[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 32 (Thursday, February 15, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 5983-5986]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-3505]



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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Institute of Standards and Technology
[Docket No. 951201284-5284-01]
RIN 0693-ZA04


Physics Laboratory 1996 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships 
(SURF)--Partnerships in Atomic, Molecular and Optical (AMO) Physics

AGENCY: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: Through Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships, ``SURFing 
the Physics Lab: A Partnerships for AMO Physics'' will provide an 
opportunity for the Physics Laboratory of the National Institute of 
Standards 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 outstanding undergraduates (including 
graduating seniors) who would benefit from off-campus summer research 
in an honors academy environment. We recommend a group of two 
candidates plus one alternate to be nominated by each institution, 
although larger or smaller groups will be given equal consideration. 
The selected group of about twenty (20) students will spend 
approximately 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. The 12-week stipend 
for the summer of 1996 will be $3600. Students and NIST research 
advisors will be paired based on the student's background and interests 
in the 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 

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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 under 
represented 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 
March 11, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Applicants must submit one signed original plus two (2) 
copies of the proposal along with the Grant Application, Standard Form 
424 (Rev. 4/92) to: Physics Laboratory, Attn: Dr. Marc F. Desrosiers, 
National Institute of Standards and Technology, Building 245, Room 
C229, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-0001.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dr. Marc F. Desrosiers, (301) 975-5639.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Name and Number: 11.609--
Measurement and Engineering Research and Standards.
    Authority: The Act of March 3, 1901, as amended (15 USC 278g-l) 
authorizes the National Institute of Standards and Technology to 
expend up to 1 per centum of the funds appropriated for activities 
of NIST in any fiscal year, as the Director deems appropriate, for 
financial assistance awards in the form of cooperative agreements 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. Cooperative Agreements 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.

Program Description

    The objective of this partnership will build upon a 1993 summer 
pilot program funded by NIST as a proof of concept and the 1994 and 
1995 SURFing programs partially funded by the NSF Physics Division as a 
Research Experience for Undergraduates Site. Of the nearly 60 students 
involved during the past three years approximately one-third were 
Hispanic Americans, one-third were African Americans, half were women 
and 1 was legally blind. Between 20 to 50% of the associated student 
stipends, travel and housing was provided in cost sharing by the 
individual participating institutions.
    NIST is the nation's premiere institute for the physics 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 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

    The NIST Physics Laboratory will commit approximately $50,000 to 
support cooperative agreements under the program. The NIST Physics 
Laboratory's REU Program is supported by NSF at the level of $55,000 
per year. The anticipated direct and indirect cost for stipends, travel 
and housing and conference attendance for twenty students is about 
$140,000. The actual number of awards made under this announcement will 
depend on the level of cost sharing by our academic partners. The 
issuance of awards is contingent upon the availability of 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 recommended G.P.A. of 3.0 or better, (2) a personal 
statement from each student and statement of commitment to participate 
in the 1996 SURF program, 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.

Application Kit

    An application kit, containing all required application forms and 

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    certifications is available by calling Sandra Bogarde at (301) 975-
5524. An application kit includes the following:

SF 424 (Rev 4/92)--Application for Federal Assistance
SF 424A (Rev 4/92)--Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs
SF 424B (Rev 4/92)--Assurances--Non-Construction Programs
CD 511 (7/91)--Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other 
Responsibility Matters; Drug-Free Workplace Requirements and Lobbying
CD 512 (7/91)--Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, 
Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusions--Lower Tier Covered Transactions 
and Lobbying
SF-LLL--Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

Evaluation 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; 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 encouraged 
to contribute matching funds. A suggested level of participation would 
be to directly cover student travel (one round trip by common carrier) 
and housing costs (approximately $1500); 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.

Award Period

    The 1996 Physics Laboratory SURFing Partnership is anticipated to 
run between May 28 through August 16, 1996; adjustments may be made to 
accommodate specific academic schedules (e.g., a twelve-week program 
from May 20 through August 9, or the awarding of a limited number of 
10-week cooperative agreements).

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The Standard Form 424 and other Standard Forms in the application 
kit are subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act and 
have been approved by OMB under Control No. 0348-0043, 0348-0044, 0348-
0040, and 0348-0046.

Additional Requirements

Primary Application Certifications

    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 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.

Preaward Activities

    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.

No Obligation for Future Funding

    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.

Past Performance

    Unsatisfactory performance under prior Federal awards may result in 
an application not being considered for funding.

False Statements

    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.

Delinquent Federal Debts

    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.

Indirect Costs

    The total dollar amount of the indirect costs proposed in an 
application under this program must not exceed the 

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indirect cost rate negotiated and approved by a cognizant Federal 
agency prior to the proposed effective date of the award of 100 percent 
of the total proposed direct cost dollar amount in the application, 
whichever is less.

Federal Policies and Procedures

    Recipients and subrecipients 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. The SURF program does not directly affect any state 
or local government.
    Applicants are reminded of the applicability of Executive order 
12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.''
    This rule making action has been determined to be ``not 
significant'' for purposes of Executive Order 12866.

    Dated: February 9, 1996.

Samuel Kramer,
Associate Director.
[FR Doc. 96-3505 Filed 2-14-96; 8:45 am]
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