Topical Collaborations in Nuclear Theory | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): DOE Office of Science - Topical Collaborations in Nuclear Theory (DE-PS02-09ER09-24)

1) What is the name of this funding opportunity?

The opportunity is titled Topical Collaborations in Nuclear Theory.

2) What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?

The Funding Opportunity Number is DE-PS02-09ER09-24.

3) Which DOE office is offering this opportunity?

This opportunity is offered by the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science, through its Office of Nuclear Physics (NP).

4) What is the main purpose of the Topical Collaborations mechanism?

The purpose is to support fixed-term, multi-institution research collaborations in nuclear theory focused on a well-defined topic that is considered especially important to the nuclear physics community and that is clearly aligned with DOE NP program goals.

5) What kinds of projects is DOE trying to encourage with this call?

DOE is encouraging proposals that concentrate expertise across universities and laboratories to tackle targeted, high-priority scientific problems in nuclear theory. The emphasis is on coordinated collaborations rather than isolated, single-investigator efforts.

6) Is this opportunity meant for single-investigator research proposals?

The description emphasizes multi-institution collaborations and contrasts these topical collaborations with isolated, single-investigator efforts. The intent is to fund coordinated teams organized around a defined topic.

7) What does "topical" mean in the context of this program?

In this context, "topical" refers to a collaboration centered on a specific, well-defined research topic that is viewed as especially important by the nuclear physics community and aligned with DOE NP priorities.

8) How is workforce development reflected in the goals of this funding opportunity?

In addition to the scientific research goals, the program explicitly aims to support the strength of the nuclear theory community and workforce. The call highlights interest in collaborative structures that help maintain a robust national community by encouraging durable career pathways, including tenured university faculty appointments and permanent laboratory positions.

9) Does the announcement indicate an interest in long-term capacity building?

Yes. The program is described as supporting collaborations that not only produce strong scientific outcomes but also contribute to long-term capacity building through stable employment and sustained institutional commitments within U.S. nuclear theory.

10) What type of award instrument is used?

This is a discretionary funding opportunity using the grant instrument.

11) What is the general funding category for this opportunity?

The opportunity is categorized under Science and Technology and other Research and Development.

12) What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA 81.049, the Office of Science Financial Assistance Program.

13) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The announcement states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement, meaning applicants are not required to provide non-federal funds as a condition of award (though an institution could still choose to show leveraged support if it strengthens the project plan).

14) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as broadly open to domestic entities (U.S.-based organizations), with specific exclusions noted in the announcement.

15) Which entities are explicitly not eligible?

The announcement states that other federal agencies are not eligible, and Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) contractors are not eligible.

16) Are any nonprofit organizations excluded?

Yes. The announcement excludes 501(c)(4) organizations that have engaged in lobbying activities after December 31, 1995.

17) Is eligibility otherwise restricted beyond the exclusions listed?

Beyond the stated exclusions, eligibility is described as essentially unrestricted within the domestic applicant universe, subject to any clarifications that may appear in the full announcement text.

18) When was this funding opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted (and created) on June 29, 2009.

19) What is the closing date for applications?

The original and current closing date listed is September 1, 2009.

20) What is the archive date?

The archive date listed is October 29, 2010.

21) Which office is listed as the issuing agency?

The issuing agency is listed as the DOE Chicago Service Center.

22) Who is the program contact for this opportunity?

The program contact listed is Deborah Greenawalt, reachable at Deb.Greenawalt@science.doe.gov.

23) Who should applicants contact for technical issues accessing the announcement?

For access issues or technical trouble locating or linking to the full announcement, the notice provides the IIPS HelpDesk at iipshelpdesk@e-center.doe.gov.

24) What should applicants do if they have problems linking to the funding opportunity?

The notice directs applicants to contact the IIPS HelpDesk if they have problems linking to the funding opportunity.

25) What is the core takeaway for prospective applicants?

This call can be read as DOE NP inviting coordinated teams of nuclear theorists across multiple institutions to propose time-limited, focused collaborations addressing high-priority nuclear physics theory questions, while also strengthening the long-term health of the U.S. nuclear theory workforce and institutional base.