NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR) Comprehensive Grant Program | Apply Online

FAQs: NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR) Comprehensive Grant Program

What is the NIST NCNR Comprehensive Grant Program?

The NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR) Comprehensive Grant Program is a discretionary federal funding opportunity from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). It supports research and development centered on neutron scattering and neutron spectroscopy, with the goal of strengthening and expanding U.S. capabilities in neutron-based measurement science.

What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?

The program is designed to improve and expand neutron-based measurement science by funding work that (1) enhances experimental tools at the NCNR and (2) increases effective access and engagement for academic and industrial users. The program emphasizes contributions that benefit the NCNR facility ecosystem, rather than isolated, stand-alone projects.

What kinds of projects does NIST want to support under this program?

The opportunity highlights three major areas: (1) development of new instrumentation for neutron research, (2) collaborative research projects using neutron scattering or neutron spectroscopy, and (3) outreach and educational activities that broaden and deepen the U.S. research community's ability to use neutron methods.

What does "instrumentation development" include for this program?

Instrumentation development can include designing, building, upgrading, or otherwise advancing neutron instruments and related experimental systems. The intent is to enable better measurements, new types of experiments, higher throughput, improved resolution, or expanded sample environments at the NCNR.

Does the program fund collaborative research using neutron scattering or spectroscopy?

Yes. NIST is seeking collaborative research projects that leverage neutron scattering or neutron spectroscopy to address scientific and technical questions in partnership with NIST staff and visiting scientists who use the NCNR.

Are outreach and education activities allowed or encouraged?

Yes. The announcement explicitly encourages outreach and educational activities that help broaden and deepen the use of neutron methods by U.S. researchers, including improved user support, training, and knowledge transfer to help more scientists effectively apply neutron techniques across fields such as materials, chemistry, physics, and engineering.

Is this opportunity intended for stand-alone projects?

No. The program emphasizes active collaboration with NIST scientists and the broader community of visiting researchers at the NCNR. It is described as focusing on sustained, hands-on contributions to the facility ecosystem rather than isolated projects.

Is there an expectation that awardees will work on-site at the NCNR?

Yes. A defining feature of the program is the expectation that awardee organizations will station scientific staff at the NCNR. The funded work is meant to be carried out in close proximity to the facility, with on-site personnel collaborating day to day with NIST researchers and interacting with external users conducting experiments at NCNR.

Why does the program require on-site staffing at the NCNR?

The on-site staffing model supports sustained, hands-on work that benefits from close coordination with NCNR operations. Examples described include instrument development that requires continuous coordination, collaborative experimentation that benefits from frequent access to beamlines and staff expertise, and user-facing activities that are most effective when delivered at the facility.

What funding instrument is used for this opportunity?

The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement.

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

A cooperative agreement generally indicates substantial federal involvement during the period of performance compared with a standard grant. Applicants should anticipate an active relationship where NIST plays a role in shaping or coordinating elements of the work as it progresses, consistent with the collaborative nature of NCNR operations.

What activity category does this opportunity fall under?

The opportunity falls under the Science and Technology and other Research and Development activity category.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The announcement states that it does not require cost sharing or matching.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad. Entities that may apply include institutions of higher education, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, commercial organizations, state governments, tribal governments, local governments, foreign governments, organizations under the jurisdiction of foreign governments, and international organizations, as specified in the announcement.

Which federal agency administers this funding opportunity?

The administering agency is the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is 2015 NIST NCNR 01.

When was the opportunity posted?

The posting date was February 3, 2015.

What was the application deadline?

The application deadline was April 17, 2015.

Were there different deadline times for electronic vs. paper submissions?

Yes. Electronic applications were due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, while paper applications were due by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline date.

Were late applications accepted?

No. Late applications were not reviewed or considered.

Has this opportunity been archived?

Yes. The opportunity was archived on May 17, 2015.

Who was the point of contact for help accessing the full announcement?

The listed point of contact was Christopher Hunton, Grants Technical Assistant.

What is the contact phone number provided for the point of contact?

The phone number provided was 301-975-5718.

What research areas can benefit from the supported neutron methods?

The opportunity notes that neutron techniques supported through this program can be applied in areas such as materials, chemistry, physics, engineering, and related fields.