[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 218 (Thursday, November 12, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 63305-63308]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-30278]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY


Office of Science; Continuation of Solicitation for the Office of 
Science (Formerly the Office of Energy Research) Financial Assistance 
Program--Notice 99-01

AGENCY: U.S. Department of Energy.

ACTION: Annual Notice of Continuation of Availability of Grants and 
Cooperative Agreements.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Office of Science of the Department of Energy hereby 
announces its continuing interest in receiving grant applications for 
support of work in the following program areas: Basic Energy Sciences, 
High Energy Physics, Nuclear Physics, Computational and Technology 
Research, Fusion Energy Sciences, Biological and Environmental Research 
and Energy Research Analyses. On

[[Page 63306]]

September 3, 1992, (57 FR 40582), DOE published in the Federal Register 
the Office of Energy Research Financial Assistance Program, 10 CFR Part 
605, Final Rule, which contained a solicitation for this program. 
Information about submission of applications, eligibility, limitations, 
evaluation and selection processes and other policies and procedures 
are specified in 10 CFR Part 605.

DATES: Applications may be submitted at any time in response to this 
Notice of Availability.

ADDRESSES: Applications must be sent to: Director, Grants and Contracts 
Division, Office of Science, SC-64, U.S. Department of Energy, 19901 
Germantown Road, Germantown, MD 20874-1290. When preparing 
applications, applicants should use the Office of Science Financial 
Assistance Program Application Guide and Forms located on the World 
Wide Web at: http://www.er.doe.gov/production/grants/grants.html. 
Applicants without Internet access may call 301-903-5212 for 
information.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This Notice is published annually and 
remains in effect until it is succeeded by another issuance by the 
Office of Science. This annual Notice 99-01 succeeds Notice 98-01 which 
was published October 31, 1997.
    It is anticipated that approximately $400 million will be available 
for grant and cooperative agreement awards in FY 1999. The DOE is under 
no obligation to pay for any costs associated with the preparation or 
submission of an application. DOE reserves the right to fund, in whole 
or in part, any, all, or none of the applications submitted in response 
to this Notice.
    In addition, the following program descriptions are offered to 
provide more in-depth information on scientific and technical areas of 
interest to the Office of Science:

1. Basic Energy Sciences

    The Basic Energy Sciences (BES) program supports fundamental 
research in the natural sciences and engineering leading to new and 
improved energy technologies and to understanding and mitigating the 
environmental impacts of energy technologies. The science divisions and 
their objectives are as follows:

(a) Materials Sciences

    The objective of this program is to increase the understanding of 
phenomena and properties important to materials behavior that will 
contribute to meeting the needs of present and future energy 
technologies. It is comprised of the subfields metallurgy, ceramics, 
solid state physics, materials chemistry, and related disciplines where 
the emphasis is on the science of materials. Program Contact: (301) 
903-3427.

(b) Chemical Sciences

    The objective of this program is to expand, through support of 
basic research, knowledge of various areas of chemistry, chemical 
engineering and atomic molecular and optical physics with a goal of 
contributing to new or improved processes for developing and using 
domestic energy resources in an efficient and environmentally sound 
manner. Disciplinary areas where research is supported include atomic 
molecular and optical physics; physical, inorganic and organic 
chemistry; chemical physics; photochemistry; radiation chemistry; 
analytical chemistry; separations science; actinide chemistry; and 
chemical engineering sciences. Program Contact: (301) 903-5804.

(c) Engineering Research

    This program's objectives are: (1) to extend the body of knowledge 
underlying current engineering practice in order to open new ways for 
enhancing energy savings and production, prolonging useful equipment 
life, and reducing costs while maintaining output performance, and 
environmental quality; and (2) to broaden the technical and conceptual 
base for solving future engineering problems in the energy 
technologies. Long-term research topics of current interest include: 
foundations of bioprocessing of fuels and energy related wastes, 
fracture mechanics, experimental and theoretical studies of multi phase 
flows, intelligent machines, and diagnostics and control for plasma 
processing of materials. Program Contact: (301) 903-5822.

(d) Geosciences

    The goal of this program is to develop a quantitative and 
predictive understanding of the energy-related aspects of processes in 
the earth. The emphasis is on the upper levels of the earth's crust and 
the focus is on geophysics, geomechanics and geochemistry of rock-fluid 
systems and interactions emphasizing processes taking place at the 
atomic and molecular scale. Specific topical areas receiving emphasis 
include: high resolution geophysical imaging; rock physics, fundamental 
properties and interactions of rocks, minerals, and fluids; and 
sedimentary basin systems. The resulting improved understanding and 
knowledge base are needed to assist efforts in the utilization of the 
Nation's energy resources in an environmentally acceptable fashion. 
Program Contact: (301) 903-5822.

(e) Energy Biosciences

    The primary objective of this program is to generate the 
fundamental understanding of biological mechanisms in the areas of 
botanical and microbiological sciences that will support 
biotechnological developments related to DOE's mission. The research 
serves as the basic information foundation with respect to an 
environmentally responsible renewable resource production for fuels and 
chemicals, microbial conversions of renewable materials and biological 
systems for the conservation of energy. This office has special 
requirements for the submission of preapplications, when to submit, and 
the length of the applications. Applicants are encouraged to contact 
the office regarding these requirements. Program Contact: (301) 903-
2873.

2. High Energy and Nuclear Physics

    This program supports about 90% of the U.S. efforts in high energy 
and nuclear physics. The objectives of these programs are indicated 
below:

(a) High Energy Physics

    The primary objectives of this program are to understand the 
ultimate structure of matter in terms of the properties and 
interrelations of its basic constituents, and to understand the nature 
and relationships among the fundamental forces of nature. The research 
falls into three broad categories: experimental research, theoretical 
research, and technology R&D in support of the high energy physics 
program. Program Contact: (301) 903-3624.

(b) Nuclear Physics (Including Nuclear Data Program)

    The primary objectives of this program are an understanding of the 
interactions and structures of atomic nuclei and nuclear matter at the 
most elementary level possible, and an understanding of the fundamental 
forces of nature as manifested in nuclear matter. Program Contact: 
(301) 903-3613.

3. Computational and Technology Research

    The goal of this program is to conduct an integrated program in 
applied mathematical sciences, high

[[Page 63307]]

performance computing and communications, information infrastructure, 
advanced energy projects research, and technology research, to address 
complex problems. Research in forefront and diverse programs is 
becoming more multi disciplinary and requires new approaches to the 
solution of these complex problems. The program exploits the 
capabilities and research skills at universities, national 
laboratories, and industrial research laboratories. The program 
provides technical, analytical, and management direction for 
development, implementation, and evaluation of research programs that 
include activities from fundamental research to technology development. 
The goal of the program is accomplished through the effort of the 
following two divisions:

(a) Mathematical, Information, and Computational Sciences

    This subprogram supports a spectrum of fundamental research in 
applied mathematical sciences, computer science, and networking from 
basic through prototype development. Results of these efforts are used 
to form partnerships with users in scientific disciplines to validate 
the usefulness of the ideas and to develop them into tools. Testbeds on 
important applications for DOE are supported by this subprogram. 
Program Contact: (301)-903-5800.

(b) Advanced Energy Projects/Laboratory Technology Research

    Advanced Energy Projects--This activity funds research to establish 
the feasibility of novel, energy-related concepts. These concepts are 
usually derived from recent advances in basic research, but require 
additional research to establish their feasibility. A common theme for 
each concept is the initial linkage of new, or previously neglected, 
research results to a practical energy payoff for the Nation.
    Laboratory Technology Research--This subprogram conducts high risk, 
energy-related research that advances fundamental science and 
technology toward innovative applications that could significantly 
impact the Nation's energy economy. Scientists at the Office of Science 
laboratories enter into cost-shared research partnerships with industry 
to explore energy applications of research advances in areas of mission 
relevance to both parties. The partners jointly bring technology 
research to a point where industry or the Department's technology 
development programs can pursue final development or commercialization. 
Current research projects emphasize advanced materials, intelligent 
processes and controls, and energy-related applications of 
biotechnology. Program Contact: (301)-903-5995.

4. Fusion Energy Sciences

    The mission of the Fusion Energy Sciences program is to advance 
plasma science, fusion science, and fusion technology--the knowledge 
base needed for an economically and environmentally attractive fusion 
energy source. This program is supported by the Office of Fusion Energy 
Sciences (OFES), which fosters both applied and basic research and 
emphasizes international collaboration to accomplish this mission.

(a) Science Division

    This Division seeks to develop the physics knowledge base needed to 
advance the Fusion Energy Sciences program toward its goals. Basic and 
applied research is carried out in the following areas: (1) basic 
plasma science research directed at furthering the understanding of 
fundamental processes in plasmas; (2) improving the theoretical 
understanding of fusion plasmas necessary for interpreting results from 
present experiments and the planning and design of future confinement 
devices, (3) obtaining the critical data on plasma properties, atomic 
physics and new diagnostic techniques for support of confinement 
experiments, (4) supporting exploratory research into concepts that are 
alternatives to the tokamak, and (5) carrying out research on issues 
that support the development of Inertial Fusion Energy, for which 
target development is carried out by the Department of Energy's Defense 
Programs. Research into basic physics issues associated with medium to 
large scale confinement devices is essential to studying conditions 
relevant to the production of fusion energy. Experiments on these scale 
of devices are used to explore the limits of specific confinement 
concepts, as well as study associated physical phenomena. Specific 
areas of interest include: (1) the production of increased plasma 
densities and temperatures, (2) the understanding of the physical laws 
governing plasma energy of high plasma pressure, (4) the investigation 
of plasma interaction with radio frequency waves, and (5) the study and 
control of particle transport and exhaust in plasmas. Program Contact: 
(301) 903-4095.

(b) Technology Division

    This Division seeks to develop the technology knowledge base needed 
to advance the Fusion Energy Sciences program toward its goals. The 
Division's science-oriented goal is to provide the technologies that 
are required to successfully design, build, and operate near-term 
experiments aimed at producing, understanding, and optimizing the 
fusion energy process. The Division's energy-oriented goal is to 
develop the technologies that will be needed in the long-term for an 
economically and environmentally attractive fusion energy source. These 
goals are pursued through multi-institutional domestic programs and 
international collaboration partnerships. Program Contact: (301) 903-
5378.

5. Biological and Environmental Research Program

    The goals of the Biological and Environmental Research Program are 
as follows: (1) to provide, through basic and applied research, the 
scientific information required to identify, understand and anticipate 
the long-term health and environmental consequences of energy use and 
development; and (2) to utilize the Department's unique resources to 
solve major scientific problems in medicine, biology and the 
environment. Goals of the program are accomplished through the efforts 
of the following research program elements:

(a) Health Effects and Life Sciences Research

    This is a broad program of basic and applied biological research. 
The objectives are: (1) to create and apply new technologies and 
resources in mapping, sequencing, and information management for 
characterizing the molecular nature of the human genome; (2) to develop 
and support DOE national user facilities for use in fundamental 
structural biology; (3) to use model organisms to understand human 
genome organization, human gene function and control, and the 
functional relationships between human genes and proteins; (4) to 
characterize and exploit the genomes and diversity of microbes with 
potential relevance for energy, bioremediation, or global climate; (5) 
to understand and characterize the risks to human health from exposures 
to low levels of radiation and chemicals; (6) to develop novel 
technologies for high throughput determination of protein structure; 
and (7) to anticipate and address ethical, legal, and social 
implications arising from genome research. Program Contact: (301) 903-
5468.

(b) Medical Applications and Measurement Science

    The objectives of this program comprise the following areas: (1) to 
develop technologies for the beneficial applications of radiation and 
in vivo

[[Page 63308]]

radiotracer detection in the study, diagnosis and treatment of human 
diseases and disorders; (2) to develop new instrumentation for 
biological and medical research; and (3) to develop new concepts and 
techniques for detecting and measuring the hazardous agents of 
biochemical, physical and environmental consequences related to energy 
production.
    Program Contact: (301) 903-3213.

(c) Environmental Remediation

    The objectives of the program relate to environmental processes 
affected by energy production and use. The program develops information 
on the physical, chemical and biological processes that cycle and 
transport energy-related material, particularly contaminates that arose 
during nuclear weapons production, through the Earth's surface and 
subsurface. Emphasis is put on the development of a strong basis for 
understanding and implementing the appropriate and efficient use of 
bioremediation, particularly at the Department's sites.
    Program Contact: (301) 903-3281.

(d) Environmental Processes

    This program addresses global environmental change from increases 
in atmospheric carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. The scope of 
the global change program encompasses the carbon cycle, climate 
modeling and diagnostics, atmospheric sciences and meteorology, 
ecosystem responses, and impacts on resources. The role of clouds and 
radiation in climate prediction is a particular emphasis.
    Program Contact: (301) 903-3281.

6. Energy Research Analyses

    This program supports energy research analyses of the Department's 
basic and applied research activities. Specific objectives include 
assessments to identify any duplication or gaps in scientific research 
activities, and impartial and independent evaluations of scientific and 
technical research efforts.
    Program Contact: (202) 586-7021.

7. Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR)

    The objective of the EPSCoR program is to enhance the capabilities 
of EPSCoR states to conduct nationally competitive energy-related 
research and to develop science and engineering manpower to meet 
current and future needs in energy-related fields. This program 
addressees research needs across all of the Department of Energy 
research interests. Research supported by the EPSCoR program is 
concerned with the same broad research areas addressed by the Office of 
Science programs that are described above. The EPSCoR program is 
restricted to applications which originate in eighteen states (Alabama, 
Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, 
Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, 
South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming) and the commonwealth 
of Puerto Rico. It is anticipated that in Fiscal Year 1999, only a 
limited number of new competitive research grants will be awarded under 
this program due to prior commitments to ongoing EPSCoR grant projects.
    Program Contact: (301) 903-3427.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on November 5, 1998.
John Rodney Clark,
Associate Director for Resource Management, Office of Science.
[FR Doc. 98-30278 Filed 11-10-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P