[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 3, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 356-357]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-77]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY


Office of Science; Office of Science Financial Assistance Program 
Notice 01-15: Energy Biosciences

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

ACTION: Notice inviting grant applications.

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SUMMARY: The Office of Basic Energy Sciences of the Office of Science 
(SC), U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) invites preapplications from 
potential applicants for research funding in the Energy Biosciences 
program area. The intent in asking for a preapplication is to save the 
time and effort of applicants in preparing and submitting a formal 
project application that may be inappropriate for the program. The 
preapplication should consist of a two to three page concept paper that 
focuses on the scientific objectives and basic research approaches 
planned. No budget information or biographical data need be included; 
nor is an institutional endorsement necessary. The preapplication gives 
us the opportunity to advise potential applicants on the suitability of 
the scope of the research proposed to the mission of the DOE Energy 
Biosciences program. A response indicating the appropriateness of 
submitting a formal application will be sent from the Energy 
Biosciences program office in time to allow for an adequate preparation 
period for a formal application.

DATES: For timely consideration, all preapplications should be received 
by March 1, 2001. However, earlier submissions will be gladly accepted. 
A response to timely preapplications will be communicated to the 
applicant by April 12, 2001. The deadline for receipt of formal 
applications is June 13, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Preapplications referencing Program Notice 01-15 should be 
forwarded to: U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Basic Energy 
Sciences, SC-143, Chemical Sciences, Geosciences and Biosciences 
Division, 19901 Germantown Road, Germantown, MD 20874-1290, Attn: 
Program Notice 01-15. Fax submissions are acceptable (Fax Number (301) 
903-1003).
    Formal applications, referencing Program Notice 01-15, 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 01-15. This address must also be used when 
submitting applications by U.S. Postal Service Express Mail or any 
commercial overnight delivery service, or when hand-carried by the 
applicant.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Pat Snyder, Chemical Sciences, 
Geosciences and Biosciences Division, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, 
SC-143, 19901 Germantown Road, Germantown, MD 20874-1290, telephone 
(301) 903-2873; E-mail [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Potential applicants should submit a brief 
preapplication which consists of two to three pages of narrative 
describing research objectives. These will be reviewed relative to the 
scope and the research needs of the Energy Biosciences program. The 
principal purpose in using preapplications is to reduce the expenditure 
of time and effort of all parties.
    The Energy Biosciences program has the mission of generating 
knowledge about plants and non-medical related microorganisms that 
provide scientific foundations for future energy related 
biotechnologies. The objective is to pursue basic biochemical, genetic 
and physiological investigations that may contribute towards providing 
alternate fuels, petroleum replacement products, energy conservation 
measures as well as other technologies related to DOE programs. Areas 
of interest include bioenergetic systems, including photosynthesis; 
control of plant growth and development, including metabolic, genetic, 
and hormonal and ambient factor regulation, metabolic diversity, ion 
uptake, transport and accumulation, stress physiology and adaptation; 
genetic transmission and expression; plant-microbial interactions; 
plant cell wall structure and function; lignocellulose degradative 
mechanisms; mechanisms of fermentations, genetics of neglected 
microorganisms, energetics and membrane phenomena; thermophily 
(molecular basis of high temperature tolerance); microbial 
interactions; and one-carbon metabolism, which is the basis of

[[Page 357]]

biotransformations such as methanogenesis. The program also encourages 
fundamental research in the biological sciences that interfaces with 
other traditional disciplines in the physical sciences. The objective 
is to discern and understand basic mechanisms and principles.
    Funds are expected to be available for new grant awards in FY 2002. 
The magnitude of these funds available and the number of awards, which 
can be made, will depend on the budget process. The awards made during 
FY 2000 averaged close to $105,000 per year, mostly for a three-year 
duration.
    When a formal application is made, it must be 10 pages or less, 
exclusive of figure illustrations, and include the hypotheses being 
tested and the proposed experimental design. Additional pages must 
include a one-page abstract or summary of the proposed research, 
curriculum vitae, a listing of all current and pending federal support, 
and letters of intent when collaborations are part of the proposed 
research.
    Information about development and submission of applications, 
eligibility, limitations, evaluations and selection processes, and 
other policies and procedures may be found in the 10 CFR Part 605 and 
the Application Guide for the Office of Science Financial Assistance 
Program. Electronic access to SC's Financial Assistance Guide is 
possible via the Internet using the following Web Site address: http://www.sc.doe.gov/production/grants/grants.html.
    DOE is under no obligation to pay for any costs associated with the 
preparation or submission of applications if an award is not made.
    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, DC on December 19, 2000.
John Rodney Clark,
Associate Director of Science for Resource Management.
[FR Doc. 01-77 Filed 1-2-01; 8:45 am]
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