[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 3, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 150-153]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-32301]



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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION


Proposed Availability of FY 95 Funds for Financial Assistance 
(Grants) To Support Research at Educational Institutions and the 
Exchange of Information

AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Office of Nuclear 
Regulatory Research, announces proposed availability of Fiscal Year 
(FY) 95 funds to support a limited number of research grants to 
educational institutions. These funds may also be used to support 
professional meetings and conferences for the exchange and transfer of 
research concepts and findings related to the safety of nuclear power 
production.

    The FY 95 ceiling for research grants to educational institutions 
is approximately $1,050,000.00. Of this amount, approximately 
$456,000.00 will be available for new grants. Because of this 
limitation, proposed grant budgets should be restricted to about 
$50,000.00 per year, with total project funding not exceeding 
$100,000.00 over a two-year period. Proposals for new FY 95 research 
grants should be submitted between the date of this Notice and February 
17, 1995. Proposals received after February 17, 1995 will be considered 
for FY 95 funding to the extent practicable.

ADDRESS: Nuclear Regulatory Commission. ATTN: Grants Officer, Mail Stop 
T-7-I-2 Division of Contracts, Office of Administration, Washington, 
DC, 20555.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shirley Crampton on (301) 415-6589 or 
Mary Mace on (301) 415-7314.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    On March 17, 1994, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) 
published in the Federal Register a notice that announced the proposed 
availability of FY 94 funds for the NRC Grant Program. The NRC is 
revising that notice to provide information on their grant program for 
FY 95.

Scope and Purpose of This Announcement

    Pursuant to Section 31.a and 141.b of the Atomic Energy Act of 
1954, as amended, the NRC's Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research 
proposes to support educational institutions, nonprofit entities, state 
and local governments, and professional societies through providing 
funds for expansion, exchange and transfer of knowledge, ideas, and 
concepts directed toward the NRC safety research program. The program 
includes, but is not limited to, support of professional meetings and 
conferences. In addition, the NRC has a limited amount for research 
grants to educational institutions (see topics below). The FY 95 
ceiling for these grants is approximately $1,050,000.00 with 
approximately $456,000.00 of this amount available for new grants.
    The purpose of this program is to stimulate research to provide a 
technological base for the safety assessment of system and subsystem 
technologies used in nuclear power applications. The results of this 
program will be to increase public understanding relating to nuclear 
safety, to pool the funds of theoretical and practical knowledge and 
technical information, and ultimately to enhance the protection of the 
public health and [[Page 151]] safety. In addition, each grant to an 
educational institution should contain elements which will potentially 
benefit the graduate research program of the institution, e.g., 
graduate student training.
    The NRC encourages educational institutions to submit research 
grant proposals in the following areas:
    1. Experiments and predictive modeling for thermal stratification, 
thermal striping and flow-induced vibration in plant fluid systems.
    2. Evaluation, modeling, and experiments on phenomena associated 
with the cooling of molten debris in a reactor vessel lower head and 
associated lower head failure analyses during a severe accident.
    3. Modeling and experimentation on two-phase flow, interfacial 
relations, and heat transfer in reactor coolant systems. Experiments in 
modeling of passive heat transfer in natural circulation systems.
    4. Development of condensation models for systems codes such as 
RELAP5/MOD3 or TRAC--PFI/MOD2 for two cases: with and without 
condensible gases.
    5. Conduct experimentation and model development of the boron in 
reactor coolant systems under natural circulation conditions.
    6. Development and validation of a standard model of human 
performance in (a) nuclear power plant operations and maintenance, (b) 
medical uses of by-product materials, and (c) industrial uses of by-
product materials.
    7. Effect of digital I&C technology on operator performance, 
including vigilance, response rate, response accuracy, and 
completeness.
    8. Develop and codify pragmatic, statistically valid methods for 
updating severe accident frequency and consequence analysis to reflect 
results of new operational, experimental and calculation data.
    9. Develop methods and comparison of probabilistic risk assessment 
(PRA) results with operational data and experience.
    10. Evaluation and modelling of microstructural and chemistry 
changes in grain boundaries of irradiated austenitic materials.
    11. Development of nondestructive testing methods for in-situ 
evaluation of reactor vessel material properties and property 
degradation due to aging, such as fracture toughness, fatigue, residual 
life, and radiation effects.
    12. Determine data requirements to assess system reliability 
performance to a prescribed goal at a predetermined assurance level.
    13. Development of innovative methods for accurate imaging of flaws 
in thin wall, small diameter tubes.
    14. Development of non-intrusive, in-situ condition monitoring and 
diagnostic methods for detecting and evaluating degradation of 
electrical insulation materials.
    15. Development of methods for predicting and measuring 
electrochemistry and chemistry in crevices and cracks.
    16. Development of and/or validation of models to predict the 
propagation of seismic ground motion in Central and Eastern United 
States including the effects of ground motions on the response of NPPs 
and their site characteristics, taking into consideration uncertainties 
inherent in such estimates.
    17. Development and/or validation of models to explain the 
quaternary tectonics and seismicity of the Central and Eastern United 
States (East of 105 degrees W).
    18. Development of techniques and QA and QC procedures necessary 
for rapid bioassay analysis in the event of accidental internal 
exposure.
    19. Studies of volcanism or other disruptive processes or events in 
the Basin and Range.
    20. Development of improved instrumentation or techniques for 
measuring activity, radiation dose, and dose rates, especially from 
small radioactive particles, and materials in the environment in 
concentrations approaching background.
    21. Research on the metabolism of radionuclides and their compounds 
relative to the calculation of internal dose.
    22. Validation of approaches to quantitatively assess human health 
effects of radiation, including new approaches to analyses of human 
epidemiological studies and experimental animal studies, and 
investigation of radiation induced effects at the cellular/molecular 
levels and repairs thereof.
    23. Development of, or analysis of the effectiveness of 
decontamination technologies for land, structures, recycled materials 
and equipment and estimation of individual comparative costs.
    24. Investigations, including natural analogue studies for long-
term analyses, of coupling between hydrologic, thermal, chemical, and/
or mechanical processes as they affect the simulation of high-level 
waste repository performance.
    25. Development of methods needed for realization of risk-based 
regulation.

Eligible Applicants

    Educational institutions, nonprofit entities, State and Local 
governments, and professional societies are eligible to apply for a 
grant under this announcement.

Factors Generally Indicating Support Through Grants

    The NRC's benefit from the results of grants should be no greater 
than for other interested parties, i.e., the public must be the primary 
beneficiary of the work performed. Surveys, studies, or research which 
provide specific information or data necessary for the NRC to exercise 
its regulatory or research mission responsibilities will not be funded 
by a grant. Applicants requesting support for work which has a direct 
regulatory application should submit their requests as an unsolicited 
proposal for consideration as a contract rather than a grant.
    1. The primary purpose of NRC grants is to support the development 
of knowledge or understanding of the subject or phenomena under study.
    2. The exact course of the work and its outcome are usually not 
defined precisely, and specific points in time for achievement of 
significant results need not be specified.
    3. The NRC desires that the nature of the proposed investigation be 
such that the recipient will bear prime responsibility for the conduct 
of the research and exercise judgment and original thought toward 
attaining the scientific goals within broad parameters of the proposed 
research areas and the resources provided.
    4. Meaningful technical reports (as distinguished from Semi-Annual 
Status Reports) can be prepared only as new findings are made, rather 
than on a predetermined time schedule.
    5. Simplicity and economy in execution and administration are 
mutually desirable.

Proposal Format

    Proposals should be concise and provide a thorough understanding of 
the proposed project. Neither unduly elaborate applications nor 
voluminous supporting documentation is desired.
    State and local governments shall submit proposals utilizing the 
standard forms specified in Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
Circular A-102 (Revised), Paragraph 6.c). Nonprofit organizations, 
universities, and professional societies shall submit proposals 
utilizing the standard forms stipulated in OMB Circular A-110, 
(Attachment M).
    The format used for project proposals should give a clear 
presentation of the [[Page 152]] proposed project and its relation to 
the specific objectives contained in this notice. Each proposal should 
follow the format outlined below unless the NRC specifically authorizes 
exception.
    1. Cover Page. The Cover Page should be typed according to the 
following format (submit separate cover pages if the proposal is multi-
institutional):
    Title of proposal.--To include the term ``research,'' ``study,'' 
``conference,'' ``symposium,'' ``workshop,'' or other similar 
designation to assist in the identification of the project;

Location and Dates for Conferences, Symposium, Workshop, etc.;
Names of Principal Researchers or Participants;
Total cost of Proposal; (Identify Cost by Fiscal Year)
Period of Proposal;
Organization or Institution and Department;
Required Signatures:
Principal Participants:
Name:------------------------------------------------------------------
Date:------------------------------------------------------------------
Address:---------------------------------------------------------------
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Telephone No.:---------------------------------------------------------
Required Organization Approval:
Name:------------------------------------------------------------------
Date:------------------------------------------------------------------
Address:---------------------------------------------------------------
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Telephone No.:---------------------------------------------------------
Organization Financial Officer:
Name:------------------------------------------------------------------
Date:------------------------------------------------------------------
Address:---------------------------------------------------------------
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Telephone No.:---------------------------------------------------------

    2. Project Description. Each proposal shall provide, in ten pages 
or less, a complete and accurate description of the proposed project. 
This section should provide the basic information to be used in 
evaluating the proposal to determine its priority for funding. 
Applicants must identify other possible sources of financial support 
for a particular project, and list those sources from which financial 
support has been or will be requested.
    The information provided in this section must be brief and 
specific. Detailed background information may be included as supporting 
documentation to the proposal.
    The following format shall be used for the project description:
    (a) Project Goals and Objectives. The project's objectives must be 
clearly and unambiguously stated. The proposal should justify the 
project including the problems it intends to clarify and the 
development it may stimulate.
    (b) Project Outline. The proposal should show the project format 
and agenda, including a list of principal areas of topics to be 
addressed.
    (c) Project Benefits. The proposal should indicate the direct and 
indirect benefits that the project seeks to achieve and to whom these 
benefits will accrue.
    (d) Project Management. The proposal should describe the physical 
facilities required for the conduct of project. Further, the proposal 
should include brief biographical sketches of individuals responsible 
for planning the project.
    (e) Project Costs. Nonprofit organization shall adhere to the cost 
principles set forth in OMB Circular A-122. Educational institutions 
shall adhere to the cost principles set forth in OMB Circular A-21, and 
state and local government shall adhere to the cost principles set 
forth in OMB Circular A-87.
    The proposal must provide a detailed schedule of project costs, 
identifying in particular--
    (1) Salaries--in proportion to the time or effort directly related 
to the projects;
    (2) Equipment (rental only):
    (3) Travel and Per Diem/Subsistence in relation to the project;
    (4) Publication Costs;
    (5) Other Direct Costs (Specify)--e.g., supplies or registration 
fees; Note--Dues to organizations, federations or societies, exclusive 
of registration fees, are not allowed as a charge.
    (6) Indirect Costs (attached negotiated agreement/cost allocation 
plan); and
    (7) Supporting Documentation. The supporting documentation should 
contain any additional information that will strengthen the proposal.

Proposal Submission and Deadline

    This notice is valid for Federal Government Fiscal Year 95 (October 
1, 1994 to September 30, 1995). Potential grantees are advised, 
however, that due to the limited funding available for new research 
grants to educational institutions, such proposals received after 
February 17, 1995 will be considered for FY95 funding to the extent 
practicable.

Funds

    For Fiscal Year 95, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Office 
of Nuclear Regulatory Research, anticipates making a total of 
approximately $1,050,000.00 available for funding research grants to 
educational institutions. Of this amount, approximately $456,000.00 
will be available for new research grants in FY95. Because of this 
limitation, proposed grant budgets should be restricted to about 
$50,000.00 per year, with total project funding not exceeding 
$100,000.00 over a period of two years.

Evaluation Process

    All proposals received as a result of this announcement will be 
evaluated by an NRC review panel.

Evaluation Criteria

    The award of NRC grants is discretionary. Generally, projects are 
supported in order of merit to the extent permitted by available funds.
    Evaluation of proposals for research projects will employ the 
following criteria. No level of importance is implied by the order in 
which these criteria are listed.
    1. Adequacy of the research design.
    2. Scientific significance of proposal.
    3. Technical adequacy of the investigators and their institutional
    4. Relevance to a research area(s) described above.
    5. Reasonableness of estimated cost in relation to the work to be 
performed and anticipated result.
    6. Potential benefit of the project to the overall benefit of the 
institution's graduate research program.
    Evaluation of proposals for professional meetings, conferences, 
symposia, etc. will employ the following criteria:
    1. Potential usefulness of the proposed project for the advancement 
of scientific knowledge.
    2. Clarity of statement of objectives, methods, and anticipated 
results.
    3. Range of issues covered by the meeting agenda.
    4. Qualifications and experience of project speakers.
    5. Reasonableness of estimated cost in relation to anticipated 
results.

Disposition of Proposals

    Notification of award will be made by the Grants Officer, and 
organizations whose proposals are unsuccessful will be so advised.

Proposal Instructions and Forms

    Questions concerning the preceding information, copies of 
application forms, and applicable regulations shall be obtained from or 
submitted to (Grant applications packages, Standard Form 424, must be 
requested in writing): U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, ATTN: Grants 
Officer, Division of Contracts, Mail Stop T-712, Office of 
Administration, Washington, D.C. 20555.
    The address for hand-carried applications is: U.S. Nuclear 
Regulatory Commission, ATTN: Grants Officer, Division of Contracts, 
Office of Administration, Mail Stop T-7I2, 11555 Rockville Pike, 
Rockville, Md. 20852.

    Note: Upon delivery of the application to the NRC guard desk (at 
the above address), [[Page 153]] the guard should be requested to 
telephone the Division of Contracts (415-7314) for pick-up of the 
application.

    Nothing in this solicitation should be construed as committing the 
NRC to dividing available funds among all qualified applicants.

    Dated Rockville, MD this 20th day of December, 1994.

    For the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Mary Mace,
3Grants Officer, Division of Contracts, Office of Administration.
[FR Doc. 94-32301 Filed 12-30-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7590-01-M