[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 41 (Wednesday, March 3, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10282-10285]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-5262]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY


Office of Science Financial Assistance Program Notice 99-15; 
Natural and Accelerated Bioremediation Research Program (NABIR)

AGENCY: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

ACTION: Notice inviting grant applications.

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SUMMARY: The Office of Biological and Environmental Research (OBER) of 
the Office of Science (SC), U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), hereby 
announces its interest in receiving applications for research grants in 
the Natural and Accelerated Bioremediation Research (NABIR) Program. 
Grant applications are being solicited for the Biomolecular Science and 
Engineering research element.

DATES: Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a brief 
preapplication, containing a title, a list of investigators, and a 
summary (not to exceed one typed page) of proposed research. All 
preapplications, referencing Program Notice 99-15, must be received by 
DOE by 4:30 P.M., E.S.T., March 26, 1999. A response encouraging or 
discouraging a formal application generally will be communicated within 
7 days of receipt.
    The deadline for receipt of formal applications is 4:30 P.M., 
E.D.T., May 4, 1999, to be accepted for merit review and to permit 
timely consideration for award in Fiscal Year 1999.

ADDRESSES: Preapplications referencing Program Notice 99-15, should be 
sent by E-mail to [email protected].

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Preapplications will also be accepted if mailed to the following 
address: Ms. Joanne Corcoran, Office of Biological and Environmental 
Research, SC-72, U.S. Department of Energy, 19901 Germantown Road, 
Germantown, MD 20874-1290.
    Formal applications, referencing Program Notice 99-15, must be sent 
to: U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Grants and Contracts 
Division, SC-64, 19901 Germantown Road, Germantown, MD 20874-1290, 
ATTN: Program Notice 99-15. This address must also be used when 
submitting applications by U.S. Postal Service Express Mail or any 
other commercial overnight delivery service, or when hand-carried by 
the applicant.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Daniel Drell, Life Sciences 
Division, SC-72, Office of Biological and Environmental Research, 
Office of Science, U.S. Department of Energy, 19901 Germantown Road, 
Germantown, MD 20874-1290, telephone: (301) 903-6488, E-mail: 
[email protected], fax: (301) 903-8521. The full text of 
Program Notice 99-15 is available via the Internet using the following 
web site address: http://www.er.doe.gov/production/grants/grants.html.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The mission of the NABIR Program is to 
provide the scientific understanding needed to use natural in situ 
processes and to develop new methods to accelerate those processes for 
bioremediation at DOE facilities. The NABIR program is initially 
emphasizing the bioremediation of metals and radionuclides in the 
subsurface below the root zone, including both thick vadose and 
saturated zones. The program is implemented through seven interrelated 
scientific research elements (Acceleration; Assessment; Biogeochemical 
Dynamics; Biomolecular Sciences and Engineering; Biotransformation and 
Biodegradation; Community Dynamics and Microbial Ecology; and System 
Engineering, Integration, Prediction, and Optimization); and a social 
and legal element called Bioremediation and its Social Implications and 
Concerns (BASIC). Additional information about NABIR, such as 
references to infrastructure that are available to the research 
community, can be accessed from the NABIR Homepage: http://www.lbl.gov/
NABIR/. Abstracts of currently funded projects are available via the 
Internet using the following web site address: http://www.lbl.gov/
NABIR/awardees.html.
    Each scientific research element is directed by a program manager 
from OBER, who is responsible for providing support and overall 
direction for the element, including determining the relevance of the 
proposed research to the goals and objectives of the program element to 
the NABIR and other DOE programs. The NABIR program also has Science 
Team Leaders, selected through an earlier peer review process, who 
provide scientific leadership and coordination to the community of 
NABIR investigators. Information on the current Science Team Leaders 
and DOE program staff is available via the Internet using the following 
web site address: http://www.lbl.gov/NABIR/research__5.html.

Program Focus

    The NABIR Program supports fundamental, hypothesis-driven research 
directed at specific topics that will provide the understanding 
necessary to develop effective new bioremediation technologies for DOE 
site cleanup. This research will help determine the future viability of 
bioremediation technologies at the DOE sites. The NABIR Program will 
not support research to evaluate risks to humans associated with the 
implementation or deployment of specific bioremediation technologies. 
Although the program is directed at specific goals, it supports 
research that is more fundamental in nature than demonstration 
projects.
    The initial emphasis of the NABIR Program is on field-related 
research and metal and radionuclide contamination, specifically on the 
metals and radionuclides associated with past weapons production 
activities. However, the research program will support laboratory, 
theoretical, modeling, and other non-field research projects, if they 
fill important gaps that would be necessary to complete understanding 
for field-scale studies. The study of real problems might iterate 
between, for example, the laboratory and the field. Investigators 
without access to laboratories licensed to work with radionuclides may 
propose research with non-radioactive surrogates of radionuclides, or 
collaborate with a licensed laboratory. Typically, the bioremediation 
of metals and radionuclides involves, but is not limited to, 
mobilization and immobilization scenarios. Consideration of organic 
contaminants, such as solvents and complexing agents that would be 
important substrates, facilitators, inhibitors, or sources of carbon or 
electron donors or acceptors, can be included in the proposed research 
to the extent that they influence the primary goal of understanding the 
remediation of metals and radionuclides. Applicants are encouraged to 
review Chemical Contaminants on DOE Lands, DOE/ER-0547T, available at 
the OBER Homepage: http://www.er.doe.gov/production/ober/EPR/
contam.pdf, for a compilation of wastes and waste mixtures at the DOE 
sites.
    NABIR is a research program designed to serve as a foundation for 
microbial in situ bioremediation techniques. Although ``spillover'' 
benefits of the research to other cleanup needs such as the use of 
bioreactors to process waste streams are anticipated, NABIR emphasizes 
investigations into bioremediation of subsurface waste sites and their 
by-products released to the environment. This emphasis includes 
research that will assist the application of in situ bioremediation in 
conjunction with other cleanup methods, for example, using 
bioremediation to mobilize radionuclides so that pump-and-treat 
techniques could be more effective. Problems characterized by large 
areas with low-concentration contamination are emphasized over problems 
of localized, high concentration contamination. Research on 
phytoremediation will not be supported during this funding period.
    In research plans that involve the potential release of chemicals, 
enzymes, and/or microorganisms to the field (both at contaminated and 
non-contaminated control sites), applicants must discuss how they will 
involve the public or stakeholders in their research, beginning with 
experimental design through completion of the project. All applicants 
should discuss other relevant societal issues, where appropriate, which 
may include intellectual property protection, and communication with 
and outreach to affected communities (including members of affected 
minority communities where appropriate) to explain the proposed 
research.

NABIR Infrastructure

    The NABIR program proposes to select at least one Field Research 
Center (FRC) located at a DOE site. The FRC would serve as a central 
facility for researchers to use at their option. However, FRCs would 
not be identified for at least 6 months from the date of this 
solicitation and until National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review 
of the NABIR Program is complete. Applicants may use any available 
contaminated or uncontaminated field site that is presently available 
to them, including but not limited to DOE sites. However,

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investigators are encouraged to consult the listing of current FRC-
related field research sites and facilities available to NABIR 
investigators on the NABIR Homepage, at http://www.lbl.gov/NABIR/
research__6.html. Investigators should describe how their research will 
interface with or transfer to field-scale research at the site they are 
using, to FRC-related sites, or to the FRC site that might be available 
in the future. A centrally maintained database will be developed to 
provide limited information, such as site characterization and kinetics 
data that will be needed by a broad segment of investigators. When 
appropriate, applications must include a short discussion of the 
Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) measures that will be 
applied in data gathering and analysis activities. Successful 
applicants will be expected to coordinate their QA/QC protocols with 
NABIR program personnel. A draft of guidelines to be used by Natural 
and Accelerated Bioremediation Research (NABIR) program investigators 
in managing their information and data can be found on the NABIR 
Homepage: http://www.lbl.gov/NABIR/data-guide.html.

Scientific Research Elements

    The following section describes the NABIR scientific research 
element that is emphasized in this Notice, the Biomolecular Science and 
Engineering element. Applicants may propose research that transcends 
this research element, but proposed research should be firmly rooted in 
Biomolecular Science and Engineering. For example, applicants may 
propose research on metals that may be of interest to the mining and 
chemical industries. Ongoing (previously funded) activities in this 
element can be viewed at: http://www.lbl.gov/NABIR/elem3.html and 
prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to review already funded 
research in this element to avoid duplication.
    The overall goal of studies within this element is to further 
understanding of bioremediation using molecular and structural biology, 
particularly knowledge and approaches emerging from both human and 
especially microbial genome sequencing projects. The long-term goal is 
to develop improved cellular pathways and organisms capable of 
exploiting microbial capacities to further bioremediate metals and 
radionuclides found at DOE waste sites. To this end, and using where 
appropriate data and information from other program elements, studies 
under the Biomolecular Science and Engineering element should identify 
the genes, genetic systems, molecules, and pathways most effective for 
biotransforming metals and radionuclides. These studies can include 
(but are not limited to): (1) identifying, cloning, and sequencing 
novel genes and promoters important to the bioremediation of metals and 
radionuclides; and (2) the construction or enhancement of bioremedial 
enzymatic pathways by identifying active genes from different microbial 
organisms and inserting those genes into one or more organisms that are 
able to survive and compete effectively in environments contaminated 
with metals and/or radionuclides.
    Research is encouraged in this notice that includes:
    (1) Environmental regulation of the expression of genes, genetic 
systems, and key proteins involved in the sequestration, 
biotransformation, or mobilization, or immobilization of metals and 
radionuclides;
    (2) The occurrence, the rates, the regulation, and the significance 
of natural exchanges of genetic material between microorganisms 
comprising consortia that are involved in bioremediation of metals and 
radionuclides;
    (3) New methods for genetic analysis of naturally occurring 
microbes and microbial communities that are involved in bioremediation, 
including methods for diversity sampling and characterizing subtle 
genetic differences between consortial species.

Program Funding

    It is anticipated that up to $750,000 will be available for 
multiple awards to be made in FY 1999 in the category described above. 
Applications may request project support up to three years, with out-
year support contingent on the availability of funds, progress of the 
research, and programmatic needs. Annual budgets for research projects 
are expected to range from $150,000 to $300,000 total costs. 
Researchers are encouraged to team with investigators already funded in 
this element, or in other disciplines where appropriate. DOE may 
encourage collaboration among prospective investigators, to promote 
joint applications or joint research projects, by using information 
obtained through other forms of communication.

Collaboration

    Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with researchers in other 
institutions, such as universities, industry, non-profit organizations, 
federal laboratories and Federally Funded Research and Development 
Centers (FFRDCs), including the DOE National Laboratories, where 
appropriate, and to incorporate cost sharing and/or consortia wherever 
feasible.
    Applications will be subjected to scientific merit review (peer 
review) and will be evaluated against the following evaluation criteria 
listed in descending order of importance as codified at 10 CFR 
605.10(d):
    1. Scientific and/or Technical Merit of the Project.
    2. Appropriateness of the Proposed Method or Approach.
    3. Competency of Applicant's Personnel and Adequacy of Proposed 
Resources.
    4. Reasonableness and Appropriateness of the Proposed Budget.
    The evaluation will include program policy factors such as the 
relevance of the proposed research to the terms of the announcement and 
an agency's programmatic needs. Note, external peer reviewers are 
selected with regard to both their scientific expertise and the absence 
of conflict-of-interest issues. Non-federal reviewers may be used, and 
submission of an application constitutes agreement that this is 
acceptable to the investigator(s) and the submitting institution.
    To provide a consistent format for the submission, review and 
solicitation of grant applications submitted under this notice, the 
preparation and submission of grant applications must follow the 
guidelines given in the Application Guide for the Office of Science 
Financial Assistance Program 10 CFR Part 605.
    Information about the development, submission of applications, 
eligibility, limitations, evaluation, the selection process, and other 
policies and procedures may be found in 10 CFR Part 605, and in the 
Application Guide for the Office of Science Financial Assistance 
Program. Electronic access to the Guide and required forms is made 
available via the World Wide Web at: http://www.er.doe.gov/production/
grants/grants.html. On the SC grant face page, form DOE F 4650.2, in 
block 15, also provide the PI's phone number, fax number and E-mail 
address. The research description must be 20 pages or less, exclusive 
of attachments, and must contain an abstract or summary of the proposed 
research (to include the hypotheses being tested, the proposed 
experimental design, and the names of all investigators and their 
affiliations). Attachments include curriculum vitae, QA/QC plan, a 
listing of all current and pending federal support, and letters of

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intent when collaborations are part of the proposed research.
    Although the required original and seven copies of the application 
must be submitted, researchers are asked to submit an electronic 
version of the abstract of the proposed research in ASCII format along 
with a valid E-mail address to Ms. Karen Carlson by E-mail at 
[email protected]. Curriculum vitae should be submitted in 
a form similar to that of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or 
the National Science Foundation (NSF) (two to three pages), for example 
see: http://www.nsf.gov/bfa/cpo/gpg/fkit.htm#forms-9.
    The Office of Science as part of its grant regulations requires at 
10 CFR 605.11(b) that a recipient receiving a grant and performing 
research involving recombinant DNA molecules and/or organisms and 
viruses containing recombinant DNA molecules shall comply with NIH 
``Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules'', which 
is available via the world wide web at: http://www.niehs.nih.gov/odhsb/
biosafe/nih/rdna-apr98.pdf, (59 FR 34496, July 5, 1994), or such later 
revision of those guidelines as may be published in the Federal 
Register. Grantees and contractors must also comply with other federal 
and state laws and regulations as appropriate, for example, the Toxic 
Substances Control Act (TSCA) as it applies to genetically modified 
organisms. If, during the course of the research, a need for regulatory 
approval arises, these costs are expected to be borne by the 
investigator and should be included in the proposed budget. Although 
compliance with NEPA is the responsibility of DOE, grantees proposing 
to conduct field research are expected to provide information necessary 
for the DOE to complete the NEPA review and documentation.
    Related Funding Opportunities: Investigators may wish to obtain 
information about the following related funding opportunities:
    Department of Energy, Office of Environmental Management: The 
Environmental Management Science Program (EMSP). Contact: Mr. Mark 
Gilbertson, Director, Office of Science and Risk Policy, Office of 
Science and Technology, EM-52, U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 
Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20585, E-mail 
[email protected]. phone (202) 586-7150. The EMSP home page is 
available at web site: http://www.em.doe.gov/science/.

(The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number for this program 
is 81.049, and the solicitation control number is ERFAP 10 CFR Part 
605)

    Issued in Washington, D.C. on February 24, 1999.
Ralph H. De Lorenzo,
Acting Associate Director of Science for Resource Management.
[FR Doc. 99-5262 Filed 3-2-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P