Source: http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&rgn=div5&view=text&node=10:4.0.1.3.13&idno=10
Timestamp: 2014-04-23 11:19:45
Document Index: 476037074

Matched Legal Cases: ['ART 605', '§605', '§605', '§605', '§605', '§605', 'art 600', '§605', 'art 600', '§605', 'art 600', '§605', 'art 605', '§605', '§605', '§605', 'art 605', '§605', '§605', '§605', '§605', 'art 600', 'arts 600', '§605', 'art 1005', 'art, 10', 'art 600', '§605', 'art 600', '§605', '§605', 'art 745', '§605', '§605', '§605', '§605', '§605', 'art 600', 'art 121', 'art 600', 'art 121', 'art 600', 'art 600', '§605', '§605', '§605', '§605', '§605', '§605', 'art 600']

PART 605—THE OFFICE OF ENERGY RESEARCH FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMContents§605.1 Purpose and scope.
§605.4 Deviations.
§605.5 The Office of Energy Research Financial Assistance Program.
Authority: Section 31 of the Atomic Energy Act, as amended, Pub. L. 83-703, 68 Stat. 919 (42 U.S.C. 2051); sec. 107 of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, Pub. L. 93-438, 88 Stat. 1240 (42 U.S.C. 5817); Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974, Pub. L. 93-577, 88 Stat. 1878 (42 U.S.C. 5901 et seq.); secs. 644 and 646 of the Department of Energy Organization Act, Pub. L. 95-91, 91 Stat. 599 (42 U.S.C. 7254 and 7256); Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act, as amended (31 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.). Source: 57 FR 40583, Sept. 3, 1992, unless otherwise noted. Back to Top
§605.1 Purpose and scope.This part sets forth the policies and procedures applicable to the award and administration of grants and cooperative agreements by the DOE Office of Energy Research (ER) and the Science and Technology Advisor (STA) Organization for basic and applied research, educational and/or training activities, conferences and related activities. Back to Top
§605.2 Applicability.(a) This part applies to all grants and cooperative agreements awarded after the effective date of this amended rule.(b) Except as otherwise provided by this part, the award and administration of grants and cooperative agreements shall be governed by 10 CFR part 600 (DOE Financial Assistance Rules). Back to Top
§605.3 Definitions.In addition to the definitions provided in 10 CFR part 600, the following definitions are provided for purposes of this part—Basic and applied research means basic and applied research and that part of development not related to the development of specific systems or products. The primary aim of research is scientific study and experimentation directed toward advancing the state of the art or increasing knowledge or understanding rather than focusing on a specific system or product.Educational/Training means support for education or related activities for an individual or organization that will enhance education levels and skills in particular scientific or technical areas of interest to DOE.Principal investigator means the scientist or other individual designated by the recipient to direct the project.Recipient obligation means the amounts of orders placed, contracts and subawards issued, services received, and similar transactions during a given period that will require payment by the recipient during the same or a future period.Related conference means scientific or technical conferences, symposia, workshops or seminars for the purpose of communicating or exchanging information or views pertinent to ER/STA.Special purpose equipment means equipment which is used only for research, medical, scientific, educational, or other related project activity. Back to Top
§605.4 Deviations.Single-case deviations from this part may be authorized in writing by the Director or Deputy Director of ER or the Head of a Contracting Activity upon the written request of DOE staff, an applicant for an award, or a recipient. A request from an applicant or a recipient must be submitted to or through the cognizant contracting officer. Whenever a proposed deviation from this part would be a deviation from 10 CFR part 600, the deviation must also be authorized in accordance with the procedures prescribed in that part. Back to Top
§605.5 The Office of Energy Research Financial Assistance Program.(a) DOE may issue, under the Office of Energy Research Financial Assistance Program, 10 CFR part 605, awards for basic and applied research, educational/training activities, conferences, and other related activities under the ER program areas set forth in paragraph (b) of this section and described in appendix A of this part.(b) The Program areas are:(1) Basic Energy Sciences(2) Field Operations Management(3) Fusion Energy(4) Health and Environmental Research(5) High Energy and Nuclear Physics(6) Scientific Computing Staff(7) Superconducting Super Collider(8) University and Science Education Programs(9) Program Analysis; and(10) Other program areas of interest as may be described in a notice of availability published in the Federal Register. Back to Top
§605.6 Eligibility.Any university or other institution of higher education or other non-profit or for-profit organization, non-Federal agency, or entity is eligible for a grant or cooperative agreement. An unaffiliated individual also is eligible for a grant or cooperative agreement. Back to Top
§605.7 [Reserved] Back to Top
§605.8 Solicitation.(a) The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number for this program is 81.049, and its solicitation control number is ERFAP 10 CFR part 605.(b) An application for a new or renewal award under this solicitation may be submitted at any time to DOE at the address specified in paragraph (c) of this section. New or renewal applications shall receive consideration for funding generally within 6 months but, in any event, no later than 12 months from the date of receipt by DOE.(c) Applicants may obtain application forms, described in §605.9(b), and additional information from the Acquisition and Assistance Management Division, Office of Energy Research, ER-64, Department of Energy, Washington, DC 20585, (301) 903-5544, and shall submit applications to the same address.(d) DOE shall publish annually, in the Federal Register, a notice of the availability of the Office of Energy Research Financial Assistance Program. DOE shall also publish notices or abbreviated notices of availability in trade and professional journals, and news media, and use other means of communication, as appropriate.(1) Each notice of availability shall cite this part and shall include:(i) The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number and solicitation control number of the program;(ii) The amount of money available or estimated to be available for award;(iii) The name of the responsible DOE program official to contact for additional information, and an address where application forms may be obtained; (iv) The address for submission of applications; and(v) Any evaluation criteria in addition to those set forth in §605.10.(2) The notice of availability may also include any other relevant information helpful to applicants such as:(i) Program objectives,(ii) A project agenda or potential areas for project initiatives,(iii) Problem areas requiring additional effort, and (iv) Any other information which identifies areas in which grants or cooperative agreements may be made.(e) DOE is under no obligation to pay for any costs associated with the preparation or submission of applications.(f) DOE reserves the right to fund, in whole or in part, any, all, or none of the applications submitted.(g) To be considered for a renewal award under this part, an incumbent recipient shall submit a renewal application as provided in §605.9 (c) and (h). Back to Top
§605.9 Application requirements.(a) An original and seven copies of the application for initial support must be submitted except that State governments, local governments, or Indian tribal governments shall not be required to submit more than the original and two copies of the application.(b) Each new or renewal application in response to this part must include:(1) An application face page, DOE Form 4650.2 (approved by OMB under OMB Control No. 1910-1400). However, the facesheet of the application for State and local governments and Indian tribal government applicants shall be the facesheet of Standard Form (SF) 424 (approved by OMB under OMB Control Number 0348-0043).(2) A detailed description of the proposed project, including the objectives of the project, in relationship to DOE's program and the applicant's plan for carrying it out;(3) Detailed information about the background and experience of the principal investigator(s) (including references to publications), the facilities and experience of the applicant, and the cost-sharing arrangements, if any.(4) A detailed budget for the entire proposed period of support with written justification sufficient to evaluate the itemized list of costs provided on the entire project.(i) Numerical details on items of cost provided by State and local government and Indian tribal government applicants shall be on Standard Form 424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (approved under OMB Control No. 0348-0044). All other applicants shall use budget form ERF 4620.1 (approved by OMB under Control No. 1910-1400).(ii) DOE may, subsequent to receipt of an application, request additional budgetary information from an applicant when necessary for clarification or to make informed preaward determinations under 10 CFR part 600.(5) Any preaward assurances required pursuant to 10 CFR parts 600 and 605.(c) Applications for a renewal award must be submitted in an original and seven copies, except that State governments, local governments, or Indian tribes are required to submit only an original and two copies. (Approved by OMB under OMB Control Numbers 0348-0005—0348-0009)(d) The application must be signed by an official who is authorized to act for the applicant organization and to commit the applicant to comply with the terms and conditions of the award, if one is issued, or if unaffiliated, by the individual applicant. (See §605.19(a)(1) for requirements on continuation awards.)(e) All applications which involve research, development, or demonstration activities when such activities:(1) Have a unique geographic focus and are directly relevant to the governmental responsibilities of a State or local government within the geographic area;(2) Necessitate the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. (1976)); or(3) Are to be initiated at a particular site or location and require unusual measures to limit the possibility of adverse exposure or hazard to the general public, are subject to the provisions of Executive Order 12372 and 10 CFR part 1005.
Anyone planning to submit such applications should contact ER for further information about compliance requirements.(f) DOE may return an application which does not include all information and documentation required by statute, this part, 10 CFR part 600 or the notice of availability, when the nature of the omission precludes review of the application.(g) During the review of the complete application, DOE may request the submission of additional information only if the information is essential to evaluate the application.(h) In addition to including the information described in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this section, an application for a renewal award must be submitted no later than six months prior to the scheduled expiration of the project period and must be on the same forms and include the same type of information as that required for initial applications. The renewal application must outline and justify a program and budget for the proposed project period, showing in detail the estimated cost of the proposed project, together with an indication of the amount of funds needed and the amount of cost sharing, if any. The application also shall describe and explain the reasons for any change in the scope or objectives of the proposed project, and shall compare and explain any difference between the estimates in the proposed budget and actual costs experienced as of the date of the application.(i) DOE is not required to return to the applicant an application which is not selected or funded.(j) Renewal applications must include a separate section that describes the results of work accomplished through the date of the renewal application and how such results relate to the activities proposed to be undertaken in the renewal period. Back to Top
§605.10 Application evaluation and selection.(a) Applications shall be evaluated for funding generally within 6 months but, in any event, no later than 12 months from the date of receipt by DOE. After DOE has held an application for 6 months, the applicant may, in response to DOE's request, be required to revalidate the terms of the original application.(b) DOE staff shall perform an initial evaluation of all applications to ensure that the information required by this part is provided, that the proposed effort is technically sound and feasible, and that the effort is consistent with program funding priorities. For applications which pass the initial evaluation, DOE shall review and evaluate each application received based on the criteria set forth below and in accordance with the Merit Review System developed as required under DOE Financial Assistance Regulations, 10 CFR part 600.(c) DOE shall select evaluators on the basis of their professional qualifications and expertise. Evaluators shall be required to comply with all applicable DOE rules or directives concerning the use of outside evaluators.(d) DOE shall evaluate new and renewal applications based on the following criteria which are listed in descending order of importance:(1) Scientific and/or technical merit or the educational benefits of the project; (2) Appropriateness of the proposed method or approach;(3) Competency of applicant's personnel and adequacy of proposed resources;(4) Reasonableness and appropriateness of the proposed budget; and (5) Other appropriate factors established and set forth by ER in a notice of availability or in a specific solicitation.(e) Also, DOE shall consider, as part of the evaluation, other available advice or information as well as program policy factors such as ensuring an appropriate balance among the program areas listed in §605.5(b) of this part.(f) In addition to the evaluation criteria set forth in paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section, DOE shall consider the recipient's performance under the existing award during the evaluation of a renewal application.(g) Selection of applications for award will be based upon the findings of the technical evaluations, the importance and relevance of the proposed application to ER's mission, and fund availability. Cost reasonableness and realism will also be considered to the extent appropriate.(h) After the selection of an application, DOE may, if necessary, enter into negotiation with an applicant. Such negotiations are not a commitment that DOE will make an award. Back to Top
§605.11 Additional requirements.(a) A recipient performing research, development, or related activities involving the use of human subjects must comply with DOE regulations in 10 CFR part 745, “Protection of Human Subjects,” and any additional provisions which may be included in the Special Terms and Conditions of an award.(b) A recipient performing research involving recombinant DNA molecules and/or organisms and viruses containing recombinant DNA molecules shall comply with the National Institutes of Health “Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules” (51 FR 16958, May 7, 1986), or such later revision of those guidelines as may be published in the Federal Register. (The guidelines are available from the Office of Recombinant DNA Activities, National Institutes of Health, Building 31, room 4B11, Bethesda, Maryland 20892.)(c) Any recipient performing research on warm-blooded animals shall comply with the Federal Laboratory Animal Welfare Act of 1966, as amended (7 U.S.C. 2131 et seq.) and the regulations promulgated thereunder by the Secretary of Agriculture at 9 CFR chapter I, subchapter A, pertaining to the care, handling, and treatment of warm blooded animals held or used for research, teaching, or other activities supported by Federal awards. The recipient shall comply with the guidelines described in DHHS Publication No. [NIH] 86-23, “Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals,” or succeeding revised editions. (This guide is available from the Office for Protection from Research Risks, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health, Building 31, room 4B09, Bethesda, Maryland 20205.) Back to Top
§605.12 Funding.(a) The project period during which DOE expects to provide support for an approved project under this part shall generally not exceed 3 years and may exceed 5 years only if DOE makes a renewal award or otherwise extends the award. The project period shall be specified on the Notice of Financial Assistance Award (DOE Form 4600.1).(b) Each budget period, of an award under this part, shall generally be 12 months and may be as much as 24 months as determined appropriate by ER. Back to Top
§605.13 Cost sharing.Cost sharing is not required nor will it be considered as a criterion in the evaluation and selection process unless otherwise provided under §605.10(d)(5). Back to Top
§605.14 Limitation of DOE liability.Awards under this part are subject to the requirement that the maximum DOE obligation to the recipient is the amount shown in the Notice of Financial Assistance Award as the amount of DOE funds obligated. DOE shall not be obligated to make any additional, supplemental, continuation, renewal or other awards for the same or any other purpose. Back to Top
§605.15 Fee.(a) Notwithstanding 10 CFR part 600, a fee may be paid, in appropriate circumstances, to a recipient which is a small business concern as qualified under the criteria and size standards of 13 CFR part 121 in order to permit the concern to participate in the ER Financial Assistance Program. Whether or not it is appropriate to pay a fee shall be determined by the Contracting Officer who shall, at a minimum, apply the following guidelines:(1) Whether the acceptance of an award will displace other work the small business is currently engaged in or committed to assume in the near future; or(2) Whether the acceptance of an award will, in the absence of paying a fee, cause substantial financial distress to the business. In evaluating financial distress, the Contracting Officer shall balance current displacement against reasonable future benefit to the company. (If the award will result in the beneficial expansion of the existing business base of the company, then no fee would generally be appropriate.) Fees shall not be paid to other entities except as a deviation from 10 CFR part 600, nor shall fees be paid under awards in support of conferences.(b) To request a fee, a small business concern shall submit with its application a written self certification that it is a small business concern qualified under the criteria and size standards in 13 CFR part 121. In addition, the application must state the amount of fee requested for the entire project period and the basis for requesting the amount, and must also state why payment of a fee by DOE would be appropriate.(c) If the Contracting Officer determines that payment of a fee is appropriate under paragraph (a) of this section, the amount of fee shall be that determined to be reasonable by the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer shall, at a minimum, apply the following guidelines in determining the fee amount:(1) The fee base shall include the estimated allowable cost of direct salaries and wages and allocable fringe benefits. This fee base shall exclude all other direct and indirect costs.(2) The fee amount expressed as a percentage of the appropriate fee base pursuant to paragraph (c)(1) of this section, shall not exceed the percentage rate of fee that would result if a Federal agency contracted for the same amount of salaries, wages, and allocable fringe benefits under a cost reimbursement contract.(3) Fee amounts, determined pursuant to paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this section, shall be appropriately reduced when:(i) Advance payments are provided; and/or(ii) Title to property acquired with DOE funds vests in the recipient (10 CFR part 600).(d) Notwithstanding 10 CFR part 600, any fee awarded shall be a fixed fee and shall be payable on an annual basis in proportion to the work completed, as determined by the Contracting Officer, upon satisfactory submission and acceptance by DOE of the progress report. If the project period is shortened due to termination, or the project period is not fully funded, the fee shall be reduced by an appropriate amount. Back to Top
§605.16 Indirect cost limitations.Awards issued under this part for conferences and scientific/technical meetings will not include payment for indirect costs. Back to Top
§605.17 [Reserved] Back to Top
§605.18 National security.Activities under ER's Financial Assistance Program shall not involve classified information (i.e., Restricted Data, formerly Restricted Data, National Security Information). However, if in the opinion of the recipient or DOE such involvement becomes expected prior to the closeout of the award, the recipient or DOE shall notify the other in writing immediately. If the recipient believes any information developed or acquired may be classifiable, the recipient shall not provide the potentially classifiable information to anyone, including the DOE officials with whom the recipient normally communicates, except the Director of Classification, and shall protect such information as if it were classified until notified by DOE that a determination has been made that it does not require such handling. Correspondence which includes the specific information in question shall be sent by registered mail to U.S. Department of Energy, Attn: Director of Classification, DP-32, Washington, DC 20585. If the information is determined to be classified, the recipient may wish to discontinue the project in which case the recipient and DOE shall terminate the award by mutual agreement. If the award is to be terminated, all material deemed by DOE to be classified shall be forwarded to DOE, in a manner specified by DOE, for proper disposition. If the recipient and DOE wish to continue the award, even though classified information is involved, the recipient shall be required to obtain both personnel and facility security clearances through the Office of Safeguards and Security for Headquarters awards, or from the cognizant field office Division of Safeguards and Security for awards obtained through DOE field organizations. Costs associated with handling and protecting any such classified information shall be negotiated at the time that the determination to proceed is made. Back to Top
§605.19 Continuation funding and reporting requirements.(a) A recipient shall periodically report to DOE on the project's progress in meeting the project objectives of the award. The following types of reports shall be used:(1) Progress reports. After issuance of an initial award and if future support is recommended, recipients must submit a satisfactory progress report in order to receive continuation awards for the remainder of the project period. The original and two copies of the required report (generally not to exceed two pages per project or task) must be submitted to the ER program manager 90 days prior to the anticipated continuation funding date and contain the following information: on the first page, provide the project title, principal investigator/project director name, period of time report covers, name and address of recipient organization, DOE award number, the amount of unexpended funds, if any, that are anticipated to be left at the end of the current budget period, and if the amount exceeds 10 percent of the funds available for the budget period, provide information as to why the excess funds are anticipated to be available and how they will be used in the next budget period. Report should state whether aims have changed from original application and if they have, provided revised aims. Include results of work to date. Emphasize findings and their significance to the field, and any real or anticipated problems. A completed budget page must be submitted with the continuation progress report when a change to anticipated future costs will exceed 25 percent of the original recommended future budget. (2) Notice of Energy R&D Project. A Notice of Energy R&D Project, DOE Form 1430.22, which summarizes the purpose and scope of the project, must be submitted in accordance with the Distribution and Schedule of Documents set forth at the end of this section. Copies of the form may be obtained from a DOE Contracting Office.(3) Special reports. The recipient shall report the following events to DOE as soon after they occur as possible:(i) Problems, delays, or adverse conditions which will materially affect the ability to attain project objectives, or prevent the meeting of time schedules and goals. The report must describe the remedial action the recipient has taken or plans to take and any action DOE should take to alleviate the problems. (ii) Favorable developments or events which enable meeting time schedules and goals sooner or at less cost than anticipated or producing more beneficial results than originally projected. (4) Final report. A final report summarizing the entire investigation must be submitted by the recipient within 90 days after the final project period ends or the award is terminated. Satisfactory completion of an award will be contingent upon the receipt of this report. The final report shall follow the same outline as a progress report. Manuscripts prepared for publication should be appended. (5) Financial status report (FSR) (OMB No. 0348-0039). The FSR is required within 90 days after completion of each budget period; for budget periods exceeding 12 months, an FSR is also required within 90 days after this first 12 months unless waived by the Contracting Officer. (b) DOE may extend the deadline date for any report if the recipient submits a written request before the deadline which adequately justifies an extension. (c) A table summarizing the various types of reports, time for submission, number of copies is set forth below. The schedule of reports shall be as prescribed in this table, unless the award document specifies otherwise.(d) DOE review of performance. DOE or its authorized representatives may make site visits, at any reasonable time, to review the project. DOE may provide such technical assistance as may be requested. (e) Subrecipient progress reporting. Recipients may place progress reporting requirements on a subrecipient consistent with the provisions of this section. Distribution and Schedule of DocumentsType When due Number of copies to be submitted1. Summary: 200 words on scope and purpose (Notice of Energy R&D Project)Immediately after award and with each application for renewal32. Renewal6 months before the project period ends83. Progress Report90 days prior to the next budget period (or as part of a renewal application)34. Other progress reports, brief topical reports, etc. (Designated when significant results develop or when work has direct programmatic impact)As deemed appropriate by the recipient35. Reprints, Conference papersSame as 4 above36. Final ReportWithin 90 days after termination of the project37. Financial Status Report. (FSR)Within 90 days after completion of the project period; for budget periods exceeding 12 months an FSR is also required within 90 days after the first 12-month period3Note: Report types 5 and 6 require with submission two copies of DOE Form 1332.16, University-Type Contractor and Grantee Recommendations for Disposition of Scientific and Technical Document. Back to Top
§605.20 Dissemination of results.(a) Recipients are encouraged to disseminate project results promptly. DOE reserves the right to utilize, and have others utilize, to the extent it deems appropriate, the reports resulting from awards. (b) DOE may waive progress reporting requirements set forth in §605.19, if the recipient submits to DOE a copy of its own report which is published or accepted for publication in a recognized scientific or technical journal and which satisfies the information requirements of the program. (c) Recipients are urged to publish results through normal publication channels in accordance with the applicable provisions of 10 CFR part 600.(d) The article shall include an acknowledgment that the project was supported, in whole or in part, by a DOE award, and specify the award number, but state that such support does not constitute an endorsement by DOE of the views expressed in the article. Back to Top
This program supports basic science research efforts in a variety of disciplines to broaden the energy supply and technological base knowledge. The major science division and its objectives are as follows: (a) Energy Biosciences
The primary objective of this program is to generate a basis of understanding of fundamental biological mechanisms in the areas of botanical and microbiological sciences that will support biotechnology development related to energy. The research serves as the basic information foundation with respect to renewable resource productivity for fuels and chemicals, microbial conversions or renewable materials and biological systems for the conservation of energy. This office has special requirements on the submission of preapplications, when to submit, and the length of the preapplication/application; applicants are encouraged to contact the office regarding these requirements. (b) Chemical Sciences
This program sponsors experimental and theoretical research on liquids, gases, plasmas, and solids. The focus is on their chemical properties and the interactions of their component molecules, atoms, ions, and electrons. The subprogram objective is to expand, through support of basic research, our knowledge in the various areas of chemistry; the long-term goal is to contribute to new or improved processes for developing and using domestic energy resources in an efficient and environmentally sound manner. Disciplinary areas covered include physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry; chemical physics; atomic physics; photochemistry; radiation chemistry; thermodynamics; thermophysics; separations science; analytical chemistry; and actinide chemistry. (c) Geosciences
This program's objectives are: (1) To extend the body of knowledge underlying current engineering practice in order to open new ways for enhancing energy savings and production, prolonging useful equipment life, and reducing costs while maintaining output and performance quality; and (2) to broaden the technical and conceptual base for solving future engineering problems in the energy technologies. Long-term research topics of current interest include: foundations of bioprocessing of fuels and energy related wastes, fracture mechanics, experimental and theoretical studies of multiphase flows, intelligent machines, and diagnostics and control for plasma processing of materials. (e) Materials Sciences
This is a broad program of basic and applied biological research. The objectives are: (1) To develop experimental information from biological systems for estimating or predicting risks of carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, and delayed toxicological effects associated with low level human exposures to energy-related radiations and chemicals; (2) to define mechanisms involved in the induction of biological damage following exposure to low levels of energy-related agents; (3) to develop new technologies for detecting and quantifying latent health effects associated with such agents; (4) to support fundamental research in structural biology user facilities at DOE laboratories; and (5) to create and apply new technologies and resources for characterizing the molecular nature of the human genome.Increasing emphasis will be placed on: Understanding of mechanisms by which low level exposures to radiation and/or energy-related chemicals produce long-term health impacts; development of new technologies for estimating human health risks from low level exposures; development and application of technologies and approaches for cost-effective characterization of the human genome.
The objectives of the program relate to environmental processes affected by energy production and use. For example, the program develops information on the physical, chemical and biological processes that cycle and transport energy related material and nutrients through the atmosphere, and the ocean margin. Specific emphasis is placed on hydrological transport, mobility and degradation of energy-related contaminants by microorganisms in subsurface systems.This program also addresses global environmental change from increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. The scope of the global change program encompasses the carbon cycle, climate modeling and diagnostics, ecosystem responses, the role of the ocean in global change and experiments to quantify the links between greenhouse gas increases and climate change. A new dimension of this program addresses the role of molecular biology in understanding the ecosystem response to global change.
The Office of Program Analysis conducts assessments to identify research opportunities in specific areas of interest to DOE programs. Back to Top