[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 29 (Tuesday, February 12, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 6509-6510]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-3336]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY


Office of Science Financial Assistance Program Notice 02-18: 
Energy Biosciences

AGENCY: 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 applications from 
potential applicants for research funding in the Energy Biosciences 
program area. The Energy Biosciences program has the mission of 
generating knowledge about plants and non-medical microorganisms that 
provides scientific foundations for future energy related 
biotechnologies.

DATES: For timely consideration, all preapplications should be received 
by February 27, 2002. However, earlier submissions will be gladly 
accepted. A response to timely preapplications will be communicated to 
the applicant by April 12, 2002. The deadline for receipt of formal 
applications is June 13, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Preapplications referencing Program Notice 02-18, should be 
sent by electronic mail to: [email protected]. Attn: 
Program Notice 02-18.
    Formal applications, referencing Program Notice 02-18, 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 02-18. 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 to: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Potential applicants should submit a brief 
preapplication that 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 on the part of the applicant.
    The Energy Biosciences program has the mission of generating 
knowledge about plants and non-medical microorganisms that provides 
scientific foundations for future energy related biotechnologies. Areas 
of interest include bioenergetic systems, including photosynthesis; 
control of plant growth and development, including metabolic, genetic 
and hormonal regulation, metabolic diversity, ion uptake, transport and 
accumulation; genetic transmission and expression; plant-microbial 
interactions; plant cell wall structure and function; lignocellulose 
degradative mechanisms; anaerobic metabolism, energetics and membrane 
phenomena; microbial interactions; and one-carbon metabolism, which is 
the basis of biotransformations such as methanogenesis. The program 
also encourages fundamental biological research that interfaces with 
traditional disciplines in the physical and earth sciences. The 
objective is to discern and understand basic mechanisms and principles.

Program Funding

    It is anticipated that approximately $2,000,000 will be available 
for grant awards during FY 2003, contingent upon the availability of 
appropriated funds. Multiple year funding of grant

[[Page 6510]]

awards is expected, also contingent upon the availability of 
appropriated funds, progress of the research and continuing program 
need. Applications received by the Office of Science, Office of Basic 
Energy Sciences, under its current competitive application mechanisms 
may be deemed appropriate for consideration under this notice and may 
be funded under this program.
    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.
    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.

Merit Review

    Applications will be subjected to a scientific merit review and 
will be evaluated against the following criteria, which are listed in 
descending order of importance as set forth in 10 CFR part 605:
    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.
    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 February 4, 2002.
John Rodney Clark,
Associate Director of Science for Resource Management.
[FR Doc. 02-3336 Filed 2-11-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-02-U