Opportunity Information: Apply for DE FOA 0001515
Apply for DE FOA 0001515
- The Department of Energy, Idaho Field Office in the energy sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FY2017 Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research Funding Opportunity Announcement" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 81.121.
- This funding opportunity was created on Aug 10, 2016.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Feb 15, 2017. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $5,000,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The FY2017 Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research Funding Opportunity Announcement (DE-FOA-0001515) is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) competitive funding opportunity focused on advancing crosscutting nuclear energy research and development, along with related infrastructure support. The main goal is to develop innovative technologies that could significantly improve the performance, safety, and economics of advanced reactor and nuclear fuel cycle concepts, while making smart use of DOE resources. A central theme of the announcement is integration: DOE-NE is looking to promote coordinated, collaborative work that connects universities, national laboratories, industry, and in some cases international partners, aligning those efforts with NE program priorities and using both competitive and direct funding approaches to maintain a balanced overall R&D portfolio.
This FOA consolidates several major pathways under a single competitive umbrella. It covers the competitive portion of NE research as carried out through (1) Nuclear Energy University Programs (NEUP), (2) Nuclear Energy Enabling Technologies (NEET) Crosscutting Technology Development (CTD), and (3) Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF). NEUP is positioned as the primary mechanism for university-based nuclear R&D and infrastructure support, and the announcement notes that NEUP uses up to 20 percent of funds appropriated to NE’s R&D program for university-focused work in key areas tied to DOE-NE priorities. Those priority areas are described as Fuel Cycle Research and Development (FC R&D), Reactor Concepts Research, Development and Demonstration (RC RD&D), and Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS). In parallel, NEET CTD is aimed at crosscutting technology development that can be led by national laboratories, universities, or industry, supporting innovations that may apply broadly across reactor and fuel cycle concepts rather than being limited to a single design or program area.
A distinctive feature of this consolidated announcement is its explicit connection to the Nuclear Science User Facilities. NSUF, established in 2007, is described as DOE-NE’s mechanism for providing researchers with access to specialized nuclear research infrastructure that is difficult and expensive to replicate, including materials test reactors, beam lines, and post-irradiation examination (PIE) capabilities. The FOA emphasizes that NSUF provides no-cost access to these world-class facilities for researchers from U.S. universities, industry, and national laboratories. Importantly, the announcement indicates that the traditional NSUF call for access is consolidated here, and it also allows applicants proposing NEUP or NEET CTD projects that require irradiation testing and/or PIE to request no-cost NSUF access within the same single application package. In practical terms, that means applicants can propose an R&D project and, if needed, bundle facility access for irradiation and examination work without having to submit a separate request through a different process.
From an administrative standpoint, the opportunity is listed as a discretionary program administered by the Department of Energy, Idaho Field Office, under CFDA 81.121 (energy-related assistance). The funding instruments include cooperative agreements and an “other†category, signaling that DOE anticipates active involvement or structured collaboration in at least some awards, which is typical for R&D efforts that may rely on shared facilities, milestones, and close technical coordination. Eligible applicants are broad and include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, for-profit organizations (including those other than small businesses), small businesses, and additional eligible entities as clarified in the FOA’s eligibility text.
Key timing and award details in the listing include a creation date of August 10, 2016 and an original closing date of February 15, 2017. The stated award ceiling is $5,000,000. The listing shows “ExpectedAwards: 0,†which often reflects that the exact number of awards was not predetermined in the public synopsis or was dependent on appropriations and selections rather than being fixed in advance. The announcement also makes an important policy point: DOE-NE explicitly reserves the right to adjust priorities during FY2017 due to external drivers such as events, policy changes, or Congressional and budget direction. As a result, DOE-NE indicates it may consider these shifting priorities when deciding both the timing and the scale of award announcements, and it reserves the right to fund all or only part of an application using programmatic funds. In short, the FOA is designed to be flexible, supporting a range of innovative nuclear research projects while also giving DOE-NE room to adapt selections to evolving national needs and budget realities.
FAQs: FY2017 Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research FOA (DE-FOA-0001515)
What is this funding opportunity?
The FY2017 Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), DE-FOA-0001515, is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) competitive funding opportunity. It focuses on advancing crosscutting nuclear energy research and development (R&D) and providing related infrastructure support where needed.
What is the main goal of the FOA?
The main goal is to develop innovative technologies that could significantly improve the performance, safety, and economics of advanced reactor concepts and nuclear fuel cycle concepts, while making smart use of DOE resources.
What does the FOA mean by a central theme of "integration"?
Integration refers to DOE-NE encouraging coordinated, collaborative work that connects universities, national laboratories, industry, and in some cases international partners. The intent is to align these efforts with DOE-NE program priorities and to maintain a balanced overall R&D portfolio by using both competitive and direct funding approaches.
Which major program pathways are consolidated under this single FOA?
This FOA consolidates the competitive portion of NE research carried out through:
- Nuclear Energy University Programs (NEUP)
- Nuclear Energy Enabling Technologies (NEET) Crosscutting Technology Development (CTD)
- Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF)
What is NEUP within this FOA?
NEUP is described as the primary mechanism for university-based nuclear R&D and infrastructure support within DOE-NE. The FOA notes that NEUP uses up to 20 percent of funds appropriated to NE's R&D program for university-focused work tied to DOE-NE priorities.
What DOE-NE priority areas are referenced for NEUP projects?
The FOA references these priority areas:
- Fuel Cycle Research and Development (FC R&D)
- Reactor Concepts Research, Development and Demonstration (RC RD&D)
- Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS)
What is NEET Crosscutting Technology Development (CTD)?
NEET CTD is aimed at crosscutting technology development that may apply broadly across reactor and fuel cycle concepts rather than being limited to a single design or program area.
Who can lead NEET CTD efforts under this FOA?
According to the FOA description, NEET CTD efforts can be led by national laboratories, universities, or industry.
What is the Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) program?
NSUF, established in 2007, is DOE-NE's mechanism for providing researchers access to specialized nuclear research infrastructure that is difficult and expensive to replicate. Examples listed include materials test reactors, beam lines, and post-irradiation examination (PIE) capabilities.
What does "no-cost access" to NSUF mean in this FOA?
The FOA states that NSUF provides no-cost access to these facilities for researchers from U.S. universities, industry, and national laboratories. The intent is to reduce barriers to using high-value nuclear R&D infrastructure by providing access without facility-use charges to the researcher.
Is the traditional NSUF call for access handled through this consolidated FOA?
Yes. The FOA indicates that the traditional NSUF call for access is consolidated into this announcement.
Can applicants request NSUF access as part of an NEUP or NEET CTD application?
Yes. The FOA allows applicants proposing NEUP or NEET CTD projects that require irradiation testing and/or post-irradiation examination (PIE) to request no-cost NSUF access within the same single application package.
What practical benefit does bundling NSUF access into the same application provide?
It allows an applicant to propose an R&D project and, if the work requires irradiation testing and/or PIE, include the needed NSUF facility access in the same submission rather than submitting a separate request through another process.
What federal office administers this opportunity?
The opportunity is listed as a discretionary program administered by the Department of Energy, Idaho Field Office.
What CFDA number is associated with this FOA?
The listing associates this opportunity with CFDA 81.121 (energy-related assistance).
What types of funding instruments are anticipated?
The funding instruments include cooperative agreements and an "other" category. The description suggests DOE anticipates active involvement or structured collaboration in at least some awards, which is common for R&D projects involving shared facilities, milestones, and close technical coordination.
Who is eligible to apply?
The FOA lists broad eligibility, including:
- Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- For-profit organizations (including those other than small businesses)
- Small businesses
- Additional eligible entities as clarified in the FOA's eligibility text
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The listing states an award ceiling of $5,000,000.
How many awards are expected?
The listing shows "ExpectedAwards: 0." This often indicates the number of awards was not predetermined in the public synopsis or depended on appropriations and selection decisions rather than being fixed in advance.
What are the key dates mentioned in the listing?
The listing includes a creation date of August 10, 2016 and an original closing date of February 15, 2017.
Does DOE-NE reserve the right to change priorities during the fiscal year?
Yes. The FOA states DOE-NE reserves the right to adjust priorities during FY2017 due to external drivers such as events, policy changes, or Congressional and budget direction.
How could shifting priorities affect awards and selections?
The FOA indicates DOE-NE may consider shifting priorities when deciding both the timing and the scale of award announcements.
Can DOE-NE fund only part of an application?
Yes. The FOA states DOE-NE reserves the right to fund all or only part of an application using programmatic funds.
What kinds of activities does this FOA broadly support?
Based on the description, the FOA supports crosscutting nuclear energy R&D, innovations that can improve reactor and fuel cycle performance/safety/economics, and infrastructure-enabled research where NSUF capabilities (such as irradiation testing and PIE) are needed.
What kind of collaborations does DOE-NE appear to encourage under this FOA?
The FOA emphasizes coordinated, collaborative work connecting universities, national laboratories, industry, and sometimes international partners, aligned with DOE-NE program priorities.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Energy
Next opportunity: CAJO Contact Point and Programming Initiative
Previous opportunity: Prepare a Historic Context for African American Outdoor Recreation Resources
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for DE FOA 0001515
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (DE FOA 0001515) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| First Steps Toward Developing Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency on Tribal Lands – 2016 Apply for DE FOA 0001621 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001621 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Request for Information - DE-FOA-0001635 - POTENTIAL TECHNICAL FOCUS AREAS FOR ADVANCED MANUFACTURING-RELATED TRAINEESHIPS Apply for DE FOA 0001635 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001635 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Request for Information (RFI): Cellulosic Sugar and Lignin Production Capabilities Apply for DE FOA 0001615 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001615 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| FY2017 Scientific Infrastructure Support for CINR Funding Opportunity Announcement Apply for DE FOA 0001516 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001516 Agency: Department of Energy, Idaho Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| DE-FOA-0001631: Request for Information: Miscellaneous Electric Loads (MELs) Energy Efficiency Research and Development Apply for DE FOA 0001631 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001631 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| RFI: Wind Wildlife Operational and Compensatory Mitigation Apply for DE FOA 0001668 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001668 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Notice of Intent to Issue: DE-FOA-0001660 - Deployment of Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Projects on Indian Lands - 2016 Apply for DE FOA 0001659 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001659 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Topics for Advanced Combustion Systems of the Future Apply for DE FOA 0001665 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001665 Agency: Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| University Turbine Systems Request for Information FY17 Apply for DE FOA 0001671 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001671 Agency: Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Request for Information: Teaming Partner List for Upcoming Funding Opportunity Announcement: Buildings Energy Efficiency Frontiers & Innovation Technologies (BENEFIT) - 2017 Apply for DE FOA 0001675 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001675 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Assisting Federal Facilities with Energy Conservation Technologies (AFFECT) 2017 Apply for DE FOA 0001672 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001672 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Notice of Intent (NOI) DE-FOA-0001680 to Issue Funding Opportunity Announcement DE-FOA-0001647 Apply for DE FOA 0001680 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001680 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Collaboration Opportunity Notice with the National Energy Technology Laboratory Apply for DE FOA 0001687 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001687 Agency: Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Scaling Up the Next Generation of Building Efficiency Packages Apply for DE FOA 0001518 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001518 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: $700,000 |
| Notice of Intent to issue Funding Opportunity Announcement DE-FOA-0001630: Building America Industry Partnerships for High Performance Housing Innovation - 2017 Apply for DE FOA 0001690 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001690 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Geothermal Deep Direct-Use Feasibility Studies Apply for DE FOA 0001642 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001642 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Research Needs Related to Unconventional Oil and Natural Gas, Beneficial Use of Produced Water, Offshore Spill Prevention, Natural Gas Conversion, and Offshore Carbon Dioxide Storage/Enhanced Oil Recovery Apply for DE FOA 0001693 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001693 Agency: Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| RFI - HydroNEXT: Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Development of Hydropower in Undeveloped Stream Reaches of the United States Apply for DE FOA 0001685 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001685 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Building America Industry Partnerships for High Performance Housing Innovation - 2017 Apply for DE FOA 0001630 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001630 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Marine and Hydrokinetic Technology Development and Advancement Apply for DE FOA 0001684 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001684 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "DE FOA 0001515", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.