Scientific Discovery through Advanced Computing (SciDAC) Multiscale Integrated Modeling for Fusion Energy Science | Apply Online

FAQs: DOE SciDAC Integrated Simulation Capability for Fusion Energy Science (DE-FOA-0001096)

What is this funding opportunity about?

This opportunity seeks collaborative research teams to build a major integrated simulation capability for fusion energy science under the DOE Office of Science SciDAC program, through a joint effort of the Office of Fusion Energy Sciences (FES) and the Office of Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR).

What is the central scientific aim of the opportunity?

The central aim is to advance multiphysics, multiscale modeling of magnetically confined plasmas in ways that directly support burning plasma science and the needs of ITER. The goal is an integrated, coupled simulation that is more predictive and decision-relevant for ITER-relevant scenarios.

Is DOE asking for a complete Whole Device Modeling (WDM) system?

No. The opportunity is described as a meaningful step toward Whole Device Modeling (WDM), but it is not asking applicants to deliver a complete WDM system within a single project. Instead, it focuses on integrating the most critical plasma physics components into a coherent coupled simulation.

What kind of technical approach is DOE emphasizing?

The technical emphasis is on integration and realism. Proposed efforts are expected to couple multiple physical processes (multiphysics) and span multiple spatial and temporal scales (multiscale). DOE expects a well-justified mix of first-principles models and reduced models, while maintaining high physics fidelity.

What does DOE mean by an "integrated simulation capability" in this context?

DOE is looking for an end-to-end capability that brings together essential modules into a coherent coupled simulation that can represent multiple plasma regions and capture key processes across relevant space and time scales. The intent is to go beyond isolated improvements to a single code component.

What types of plasma regions or physics modules are implied as relevant to integrate?

The announcement gives examples of essential modules such as core, edge, and boundary regions; turbulence and transport; stability and disruptions; and wave-particle or heating/current drive where relevant. These examples illustrate the kinds of coupled components DOE expects teams to integrate into a coherent capability.

Why is integration across regions and processes important for this FOA?

The FOA signals that success requires connecting critical plasma physics pieces into a coupled simulation that spans regions and key processes. This integration is positioned as necessary to achieve more predictive modeling that supports burning plasma science and ITER needs.

What are the computing and scalability expectations?

A major requirement is that resulting simulation codes must be designed to take advantage of the massive concurrency available on DOE Office of Science leadership-class supercomputing systems. The FOA distinguishes between merely running large jobs and truly exploiting extreme parallelism efficiently at scale.

What does "truly exploiting extreme parallelism" imply for proposals?

Applicants are expected to provide credible plans for performance on highly parallel architectures, including algorithms, data movement, coupling strategies, and software design choices that scale efficiently. Performance and scalability are treated as core scientific enablers, not optional engineering add-ons.

Are proposals that focus only on improving a single code component considered responsive?

The opportunity indicates that successful applications should not resemble isolated improvements to a single code component. Instead, they should present an integrated, end-to-end capability that couples essential physics modules into a coherent simulation.

Are proposals that focus only on a computational framework or middleware responsive?

No. Proposals that focus only on building a computational framework, middleware, or general-purpose coupling infrastructure are described as not responsive by themselves.

Is any framework or coupling infrastructure work allowed?

Yes, with conditions. DOE recognizes that frameworks are often necessary to couple complex physics modules, and allows effort to adapt, maintain, upgrade, or extend existing frameworks, including those originating from Fusion Simulation Prototype Centers (FSPs) or proto-FSP efforts. The key condition is that the framework work must serve the broader goal of delivering an integrated physics simulation and must still meet leadership-computing scalability expectations.

Which DOE offices are involved in this opportunity?

The opportunity is run through the DOE Office of Science via a joint effort of the Office of Fusion Energy Sciences (FES) and the Office of Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR).

What program is this opportunity under?

This opportunity is under the SciDAC program (Scientific Discovery through Advanced Computing), emphasizing advances in science enabled by advanced computing.

What is the award mechanism?

The announcement states it is a discretionary funding opportunity using a cooperative agreement mechanism.

Is cost sharing required?

No. The announcement states there is no cost sharing requirement.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 81.049, the Office of Science Financial Assistance Program.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broadly described as unrestricted (open to any type of entity). The announcement notes that final eligibility details are provided in the FOA document itself (Section III).

What is the FOA number for this opportunity?

The Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is identified as DE-FOA-0001096.

Where were applicants directed to find the full FOA and application instructions?

The opportunity points applicants to FedConnect for the full FOA and application instructions.

Is there a related announcement for DOE laboratories?

Yes. The announcement notes that a companion program announcement for DOE laboratories (LAB 14-1096) would be posted separately on the DOE Office of Science grants and contracts site.

When was this FOA posted, and what was the application deadline?

The FOA was originally posted in March 2014, and the application deadline was May 2, 2014.

What does it mean that the opportunity is archived?

The posting indicates it was archived in August 2014, which generally means it is no longer an active application opportunity through that posting.

The archived posting shows estimated total funding and award floor/ceiling as 0. Does that mean no funding was available?

Not necessarily. The announcement notes that a listing of 0 for estimated total funding and award floor/ceiling can reflect listing conventions rather than a definitive statement of no funding. Applicants would have needed to consult the full FOA text on FedConnect for actual award expectations, budgets, and related constraints.

Who is the program contact for questions or access issues?

The announcement provides a program contact for access issues and questions: John Mandrekas (FES), with phone and email listed in the posting.

What distinguishes this opportunity from a general code-coupling project?

This opportunity is explicitly focused on delivering an integrated physics simulation that advances multiphysics and multiscale realism for magnetically confined plasmas, supports burning plasma science, and addresses ITER needs, while meeting leadership-class scalability requirements. A standalone coupling framework without the integrated physics deliverable is not considered responsive.