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Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) 

Notice of Funding Opportunity

July 25, 2022 

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY (NOFO)

Professional Research Experience Program (PREP)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

• Federal Agency Name: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 

United States Department of Commerce (DoC) 

• Funding Opportunity Title: Professional Research Experience Program 

(PREP) 

• Announcement Type: Amendment

• Funding Opportunity Number: 2022-NIST-PREP-01 

• Assistance Listing (CFDA Number): 11.620: Science, Technology, Business 

and/or Education Outreach

• Dates: Full Applications must be received at Grants.gov no later than 11:59 p.m. 

Eastern Time, September 30, 2022. Applications received after this deadline will 

not be reviewed or considered. Please note that the due date has been extended 

from the original posting. 

Applicants should be aware, and factor in their application submission planning, 

that the Grants.gov system closes periodically for routine maintenance. 

Applicants should visit Grants.gov for information on any scheduled closures. 

NIST expects to complete its review, selection of successful applicants, and 

award processing by November 2022. NIST expects the earliest start date for 

awards under this NOFO to be December 2022. 

• Application Submission Address: Applications must be submitted using 

Grants.gov. Paper applications will not be accepted.

• Funding Opportunity Description: The NIST PREP is seeking applications 

from eligible institutions of higher education in the U.S. and its territories that 

offer two- or four- year degrees in academic science, technology, engineering, 

and mathematics (STEM) disciplines to establish and manage a program to 

support collaborative research relationships in the NIST labs. Eligible applicants 

may apply to establish and manage a program at the relevant NIST campuses in 

Boulder, Colorado (CO) (PREP Boulder), Gaithersburg, Maryland (MD) (PREP 

Gaithersburg), and/or Charleston, South Carolina (SC) (PREP Gaithersburg).
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Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) 

Notice of Funding Opportunity

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• Anticipated Amounts: In FY22, NIST anticipates funding up to nine (9) awards

for approximately $200 million in total with a project performance period of up to

five years. New awards are expected to range from approximately $250,000 to

$20,000,000 annually at PREP Boulder and from $500,000 to $24,000,000

annually at PREP Gaithersburg, with project performance periods of up to five (5)

years, consistent with the multi-year funding policy described in Section II.2. of

this NOFO. NIST may fund up to approximately $200 million for PREP awards

operating across the NIST campuses in Boulder, CO, Gaithersburg, MD and

Charleston, SC over five years. The specific number of awards will be

determined during the selection process, based on the nature and quality of the

proposals NIST receives and funding availability.

• Funding Instrument: COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT

• Eligibility: Eligible applicants include accredited institutions of higher education

that offer two- or four-year degrees in the U.S. and its territories in academic

disciplines relevant to the technical programs of the NIST laboratories and major

programs. For the purposes of this NOFO, these disciplines include (but may not

be limited to) artificial intelligence, biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry,

computer science, engineering, electronics, information technology, materials

science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical sciences,

physics, social sciences, scientific/technical writing, science and technology

policy, and statistics. Although Federal entities are not eligible to receive funding

under this NOFO, they may participate as unfunded collaborators.

• Cost Sharing Requirements: Non-federal cost sharing IS NOT required for

awards issued pursuant to this NOFO.

• Public Website, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): NIST has a public

website that provides a “Frequently Asked Questions” page and other

information pertaining to this Funding Opportunity.

Table of Contents

I. Program Description................................................................................................ 3

II. Federal Award Information.................................................................................... 13

III. Eligibility Information ..............................................................................................14

IV. Application and Submission Information ...............................................................15

V. Application Review Information............................................................................. 28

VI. Federal Award Administration Information ............................................................32

VII. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts ...................................................................... 36

VIII. Other Information .................................................................................................. 36
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Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) 

Notice of Funding Opportunity

July 25, 2022 

FULL ANNOUNCEMENT TEXT

I. Program Description

The statutory authority for the NIST PREP Program is 15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and 

(e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c).

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST or the Institute), a nonregulatory Federal agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, is one of the 

nation's premiere research institutions for the physical and measurement sciences, 

standards, technology, and engineering. NIST provides a strong interface between 

government, industry and academia. NIST embodies a science culture, developed from 

a large and well-equipped research staff that enthusiastically blends programs that 

address the immediate needs of industry and the nation with longer-term research that 

anticipates future needs. 

NIST’s mission in STEM education is to develop a diverse, world-class pool of scientists 

and engineers to support measurement science and standards research and develop a 

general population that understands and appreciates measurement science and 

standards. 

Created in 1991, the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) is designed to

support the agency’s mission in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) 

education and provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to 

undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, masters and bachelor’s degree holders, 

and faculty. The program is intended to:

• Establish a five (5) year cooperative agreement to develop a collaborative 

relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education to host 

eligible PREP researchers to work at NIST. 

• Develop and train a diverse, world-class pool of scientists and engineers to 

support NIST's mission in measurement science and standards research.

• Increase the recruitment, retention, and graduation rates of undergraduate and 

graduate students pursuing STEM degrees.

• Recruit and retain historically marginalized groups (women, minorities, and 

persons with disabilities) in STEM.

• Assure continued growth and progress of a highly skilled STEM workforce in the 

United States.

PREP collaborative relationships will include research opportunities at the relevant NIST 

campuses in Boulder, Colorado (CO) (PREP Boulder), Gaithersburg, Maryland (PREP 

Gaithersburg), and/or Charleston, South Carolina (SC) (PREP Gaithersburg). Eligible 

applicants may apply to establish and manage a PREP Boulder program or a PREP 

Gaithersburg program or may apply to establish and manage programs for both. NIST 
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Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) 

Notice of Funding Opportunity

July 25, 2022 

encourages eligible institutions that primarily enroll historically marginalized groups in 

STEM, including those who self-identify as a woman, African American, Black, Hispanic, 

Latinx, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, person with a 

disability, and/or LGBTQI+, to apply to establish and manage a PREP Boulder program, 

a PREP Gaithersburg program, or both.

1. NIST Administrative Roles 

The management of the NIST PREP Program relies on a NIST PREP Program 

Manager, a NIST PREP Program Director for Boulder, and a NIST PREP Program 

Director for Gaithersburg.

The NIST PREP Program Manager is responsible for ensuring consistency with the 

application processes and the administration of the program across the Institute 

following award. In addition, the NIST PREP Program Manager coordinates with NIST 

PREP Program Directors in Boulder and Gaithersburg to resolve issues that arise 

throughout the period of the cooperative agreement. 

The NIST PREP Program Director for Gaithersburg is a NIST employee stationed in 

Gaithersburg, MD responsible for day-to-day administration and execution of PREP 

Gaithersburg, including the application process and selections for PREP Gaithersburg 

researchers, and acts as a single point of contact for coordination with the PREP 

Gaithersburg Recipient University PREP Program Coordinators. 

The NIST PREP Program Director for Boulder is a NIST employee stationed in 

Boulder, CO responsible for day-to-day administration and execution of PREP Boulder, 

including the application process and selections for PREP Boulder researchers, and 

acts as a single point of contact for coordination with the PREP Boulder Recipient 

University PREP Program Coordinators. 

 

2. NIST Expectations of the Recipient

The recipient institution (PREP recipient) will establish and manage a program to 

support collaborative research relationships between NIST staff and the following 

categories of researchers, herein referred to collectively as PREP researchers1

: 

• Undergraduate students: Students enrolled full-time in a two-year or four-year 

degree program at an accredited U.S. academic institution seeking an 

associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree. Undergraduate students are eligible to 

collaborate with NIST as PREP researchers for five (5) years in this category. 

PREP researchers in the undergraduate student category may request one (1) 

additional year of eligibility under extenuating circumstances. The extension is 

1 A PREP researcher is described as an Associate working at NIST, who is not a Federal Employee, is technically qualified, 

collaborates with NIST on research projects of mutual interest, is not exclusively performing NIST mission-related work, and is 

employed by a U.S. university/college that has a federal funding agreement with NIST.
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Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) 

Notice of Funding Opportunity

July 25, 2022 

subject to approval by NIST and the recipient and must show compelling 

evidence for requesting the eligibility. 

• Graduate students: Students enrolled full-time at an accredited U.S. academic 

institution seeking a master’s degree or doctoral degree. PREP researchers in 

the graduate student category are eligible for three (3) years as master’s degree 

seeking students and six (6) years as doctoral degree students. PREP 

researchers in the graduate student categories may request one (1) additional 

year of eligibility under extenuating circumstances. The extension is subject to 

approval by NIST and the recipient and must show compelling evidence for 

requesting the eligibility. 

• Individuals with bachelor’s or master’s degrees: An individual holding a 

bachelor’s degree and/or master’s degree from an accredited U.S. academic 

institution who is engaged in temporary mentored research and/or scholarly 

training to acquire the skills necessary to pursue a career path of their choice. 

Additionally, these individuals are not allowed to enroll in a degree seeking 

program at any university/college in the United States or abroad during their time 

participating in this category. Bachelor’s degree holders or master’s degree 

holders are eligible to collaborate as PREP researchers for three (3) and five (5) 

years, respectively. 

• Post-doctoral fellows: An individual holding a doctoral degree for five (5) years or 

less who is engaged in temporary mentored research and/or scholarly training to

acquire the skills necessary to pursue a career path of their choice. Post-doctoral 

fellows are eligible to collaborate as PREP researchers for five (5) years in this 

category. 

• Senior research fellows: An individual holding a doctoral degree for more than 

five (5) years. PREP researchers participating as senior research fellows are 

eligible to collaborate with NIST on research projects for five (5) years in this 

category. 

• Academic affiliates: 2 Individuals holding appointments at academic institutions. 

These appointments include, but are not limited to, the following designations: 

faculty, research faculty, adjunct faculty, research associates, instructors, and 

lecturers. There is not a term limitation for this category. 

Note that PREP cooperative agreements are awarded for a maximum of five (5) 

years. Though certain PREP researcher categories may have an eligibility of five 

(5) years or beyond, individual PREP researcher appointments cannot exceed 

2 Academic affiliate designation refers to individuals holding appointments at academic institutions. These 

appointments include, but are not limited to, the following designations: faculty, research faculty, adjunct 

faculty, research associates, instructors, and lecturers.
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Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) 

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the period of performance of the governing cooperative agreement. If a 

subsequent cooperative agreement is established with a given PREP recipient, 

the PREP recipient may request to extend a PREP researcher’s appointment, up 

to the maximum eligibility for a given category.

PREP researchers are employed by their academic institutions and may, if appropriate,

matriculate to another PREP researcher category during their time participating in the 

program. As a result, PREP recipients are required to create Individual Development 

Plans for all PREP researchers to define their career goals and promote growth as 

PREP researchers. Furthermore, PREP recipients must develop a mechanism to 

provide career progression for PREP researchers who participate in the program for 

more than 12 months or matriculate to another PREP category (for example, advancing 

from a graduate student appointment to a postdoc appointment).

A recipient is expected to meet the objectives of the PREP Program, which are to:

• encourage the growth and progress of science and engineering in the United 

States by providing research opportunities for PREP researchers with NIST 

scientists and engineers and exposing them to cutting-edge research and 

development (R&D),

• increase the recruitment, retention, and graduation rates of all undergraduate 

and graduate students pursuing STEM degrees,

• promote diversity and equity in STEM, and

• provide professional development for PREP researchers.

In addition to the meeting the program objectives, each recipient will be required to have 

a University PREP Program Coordinator and University PREP Program Manager. 

This section will describe the duties of these roles and their engagement with the NIST 

administrative roles.

The University PREP Program Coordinator will work closely with the NIST PREP 

Program Director for Gaithersburg or Boulder as applicable, to recruit and select PREP 

researchers for research opportunities at a NIST campus. A recipient’s PREP Program 

Coordinator should be a permanent employee within the recipient’s organization and will 

be responsible for establishing and managing the PREP program within their 

organization; the duties should include but not be limited to:

(a) create an outreach plan that describes how the recipient will conduct outreach 

and advertise PREP opportunities within their organizations, to the scientific and 

academic communities, and the general public;

(b) formulate a diversity and inclusion plan to recruit, select, and retain historically 

marginalized groups in STEM (women, African Americans, Blacks, Hispanic, 

Latinx, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, 

persons with disabilities and/or LGBTQI+) to the program;

(c) establish a PREP website, which includes job postings, appropriate program and 

contact information;
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Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) 

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July 25, 2022

(d) develop a communication plan to communicate with the NIST PREP Program 

Director for Boulder or Gaithersburg, as applicable, to identify and secure 

opportunities for PREP researchers at a NIST campus and communicate with 

PREP researchers during their tenure in the program;

(e) host orientation to inform PREP researchers of fellowship expectations, key 

program points of contact, and available resources;

(f) facilitate mentorship and professional and career development plans for each 

category of PREP researcher;

(g) serve as a single point of contact for Recipient staff, PREP Program applicants 

and researchers, and the NIST PREP Program Director for Boulder or 

Gaithersburg, as applicable;

(h) resolve any difficulties (i.e. administrative, visa processing, benefits, pay, leave,

etc.) that may arise for PREP researchers when they are applying to the program 

and once they are engaged in the program and working on a NIST campus; and

(i) conduct entry and exit surveys for PREP researchers in order to capture the 

PREP researchers’ experience(s), as well as meet at least twice yearly with NIST 

PREP Program Manager and Program Directors to discuss outcomes and 

lessons learned. 

Additionally, the recipient is required to establish a University PREP Program 

Manager. The University PREP Program Manager will work closely with the University 

PREP Program Coordinator for Gaithersburg or Boulder and sponsoring academic 

departments in their university to plan and manage professional development and 

career experiences of PREP researchers. As employees of PREP recipients, PREP 

researchers must receive appropriate career development and support through their 

employer and the University PREP Program Manager will have primary responsibility for 

ensuring the institution meets its obligations to its employees who participate as PREP 

researchers. This Manager should be a permanent employee within the recipient’s 

organization and will be responsible for establishing and managing the technical and 

research aspects of PREP program and coordinate with the appropriate academic 

college or department including, but not limited to:

a. Ensure that every PREP researcher will have an advisor who is 

 expected to mentor and support the PREP researcher’s professional 

 growth, including career goals, through the creation of an Individual 

 Development Plan (IDP). The IDP is a combination of the technical

 performance, and professional and career development (which must include 

 training) plans.

b. Develop and re-evaluate the PREP researcher’s IDP.

c. Evaluate the PREP researcher’s performance per the institution’s established 

 procedures, using specified criteria which is shared with the PREP 

 researcher during on-boarding, and the PREP researcher’s accomplishments 

 to assess merit increases and candidacy for university technical awards.

d. Discuss PREP researcher concerns and experience to improve the broader

PREP researcher experience.
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Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) 

Notice of Funding Opportunity

July 25, 2022 

The PREP Program is conducted in English, and it is expected that a recipient will 

recruit and successfully place PREP researchers in research opportunities at a relevant 

NIST campus who are proficient in both writing and speaking English. PREP 

researchers are also expected to have the ability to work with others, a commitment to 

honesty, and a committed, enthusiastic interest in learning measurement science 

(metrology), standards, data and technology, and using their own innovativeness to 

develop new science through experimental or theoretical determinations. 

Once PREP researchers are selected and stationed at a NIST campus, they will be 

required to receive general research guidance and laboratory training from NIST staff as 

part of the collaboration. PREP researchers are classified as NIST associates and 

participation as a PREP researcher does not imply consideration for future federal 

employment. Further, PREP researchers, as NIST associates, are generally prohibited 

from receiving career development and other training offered to federal employees. 

Applicants must be able to ensure the availability of a diverse pool of PREP researchers 

for on-site collaborative research experiences within the NIST Laboratories operating at 

the NIST campuses in Boulder, CO, Gaithersburg, MD, or Charleston, SC concurrent 

with their academic studies. 

PREP researchers include students and degree holders. Participating undergraduate or 

graduate students must be enrolled full-time in an academic program, and it is 

recommended that participating students have an un-weighted grade point average of 

at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale, or equivalent. Additionally, PREP researchers 

participating as bachelor’s and master’s degree holders, post-doctoral fellows, and 

senior research fellows must earn the respective degree before beginning the 

appointment. For instance, a bachelor’s degree holder must have a B.S., and/or B.A.; a 

master’s degree holder must have a M.S. or M.A.; and post-doctoral fellows and senior 

research fellows must possess a Ph.D., Sc.D., or academically equivalent doctorate 

before beginning their appointment. 

PREP researchers are not required to have U.S. citizenship to participate in the 

program. A Recipient must ensure that, for the duration of a PREP researcher’s tenure 

in the program, any PREP researcher who is not a United States (US) citizen or lawful 

permanent resident is in possession of an appropriate nonimmigrant visa and, if 

applicable, authorization to work in the United States; verification may be through the 

Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system3 or another method, before a 

Recipient provides the PREP researcher with award funds. Recipients may not provide 

federal funding to a PREP researcher who no longer has valid immigration status or 

employment authorization. Any applicant assisting a PREP researcher who is not a US 

citizen or lawful permanent resident with visa or employment authorization applications 

is expected to take into consideration U.S. Department of State and Department of 

3 https://www.uscis.gov/e-verify 
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Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) 

Notice of Funding Opportunity

July 25, 2022 

Homeland Security processing times for obtaining the appropriate authorizations, 

including changing from one visa status to another and renewals of required 

documentation. If, at any time, a PREP researcher’s visa or employment authorization is 

no longer valid, the PREP researcher may no longer receive funding under the PREP 

program, until the issue is resolved.

Expenses related to obtaining a PREP researcher’s visa are allowable only at the time a 

Recipient initially hires a PREP researcher. Fees for expediting visa processing are not 

allowable costs and may not be included in the applicant’s budget. 

Applicants may include reasonable travel and related costs in their program budget for 

PREP researchers to attend in-person or virtual scientific meetings, technical events, or 

other events that are relevant to the PREP Program, the PREP topical research areas, 

the PREP objectives, or the NIST mission, as described above in this NOFO. These

costs should be reasonable and reflected in the budget form “SF-424A” (see Section 

IV.2.a.(2). of this NOFO) and described in the budget narrative (see Section IV.2.a.(7). 

of this NOFO) and will be evaluated as part of the application review process (see

Section V.1.d. for a description of the Budget Narrative evaluation criteria and how this 

information will be evaluated and scored). Federal funds may not be used to support 

expenses related to professional social gatherings, informal seminars, career and 

professional development trainings, or similar gatherings.

Applicants are encouraged to promote the participation of historically marginalized 

groups in any research conducted under an award pursuant to this NOFO. 

a) NIST Laboratories and Facilities

NIST operates several laboratories to carry out its mission to promote innovation and 

industrial competitiveness by advancing technology in ways that enhance economic 

security and improve our quality of life: 

1) Communications Technology (CTL),

2) Engineering (EL), 

3) Information Technology (ITL), 

4) Material Measurement (MML), and

5) Physical Measurement (PML).

In addition, NIST operates two unique and valuable laboratory facilities: the NIST 

Center for Neutron Research (NCNR) and the Center for Nanoscale Science and 

Technology (CNST). Applicants are encouraged to visit their websites to learn about the 

multi-disciplinary nature of the NIST laboratories and user facilities. Periodically, there 

are opportunities for PREP researchers to participate in technical special projects in 

NIST offices outside of the NIST laboratories and user facilities. 
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Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) 

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All the laboratories identified above participate in the PREP Program. Each is 

described below along with descriptions of the research topic areas for each of the 

laboratories that are relevant to the PREP Program, in the order they are presented 

above.

 

NIST’s Communications Technology Laboratory (CTL) (in Boulder, CO and 

Gaithersburg, MD) promotes the development and deployment of reliable, resilient and 

secure communication networks of today and tomorrow, including advances in 

connectivity and interoperability for powerful solutions in manufacturing, public safety, 

and infrastructure. CTL’s six research focus areas include: Core Network Technology, 

Fundamental Electromagnetic Technologies and Standards, Next Generation Wireless 

Systems, Public Safety Communications, Smart Infrastructure and Manufacturing, and 

Spectrum Sharing & Sensing. More information about CTL can be found on the CTL 

website. 

NIST’s Engineering Laboratory (EL) (in Gaithersburg, MD only) promotes U.S. 

innovation and industrial competitiveness in areas of critical national priority by 

anticipating and meeting the measurement science and standards needs for 

engineering systems in ways that enhance economic prosperity and improve the quality 

of life. The EL research portfolio includes programs in Community Resilience, 

Earthquake Risk Reduction in Buildings and Infrastructure, Engineered Materials for 

Resilient Infrastructure, Fire Risk Reduction in Buildings, Fire Risk Reduction in 

Communities, Structural Performance for Multi-hazards, Net-Zero Energy, HighPerformance Buildings, Embedded Intelligence in Buildings, Measurement Science for 

Additive Manufacturing, Measurement Science for Manufacturing Robotics, and 

Advanced Manufacturing Data Infrastructure and Analytics. More information about EL 

can be found on the EL website. 

NIST’s Information Technology Laboratory (ITL) (in Boulder, CO and Gaithersburg, 

MD) develops and disseminates standards, measurements, and testing for 

interoperability, security, usability, and reliability of information systems, including 

cybersecurity standards and guidelines for Federal agencies and U.S. industry, 

supporting these and measurement science at NIST through fundamental and applied 

research in computer science, mathematics and statistics. Additional information about 

ITL can be found on the ITL website. 

NIST's Material Measurement Laboratory (MML) (in Boulder, CO, Gaithersburg, MD 

and Charleston, SC) serves as the national reference laboratory for measurements in 

the chemical, biological and material sciences through activities ranging from

fundamental and applied research to the development and dissemination of certified 

reference materials, critically evaluated data, and other programs and tools to assure 

the quality of measurement results. MML is also responsible for coordinating the NISTwide Standard Reference Material and Standard Reference Data programs. Additional 

information about MML can be found on the MML website. 
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Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) 

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NIST’s Physical Measurement Laboratory (PML) (in Boulder, CO and Gaithersburg, 

MD) develops and disseminates the national standards of length, mass, force and 

shock, acceleration, time and frequency, electricity, temperature, humidity, pressure and 

vacuum, liquid and gas flow, and electromagnetic, optical, microwave, acoustic, 

ultrasonic, and ionizing radiation. PML's activities range from fundamental measurement 

research through provision of measurement services, standards, and data. PML applies 

its measurement capabilities to problems of national significance through collaborations 

with industry, universities, professional and standards setting organizations, and other 

agencies of government. It supports the research community in such areas as 

communication, defense, electronics, energy, environment, health, lighting, 

manufacturing, microelectronics, radiation, remote sensing, space, and transportation. 

PML establishes spectroscopic methods and standards for infrared, visible, ultraviolet, 

x-ray, and gamma-ray radiation; investigates the structure and dynamics of atoms, 

molecules, and biomolecules; develops the electrical, thermal, dimensional, mechanical, 

and physical metrology for measuring the properties of precision measurement devices 

and exploratory semiconductor, quantum electronic, nanoelectronic, bioelectronic, 

biooptical, optoelectronic, and quantum information devices and systems; and examines 

the thermophysical and interfacial properties of streams of flowing fluids, fluid mixtures, 

and solids. It develops and disseminates national standards by means of calibrations, 

measurement quality assurance, standard reference materials, technology transfer, 

education/training, and a comprehensive weights and measurement program to 

promote uniformity and accuracy at the international, federal, state, and local levels. It 

generates, evaluates, and compiles atomic, molecular, optical, ionizing radiation, 

electronic, and electromagnetic data in response to national needs; measures and 

improves accuracy of the fundamental physical constants; and develops and operates 

major radiation sources for measurement science and metrology. To learn more about 

PML, visit the PML webpage. 

PML contains the NIST Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology (CNST). 

NIST’s CNST (in Gaithersburg, MD only) supports the U.S. nanotechnology enterprise 

from discovery to production by providing industry, academia, NIST, and other 

government agencies with access to world-class nanoscale measurement and 

fabrication methods and technology. The CNST's shared-use NanoFab gives 

researchers access to and training on commercial state-of-the-art tools and clean room 

facilities required for cutting-edge nanotechnology development. Additional information 

about CNST can be found on the CNST website. 

NIST’s Center for Neutron Research (NCNR) (in Gaithersburg, MD only) is a national 

resource for industry, universities, and government agencies, focused on providing 

neutron-measurement capabilities to the U.S. research community. Neutrons are 

powerful probes of the structure and dynamics of materials ranging from molecules 

inserted into membranes mimicking cell walls to protons migrating through fuel cells. 

The unique properties of neutrons can be exploited by a variety of measurement 

techniques to provide information not available by other means. Neutron-based 

research covers a broad spectrum of disciplines, including engineering, biology, 
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Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) 

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material science, polymers, chemistry, and physics. The NCNR is also operated as a 

major national user facility. Additional information can be found on the NCNR website. 

b) Requirement to Comply with NIST Policies

In addition to adhering to the Administrative and National Policy Requirements in 

Section VI.2. of this NOFO, Applicants should be aware that participating PREP 

researchers will be required to comply with the following NIST policies:

a) The requirement that any research data4 generated from NIST research or NIST 

funding be made accessible to the public. This requirement results from NIST’s 

response to the Open, Public, Electronic, and Necessary (OPEN) Government 

Data Act, Title II of Public Law 115-435, and the Office of Science and 

Technology Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies 

of February 22, 2013, Increasing Access to the Results of Federally Funded 

Scientific Research5, as implemented through NIST Policy 5700.00, Managing 

Public Access to Results of Federally Funded Research6, and NIST Order 

5701.00 Managing Public Access to Results of Federally Funded Research7. 

b) The requirement that all research involving human subjects conducted or 

supported by NIST shall be carried out in accordance with 15 C.F.R. Part 27, the 

Department of Commerce’s implementation of the Common Rule for Protection of 

Human Subjects. The NIST Research Protections Office (RPO) reviews any NIST 

research that potentially involves human subjects. If a NIST employee proposes 

to include a PREP researcher in such research, the NIST RPO would review the 

proposal. If the PREP researcher’s participation in the proposal is approved by 

RPO, the PREP researcher’s work would be conducted under NIST’s Federalwide 

Assurance (FWA) issued by the Department of Health and Human Service’s 

Office of Human Research Protection, unless other arrangements are made after 

consultation with the PREP researcher’s employing institution. The PREP 

researcher will be required to complete the applicable NIST training, before being 

approved to participate in the research. For more information regarding research 

projects involving human subjects, contact Anne Andrews, Director, NIST 

Research Protections Office (e-mail: anne.andrews@nist.gov; phone: (301) 975-

5445).

c) The requirement that all testing, research, and training conducted or supported by 

NIST involving live vertebrate animals, including the custom collection of materials 

from live vertebrate animals for NIST, shall be carried out in accordance with the 

4 NIST adopted the definition of “research data” at 2 C.F.R. § 200.315(e)(3) (available at 

http://go.usa.gov/3sZvQ).

5 https://www.science.gov/docs/ostp_public_access_memo_2013.pdf. 6 https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2018/06/19/final_p_5700.pdf. 7 https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2019/11/08/final_o_5701_ver_2.pdf.
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Animal Welfare Act, its implementing regulations, and if appropriate, the Good 

Laboratory Practice for Nonclinical Laboratory Studies (21 C.F.R. Part 58). In 

addition, such research activities should be in compliance with the “U.S. 

Government Principles for Utilization and Care of Vertebrate Animals Used in 

Testing, Research, and Training” (Principles). The NIST RPO also reviews any 

NIST research that potentially involves live vertebrate animals. If a NIST 

employee proposes to include a PREP researcher in such research, the NIST 

RPO would review the proposal and consult with the PREP researcher’s 

employing institution, as appropriate. The PREP researcher will be required to 

complete the applicable NIST training before being approved to participate in the 

research. For more information regarding research projects involving live 

vertebrate animals, contact Anne Andrews, Director, NIST Research Protections 

Office (e-mail: anne.andrews@nist.gov; phone: (301) 975-5445).

II. Federal Award Information

1. Funding Instrument. 

The funding instrument that will be used is a Cooperative Agreement. The 

nature of NIST’s “substantial involvement” will generally include collaboration 

with the recipient organization in developing and implementing the approved 

scope of work, consistent with the definition of cooperative agreement in 2 

CFR § 200.1.

2. Multi-Year Funding Policy. 

When a proposal for a multi-year award is approved, funding will usually be 

provided for only the first year of the award. If a project is selected for funding, 

NIST has no obligation to provide any additional funding in connection with 

that award. Continuation of an award to increase funding or extend the period 

of performance is at the sole discretion of NIST. Continued funding will be 

contingent upon satisfactory performance, continued relevance to the mission 

and priorities of NIST, and the availability of funds.

3. Funding Availability. 

In FY22, NIST anticipates funding up to nine (9) awards for approximately 

$200 million in total with a project performance period of up to five years. New 

awards are expected to range from approximately $250,000 to $20,000,000 

annually at PREP Boulder and from $500,000 to $24,000,000 annually at 

PREP Gaithersburg, with project performance periods of up to five (5) years, 

consistent with the multi-year funding policy described in Section II.2. of this 

NOFO. NIST may fund up to approximately $200 million for PREP awards 

operating across the NIST campuses in Boulder, CO, Gaithersburg, MD and 

Charleston, SC over five years. The specific number of awards will be 

determined during the selection process, based on the nature and quality of 

the proposals NIST receives and funding availability.
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Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) 

Notice of Funding Opportunity

July 25, 2022 

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include accredited institutions of higher education that offer 

two- or four-year degrees in the U.S. and its territories in academic disciplines 

relevant to the technical programs of the NIST laboratories and major 

programs (https://www.nist.gov/labs-major-programs/laboratories). For the 

purposes of this NOFO, these disciplines include (but may not be limited to) 

artificial intelligence, biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer 

science, engineering, electronics, information technology, materials science, 

mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical sciences, 

physics, scientific/technical writing, science and technology policy, technology 

management, and statistics. Although Federal entities are not eligible to 

receive funding under this NOFO, they may participate as unfunded 

collaborators. 

Applicants must be able to ensure the availability of a diverse pool of PREP 

researchers for on-site (in-person) or virtual (within the U.S. and its territories 

per NIST IT security requirements and Recipient's policy) collaborative 

research experiences within the NIST Laboratories operating at the NIST 

campuses in Boulder, CO, Gaithersburg, MD, or Charleston, SC.

An eligible organization may work individually or include proposed subawardees, contractors or other collaborators in a project, effectively forming a 

team or consortium. 

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Non-federal cost sharing IS NOT required for awards issued pursuant to this 

NOFO.

3. Eligible PREP researchers. Participating individuals are eligible for the 

following PREP research categories:

a. Undergraduate students: Must be enrolled full-time in an 

associates or bachelor’s degree academic program. It is 

recommended that the participating students have an unweighted 

grade point average of 3.0 on a 4-point scale or equivalent. 

Undergraduates are eligible for five (5) years in this category.

b. Graduate students: Must be enrolled full-time in a master’s degree 

or doctoral degree academic program. It is recommended that the 

participating students have an unweighted grade point average of 

3.0 on a 4-point scale or equivalent. Master’s degree students are 

eligible for three (3) years and doctoral degree students are eligible 

for six (6) years to collaborate with NIST in this category. 

c. Individuals with bachelor’s or master’s degrees: Must have 

earned a bachelor’s degree and/or master’s degree. Additionally, 
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Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) 

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July 25, 2022 

these individuals are not enrolled at a university during their 

appointment as PREP researchers. Bachelor’s degree holders are 

eligible for three (3) years and master’s degree holders are eligible 

for five (5) years in this category. 

d. Post-doctoral fellows: Must have earned or held a doctoral 

degree for five (5) years or less. Researchers participating as 

PREP Post-doctoral fellows are eligible for five (5) years in this 

category. 

e. Senior research fellows: An individual holding a doctoral degree 

for more than five (5) years who has a unique expertise to 

contribute to research which meets the NIST mission. PREP 

researchers participating as senior research fellows are eligible for

five (5) years in this category.

f. Academic affiliates: Individuals holding appointments at academic 

institutions. These appointments include, but are not limited to, the 

following designations: faculty, research faculty, adjunct faculty, 

research associates, instructors, and lecturers. There is not an

appointment limitation for this category.

To clarify, PREP student researchers (undergraduate and graduate) must be enrolled 

full time in a program toward an applicable degree at the recipient’s institution. PREP 

researchers participating as bachelor’s and master’s degree holders, post-doctoral 

fellows, senior research fellows, and academic affiliates must have earned an 

applicable degree (a B.S., B.A., M.S., M.A., Ph.D., Sc.D. or academically equivalent 

doctorate) before beginning their appointment in the applicable PREP research 

category. Furthermore, participating researchers may be considered for the next 

PREP research category after the years of eligibility are met and degree 

requirements are fulfilled for the initial category of the appointment. For instance, a 

postdoctoral fellow may transition to senior research fellow appointment five (5) years 

after their appointment, subject to the approval of both the recipient and NIST. 

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

 The application package is available at Grants.gov under Funding 

 Opportunity Number 2022-NIST-PREP-01. 

 

2. Content and Form of Application Submission. 

Set forth below are the required content and form of applications submitted 

pursuant to this NOFO. 

a. Required Forms and Documents. The Application must contain the 

following:
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Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) 

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July 25, 2022 

(1) SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. The SF-424 must be 

signed by an authorized representative of the applicant organization. 

 For SF-424, Item 8.d. Zip/Postal Code field, should reflect the Zip code + 4 

(#####-####) format. 

For SF-424, Item 12, should list the NOFO number 2022-NIST-PREP-01. 

SF-424, Item 15, must specify either “PREP Boulder” or “PREP 

Gaithersburg” depending on the sub-program to which the particular 

application is directed.

SF-424, Item 18, should list the total budget information for the duration of 

the project. 

The list of certifications and assurances referenced in Item 21 of the SF424 is contained in the Federal Financial Assistance Certifications and 

Representations (Certs and Reps) as part of the SAM.gov entity 

registration. 

(2) SF-424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs

The focus of PREP is the researcher’s experience, and the budget 

must reflect this principle. The budget should reflect anticipated

expenses for the entire project, considering all potential cost 

increases, including cost of living adjustments.

a. The applicant should reflect each year of the project, up to the first four 

(4) years, on the SF-424A form that appears as part of the mandatory 

forms in the Grants.gov application package. The second SF-424A 

form should be submitted to cover year five (5) of the project, and its 

submission details are found in in Section IV.2.a.(13). of this NOFO. 

b. In Section A, the Grant Program Function or Activity on Line 1 under 

Column (a) should be entered as Science, Technology, Business 

and/or Education Outreach, CFDA 11.620, or an abbreviation thereof. 

The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number on Line 1 under 

Column (b) should be entered as “11.620”. The total budget amount for 

the term of the award should be listed in Section A, Line 1, Column (e).

c. Section B, Column (1) of the SF-424A should reflect funds for the first 

year of the award. Section B, Column (2) of the SF-424A should reflect 

funds for the second year of the award. Section B, Column (3) of the 

SF-424A should reflect funds for the third year of the award. Section B, 

Column (4) of the SF-424A should reflect funds for the fourth year of 

the award.
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Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) 

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d. Cost share IS NOT required. Section C may be blank since NonFederal cost sharing is not required for awards issued pursuant to this 

NOFO. Applicants who wish to pledge voluntary cost share to the 

project must complete the following sections: For Column (b) enter 

resources provided by the applicant. If not applicable, leave blank. For 

Column (c), enter resources provided by one or more States. If not 

applicable, leave blank. For Column (d) enter resources provided by 

the other sources (e.g., in-kind contribution, program income). If not 

applicable, leave blank.

e. Section D requires a breakdown of the first year’s budget by quarter. 

f. Section E requires the budget estimate of federal funds needed for 

each year of the project. The budget estimate for the first year of the 

award should be entered in Section E, Line 16, Column (b). The 

budget estimate for the second year of the award should be entered in 

Section E, Line 16, Column (c). The budget estimate for the third year 

of the award should be entered in Section E, Line 16, Column (d). And 

the budget estimate for the fourth year of the award should be entered 

in Section E, Line 16, Column (e).

(3) CD-511, Certification Regarding Lobbying. Enter “2022-NIST-PREP01” in the Award Number field. Enter either “PREP Boulder” or “PREP 

Gaithersburg”, depending on the sub-program to which the particular 

application is directed, in the Project Name field.

(4) SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable). 

(5) Communication Plan: The plan describes the key personnel and 

response time for communicating with the NIST PREP Program Director 

for Boulder or Gaithersburg, as applicable; the procedures to identify and 

secure opportunities for PREP researchers at a NIST campus and the 

dissemination of expectations, program contacts, and information 

pertaining to the appointment with PREP researchers during their tenure 

in the program. Additionally, the plan must describe the recipient’s 

approach to challenges (such as visa processing, conflict, and pay) which 

may occur before and during the appointment with PREP researchers.

(6) Outreach Plan: The plan describes how the recipient will conduct 

outreach and advertise PREP within their organization, to the scientific 

and academic communities, and the general public. Recipients are 

encouraged to describe the plan in detail.
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Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) 

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(7) Diversity and Inclusion Plan: The plan describes strategies to recruit, 

select, and retain PREP researchers from populations historically 

marginalized groups in STEM. Additionally, the plan should be described 

with as much specificity as possible, including the types and/or names of 

academic institutions and professional organizations where students will 

be recruited and the efforts that will be made to attract members of 

underrepresented groups.

(8) Individual Development Plan: The plan is a combination of the Technical

Performance Plan and Professional and Career Development Plan

required for each category of PREP researchers. Additional details about 

the plan are described below.

a. Technical Performance Plan: The plan details the management and 

evaluation of the technical performance for each PREP researcher 

category. Plans must define the appraisal cycle and specific criteria

used to monitor and evaluate technical performance. Additionally, the 

plan must describe the PREP researcher, NIST sponsoring laboratory, 

and recipient’s role in technical performance planning and review. 

Furthermore, the plan must describe how the recipient will use the 

PREP researcher’s performance to assess merit increases and 

candidacy for university technical awards. 

b. Professional and Career Development Plan: The recipient is

responsible for supporting the professional and career development for 

PREP researchers employed by the recipient. The plan must describe

the proposed topics for professional and career development for each 

PREP research category and the frequency of the opportunities. Plans 

for professional and career development must include training in the 

responsible and ethical conduct of research. Additionally, recipients 

are encouraged to develop plans which include opportunities to 

prepare for graduate school and careers in STEM, managing work/life 

balance, and navigating the job search for PREP researchers. 

Federal funds may not be used to support expenses related to 

professional social gatherings, informal seminars, career and 

professional development trainings, or similar gatherings. Alternatively, 

recipients may offer professional and career development training 

created for traditional university staff in the plan. The Professional 

Development and Career Plan must include details of the course 

offerings for each PREP researcher category and the frequency which 

the trainings are available.

(9) Project Narrative. The Project Narrative is a word-processed document 

of no more than twenty-five (25) pages (double-spaced between lines), 
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Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) 

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July 25, 2022

which is responsive to the program description and the evaluation criteria.

 The page limit includes Cover Page; Table of Contents (if included); 

Project Narrative with all required information, including figures, graphs, 

tables, images, and pictures). 

 The project narrative should contain the following information:

a. Cover Page. The cover page must specify to which program the 

applicant is applying (Gaithersburg or Boulder). If applying for both 

programs, the applicant must submit a separate application for each 

location. 

b. Executive Summary. An executive summary of the proposed project

should briefly describe the applicant’s plan to establish and manage a 

program to support collaborative research relationships among NIST 

staff, PREP researchers and the PREP researchers’ academic 

institutions (see Section I. of this NOFO), consistent with the 

objectives, requirements and priorities of this program (see Section I. 

of this NOFO). Additionally, the executive summary should include the 

institution’s on-going research that aligns with NIST mission. The 

executive summary should include information indicating how each 

evaluation criterion (see Section V.1. of this NOFO) and its subfactors are addressed. A table can be helpful in providing this 

information. The executive summary should not exceed two (2) 

pages.

c. Background and Context: Provide information on the academic 

institution’s current STEM education and research capability such as a 

description of STEM degree programs, student enrollment, retention, 

graduate rates, number of students going to graduate schools, 

gatekeeper course performance, STEM faculty demographics, and 

STEM infrastructure resources at the institution and collaborating 

organizations. Additionally, recipients are requested to provide 

information on STEM related programs that have been implemented 

or currently active. This should include prior PREP awards and 

awards from other NIST programs, other federal programs, state 

programs, and institution programs. Explain the outcomes from these 

areas. 

d. Project Management Plan: A description of the applicant’s plan to 

manage the program, as mentioned in Section I.2., NIST Expectations 

of the Recipient. The plan must address the roles and responsibilities 

of the PREP Program Coordinator and PREP Program Manager.
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Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) 

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July 25, 2022

e. Project Impacts and Evaluation: A detailed discussion of the: (i) 

anticipated impacts of the proposed project; (ii) methodology for 

identifying and evaluating project outcomes; and (iii) dissemination of 

project learnings consistent with the objectives, requirements and 

priorities of this program. 

f. Qualifications. A description of the qualifications of the key 

personnel, the time commitments of the key personnel, and how the 

project staff qualifications will enable them to complete the project 

work. This section should address the applicant’s qualifications and 

experience for implementing the program to support collaborative 

research relationships among NIST staff, PREP researchers and the 

PREP researchers’ academic institutions, sufficient to permit 

evaluation of the proposal in accordance with the Qualifications and 

Experience evaluation criterion (see Section V.1.b. of this NOFO).

g. Success Metrics. A description of how the recipient will meet each of 

the PREP Program objectives described in Section I. of this NOFO. 

Outputs of the proposed program may be quantified to ascertain 

program results, such as: the number and quality of publications by 

PREP researchers; the number and types of patents, tools, or software 

developed by PREP researchers; the ability of students to earn college 

credits and work towards their undergraduate or graduate degree; the 

recruitment of underrepresented groups in STEM; the ability to provide 

professional development opportunities; and/or the number of science 

and technology jobs obtained by PREP researchers once they 

complete their participation in the PREP Program. The metrics and 

mechanisms should provide a sound basis for evaluating the technical 

success of specific projects, the quality of the research experiences 

provided to PREP researchers, and the extent to which collaborations 

have been formed or strengthened between the Recipient institution 

and NIST, sufficient to permit evaluation of the proposal in accordance 

with the Success Metrics evaluation criterion (see Section V.1.c. of this 

NOFO).

(10) Resumes of Key Personnel. Resumes for all key personnel assigned to 

the project must be provided. Resumes must be a maximum of two 

pages each. Additional pages beyond the two pages per resume will not 

be considered during the evaluation of the application. Resumes are not 

included in the page count of the Project Narrative.
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Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) 

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(11) Budget Narrative and Justification.There is no set format for the

Budget Narrative and Justification; however, further explanation must be 

provided for the specific cost categories and line items that you identified 

in the SF-424A form as well as any other information you deem necessary 

for NIST’s consideration.

 The written justification should include the necessity and the basis for the 

cost, as described below. Proposed funding levels must be consistent with

the project scope, and only allowable costs should be included in the

budget. Information on cost allowability is available in the Uniform 

Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for

Federal Awards at 2 C.F.R. Part 200, which apply to awards in this 

program.

 The Budget Narrative does not count against the twenty-five (25) page 

limit of the Project Narrative.

This section will be evaluated in accordance with the Budget Narrative

evaluation criteria. It will also be reviewed to determine if all costs are 

reasonable, allocable, and allowable under 2 C.F.R. Part 200 Subpart E,

Cost Principles. 

Note that the annual budget for the proposed program should contain 

support for any number of (1) undergraduates, (2) post-baccalaureate

individuals, (3) graduates, (4) post-graduate individuals, (5) post-doctoral

fellows and (6) academic affiliates. Additionally, the stipend or wage for 

PREP researchers must be commensurate to what a researcher in the

individual’s given department would receive. 

a. Personnel- At a minimum, the budget justification for all personnel 

(including PREP researchers, if classified as a Personnel cost) should 

include the following: job title, commitment of effort on the proposed 

project in terms of average number of hours per week or percentage of 

time, stipend or salary rate, total personnel charges for each identified 

position on the proposed project, description of the role of the 

individual on the proposed project and the work to be performed. 

Costs related to the verification of appropriate nonimmigrant visas 

and/or authorizations to work in the United States for PREP 

researchers who are not US citizens or lawful permanent residents in 

possession of an appropriate nonimmigrant visa may be included if the 

cost is not already captured in your organization’s negotiated indirect 

cost rate. 
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Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) 

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July 25, 2022 

Administration costs related to the management of this program should 

not exceed $100,000 per year.

b. Fringe Benefits– Fringe benefits for each position should be identified 

separately from salaries and wages and based on rates determined by 

organizational policy. The items included in the fringe benefit rate (e.g., 

health insurance, fees, etc.) should not be charged under another cost 

category.

c. Travel- Applicants may include reasonable travel (including in-person 

and virtual attendance) and related costs in their program budget for 

PREP researchers to attend scientific meetings, technical events, 

educational professional development events, or other events that are 

relevant to the PREP Program, the PREP topical research areas, the 

PREP objectives, or the NIST mission, as described above in this 

NOFO. For all travel costs, the budget justification for travel should 

include the following: destination; names or number of people 

traveling; dates and/or duration; mode of transportation, lodging and 

subsistence rates; and description of how the travel is directly related 

to the proposed project. For travel that is yet to be determined, please 

provide best estimates based on prior experience. If a destination is 

not known, an approximate amount may be used with the assumptions 

given for the location of the meeting.

d. Equipment – Not an allowable cost under this NOFO.

e. Supplies – Not an allowable cost under this NOFO.

f. Contractual (i.e., Contracts or Subawards) – Each contract or 

subaward should be treated as a separate item. Identify the cost and 

describe the services to be provided and the necessity of the subaward 

or contract to the successful performance of the proposed project. 

Contracts are for obtaining goods and services for the non-Federal 

Entity’s own use and creates a procurement relationship with the 

contractor. A subaward is for the purpose of carrying out a portion of a 

Federal award and creates a Federal assistance relationship with the 

subrecipient. 

g. Construction – Not an allowable cost under this NOFO.

h. Other Direct Costs - For costs that do not easily fit into the other cost 

categories, list the cost and the breakdown of the total costs by 

quantity or unit of cost. Include the necessity of the cost for the 

completion of the proposed project. Only allowable costs can be 

charged to the award. If applicable, full tuition assistance for graduate 
Page 23 of 37

Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) 

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July 25, 2022 

students calculated at the in-state rate, and relocation expenses for 

post-baccalaureate individuals, post-graduate individuals, post-doctoral 

fellows and academic affiliates (limited up to $7,500 per individual) 

may be included.

i. Indirect Costs- Commonly referred to as Facilities & Administrative 

(F&A) Costs, Indirect Costs are defined as costs incurred by the 

applicant organization that cannot otherwise be directly assigned or 

attributed to a specific project. The justification should include a cost 

calculation that reflects the applicable indirect cost rate. For more 

details, see Section IV.2.a.(12) of this NOFO.

(12) Indirect Cost Rate Agreement. If indirect costs are included in the

proposed budget, provide a copy of the approved negotiated agreement if 

this rate was negotiated with a cognizant Federal audit agency. If the rate 

was not established by a cognizant Federal audit agency, provide a 

statement to this effect. If the successful applicant includes indirect costs 

in the budget and has not established an indirect cost rate with a 

cognizant Federal audit agency, the applicant will be required to obtain

such a rate in accordance with Section B.06 of the Department of 

Commerce Financial Assistance Standard Terms and Conditions dated 

November 12, 2020. Please note, indirect rates are required to be 

calculated at the appropriate off-campus rate. 

 Alternatively, in accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.414(f), applicants that do 

not have a current negotiated (including provisional) indirect cost rate, 

except for those non-Federal entities described in Appendix VII, 

paragraph D.1.b. of 2 CFR 200, may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 

10 percent of modified total direct costs (MTDC). Applicants proposing a 

10 percent de minimis rate pursuant to 2 C.F.R. § 200.414(f) should note 

this election as part of the budget portion of the application. 

(13) SF-424A, Budget Information- Non-Construction Programs (for 

applications with five-year projects). 

 

 The SF-424A form that appears as part of the mandatory forms in the

Grants.gov application package covers the first four (4) years of the

project. For projects covering five years, a second SF-424A form should

be submitted to cover year five (5) of the project. A fillable SF-424A form 

can be found at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424 

family.html near the top of the screen and labeled “Budget Information – 

Non-Construction Program SF-424A”. Applicants should download the 

fillable SF-424A form, complete the information for year five (5) of the 

project and submit the completed form as an attachment, using the 

procedure described in Section IV.2.b., Attachment of Required 
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Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) 

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Application Documents.

(14) Letters of Commitment. Letters of Commitment must be submitted by 

all funded and unfunded entities that will have an active role in executing 

the activities outlined in the Project Narrative. Letters of Commitment 

must address the level of participation, qualifications of the personnel 

who will be actively involved, and how successful completion of this 

project would positively impact their profession or community. Letters of

Commitment must also specify any voluntary committed cost-share, 

including the specific services and/or products to be used in the project. 

Letters of Commitment must be signed by an individual with authority to 

legally bind the organization to its commitment. Letters of Commitment do 

not count against the page limit of the Project Narrative. 

(15) Current and Pending Support Form. Any application that includes

investigators, researchers, and key personnel must identify all sources of 

current and potential funding, including this proposal. Any current project 

support (e.g., Federal, state, local, public or private foundations, etc.) 

must be listed on this form. The proposed project and all other projects or 

activities requiring a portion of time of the Principal Investigator (PI), coPI, and key personnel must be included, even if no salary support is 

received. 

 The total award amount for the entire award period covered, including 

indirect costs, must be shown as well as the number of person-months 

per year to be devoted to the project, regardless of the source of support.

Similar information must be provided for all proposals already submitted 

or that are being submitted concurrently to other potential funders. 

Applicants must complete the Current and Pending Support Form, using 

multiple forms as necessary to account for all activity for each individual 

identified in the PI, co-PI and key personnel roles. A separate form 

should be used for each identified individual. 

Applicants must download the Current and Pending Support Form from 

the NIST website at https://www.nist.gov/oaam/grants-managementdivision/current-and-pending-support and reference the guidance 

provided as it contains information to assist with accurately completing 

the form.

b. Attachment of Required Documents

Items IV.2.a.(1) through IV.2.a.(4) above are part of the standard 

application package in Grants.gov and can be completed through the 

download application process. 
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Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) 

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 Items IV.2.a.(5) through IV.2.a.(15) should be attached to field 15 of the 

 SF-424 form by clicking on “Add Attachments”. Following these directions 

 will create zip files which permit transmittal of the documents electronically 

 via Grants.gov. 

Applicants should carefully follow specific Grants.gov instructions at 

www.Grants.gov to ensure the attachments will be accepted by the 

Grants.gov system. A receipt from Grants.gov indicates only that an 

application was transferred to a system. It does not provide details 

concerning whether all attachments (or how many attachments) 

transferred successfully. Applicants will receive a series of e-mail 

messages over a period of up to two business days before learning 

whether a Federal agency’s electronic system has received its application.

Applicants are strongly advised to use Grants.gov’s “Download Submitted 

Forms and Applications” option, found at 

https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/Applicants/CheckApplicationStatus/

DownloadSubmittedFormsAndApplications.htm to check that their 

application’s required attachments were contained in their submission. 

After submitting the application, check the status of your application here:

CHECK APPLICATION STATUS. If any, or all, of the required 

attachments are absent from the submission, follow the attachment 

directions found above, resubmit the application, and check again for the 

presence of the required attachments.

If the directions found at 

https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/index.htm#t=GetStarted%2FGetStar

ted.htm are not effective, please contact the Grants.gov Help Desk 

immediately. If calling from within the United States or from a U.S. 

territory, please call 800-518-4726. If calling from a place outside the 

United States or a U.S. territory, please call 606-545-5035. E-mails should 

be addressed to support@grants.gov. Assistance from the Grants.gov 

Help Desk will be available around the clock every day, with the exception 

of Federal holidays. Help Desk service will resume at 7:00 a.m. Eastern 

Time the day after Federal holidays. 

Applicants can track their submission in the Grants.gov system by 

following the procedures at the Grants.gov site. It can take up to two 

business days for an application to fully move through the Grants.gov 

system to NIST. 

NIST uses the Tracking Numbers assigned by Grants.gov and does not 

issue Agency Tracking Numbers.
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Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) 

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c. Application Format

Applicants applying to both PREP Boulder and PREP Gaithersburg 

must submit a separate application for each location.

(1) Paper, Email, and Facsimile (fax) Submissions. Will not be 

accepted.

(2) Figures, Graphs, Images, and Pictures. Should be of a size that is 

easily readable or viewable and may be displayed in landscape 

orientation. Any figures, graphs, images, or pictures will count toward 

the page limits for the Project Narrative.

(3) Font. Easy to read font (10-point minimum). Smaller type may be used 

in figures and tables but must be clearly legible.

(4) Page Limit. The Project Narrative is limited to twenty-five (25) pages 

double-spaced, noting the limit of two (2) pages for the Executive 

Summary. Resumes are not included in the page count of the Project 

Narrative. However, if resumes are included, resumes must be a 

maximum of two (2) pages each.

(5) Page Limit Exclusions:

SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance;

SF-424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs;

CD-511, Certification Regarding Lobbying;

SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable);

Resumes;

Budget Narrative and Justification;

Indirect Cost Rate Agreement;

SF-424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs for fifth

year budget (if applicable);

Letters of Commitment;

Communication Plan;

Outreach Plan;

Diversity and Inclusion Plan;

Individual Development Plan (Technical Performance Plan and

Professional and Career Development Plan);

Current and Pending Support Form.

(6) Page Layout. The Proposal must be in portrait orientation.

(7) Page size. 21.6 centimeters by 27.9 centimeters (8 1⁄2 inches by 11 

inches).
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(8) Page numbering. Number pages sequentially.

 

(9) Application language. English. All documents must be in English,

including but not limited to the initial application, any additional 

documents submitted in response to a NIST request, all reports, and 

any correspondence with NIST. 

(10) Typed document. All applications, including forms, must be typed; 

handwritten forms will not be accepted.

d. Application Replacement Pages. Applicants may not submit 

replacement pages and/or missing documents once an application has 

been submitted. Any revisions must be made by submission of a new 

application that must be received by NIST by the submission deadline.

e. Pre-Applications. Pre-applications will not be accepted under this NOFO.

3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM). 

Pursuant to 2 C.F.R. part 25, applicants and recipients are required to: (i) be 

registered in SAM before submitting its application; (ii) provide a valid unique entity 

identifier in its application; and (iii) continue to maintain an active SAM registration 

with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or 

an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency, unless 

otherwise excepted from these requirements pursuant to 2 C.F.R. § 25.110. NIST 

will not make a Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with 

all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has 

not fully complied with the requirements by the time that NIST is ready to make a 

Federal award pursuant to this NOFO, NIST may determine that the applicant is not 

qualified to receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for 

making a Federal award to another applicant.

4. Submission Dates and Times

Applications must be received at Grants.gov no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern

Time, September 30, 2022. NIST will consider the date and time recorded

by Grants.gov as the official submission time. Applications received after this 

deadline will not be reviewed or considered. Paper applications will not be accepted.

Please note that the due date has been extended from the original posting.

Applicants should be aware, and factor in their application submission planning, that 

the Grants.gov system closes periodically for routine maintenance. Applicants 

should visit Grants.gov for information on any scheduled closures.

When developing the submission timeline, please keep in mind that: (1) all 

applicants are required to have current registrations in the electronic System for 

Award Management (SAM.gov) and Grants.gov; (2) the free annual registration 
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process in the SAM.gov generally takes between three and five business days but 

can take more than three weeks; and applicants will receive e-mail notifications over 

a period of up to two business days as the application moves through intermediate 

systems before the applicant learns via a validation or rejection notification whether 

NIST has received the application. (See Grants.gov for full information on application 

and notification through Grants.gov.) Please note that a Federal assistance award 

cannot be issued if the designated recipient’s registration in the System for Award 

Management (SAM.gov) is not current at the time of the award.

5. Intergovernmental Review

 Applications under this Program ARE NOT subject to Executive Order 12372.

6. Funding Restrictions

 Construction activities are not an allowable cost under this program. In addition, a 

recipient or a subrecipient may not charge profits, fees, or other increments above 

cost to an award issued pursuant to this NOFO. 

7. Other Submission Requirements

a. Applications must be submitted at Grants.gov. Paper applications will not 

be accepted.

(1) Applicants should carefully follow specific Grants.gov instructions to 

ensure that all attachments will be accepted by the Grants.gov system. A 

receipt from Grants.gov indicating an application is received does not 

provide information about whether attachments have been received. For 

further information or questions regarding applying electronically for the 

2022-NIST-PREP-01 announcement, contact the Grants.gov Help Desk 

at 800-518-4726.

b. Amendments. Any amendments to this NOFO will be announced through 

Grants.gov. Applicants may sign up on Grants.gov to receive amendments by email or may request copies by e-mail from PREPGaithersburg@nist.gov.

V. Application Review Information

1. Evaluation Criteria 

The evaluation criteria that will be used in evaluating applications and their 

assigned weights are as follows: 

a. Program Approach and Management Plan (0 – 35 points). Reviewers 

will evaluate the comprehensiveness and quality of the applicant’s 

proposed approach to plan, implement, and manage a program that meets 

the objectives of the PREP Program. Specifically, reviewers will evaluate 
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the comprehensiveness of the applicant’s program approach and 

management plan and the likelihood that the approach and plan can 

effectively and efficiently:

i. provide research opportunities for PREP researchers with NIST 

scientists and engineers and expose them to cutting-edge research 

and development activities; 

ii. promote the pursuit of degrees or professional development, as 

applicable, for PREP researchers;

iii. sustainably recruit and place a diverse pool of PREP researchers

within the NIST Laboratories for collaborative research experiences 

throughout the award period; 

iv. establish and design an Individual Performance Plan, which 

consists of a technical performance plan and a professional and 

career development plan for each category of PREP researcher; 

v. manage the program, to include a PREP website, such as pointsof-contact, response time, and reporting structure among the key 

areas of responsibility;

vi. conduct orientation to provide details about the appointment, roles 

of the university and NIST, and points of contact;

vii. facilitate two performance reviews per calendar year under the 

direction of the University PREP Manager; and

viii. develop a plan to evaluate performance for PREP researcher

annually who perform satisfactorily and participated in the program 

for 12 months.

b. Qualifications and Experience (0 – 35 points). Reviewers will evaluate 

the applicant's demonstrated experience in placing undergraduate and 

graduate students, individuals with bachelor’s or master’s degrees, postdoctoral fellows, academic affiliates and/or historically marginalized 

groups in STEM in research programs, as defined in Section I.1. of this 

NOFO, in research laboratories, or other appropriate settings, consistent 

with furthering the pursuit of degrees or professional development. The 

extent to which the applicant’s institutional degree programs and 

academic emphases align with the technical areas outlined in Section I. of 

this NOFO will also be considered. If this will be a new or developing 

activity for an applicant, the applicant's qualifications to plan and 

implement the new program and meet the objectives of the PREP 

Program as described in their proposal will be evaluated. 

c. Success Metrics (0 – 20 points). Reviewers will evaluate the clarity and 

quality of proposed metrics and other mechanisms for evaluating the 

effectiveness of outputs from the proposed Program. 

d. Match of Budget to Proposed Work (0 – 10 points). Reviewers will 
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assess the budgeted costs against the proposed activities to determine 

the practicality and cost effectiveness of the proposed budget with respect 

to developing and implementing the proposed Program, as described in 

Section I. of this NOFO. 

2. Selection Factors 

The Selection Factors for this competition are:

(1) The results of the reviewers’ evaluations.

(2) The objectives as set forth in this NOFO (see Section I. of this 

NOFO).

(3) The availability of Federal funds 

(4) Results of the merit reviewers’ evaluations, including technical 

comments.

(5) The availability of funding.

(6) Whether the project duplicates other projects funded by NIST or 

other Federal agencies.

(7) Regional diversity.

(8) Demonstrated ability to recruit and retain a diverse pool of 

PREP researchers including historically marginalized groups in 

STEM.

3. Review and Selection Process

Proposals, reports, documents, and other information related to applications 

submitted to NIST and/or relating to financial assistance awards issued by 

NIST will be reviewed and considered by Federal employees, or non-Federal 

personnel who have entered into conflict of interest and confidentiality 

agreements covering such information, when applicable.

a. Initial Administrative Review of Applications.

 Applications received by the deadline will be reviewed to determine eligibility, 

 completeness, and responsiveness to this NOFO and to the scope of the 

 stated program objectives. Applications determined to be ineligible, 

 incomplete, and/or nonresponsive may be eliminated from further review. 

 However, NIST, in its sole discretion, may continue the review process for an 

 application that is missing non-substantive information, the absence of which 

 may easily be rectified during the review process.

b. Full Review of Eligible, Complete, and Responsive Applications.

Applications that are determined to be eligible, complete, and responsive will 

proceed for full reviews in accordance with the review and selection process 

below: 
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Merit Review. At least three (3) objective reviewers, who may be Federal 

employees or non-Federal personnel, with appropriate professional and 

technical expertise relating to the topics covered in this NOFO, will evaluate 

and score each eligible, complete, and responsive application based on the 

evaluation criteria. While every application will have at least three (3) 

reviewers, applications may have more than three (3) reviewers if specialized 

expertise is needed to evaluate an application. During the review process, the 

reviewers may discuss the applications with each other, but scores will be 

determined on an individual basis, not as a consensus. Based on the 

numerical average of the reviewers’ scores, a rank order will be prepared and 

provided to the Selecting Official for further consideration

Selection. The Selecting Official, who is the NIST PREP Program Manager, 

will make recommendations to the NIST Grants Management Division 

regarding the final application selections. The Selecting Official shall generally 

recommend applications for awards based upon the rank order of the 

applications but may recommend applications out of rank order based on the 

selection factors (see Section V.2 of this NOFO).

NIST reserves the right to negotiate the budget costs with any applicant 

selected to receive an award, which may include requesting that the applicant 

removes certain costs. Additionally, NIST may request that successful 

applicants modify objectives or work plans and provide supplemental 

information required by the agency prior to award. NIST also reserves the 

right to reject an application where information is uncovered that raises a 

reasonable doubt as to the responsibility of the applicant. NIST may select 

some, all, or none of the applications, or part(s) of any application. The final 

approval of a selected application - and issuance of an award - will be by the 

NIST Grants Officer. The award decisions of the NIST Grants Officer are final.

4. Federal Awarding Agency Review of Risk Posed by Applicants.

After applications are proposed for funding by the Selecting Official, the NIST 

Grants Management Division (GMD) performs pre-award risk assessments in 

accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.206, which may include a review of the financial 

stability of an applicant, the quality of the applicant’s management systems, the 

history of performance, and/or the applicant’s ability to effectively implement 

statutory, regulatory, or other requirements imposed on non-Federal entities. 

In addition, prior to making an award where the total Federal share is expected to 

exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000), NIST GMD will 

review and consider the publicly available information about that applicant in the 

Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS). An 

applicant may, at its discretion, review and comment on information about itself 

previously entered into FAPIIS by a Federal awarding agency. As part of its 

review of risk posed by applicants, NIST GMD will consider any comments made 
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by the applicant in FAPIIS in making its determination about the applicant’s 

integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards. 

Upon completion of the pre-award risk assessment, the Grants Officer will make 

a responsibility determination concerning whether the applicant is qualified to 

receive the subject award and, if so, whether appropriate specific award 

conditions that correspond to the degree of risk posed by the applicant should be 

applied to an award.

5. Anticipated Announcement and Award Date

 Review of applications, selection of successful applicants, and award 

processing is expected to be completed by November 2022. The earliest start 

date for awards under this NOFO is expected to be December 2022.

6. Additional Information

a. Safety. Safety is a top priority at NIST. Employees and affiliates of award 

recipients who conduct project work at NIST will be expected to be safetyconscious, to attend NIST safety training, and to comply with all NIST 

safety policies and procedures, and with all applicable terms of their guest 

research agreement.

b. Notification to Unsuccessful Applicants. Unsuccessful applicants will 

be notified by e-mail and will have the opportunity to receive a debriefing 

after the opportunity is officially closed. Applicants must request within 10 

business days of the email notification to receive a debrief from the 

program office. The program office will then work with the unsuccessful 

applicant in arranging a date and time of the debrief.

c. Retention of Unsuccessful Applications. Unsuccessful applications will 

be retained in accordance with the General Record Schedule 1.2/021. 

VI. Federal Award Administration Information

1. Federal Award Notices. Successful applicants will receive an award 

package from the NIST Grants Officer. 

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

a. Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit 

Requirements. Through 2 C.F.R. § 1327.101, the Department of 

Commerce adopted Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost 

Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards at 2 C.F.R. Part 

200, which apply to awards in this program. 

 

b. Department of Commerce Financial Assistance Standard Terms and 

Conditions. The Department of Commerce will apply to each award in 
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this program, the Financial Assistance Standard Terms and Conditions in 

effect on the date of award. The current version is dated November 12, 

2020. Refer to Section VII. of this NOFO, Federal Awarding Agency 

Contacts, Grant Rules and Regulations, if you need more information.

c. Pre-Award Notification Requirements. The Department of Commerce 

will apply the Pre-Award Notification Requirements for Grants and 

Cooperative Agreements dated December 30, 2014 (79 FR 78390). Refer 

to Section VII. of this NOFO, Federal Awarding Agency Contacts, Grant 

Rules and Regulations, for more information. 

d. Funding Availability and Limitation of Liability. Funding for the 

program listed in this NOFO is contingent upon the availability of 

appropriations. NIST or the Department of Commerce will not responsible

for application preparation costs, including but not limited to if this program 

fails to receive funding or is cancelled because of agency priorities. 

Publication of this NOFO does not oblige NIST or the Department of 

Commerce to award any specific project or to obligate any available funds. 

e. Collaborations with NIST Employees. If an applicant proposes 

collaboration with NIST, the statement of work should include a statement 

of this intention, a description of the collaboration, and prominently identify 

the NIST employee(s) involved, if known. Any collaboration by a NIST 

employee must be approved by appropriate NIST management and is at 

the sole discretion of NIST. Prior to beginning the merit review process, 

NIST will verify the approval of the proposed collaboration. Any 

unapproved collaboration will be stricken from the application prior to the 

merit review. Any collaboration with an identified NIST employee that is 

approved by appropriate NIST management will not make an application 

more or less favorable in the competitive process.

f. Use of Federal Government-Owned Intellectual Property. If the 

applicant anticipates using any Federal Government-owned intellectual 

property, in the custody of NIST or another Federal agency, to carry out 

the work proposed, the applicant should clearly identify such intellectual 

property in the proposal. This information will be used to ensure that no 

Federal employee involved in the development of the intellectual property 

will participate in the review process for that competition. In addition, if the 

applicant intends to use the Federal Government-owned intellectual 

property, the applicant must comply with all statutes and regulations 

governing the licensing of Federal government patents and inventions, 

described in 35 U.S.C. §§ 200-212, 37 C.F.R. Part 401, 2 C.F.R. 

§200.315, and in Section C.03 of the Department of Commerce Financial 

Assistance Standard Terms and Conditions, dated November 12, 2020. 
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Questions about these requirements may be directed to the Chief Counsel 

for NIST, (301) 975-2803,. 

Any use of Federal Government-owned intellectual property by a recipient 

of an award under this announcement is at the sole discretion of the 

Federal Government and will need to be negotiated on a case-by-case 

basis by the recipient and the Federal agency having custody of the 

intellectual property if a project is deemed meritorious. The applicant 

should indicate within the statement of work whether it already has a 

license to use such intellectual property or whether it intends to seek a 

license from the applicable Federal agency.

If any inventions made in whole or in part by a NIST employee arise in the 

course of an award made pursuant to this NOFO, the United States 

Government may retain its ownership rights in any such invention. 

Licensing or other disposition of the Federal Government’s rights in such 

inventions will be determined solely by the Federal Government, through 

NIST as custodian of such inventions, and include the possibility of the 

Federal Government putting the intellectual property into the public 

domain.

3. Reporting

a. Reporting Requirements. The following reporting requirements described in 

Sections A.01, Reporting Requirements, of the

Department of Commerce Financial Assistance Standard Terms and 

Conditions dated November 12, 2020, apply to awards in this program:

(1) Financial Reports. Each award recipient will be required to submit an 

SF-425, Federal Financial Report on a semi-annual basis for the 

periods ending March 31 and September 30 of each year. Reports will 

be due within 30 days after the end of the reporting period. A final 

financial report is due within 120 days after the end of the project 

period.

(2) Performance (Technical) Reports. Each award recipient will be 

required to submit a technical progress report on a semi-annual basis 

for the periods ending March 31 and September 30 of each year. 

Reports will be due within 30 days after the end of the reporting period. 

Technical progress reports shall contain information as prescribed in 2 

C.F.R. § 200.329 and Section A.01 of the 

Department of Commerce Financial Assistance Standard Terms and 

Conditions, dated November 12, 2020. A final technical progress report 

is due within 120 days after the end of the project period.
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i. As a component of the Performance Technical Reporting 

requirements, the recipient shall submit to the Federal Program 

Officer, on a quarterly basis, a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that 

includes the following fields: Cost type (initial/extension), Participant 

Name, Type of Researcher (undergraduate, graduate, postdoc, 

etc.), Sponsoring NIST lab, Start date, End date, Benefit cost, 

Travel/Conference, Relocation (if applicable), Visa fees (if 

applicable), University Overhead Rates, Tuition (if applicable), Total 

cost, Year to Date billed, and Remaining balance. 

ii. If your institution had administrative fees awarded, report in a 

separate table the following fields: Salary, Benefit cost, University

Overhead Rates, Total Cost, Year to date billed. 

iii. The reports are due for each calendar quarter and should be 

submitted no later than 30 days after the end of the quarter. 

(3) Patent and Property Reports. From time to time, and in accordance 

with the Uniform Administrative Requirements and other terms and 

conditions governing the award, the recipient may need to submit 

property and patent reports.

(4) Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters. In accordance with 

section 872 of Public Law 110-417 (as amended; see 41 U.S.C. 2313), 

if the total value of a recipient’s currently active grants, cooperative 

agreements, and procurement contracts from all Federal awarding 

agencies exceeds $10,000,000 for any period of time during the period 

of performance of an award made under this NOFO, then the recipient 

shall be subject to the requirements specified in Appendix XII to 2 

C.F.R. Part 200, for maintaining the currency of information reported to 

SAM that is made available in FAPIIS about certain civil, criminal, or 

administrative proceedings involving the recipient.

b. Audit Requirements. The Department of Commerce Financial Assistance 

Standard Terms and Conditions, Section D.01, and 2 C.F.R. Part 200 Subpart 

F, adopted by the Department of Commerce through 2 C.F.R. § 1327.101, 

require any non-Federal entity (i.e., including non-profit institutions of higher 

education and non-profit organizations) that expends Federal awards of 

$750,000 or more in the recipient’s fiscal year to conduct a single or program

specific audit in accordance with the requirements set out in the Subpart. 

Additionally, unless otherwise specified in the terms and conditions of the 

award, entities that are not subject to Subpart F of 2 C.F.R. Part 200 (e.g., 

for-profit commercial entities) that expend $750,000 or more in DOC funds 

during their fiscal year must submit to the Grants Officer either: (i) a financial 

related audit of each DOC award or subaward in accordance with Generally 

Accepted Government Auditing Standards; or (ii) a project specific audit for 

each award or subaward in accordance with the requirements contained in 2 
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C.F.R. § 200.507. Applicants are reminded that NIST, the Department of 

Commerce Office of Inspector General, or another authorized Federal agency 

may conduct an audit of an award at any time.

c. Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006. In 

accordance with 2 C.F.R. Part 170, all recipients of a Federal award made on 

or after October 1, 2010, are required to comply with reporting requirements 

under the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 

(Public Law No. 109-282). In general, all recipients are responsible for 

reporting sub-awards of $25,000 or more. In addition, recipients that meet 

certain criteria are responsible for reporting executive compensation. 

Applicants must ensure they have the necessary processes and systems in 

place to comply with the reporting requirements should they receive funding. 

Also see the Federal Register notice published September 14, 2010, at 75 FR 

55663. 

VII. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts

Questions should be directed to the following:

Subject Area Point of Contact

Programmatic and Technical Questions Kara Robinson

Phone: 202-236-4515

E-mail: kara.robinson@nist.gov with 

2022-NIST-PREP-01 in subject line

Technical Assistance with Grants.gov 

Submissions

grants.gov

Phone: 800-518-4726

E-mail: support@grants.gov 

Grant Rules and Regulations Dean Iwasaki

Phone: 301-975-8449

E-mail: dean.iwasaki@nist.gov 

VIII. Other Information

1. Personal and Business Information

The applicant acknowledges and understands that information and data 

contained in applications for financial assistance, as well as information and data 

contained in financial, performance and other reports submitted by applicants, 

may be used by the Department of Commerce in conducting reviews and 

evaluations of its financial assistance programs. For this purpose, applicant 

information and data may be accessed, reviewed and evaluated by Department 

of Commerce employees, other Federal employees, and also by Federal agents 

and contractors, and/or by non-Federal personnel, all of whom enter into 
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appropriate conflict of interest and confidentiality agreements covering the use of 

such information. As may be provided in the terms and conditions of a specific 

financial assistance award, applicants are expected to support program reviews 

and evaluations by submitting required financial and performance information 

and data in an accurate and timely manner, and by cooperating with Department 

of Commerce and external program evaluators. In accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 

200.303(e), applicants are reminded that they must take reasonable measures to 

safeguard protected personally identifiable information and other confidential or 

sensitive personal or business information created or obtained in connection with 

a Department of Commerce financial assistance award.

In addition, Department of Commerce regulations implementing the Freedom of 

Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. Sec. 552, are found at 15 C.F.R. Part 4, Public 

Information. These regulations set forth rules for the Department regarding 

making requested materials, information, and records publicly available under the 

FOIA. Applications submitted in response to this Federal Funding Opportunity 

may be subject to requests for release under the Act. If an application contains 

information or data that the applicant deems to be confidential commercial 

information that should be exempt from disclosure under FOIA, that information 

should be identified, bracketed, and marked as Privileged, Confidential, 

Commercial or Financial Information. In accordance with 15 CFR § 4.9, the 

Department of Commerce will protect from disclosure confidential business 

information contained in financial assistance applications and other 

documentation provided by applicants to the extent permitted by law.

2. Public Website, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 

NIST PREP has a public website that provides information pertaining to this 

Funding Opportunity 8. Any amendments to this NOFO will be announced through 

Grants.gov.

Applicants must submit all questions pertaining to this funding opportunity in 

writing to PREPGaithersburg@nist.gov with 2022-NIST-PREP-01 in the subject 

line. 

8 Refer to Section VII. of this NOFO, Federal Awarding Agency Contacts, Programmatic and Technical 

Questions, if more information is needed.