[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 51 (Wednesday, March 16, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-6121]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: March 16, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Institute of Standards and Technology
[Docket No. 931112-3312]

 

Physics Laboratory 1994 Summer Undergraduate Research 
Fellowships--Partnerships in Atomic, Molecular and Optical (AMO) 
Physics

AGENCY: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE NAME AND NUMBER: 11.609--
Measurement and Engineering Research and Standards.

SUMMARY: Through Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships, ``SURFing 
the Physics Lab: A Partnership for AMO Physics'' will provide an 
opportunity for the Physics Laboratory of the National Institute of 
Standard and Technology and the National Science Foundation to join in 
partnership with American colleges and universities, stimulating 
outstanding physics students to pursue scientific careers by exposing 
them to the world class atomic, molecular, optical and radiation 
physicists and facilities in the NIST Physics Laboratory, and 
strengthening undergraduate AMO physics curricula by forming the basis 
for ongoing collaborations. The NIST program director will work with 
physics department chairs and directors of multi-disciplinary centers 
of excellence to identify two outstanding undergraduates (plus one 
alternate) from each institution who would benefit from off-campus 
summer research in an honors academy environment. The selected group of 
twenty (20) sophomores/juniors will spend twelve (12) weeks at the 
Physics Laboratory's Gaithersburg, MD campus, working one-on-one with 
NIST staff physicists; actively engaged in projects that combine the 
quest for fundamental knowledge and direct applications to problems of 
national importance; learning about non-academic alternatives for 
research careers; living science and seeing how they can make a 
difference. Students and NIST research advisors will be paired based on 
the student's background and interests in the early spring, to allow 
for adequate dialogue between the student, the student's physics 
professors and NIST advisor about the intended project, to ensure that 
the student arrives at NIST ready to contribute, and to prepare the 
student's physics professor for follow-up in the fall. Good overlap of 
research interest will facilitate collaborations between NIST and the 
participating academic partners. The students will collectively live in 
a nearby furnished apartment complex and participate in the many NIST 
seminars and in a weekly SURFing the Physics Lab Summer Seminar Series. 
The students will all present a research seminar at NIST and be 
encouraged to participate in a local or national scientific conference 
during the following academic year. Given the significant lack of 
diversity in the present physics work force, we will aggressively seek 
out competitive students from underrepresented groups or persons with 
disabilities. Costs for this program (stipend, travel and housing) will 
be shared by NIST, NSF and the participating schools.

DATES: Proposals must be received no later than the close of business 
April 20, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Applicants must submit one signed original plus two (2) 
copies of the proposal along with the Grant Application, Standard Form 
424 (Rev. 4/88) to: Physics Laboratory, Attn: Dr. David S. King, 
National Institute of Standards and Technology, Building 221, room 
B268, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-0001.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dr. David S. King, (301) 975-2369.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Institute of Standards and 
Technology is authorized to fund, as the Director deems appropriate and 
within funds available, research fellowships and other forms of 
financial assistance to students at institutions of higher learning 
within the United States. These students must show promise as present 
or future contributors to the missions of NIST. Fellowships are awarded 
to assure continued growth and progress of science and engineering in 
the United States, including the encouragement of women and minority 
students to continue their professional development.
    This new partnership will build upon a 1993 summer pilot program 
funded by NIST as a proof of concept. Twenty students from 10 
undergraduate institutions spent the summer pursuing research projects 
sponsored by the Physics Laboratory. Of these 20 students; 8 were 
Hispanic Americans, 7 were African Americans, and 1 was legally blind. 
Between 20 to 50% of the associated student stipends, travel and 
housing was provided in cost sharing by the participating institutions.
    NIST is the nation's premiere institute for the physical sciences 
and, as the lead agency for technology transfer, is providing a strong 
interface between government, industry, and academia; on-site 
researchers at NIST come from a broad range of colleges and industries. 
Owing to its unique mission to support the U.S. economy by working with 
industry, NIST embodies a special science culture, developed from a 
large and well equipped research staff that enthusiastically blends 
programs that address the immediate needs of industry with longer-term 
research that anticipates future needs. This occurs in few other places 
and enables the Physics Laboratory to offer unique research and 
training opportunities for undergraduates, providing them a research-
rich environment and exposure to state of the art equipment, to 
scientists at work and to professional contacts that represent future 
employment possibilities.
    Attending to the long term needs of many U.S. high-technology 
industries, NIST's Physics Lab conducts basic research in the areas of 
quantum, electron, optical, atomic, molecular, and radiation physics. 
This is complemented by applied research devoted to overcoming barriers 
to the next technological revolution, in which individual atoms and 
molecules will serve as the fundamental building blocks of electronic 
and optical devices. To achieve these goals, staff develop and utilize 
highly specialized equipment, such as polarized electron microscopes, 
scanning tunneling microscopes, lasers, and x-ray and synchrotron 
radiation sources. Research projects can be theoretical or 
experimental, and will range in focus from quantum electrodynamics, 
through trapping atoms and choreographing molecular collisions, to 
ionizing radiation. SURFers will work one-on-one with our nation's top 
physical scientists both from NIST and from some of our nation's 
leading, high tech industries. It is anticipated that successful 
SURFers will move from a position of reliance on guidance from their 
research advisors to one of research independence during the twelve 
week period. One goal of this partnership is to provide opportunities 
for our nation's next generation of scientists and engineers to engage 
in world class scientific research at NIST, especially in ground 
breaking areas of emerging technologies. This carries with it the hope 
of motivating these individuals to pursue a Ph.D. in physics, and to 
consider alternative research careers. SURFing the Physics Lab will 
attempt to forge partnerships with NSF and with post-secondary 
institutions that demonstrate strong, hands-on undergraduate science 
curricula, especially those with a demonstrated commitment to the 
education of women, minorities and students with disabilities. This 
program will be open to all U.S. citizens interested in AMO physics.

Eligibility

    Colleges and universities with degree granting programs in areas of 
AMO physics.

Funding Availability

    Funds in the range of $100,000 to $155,000 are anticipated to be 
available for this partnership program. In addition, the Applicant 
Institution is expected to cost share (see Section entitled, 
``Evaluation of Applicant Institution's Cost Sharing''). The actual 
number of awards will depend on available funding.

Proposal Review Process

    All proposals will be reviewed by a panel of three NIST scientists 
appointed by the Program Director. Proposals should include the 
following:
    (A) Student Information: (1) official transcript for each student 
nominated with a minimum 3.0 G.P.A.; (2) a letter of commitment to 
attend SURF, including a description of the student's prioritized 
research interests; (3) a resume for each student; and (4) two letters 
of recommendation for each student. All references to student include 
the proposed alternate.
    (B) Information About the Applicant Institution: (1) Description of 
the applicant's education and research philosophy, faculty interests, 
on-campus research program(s) and opportunities, and overlapping 
research interests of NIST and the institution; and (2) a statement 
addressing issues of academic credit and commitment to cost sharing.

Selection Criteria

    Evaluation of Student's Academic Ability and Commitment to Program 
Goals (35%): Includes, but is not limited to, evaluation of the 
following: completed course work; expressed research interest; prior 
research experience; grade point average in courses relevant to 
program; career plans; honors and activities.
    Evaluation of Applicant Institution's Commitment to Program Goals 
(35%): Includes, but is not limited to, evaluation of the following: 
institution's focus on AMO physics; overlap between research interests 
of the institution and NIST; emphasis on undergraduate hands-on 
research; undergraduate participation in research conferences/programs; 
on-campus research facilities; involvement in systemic reform at the 
undergraduate level; past participation by students/institution in such 
programs; and commitment to educate women/minorities, and persons with 
disabilities.

Evaluation of Applicant Institution's Cost Sharing (30%)

    In the spirit of a true partnership, successful applicants will be 
required to contribute matching funds. An appropriate minimum 
participation would be to directly cover student travel (one round trip 
by common carrier) and housing costs (approximately $1200); a higher 
level of participation, such as partial payment of the student's 
stipend, stated intent to support the participating students at a 
research conference, and/or awarding of academic credit, will be given 
extra merit in the evaluation process.
    Award decisions shall be based upon total evaluation score.

Project Period

    The 1994 Physics Laboratory SURFing Partnership is anticipated to 
run between May 30 through August 19, 1994; adjustments may be made to 
accommodate specific academic schedules.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The Standard Form 424 mentioned in this notice is subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act and it has been approved by 
OMB under Control No. 0348-0006.

Additional Requirements

    All primary applicants must submit a completed form CD-511, 
``Certifications Regarding Debarment, Suspension and Other 
Responsibility Matters; Drug-Free Workplace Requirements and 
Lobbying,'' and the following explanations must be provided:

1. Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension

    Prospective participants (as defined at 15 CFR part 26, section 
105) are subject to 15 CFR part 26, ``Nonprocurement Debarment and 
Suspension'' and the related section of the certification form 
prescribed above applies;

2. Drug-Free Workplace

    Grantees (as defined at 15 CFR part 26, section 605) are subject to 
15 CFR part 26, subpart F, ``Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free 
Workplace (Grants)'' and the related section of the certification form 
prescribed above applies;

3. Anti-Lobbying

    Persons (as defined at 15 CFR part 28, section 105) are subject to 
the lobbying provisions of 31 U.S.C. 1352, ``Limitation on use of 
appropriated funds to influence certain Federal contracting and 
financial transactions,'' and the lobbying section of the certification 
form prescribed above applies to applications/bids for grants, 
cooperative agreements, and contracts for more than $100,000, and loans 
and loan guarantees for more than $150,000, or the single family 
maximum mortgage limit for affected programs, whichever is greater.

4. Anti-Lobbying Disclosure

    Any applicant that has paid or will pay for lobbying using any 
funds must submit an SF-LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,'' as 
required under 15 CFR part 28, appendix B.

5. Lower-Tier Certifications

    Recipients shall require applicants/bidders for subgrants, 
contracts, subcontracts, or other lower tier covered transactions at 
any tier under the award to submit, if applicable, a completed Form CD-
512, ``Certifications Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility 
and Voluntary Exclusion--Lower Tier Covered Transactions and Lobbying'' 
and disclosure form, SF-LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities.'' 
Form CD-512 is intended for the use of recipients and should not be 
transmitted to NIST. SF-LLL submitted by any tier recipient or 
subrecipient should be submitted to NIST in accordance with the 
instructions contained in the award document. Applicants who incur any 
costs prior to an award being made do so solely at their own risk of 
not being reimbursed by the Government. Notwithstanding any verbal 
assurance that may have been provided, there is no obligation on the 
part of NIST to cover pre-award costs.
    If an application is accepted for funding, DOC has no obligation to 
provide any additional future funding in connection with that award. 
Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of 
performance is at the total discretion of NIST.
    Unsatisfactory performance under prior Federal awards may result in 
an application not being considered for funding.
    All for-profit and nonprofit applicants will be subject to a name 
check review process. Name checks are intended to reveal if any key 
individuals associated with the applicant have been convicted of or are 
presently facing criminal charges such as fraud, theft, perjury, or 
other matters which significantly reflect on the applicant's 
management, honesty, or financial integrity.
    A false statement on an application is grounds for denial or 
termination of funds, and grounds for possible punishment by a fine or 
imprisonment as provided in 18 U.S.C. 1001. No award of Federal funds 
shall be made to an applicant who has an outstanding delinquent Federal 
debt until either:

1. The delinquent account is paid in full,
2. A negotiated repayment schedule is established and at least one 
payment is received, or
3. Other arrangements satisfactory to DoC are made.

    Awards under the Physics Laboratory Program shall be subject to all 
Federal laws and Federal and Departmental regulations, policies, and 
procedures applicable to financial assistance awards.
    Applications under this program are not subject to Executive Order 
12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.''

    Dated: March 10, 1994.
Samuel Kramer,
Associate Director.
[FR Doc. 94-6121 Filed 3-15-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-13-M