Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DOE EPSCoR) Implementation Awards | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This opportunity is a Department of Energy (DOE) solicitation for DOE EPSCoR Implementation Awards under Funding Opportunity Number (FON) DE-PS02-09ER09-12. It is offered through the DOE Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences (BES), within the Office of Science Financial Assistance Program (CFDA 81.049).

2) What is the main goal of the DOE EPSCoR Implementation Awards described here?

The main goal is to strengthen academic research infrastructure in EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions by building capacity in energy-related science and technology areas identified as priorities by the EPSCoR jurisdictions governing committee. The emphasis is on measurable improvements in a jurisdiction's ability to compete for federal research funding and to sustain high-quality research aligned with DOE missions.

3) Are these awards meant to fund individual faculty research projects?

No. The opportunity explicitly states that Implementation Awards are not intended as a mechanism to fund stand-alone, single-investigator faculty projects.

4) What kind of project structure is DOE expecting?

DOE expects coordinated, jurisdiction-wide (or multi-jurisdiction) efforts organized around a common scientific theme. Proposals should emphasize collaboration among a group of scientists and researchers, shared plans, shared facilities, training activities, and longer-term improvements in research competitiveness.

5) What does "capacity-building" mean in the context of this FOA?

Based on the description provided, capacity-building means developing research capability at the jurisdiction level in ways that can be demonstrated and measured, including improving competitiveness for federal research funding and enabling sustained, high-quality research in areas aligned with DOE missions.

6) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility follows DOE EPSCoR rules that track National Science Foundation (NSF) EPSCoR eligibility criteria, with an additional DOE constraint tied to active DOE EPSCoR Implementation Awards (see the one-award-per-jurisdiction limitation described in this FOA).

7) What is the key DOE-specific eligibility constraint mentioned?

Only one active DOE EPSCoR Implementation Award may be receiving funding per jurisdiction at any given time. As described, only jurisdictions without an active Implementation Award receiving DOE funding in fiscal year 2010 may apply.

8) Which jurisdictions were anticipated to be eligible at the time of posting?

The FOA states the jurisdictions anticipated to be eligible were: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Wyoming, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

9) Could any additional jurisdictions become eligible?

Yes. Iowa and Utah could become eligible if their EPSCoR committees submitted an NSF EPSCoR Planning Grant application before the FOA closing date, consistent with NSF practice referenced by DOE.

10) How many applications can be submitted per jurisdiction?

Effectively one application per eligible jurisdiction, as described in the FOA.

11) Who selects which organization will submit the application for a jurisdiction?

The jurisdiction's EPSCoR Committee (or its designee) has the authority and responsibility to select the applicant organization on behalf of the jurisdiction.

12) The listing says "Eligible Applicants: Unrestricted." Does that mean any institution can submit?

While the listing includes "Eligible Applicants: Unrestricted" in a general sense, the FOA text clarifies that jurisdiction-level authorization (via the EPSCoR Committee or designee) and the one-application-per-jurisdiction rule govern who can actually submit an application.

13) Is this opportunity limited to single-state efforts, or can it include multiple jurisdictions?

The FOA describes Implementation Awards as supporting coordinated, jurisdiction-wide or multi-jurisdiction efforts, built around a common scientific theme.

14) What agency office is running this solicitation?

The solicitation is issued by DOE through the Office of Science and its Office of Basic Energy Sciences (BES).

15) What is the CFDA number and program category?

The FOA identifies the program as CFDA 81.049, part of the Office of Science Financial Assistance Program, categorized under science and technology and other research and development.

16) Does the opportunity require cost sharing or matching funds?

No. The opportunity explicitly states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.

17) What are the key dates for this funding opportunity?

The FOA was posted on May 14, 2009. The application closing date is October 13, 2009. The archive date is May 14, 2010.

18) What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) for this solicitation?

The Funding Opportunity Number is DE-PS02-09ER09-12.

19) What kinds of activities should proposals emphasize according to the FOA?

Based on the description provided, proposals should emphasize collaboration across a group of researchers, shared infrastructure and facilities, training, coordinated planning, a common scientific theme, and strategic development aimed at long-term improvements in jurisdiction research competitiveness.

20) Who should be contacted for technical or program questions?

For technical and program questions, the FOA lists Dr. Tim Fitzsimmons (tim.fitzsimmons@science.doe.gov, 301-903-9830) as the primary point of contact.

21) Who should be contacted for help accessing the announcement or for submission/linking issues?

The FOA directs applicants to the IIPS HelpDesk (iipshelpdesk@e-center.doe.gov) and Pam Carter (pam.carter@science.doe.gov) for help accessing the announcement or resolving submission and linking issues.