Research and Development for Next Generation Nuclear Physics Accelerator Facilities | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the purpose of this DOE funding opportunity?

This funding opportunity supports targeted research and development (R&D) intended to solve key technical challenges for the next generation of nuclear physics accelerator facilities. The focus is on advancing accelerator science and technology to improve future accelerators in areas such as performance, reliability, and overall capability, especially where current or near-term systems may not fully meet anticipated needs.

Which part of the Department of Energy is issuing this opportunity?

The opportunity is issued by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) through the Office of Science (SC), specifically its Office of Nuclear Physics (NP).

What is the official title of the announcement?

The title is "Research and Development for Next Generation Nuclear Physics Accelerator Facilities."

What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FOA number)?

The Funding Opportunity Number is DE-FOA-0000339.

What kind of projects is DOE looking to fund under this FOA?

DOE is looking for accelerator-focused R&D efforts that could enable or significantly improve future nuclear physics accelerator facilities. The work is meant to strengthen the technologies and methods that future NP accelerator facilities will rely on, with an emphasis on addressing technical challenges tied to performance, reliability, and expanded capabilities.

What is the funding mechanism for this opportunity?

The funding instrument is a grant, offered through the DOE Office of Science Financial Assistance Program as a discretionary research grant competition.

How much total funding did DOE estimate for awards under this call?

DOE indicated an estimated total funding amount of $2,000,000 for awards made under this announcement.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The announcement states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement, meaning applicants are not required to contribute non-federal funds as a condition of receiving an award.

Can applicants still include additional leveraged resources if they want to?

Yes. While cost sharing is not required, the summary notes that applicants may choose to leverage additional resources if it strengthens the proposed work, subject to DOE rules.

Who is eligible to apply as the lead applicant?

Eligibility is broadly open to domestic entities. In general, any type of U.S.-based organization may apply as the lead institution, provided it is not within one of the specifically excluded categories and it meets DOE and announcement requirements.

Which entities are explicitly excluded from leading an application?

The summary identifies three exclusions for lead applicants: (1) another federal agency, (2) a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) contractor, or (3) a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization that engaged in lobbying activities after December 31, 1995.

Does the FOA describe eligibility as restricted or unrestricted?

The opportunity is described as "unrestricted" beyond the stated exclusions, meaning a wide range of eligible U.S. organizations may compete to lead an application.

Are universities eligible to apply?

Yes. The summary indicates eligibility is broadly open to domestic entities and specifically notes that universities can generally compete to lead an application (assuming they meet DOE and announcement requirements).

Are nonprofits eligible to apply?

Yes, with a specific limitation: 501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations that engaged in lobbying activities after December 31, 1995 are excluded as lead applicants. Other nonprofits (outside that exclusion) may generally apply as lead institutions, assuming they meet DOE and announcement requirements.

Are private-sector companies eligible to apply?

Yes. The summary indicates private-sector organizations can generally compete to lead an application, assuming they meet DOE and announcement requirements.

Can national laboratories participate?

The summary suggests national-lab partners may participate as collaborators, while noting exclusions apply to FFRDC contractors as lead institutions.

What is the CFDA number associated with this funding opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA number 81.049.

What activity category does this opportunity fall under?

It falls under the "Science and Technology and other Research and Development" activity category.

When was the opportunity posted?

The key dates indicate the opportunity was posted and created on April 29, 2010.

What was the application closing date?

The original and current closing date listed is June 8, 2010.

Is this funding opportunity still open?

Based on the dates provided, it is not open for submission. The closing date was June 8, 2010, and the archive date is September 30, 2010, which typically indicates the opportunity was formally closed out in public listings and is no longer active for submission.

What does the archive date mean in this context?

The archive date listed is September 30, 2010. The summary explains that this typically indicates when the opportunity would be formally closed out in public listings and no longer active for submission.

Where were applicants directed to find the full text and detailed requirements?

The announcement references FedConnect as the additional information link/source for the full text, where applicants would have found the detailed technical scope, submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and administrative conditions beyond the summary.

Who should be contacted for questions or issues accessing the full announcement electronically?

DOE provided two points of contact for questions or issues accessing the full announcement electronically: Kerwin A. Lawrence (301-903-9842, kerwin.lawrence@science.doe.gov) and Manouchehr Farkhondeh (301-903-4398, manouchehr.farkhondeh@science.doe.gov).

Which DOE office is listed as the issuing/servicing office?

The issuing/servicing office is listed as the Chicago Service Center, reflecting the administrative office supporting the funding process for this Office of Science opportunity.

In plain terms, what is this FOA trying to accomplish?

In practical terms, this FOA is a focused DOE Nuclear Physics R&D call intended to seed and accelerate technical progress needed for future accelerator facilities by funding accelerator science and technology development work that addresses critical technical challenges.