[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 251 (Monday, December 30, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 68717-68720]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-33134]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
[Docket No. 961030302-6302-01]
RIN 0693-ZA12


Physics Laboratory 1997 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 Fellowship, the program 
``SURFing the Physics, Lab: A Partnership 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, to encourage outstanding physics students to pursue 
scientific careers. This program will function by exposing students to 
the world class atomic, molecular, optical and radiation physicists and 
facilities in the NIST Physics Laboratory, and by strengthening 
undergraduate AMO physics curricula by forming the basis of ongoing 
collaborations. The NIST

[[Page 68718]]

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-give (25) 
students will spend approximately twelve (12) weeks at the Physics 
Laboratory's Gaitherburgh, 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. The 12-week stipend for the summer of 1997 will be 
$3600. Students and NIST research advisors will be paired, based on the 
student's background and interests, in the spring. This allows for 
adequate dialog between the student, the student's physics professors 
and the NIST advisor. It also ensures that the student arrives at NIST 
ready to contribute, and prepares 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 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 encourage students from under-represented groups to 
apply. 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 
February 14, 1997.

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. Paul D. Lett, 
National Institute of Standards and Technology, Building 221, Room A-
167, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-0001.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Paul D. Lett, (301) 975-6559.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Name and Number

    Measurement and Engineering Research and Standards; 11.609

Authority

    The Act of March 3, 1901, as amended (15 U.S.C. 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 is to build a mutually beneficial 
relationship between the student, the institution of higher learning, 
and NIST. This is the fourth year of a program partially funded by the 
NSF Physics Division as a Research Experience for Undergraduates Site 
(REU). Between 20 and 50% of the associated student stipends, travel 
and housing will be provided in cost sharing by the individual 
participating institutions.
    NIST is one of the nation's premiere institutions 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 synergy 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, 
as well as 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 Laboratory 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. SURF students 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 SURF students 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 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 $45,000 to 
support cooperative agreements under this program. The NIST Physics 
Laboratory's REU Program is anticipating renewal of funding by the NSF 
at a level between $50,000 and $70,000 per year. The anticipated direct 
and indirect cost for stipends, travel and housing and conference 
attendance for up to twenty-five students is about

[[Page 68719]]

$150,000. 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 1997 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 
certifications is available by calling Marilyn King at (301) 975-3200. 
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 1997 Physics Laboratory SURFing Partnership is anticipated to 
run between May 27 through August 15, 1997; adjustments may be made to 
accommodate specific academic schedules (e.g., 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 Nos. 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 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.

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 preaward 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.

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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 indirect cost rate 
negotiated and approved by a cognizant Federal agency prior to the 
proposed direct cost dollar amount in the application whichever is 
less.

Purchase of American-made Equipment and Products

    Applicants are hereby notified that they are encouraged, to the 
greatest practicable extent, to purchase American-made equipment and 
products with funding provided under this program.

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.''

Executive Order Statement

    This funding notice was determined to be ``not significant'' for 
purses of Executive Order 12866.

    Dated: December 18, 1996.
Samuel Kramer
Associate Director.
[FR Doc. 96-33134 Filed 12-27-96; 8:45 am]
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