE will accept only new applications under this announcement.

Page 2 of 30

Fiscal Year 2024 University Reactor Sharing and OutreachPART III - ELIGIBILITY INFORMATIONA.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Universities and Colleges. In accordance with 2 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 910.126(b),eligibility for award is restricted to U.S. universities and colleges with a nuclear research reactor,
specifically designated as Host Institutions under this FOA. Other educational institutions andusers may collaborate with a Host Institution in the development of an application.
The following Host Institutions are eligible to apply:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

Idaho State University
Kansas State University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Missouri University of Science &Technology
North Carolina State University
Oregon State University
Pennsylvania State University
Purdue University
Reed College
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center
Texas A&M University

13
14
15
16

The Ohio State University
University of California, Davis
University of California, Irvine
University of Florida

17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24

University of Maryland, College Park
University of Massachusetts, Lowell
University of Missouri, Columbia
University of New Mexico
University of Texas at Austin
University of Utah
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Washington State University

To support the goal of building a clean and equitable energy economy, the Office of Nuclear
Energy (NE) strives to contribute to the President’s goal that 40% of the overall benefits ofcertain Federal investments flow to Disadvantaged Communities (DACs) (the Justice40
Initiative). The goal is to spur economic development and job creation in DACs throughout the
U.S., 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 advance energy equity through effective teams and/or partnerships with
Minority-Serving Institutions (MSI) including Historically Black Colleges and Universities(HBCUs) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs).
Information on MSIs 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 MSIs. For purposes of identifying MSIs in NE’s application
system, NE is using a directory based on 2023 U.S. Department of Education data, which can befound at: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/idues/2022eligibilitymatrix.xlsx andPage 3 of 30

Fiscal Year 2024 University Reactor Sharing and Outreachhttps://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/edlite-minorityinst.html. Either is not an exhaustive
list of MSIs but will be used as a starting point for self-identifying MSIs. If applicants believethat 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.
What is a Disadvantaged Community (DAC)?
According to Executive Order 14008, a disadvantaged community is one that has been
historically marginalized and overburdened by pollution and underinvestment in housing,transportation, water and wastewater infrastructure, and health care. A community qualifies as“disadvantaged” if the census tract is above the threshold for one or more environmental or
climate indicators and the tract is above the threshold for the socioeconomic indicators as definedby the White House Climate Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST),
https://screeningtool.geoplatform.gov/en/.
What is an underrepresented community?
According to the Equity Executive Orders: 13985, 14020, and EO 14091, an “underrepresented”
community refers to populations sharing a particular characteristic, as well as geographic
communities, that have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects ofeconomic, social, and civic life, such as Black, Latino, Indigenous and Native American, Asian
American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander persons and other persons of color; members of
religious minorities; women and girls; LGBTQI+ persons; persons with disabilities; persons wholive in rural areas; persons who live in United States Territories; persons otherwise adversely
affected by persistent poverty or inequality; and individuals who belong to multiple such
communities. Further, according to the National Science Foundation's 2023, report titled,
Diversity and STEM: Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities,(https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsf23315/report) the U.S. STEM workforce has gradually diversified
between 2011 and 2021, with increased representation from these underrepresented
communities. However, Hispanic workers represented 15% of the total STEM workforce in
2021, and Asian and Black workers were 10% and 9%, respectively. American Indians andAlaska Natives together made up less than 1% of the U.S. population and STEM workforce in
2021. DOE seeks to inspire underrepresented American to pursue careers in energy and support
their advancement into leadership positions. (https://www.energy.gov/articles/introducingminorities-energy-initiative).

B.

COST SHARINGC.

OTHER ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

For Host Institution applicants, cost sharing is not required, but is encouraged.
Each Host Institution is limited to one (1) application under this RS&O FOA.
Each Host Institution may have only one (1) active RS&O award at a time.
NOTE: Any previous RS&O awards must be completed before another RS&O award can beplaced.

Page 4 of 30

Fiscal Year 2024 University Reactor Sharing and OutreachNon-university collaborators, in composite, can have no more than 20% of the total funds
provided by the Government.

Page 5 of 30

Fiscal Year 2024 University Reactor Sharing and OutreachPART IV - APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATIONA.

ADDRESS TO REQUEST APPLICATION PACKAGE

B.

DOCUMENT FORMAT REQUIREMENTS

Electronic applications and instructions are available at the NEUP.gov website. To access thesematerials: (1) go to www.NEUP.gov; (2) select “Sign In” from the top right hand corner of thescreen; (3) enter your user credentials; (4) select “Applications” from the menu; and (5) click on“Create New Application” for the type of application that you are creating. Apply at
www.NEUP.gov.
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.

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 on the forms and the
additional instructions below. Files attached to the forms must be in Adobe Portable Document
Format (PDF) and merged into a single PDF file, unless otherwise specified in thisannouncement. The following table summarizes all the required forms and files. The following

Page 6 of 30

Fiscal Year 2024 University Reactor Sharing and Outreachsub-sections (D.1 through D.12) describe the required and optional contents of each document orform.
Required Form/File

FormatFile Name

Application for Federal Assistance – SF424
Project/Performance Site Location(s)FormProject Summary/Abstract File

PDF

Project Narrative File (limit of 8 pages)

PDF

Project Team Curriculum Vitae(limit of 3 pages per CV)
SF424A Budget Information for NonConstruction Programs
Budget Justification FilePDF

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
FY24 Budget SF424A[TRACKING ID#].xls
FY24 Budget
Justification[TRACKING ID#].pdf
FY24 Commitment
Letter [TRACKING
ID#].pdf
FY24 Support[TRACKING ID#].pdf
FY24 PDFN[TRACKING ID#].pdf
FY24 COI Disclosure[TRACKING ID#].pdf

Form

Excel
PDF

Cost Sharing Commitment Letters(if applicable)

PDF

Current and Pending Support

PDF

Potentially Duplicative Funding Notice(if applicable)
Conflict of Interest Certification/
Conflict of Interest Disclosure(if applicable)
Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SFLLL)
Certifications and Assurances

PDF

Project Commitment to Energy Equity
and Justice 40 Initiative

PDF
Form
Form
PDF

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

Signature
Required
Yes

Yes
Yes

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 or through the link, SF-424. The list of certifications andassurances referenced in Field 21 can be found on the DOE Financial Assistance page at:
http://energy.gov/management/office- management/operational-management/financialassistance/financial-assistance-forms under Certifications and Assurances.

Page 7 of 30

Fiscal Year 2024 University Reactor Sharing and Outreach

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) (PI), 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. (Use provided Template on the application site)
Save in a file named:
FY24 Summary Abstract [TRACKING ID#].pdf
D.4 Project Narrative File
The narrative must not exceed 8 printed pages, including cover page, 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 8PAGES, AS SPECIFIED ABOVE. Do not include any Internet addresses (URLs) that provide
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 in a single file named:
FY24 Project Narrative [TRACKING ID#].pdf

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Fiscal Year 2024 University Reactor Sharing and Outreach

The project narrative must include the following:(1) Introduction. Including program or project title and names of key personnel involved with theeffort.
(2) Goals and Objectives. This section shall provide a clear and concise statement of the specificobjectives and/or goals of the proposed effort. 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:a. Overall goal(s) of the proposed effort with the team must incorporate two (2) of the
FOA goals listed in Part I - B. The proposed goal(s) may include multiple
components or aspects and may be linked to specific measurable objectives.
b. Primary objectives that will be achieved during the effort with quantifiable metrics.
The following are examples of objectives in no priority. The type and quantity ofobjectives are established by the applicant.
i. Minimum number of hours collaborating with K-12 schools andorganizations.
ii. Data produced from an experiment performed at the Host Institution in
support of a User Institution student project.
iii. Minimum number of tours with active engagement over the award.
iv. Engagement with underrepresented communities.
c. Describe the Nuclear Science and Engineering (NS&E) program at the Host
Institution, User Institution, and/or educational organization (where applicable). If
there is no current program, briefly describe intentions or plans to establish a programor pathway to future collaboration.
(3) Schedule and Description of Tasks. This section shall provide a breakdown of individualtasks related to the overall effort. Including the following:a. An overall timeline of the proposed tasks throughout the effort (e.g., Gantt chart).
b. Key milestones linked to metrics.
c. The role of each task in achieving the goals and objectives.
(4) Participant Roles. Describe the capabilities, expertise, and qualifications of the Program Lead
(PL) and individual team members that would be essential to achieving the goals of the
proposed effort. Reference should be specific to individuals where appropriate. The PLshould state explicitly if there is any expertise that must be acquired to complete the effort
and plans to incorporate additional personnel (e.g., new hires, consultants, etc.).
(5) Facilities, Equipment, and Other Resources. Identify the facilities (e.g., office, laboratory,etc.), equipment (computers, oscilloscopes, etc.), and other resources (machine shops,
electronics shops, etc.) to be used at Host Institution and/or User Institutions, if appropriate.
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Fiscal Year 2024 University Reactor Sharing and Outreach

Include details regarding capacities, pertinent capabilities, relative proximity, and extent ofavailability to the effort. Describe the utilization of those resources that are directly
applicable to the proposed work.
D.5 Project Team Curriculum Vitae (CV)Applicants must provide a CV for the PI. CVs are limited to a 3-page maximum. CV must
include the following:
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. List all
current academic, professional, or institutional appointments, foreign or domestic, at theapplicant institution or elsewhere, whether or not remuneration is received, and, whether
full-time, part-time, or voluntary.
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/or scholarly activities related
to the proposed effort.
Page limit: 3 pages
Save in a single file named:
FY24 CV [PI NAME] [TRACKING ID#].pdf
D.6 SF-424A Budget Information – Non-Construction Program 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 file, "Budget Information – NonConstruction Programs" form on the DOE Financial Assistance Forms page athttps://neup.inl.gov/SitePages/Related_Documents.aspx
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 - H).
Save this information in a single file named:
FY24 Budget SF424A [TRACKING ID#].xlsx

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Fiscal Year 2024 University Reactor Sharing and Outreach

D.7 Budget Justification File
Applicants (Host Institution) must justify the costs proposed in each Object Class Category/Cost
Classification category.
The Budget Justification Supporting Documentation is available at NEUP.gov. Provide therequired supporting information for all costs required to accomplish the project, including thefollowing costs: labor, equipment, domestic and foreign travel, participant/trainees, material andsupplies, publication, consultant services, automated data processing/computer services,subaward/consortium/contractual, equipment or facility rental/user fees, alterations andrenovations, and indirect cost type. Provide any other information you wish to submit to justify
the budget request.
A budget justification is required for the lead applicant and all sub-awardees. The justification
can be combined into one document or submitted as separate files.
If cost sharing is proposed, please refer to Part IV - D.8. Additionally, the budget justification
file must identify the following information for each third-party contributing cost sharing:
1. the name of the organization;
2. the proposed dollar amount to be provided;
3. the amount as a percentage of the total project cost; and4. the proposed cost sharing – cash, services, or property.
The following are restrictions on the use of funds under this FOA:
1. Consumables, materials, and supplies are allowable for activities exclusively supporting
reactor sharing, teaching, education, and outreach;
2. Equipment purchases greater than or equal to $5,000 are not allowed;
3. Upgrades to increase operational profit or support directly for commercial activities are
not allowed;
4. Foreign travel is not allowed; and5. Non-university collaborators, in composite, can have no more than 20% of the total funds
provided by the Government.
Save the budget justification information in a single file named:“FY24 Budget Justification [TRACKING ID#].pdf”
D.8 Cost Sharing
If cost sharing is proposed, applicants must include a commitment letter from each third party
contributing to the cost sharing (i.e., a party other than the organization submitting theapplication), stating that the third party is committed to providing a specific minimum dollar
amount of cost sharing. The commitment letter must include the cost sharing items listed in PartIV - D.7.

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Fiscal Year 2024 University Reactor Sharing and Outreach

Save commitment letter as:
FY24 Commitment Letter [TRACKING ID#].pdf
D.9

Current & Pending Support and Duplicative Funding

D.9.1

Current & Pending Support(Required for All Applicants)

Current and pending support is intended to allow the identification of potential duplication,
overcommitment, potential conflicts of interest or commitment, and all other sources of support.
As part of the application, the principal investigator and each senior/key person at the prime
applicant and any proposed subaward level must provide a list of all sponsored activities, awards,
and appointments, whether paid or unpaid; provided as a gift with terms or conditions orprovided as a gift without terms or conditions; full-time, part-time, or voluntary; faculty, visiting,adjunct, or honorary; cash or in-kind; foreign or domestic; governmental or private-sector;
directly supporting the individual’s research or indirectly supporting the individual by supporting
students, research staff, space, equipment, or other research expenses. All involvement in foreign
government-sponsored talent recruitment programs must be identified in current and pending
support.
For every activity, list the following items:• The sponsor of the activity or the source of funding.
• The award or other identifying number.
• The title of the award or activity. If the title of the award or activity is not descriptive, add
a brief description of the research being performed that would identify any overlaps orsynergies with the proposed research.
• The total cost or value of the award or activity, including direct and indirect costs andcost share. For pending proposals, provide the total amount of requested funding.
• The award period (start date – end date).
• The person-months of effort per year being dedicated to the award or activity.
If required to identify overlap, duplication of effort, or synergistic efforts, append a descriptionof the other award or activity to the current and pending support.
Details of any obligations, contractual or otherwise, to any program, entity, or organization
sponsored by a foreign government must be provided on request to either the applicant institution
or DOE. Supporting documents of any identified source of support must be provided to DOE on
request, including certified translations of any document.
The information may be provided in the approved common disclosure format available atCommon Form for Current and Pending (Other) Support (nsf.gov). Each current and pending
support disclosure must be signed and dated and include the following certification statement. If
using the common disclosure format, the following signed and dated statement should beappended to the form:
I, [Full Name and Title], certify to the best of my knowledge and belief that the
information contained in this Current and Pending Support Disclosure Statement isPage 12 of 30

Fiscal Year 2024 University Reactor Sharing and Outreachtrue, complete, and accurate. I understand that any false, fictitious, or fraudulent
information, misrepresentations, half-truths, or omissions of any material fact, may
subject me to criminal, civil or administrative penalties for fraud, false statements,
false claims or otherwise. (18 U.S.C. §§ 1001 and 287, and 31 U.S.C. 3729-3733 and3801-3812). I further understand and agree that (1) the statements andrepresentations made herein are material to DOE’s funding decision, and (2) I have a
responsibility to update the disclosures during the period of performance of theaward should circumstances change which impact the responses provided above.
Save this information in a file named:
FY24 Support [TRACKING ID#].pdf
D.9.2

Potentially Duplicative Funding Notice(if applicable)

If the applicant or project team member has other active awards of federal funds, the applicant
must determine whether the activities of those awards potentially overlap with the activities set
forth in its application to this FOA. If there is a potential overlap, the applicant must notify DOE
in writing of the potential overlap and state how it will ensure any project funds (i.e., recipient
cost share and federal funds) will not be used for identical cost items under multiple awards.
Likewise, for projects that receive funding under this FOA, if a recipient or project team member
receives any other award of federal funds for activities that potentially overlap with the activities
funded under the DOE award, the recipient must promptly notify DOE in writing of the potential
overlap and state whether project funds from any of those other federal awards have been, arebeing, or are to be used (in whole or in part) for one or more of the identical cost items under the
DOE award. If there are identical cost items, the recipient must promptly notify the DOE
Contracting Officer in writing of the potential duplication and eliminate any inappropriate
duplication of funding.
Save this information in a single file named:
FY24 PDFN [TRACKING ID#].pdf
D.10 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 therequirements of the interim COI Policy and within each application for financial assistance, theapplicant must certify that it is, or will be by the time of receiving any financial assistance award,
Page 13 of 30

Fiscal Year 2024 University Reactor Sharing and Outreachcompliant with all requirements in the interim COI Policy. The applicant must flow down therequirements of the interim COI Policy to any subrecipient non-Federal entities.
The Recipient 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.
Fully complete the COI application form and save in a single file named:
FY24 COI Disclosure [TRACKING ID#].pdf
D.11 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 in a single file named:
FY24 SF-LLL [TRACKING ID#].pdf
D.12 Certifications and Assurances
Applicants must complete and attach the Certifications and Assurances form found on the DOE
Financial Assistance Forms Page at: https://neup.inl.gov/SitePages/Related_Documents.aspx
https://www.energy.gov/management/articles/certifications-and-assurances-use-sf-424
Save this form in a single file named:
FY24 Cert & Assurances [TRACKING ID#].pdf
D.13 Project Commitment to Energy Equity and Justice40 Initiative(Required)
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 (DAC).
Justice40 Initiative. Applicants may include information on how the projects supports theJustice40 Initiative, including for example:
o Extent to which the applicant identifies the following: specific and measurable benefits
for Disadvantaged Communities (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 accessto low-cost capital; (4) an increase in high-quality job creation, the clean energy job
pipeline, and job training for individuals; (5) increases in clean energy enterprise creation
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Fiscal Year 2024 University Reactor Sharing and Outreach

o
o

o
o
o

and contracting (e.g., minority-owned or disadvantaged business enterprises); (6)increases in energy democracy, including community ownership; (7) increased parity inclean energy technology access and adoption; 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.

Advance Energy Equity. (NOTE: Energy equity centers the concerns of DACs and aims to
make energy more accessible, affordable, clean, and democratically managed for allcommunities.) 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 advanceenergy equity, including for example: the degree to which the proposed project incorporates teammember diversity with participants from MSIs, including HBCUs and TCUs; and/or partnerships
with Minority Business Enterprises, Minority Owned Businesses, Woman Owned Businesses,
Veteran Owned Businesses, or Tribal Nations.
Save this form in a single file named:
FY24 EEandJustice40 [TRACKING ID#].pdf

E.

SUBMISSION FROM SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS

If selected for award negotiations, DOE reserves the right to request additional or clarifying
information, for any reason deemed necessary, including, but not limited to:F.

•

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.

SUBMISSION DATES AND TIMES

F.1
Letter of Intent Due Date
Letters of Intent are not required.

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Fiscal Year 2024 University Reactor Sharing and Outreach

F.2
Pre-Application Due Date
Pre-applications are not required.
F.3
Application Due Date
Applications must be received by February 14, 2024, no later than 5:00PM Eastern Time.
Applicants are encouraged to transmit applications before the deadline. APPLICATIONSRECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL NOT BE REVIEWED OR CONSIDERED FOR
AWARD.

G.

INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEWH.

FUNDING RESTRICTIONSThis program is not subject to Executive Order 12372 - Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.
Funding for all awards is contingent upon the availability of funds appropriated by Congress.
H.1 Cost Principles
Costs must be allowable, allocable, and reasonable, in accordance with the applicable Federal
cost principles referenced in 2 CFR part 200.
H.2 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 accordance with the applicable Federal cost principles
referenced in 2 CFR part 200. Recipients must obtain the prior written approval of the CO for
any pre-award costs that are for periods greater than this 90-day calendar period.
Pre-award costs are incurred at the applicant’s risk. DOE is under no obligation to reimburse
such costs if, for any reason, the applicant does not receive an award, or the award is made for alesser amount than the applicant expected.
H.3

Prohibition Related to Foreign Government-Sponsored Talent Recruitment
Programs.

Prohibition
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:Page 16 of 30

Fiscal Year 2024 University Reactor Sharing and Outreach

1. Foreign Government-Sponsored Talent Recruitment Program. An effort directly or
indirectly organized, managed, or funded by a foreign government to recruit science andtechnology professionals or students (regardless of citizenship or national origin, andwhether having a full-time or part-time position). Some foreign government-sponsoredtalent recruitment programs operate with the intent to import or otherwise acquire fromabroad, sometimes through illicit means, proprietary technology or software, unpublisheddata 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 toincentivize the targeted individual to physically relocate to the foreign state for the above
purpose. Some programs allow for or encourage continued employment at U.S. researchfacilities or receipt of Federal research funds while concurrently working at and/or
receiving compensation from a foreign institution, and some direct participants not todisclose their participation to U.S. entities. Compensation could take many forms
including cash, research funding, complimentary foreign travel, honorific titles, careeradvancement opportunities, promised future compensation, or other types of
remuneration or consideration, including in-kind compensation.
2. Foreign Country of Risk. DOE has designated the following countries as foreigncountries of risk: Iran, North Korea, Russia, and China. This list is subject to change.
H.4 Foreign Collaboration Considerations
a. Consideration of new collaborations with foreign entities and governments. The recipient
will be required to provide DOE with advanced written notification of any potential
collaboration with foreign entities or governments in connection with its DOE-fundedaward scope. The recipient will then be required to await further guidance from DOE
prior to contacting the proposed foreign entity or government regarding the potential
collaboration or negotiating the terms of any potential agreement.
b. Existing collaborations with foreign entities and governments. The recipient will be
required to provide DOE with a written list of all existing foreign collaborations in which
has entered in connection with its DOE-funded award scope.
c. Description of collaborations that should be reported. In general, a collaboration will
involve some provision of a thing of value to, or from, the recipient. A thing of value
includes but may not be limited to all resources made available to, or from, the recipientin support of and/or related to the DOE award, regardless of whether or not they havemonetary value. Things of value also may include in-kind contributions (such as
office/laboratory space, data, equipment, supplies, employees, students). In-kind
contributions not intended for direct use on the DOE award but resulting in provision of athing of value from or to the DOE award must also be reported. Collaborations do notinclude routine workshops, conferences, use of the recipient’s services and facilities byforeign investigators resulting from its standard published process for evaluating requests
for access, or the routine use of foreign facilities by awardee staff in accordance with therecipient’s standard policies and procedures.

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Fiscal Year 2024 University Reactor Sharing and OutreachI.

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 University Reactor Sharing and OutreachPART V - APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

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:
1. Applicant is eligible for an award;
2. Information and documents, as required by the FOA, have been submitted; and3. Applications submitted do not exceed the number permitted per institution.
Applications that fail to pass the initial review may not be forwarded for merit review and may
be eliminated from further consideration.
A.2 Relevancy Criteria
Following the initial review, programmatic experts will assess those applications that have met
the initial review criteria for relevance to the NE mission. All applications that meet theobjectives of the FOA will move forward to a full merit review.
A.3 Merit Review Criteria
The following evaluation criteria and weights will be used to evaluate applications submitted in
response to this FOA.
Criterion 1: Impact on nuclear science and engineering education and outreach (50%):
DOE will evaluate the impact of the project on nuclear science and engineering education andoutreach. DOE will evaluate the overall increased utilization of the research reactor to educate
students, including K-12, community college, vocational, or undergraduates, on nuclear energy
related topics; engage underrepresented communities; develop effective outreach strategies to thegeneral public; improve public acceptance and build good-will towards nuclear energy
technologies; stimulate undergraduate and graduate enrollment; and collaborate with othereducational institutions by providing access to the research reactor capabilities.
Criterion 2: Logical Path to Completion (30%): DOE will evaluate the overall effectivenessof the proposed plan to integrate the research reactor into reactor sharing and outreach activities
to create a cohesive outreach strategy in support of nuclear energy. DOE will evaluate theeffectiveness of the goals and milestones; the design of the schedules and activities; timely
project completion, appropriate budget, and feasibility; and whether the path to completion willreasonably accomplish the goals set out for the project.
Criterion 3: Team Capabilities, Experience, and Risk (20%): DOE will evaluate the extent towhich the applicant team provides objective evidence that it has the resources and abilities tosuccessfully complete the project. DOE will evaluate current activities of the host organization;
relevance and depth of the host organization’s experience and capabilities; past performance;

Page 19 of 30

Fiscal Year 2024 University Reactor Sharing and Outreachexperience and capabilities of the PI; and the adequacy of the requested resources, and theirsupporting justification as they relate to the likely successful completion of the objectives.
Diverse Team Review: A bonus of up to 3 points (constituting up to 3% of a maximum
achievable technical rating based upon the merit ratings given) may be contributed to theaverage, overall technical rating during the merit review process based on the degree to which an
application is led by or effectively partnered with MSIs. (Please visit:https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/idues/eligibility.html#tips. for more information)
NOTE: Diverse teams and partnerships are not required for projects to be evaluated as
unquestionably relevant; however, diverse teams and partnerships will increase the averageoverall score by up to 3 points, based on the project meeting one of the following criteria: (1) the
project has a substantive contribution by MSIs as lead or collaborator, (2) the project has ademonstrable contribution by MSIs, as lead or collaborator; or (3) the project has some relevant
partnership with MSIs, as lead or collaborator.
A.4 Other Selection Factors
Program Policy Factor. The selection official (SO) may also consider the following program
policy factors in the selection process under all FOA areas, as appropriate (not listed in order ofimportance):•

Other Cost/Budget considerations, including how well the proposed budget will achieve
the proposed objectives, and availability of funding.

•

Cost share, if any, proposed.

•

Extent or degree to which application optimizes appropriate mix of projects to achieve
DOE-NE education and public outreach goals.

•

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.

•

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.

•

Projects that contribute to energy equity. Any applicants’ submission of a Project
Commitment to Energy Equity and Justice40 Initiative (FY 2024 University Reactor
Sharing and Outreach FOA, PART IV, D.13), will be included in the SO briefing forconsideration. Applicants are encouraged to describe how their projects or project teams
will contribute to energy equity. Applicants may include a section on how the projects
advance energy equity, including for example: the degree to which the proposed project
incorporates team member diversity with participants from MSIs; and/or partnerships

Page 20 of 30

Fiscal Year 2024 University Reactor Sharing and Outreachwith Minority Business Enterprises, Minority Owned Businesses, Woman Owned
Businesses, Veteran Owned Businesses, or Tribal Nations.
•

Projects that support the Justice40 Initiative. Any applicants’ submission of a Project
Commitment to Energy Equity and Justice40 Initiative (FY 2024 University Reactor
Sharing and Outreach FOA, PART IV, D.13), will be included in the SO briefing forconsideration. Examples for the applicants are provided in this FOA of how their projects
could support the Justice40 Initiative, including:o Extent to which the project would contribute to meeting the objective that 40% of
the benefits of climate and clean energy investments will flow to Disadvantaged
Communities (DACs);o The degree to which the proposed project provides funding to DACs or seeks toaddress communities with environmental justice concerns that experiencedisproportionate and adverse human health or environmental burdens inaccordance with Executive Order 14096;
o Whether the entity is located in a DAC. The onus is on the applicant to selfidentify whether it is located in a DAC or partners with an entity, located in a
DAC;
o The degree to which the proposed project incorporates applicant or team members
from DACs; ando Whether the proposed project may directly or indirectly benefit DACs or has teammember participants from DACs.
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.

The above program policy factors may be used by the SO to assist in determining whichapplication(s) shall receive DOE funding support. These factors, while not indicators of theapplication’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.
Applicants should recognize that some very good applications might not receive an award
because of program policy factors and available funding. Therefore, the SO may use program
policy factors to assist in determining which applications shall receive DOE funding support.
Research, Technology and Economic Security Risk Reviews. Further, as DOE invests in critical
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Fiscal Year 2024 University Reactor Sharing and Outreach

infrastructure and funds critical and emerging technology areas, DOE also considers possible
vectors of undue foreign influence in evaluating risk. If high risks are identified and cannot be
sufficiently mitigated, DOE may elect to not fund the applicant. As part of the research,technology, and economic security risk review, DOE may contact the applicant and/or proposed
project team members for additional information to inform the review.

B.

REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

B.1
Merit Review
Applications that pass the initial review will be subjected to a merit review in accordance withthe guidance 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
B.2
Selection
The SO will consider the merit review recommendation, program policy factors, risk reviews,
and the amount of funds available.
B.3
Discussions and Award
The Government may enter discussions with a selected applicant for any reason deemednecessary, including but not limited to:
1. the budget is not appropriate or reasonable for the requirements;
2. only a portion of the application is selected for award;
3. the Government needs additional information to determine whether the recipient cancomply with the requirements 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
the applicant.

C.

ANTICIPATED NOTICE OF SELECTION AND AWARD DATESDOE anticipates notifying applicants selected for award negotiations no later than May 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.

Page 22 of 30

Fiscal Year 2024 University Reactor Sharing and OutreachPART VI - AWARD ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATIONA.

AWARD NOTICES

A.1 Notice of Selection
DOE will notify applicants selected for award negotiations. This notice of selection is not an
authorization to begin performance, nor is it a commitment by DOE to issue an award. (See PartIV - Section 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 CO 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 CFR25.110 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;

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Fiscal Year 2024 University Reactor Sharing and Outreach

4. Remain registered in the SAM database after the initial registration;
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 the date of initial
registration or subsequent updates to ensure it is current, accurate and complete; and7. 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.
8. For purposes of this FOA provision:a. SAM means the Federal repository into which an applicant must provide
information required for the conduct of business as a recipient of Federal funds.
Additional information about registration procedures may be found at 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
the following 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 CRF 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 theSAM.
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.

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Fiscal Year 2024 University Reactor Sharing and Outreach

The National Policy Assurances to Be Incorporated as Award Terms are located at:https://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/rtc/appc.pdf.
Intellectual Property Provisions. The standard DOE financial assistance intellectual property
provisions applicable to the various types of recipients are located at:https://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
or confidentiality agreements or statements prohibiting or otherwise restricting its
employees or contactors from lawfully reporting waste, fraud, or abuse to a designatedinvestigative or law enforcement representative of a Federal department or agency
authorized to receive such information.
(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 aviolation of any law, rule, or regulation, or mismanagement, a gross waste offunds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public healthor 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 orconfidentiality policy form or agreement that is to be executed by a person
connected with the conduct of an intelligence or intelligence-related activity,
other than an employee or officer of the United States Government, may containprovisions appropriate to the particular 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
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Fiscal Year 2024 University Reactor Sharing and Outreachunless specifically authorized to do so by the U.S. Government. Suchnondisclosure or confidentiality forms shall also make it clear that they do not bar
disclosures to Congress, or to an authorized 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 be approved in writing by the CO and be based on adequate
justification. No-cost time extensions should be requested as soon as the need is identified, andnormally, 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 University Reactor Sharing and OutreachPART VII - QUESTIONS AN AGENCY CONTACTSA.

QUESTIONS

Questions 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.
Questions pertaining to items such as application processes, eligibility, or application document
requirements, as well as questions relating to the registration process, system requirements, theapplication form, or submittal process should be directed to NEUP@inl.gov.

B.

AGENCY CONTACTC.

INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR

Name: Mr. Andrew Ford
Email: fordaj@id.doe.gov
Phone: 208-526-3059

DOE-NE holds a webinar each year to discuss changes to its FOAs and work scope areas forupcoming opportunities. Applicants can watch the live webinar and submit questions to beanswered in real time. All webinar presentations are recorded and posted on www.NEUP.gov forreview 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 University Reactor Sharing and OutreachPART VIII - OTHER INFORMATIONA.

AMENDMENTS

B.

GOVERNMENT RIGHT TO REJECT OR NEGOTIATEC.

COMMITMENT OF PUBLIC FUNDSD.

PROPRIETARY APPLICATION INFORMATION

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.
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.
The CO is the only individual, who can make awards and commit the Government to theexpenditure of public funds. A commitment by anyone other than the CO, either explicit or
implied, is invalid.
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
the header.
“The following contains proprietary information that (name of applicant) requests
not be released to persons outside the Government, except for purposes of review
and evaluation.”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 toPage 28 of 30

Fiscal Year 2024 University Reactor Sharing and Outreachconduct 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.

G.

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.
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Fiscal Year 2024 University Reactor Sharing and Outreach

H.

CONFERENCE SPENDINGI.

EXPORT CONTROLThe 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.
The United States government regulates the transfer of information, commodities, technology,
and software considered to be strategically important to the United States to protect national
security, foreign policy, and economic interests without imposing undue regulatory burdens on
legitimate international trade. There is a network of federal agencies and regulations that govern
exports that are collectively referred to as “Export Controls.” All recipients and subrecipients are
responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable United States Export Control laws andregulations relating to any work performed under a resulting award.
The recipient must immediately report to DOE any export control violations related to the project
funded under the DOE award, at the recipient or subrecipient level, and provide the corrective
action(s) to prevent future violations.

J.

PROHIBITION ON CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND
VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT

As set forth in 2 CFR 200.216, recipients and subrecipients are prohibited from obligating or
expending project funds (federal funds and recipient cost share) to procure or obtain; extend or
renew a contract to procure or obtain; or enter into a contract (or extend or renew a contract) to
procure or obtain equipment, services, or systems that use covered telecommunications
equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as criticaltechnology as part of any system. As described in Section 889 of Public Law 115-232, covered
telecommunications equipment is telecommunications equipment produced by Huawei
Technologies Company or ZTE Corporation (or any subsidiary or affiliate of such entities).
See Public Law 115-232, Section 889, 2 CFR 200.216, and 2 CFR 200.471 for additional
information.

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