[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 223 (Thursday, November 19, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 64236-64242]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-30981]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Institute of Standards and Technology
Docket No. 981103273-8273-01
RIN 0693-ZA24


Precision Measurement Grants et al; Notice of Financial 
Assistance

AGENCY: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The purpose of this notice is to inform potential applicants 
that the following programs of the National Institute of Standards and 
Technology (NIST) are offering financial assistance as follows: (1) the 
Precision Measurement Grants Program; (2) the 1999 Summer Undergraduate 
Research Fellowships (SURF) in the areas of Atomic, Molecular and 
Optical (AMO) and Radiation Physics, in Materials Science and 
Engineering, and in Manufacturing Engineering; (3) the Materials 
Science and Engineering Grants Program; and (4) the Fire Research 
Grants Program.
    The Precision Measurement Grants Program is seeking proposals for 
significant, primarily experimental, research in the field of 
fundamental measurement or the determination of fundamental constants. 
Applicants must submit an abbreviated proposal for preliminary 
screening. Based on the merit of the abbreviated proposal, applicants 
will be advised whether a full proposal should be submitted. The 
programs ``SURFing the Physics Laboratory,'' ``SURFing the Materials 
Science and Engineering Laboratory,'' and ``SURFing the Manufacturing 
Engineering Laboratory'' will provide an opportunity for the Physics 
Laboratory (PL), the Materials Science and engineering Laboratory 
(MSEL), the Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory (MEL), and the 
National Science Foundation (NSF) to join in a partnership to encourage 
outstanding undergraduate students to pursue careers in science and 
engineering. The PL program will function by exposing students to world 
class atomic, molecular, optical (AMO) and radiation physicists and 
facilities in the NIST Physics Laboratory, and by strengthening 
undergraduate AMO physics curricula by forming the basis for ongoing 
collaborations. The MSEL program will function by providing research 
opportunities with internationally known NIST scientists in the fields 
of ceramics, solid state chemistry, metallurgy, polymers, neutron 
condensed matter science, and materials reliability. The MEL program 
will function by providing research opportunities with internationally 
known NIST scientists in the fields of intelligent systems, automated 
production, precision engineering, and manufacturing systems 
integration. The NIST Program Directors will work with physics, 
materials science, manufacturing engineering, intelligent systems, 
automated production, precision engineering, and other science-related 
department chairs and directors of multi-disciplinary centers of 
excellence to identify outstanding undergraduates (including graduation 
seniors) who would benefit from off-campus summer research in an honors 
academy environment. The Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory 
(MSEL) Grants Program, National Institute of Standards and Technology 
(NIST), is continuing its program for grants and cooperative agreements 
in the following fields of research: Ceramics, Metallurgy, Polymer 
Sciences, Neutron Scattering Research and Spectroscopy. Each applicant 
must submit one signed original and two copies of each proposal along 
with a Grant Application, (Standard Form 424 REV. 7/97 and other 
required forms), as referenced under the provisions of OMB Circular A-
110 and 15 CFR 24. The Fire Research Grants Program is limited to 
innovative ideas in the fire research area generated by the proposal 
writer, who chooses the topic and approach, consistent with the program 
description/objectives of this notice.

DATES: The Precision Measurement Grants Program abbreviated proposals 
must be received at the address listed below no later than the close of 
business February 1, 1999. The semifinalists will be notified of their 
status by March 22, 1999, and will be requested to submit their full 
proposals to NIST by close of business on May 7, 1999. Selection of the 
awards will be made by Friday, August 15, 1999.
    The Physics, MSEL and MEL SURF Programs' proposals must be received 
no later than the close of business February 15, 1999.
    The MSEL Grants Program proposals must be received no later than 
the close of business September 30, 1999.
    The Fire Research Grants Program proposals must be received no 
later than the close of business September 30, 1999.

ADDRESSES AND CONTACT INFORMATION: For the Precision Measurement Grants 
Program, applicants are requested to submit any technical questions and 
an abbreviated proposal (original and two (2) signed copies), with a 
description of their proposed work of no more than five (5) double 
spaced pages to: Dr. Barry N. Taylor, Chairman, NIST Precision 
Measurement Grants Committee, Bldg. 225, Rm. B161, National Institute 
of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-0001, Tel: (301) 
975-4220 E-mail: [email protected], Website: http://
physics.nist.gov/ResOpp/grants/grants.html
    For the remainder of the Grants Programs, applicant institutions 
must submit one signed original and two (2) copies of the proposal to: 
For the Physics, MSEL and MEL SURF Programs: Attn.: Ms. Anita Sweigert, 
National Institute of Standards and Technology, Building 221, Room B-
160, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-0001, Tel: (301) 975-4200, E-mail: 
[email protected]
    Websites for each program are as follows: Physics SURF Program, 
http://physics.nist.gov/ResOpp/surf/surf.html;MSEL SURF Program, http:/
/www.msel.nist.gov/surf/surf.html; and MEL SURF Program, http://
www.mel.nist.gov/opps/surf.htm
    Technical questions for the Physics, MSEL and MEL SURF Programs 
should be directed to the following contact persons: for the Physics 
Surf Program, Dr. Marc Desrosiers, Tel: (301) 975-5639, E-mail: 
[email protected]; for the MSEL SURF Program, Dr. Terrell

[[Page 64237]]

A. Vanderah, Tel: (301) 975-5785, E-mail: [email protected]; 
and for the MEL SURF Program, Ms. Lisa Jean Fronczek, Tel: (301) 975-
6633, E-mail: [email protected].
    For the MSEL Grants Program, each application package should be 
clearly marked to identify the field of research and should be 
submitted to: Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory, Attn.: Ms. 
Patty Salpino, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Building 
223, Room A305, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899-0001, Tel: (301) 975-5731, 
E-mail: [email protected]
    For the Fire Research Grants Program: Building and Fire Research 
Laboratory (BFRL), Attn: Ms. Sonya Parkham, Building 226, Room B206, 
National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 
20899-0001, Tel: (301) 975-6854, E-mail: [email protected]
    With the Exception of the MSEL Grants Program, all administrative 
questions concerning these programs may be directed to the NIST Grants 
Office at (301) 975-6329. Administrative questions regarding the MSEL 
Grants Program should be directed to Ms. Marlene Taylor at (301) 975-
5653.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Name 
and Number: Measurement and Engineering Research and Standards--11.609.

    Authority: The authority for the Precision Measurement Grants 
Program is as follows: As authorized by Section 2 of the Act of 
March 3, 1901, as amended (15 U.S.C. 272 (b)(2) and (c)(3)), NIST 
conducts directly, supports through grants and cooperative 
agreements, a basic and applied research program in the general area 
of fundamental measurement and the determination of fundamental 
constants of nature. The authority for the Physics, MSEL and MEL 
SURF Programs is as follows: The Act of March 3, 1901, as amended 
(15 U.S.C. 278g-1) 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. The authority for the MSEL Grants Program 
is as follows: As authorized under 15 U.S.C. 272 (b)(6) and (c)(16), 
the MSEL conducts a basic and applied research program directly and 
through grants and cooperative agreements to eligible recipients. 
The authority for the Fire Research Grants Program is as follows: As 
authorized by Section 16 of the Act of March 3, 1901, as amended (15 
U.S.C. 278f), the NIST Building and Fire Research Laboratory 
conducts directly and through grants and cooperative agreements, a 
basic and applied fire research program.

Program Description/Objectives

    The program description/objectives for the Precision Measurement 
Grants Program are as follows: NIST sponsors these grants to encourage 
basic, measurement-related research in U.S. universities and colleges 
and to foster contacts between NIST scientists and those faculty 
members of U.S. academic institutions who are actively engaged in such 
work. The Precision Measurement Grants are also intended to make it 
possible for such faculty members to pursue new, fundamental 
measurement ideas for which other sources of support may be difficult 
to find. There is some latitude in research topics that will be 
considered under the Precision Measurement Grants Program. The key 
requirement is that the proposed project support NIST's ongoing work in 
the field of basic measurement science, which includes:
    1. Experimental and theoretical studies of fundamental physical 
phenomena which test the basic laws of physics or which may lead to new 
or improved fundamental measurement methods and standards.
    2. The determination of important fundamental physical constants.
    In general, proposals for experimental research will be given 
preference over proposals for theoretical research because of the 
greater expense of experimental work. Proposals from workers at the 
assistant and associate professor level who have some record of 
accomplishment are especially encouraged in view of the comparative 
difficulty aspiring researchers have in obtaining funds.
    Typical projects which have been funded through NIST Precision 
Measurement Grants Program include:
    (1) Eotvos experiment-cryogenic version, D.F. Bartlett, University 
of Colorado.
    (2) A test of local Lorentz invariance using polarized \21\Ne 
nuclei, T.E. Chupp, Harvard University.
    (3) A new method to search for an electric dipole moment of the 
electron, L.R. Hunter, Amherst College.
    (4) High-precision timing of millisecond pulsars, D.R. Stinebring, 
Princeton, University.
    (5) Development of an atom interferometer gyroscope for tests of 
general relativity, M. Kasevich, Stanford Univerisity.
    (6) Spectroscopy of francium: towards a precise parity 
nonconservation measurement in a laser trap, Luis A. Orozco, State 
University of New York at Stony Brook.
    (7) Measurement of the magnetically-introduced QED birefringence of 
the vacuum, Siu Au Lee, Colorado State University.
    (8) Measurement of Newton's constant G using a new method, J.H. 
Gundlach, Unversity of Washington.
    The progranm description/objectives for the Physics, MSEL and MEL 
SURF Programs are as follows: To build a mutually beneficial 
relationship between the student, the institution of higher learning 
and NIST. This is the sixth year of the Physics SURF Program which is 
partially funded by the NSF Physics Division as a Research Experience 
for Undergraduates (REU) site. This is the second year of a proposed 
three year MSEL SURF Program and the first year of proposed five year 
MEL SURF Program funded by the NSF Materials Science Division as a 
Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) site. Between ten and 
twenty percent of the associated student stipends, travel and housing 
has been provided in cost sharing by the participating institutions in 
previous years.
    NIST is one of the nation's premier research institutions for the 
physical sciences and, as the lead Federal 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 
institutions. 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 that enables the Physics Laboratory, the 
Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory and the Manufacturing 
Engineering 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 Laboratory conducts basic research in the 
areas of quantum, electron, optical, atomic, molecular, and radiation 
physics. NIST's Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory conducts 
basic research in the

[[Page 64238]]

electronic, magnetic, optical, superconducting, mechanical, thermal, 
chemical, and structural properties of metals, ceramics, polymers, and 
composits. Much of this applied research is devoted to overcoming 
barriers to the next technological revolution, in which individual 
atoms and molecules will serve as the fundamental building blocks of 
devices. NIST's Manufacturing Engineering laboratory conducts 
theoretical and experimental research in length, mass, force, 
vibration, acoustics, and ultrasonics, as well as intelligent machines, 
precision control of machine tools, information technology for the 
integration of all elements of a product's life cycle. Much of this 
applied research is devoted to overcoming barriers to the next 
technological revolution, in which manufacturing facilities are spread 
across the globe.
    To achieve these goals, PL staff develop and utilize highly 
specialized equipment, such as polarized electron microscopes, scanning 
tunneling microscopes, lasers, and x-rays and synchrotron radiation 
sources. Research projects can be theoretical or experimental and will 
range in focus from computer modeling of fundamental processes through 
trapping atoms and choreographing molecular collisions, to 
standardization for radiation therapy.
    Preparation of unique materials by atomic level tailoring of multi-
layers, perfect single crystals, and nanocomposites are just some of 
the future technologies being developed and explored in NIST's MSEL. To 
achieve these goals, staff develop and utilize highly specialized 
equipment, such as high resolution electron microscopes, atomic force 
microscopes, a nuclear reactor, x-ray diffraction sources, lasers, 
magnetometers, plasma furnaces, melt spinners, molecular beam epitaxy 
systems, and power atomization chambers. Research projects can be 
theoretical or experimental and will range in focus from the 
structural, chemical, and morphological characterization of advanced 
materials made in the NIST laboratories to the accurate measurement of 
the unique properties possessed by these special materials.
    MEL's research and development leads to standards, test methods and 
data that are crucial to industry's success in exploiting advanced 
manufacturing technology. Critical components of manufacturing at any 
level are measurement and measurement-related standards, not just of 
products, but increasingly of information about products and processes. 
Thus, MEL programs enhance both physical and information-based 
measurements and standards. Research projects can be theoretical or 
experimental, and will range in focus from intelligent machine control, 
characterizing a manufacturing process or improving product data 
exchange, to the accurate measurement of an artifact's dimensions.
    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, materials 
science, engineering, mathematics, physics, or computer science, and to 
consider research careers. SURFing the Physics Laboratory, SURFing the 
Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory and SURFing the 
Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory will help 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. These programs will be open to all U.S. 
citizens or U.S. permanent residents interested in AMO or radiation 
physics, materials science or manufacturing research.
    The program description/objectives for the MSEL Grants Program are 
as follows: All proposals submitted must be in accordance with the 
program objectives listed below. The appropriate Program Manager for 
each field of research may be contacted for clarification of the 
program objectives.
    I. Ceramics Division, 852--The primary objective is to supplement 
division activities in the area of ceramic processing, tribology, 
composites, machining, interfacial chemistry, and microstructural 
analysis. The contact person for this division is: Dr. Ronald Munro and 
he may be reached at (301) 975-6127.
    II. Polymers Division, 854--The primary objective is to support 
division programs in polymer blends, composites, electrical 
applications, as well as, dental and medical polymeric materials 
through participation in research on metrology, synthesis, processing 
and characterization of structure, mechanical, thermal and electrical 
properties. The contact person for this division is: Dr. Donald L. 
Hunston, and he may be reached at (301) 975-6837.
    III. Metallurgy Division, 855--The primary objective is to develop 
techniques to predict, measure and control transformations, phases, 
microstructure and kinetic processes as well as mechanical, physical 
and chemical properties in metals and their alloys. The contact person 
for this division is: Dr. Robert J. Schaefer and he may be reached at 
(301) 975-5961.
    IV. Metallurgy Division, 855--The primary objective is to develop 
new and improved sensors, measurement techniques, and analytical models 
for metallurgical structures and processes in order to facilitate the 
development and adoption of intelligent processing systems for 
materials. The contact person for this division is: Dr. Robert J. 
Schaefer and he may be reached at (301) 975-5961.
    V. NIST Center for Neutron Research, 856--The primary objective is 
to develop high resolution cold and thermal neutron scattering research 
approaches and related physics, chemistry, macromolecular and materials 
applications. The contact person for this division is: Dr. John J. Rush 
and he may be reached at (301) 975-6231.
    The program description/objectives for the Fire Research Grants 
Program are as follows:
    A. Fire Modeling and Applications: To perform research, develop and 
demonstrate the application of analytical models for the quantitative 
prediction of the consequences of fires and the means to assess the 
accuracy of those models. This includes: developing methods to assess 
fire hazard and risk; creating advanced, usable modelling for the 
calculation of the effluent from building fires; modelling the ignition 
and burning of furniture, contents, and building elements such as 
walls; developing methods of evaluating and predicting the performance 
of building safety design features; developing a protocol for 
determining the accuracy of algorithms and comprehensive models; 
developing data bases to facilitate use of fire models; and developing 
methodologies to acquire, model, and display fire information.
    B. Large Fire Research: To perform research and develop techniques 
to measure, predict the behavior and mitigate large fire events. This 
includes: understanding the mechanisms of large

[[Page 64239]]

fires that control gas phase combustion, burning rate, thermal and 
chemical emissions, and transport processes; developing field 
measurement techniques to assess the near- and far-field impact of 
large fires and their plumes; performing research on the use of 
combustion for environmental cleanup; predicting the performance and 
environmental impact of fire protection measures and fire fighting 
systems and techniques; and developing and operating the Fire Research 
Program large-scale experimental facility.
    C. Advance Fire Measurements: To produce the scientific basis and 
robust measurement methods for characterizing fires and their effluents 
at full- and reduced-scales. This includes discrete point, volume-
integrated, and time- and space-resolved measurements for such 
properties as temperature, smoke density, chemical species, and flow 
velocity. Laboratory and computational research are also performed to 
understand the underpinning fire phenomena to ensure the soundness of 
the developed measurement techniques.
    D. Materials Fire Research: To perform research enabling the 
confident development by industry of new, less-flammable materials and 
products. This capability is based on understanding fundamentally the 
mechanisms that control the ignition, flame spread and burning rate of 
materials, as well as and the chemical and physical characteristics 
that affect these aspects of flammability. This includes: developing 
methods of measuring the response of a material to fire conditions that 
enable assured prediction of the full-scale performance of the final 
product; developing computational molecular dynamics and other 
mechanistic approaches to understand flame retardant mechanisms and the 
effects of polymer chemical structure on flammability; characterizing 
the burning rates of charring and non-charring polymers and composites; 
and delineating and modeling the enthalpy and mass transfer mechanisms 
of materials combustion.
    E. Fire Sensing and Extinguishment: To develop understanding, 
metrology and predictive methods to enable high-performance fire 
sensing and extinguishment systems; and devising new approaches to 
minimize the impact of unwanted fires and the suppression process. This 
includes: performing research for the identification and in-situ 
measurement of the symptoms of pending and nascent fires and the 
consequences of suppression; devising or adapting monitors for these 
variables and the intelligence for timely interpretation of the data; 
developing methods to characterize the performance of new approaches to 
fire detection and suppression; determining mechanisms for deflagration 
and detonation suppression by advanced agents and principles for their 
optimal use; and modeling the extinguishment process.

Eligibility

    For the Precision Measurement Grants Program, colleges and 
universities in the United States. As part of this research program 
since 1970, NIST has awarded Precision Measurement Grants to faculty 
members of U.S. universities and colleges for significant, primarily 
experimental research in the field of fundamental measurement or the 
determination of fundamental constants. For the Physics, MSEL and MEL 
SURF Programs, colleges and universities in the United States with 
degree granting programs in materials science, chemistry, engineering, 
computer science, mathematics, or physics. Participating students must 
be U.S. citizens or permanent U.S. residents. For the MSEL Grants 
Program, this program will be open to all U.S. citizens or U.S. 
permanent residents. For the Fire Research Grants Program, academic 
institutions, non-Federal agencies, independent and industrial 
laboratories, and research organizations.

Funding Availability

    For all Grants programs listed below, awards are contingent on the 
availability of funds. For the Precision Measurement Grants Program, 
the annual budget is approximately $300,000. The annual awards must 
have scopes of work that are clearly severable into annual increments 
of meaningful work which represent solid accomplishments if continuing 
(i.e., multi-year) funding is not made available to the applicant. 
Because of commitments for supporting multi-year programs, only a 
portion of the budget is available to initiate new programs or renew 
existing ones in any one year.
    For the Physics SURF Program, the NIST Physics Laboratory will 
commit approximately $50,000 to support cooperative agreements under 
this program. The NIST Physics Laboratory's REU Program is anticipating 
renewal of funding by the NSF at the level of $70,000 per year. The 
anticipated direct costs for stipends, travel, housing, and conference 
attendance for twenty-five students is about $150,000. The actual 
number of awards made under this announcement will depend on the level 
of cost sharing by our academic partners.
    For the MSEL SURF Program, the NIST Materials Science and 
Engineering Laboratory anticipates receiving funding as a NSF REU 
Program at the level of $50,000 per year. For the MEL SURF Program, the 
NIST Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory anticipates receiving funding 
as a NSF REU Program at the level of $52,000 per year. It is 
anticipated that the funding for both of these programs would provide 
for the costs of stipends, travel and housing, and the conference 
attendance of eight students for each program. The actual number of 
awards made under this announcement will depend on the level of cost 
sharing by our academic partners.
    For the MSEL Grants Program, proposals will be considered for 
research projects from one to three years. When a proposal for a multi-
year award is approved, funding will initially be provided for only the 
first year of the program. If an application is selected for funding, 
NIST has no obligation to provide any additional 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. Funding for 
each subsequent year of a multi-year proposal will be contingent upon 
satisfactory progress, in relation to the mission of the MSEL program, 
and the availability of funds. The annual awards must have scopes of 
work that are clearly severable and can be easily separated into annual 
increments of meaningful work, which represent solid accomplishments if 
prospective funding is not made available to the applicant, (i.e., the 
scopes of work for each funding period must produce identifiable and 
meaningful results in and of themselves).
    For the Fire Research Grants Program, the annual budget is $1.36 
million. Because of commitments for the support of multi-year programs, 
only a portion of the budget is available to initiate new programs in 
any one year. Most grants and cooperative agreements are in the $10,000 
to $100,000 per year range.
    For all of the above programs, the issuance of awards is contingent 
upon the availability of funding.

Proposal Review Process and Evaluation Criteria

    For the Precision Measurement Grants Program, to simplify the 
proposal writing and evaluation process, the following selection 
procedure will be used:
    The abbreviated proposals will be reviewed on the basis of the 
evaluation criteria below. The NIST Precision

[[Page 64240]]

Measurement Grants Committee and the Outside Review Committee will then 
select approximately four to eight semifinalists and request that these 
candidates submit full proposals. The same committees will evaluate the 
detailed proposals based on the evaluation criteria, and the two 
grantees with the highest scores for fiscal year 2000 will be selected.
    The evaluation criteria to be used in evaluating the preapplication 
proposals and full proposals include:
    1. The importance of the proposed research--does it have the 
potential of answering some currently pressing question or of opening 
up a whole new area of activity?
    2. The relationship of the proposed research to NIST's ongoing 
work--will it support one of NIST's current efforts to develop a new or 
improved fundamental measurement method or physical standard, or to 
better understand an important, but already existing, measurement 
method or physical standard?
    3. The feasibility of the research--is it likely that significant 
progress can be made in a three year time period with the funds and 
personnel available?
    4. The past accomplishments of the applicant--is the quality of the 
research previously carried out by the prospective grantee such that 
there is a high probability that the proposed research will be 
successfully carried out?
    Each of these factors is given equal weight in the selection 
process.
    For the Physics, MSEL and MEL SURF Programs, all proposals will be 
reviewed and ranked by a panel of three NIST scientists appointed by 
the Program Directors on the basis of the evaluation criteria. 
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, out of a possible 4.0;
    (2) A personal statement from each student and statement of 
commitment to participate in the 1998 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.
    (B) Information About the Applicant Institution:
    (1) Description of the institution'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 cost 
sharing.
    For the Physics, MSEL and MEL SURF Programs, the evaluation 
criteria includes the following:
    Evaluation of Student's Academic Ability and Commitment to Program 
Goals (70%): 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 
(30%): Includes, but is not limited to, evaluation of the following: 
institution's focus on AMO physics, materials science, manufacturing 
research and all of its components, including but not limited to 
engineering, computer science, physics, and mathematics; 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. In the 
spirit of a true partnership, successful applicant institutions will be 
encouraged to contribute some partial support to the program. A 
suggested level of participation would be to directly cover student 
travel (one round trip by common carrier) or housing costs 
(approximately $1500); stated intent to support the participating 
students at a research conference, and/or awarding of academic credit 
for the student research.
    Award decisions shall be based upon total evaluation score.
    For the MSEL Grants Program, proposals will be reviewed in a two-
step process. First, a panel of at least three individuals 
knowledgeable about the particular scientific area described in the 
section above that the proposal addresses will conduct a technical 
review of proposals based on the evaluation criteria. Second, the chief 
of each division will make final award selections. In making final 
award selections, the chief of each division will take into account the 
score received by the applicant and the compatibility of the 
applicant's proposal with the program objectives of the particular 
division that the proposal addresses. These objectives are described 
above in the ``Program Objectives'' section. If an award is made to an 
applicant that does not receive the highest score in its category by 
technical reviewers, the Division Chief shall justify the selection in 
writing. Award decisions shall be based upon the total evaluation 
score.
    For the MSEL Grants Program, the evaluation criteria the technical 
reviewers will use in evaluating the proposals includes the following:
    1. Rationality. Reviewers will consider the coherence of the 
applicant's approach and the extent to which the proposal effectively 
addresses scientific and technical issues.
    2. Qualifications of Technical Personnel. Reviewers will consider 
the professional accomplishments, skills, and training of the proposed 
personnel to perform the work in the project.
    3. Resources Availability. Reviewers will consider the extent to 
which the proposer has access to necessary facilities and other support 
to accomplish project objectives.
    4. Technical Merit of Contribution. Reviewers will consider the 
potential technical effectiveness of the proposal and the value it 
would contribute to the field of materials science and engineering.
    Each of these factors will be given equal weight in the evaluation 
process.
    For the Fire Research Grants Program, all proposals are assigned to 
the appropriate group leader of the five programs listed above in the 
program description/objectives. Proposals are evaluated for technical 
merit based on the evaluation criteria by at least three reviewers 
chosen from NIST professionals, technical experts from other interested 
government agencies and experts from the fire research community at 
large. Both the technical value of the proposal and the relationship of 
the work proposed to the needs of the specific program are taken into 
consideration in the group leader's recommendation to the Division 
Chief. The Division Chief will make the final selections. If an award 
is made to an applicant that does not receive the highest score in its 
category by technical reviewers, the Division Chief shall justify the 
selection in writing. Applicants should allow up to 90 days processing 
time.
    For the Fire Research Grants Program, the evaluation criteria 
includes the following:
    a. Technical quality of the research: 0-35 points.
    b. Potential impact of the results: 0-25 points.
    c. Staff and institution capability to do the work: 0-20 points.
    d. Match of budget to proposed work: 0-20 points.

Award Period

    For the Precision Measurement Grants Program, NIST is now accepting 
applications for two new grants in the amount of $50,000 per year to be

[[Page 64241]]

awarded for the period October 1, 1999, through September 30, 2000 
(fiscal year 2000). Each grant may be renewed for up to two additional 
years; however, future or continued funding will be at the discretion 
of NIST based on such factors as satisfactory performance and the 
availability of funds.
    For the Physics, MSEL and MEL SURF Programs, these programs are 
anticipated to run between May 25 through August 13, 1999; adjustments 
may be made to accommodate specific academic schedules (e.g., a limited 
number of 10-week cooperative agreements).
    For the MSEL Grants Program, proposals will be considered for 
research projects from one to three years. When a proposal for a multi-
year award is approved, funding will initially be provided for only the 
first year of the program. If an application is selected for funding, 
NIST has no obligation to provide any additional 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. Funding for 
each subsequent year of a multi-year proposal will be contingent upon 
satisfactory progress, in relation to the mission of the MSEL program, 
and the availability of funds.
    For the Fire Research Grants Program, proposals will be considered 
for research projects from one to three years. When a proposal for a 
multi-year is approved, funding will initially be provided for only the 
first year of the program. If an application is selected 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 DoC. 
Funding for each subsequent year of a multi-year proposal will be 
contingent on satisfatory progress, fit to the NIST Fire Research 
Program and the availability of funds.

Matching Requirements

    Each of the above grants programs does not involve the payment of 
any matching funds, with the exception of the Physics, MSEL and MEL 
SURF Programs which use cost-sharing as an evaluation criterion.

Application Kit

    An application kit, containing all required application forms and 
certifications is available by contacting: for the Precision 
Measurement Grants Program, Ms. Michelle Hane, (301) 975-4397; for the 
Physics, MSEL and MEL SURF Programs, Ms. Anita Sweigert, (301) 975-
4200, websites for each program's application kit are as follows: for 
the Physics SURF Program, http://physics.nist.gov/ResOpp/surf/
surf.html; for the MSEL SURF Program, http://www.msel.nist.gov/surf/
surf.html; and for the MEL SURF Program, http://www.mel.nist.gov/opps/
surf.htm; for the MSEL Grants Program, Ms. Patty Salphino, (301) 975-
5731; and for the Fire Research Grants Program, Ms. Sonya Parham, (301) 
975-6854. The application kit includes the following:

SF 424 (Rev 7/97)--Application for Federal Assistance
SF 424A (Rev 7/97)--Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs
SF 424B (Rev 7/97)--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 Exclusion--Lower Tier Covered Transactions 
and Lobbying
SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

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.
    Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is 
required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty 
for failure to comply with a collection, subject to the requirements of 
the Paperwork Reduction Act, unless that collection of information 
displays a currently valid OMB Control Number.

Additional Requirements

Primary Application Certification

    All primary applicant institutions 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, ``Government 
wide 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 institution 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 applicant/
bidder institutions 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.

Name Check Reviews

    All for-profit and non-profit applicants will be subject to a name 
check review process. Name checks are intended to reveal if any 
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.

Preaward Activities

    Applicants (or their institutions) 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.

[[Page 64242]]

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

    For the Physics, MSEL and MEL SURF Programs, no Federal funds will 
be authorized for Indirect Costs (IDC); however, an applicant may 
provide for IDC under his/her portion of Cost Sharing.
    For each of the above grant programs, 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 agent prior to the proposed effective date of the 
award or 100 percent of the total proposed direct costs 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 each of the above grant programs 
shall be subject to all Federal laws and Federal and Departmental 
regulations, policies, and procedures applicable to financial 
assistance awards. Each of the above grant programs does not directly 
affect any state or local government.
    Applications under these programs are not subject to Executive 
Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.''

Executive Order Statement

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

    Dated: November 16, 1998.
Robert E. Hebner,
Acting Deputy Director.
[FR Doc. 98-30981 Filed 11-18-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-13-M