Advanced Simulation and Computing (ASC) Academic Alliance Program | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This is the Advanced Simulation and Computing (ASC) Academic Alliance Program opportunity under Funding Opportunity Number DE-FOA-0000528. It is a discretionary federal funding announcement issued by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) under CFDA 81.124 (Predictive Science Academic Alliance Program). The opportunity is tied to the second phase of the program, commonly referred to as PSAAP II, and it focuses on collecting pre-proposal responses.

2) What program or initiative does this opportunity support?

The announcement is associated with the Predictive Science Academic Alliance Program (PSAAP), specifically the PSAAP II phase. The overall theme is advanced predictive science connected to advanced modeling, simulation, and computing research aligned with national security mission needs.

3) What is the primary focus or research theme?

The stated theme is advanced predictive science. Based on the description, this generally centers on high-end modeling, simulation, and computing research aligned with national security mission needs.

4) What type of submission is being requested right now?

The opportunity is specifically focused on collecting pre-proposal responses from interested applicants (with emphasis on Ph.D.-granting institutions) that want to participate in PSAAP II.

5) What is the funding instrument type?

The funding instrument type is a cooperative agreement.

6) What does it mean that the award instrument is a cooperative agreement?

A cooperative agreement typically indicates substantial government involvement during the period of performance. In practical terms (as described in the opportunity summary), that often implies closer coordination with the sponsoring agency and/or national laboratories, more frequent technical interchange, and more programmatic oversight than many standard research grants.

7) What is the funding activity category?

The funding activity category is listed as science and technology and other research and development, indicating that it is an R&D-oriented program.

8) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted in the summary fields. However, the description clarifies that the specific target audience is Ph.D.-granting institutions interested in participating in PSAAP II.

9) If eligibility is listed as unrestricted, why does the announcement emphasize Ph.D.-granting institutions?

The summary eligibility field is broad, but the intent of the solicitation (as described) is aimed at doctoral institutions capable of leading major, sustained predictive science and computing efforts. Applicants should rely on the full announcement for precise eligibility interpretation.

10) Is there a cost sharing or matching requirement?

Yes. The opportunity notes a cost sharing or matching requirement, meaning applicants should expect to contribute some portion of project costs or provide documented matching resources as part of application expectations.

11) What are the key dates, and what is the actual pre-proposal deadline?

The actual pre-proposal submission deadline is July 25, 2011, and pre-proposals are due by 4:00 PM EDT on that date.

12) What is the significance of the May 10, 2011 date?

The posting explains that the May 10, 2011 closing date applies only to attending the pre-proposal conference, not to submitting the pre-proposal itself. The pre-proposal submission deadline is July 25, 2011 at 4:00 PM EDT.

13) Was the announcement amended?

Yes. The description references Amendment 001 dated June 16, 2011, which relates to pre-proposal responses for PSAAP II and indicates the announcement was updated after the initial posting to adjust or clarify requirements.

14) When was this opportunity posted and when was it archived?

The record indicates the opportunity was posted on April 8, 2011. It also lists a creation date of June 20, 2011 and an archive date of September 20, 2011.

15) Why do the funding amounts show as zero (estimated total funding, award ceiling, award floor)?

The summary shows estimated total funding, award ceiling, and award floor as 0, which suggests the public synopsis page is not providing dollar figures. The description notes that this can occur when funding levels are communicated in the full announcement, through later negotiation, or during a subsequent phase of the competition.

16) Where can applicants find the full solicitation package and submission instructions?

The listing directs applicants to FedConnect using Reference Number DE-FOA-0000528. FedConnect is identified as the location where the full solicitation package, amendments, and submission instructions would typically be accessed.

17) What identifier should be used to locate the opportunity?

Use Funding Opportunity Number DE-FOA-0000528 (also referenced as the FedConnect reference number).

18) What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is issued under CFDA 81.124, the Predictive Science Academic Alliance Program.

19) Who should be contacted for questions or problems accessing the announcement electronically?

The designated point of contact is Robert D. Lowther, Agreements Officer. The phone number provided is 505-845-6839 and the email provided is rlowther@doeal.gov.

20) What types of questions is the point of contact likely intended to handle?

Based on the listing, the contact is an Agreements Officer, and the description indicates that administrative and agreements-related questions (such as submission mechanics, eligibility interpretation, cooperative agreement terms, and similar issues) were intended to be routed through the agreements office.