[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 248 (Thursday, December 27, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 66874-66887]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-31573]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Institute of Standards and Technology

[Docket No. 011204291-1291-01]
RIN 0693-ZA47


Small Grants Programs; Availability of Funds

AGENCY: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 
announces that the following programs are soliciting applications for 
financial assistance for FY 2002: (1) The Precision Measurement Grants 
Program; (2) the 2002 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) 
in the areas of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing 
Engineering, Chemical Science and Technology, Physics, Materials 
Science and Engineering, Building and Fire Research, and Information 
Technology; (3) the Electronics and Electrical Engineering (EEEL) 
Grants Program; (4) the Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory (MEL) 
Grants Program; (5) the Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory 
Grants Program; (6) the Physics Laboratory Grants Program; (7) the 
Materials Science and Engineering Grants Program; and (8) the Fire 
Research Grants Program.
    The Precision Measurement Grants Program is seeking proposals for 
significant, primarily experimental,

[[Page 66875]]

research in the field of fundamental measurement or the determination 
of fundamental constants.
    The programs ``SURFing the Electronics and Electrical Engineering 
Laboratory,'' ``SURFing the Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory,'' 
``SURFing the Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory,'' ``SURFing 
the Physics Laboratory,'' ``SURFing the Materials Science and 
Engineering Laboratory,'' ``SURFing the Building and Fire Research 
Laboratory,'' and ``SURFing the Information Technology Laboratory;,'' 
will provide an opportunity for the NIST Electronics and Electrical 
Engineering Laboratory (EEEL), Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory 
(MEL), Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory (CSTL) Physics 
Laboratory (PL), Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory (MSEL), 
Building and Fire Research Laboratory (BRFL), and Information 
Technology Laboratory (ITL), and the National Science Foundation (NSF) 
to join in a partnership to encourage outstanding undergraduate 
students to pursue careers in science and engineering.
    The EEEL program will provide research opportunities with 
internationally known NIST scientists in the fields of semiconductors 
(including mainstream silicon, power devices, and compound 
semiconductors), fundamental electrical measurements, electronic 
instrumentation, electrical systems, and electronic information. The 
MEL program will provide research opportunities with internationally 
known NIST scientists in the fields of intelligent systems, 
manufacturing petrology, precision engineering, and manufacturing 
systems integration. The CSTL program will provide research 
opportunities with internationally known NIST scientists in the fields 
of chemical characterization of materials, process metrology, chemical 
and biochemical sensing, nanotechnology, healthcare measurements, 
environmental measurements, microelectronics, physical property data, 
chemical and biochemical data, bio-molecules and materials, DNA 
technologies, and international measurement standards. The PL program 
will involve students in world-class atomic, molecular, optical (AMO) 
and radiation physics research with internationally known physicists in 
the NIST Physics Laboratory. The MSEL program will provide research 
opportunities with internationally known NIST scientists in the fields 
of ceramics, solid state chemistry, metallurgy, polymers, neutron 
condensed matter science, and materials reliability. The BFRL program 
will provide research opportunities with internationally known NIST 
scientists in the fields of building materials (concrete, coating), 
structure (earthquake), building environment (indoor air quality, 
thermal machinery), and fire science and engineering. The ITL program 
will provide research opportunities with internationally known NIST 
scientists in the fields of networking, software quality, security, 
information access, convergent systems, mathematical science, and 
statistics. The NIST Program Directors will work with physics, 
chemistry, materials science, manufacturing engineering, intelligent 
systems, automated production, precision engineering, information 
technology, building materials, constructed structures, and other 
science-related department chairs and directors of multi-disciplinary 
academic organizations to identify outstanding undergraduates 
(including graduating seniors) who would benefit from off-campus summer 
research in an honors academy environment.
    The Electronics and Electrical Engineering (EEEL) Grants Program 
provides grants and cooperative agreements for the development of 
fundamental electrical metrology and of metrology supporting industry 
and government agencies in the board areas of semiconductors, 
electronic instrumentation, radio-frequency technology, optelectronics, 
magnetics, video, electronic commerce as applied to electronic products 
and devices, the transmission and distribution of electrical power, 
national electrical standards (fundamental, generally quantum based 
physical standards), and law enforcement standards.
    The Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory (MEL) Grants Program will 
provide grants and cooperative agreements in the following fields of 
research: Dimensional Metrology for Manufacturing, Mechanical Metrology 
for Manufacturing, Intelligent Systems, and Information Systems 
Integration for Applications in Manufacturing.
    The Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory (CSTL) Grants 
Program will provide grants and cooperative agreements in the following 
fields of research: Biotechnology, Process Measurements, Surface and 
Microanalysis Science, Physical and Chemical Properties, and Analytical 
Chemistry.
    The Physics Laboratory (PL) Grants Program will provide grants and 
cooperative agreements in the following fields of research: Electron 
and Optical Physics, Atomic Physics, Optical Technology, Ionizing 
Radiation, and Time and Frequency.
    The Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory (MSEL) Grants 
Program will provide grants and cooperative agreements in the following 
fields of research: Ceramics, Metallurgy, Polymer Sciences, Neutron 
Scattering Research and Spectroscopy.
    The Fire Research Grants Program will provide funding for 
innovative ideas in the fire research area generated by the proposal 
writer, who chooses the topic and approach, consistent with the program 
description and objectives of this notice.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Precision Measurement Grants Program

    Dates: Applicants for the Precision Measurement Grants Program must 
submit an abbreviated proposal for preliminary screening. Based on the 
merit of the abbreviated proposal, applicants will be advised whether a 
full proposal should be submitted. The abbreviated proposals must be 
received at the address listed below no later than the close of 
business February 1, 2002. Proposals received after this deadline will 
be returned with no further consideration. The finalists will be 
notified of their status by March 22, 2002, and will be requested to 
submit full proposals to NIST by close of business on May 10, 2002. 
NIST expects to issue awards on or before September 30, 2002.
    Addresses: For the Precision Measurement Grants Program, applicants 
are requested to direct technical questions and submit an abbreviated 
proposal (original and two (2) signed copies), with a description of 
their proposed work of no more than five (5) double spaced pages to: 
Dr. Peter J. Mohr, Manager, NIST Precision Measurement Grants Program, 
National Institute of Standards and Technology, Bldg. 225, Rm. B161, 
100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8401, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8401, Tel: (301) 
975-3217, E-mail: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#92fffdfae0d2fcfbe1e6bcf5fde4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bfd2d0d7cdffd1d6cccb91d8d0c9">[email protected]</span></a>, Web site: http://physics.nist.gov/pmg.
    Although applicants are not required to submit more than three 
copies of the proposal, the normal review process for the Precision 
Measurement Grants Program utilizes ten (10) copies. Applicants are 
encouraged to submit sufficient proposal copies for the full review 
process if they wish all reviewers to receive color, unusually sized 
(not 8.5" x 11"), or otherwise unusual materials submitted as part of 
the proposal. Only three copies of the Federally required forms are 
needed.
    Authority: The authority for the Precision Measurement Grants 
Program

[[Page 66876]]

is as follows: As authorized by 15 U.S.C. 272(b) and (c), NIST conducts 
directly, and supports through grants and cooperative agreements, a 
basic and applied research program in the general area of fundamental 
measurement and the determination of fundamental constants of nature.
    Program Description and Objectives: The program description and 
objectives for the Precision Measurement Grants Program are as follows: 
As part of its research program, since 1970 NIST has awarded Precision 
Measurement Grants to U.S. universities and colleges so that faculty 
may conduct significant, primarily experimental research in the field 
of fundamental measurement or the determination of fundamental 
constants. NIST sponsors these grants and cooperative agreements 
primarily to encourage basic, measurement-related research in U.S. 
universities and colleges and to foster contacts between NIST 
scientists and those faculty members of U.S. academic institutions who 
are actively engaged in such work. The Precision Measurement Grants are 
also intended to make it possible for researchers to pursue new, 
fundamental measurement ideas for which other sources of support may be 
difficult to find. There is some latitude in research topics that will 
be considered under the Precision Measurement Grants Program. The key 
requirement is that the proposed project support NIST's ongoing work in 
the field of basic measurement science, which includes:
    1. Experimental and theoretical studies of fundamental physical 
phenomena which test the basic laws of physics or which may lead to new 
or improved fundamental measurement methods and standards.
    2. The determination of important fundamental physical constants.
    Although proposals for either experimental or theoretical research 
will be considered, the former will be given preference because of the 
more immediate applicability of experimental work to metrology. 
Proposals from workers at the assistant and associate professor level 
who have some record of accomplishment are especially encouraged in 
view of the comparative difficulty researchers have in obtaining funds 
at the early stages of their careers.
    Typical projects which have been funded through the NIST Prevision 
Measurement Grants Program include:
    (1) Development of an atom interferometer gyroscope for tests for 
general relativity, M. Kasevich, Stanford University.
    (2) Spectroscopy of francium: Towards a precise parity 
nonconservation measurement in a laser trap, Luis A. Orozco, State 
University of New York at Stony Brook.
    (3) Measurement of Newton's constant G using a new method, J.H. 
Gundlach, University of Washington.
    (4) Measurement of the polarization of the cosmic microwave 
background, S.T. Staggs, Princeton University.
    (5) Combining the quantum Hall and AC Josephson effects for 
electric current metrology, E.A. Gwinn, University of California, Santa 
Barbara.
    (6) A test of CPT symmetry using a new K-\3\He self-compensating 
magnetometer, M.V. Romalis, University of Washington.
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are institutions of higher 
education, other non-profits, commercial organizations, international 
organizations, state, local and Indian tribal governments and Federal 
agencies with appropriate legal authority. Applications from non-
Federal and Federal applicants will be competed against each other. 
Proposals selected for funding from non-Federal applicants will be 
funded through a project grant or cooperative agreement under the terms 
of this notice. Proposals selected for funding from non-NIST Federal 
agencies will be funded through an interagency transfer. Please Note: 
Before non-NIST Federal applicants may be funded, they must demonstrate 
that they have legal authority to receive funds from another federal 
agency in excess of their appropriation. As this announcement is not 
proposing to procure goods or services from applicants, the Economy Act 
(31 U.S.C. 1535) is not an appropriate legal basis.
    Funding Availability: For the Precision Measurement Grants Program, 
the annual budget is approximately $300,000. Two new grants in the 
amount of $50,000 per year will be awarded; the remaining $200,000 will 
fund continuing grants. Applicants must propose multi-year projects, 
not to exceed three (3) years. The scope of work must be clearly 
severable into annual increments of meaningful work that represent 
solid accomplishments in case continued funding is not made available 
to the applicant.
    Proposal Review Process: For the Precision Measurement Grants 
Program, to simplify the proposal writing and evaluation process, the 
following section procedure will be used: Applicants will initially 
submit abbreviated proposals, containing a description of the proposed 
project, including sufficient information to address the evaluation 
criteria, with a total length of no more than five (5) double spaced 
pages, to the mailing address given above in the Addresses section. 
These proposals will be screened to determine whether they address the 
requirements outlined in this notice. Proposals that do not meet those 
requirements will not be considered further. Eight independent, 
objective individuals, at least half of whom are NIST employees, and 
who are knowledgeable about the scientific areas that the program 
addresses will conduct a technical review of each proposal, based on 
the evaluation criteria described in the Evaluation Criteria section 
for this program. The proposals will then be ranked based on the 
average of the reviewers' rankings. If non-Federal reviewers are used, 
the reviewers may discuss the proposals with each other, but ranks will 
be determined on an individual basis, not a consensus.
    The program's selecting official will then select approximately 
four to eight finalists. In selecting finalists, the program's 
selecting official will take into consideration the results of the 
reviewers' evaluations, including rank, and relevance to the program 
objectives described above.
    Finalists will then be asked to submit full proposals containing a 
description of the proposed project, including sufficient information 
to address the evaluation criteria, with a total length of no more than 
ten (10) double spaced pages in addition to the federally mandated 
forms and certifications, to the mailing address given above in the 
Addresses section. The same independent reviewers will then evaluate 
the detailed proposals based on the same evaluation criteria, and the 
proposals will be ranked as previously described. In selecting 
proposals that will be recommended for funding, the program's selecting 
official will take into consideration the results of the reviewers' 
evaluations, including rank, and relevance to the program objectives 
described in the Program Description and Objectives section for this 
program.
    Two proposals will be selected for funding by the end of fiscal 
year 2002. The final approval of selected applications and award of 
grants or cooperative agreements will be made by the NIST Grants 
Officer based on compliance with applicant requirements as published in 
this notice, compliance with applicable legal and regulatory 
requirements, and whether the recommended applicants appear to be 
responsible.
    Applicants may be asked to modify objectives, work plans, or 
budgets and provide supplemental information required by the agency 
prior to award.
    The decision of the Grants Officer is final.

[[Page 66877]]

    Evaluation Criteria: The evaluation criteria to be used in 
evaluating the abbreviated application proposals and full proposals 
are:
    1. The importance of the proposed research--Does it have the 
potential of answering some currently pressing question or of opening 
up a whole new area of activity?
    2. The relationship of the proposed research to NIST's ongoing 
work--Will it support one of NIST's current efforts to develop a new or 
improved fundamental measurement method or physical standard, test the 
basis laws of physics, or provide an improved value for fundamental 
constant?
    3. The feasibility of the research and the potential impact of the 
grant--Is it likely that significant progress can be made in a three 
year time period with the funds and personnel available and that the 
funding will enable work that would otherwise not be done with existing 
or potential funding?
    4. The qualifications of the applicant--Does the educational and 
employment background and the quality of the research, based on recent 
publications, of the applicant indicate that there is a high 
probability that the proposed research will be carried out 
successfully?
    Each of these factors in given equal weight in the evaluation 
process.
    Award Period: For the Precision Measurement Grants Program, NIST is 
now accepting applications for two grants in the amount of $50,000 per 
year to be awarded for the initial period of September 30, 2002 through 
September 29, 2003. Each award may be continued for up to two 
additional years; however, future or continued funding will be at the 
discretion of NIST based on satisfactory performance, continuing 
relevance to program objectives, and availability of funds.
    Matching Requirements: The Precision Measurement Grants Program 
does not require any matching funds.
    Application Kit: For the Precision Measurement Grants Program, an 
application kit, containing all required applications forms and 
certifications will be provided to the finalists by Ms. Bonnie Whipp, 
(301) 975-4750.

EEEL, MEL, CSTL, PL, MSEL, BFRL, and ITL SURF Programs

    Dates: The EEEL, MEL, CSTL, PL, MSEL, BRFL, and ITL SURF Programs 
proposals must be received no later than the close of business February 
15, 2002.
    Addresses: For the PL, MSEL, MEL, ITL, BFRL, EEEL, and CSTL SURF 
Programs, applicant institutions must submit one signed original and 
two (2) copies of the proposal to: Attn.: Ms. Anita Sweigert, National 
Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8400, 
Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8400, Tel: (301) 975-4200, e-mail: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b2d3dcdbc6d39cc1c5d7dbd5d7c0c6f2dcdbc1c69cd5ddc4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fc9d9295889dd28f8b99959b998e88bc92958f88d29b938a">[email protected]</span></a>, Web site: http://www.surf.nist.gov.
    Technical questions for the EEEL, MEL, CSTL, PL, MSEL, BFRL, and 
ITL SURF Programs should be directed to the following contact persons: 
for the EEEL SURF Program, Dr. David Newell, Tel: (301) 975-4228, e-
mail: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#026663746b662c6c6775676e6e426c6b71762c656d74"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7115100718155f1f1406141d1d311f1802055f161e07">[email protected]</span></a>; for the MEL SURF Program, Ms. Lisa Jean 
Fronczek, Tel: (301) 975-6633, e-mail: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0c606a7e63626f7669674c62657f78226b637a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="422e24302d2c21382729022c2b31366c252d34">[email protected]</span></a>; for the CSTL 
SURF Program, Michael S. Epstein, Tel: (301) 975-8306, e-mail: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#92fffbf1faf3f7febcf7e2e1e6f7fbfcd2fcfbe1e6bcf5fde4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="93fefaf0fbf2f6ffbdf6e3e0e7f6fafdd3fdfae0e7bdf4fce5">[email protected]</span></a>; for the PL SURF Program, Dr. Marc Desrosiers, 
Tel: (301) 975-5639; e-mail: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e78a869584c98382949588948e829594a7898e9493c9808891"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7f121e0d1c511b1a0c0d100c161a0d0c3f11160c0b51181009">[email protected]</span></a>; for the MSEL 
SURF Program, Dr. Terrell A. Vanderah, Tel: (301) 975-5785, e-mail: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3e4a5b4c4c5b525210485f505a5b4c5f567e50574d4a10595148"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b1c5d4c3c3d4dddd9fc7d0dfd5d4c3d0d9f1dfd8c2c59fd6dec7">[email protected]</span></a>; for the BFRL SURF Program, Dr. Chris White, 
Tel: (301) 975-6016 e-mail: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6201150a0b1607220c0b11164c050d14"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e380948b8a9786a38d8a9097cd848c95">[email protected]</span></a>, or Dr. Clarissa Ferraris, 
Tel: (301) 975-6711, e-mail: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2b48474a594258584a6b4542585f054c445d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6f0c030e1d061c1c0e2f01061c1b41080019">[email protected]</span></a>; and for the ITL SURF 
Program, Dr. Larry Reeker, Tel: (301) 975-5147, e-mail: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8ce0edfefef5a2fee9e9e7e9fecce2e5fff8a2ebe3fa"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="25494457575c0b5740404e4057654b4c56510b424a53">[email protected]</span></a>.
    Authority: The authority for the EEEL, MEL, CSTL, PL, MSEL, BFRL 
and ITL SURF Programs is as follows: 15 U.S.C. 278g-1 authorizes NIST 
to fund financial assistance awards to students at institutions of 
higher learning within the United States. These students must show 
promise as present or future contributors to the missions of NIST. 
Cooperative agreements are awarded to assure continued growth and 
progress of science and engineering in the United States, including the 
encouragement of women and minority students to continue their 
professional development.
    Program Description and Objectives: The program description and 
objectives for the EEEL, MEL, CSTL, PL, MSEL, BFRL, and ITL SURF 
Programs are as follows: To build a mutually beneficial relationship 
between the student, the institution of higher learning, and NIST. This 
is the tenth year of the PL SURF Program, partially funded by the NSF 
Physics Division as a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) 
site. This is the fifth year of the MSEL SURF Program funded by the NSF 
Division of Materials Research (DMR) as a REU site. This is the fourth 
year of the MEL SURF Program and the second year of the BFRL SURF 
Program, both funded by the NSF Division of Engineering Education and 
Centers (EEC) as REU sites. This is the second year of the ITL SURF 
Program funded by the NSF Division of Experimental and Integrative 
Activities in the Directorate for Computer and Information Science and 
Engineering (CISE) as a REU site.
    NIST is one of the nation's premiere research institutions for the 
physical and engineering sciences and, as the lead Federal agency for 
technology transfer, it provides a strong interface between government, 
industry and academia. NIST embodies a special science culture, 
developed from a large and well-equipped research staff that 
enthusiastically blends programs that address the immediate needs of 
industry with longer-term research that anticipates future needs. This 
occurs in few other places and enables the Electronics and Electrical 
Engineering Laboratory, Physics Laboratory, Materials Science and 
Engineering Laboratory, Building and Fire Laboratory, and Information 
Technology Laboratory to offer unique research and training 
opportunities for undergraduates, providing them a research-rich 
environment and exposure to state of the art equipment.
    NIST's EEEL strives to be the world's best source of fundamental 
and industrial-reference measurement methods and physical standards for 
electrotechnology. To be a world-class resource for semiconductor 
measurements, data, models, and standards focused on enhancing U.S. 
technological competitiveness in the world market, research is 
conducted in semiconductor materials, processing, devices, and 
integrated circuits to provide, through both experimental and 
theoretical work, the necessary basis for understanding measurement-
related requirements in semiconductor technology. To provide the 
world's most technically advanced and fundamentally sound basis for all 
electrical measurements in the United States, the EEEL's research 
projects include maintaining and disseminating the national electrical 
standards, developing the measurement methods and services needed to 
support electrical materials, components, instruments, and systems used 
for the generation, transmission, and application of conducted 
electrical power, and related activities in support of the electronics 
industry including research on video technology and electronic product 
data exchange.
    NIST's MEL conducts theoretical and experimental research in 
length, mass, force, vibration, acoustics, and ultrasonics, as well as 
intelligent machines, precision control of machine tools, information 
technology for the integration of all elements of a product's life 
cycle. Much of this applied research

[[Page 66878]]

is devoted to overcoming barriers to the next technological revolution, 
in which manufacturing facilities are spread across the globe. MEL's 
research and development leads to standards, test methods and data that 
are crucial to industry's success in exploiting advanced manufacturing 
technology. Critical components of manufacturing at any level are 
measurement and measurement-related standards, not just of products, 
but increasingly of information about products and processes. Thus, MEL 
programs enhance both physical and information-based measurements and 
standards. Research projects can be theoretical or experimental, and 
will range in focus from intelligent machine control, characterizing a 
manufacturing process or improving product data exchange, to the 
accurate measurement of an artifact's dimensions.
    NIST's CSTL strives to be a world-class research laboratory that is 
recognized by the Nation as the primary source for the chemical, 
biochemical, and chemical engineering measurements, data, models, and 
reference standards that are required to enhance U.S. industrial 
competitiveness in the world market. CSTL is the primary reference 
laboratory for chemical measurements, entrusted with developing, 
maintaining, advancing, and enabling the chemical measurement system 
for the United States of America, thereby enhancing industry's 
productivity and competitiveness, establishing comparability of 
measurements to facilitate equity of global trade, and improving public 
health, safety, and environmental quality. CSTL's activities include: 
Chemical Characterization of Materials, Process Metrology, Chemical and 
Biochemical Sensing, Nanotechnology, Healthcare Measurements, 
Environmental Measurements, Microelectronics, Physical Property Data, 
Chemical and Biochemical Data, Bio-Molecules and Materials, DNA 
Technologies, and International Measurement Standards.
    Attending to the long-term needs of many U.S. high-technology 
industries, NIST's Physics Laboratory conducts basic research in the 
areas of quantum, electron, optical, atomic, molecular, and radiation 
physics. To achieve these goals, PL staff develop and utilize highly 
specialized equipment, such as polarized electron microscopes, scanning 
tunneling microscopes, lasers, and x-ray and synchrotron radiation 
sources. Research projects can be theoretical or experimental and will 
range in focus from computer modeling of fundamental processes through 
trapping atoms and choreographing molecular collisions, to standards 
for radiation therapy.
    NIST's MSEL conducts basic research in the electronic, magnetic, 
optical, superconducting, mechanical, thermal, chemical, and structural 
properties of metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. Much of this 
applied research is devoted to overcoming barriers to the next 
technological revolution, in which individual atoms and molecules will 
serve as the fundamental building blocks of devices. Preparation of 
unique materials by atomic level tailoring of multi-layers, perfect 
single crystals, and nanocomposites are just some of the future 
technologies being developed and explored in NIST's MSEL. To achieve 
these goals, staff develop and utilize highly specialized equipment, 
such as high resolution electron microscopes, atomic force microscopes, 
neutron scattering instruments, x-ray diffraction sources, lasers, 
magnetometers, plasma furnaces, melt spinners, molecular beam epitaxy 
systems, and thermal spray systems. Research projects can be 
theoretical or experimental and will range in focus from the 
structural, chemical, and morphological characterization of advanced 
materials made in the NIST laboratories to the accurate measurement of 
the unique properties possessed by these special materials.
    NIST's BFRL provides technical leadership and participants in 
developing the measurement and standards infrastructure related to 
materials critical to U.S. industry, academia, government, and the 
public. Building and Fire Research programs at NIST cover a full range 
of materials issues from design to processing to performance. Separate 
research initiatives address concrete, coating, earthquake resistance 
of structures, fire science and engineering, the theory and modeling of 
materials, and materials reliability. Through laboratory-organized 
consortia and one-on-one collaborations, BFRL's scientists and 
engineers work closely with industrial researchers, manufacturers of 
high-technology products, and the major users of advanced materials.
    NIST's ITL responds to industry and user needs for objective, 
neutral tests for information technology. These are enabling tools that 
help companies produce the next generation of products and services, 
and that help industries and individuals use these complex products and 
services. ITL works with industry, research and government 
organizations to develop and demonstrate tests, test methods, reference 
data, proof of concept implementations and other infrastrutural 
technologies. Program activities include: high performance computing 
and communications systems; emerging network technologies; access to, 
exchange, and retrieval of complex information; computational and 
statistical methods; information security; and testing tools and 
methods to improve the quality of software.
    SURF students will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with our 
nation's top scientists and engineers. It is anticipated that 
successful SURF students will move from a position of reliance on 
guidance from their research advisors to one of research independence 
during the twelve-week period. One goal of this partnership is to 
provide opportunities for our nation's next generation of scientists 
and engineers to engage in world-class scientific research at NIST, 
especially in ground-breaking areas of emerging technologies. This 
carriers with it the hope of motivating individuals to pursue a Ph.D. 
in physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, mathematics, or 
computer science, and to consider research careers. SURFing the 
Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory, SURFing the 
Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory, SURFing the Chemical Science and 
Technology Laboratory, SURFing the Physics Laboratory, SURFing the 
Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory, SURFing the Building and 
Fire Research Laboratory, and SURFing the Information Technology 
Laboratory will help to forge partnerships with NSF and with post-
secondary institutions that demonstrate strong, hands-on undergraduate 
science curricula especially those with a demonstrated commitment to 
the education of women, minorities, and students with disabilities.
    Eligibility: The EEEL, MEL, CSTL, PL, MSEL, BFRL, and ITL, SURF 
Programs are open to colleges and universities in the United States and 
it territories with degree granting programs in materials science, 
chemistry, engineering, computer science, mathematics, or physics. 
Participating students must be U.S. citizens or permanent U.S. 
residents.
    Funding Availability: For the EEEL SURF Program, the NIST EEEL 
anticipates receiving funding as a NSF REU Program at the level of 
$50,000 per year. For the MEL SURF Program, the NIST MEL anticipates 
receiving funding as a NSF REU Program at the level of $52,000 per 
year. For the CSTL SURF

[[Page 66879]]

Program, the NIST CSTL will commit approximately $50,000 to support 
these cooperative agreements and will pursue funding as a NSF REU 
Program at the level of $50,000 per year.
    For the PL SURF Program, the NIST PL will commit approximately 
$50,000 to support these cooperative agreements. The NIST PL's REU 
Program is anticipating renewal of funding by the NSF at the level of 
$85,000 per year. The anticipated direct costs for subsidence, travel, 
lodging, and conference attendance for twenty-two students is about 
$135,000.
    For the MSEL SURF Program, the NIST MSEL anticipates receiving 
funding as a NSF REU Program at the level of $70,000 per year. It is 
anticipated that this funding will provide for the costs of 
subsistence, travel and lodging, and the conference attendance of ten 
students.
    For the BFRL SURF Program, the NIST BFRL anticipates receiving 
funding as a NSF REU Program at the level of $50,000 per year. For the 
ITL SURF Program, the NIST ITL anticipates receiving second year 
funding as a NSF REU Program at the level of $50,000 per year. It is 
anticipated that the funding for the EEEL, MEL, CSTL, BFRL, and ITL 
SURF Programs will provide for the costs of subsistence, travel and 
lodging, and the conference attendance of eight students for each 
program.
    The actual number of awards made under this announcement will 
depend on the actual costs. For all SURF Programs described in this 
notice, it is expected that individual awards to institutions will 
range from approximately $3,000 to $70,000. NIST is negotiating with 
NSF to determine whether NIST may contract directly with apartment 
complexes for student housing, or whether funding for student housing 
will be included in cooperative agreements awarded as a result of this 
notice. Selected applicants will be informed prior to award whether 
housing will be provided via the cooperative agreement or provided 
separately by NIST.
    Proposal Review Process: The EEEL, MEL, CSTL, PL, MSEL, BFRL, and 
ITL SURF Programs conduct an initial screening of all proposals 
received by the deadline for substantially incomplete or non-responsive 
applications, which will not be considered for funding. All 
substantially complete proposals will be reviewed and ranked by a panel 
of three NIST scientists appointed by the Program Directors on the 
basis of the evaluation criteria. Proposals should include the 
following:
    (A) Student Information:
    (1) Student application information cover sheet;
    (2) Official transcript for each student nominated for 
participation (students must have a recommended G.P.A. of 3.0 or 
better, out of a possible 4.0);
    (3) A personal statement from each student and statement of 
commitment to participate in the 2002 SURF program, including a 
description of the student's prioritized research interests;
    (4) A resume for each student; and
    (5) Two letters of recommendation for each student.
    (B) Information About the Applicant Institution:
    (1) Description of the institution's education and research 
philosophy, faculty interests, on-campus research program(s) and 
opportunities, and overlapping research interests of NIST and the 
institution; and
    (2) A statement addressing issues of academic credit and cost 
sharing.
    In recommending applications for funding, the program's selecting 
official will take into consideration the results of the panel's 
evaluations, including rank, the program objectives of the NIST 
laboratories as described above, and the relevance to the goals of the 
SURF Program. The final approval of selected applications and award of 
cooperative agreements will be made by the NIST Grants Officer based on 
compliance with application requirements as published in this notice, 
compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, and 
whether the recommended applicants appear to be responsible. Applicants 
may be asked to modify objectives, work plans, or budgets and provide 
supplemental information required by the agency prior to award. The 
decision of the Grants Officer is final.
    Evaluation Criteria: for the EEEL, MEL, CSTL, PL, MSEL, BFRL, and 
ITL SURF Programs, the evaluation criteria are:

    Evaluation of Student's Academic Ability and Commitment to 
Program Goals (70%): Includes, but is not limited to, evaluation of 
the following: completed course work; expressed research interest; 
prior research experience; grade point average in courses relevant 
to program; career plans; honors and activities.
    Evaluation of Applicant Institution's Commitment to Program 
Goals (30%): Includes, but is not limited to, evaluation of the 
following: institution's focus on AMO physics, chemistry, materials 
science, manufacturing research and all of its components, including 
but not limited to engineering, computer science, physics, 
electrical engineering, and mathematics; overlap between research 
interests of the institution and NIST; emphasis on undergraduate 
hands-on research; undergraduate participation in research 
conferences/programs; on-campus research facilities; past 
participation by students/institution in such programs; and 
commitment to educate women, minorities, and persons with 
disabilities.

    Award Period: For the EEEL, MEL, CSTL, PL, MSEL, BFRL, and ITL SURF 
Programs, these programs are anticipated to run between May 28 through 
August 16, 2002; adjustments may be made to accommodate specific 
academic schedules (e.g., a limited number of 9-week cooperative 
agreements).
    Matching Requirements: The EEEL, MEL, PL, MSEL, BFRL, and ITL SURF 
Programs encourage, but do not require, cost sharing. In the spirit of 
a true partnership, successful applicant institutions will be 
encouraged to contribute some partial support to the program. A 
suggested level of participation would be direct coverage of (partially 
or entirely) student travel (one round trip common carrier) or lodging 
costs (approximately $2,200); total coverage of indirect costs and/or 
fringe benefits (NIST will authorize funds for indirect costs or fringe 
benefits); a stated intent to support the participating student(s) at a 
research conference; and/or award of academic credit for the student 
research. The level of cost sharing will not be considered in the award 
decision. Less than ten percent of the associated student subsistence, 
travel and lodging has been provided in cost sharing by the 
participating institutions in previous years.
    Application Kit: for EEEL, MEL, CSTL, PL, MSEL, BFRL, and ITL SURF 
Programs, an application kit, containing all required forms and 
certifications, may be obtained by contacting Ms. Anita Sweigert, (301) 
975-4200; websites for each program's application kit may b4 accessed 
through the following website: http://www.surf.nist.gov.

Electronics and Electrical Engineering (EEEL) Grants Program

    Dates: The Electronics and Electrical Engineering Grants Program 
proposals must be received no later than the close of business 
September 30, 2002. Proposals received after June 30, 2002 will 
continue to be processed and considered for funding but may be funded 
in the next fiscal year, subject to the availability of funds.
    Addresses: For the Electronics and Electrical Engineering Grants 
Program, submit one signed original and two copies of the proposal 
package to: Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory, Attn.: 
D.J. Hamilton,

[[Page 66880]]

National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 
8100, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8100, Tel.: (301) 975-2227, Fax: (301) 
975-4091.
    Authority: As authorized by 15 U.S.C. 272(b) and (c), the NIST 
Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory conducts a basic and 
applied research program directly and through grants and cooperative 
agreements to eligible recipients.
    Program Description and Objectives: The Electronics and Electrical 
Engineering Grants Program solicits proposals in support of the broad 
program objectives identified below.
    The Electronics and Electrical Engineering Grants Program supports 
the formal mission of the associated Laboratory: The Electronics and 
Electrical Engineering Laboratory promotes U.S. Economic growth by 
providing measurement capability of high impact focused primarily on 
the critical needs of the U.S. electronics and electrical industries, 
and their customers and suppliers.
    More specifically, the Electronics and Electrical Engineering 
Grants Program solicits proposals to support specific programs in the 
areas of metrology for semiconductors (including mainstream silicon, 
power devices, and compound semiconductors), superconductors (including 
cryoelectronics and bulk superconductors), electronic instrumentation, 
radio-frequency technology (including microwave and millimeter-wave, 
antennas, and electromagnetic compatibility/interference), 
optoelectronics, magnetics (including bulk magnetic materials and 
magnetic data storage), video (including flat-panel displays), 
electronic commerce as applied to electronic products and devices, the 
transmission and distribution of electrical power, national electrical 
standards (fundamental, generally quantum-based physical standards), 
and law enforcement (clothing, communication systems, emergency 
equipment, investigative aids, protective equipment, security systems, 
vehicles, speed-measuring equipment, weapons, and analytical techniques 
and standard reference materials used by the public safety community).
    For details on these various activities, please see the Electronics 
and Electrical Engineering Laboratory Web site at http://www.eeel.nist.gov. Note that documents describing the current programs 
for the five technical divisions and two offices are available through 
the home page.
    Technical contacts for these areas are:

Semiconductors

Semiconductor Electronics Division--Division Chief: Dr. David G. 
Seiler; (301) 975-2054; <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#94f0f5e2fdf0bae7f1fdf8f1e6d4fafde7e0baf3fbe2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ef8b8e99868bc19c8a86838a9daf81869c9bc1888099">[email protected]</span></a>
Office of Microelectronics Programs--Director: Dr. Stephen Knight; 
(301) 975-4400; <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#afdcdbcadfc7cac181c4c1c6c8c7dbefc1c6dcdb81c8c0d9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d2a1a6b7a2bab7bcfcb9bcbbb5baa692bcbba1a6fcb5bda4">[email protected]</span></a>

Superconductors (bulk); Magnetics

Laboratory Acting Deputy Director: Dr. Alan H. Cookson; (301) 975-2220; 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#98f9f4f9f6b6fbf7f7f3ebf7f6d8f6f1ebecb6fff7ee"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="46272a2728682529292d35292806282f353268212930">[email protected]</span></a>

Supercondutors (cryoelectronics); National electrical standards 
(Josephson array development)

Electromagnetic Technology Division--Division Chief: Dr. Richard E. 
Harris; (303) 497-3678; <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#60120903080112044e08011212091320020f150c0405124e0e0913144e070f16"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b3c1dad0dbd2c1d79ddbd2c1c1dac0f3d1dcc6dfd7d6c19ddddac0c79dd4dcc5">[email protected]</span></a>

Electronic instrumentation; Video; Electronic commerce; National 
electrical standards (other than Josephson array development)

Electricity Division--Division Chief: Dr. Bruce F. Field; (301) 975-
2400; <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7a18080f191f541c131f161e3a1413090e541d150c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a9cbdbdccacc87cfc0ccc5cde9c7c0dadd87cec6df">[email protected]</span></a>

Radio-frequency technology

Radio-Frequency Technology Division--Division Chief: Dr. Dennis S. 
Friday; (303) 497-3132; <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6523170c01041c25070a10090100174b0b0c16114b020a13"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5e182c373a3f271e3c312b323a3b2c7030372d2a70393128">[email protected]</span></a>

Optoelectronics

Optoelectronics Division: Office of Optoelectronics Programs--Division 
Chief and Office Director: Dr. Gordon W. Day; (303) 497-5432; 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#deb9a9babfa79ebcb1abb2babbacf0b0b7adaaf0b9b1a8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="83e4f4e7e2fac3e1ecf6efe7e6f1adedeaf0f7ade4ecf5">[email protected]</span></a>

Law Enforcement

Office of Law Enforcement Standards--Director: Dr. Kathleen Higgins; 
(301) 975-2757; <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2e454f5a46424b4b40004647494947405d6e40475d5a00494158"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cda6acb9a5a1a8a8a3e3a5a4aaaaa4a3be8da3a4beb9e3aaa2bb">[email protected]</span></a>

    Eligibility: The Electronics and Electrical Engineering Grants 
Program is open to institutions of higher education; hospitals; non-
profit organizations; commercial organizations; state, local, and 
Indian tribal governments; foreign governments; organizations under the 
jurisdiction of foreign governments; and international organizations.
    Funding Availability: Over the past three years, the Electronics 
and Electrical Engineering laboratory funded a total of approximately 
$1,000,000 in grants and cooperative agreements. The amount available 
each year fluctuates considerably based on programmatic needs. 
Individual awards are expected to range between $5,000 and $150,000.
    Proposal Review Process: For the Electronics and Electrical 
Engineering Grants Program, proposals will be distributed to the 
appropriate Division Chief or Office Director based on technical area 
by one or more technical professionals familiar with the programs of 
the Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory. The Divisions 
and Offices will score proposals based on the evaluation criteria 
described in the Evaluation Criteria section below.
    Reviews will be conducted on a monthly basis during the first 
quarter, and quarterly thereafter, and all proposals received during 
the month or quarter will be ranked based on the reviewers' scores. 
Based on the reviewers' scores, recommendations of the division Chiefs 
and Office Directors, the availability of funding, and relevance to the 
objectives of the Electronics and Electrical Engineering Grants 
Program, as described above, the Laboratory Director will provide 
recommendations for funding to the NIST Grants Officer. The final 
approval of selected applications and award of financial assistance 
will be made by the NIST Grants Officer based on compliance with 
application requirements as published in this notice, compliance with 
applicable legal and regulatory requirements, and whether the 
recommended applicants appear to be responsible. Applicants may be 
asked to modify objectives, work plans, or budgets and provide 
supplemental information required by the agency prior to award. The 
decision of the Grants Officer is final. Applicants should allow up to 
90 days processing time.
    Evaluation Criteria: The Divisions and Offices will score proposals 
based on the following criteria and weights:

Proposal addresses specific program objectives as described in this 
notice (25%)
Proposal provides evidence of applicant's expertise in relevant 
technical area (20%)
Proposal offers innovative approach (20%)
Proposal provides adequate rationale for budget (15%)

Award Period: For the Electronics and Electrical Engineering Grants 
Program, proposals will be considered for research projects from one to 
three years. When a proposal for a multi-year award is approved, 
funding will generally be provided for only the first year of the 
program. If an application 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 total discretion of NIST. Funding for 
each subsequent year of a multi-year proposal will be contingent upon 
satisfactory progress, continued relevance to the mission of the 
Electronics and Electrical Engineering Grants Program, and the 
availability

[[Page 66881]]

of funds. The multi-year awards must have scopes of work that can be 
easily separated into annual increments of meaningful work the 
represent solid accomplishments if prospective funding is not made 
available to the applicant, (i.e., the scopes of work for each funding 
period must produce identifiable and meaningful results in and of 
themselves).
    Matching Requirements: The Electronics and Electrical Engineering 
Grants Program does not require any matching funds.
    Application Kit: An application kit, containing all required 
application forms and certifications is available by contacting: D.J. 
Hamilton, (301) 975-2227.

Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory (MEL) Grants Program

    Dates: The MEL Grants Program proposals must be received no later 
than the close of business September 30, 2002. Proposals received after 
June 30, 2002 will continue to be processed and considered for funding 
but may be funded in the next fiscal year, subject to the availability 
of funds. Each applicant must submit one signed original and two copies 
of each proposal along with a Grant Application, (Standard Form 424 
REV. 7/97 and other required forms).
    Addresses: For the MEL Grants Program, submit one signed original 
and two copies of the proposal, clearly marked to identify the field of 
research, to: Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory, Attn: Mrs. Barbara 
Horner, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau 
Drive, Stop 8200, Building 220, Room B322, Gaithersburg, Maryland 
20899-8200, Tel: (301) 975-4345, E-mail: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#03616271616271622d6b6c716d6671436d6a70772d646c75"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7f1d1e0d1d1e0d1e5117100d111a0d3f11160c0b51181009">[email protected]</span></a>.
    Authority: As authorized under 15 U.S.C. 272(b) and (c), the MEL 
conducts a basic and applied research program directly and through 
grants and cooperative agreements to eligible recipients.
    Program Description and Objectives: All proposals submitted must be 
in accordance with the program objectives listed below. The appropriate 
Program Manager for each field of research may be contacted for 
clarification of the program objectives.
    I. Precision Engineering Division, 821--The primary objective is to 
support laboratory programs in the areas of Engineering Metrology, 
Large-Scale Metrology, Nanometer-Scale Metrology, and Surface 
Metrology. The contact person for this division is: Dr. Dennis Swyt, 
and he may be reached at (301) 975-3463; <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#fb9f9e95959288d5888c828fbb9592888fd59c948d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="294d4c4747405a075a5e505d6947405a5d074e465f">[email protected]</span></a>.
    II. Manufacturing Metrology Division, 822--The primary objective is 
to support laboratory programs in Mechanical Metrology; Advanced Optics 
Metrology; Predictive Process Engineering; and Metrology and Smart 
Sensor Systems for Manufacturing Equipment. The contact person for this 
division is: Dr. E. Clayton Teague, and he may be reached at (301) 975-
6600; <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#51323d3028253e3f7f253430362434113f3822257f363e27"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2c4f404d555843420258494d4b59496c42455f58024b435a">[email protected]</span></a>.
    III. Intelligent Systems Division, 823--The primary objective is to 
support laboratory programs in Intelligent Open Architecture Control of 
Manufacturing Systems, Intelligent Controls of Mobility Systems, and 
Intelligent Systems. The contract person for this division is: Dr. John 
M. Evans, and he may be reached at (301) 975-3418; <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f298dc9784939c81b29c9b8186dc959d84"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b0da9ed5c6d1dec3f0ded9c3c49ed7dfc6">[email protected]</span></a>.
    IV. Manufacturing Systems Integration Division, 826--The primary 
objective is to pursue semantics- and ontology-based systems 
integration technology and standards through support of laboratory 
programs in Manufacturing Enterprise Integration; Manufacturing 
Simulation and Visualization; Product Engineering; and Meso-Micro-Nano-
Manufacturing. The contact person for this division is: Dr. Steven R. 
Ray, and he may be reached at (301) 975-3508; <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7e0d0a1b081b10500c1f073e10170d0a50191108"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7a090e1f0c1f1454081b033a1413090e541d150c">[email protected]</span></a>.
    Eligibility: The MEL Grants Program is be open to institutions of 
higher education; hospitals; non-profit organizations; commercial 
organizations; state, local, and Indian tribal governments; foreign 
governments; organizations under the jurisdiction of foreign 
governments; and international organizations.
    Funding Availability: In fiscal year 2002, the Mel Grants Program 
anticipates funding of approximately $750,000, including new awards and 
continuing projects. Individual awards are expected to range from 
approximately $25,000 to $300,000.
    Proposal Review Process: Responsive proposals will be reviewed in a 
two-step process. First, at least three independent, objective 
individuals knowledgeable about the particular scientific area 
described in the section above that the proposal addresses will conduct 
a technical review of proposals, based on the evaluation criteria 
described below. Reviews will be conducted no less than once per 
quarter, and all proposals since the last review session will be ranked 
based on the reviewers' scores. Second, the Division Chief or 
Laboratory Director will make application selections. In making 
application selections, the Division Chief or Laboratory Director will 
take into consideration the results of the reviewers' evaluations, the 
compatibility of the applicant's proposal with the program objectives 
of the particular division that the proposal addresses, the 
availability of funds, and relevance to the objectives of the MEL 
Grants Program. These objectives are described above in the Program 
Objectives. The final approval of selected applications and award of 
financial assistance will be made by the NIST Grants Officer based on 
compliance with application requirements as published in this notice, 
compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, and 
whether the recommended applicants appear to be responsible, Applicants 
may be asked to modify objectives, work plans, or budgets and provide 
supplemental information required by the agency prior to award. The 
decision of the Grants Officer is final.
    Evaluation Criteria: For the MEL Grants Program, the evaluation 
criteria the technical reviewers will use in evaluating the proposals 
are as follows:
    1. Rationality. Reviewers will consider the coherence of the 
applicant's approach and the extent to which the proposal effectively 
addresses scientific and technical issues.
    2. Technical Merit of Contribution. Reviewers will consider the 
potential technical effectiveness of the proposal and the value it 
would contribute to the field of manufacturing engineering and 
metrology research.
    3. Qualifications of Technical Personnel. Reviewers will consider 
the professional accomplishments, skills, and training of the proposed 
personnel to perform the work in the project.
    4. Resources Availability. Reviewers will consider the extent to 
which the proposer has access to the necessary NIST or other facilities 
and overall to accomplish project objectives.
    Each of these factors will be given equal weight in the evaluation 
process.
    Award Period: For the MEL Grants Program, proposals will be 
considered for research projects from one to three years. When a 
proposal for a multi-year award is approved, funding will generally be 
provided for only the first year of the program. If an application 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 total 
discretion of NIST. Funding for each subsequent year of a multi-year 
proposal will be contingent upon satisfactory progress, continued 
relevance to the mission of the MEL program, and the availability of 
fundings. The multi-year awards must

[[Page 66882]]

have scopes of work that can be easily separated into annual increments 
of meaningful work that represent solid accomplishments if prospective 
funding is not made available to the applicant, (i.e., the scopes of 
work for each funding period must produce identifiable and meaningful 
results in and of themselves).
    Matching Requirements: The MEL Grants Program does not require any 
matching funds.
    Application Kit: An application kit, containing all required 
application forms and certifications is available by electronic mail 
to: Mrs. Barbara Horner, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#35575447575447541b5d5a475b5047755b5c46411b525a43"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="71131003131003105f191e031f1403311f1802055f161e07">[email protected]</span></a>. Alternatively, Mrs. 
Horner can be contacted at (301) 975-4345.

Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory Grants Program

    Dates: The Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory Grants 
Program proposals must be received no later than the close of business 
September 30, 2002. Proposals received after June 30, 2002 will 
continue to be processed and considered for funding but may be funded 
in the next fiscal year, subject to the availability of funds.
    Addresses: For the Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory Grant 
Program applicants are requested to submit one signed original and two 
copies of the proposal clearly marked to identify the field of research 
to: Attn. Dr. William F. Koch, National Institute of Standards and 
Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8300, Gaithersburg, MD. 20899-8300, 
Tel (301) 975-8301, E-Mail: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b5c2dcd9d9dcd4d89bdedad6ddf5dbdcc6c19bd2dac3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4d3a242121242c206326222e250d23243e39632a223b">[email protected]</span></a>.
    Authority: As authorized under 15 U.S.C. 272 (b) and (c), the 
Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory conducts a basic and applied 
research program directly and through grants and cooperative agreements 
to eligible recipients.
    Program Description and Objectives: All proposals submitted to the 
Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory Grants Program must be in 
accordance with the program objectives listed below. The appropriate 
Program Manager for each field of research may be contacted for 
clarification of the program objectives.
    I. Biotechnology Division, 831--The primary objective is to advance 
the commercialization of biotechnology by developing the scientific/
engineering technical base, reliable measurements, standards, data and 
models to enable U.S. industry to quickly and economically produce 
biochemical products with appropriate quality control. The contact 
person for this division is: Dr. Gary L. Gilliland, and he may be 
reached at (301) 975-2629.
    II. Process Measurements Division, 836--The primary objective is to 
develop and provide measurement standards and services, measurement 
techniques, recommended practices, sensing technology, instrumentation, 
and mathematical models required for analysis, control, and 
optimization of industrial processes. The Division's research seeks 
fundamental understanding of, and generates key data pertinent to, 
chemical process technology. These efforts include the development and 
validation of data-predictive computational tools and correlation's, 
computer simulations of processing operations, and provision of 
requisite chemical, physical, and engineering data. The contact person 
for this division is: Dr. James R. Whetstone, and he may be reached at 
(301) 975-2609.
    III. Surface and Microanalysis Science Division, 837--The primary 
objective is to promote U.S. economic growth, safety, health, and 
environmental quality by working with industry, other government 
agencies, and standards organizations to develop and apply key 
technologies, measurements, and standard for spatially and temporally 
resolved chemical characterization. The contact person for this 
division is: Dr. Richard R. Cavanagh, and he may be reached at (301) 
975-2368.
    IV. Physical and Chemical Properties Division, 838--The primary 
objective is to be the Nation's reference laboratory for measurements, 
standards, data, and models for, the thermophysical and thermochemical 
properties of gases, liquids, and solids--both pure materials and 
mixtures. The rates and mechanisms of chemical reactions in the gas and 
liquid phases, fluid-based processes and systems, including 
separations, low-temperature refrigeration, and low-temperature heat 
transfer and flow. The contact person for this division is: Dr. Mickey 
Haynes, and he may be reached at (303) 497-3247.
    V. Analytical Chemistry Division, 839--The primary objective is to 
serve as the Nation's reference laboratory for chemical measurements 
and standards to enhance U.S. industry's productivity and 
competitiveness, assure equity in trade, and provide quality assurance 
for chemical measures used for assessing and improving public health, 
safety, and environment. The contact person for this division is: Dr. 
Willie E. May, and he may be reached at (301) 975-3108.
    Eligibility: The Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory Grants 
Program is open to institutions of higher education; hospitals; non-
profit organizations; commercial organizations; state, local, and 
Indian trial governments; foreign governments; organizations under the 
jurisdiction of foreign governments; and international organizations.
    Funding Availability: In fiscal year 2002, the Chemical Science and 
Technology Laboratory anticipates funding of approximately $1,000,000. 
Individual awards are expected to range from approximately $5,000 to 
$100,000.
    No funds have been set aside specifically for support of the CSTL 
Grants Program. The availability of funds depends upon actual 
authorization of funds and other costs expected to be incurred by 
incurred by individual divisions within the laboratory. Where funds are 
identified as available for grants, those funds will be award to highly 
ranked proposals as determined by the process described in this notice.
    Proposal Review Process: For the Chemical Science and Technology 
Laboratory Grants Program, proposals will be reviewed in two-step 
process. First, at least three independent, objective individuals 
knowledgeable about the particular scientific area described in the 
section above that the proposal addresses will conduct a technical 
review of each proposal, based on the evaluation criteria described 
below. Reviews will be conducted on a monthly basis, and all proposals 
received during the month will be ranked based on the reviewers' 
scores. Second, the Division Chief will make application selections. In 
making application selections, the Division Chief will take into 
consideration the results of the reviews' evaluations, the 
compatibility of the applicant's proposal with the program objectives 
of the particular division or center that the proposal addresses, the 
availability of funds, and relevance to the objectives of the Chemical 
Science and Technology Laboratory Grants Program. These objectives are 
described above in the ``Program Objectives'' section. The final 
approval of selected applications and award of financial assistance 
will be made by the NIST Grants Officer based on compliance with 
application requirements as published in this notice, compliance with 
applicable legal and regulatory requirements, and whether the 
recommended applicants appear to be responsible. Applicants may be 
asked to modify objectives, work plans, or budgets and provide 
supplemental information required by the agency prior to award. The 
decisions of the Grants Officer are final.

[[Page 66883]]

    Evaluation Criteria: For the Chemical Science and Technology 
Laboratory Grants Program, the evaluation criteria the technical 
reviewers will use in evaluating the proposals are as follows:
    1. Rationality. Reviewers will consider the coherence of the 
applicant's approach and the extent to which the proposal effectively 
addresses scientific and technical issues.
    2. Qualifications of Technical Personnel. Reviewers will consider 
the professional accomplishments, skills,and training of the proposed 
personnel to perform the work in the project.
    3. Resources Availability. Reviewers will consider the extent to 
which the proposer has access to the necessary NIST or other facilities 
and overall support to accomplish project objectives.
    4. Technical Merit of Contribution. Reviewers will consider the 
potential technical effectiveness of the proposal and the value it 
would contribute to the field of Chemistry.
    Each of these factors will be given equal weight in the evaluation 
process.
    Award Period: For the Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory 
Grant Program, proposals will be considered for research projects from 
one to three years. When a proposal for a multi-year award is approved, 
funding will generally be provided for only the first year of the 
program. If an application 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 total discretion of NIST. Funding for 
each subsequent year of a multi-year proposal will be contingent upon 
satisfactory progress continued relevance to the mission of the 
Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory program, and the 
availability of funds. The multi-year awards must have scopes of work 
that can be easily separated into annual increments of meaningful work 
that represent solid accomplishments if prospective funding is not made 
available to the applicant, (i.e. the scopes of work for each funding 
period must produce identifiable and meaning results in and of 
themselves).
    Matching Requirements: The Chemical Science and Technology 
Laboratory Grants Program does not require any matching funds.
    Contact: For information on the Chemical Science and Technology 
Laboratory Grants Program, please contact Dr. William Koch, (301) 975-
8301.
    Application Kit: For the CSTL Grants Program, an application kit, 
containing all required application forms and certifications is 
available by contacting Mr. Neil Alderoty, (301) 975-8303.

Physics Laboratory Grants Program

    Dates: The Physics Laboratory Grants Program proposals must be 
received no later than the close of business September 30, 2002. 
Proposals received after June 30, 2002 will continue to be processed 
and considered for funding but may be funded in the next fiscal year, 
subject to the availability of funds.
    Addresses: For the Physics Laboratory Grant Program applicants are 
requested to submit one signed original and two copies of the proposal 
clearly marked to identify the field of research to: Attn.: Ms. Anita 
Sweigert, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau 
Drive, Stop 8400, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8400, Tel (301) 975-4200, E-
Mail: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#63020d0a17024d1014060a04061117230d0a10174d040c15"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f1909f988590df8286949896948385b19f988285df969e87">[email protected]</span></a>.
    Authority: As authorized under 15 U.S.C. 272(b) and (c), the 
Physics Laboratory conducts a basic and applied research program 
directly and through grants and cooperative agreements to eligible 
recipients.
    Program Description and Objectives: All proposals submitted to the 
Physics Laboratory Grants Program must be in accordance with the 
program objectives listed below. The appropriate Program Manager for 
each field of research may be contacted for clarification of the 
program objectives.
    1. Electron and Optical Physics Division, 841--The primary 
objective is to supplement division activities in characterization of 
nanometer-scale electronic and magnetic structures, characterization of 
EUV optical components to support semiconductor lithography and 
ultraviolet radiometric metrology. The contact person for this division 
is: Dr. Charles W. Clark and he may be reached at (301) 975-3709.
    II. Atomic Division, 842--The primary objective is to support 
division programs aimed at determining basic atomic properties and 
developing new metrology techniques in atomic spectroscopy, quantum 
processes, plasma radiation, laser cooling and trapping and quantum 
metrology. The contact person for this division is: Dr. Wolfgang L. 
Wiese and he may be reached at (301) 975-3200.
    III. Optical Technology Division, 844--The primary objective is to 
develop, improve and maintain national standards for radiation 
thermometry, spectroradiometry, photometry, and spectrophotometry as 
well as conduct basic theoretical and experimental research on the 
photophysical and photochemical properties of materials, in radiometric 
and spectroscopic technique's and instrumentation, and in the 
application of optical technologies. The contact person for this 
division is: Dr. Albert C. Parr and he may be reached at (301) 975-
2316.
    IV. Ionizing Radiation Division, 846--The primary objective is to 
provide primary standards and measurement methods and technology to 
support the Division's work in meeting national needs in radiation 
interactions and dosimetry, neutron interactions, dosimetry and 
radioactivity including both theoretical/experimental and applied 
research programs. The contact person for this division is: Dr. Bert M. 
Coursey and he may be reached at (301) 975-5584.
    V. Time and Frequency Division, 847--The primary objective is to 
supplement division basic and applied research programs in area of 
phase noise measurements, network synchronization, ion storage, atomic 
standards and optical frequency measurements in support of future 
standards, dissemination services, and measurement methods. The contact 
person for this division is: Dr. Donald B. Sullivan and he may be 
reached at (303) 497-3772.
    Eligibility: The Physics Laboratory Grants Program is open to 
institutions of higher education; hospitals; non-profit organizations; 
commercial organizations; state, local, and Indian tribal governments; 
foreign governments; organizations under the jurisdiction of foreign 
governments: and international organizations.
    Funding availability: In fiscal year 2002, the Physics Laboratory 
anticipates funding of approximately $1,400,000, including new awards 
and continuing projects. Funding availability will be apportioned by 
quarter. Individual awards are expected to range from approximately 
$5,000 to $250,000.
    Proposal Review Process: For the Physics Laboratory Grants Program, 
responsive proposals will be considered as follows: First, at least 
three independent, objective individuals knowledgeable about the 
particular scientific area described in the section above that the 
proposal addresses will conduct a technical review of each proposal, 
based on the evaluation criteria described below. Reviews will be 
conducted on a monthly basis, and all proposals received during the 
month will be ranked on the reviewers' scores. If non-Federal reviewers 
are used, reviewers may discuss the proposals with each other, but 
scores will be determined on an individual basis, not as a consensus.
    Next, the Division Chief will make final application selections, 
taking into

[[Page 66884]]

consideration the results of the reviewers' evaluations, including 
rank; the compilation of a slate that, when taken as a whole, is likely 
to best further the program goals described above; and the availability 
of funds.
    The final approval of selected applications and awards of financial 
assistance will be made by the NIST Grants Officer based on compliance 
with application requirements as published in this notice, compliance 
with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, and whether the 
recommended applicants appear to be responsible.
    Applicants may be asked to modify objectives, work plans, or 
budgets and provide supplemental information required by the agency 
prior to award.
    The decisions of the Grants Officer are final.
    Evaluation Criteria: For the Physics Laboratory Grants Program, the 
evaluation criteria the technical reviewers will use in evaluating the 
proposals are as follows:
    1. Rationality: Reviewers will consider the coherence of the 
applicants's approach and the extent to which the proposal effectively 
addresses scientific and technical issues.
    2. Qualifications of Technical Personnel. Reviewers will consider 
the professional accomplishments, skills, and training of the proposed 
personnel to perform the work in the project.
    3. Resources Availability. Reviewers will consider the extent to 
which the proposer has access to the necessary NIST or other facilities 
and overall support to accomplish, project objectives.
    4. Technical Merit of Contribution. Reviewers will consider the 
potential technical effectiveness of the proposal and the value it 
would contribute to the field of physics.
    Each of these factors will be given equal weight in the evaluation 
process.
    Award Period: For the Physics Laboratory Grant Program, proposals 
will be considered for research projects from one to three years. When 
a proposal for a multi-year project is approved, funding will generally 
be provided for only the first year of the program. If an application 
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 
total discretion of NIST. Funding for each subsequent year of a multi-
year proposal will be contingent upon satisfactory progress, continued 
relevance to the mission of the Physics Laboratory program, and the 
availability of funds. The multi-year awards must have scopes of work 
that can be easily separated into annual increments of meaningful work 
that represent solid accomplishments if prospective funding is not made 
available to the applicant, (i.e., the scopes of work for each funding 
period must produce identifiable and meaningful results in and of 
themselves).
    Matching Requirements: The physics Laboratory Grants Program does 
not require any matching funds.
    Application Kit: For the Physics Laboratory Grants Program, an 
application kit, containing all required application forms and 
certifications is available by contacting Ms. Anita Sweigert, (301) 
975-4201.

MSEL Grants Program

    Dates: The MSEL Grants Program proposals must be received no later 
than the close of business September 30, 2002. Proposals received after 
June 30, 2002 will continue to be processed and considered for funding 
but may be funded in the next fiscal year, subject to the availability 
of funds. Each application must submit one signed original and two 
copies of each proposal along with a Grant Application, (Standard Form 
424 REV. 7/97 and other required forms).
    Addresses: For the MSEL Grants Program, submit one signed original 
and two copies of the proposal, clearly marked to identify the field of 
research, to: Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory, Attn: Ms. 
Marlene Taylor, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 
Bureau Drive, Stop 8501, Building 223, Room A305, Gaithersburg, 
Maryland 20899-8501, Tel: (301) 975-5653, E-mail: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5934382b353c373c772d382035362b1937302a2d773e362f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="dcb1bdaeb0b9b2b9f2a8bda5b0b3ae9cb2b5afa8f2bbb3aa">[email protected]</span></a>.
    Authority: The authority for the MSEL Grants Program is as follows: 
As authorized under 15 U.S.C. 272 (b) and (c), the MSEL conducts a 
basic and applied research directly and through grants and cooperative 
agreements to eligible recipients.
    Program Description and Objectives: All proposals submitted to the 
MSEL Grants Program must be in accordance with the program objectives 
listed below. The appropriate Program Manager for each field of 
research may be contacted for clarification of the program objectives.
    I. Ceramics Division, 852-The primary objective is to supplement 
division activities in the area of ceramic processing, tribology, 
composites, machining, interfacial chemistry, and microstructural 
analysis. The contact person for this division is: Dr. Ronald Munro and 
he may be reached at (301) 975-6127 or by e-mail at 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#34465b5a5558501a59415a465b745a5d47401a535b42"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="acdec3c2cdc0c882c1d9c2dec3ecc2c5dfd882cbc3da">[email protected]</span></a>.
    II. Polymers Division, 854--The primary objective is to support 
division programs in electronics materials, biomaterials, multiphase 
materials and processing characterization through participation in 
research on metrology, synthesis, processing and characterization of 
structure, mechanical, thermal and electrical properties. The contact 
person for this division is: Dr. Bruno Fanconi and he may be reached at 
(301) 975-6769 or by e-mail at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#660414130809480007080509080f26080f151248010910"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="305242455e5f1e56515e535f5e59705e5943441e575f46">[email protected]</span></a>.
    III. Metallurgy Division, 855--The primary objective is to develop 
techniques to predict, measure and control transformation, phases, 
microstructure and kinetic processes as well as mechanical, physical 
and chemical properties in metals and their alloys. The contact person 
for this division is: Dr. Richard J. Fields and he may be reached at 
(301) 975-5712 or by e-mail at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0b796268636a796f256d626e676f784b6562787f256c647d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b3c1dad0dbd2c1d79dd5dad6dfd7c0f3dddac0c79dd4dcc5">[email protected]</span></a>.
    IV. NIST Center for Neutron Research, 856--The primary objective is 
to develop high resolution cold and thermal neutron scattering research 
approaches and related physics, chemistry, macromolecular and materials 
applications. The contact person for this division is: Dr. John J. Rush 
and he may be reached at (301) 975-6231 or by e-mail at 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6d07020503431f181e052d03041e19430a021b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="066c696e68287473756e46686f757228616970">[email protected]</span></a>.
    Eligibility: The MSEL Grants Program is open to institutions of 
higher education; hospitals; non-profit organizations; commercial 
organizations; state, local, and Indian tribal governments; foreign 
governments; organizations under the jurisdiction of foreign 
governments; and international organizations.
    Funding Availability: In fiscal year 2002, the MSEL Grants Program 
anticipates funding of approximately $2,500,000, including new awards 
and continuing projects. Most grants and cooperative agreements are 
expected to be in the $25,000 to $100,000 per year range.
    Proposal Review Process: For the MSEL Grants Program proposals will 
be reviewed in a two-step process. First, at least three independent, 
objective individuals knowledgeable about the particular scientific 
area described in the section above that the proposal addresses will 
conduct a technical review of proposals, as they are received on a 
rolling basis, based on the evaluation criteria. Second, the Division 
Chief or Center Director will make application selections. In making 
applications selections, the Division

[[Page 66885]]

Chief or Center Director will take into consideration the results of 
the reviewer's evaluations, the compatibility of the applicant's 
proposal with the program objectives of the particular division or 
center that the proposal addresses, the availability of funds, and 
relevance to the objectives of the MSEL Grants Program. These 
objectives are described above in the ``Program Objectives'' section. 
The final approval of selected applications and award of financial 
assistance will be made by the NIST Grants Officer based on compliance 
with application requirements as published in this notice, compliance 
with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, and whether the 
recommended applicants appear to be responsible. Applicants may be 
asked to modify objectives, work plans, or budgets and provide 
supplemental information required by the agency prior to award. The 
decision of the Grants Officer is final.
    Evaluation Criteria: For the MSEL Grants Program, the evaluation 
criteria the technical reviewers will use in evaluating the proposals 
are as follows:
    1. Rationality. Reviewers will consider the coherence of the 
applicant's approach and the extent to which the proposal effectively 
addresses scientific and technical issues.
    2. Qualifications of Technical Personnel. Reviewer will consider 
the professional accomplishments, skills, and training of the proposed 
personnel to perform the work in the project.
    3. Resources Availability. Reviewers will consider the extent to 
which the proposer has access to the necessary NIST or other facilities 
and overall support to accomplish project objectives.
    4. Technical Merit of Contribution. Reviewers will consider the 
potential technical effectiveness of the proposal and the value it 
would contribute to the field of materials science and engineering and 
neutron research.
    Each of these factors will be given equal weight in the evaluation 
process.
    Award Period: For the MSEL Grants Program, proposals will be 
considered for research projects from one to three years. When a 
proposal for a multi-year award is approved, funding will generally be 
provided for only the first year of the program. If an application is 
selected for funding, NIST has no obligation to provide any additional 
funding in connection with the award. Continuation of an award to 
increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the total 
discretion of NIST. Funding for each subsequent year of a multi-year 
proposal will be contingent upon satisfactory progress, continued 
relevance to the mission of the MSEL program, and the availability of 
funds. The multi-year awards must have scopes of work that can be 
easily separated into annual increments of meaningful work and 
represent solid accomplishment if prospective funding is not made 
available to the applicant, (i.e., the scopes of work for each funding 
period must produce identifiable and meaningful results in and of 
themselves).
    Matching Requirements: The MSEL Grants Program does not require any 
matching funds.
    Application Kit: For the MSEL Grants Program, an application kit, 
containing all required application forms and certifications is 
available by contacting Ms. Marlene Taylor, (301) 975-5653.

Fire Research Grants Program

    Dates: The Fire Research Grants Program proposals must be received 
no later than the close of business September 30, 2002. Proposals 
received after June 30, 2002 will continue to be processed and 
considered for funding but may be funded in the next fiscal year, 
subject to the availability of funds.
    Addresses: For the Fire Research Grants Program submit one signed 
original and two copies of the proposal to: Building and Fire Research 
Laboratory (BFRL), Attn.: Ms. Wanda Duffin, National Institute of 
Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8660, Gaithersburg, 
Maryland 20899-8660, Tel: (301) 975-6863, E-mail: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f384929d9792dd978695959a9db39d9a8087dd949c85"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7c0b1d12181d5218091a1a15123c12150f08521b130a">[email protected]</span></a>, Web site: http://www.bfrl.nist.gov.
    Authority: As authorized by 15 U.S.C. 278f, the NIST Building and 
Fire Research Laboratory conducts directly and through grants and 
cooperative agreements, a basic and applied fire research program.
    Program Description and Objectives: The program description and 
objectives for the Fire Research Grants Program are as follows:
    A. Analysis and Prediction: The objectives are to develop 
understanding and predictive methods for dynamic fire phenomena to 
advance fire science and engineering practice and to perform research 
to understand the heat and mass transfer processes occurring in fires 
in order to improve predictions of the growth, spread, suppression, and 
emissions transport form fires of all scales. Experiments and metrology 
are developed and used to develop, support, and verify advanced 
computer simulations of fire phenomena, fire hazards, fire protection, 
and fire fighting. The contact person for this group is: Dr. Anthony 
Hamins, and he may be reached at (301) 975-6598.
    B. Fire Metrology: The objective is to apply measurement science in 
the development and quantification of new and existing measurement 
methods for studying fire growth, fire-induced flows, flame radiation, 
smoke formation and dynamics, species production, heat transfer, fire 
suppression, and fire suppression, and fire detection. The contact 
person for this group is: Dr. George Mulholland, and he may be reached 
at (301) 975-6695.
    C. Fire Fighting Technology: The objectives are to conduct research 
that enables advances in fire fighter safety, fire ground operations, 
and effectiveness of the fire service; develop and apply measurements, 
modeling and technology, and improve the understanding of the behavior, 
prevention and control of fires to enhance: Fire fighting operations 
and equipment, fire suppression, fire investigations, and disaster 
response; and provide input, including experimental data, fire modeling 
and test protocols, to advance the effectiveness of fire safety 
standards and codes. The contact person for this group is Mr. Nelson 
Bryner, and he may be reached at (301) 975-6868.
    D. Integrated Performance Assessment: The objective is to produce 
tools utilizing enhanced data and prediction methods to quantify fire 
events for fire and hazard and risk assessment; for fire fighting 
operations and training; for fire investigations; and for performance 
evaluations of fire protection systems in buildings, transportation 
systems, and vehicles in response to fire. Stakeholders include 
architects and design engineers; manufacturers of building materials, 
products, and furnishings; code developers, enforcers, and regulatory 
authorities; and those exposed to direct risk such as building owners, 
occupants, the fire service, and the general public. The contact person 
for this group is: Dr. Kathy Notarianni, and she can be reached at 
(301) 975-6883.
    E. Materials and Products: The objective is to perform research 
enabling the confident development by industry of new, less-flammable 
materials and products. This capability is based on understanding 
fundamentally the mechanisms that control the ignition, flame spread 
and burning rate of materials, as well as and the chemical and physical 
characteristics that affect these aspects of flammability. This 
includes: developing methods of measuring the response of a material to 
fire conditions that enable assured prediction of the full-scale 
performance of the final product; developing computational molecular 
dynamics and

[[Page 66886]]

other mechanistic approaches to understand flame retardant mechanisms 
and the effects of polymer chemical structure on flammability; 
characterizing the burning rates of charring and non-charring polymers 
and composites; and delineating and modeling the enthalpy and mass 
transfer mechanisms of materials combustion. The contact person for 
this group is Dr. Jefferey Gilman, and he can be reached at (301) 975-
6573.
    Eligibility: The Fire Research Grants Program is open to 
institutions of higher education; hospitals; non-profit organizations; 
commercial organizations; state, local, and Indian tribal governments; 
foreign governments; organizations under the jurisdiction of foreign 
governments; and international organizations.
    Funding Availability: For the Fire Research Grants Program, the 
annual budget is approximately $1.0 million. Because of commitments for 
the support of multi-year projects, only a portion of the budget is 
available to initiate new programs in any one year. Most grants and 
cooperative agreements are in the $10,000 to $100,000 per year range.
    Proposal Review Process: Responsive proposals will be assigned, as 
received on a rolling basis, to the appropriate group leader of the 
five programs listed above in the program description and objectives. 
Proposals are evaluated for technical merit based on the evaluation 
criteria by at least three reviewers chosen from NIST professionals, 
technical experts from other interested government agencies, and 
experts from the fire research community at large. When non-Federal 
reviewers are used, reviewers may discuss the proposals with each 
other, but scores will be determined on an individual basis, not as a 
consensus. Group leaders will make funding recommendations to the 
Division Chief based on the technical evaluation score and the 
relationship of the work proposed to the objectives of the program.
    In making application selections, the Division Chief will take into 
consideration the results of the evaluations, the scores of the 
reviewers, the group leader's recommendation, the availability of 
funds, and relevance to the objectives of the Fire Research Grants 
Program, as described in the Program Description and Objectives section 
for this program.
    The final approval of selected applications and award of financial 
assistance will be made by the NIST Grants Officer based on compliance 
with application requirements as published in this notice, compliance 
with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, and whether the 
recommended applicants appear to be responsible. Applicants may be 
asked to modify objectives, work plans, or budgets and provide 
supplemental information required by the agency prior to award. The 
award decision of the Grants Officer is final. Applicants should allow 
up to 90 days processing time.
    Evaluation Criteria: For the Fire Research Grants Program, the 
technical evaluation criteria are as follows:
    a. Technical quality of the research. Reviewers will assess the 
rationality, innovation and imagination of the proposal and the fit to 
NIST's in-house fire research program. (0-35 points).
    b. Potential impact of the results. Reviewers will assess the 
potential impact and the technical application of the results to our 
in-house programs and the fire safety community. (0-25 points)
    c. Staff and institution capability to do the work. Reviewers will 
evaluate the quality of the facilities and experience of the staff to 
assess the likelihood of achieving the objective of the proposal. (0-20 
points)
    d. Match of budget to proposed work. Reviewers will assess the 
budget against the proposed work to ascertain the reasonableness of the 
request. (0-20 points)
    Award Period: For the Fire Research Grants Program, proposals will 
be considered for research projects from one to three years. When a 
proposal for a multi-year project is approved, funding will initially 
be provided for only the first year of the program. If an application 
is selected for funding, DoC has no obligation to provide any 
additional future funding in connection with that award. Funding for 
each subsequent year of a multi-year proposal will be contingent on 
satisfactory progress, continuing relevance to the mission of the NIST 
Fire Research Program, and the availability of funds.
    Matching Requirements: The Fire Research Grants Program does not 
require any matching funds.
    Application Kit: For the Fire Research Grants Program, an 
application kit, containing all required application forms and 
certifications is available by contacting Ms. Wanda Duffin, (301) 975-
6863, web site: http://www.bfrl.nist.gov.
    Additional Information: The Department of Commerce Pre-Award 
Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements 
contained in the Federal Register notice of October 1, 2001 (66 FR 
49917) are applicable to this solicitation. In addition, the following 
information is applicable to all programs described above.
    Funding Availability: For all Financial Assistance programs listed 
above, awards are contingent on the availability of funds.

    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Name and Number: 
Measurement and Engineering Research and Standards--11.609.


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: All grants related administration 
questions concerning these programs should be directed to the NIST 
Grants and Agreements Management Division at (301) 975-6328.
    Where websites are referenced within this notice, those without 
websites may contact the appropriate Program official to obtain 
information.

Initial Screening of All Applications

    All applications received in response to this announcement will be 
reviewed to determine whether or not they are complete and responsive. 
Incomplete or non-responsive applications will not be reviewed for 
technical merit. The Program will retain one copy of each non-
responsive application for three years for recordkeeping purposes. The 
remaining copies will be destroyed.

Fees and/or Profit

    It is not the intent of NIST to pay fee or profit for any of the 
financial assistance awards that may be issued pursuant to this 
announcement.

Automated Standardized Application for Payment System (ASAP)

    During FY 2002 and becoming mandatory in FY 2003, the Department of 
Commerce will begin using the Department of Treasury's ASAP. NIST began 
using the ASAP system in July 2001 and continues to establish new 
accounts in ASAP. Awards made pursuant to this announcement may contain 
the ASAP payment clause. In order to receive payments for services 
under these awards, recipients will be required to register with the 
Department of Treasury and indicate whether or not they will use the 
on-line voice response method of withdrawing funds from their ASAP 
established accounts. More information regarding ASAP can be found on-
line at http://www.fms.treas.gov/asap/index.html.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The standard forms in the application kit involve a collection of 
information subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act. The use of Standard 
Forms 424, 424A, 424B, SF-LLL, and CD-346 have been approved by OMB 
under the respective

[[Page 66887]]

Control Numbers 0348-0043, 0348-0044, 0348-0040, 0348-0046, and 0605-
0001.
    Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is 
required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty 
for failure to comply with, a collection subject to the requirements of 
the Paperwork Reduction Act, unless that collection of information 
displays a currently valid OMB Control Number.

Research Projects Involving Human Subjects, Human Tissue, Data or 
Recordings Involving Human Subjects

    Any proposal that includes research involving human subjects, human 
tissue, data or recordings involving human subjects must meet the 
requirements of the Common Rule for the Protection of Human Subjects, 
codified for the Department of Commerce at 15 CFR part 27. In addition, 
any proposal that includes research on these topics must be in 
compliance with any statutory requirements imposed upon the Department 
of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and other federal agencies 
regarding these topics, all regulatory policies and guidance adopted by 
DHHS, FDA, and other federal agencies on these topics, and all 
Presidential statements of policy on these topics.
    On December 3, 2000, the U.S. Department of Health and Human 
Services (DHHS) introduced a new Federalwide Assurance of Protection of 
Human Subjects (FWA). The FWA covers all of an institution's Federally-
supported human subjects research, and eliminates the need for other 
types of Assurance documents. The Office of Human Research Protections 
(OHRP) has suspended processing of multiple project assurance (MPA) 
renewals. All existing MPAs will remain in force until further notice. 
For information about FWAs, please see the OHRP website at http://ohrp.osophs.dhhs.gov/irbasur.htm.
    In accordance with the DHHS charge, NISH will continue to accept 
the submission of human subjects protocols that have been approved by 
Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) possessing a current, valid MPA from 
DHHS. NIST also will accept the submission of human subjects protocols 
that have been approved by IRBs possessing a current, valid FWA or MPA 
from DHHS. NIST will not issue a single project assurance (SPA) for any 
IRB reviewing any human subjects protocol proposed to NIST.
    On August 9, 2001, the President announced his decision to allow 
Federal funds to be used for research on existing human embryonic stem 
cell lines as long as prior to his announcement (1) The derivation 
process (which commences with the removal of the inner cell mass from 
the blastocyst) had already been initiated and (2) the embryo from the 
which the stem cell line was derived no longer had the possibility of 
development as a human being. NIST will follow guidance issued by the 
National Institutes of Health at http://escr.nih.gov/ for funding such 
research.

Research Projects Involving Vertebrate Animals

    Any proposal that includes research involving vertebrate animals 
must be in compliance with the National Research Council's ``Guide for 
the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals'' which can be obtained from 
National Academy Press, 2101 Constitution Ave, NW., Washington, DC 
20055. In addition, such proposals must meet the requirements of the 
Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2131 et seq.), 9 CFR parts 1, 2, and 3, 
and if appropriate, 21 CFR part 58. These regulations do not apply to 
proposed research using pre-existing images of animals or to research 
plans that do not include live animals that are being cared for, 
euthanased, or used by the project participants to accomplish research 
goals, teaching, or testing. These regulations also do not apply to 
obtaining animal materials from commercial processors of animal 
products or to animal cell lines or tissues from tissue banks.

Matching Funds

    Although many of the programs described in this notice do not 
require cost share, if it is determined that your proposal falls within 
the authority of 19 U.S.C. 2543-45 cost share will be required as 
follows:
    Pursuant to 19 U.S.C. 2543-45, financial assistance shall not 
exceed 75 percent of such program or activity, when the primary purpose 
of such program or activity is--
    (1) To increase the awareness of proposed and adopted standards-
related activities;
    (2) To facilitate international trade through the appropriate 
international and domestic standards-related activities;
    (3) To provide adequate United States representation in 
international standards-related activities; and
    (4) To encourage United States exports through increase awareness 
of foreign standards-related activities that may affect United States 
exports.

Type of Funding Instrument

    The funding instrument will be a grant or cooperative agreement, 
depending on the nature of the proposed work. A grant will be used 
unless NIST is ``substantially involved'' in the project, in which case 
a cooperative agreement will be used. A common example of substantial 
involvement is collaboration between NIST scientist and recipient 
scientists or technicians. Further examples are listed in section 
5.03.d of Department of Commerce Administrative Order 203-26, which can 
be found at http://www.osec.doc.gov/bmi/daos/203-26.htm. NIST will make 
decisions regarding the use of a cooperative agreement on a case-by-
case basis. Funding for contractual arrangements for services and 
products for delivery to NIST is not available under this announcement.

Indirect Costs

    For the EEEL, MEL, CSTL, Physics, MSEL, BFRL, and ITL SURF 
Programs, no Federal funds will be authorized for Indirect Costs (IDC) 
nor fringe benefits; however, an applicant may provide for IDC and/or 
fringe benefits under his/her portion of Cost Sharing.

Classification

    This funding notice was determined to be ``not significant'' for 
purposes of Executive Order 12866.
    It has been determined that this notice does not contain policies 
with Federalism implications as that term is defined in Executive Order 
13132.
    Applications under these programs are not subject to Executive 
Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.''
    Because notice and comment are not required under 5 U.S.C. 553, or 
any other law, for notices relating to public property, loans, grants, 
benefits or contracts (5 U.S.C. 553(a)), a Regulatory Flexibility 
Analysis is not required and has not been prepared for this notice, 5 
U.S.C. 601 et seq.

    Dated: December 18, 2001.
Karen H. Brown,
Deputy Director, NIST.
[FR Doc. 01-31573 Filed 12-26-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-13-M


</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>