[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 34 (Thursday, February 20, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8211-8226]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-4129]
[[Page 8211]]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Institute of Standards and Technology
[Docket No.: 030123017-3017-01]
RIN: 0693-ZA50
Small Grants Programs; Availability of Funds
AGENCY: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Commerce.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
announces that the following programs are soliciting applications for
financial assistance for FY 2003: (1) The Precision Measurement Grants
Program; (2) the 2003 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF)
in the areas of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing
Engineering, Chemical Science and Technology, Physics, Materials
Science and Engineering, Building and Fire Research, and Information
Technology; (3) the Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory
Grants Program; (4) the Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory Grants
Program; (5) the Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory Grants
Program; (6) the Physics Laboratory Grants Program; (7) the Materials
Science and Engineering Laboratory Grants Program; (8) the Building
Research Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program; and (9) 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.
The programs ``SURFing the Electronics and Electrical Engineering
Laboratory,'' ``SURFing the Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory,''
``SURFing the Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory,'' ``SURFing
the Physics Laboratory,'' ``SURFing the Materials Science and
Engineering Laboratory,'' ``SURFing the Building and Fire Research
Laboratory,'' and ``SURFing the Information Technology Laboratory,''
will provide an opportunity for the NIST Electronics and Electrical
Engineering Laboratory (EEEL), Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory
(MEL), Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory (CSTL) Physics
Laboratory (PL), Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory (MSEL),
Building and Fire Research Laboratory (BFRL), and Information
Technology Laboratory (ITL), and the National Science Foundation (NSF)
to join in a partnership to encourage outstanding undergraduate
students to pursue careers in science and engineering.
The EEEL program will provide research opportunities with
internationally known NIST scientists in the fields of semiconductors
(including mainstream silicon, power devices, and compound
semiconductors), fundamental electrical measurements, electronic
instrumentation, electrical systems, and electronic information. The
MEL program will provide research opportunities with internationally
known NIST scientists in the fields of intelligent systems,
manufacturing metrology, precision engineering, and manufacturing
systems integration. The CSTL program will provide research
opportunities with internationally known NIST scientists in the fields
of chemical characterization of materials, process metrology, chemical
and biochemical sensing, nanotechnology, healthcare measurements,
environmental measurements, microelectronics, physical property data,
chemical and biochemical data, bio-molecules and materials, DNA
technologies, and international measurement standards. The PL program
will involve students in world-class atomic, molecular, optical (AMO)
and radiation physics research with internationally known physicists in
the NIST Physics Laboratory. The MSEL program will provide 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 BFRL program
will provide research opportunities with internationally known NIST
scientists in the fields of building materials (concrete, coating),
structure (earthquake), building environment (indoor air quality,
thermal machinery), and fire science and engineering. The ITL program
will provide research opportunities with internationally known NIST
scientists in the fields of networking, software quality, security,
information access, convergent systems, mathematical science, and
statistics. The NIST Program Directors will work with physics,
chemistry, materials science, manufacturing engineering, intelligent
systems, automated production, precision engineering, information
technology, building materials, constructed structures, and other
science-related department chairs and directors of multi-disciplinary
academic organizations to identify outstanding undergraduates
(including graduating seniors) who would benefit from off-campus summer
research in an honors academy environment.
The Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory (EEEL) Grants
Program provides grants and cooperative agreements for the development
of fundamental electrical metrology and of metrology supporting
industry and government agencies in the broad areas of semiconductors,
electronic instrumentation, radio-frequency technology,
optoelectronics, magnetics, video, electronic commerce as applied to
electronic products and devices, the transmission and distribution of
electrical power, national electrical standards (fundamental, generally
quantum-based physical standards), and law enforcement standards.
The Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory (MEL) Grants Program will
provide grants and cooperative agreements in the following fields of
research: Dimensional Metrology for Manufacturing, Mechanical Metrology
for Manufacturing, Intelligent Systems, and Information Systems
Integration for Applications in Manufacturing.
The Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory (CSTL) Grants
Program will provide grants and cooperative agreements in the following
fields of measurement science research, focused on reference methods,
reference materials and reference data: Biotechnology, Process
Measurements, Surface and Microanalysis Science, Physical and Chemical
Properties, and Analytical Chemistry.
The Physics Laboratory (PL) Grants Program will provide grants and
cooperative agreements in the following fields of research: Electron
and Optical Physics, Atomic Physics, Optical Technology, Ionizing
Radiation, and Time and Frequency.
The Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory (MSEL) Grants
Program will provide grants and cooperative agreements in the following
fields of research: Ceramics, Metallurgy, Polymer Sciences, Neutron
Scattering Research and Spectroscopy.
The Building Research Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program
will provide grants and cooperative agreements in the following fields
of research: Structures, Construction Metrology and Automation,
Inorganic Materials, Polymeric Materials, Thermal Machinery, Mechanical
Systems and Controls, Heat Transfer and Alternative Energy Systems,
Computer Integrated Construction, Indoor Air Quality and Ventilation.
[[Page 8212]]
The Fire Research Grants Program will provide funding for
innovative ideas in the fire research area generated by the proposal
writer, who chooses the topic and approach, consistent with the program
description and objectives of this notice.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Precision Measurement Grants Program
Dates: Applicants for the Precision Measurement Grants Program 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 abbreviated proposals must be
received at the address listed below no later than 5 p.m. eastern
standard time on March 24, 2003. Proposals received after this deadline
will be returned with no further consideration. Finalists will be
selected by approximately May 9, 2003, and will be requested to submit
full proposals to NIST by close of business on June 20, 2003. NIST
expects to issue awards on or before September 30, 2003.
Addresses: For the Precision Measurement Grants Program, applicants
are requested to direct technical questions and submit an abbreviated
proposal (original and two signed copies), with a description of their
proposed work of no more than five double spaced pages to: Dr. Peter J.
Mohr, Manager, NIST Precision Measurement Grants Program, National
Institute of Standards and Technology, Bldg. 225, Rm. B161, 100 Bureau
Drive, Stop 8401, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8401. Tel: (301) 975-3217. E-
mail: [email protected]. Web site: http://physics.nist.gov/pmg.
Although applicants are not required to submit more than three
copies of the proposal, the normal review process for the Precision
Measurement Grants Program utilizes 10 copies. Applicants are
encouraged to submit sufficient proposal copies for the full review
process if they wish all reviewers to receive color, unusually sized
(not 8.5'' x 11''), or otherwise unusual materials submitted as part of
the proposal. Only three copies of the Federally required forms are
needed.
Authority: The authority for the Precision Measurement Grants
Program is as follows: As authorized by 15 U.S.C. 272 (b) and (c),
NIST conducts directly, and 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.
Program Description and Objectives: The program description and
objectives for the Precision Measurement Grants Program are as follows:
as part of its research program, since 1970 NIST has awarded Precision
Measurement Grants primarily to universities and colleges so that
faculty may conduct significant, primarily experimental research in the
field of fundamental measurement or the determination of fundamental
constants. NIST sponsors these grants and cooperative agreements
primarily to encourage basic, measurement-related research in
universities and colleges and other research laboratories and to foster
contacts between NIST scientists and those faculty members of academic
institutions and other researchers who are actively engaged in such
work. The Precision Measurement Grants are also intended to make it
possible for researchers 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.
Although proposals for either experimental or theoretical research
will be considered, the former will be given preference because of the
more immediate applicability of experimental work to metrology.
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 researchers have in obtaining funds
at the early stages of their careers.
Typical projects which have been funded through the NIST Precision
Measurement Grants Program include:
(1) Precision optical spectroscopy of positronium, S. Chu, Stanford
University.
(2) Spectroscopy of francium: towards a precise parity
nonconservation measurement in a laser trap, L. A. Orozco, State
University of New York at Stony Brook.
(3) Measurement of Newton's constant G using a new method, J.H.
Gundlach, University of Washington.
(4) Measurement of the polarization of the cosmic microwave
background, S.T. Staggs, Princeton University.
(5) Combining the quantum Hall and AC Josephson effects for
electric current metrology, E.A. Gwinn, University of California, Santa
Barbara.
(6) A test of CPT symmetry using a new K-3He self-
compensating magnetometer, M.V. Romalis, University of Washington.
Eligibility: Eligible applicants are institutions of higher
education, other non-profits, commercial organizations, international
organizations, State, local and Indian tribal governments and Federal
agencies with appropriate legal authority.
Award Period and Funding Availability: Applicants should propose
multi-year projects for up to three years at no more than $50,000 per
year. NIST anticipates spending $100,000 this year for two new grants
at $50,000 each for the first year of the research projects. NIST may
award all, none or some of these new awards. Second and third year
funding will be at the discretion of NIST, based on satisfactory
performance, continuing relevance to program objectives, and the
availability of funds.
Proposal Review Process: For the Precision Measurement Grants
Program, to simplify the proposal writing and evaluation process, the
following selection procedure will be used:
Applicants will initially submit abbreviated proposals, containing
a description of the proposed project, including sufficient information
to address the evaluation criteria, with a total length of no more than
five double spaced pages, to the mailing address given above in the
Addresses section. These proposals will be screened to determine
whether they address the requirements outlined in this notice.
Proposals that do not meet those requirements will not be considered
further. Eight independent, objective individuals, at least half of
whom are NIST employees, and who are knowledgeable about the scientific
areas that the program addresses will conduct a technical review of
each proposal, based on the evaluation criteria described in the
Evaluation Criteria section for this program. The proposals will then
be ranked based on the average of the reviewers' rankings. If non-
Federal reviewers are used, the reviewers may discuss the proposals
with each other, but ranks will be determined on an individual basis,
not as a consensus.
The Precision Measurement Grants Program manager, the selecting
official, will then select approximately four to eight finalists. In
selecting finalists, the selecting official will take into
consideration the results of the reviewers'evaluations, including rank,
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and relevance to the program objectives described above.
Finalists will then be asked to submit full proposals containing a
description of the proposed project, including sufficient information
to address the evaluation criteria, with a length of no more than ten
(10) double spaced pages in addition to the federally mandated forms
and certifications, to the mailing address given above in the Addresses
section. The same independent reviewers will then evaluate the detailed
proposals based on the same evaluation criteria, and the proposals will
be ranked as previously described. In selecting proposals that will be
recommended for funding, the selecting official will take into
consideration the results of the reviewers' evaluations, including
rank, and relevance to the program objectives described in the Program
Description and Objectives section for this program.
The final approval of selected applications and award of grants or
cooperative agreements will be made by the NIST Grants Officer based on
compliance with application requirements as published in this notice,
compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements,
compliance with Federal policies that best further the objectives of
the Department of Commerce, and whether the recommended applicants
appear to be responsible.
Applicants may be asked to modify objectives, work plans, or
budgets and provide supplemental information required by the agency
prior to award.
The decision of the Grants Officer is final.
Evaluation Criteria: The evaluation criteria to be used in
evaluating the abbreviated application proposals and full proposals
are:
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, test the
basic laws of physics, or provide an improved value for a fundamental
constant?
3. The feasibility of the research and the potential impact of the
grant--Is it likely that significant progress can be made in a three
year time period with the funds and personnel available and that the
funding will enable work that would otherwise not be done with existing
or potential funding?
4. The qualifications of the applicant--Does the educational and
employment background and the quality of the research, based on recent
publications, of the applicant indicate that there is a high
probability that the proposed research will be carried out
successfully?
Each of these factors is given equal weight in the evaluation
process.
Matching Requirements: The Precision Measurement Grants Program
does not require any matching funds.
Application Kit: For the Precision Measurement Grants Program, an
application kit, containing all required application forms and
certifications will be provided to the finalists by Ms. Bonnie Whipp,
(301) 975-4750.
EEEL, MEL, CSTL, PL, MSEL, BFRL, and ITL SURF Programs
Dates: All SURF Program proposals must be received no later than
the close of business March 24, 2003.
Addresses: For all SURF Programs, applicant institutions must
submit one signed original and two copies of the proposal to: Attn.:
Ms. Anita Sweigert, Administrative Coordinator, National Institute of
Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8400, Gaithersburg, MD
20899-8400. Tel: (301) 975-4200. E-mail: [email protected]. Web
site: http://www.surf.nist.gov/surf2.htm.
Technical questions for the programs should be directed to the
following contact persons: For the EEEL SURF Program, Dr. David Newell,
Tel: (301) 975-4228, E-mail: [email protected]; for the MEL SURF
Program, Ms. Lisa Jean Fronczek, Tel: (301) 975-6633, E-mail:
[email protected]; for the CSTL SURF Program, Dr. Albert Lee, Tel:
(301) 975-2857, E-mail: [email protected] or Jeanice Brown Thomas,
Tel: (301) 975-3120, E-mail: [email protected]; for the PL
SURF Program, Dr. Marc Desrosiers, Tel: (301) 975-5639, E-mail:
[email protected]; for the MSEL SURF Program, Dr. Terrell A.
Vanderah, Tel: (301) 975-5785, E-mail: [email protected]; for
the BFRL SURF Program, Dr. Chris White, Tel: (301) 975-6016, E-mail:
[email protected], or Dr. Chiara Ferraris, Tel: (301) 975-6711, E-mail:
[email protected]; and for the ITL SURF Program, Dr. Larry
Reeker, Tel: (301) 975-5147, E-mail: [email protected].
Authority: The authority for the SURF Programs is as follows: 15
U.S.C. 278g-l authorizes NIST to fund financial assistance awards 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.
Program Description and Objectives: The objective of the SURF
Programs is to build a mutually beneficial relationship between the
student, the institution of higher learning, and NIST.
The program description for the SURF Programs is as follows: NIST
is one of the nation's premiere research institutions for the physical
and engineering sciences and, as the lead Federal agency for technology
transfer, it provides a strong interface between government, industry
and academia. 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
and enables the EEEL, MEL, CSTL, PL, MSEL, BFRL, and ITL to offer
unique research and training opportunities for undergraduates,
providing them a research-rich environment and exposure to state of the
art equipment.
NIST's EEEL strives to be the world's best source of fundamental
and industrial-reference measurement methods and physical standards for
electrotechnology. To be a world-class resource for semiconductor
measurements, data, models, and standards focused on enhancing U.S.
technological competitiveness in the world market, research is
conducted in semiconductor materials, processing, devices, and
integrated circuits to provide, through both experimental and
theoretical work, the necessary basis for understanding measurement-
related requirements in semiconductor technology. To provide the
world's most technically advanced and fundamentally sound basis for all
electrical measurements in the United States, the EEEL's research
projects include maintaining and disseminating the national electrical
standards, developing the measurement methods and services needed to
support electrical materials, components, instruments, and systems used
for the generation, transmission, and application of conducted
electrical power, and related activities in support of the electronics
industry including research on video technology and electronic product
data exchange.
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NIST's MEL conducts theoretical and experimental research in
length, mass, force, vibration, acoustics, and ultrasonics, as well as
intelligent machines, precision control of machine tools, and
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. 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 in
manufacturing and related industries such as healthcare, to the
accurate measurement of an artifact's dimensions.
NIST's CSTL strives to be a world-class research laboratory that is
recognized by the nation as the primary source for the chemical,
biochemical, and chemical engineering measurements, data, models, and
reference standards that are required to enhance U.S. industrial
competitiveness in the world market. CSTL is the primary reference
laboratory for chemical measurements, entrusted with developing,
maintaining, advancing, and enabling the chemical measurement system
for the United States of America, thereby enhancing industry's
productivity and competitiveness, establishing comparability of
measurements to facilitate equity of global trade, and improving public
health, safety, and environmental quality. CSTL's activities include:
Transportation, Biomaterials, Biotechnology, Chemical and Allied
Products, Energy Systems, Environmental Technology and Systems, Health
and Medical Products and Services, Industrial and Analytical
Instruments and Services, Forensics, Microelectronics, Food and
Nutritional Products, International Measurement Standards, Data and
Informatics, and emerging Technologies (Nanotechnology, Molecular
Electronics, Microfluidics, Combinatorial Chemistry).
Attending to the long-term needs of many U.S. high-technology
industries, NIST's PL conducts basic research in the areas of quantum,
electron, optical, atomic, molecular, and radiation physics. To achieve
these goals, PL staff develop and utilize highly specialized equipment,
such as polarized electron microscopes, scanning tunneling microscopes,
lasers, and x-ray 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 standards for radiation
therapy.
NIST's MSEL conducts basic research in the electronic, magnetic,
optical, superconducting, mechanical, thermal, chemical, and structural
properties of metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. 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. 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,
neutron scattering instruments, x-ray diffraction sources, lasers,
magnetometers, plasma furnaces, melt spinners, molecular beam epitaxy
systems, and thermal spray systems. 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.
NIST's BFRL provides technical leadership and participates in
developing the measurement and standards infrastructure related to
materials critical to U.S. industry, academia, government, and the
public. Building and Fire Research programs at NIST cover a full range
of materials issues from design to processing to performance. Separate
research initiatives address concrete, coating, earthquake resistance
of structures, fire science and engineering, the theory and modeling of
materials, and materials reliability. Through laboratory-organized
consortia and one-on-one collaborations, BFRL's scientists and
engineers work closely with industrial researchers, manufacturers of
high-technology products, and the major users of advanced materials.
NIST's ITL responds to industry and user needs for objective,
neutral tests for information technology. These are enabling tools that
help companies produce the next generation of products and services,
and that help industries and individuals use these complex products and
services. ITL works with industry, research and government
organizations to develop and demonstrate tests, test methods, reference
data, proof of concept implementations and other infrastructural
technologies. Program activities include: high performance computing
and communications systems; emerging network technologies; access to,
exchange, and retrieval of complex information; computational and
statistical methods; information security; and testing tools and
methods to improve the quality of software.
SURF students will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with our
nation's top scientists and engineers. 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 individuals to pursue a Ph.D. in
physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, mathematics, or
computer science, and to consider research careers. The SURF Programs
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.
Eligibility: The EEEL, MEL, CSTL, PL, MSEL, BFRL, and ITL, SURF
Programs are open to colleges and universities in the United States and
its territories 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.
Funding Availability: Funds budgeted for payment to students under
these
[[Page 8215]]
programs are stipends, not salary. The SURF Programs will not authorize
funds for indirect costs or fringe benefits.
For the EEEL SURF Program, the NIST EEEL anticipates receiving
funding as a NSF REU Program at the level of $73,000 per year. It is
anticipated that the funding for the EEEL SURF Program will provide for
the costs of stipends, travel and lodging, and the conference
attendance for approximately eleven students.
For the MEL SURF Program, the NIST MEL anticipates receiving
funding as a NSF REU Program at the level of $52,000 per year. For the
CSTL SURF Program, the NIST CSTL will pursue funding as a NSF REU
Program at the level of $40,000 per year and may contribute additional
NIST CSTL funds to support additional students. For the BFRL SURF
Program, the NIST BFRL anticipates receiving funding as a NSF REU
Program at the level of $50,000 per year. For the ITL SURF Program, the
NIST ITL anticipates receiving funding as a NSF REU Program at the
level of $50,000 per year. It is anticipated that the funding for the
MEL, CSTL, BFRL and ITL SURF Programs will provide for the costs of
stipends, travel and lodging, and the conference attendance of eight
students for each program.
For the PL SURF Program, the NIST PL will commit approximately
$50,000 to support these cooperative agreements. The NIST PL's REU
Program is anticipating renewal of funding by the NSF at the level of
$85,000 per year. The anticipated direct costs for stipends, travel,
lodging, and conference attendance for 22 students is about $135,000.
For the MSEL SURF Program, the NIST MSEL anticipates receiving
funding as a NSF REU Program at the level of $70,000 per year. It is
anticipated that this funding will provide for the costs of stipends,
travel and lodging, and the conference attendance of 10 students.
The actual number of awards made under this announcement will
depend on the actual costs. For all SURF Programs described in this
notice, it is expected that individual awards to institutions will
range from approximately $3,000 to $70,000. NIST is in the process of
determining whether NIST will contract directly with apartment
complexes for student housing, or whether funding for student housing
will be included in cooperative agreements awarded as a result of this
notice. Selected applicants will be informed prior to award whether
housing will be provided via the cooperative agreement or provided
separately by NIST.
Proposal Review Process: All SURF Program proposals are submitted
to the Administrative Coordinator. Each proposal is examined for
completeness and responsiveness. Substantially incomplete or non-
responsive proposals will not be considered for funding, and the
applicant will be notified. The Program will retain one copy of each
non-responsive application for three years for record keeping purposes.
The remaining copies will be destroyed. Proposals should include the
following:
(A) Student Information:
(1) Student application information cover sheet;
(2) Academic transcript for each student nominated for
participation (students must have a recommended G.P.A. of 3.0 or
better, out of a possible 4.0);
(3) A personal statement from each student and statement of
commitment to participate in the 2003 SURF program, including a
description of the student's prioritized research interests;
(4) A resume for each student;
(5) Two letters of recommendation for each student;
(6) Verification of U.S. citizenship or permanent legal resident
status for each student; and
(7) Verification of health coverage for each student.
(B) Information About the Applicant Institution:
(1) Description of the institution's education and research
programs; and
(2) A summary list of the student(s) being nominated.
Institution proposals will be separated into student/institution
packets. Each student/institution packet will be comprised of the
required application forms, including a complete copy of the student
information and a complete copy of the institution information. The
student/institution packets will be directed to the SURF Program
designated by the student as his/her first choice. Each SURF Program
will have three independent, objective NIST employees who are
knowledgeable in the scientific areas that the program addresses
conduct a technical review of each student/institution packet based on
the Evaluation Criteria for the SURF Programs described in this notice.
Each technical reviewer will recommend that each student/institution
packet be placed into one of three categories: Priority funding; fund
if possible; and do not fund. Each student/institution packet will then
be placed into one of the three categories by the Program's Director,
who will take into consideration the reviewers' recommendations, the
relevance of the student's course of study to the program objectives of
the NIST laboratory in which that SURF Program resides as described in
the Program Description and Objectives section of this notice, the
relevance of the student's statement of commitment to the goals of the
SURF Program, and the availability of funding.
Student/institution packets placed in the priority funding category
will be selected for funding in that SURF Program. Student/institution
packets placed in the do not fund category will not be considered for
funding.
Student/institution packets placed in the Fund if Possible Category
will be considered for funding by the SURF Program designated by the
student as his/her second choice. In making selections for funding, the
Director of the student's second choice SURF Program will take into
consideration the recommendations of the reviewers who conducted the
technical reviews for the student's first choice SURF Program, the
program objectives of the NIST laboratory in which the student's second
choice SURF Program resides as described in the Program Description and
Objectives section of this notice, the relevance of the student's
statement of commitment to the goals of the SURF Program, and the
availability of funding.
Students not selected for funding by their first or second choice
SURF Program, and students who did not designate a second choice, will
then be considered for funding from all SURF Programs that still have
slots available. In making selections for funding, the SURF Program
Directors will take into consideration the recommendations of the
reviewers who conducted the technical reviews for the student's first
choice SURF Program, the program objectives of the NIST laboratory in
which their SURF Program resides as described in the Program
Description and Objectives section of this notice, the relevance to the
goals of the SURF Program, and the availability of funding.
Student/institution packets placed in the fund if possible
category, but not selected through the process described above, will
not be funded.
The final approval of selected applications and award of
cooperative agreements will be made by the NIST Grants Officer based on
compliance with application requirements as published in this notice,
compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements,
compliance with Federal policies that best further the objectives of
the Department of Commerce, and whether the recommended applicants
appear to be responsible. Applicants may be asked to modify objectives,
work plans, or budgets and provide supplemental information required by
[[Page 8216]]
the agency prior to award. The decision of the Grants Officer is final.
Evaluation Criteria: For the SURF Programs, the evaluation criteria
are:
Evaluation of student's academic ability and commitment to program
goals: includes evaluation of the following: completed course work;
expressed research interest; compatibility of the expressed research
interest with SURF Program research areas; research skills; grade point
average in courses relevant to the SURF Program; career goals; honors
and activities.
Evaluation of applicant institution's commitment to program goals:
includes evaluation of the following: the institution's academic
department(s) relevant to the discipline(s) of the student(s).
Each of these factors is given equal weight in the evaluation
process.
Award Period: The SURF Programs are anticipated to run from May 27
through August 15, 2003; adjustments may be made to accommodate
specific academic schedules (e.g., a limited number of 9-week
cooperative agreements).
Matching Requirements: The SURF Programs do not require any
matching funds.
Application Kit: For the EEEL, MEL, CSTL, PL, MSEL, BFRL, and ITL
SURF Programs, an application kit, containing all required forms and
certifications, may be obtained by contacting Ms. Anita Sweigert, (301)
975-4200; websites for each program's application kit may be accessed
through the following Web site: http://www.surf.nist.gov/surf2.htm.
Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory (EEEL) Grants Program
Dates: The Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory Grants
Program proposals must be received no later than the close of business
September 30, 2003. Proposals received after June 30, 2003, will
continue to be processed and considered for funding but may be funded
in the next fiscal year, subject to the availability of funds.
Addresses: For the Electronics and Electrical Engineering
Laboratory Grants Program, submit one signed original and two copies of
the proposal package to: Electronics and Electrical Engineering
Laboratory, Attn.: Sheilda Bryner, National Institute of Standards and
Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8100, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8100.
Tel.:(301) 975-2220. Fax: (301) 975-4091.
Authority: As authorized by 15 U.S.C. 272(b) and (c), the NIST
Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory conducts a basic
and applied research program directly and through grants and
cooperative agreements to eligible recipients.
Program Description and Objectives: The Electronics and Electrical
Engineering Laboratory Grants Program solicits proposals in support of
the broad program objectives identified below.
The Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory Grants
Program supports the formal mission of the Electronics and Electrical
Engineering Laboratory, which is to strengthen the U.S. economy and
improve the quality of life by providing measurement science and
technology, and by advancing standards, primarily for the electronics
and electrical industries.
More specifically, the Electronics and Electrical Engineering
Laboratory Grants Program solicits proposals to support specific
programs in the areas of metrology for semiconductors (including
mainstream silicon, power devices, and compound semiconductors),
superconductors (including cryoelectronics and bulk superconductors),
electronic instrumentation, optoelectronics, magnetics (including bulk
magnetic materials and magnetic data storage), video (including flat-
panel displays), electronic commerce as applied to electronic products
and devices, the transmission and distribution of electrical power,
national electrical standards (fundamental, generally quantum-based
physical standards), and law enforcement (clothing, communication
systems, emergency equipment, investigative aids, protective equipment,
security systems, vehicles, speed-measuring equipment, weapons, and
analytical techniques and standard reference materials used by the
public safety community).
For details on these various activities, please see the Electronics
and Electrical Engineering Laboratory Web site at http://www.eeel.nist.gov. Note that documents describing the current programs
for the five participating technical divisions and two offices are
available through the home page.
Technical contacts for these areas are:
Semiconductors
Semiconductor Electronics Division--Division Chief: Dr. David G.
Seiler; (301) 975-2054; [email protected].
Office of Microelectronics Programs--Director: Dr. Stephen Knight;
(301) 975-4400; [email protected].
Superconductors (Bulk); Magnetics
Magnetic Technology Division--Division Chief: Dr. Alan F. Clark;
(303) 497-5477; [email protected].
Supercondutors (Cryoelectronics); National Electrical Standards
(Josephson Array Development)
Electromagnetic Technology Division--Division Chief: Dr. Richard E.
Harris; (303) 497-3678; [email protected].
Electronic Instrumentation; Video; Electronic Commerce; National
Electrical Standards (Other Than Josephson Array Development)
Electricity Division--Division Chief: Dr. James K. Olthoff; (301)
975-2400; [email protected].
Optoelectronics
Optoelectronics Division; Office of Optoelectronics Programs--
Division Chief and Office Director: Dr. Gordon W. Day; (303) 497-5432;
[email protected].
Law enforcement
Office of Law Enforcement Standards--Director: Dr. Kathleen
Higgins; (301) 975-2757; [email protected].
Eligibility: The Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory
Grants Program is open to institutions of higher education; hospitals;
non-profit organizations; commercial organizations; State, local, and
Indian tribal governments; foreign governments; organizations under the
jurisdiction of foreign governments; and international organizations.
Funding Availability: Over the past three years, the Electronics
and Electrical Engineering laboratory funded a total of approximately
$1,500,000 in grants and cooperative agreements. The amount available
each year fluctuates considerably based on programmatic needs.
Individual awards are expected to range between $5,000 and $150,000.
Proposal Review Process: For the Electronics and Electrical
Engineering Laboratory Grants Program, proposals will be distributed to
the appropriate Division Chief or Office Director or designee based on
technical area by one or more technical professionals familiar with the
programs of the Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory. The
proposals will be reviewed in a two-step process. First, at least three
independent, objective individuals knowledgeable about the particular
scientific area described in the Program Description and Objectives
section above that the proposal addresses will conduct a technical
review of each
[[Page 8217]]
proposal, based on the evaluation criteria described below.
Reviews will be conducted on a quarterly basis, and all proposals
received during the quarter will be ranked based on the reviewers'
scores. Second, the Division Chief or Office Director will make
application selections. In making application selections, the Division
Chief or Office Director will take into consideration the results of
the reviewers' evaluations, the compatibility of the applicant's
proposal with the program objectives of the particular division or
office that the proposal addresses, the availability of funding, and
relevance to the objectives of the Electronics and Electrical
Engineering Laboratory Grants Program, as described above. The final
approval of selected applications and award of financial assistance
will be made by the NIST Grants Officer based on compliance with
application requirements as published in this notice, compliance with
applicable legal and regulatory requirements, compliance with Federal
policies that best further the objectives of the Department of
Commerce, and whether the recommended applicants appear to be
responsible. Applicants may be asked to modify objectives, work plans,
or budgets and provide supplemental information required by the agency
prior to award. The decision of the Grants Officer is final. Applicants
should allow up to 90 days processing time.
Evaluation Criteria: For the Electronics and Electrical Engineering
Laboratory Grants Program, the evaluation criteria and weights to be
used by the technical reviewers in evaluating the proposals are as
follows:
Proposal addresses specific program objectives as described in this
notice (25%);
Proposal provides evidence of applicant's expertise in relevant
technical area (20%);
Proposal offers innovative approach (20%);
Proposal provides realistic schedule with defined milestones (20%);
Proposal provides adequate rationale for budget (15%).
Award Period: For the Electronics and Electrical Engineering
Laboratory 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 generally 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. Continuation 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, continued relevance to the mission of the
Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory Grants Program, and
the availability of funds. The multi-year awards must have scopes of
work that can be easily separated into annual increments of meaningful
work that 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).
Matching Requirements: The Electronics and Electrical Engineering
Laboratory Grants Program does not require any matching funds.
Application Kit: An application kit, containing all required
application forms and certifications is available on the web at http://www.eeel.nist.gov/eeel grants/ or by contacting: Sheilda Bryner, (301)
975-2220, [email protected].
Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory (MEL) Grants Program
Dates: The MEL Grants Program proposals must be received no later
than the close of business September 30, 2003. Proposals received after
June 30, 2003, will continue to be processed and considered for funding
but may be funded in the next fiscal year, subject to the availability
of funds. 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).
Addresses: For the MEL Grants Program, submit one signed original
and two copies of the proposal, clearly marked to identify the field of
research, to: Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory, Attn: Mrs. Barbara
Horner, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau
Drive, Stop 8200, Building 220, Room B322, Gaithersburg, Maryland
20899-8200. Tel: (301) 975-4345. E-mail: [email protected].
Authority: As authorized under 15 U.S.C. 272(b) and (c), the MEL
conducts a basic and applied research program directly and through
grants and cooperative agreements to eligible recipients.
Program Description and Objectives: 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. Precision Engineering Division, 821--The primary objective is to
support laboratory programs in the areas of Engineering Metrology,
Large-Scale Metrology, Nanometer-Scale Metrology, and Surface
Metrology. The contact person for this division is: Dr. Dennis Swyt,
and he may be reached at (301) 975-3463; [email protected].
II. Manufacturing Metrology Division, 822--The primary objective is
to support laboratory programs in Mechanical Metrology; Advanced Optics
Metrology; Predictive Process Engineering; and Smart Machine Tools. The
contact person for this division is: Dr. E. Clayton Teague, and he may
be reached at (301) 975-6600; [email protected].
III. Intelligent Systems Division, 823--The primary objective is to
support laboratory programs in Intelligent Open Architecture Control of
Manufacturing Systems, Intelligent Controls of Mobility Systems, and
Intelligent Systems. The contact person for this division is: Mr.
Albert Wavering, and he may be reached at (301) 975-3418;
[email protected].
IV. Manufacturing Systems Integration Division, 826--The primary
objective is to pursue semantics- and ontology-based systems
integration technology and standards through support of laboratory
programs in Manufacturing Enterprise Integration; Manufacturing
Simulation and Visualization; Integrated Simulations for Homeland
Defense and Emergency Response; Product Engineering; Healthcare
Informatics; and Meso-Micro-Nano-Manufacturing. The contact person for
this division is: Dr. Steven R. Ray, and he may be reached at (301)
975-3508; [email protected].
Eligibility: The MEL Grants Program is be open to institutions of
higher education; hospitals; non-profit organizations; commercial
organizations; State, local, and Indian tribal governments; foreign
governments; organizations under the jurisdiction of foreign
governments; and international organizations.
Funding Availability: In fiscal year 2003, the MEL Grants Program
anticipates funding of approximately $750,000, including new awards and
continuing projects. Individual awards are expected to range from
approximately $25,000 to $300,000.
Proposal Review Process: Responsive proposals will be reviewed in a
two-step process. First, at least three independent, objective
individuals knowledgeable about the particular scientific area
described in the section above that the proposal addresses will conduct
a technical review of proposals,
[[Page 8218]]
based on the evaluation criteria described below. Reviews will be
conducted no less than once per quarter, and all proposals since the
last review session will be ranked based on the reviewers' scores. If
non-Federal reviewers are used, the reviewers may discuss the proposals
with each other, but ranks will be determined on an individual basis,
not as a consensus. Second, the Division Chief or Laboratory Director
will make application selections.
In making application selections, the Division Chief or Laboratory
Director will take into consideration the results of the reviewers'
evaluations, the compatibility of the applicant's proposal with the
program objectives of the particular division that the proposal
addresses, the availability of funds, and relevance to the objectives
of the MEL Grants Program. These objectives are described above in the
Program Objectives. The final approval of selected applications and
award of financial assistance will be made by the NIST Grants Officer
based on compliance with application requirements as published in this
notice, compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements,
compliance with Federal policies that best further the objectives of
the Department of Commerce, and whether the recommended applicants
appear to be responsible. Applicants may be asked to modify objectives,
work plans, or budgets and provide supplemental information required by
the agency prior to award. The decision of the Grants Officer is final.
Evaluation Criteria: For the MEL Grants Program, the evaluation
criteria the technical reviewers will use in evaluating the proposals
are as follows:
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. Technical Merit of Contribution. Reviewers will consider the
potential technical effectiveness of the proposal and the value it
would contribute to the field of manufacturing engineering and
metrology research.
3. Qualifications of Technical Personnel. Reviewers will consider
the professional accomplishments, skills, and training of the proposed
personnel to perform the work in the project.
4. Resources Availability. Reviewers will consider the extent to
which the proposer has access to the necessary NIST or other facilities
and overall support to accomplish project objectives.
Each of these factors will be given equal weight in the evaluation
process.
Award Period: For the MEL 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 generally 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. Continuation 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, continued
relevance to the mission of the MEL program, and the availability of
funds. The multi-year awards must have scopes of work that can be
easily separated into annual increments of meaningful work that
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).
Matching Requirements: The MEL Grants Program does not require any
matching funds.
Application Kit: An application kit, containing all required
application forms and certifications is available by electronic mail
to: Mrs. Barbara Horner, [email protected]. Alternatively, Mrs.
Horner can be contacted at (301) 975-4345.
Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory Grants Program
Dates: The Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory Grants
Program proposals must be received no later than the close of business
September 30, 2003. Proposals received after June 30, 2003, will
continue to be processed and considered for funding but may be funded
in the next fiscal year, subject to the availability of funds.
Addresses: For the Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory Grant
Program applicants are requested to submit one signed original and two
copies of the proposal clearly marked to identify the field of research
to: Attn: Dr. William F. Koch, National Institute of Standards and
Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8300, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8300.
Tel (301) 975-8301. E-Mail: [email protected].
Authority: As authorized under 15 U.S.C. 272 (b) and (c), the
Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory conducts a basic and
applied research program directly and through grants and cooperative
agreements to eligible recipients.
Program Description and Objectives: All proposals submitted to the
Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory Grants Program must be in
accordance with the program objectives and programs listed below.
Proposals submitted to the CSTL Grants Program must address a specific
measurement issue relevant to one of the stated CSTL Programs, and must
be directed to a specific Division. The appropriate Division Chief for
each field of research may be contacted for clarification of the
program objectives. Additional information about the Divisions and CSTL
Programs may be obtained at the following Web site: http://www.cstl.nist.gov/.
CSTL is the United States' primary reference laboratory for
chemical measurements, entrusted with developing, maintaining,
advancing, and enabling the Nation's chemical measurement system,
thereby enhancing industry's productivity and competitiveness,
establishing comparability of measurements to facilitate equity of
global trade, and improving public health, safety, and environmental
quality. CSTL focuses its activities in measurement science research on
reference methods, reference materials and reference data, and directs
these efforts in support of the following specific Program areas
aligned with industrial segments and National priorities:
1. Automotive and Aerospace;
2. Biomaterials;
3. Pharmaceuticals and Biomanufacturing;
4. Chemical and Allied Products;
5. Energy Systems;
6. Environmental Technologies and Services;
7. Food and Nutritional Products;
8. Forensics and Homeland Security;
9. Health and Medical Products and Services;
10. Industrial and Analytical Instruments and Services;
11. Microelectronics.
These Programs are structured to support CSTL's three objectives:
[sbull] Provide the national traceability and international
comparability structure for measurements in chemistry, chemical
engineering, and biotechnology.
[sbull] Assure that U.S. industry has access to accurate and
reliable data and predictive models to determine the chemical and
physical properties of materials and processes.
[sbull] Anticipate and address next-generation measurement needs of
the Nation. CSTL conducts its research and is organized along
disciplinary lines:
Biotechnology Division: DNA chemistry, sequencing; Protein
[[Page 8219]]
structure, properties, and modeling; Biomaterials; Biocatalysis and
bioprocessing measurements. The contact person for this division is:
Dr. Vincent L. Vilker, and he may be reached at (301) 975-2629.
Process Measurements Division: Research, calibration services and
provision of primary standards for temperature, pressure, vacuum,
humidity, fluid flow, air speed, liquid density and volume, and gaseous
leak-rate measurements; Sensor research. The contact person for this
division is: Dr. James R. Whetstone, and he may be reached at (301)
975-2609.
Surface and Microanalysis Science Division: Nanoscale chemical
characterization; Particle characterization and standards; Electronic
and advanced materials characterization; Surface and interface
chemistry; Advanced isotope metrology. The contact person for this
division is: Dr. Richard R. Cavanagh, and he may be reached at (301)
975-2368.
Physical and Chemical Properties Division: Basic reference data;
Data for process and product design; Properties of energy-related
fluids; Fundamental studies of fluids; Cryogenic technologies;
Computational chemistry. The contact person for this division is: Dr.
Mickey Haynes, and he may be reached at (303) 497-3247.
Analytical Chemistry Division: Chemical measurements research and
services in: Analytical sensing technologies; Classical analytical
methods; Gas metrology; Laboratory automation technology; Nuclear
analytical methods; Organic analytical methods; and Spectrochemical
measurement methods. The contact person for this division is: Dr.
Willie E. May, and he may be reached at (301) 975-3108.
Eligibility: The Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory Grants
Program is open to institutions of higher education; hospitals; non-
profit organizations; commercial organizations; State, local, and
Indian tribal governments; foreign governments; organizations under the
jurisdiction of foreign governments; and international organizations.
Funding Availability: In fiscal year 2003, the Chemical Science and
Technology Laboratory anticipates funding of approximately $1,000,000.
Individual awards are expected to range from approximately $5,000 to
$100,000.
No funds have been set aside specifically for support of the CSTL
Grants Program. The availability of funds depends upon actual
authorization of funds and other costs expected to be incurred by
individual divisions within the laboratory. Where funds are identified
as available for grants, those funds will be awarded to highly ranked
proposals as determined by the process described in this notice.
Proposal Review Process: For the Chemical Science and Technology
Laboratory Grants Program, proposals will be reviewed in a three-step
process. First, the Deputy Director of CSTL, or appropriate CSTL
Division Chief, will determine the compatibility of the applicant's
proposal with CSTL Program Areas, the alignment of the measurement
issue that the proposal addresses with division activities, and the
relevance to the objectives of the Chemical Science and Technology
Laboratory Grants Program. These objectives are described in the
``Program Objectives'' section. If it is determined that the proposal
is incomplete or non-responsive to the scope of the stated objectives,
the proposal will not be reviewed for technical merit. If it is
determined that all funds available for the CSTL Grants Program for the
given year have been exhausted, the proposal will not be reviewed for
technical merit. If a proposal is determined to be incomplete or non-
responsive, or if it is determined that all available funds have been
exhausted, the CSTL Grants Program will retain one copy of the proposal
for three years for record keeping purposes. The remaining copies will
be destroyed.
Second, at least three independent, objective individuals
knowledgeable about the particular measurement science area described
in the section above that the proposal addresses will conduct a
technical review of each proposal, based on the evaluation criteria
described below. Reviews will be conducted on a quarterly basis, and
all responsive, complete proposals received and reviewed since the last
quarter will be ranked based on the reviewers' scores. If non-Federal
reviewers are used, the reviewers may discuss the proposals with each
other, but ranks will be determined on an individual basis, not as a
consensus.
Third, the Division Chief will make application selections, taking
into consideration the results of the reviewers' evaluations, the
availability of funds, and the relevance of the proposal to the
programmatic priorities of the Division described in the Program
Description and Objectives section above.
The final approval of selected applications and award of financial
assistance will be made by the NIST Grants Officer based on compliance
with application requirements as published in this notice, compliance
with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, compliance with
Federal policies that best further the objectives of the Department of
Commerce, and whether the recommended applicants appear to be
responsible. Applicants may be asked to modify objectives, work plans,
or budgets and provide supplemental information required by the agency
prior to award. The decisions of the Grants Officer are final.
Evaluation Criteria: For the Chemical Science and Technology
Laboratory Grants Program, the evaluation criteria the technical
reviewers will use in evaluating the proposals are as follows:
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 the necessary facilities and overall
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 measurement science, especially as it
pertains to reference methods, reference materials and reference data
in Chemical Science and Technology.
Each of these factors will be given equal weight in the evaluation
process.
Award Period: For the Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory
Grant 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 generally 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. Continuation 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, continued relevance to the mission of the
Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory program, and the
availability of funds. The multi-year awards must have scopes of work
that can be easily separated into annual increments of meaningful work
that 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
[[Page 8220]]
meaningful results in and of themselves).
Matching Requirements: The Chemical Science and Technology
Laboratory Grants Program does not require any matching funds.
Contact: For information on the Chemical Science and Technology
Laboratory Grants Program, please contact Dr. William Koch, (301) 975-
8301.
Application Kit: For the CSTL Grants Program, an application kit,
containing all required application forms and certifications is
available by contacting Mr. Neil Alderoty, (301) 975-8303.
Physics Laboratory Grants Program
Dates: The Physics Laboratory Grants Program proposals must be
received no later than the close of business September 30, 2003.
Proposals received after June 30, 2003, will continue to be processed
and considered for funding but may be funded in the next fiscal year,
subject to the availability of funds.
Addresses: For the Physics Laboratory Grant Program applicants are
requested to submit one signed original and two copies of the proposal
clearly marked to identify the field of research to: Attn. Ms. Anita
Sweigert, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau
Drive, Stop 8400, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8400. Tel (301) 975-4200. E-
Mail: [email protected].
Authority: As authorized under 15 U.S.C. 272 (b) and (c), the
Physics Laboratory conducts a basic and applied research program
directly and through grants and cooperative agreements to eligible
recipients.
Program Description and Objectives: All proposals submitted to the
Physics Laboratory Grants Program 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. Electron and Optical Physics Division, 841--The objective is to
supplement division activities in characterization of nanometer-scale
electronic and magnetic structures, characterization of EUV optical
components to support semiconductor lithography and ultraviolet
radiometric metrology, and to support ongoing activities in Bose-
Einstein condensation and quantum information. The contact person for
this division is: Dr. Charles W. Clark and he may be reached at (301)
975-3709.
II. Atomic Physics Division, 842--The primary objective is to
support division programs aimed at determining basic atomic properties
and developing new metrology techniques in atomic spectroscopy, quantum
processes, plasma radiation, laser cooling and trapping, and quantum
metrology. The contact person for this division is: Dr. Wolfgang L.
Wiese and he may be reached at (301) 975-3200.
III. Optical Technology Division, 844--The primary objective is to
develop, improve and maintain national standards for radiation
thermometry, spectroradiometry, photometry, and spectrophotometry as
well as conduct basic theoretical and experimental research on the
photophysical and photochemical properties of materials, in radiometric
and spectroscopic techniques and instrumentation, and in the
application of optical technologies. The contact person for this
division is: Dr. Albert C. Parr and he may be reached at (301) 975-
2316.
IV. Ionizing Radiation Division, 846--The primary objective is to
provide primary standards, measurement methods, and technology to
support the Division's work in meeting national needs in radiation
interactions and dosimetry, neutron interactions and dosimetry, and
radioactivity including both theoretical/experimental and applied
research programs in Homeland Security and Health Care. The contact
person for this division is: Dr. Bert M. Coursey and he may be reached
at (301) 975-5584.
V. Time and Frequency Division, 847--The primary objective is to
supplement division basic and applied research programs in the areas of
phase noise measurements, network synchronization, ion storage, atomic
standards and optical frequency measurements in support of future
standards, dissemination services, and measurement methods. The contact
person for this division is: Dr. Donald B. Sullivan and he may be
reached at (303) 497-3772.
Eligibility: The Physics Laboratory Grants Program is open to
institutions of higher education; hospitals; non-profit organizations;
commercial organizations; state, local, and Indian tribal governments;
foreign governments; organizations under the jurisdiction of foreign
governments; and international organizations.
Funding Availability: In fiscal year 2003, the Physics Laboratory
anticipates funding of approximately $2,000,000, including new awards
and continuing projects. Funding availability will be apportioned by
quarter. Individual awards are expected to range from approximately
$5,000 to $300,000.
Proposal Review Process: For the Physics Laboratory Grants Program,
responsive proposals will be considered as follows: first, at least
three independent, objective individuals knowledgeable about the
particular scientific area described in the section above that the
proposal addresses will conduct a technical review of each proposal,
based on the evaluation criteria described below. Reviews will be
conducted on a monthly basis, and all proposals received during the
month will be ranked based on the reviewers' scores. If non-Federal
reviewers are used, reviewers may discuss the proposals with each
other, but scores will be determined on an individual basis, not as a
consensus.
Next, the Division Chief will make final application selections,
taking into consideration the results of the reviewers' evaluations,
including rank; the compilation of a slate that, when taken as a whole,
is likely to best further the program goals described above; and the
availability of funds.
The final approval of selected applications and award of financial
assistance will be made by the NIST Grants Officer based on compliance
with application requirements as published in this notice, compliance
with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, compliance with
Federal policies that best further the objectives of the Department of
Commerce, and whether the recommended applicants appear to be
responsible.
Applicants may be asked to modify objectives, work plans, or
budgets and provide supplemental information required by the agency
prior to award.
The decisions of the Grants Officer are final.
Evaluation Criteria: For the Physics Laboratory Grants Program, the
evaluation criteria the technical reviewers will use in evaluating the
proposals are as follows:
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 the necessary NIST or other facilities
and overall 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 physics.
Each of these factors will be given equal weight in the evaluation
process.
[[Page 8221]]
Award Period: For the Physics Laboratory Grant Program, proposals
will be considered for research projects from one to three years. When
a proposal for a multi-year project is approved, funding will generally
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. Continuation 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, continued
relevance to the mission of the Physics Laboratory program, and the
availability of funds. The multi-year awards must have scopes of work
that can be easily separated into annual increments of meaningful work
that 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).
Matching Requirements: The Physics Laboratory Grants Program does
not require any matching funds.
Application Kit: For the Physics Laboratory Grants Program, an
application kit, containing all required application forms and
certifications is available by contacting Ms. Anita Sweigert, (301)
975-4201.
MSEL Grants Program
Dates: The MSEL Grants Program proposals must be received no later
than the close of business September 30, 2003. Proposals received after
June 30, 2003, will continue to be processed and considered for funding
but may be funded in the next fiscal year, subject to the availability
of funds. 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).
Addresses: For the MSEL Grants Program, submit one signed original
and two copies of the proposal, clearly marked to identify the field of
research, to: Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory, Attn.: Ms.
Marlene Taylor, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100
Bureau Drive, Stop 8501, Building 223, Room A305, Gaithersburg,
Maryland 20899-8501. Tel: (301) 975-5653. E-mail:
[email protected].
Authority: The authority for the MSEL Grants Program is as
follows: as authorized under 15 U.S.C. 272 (b) and (c), the MSEL
conducts a basic and applied research program directly and through
grants and cooperative agreements to eligible recipients.
Program Description and Objectives: All proposals submitted to the
MSEL Grants Program 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. Laboratory Office, 850--The primary objective is to supplement
Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory activities of importance
to materials science generally, including portions of Federal research
and development programs performed in concert with other Federal
agencies; and theoretical and computational materials science. The
contact person for the Laboratory Office is: Dr. Stephen W. Freiman and
he may be reached at (301) 975-5658 or by e-mail at
[email protected].
II. Ceramics Division, 852--The primary objective is to supplement
division activities in the area of combinatorial tools, nanotribology,
nano- and micro-electronic materials, dielectric ceramics, interfacial
chemistry, and microstructural analysis. The contact person for this
division is: Dr. Ronald Munro and he may be reached at (301) 975-6127
or by e-mail at [email protected].
III. Materials Reliability Division, 853--The primary objective is
to supplement division activities in the area of micro- and nano-scale
property measurement. The contact person for this division is: Dr.
Thomas Siewert and he may be reached at (303) 497-3523 or by e-mail at
[email protected].
IV. Polymers Division, 854--The primary objective is to support
division programs in electronics materials, biomaterials, combinatorial
methods, nano-structured materials and processing characterization
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. Bruno Fanconi
and he may be reached at (301) 975-6769 or by e-mail at
[email protected].
V. 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. Frank W. Gayle and he may be reached at (301)
975-6161 or by e-mail at [email protected].
VI. 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. Awards to universities for participation by university
students in the NIST/NSF Center for High Resolution Scattering are also
funded under this program. The contact person for this division is: Dr.
John J. Rush and he may be reached at (301) 975-6231 or by e-mail at
[email protected].
Eligibility: The MSEL Grants Program is open to institutions of
higher education; hospitals; non-profit organizations; commercial
organizations; State, local, and Indian tribal governments; foreign
governments; organizations under the jurisdiction of foreign
governments; and international organizations.
Funding Availability: In fiscal year 2003, the MSEL Grants Program
anticipates funding of approximately $6,000,000, including new awards
and continuing projects. Most grants and cooperative agreements are
expected to be in the $25,000 to $100,000 per year range.
Proposal Review Process: For the MSEL Grants Program proposals will
be reviewed in a two-step process. First, at least three independent,
objective individuals knowledgeable about the particular scientific
area described in the section above that the proposal addresses will
conduct a technical review of proposals, as they are received on a
rolling basis, based on the evaluation criteria. If non-Federal
reviewers are used, the reviewers may discuss the proposals with each
other, but ranks will be determined on an individual basis, not as a
consensus. Second, the Division Chief or Center Director will make
application selections. In making application selections, the Division
Chief or Center Director will take into consideration the results of
the reviewers' evaluations, the compatibility of the applicant's
proposal with the program objectives of the particular division or
center that the proposal addresses, the availability of funds, and
relevance to the objectives of the MSEL Grants Program. These
objectives are described above in the ``Program Objectives'' section.
The final approval of selected applications and award of financial
assistance will be made by the NIST Grants Officer based on compliance
with application requirements as published in this notice, compliance
with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, compliance with
Federal policies that
[[Page 8222]]
best further the objectives of the Department of Commerce, and whether
the recommended applicants appear to be responsible. Applicants may be
asked to modify objectives, work plans, or budgets and provide
supplemental information required by the agency prior to award. The
decision of the Grants Officer is final.
Evaluation Criteria: For the MSEL Grants Program, the evaluation
criteria the technical reviewers will use in evaluating the proposals
are as follows:
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 the necessary NIST or other facilities
and overall 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 and
neutron research.
Each of these factors will be given equal weight in the evaluation
process.
Award Period: 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 generally 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. Continuation 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, continued
relevance to the mission of the MSEL program, and the availability of
funds. The multi-year awards must have scopes of work that can be
easily separated into annual increments of meaningful work that
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).
Matching Requirements: The MSEL Grants Program does not require any
matching funds.
Application Kit: For the MSEL Grants Program, an application kit,
containing all required application forms and certifications is
available by contacting Ms. Marlene Taylor, (301) 975-5653.
Building Research Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program
Dates: The Building Research Grants and Cooperative Agreements
Program proposals must be received no later than the close of business
September 30, 2003. Proposals received after June 30, 2003 will
continue to be processed and considered for funding but may be funded
in the next fiscal year, subject to the availability of funds.
Addresses: For the Building Research Grants and Cooperative
Agreements Program, submit one signed original and two copies of the
proposal package to: Building and Fire Research Laboratory, Attn.:
Karen Perry, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau
Drive, Stop 8602, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8602. Tel.: (301) 975-5910.
Fax: (301) 975-4032.
Authority: As authorized by 15 U.S.C. 272(b) and (c), the NIST
Building and Fire Research Laboratory conducts a basic and applied
research program directly and through grants and cooperative
agreements to eligible recipients.
Program Description and Objectives: The Building Research Grants
and Cooperative Agreements Program supports the formal mission of the
Building and Fire Research Laboratory, which is to meet the measurement
and standards needs of the Building and Fire communities. 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.
1. Materials and Construction Research Division, 861--The primary
objective is to support laboratory programs in the areas of Structures,
Construction Metrology and Automation, Inorganic Materials, and
Polymeric Materials (including safety, security, and sustainability of
building and physical infrastructure, service-life performance of
building materials, and construction cycle time). The contact person
for this division is: Dr. Shyam Sunder, and he may be reached at (301)
975-6713.
2. Building Environment Division, 863--The primary objective is to
support laboratory programs in the areas of Thermal Machinery,
Mechanical Systems and Controls, Heat Transfer and Alternative Energy
Systems, Computer Integrated Construction and Indoor Air Quality and
Ventilation (including cybersecurity, critical infrastructure
protection of building management and control systems, and life-cycle
information management in buildings). The contact person for this
division is: Dr. George E. Kelly, and he may be reached at (301) 975-
5850.
For details on these various activities, please see the Building
and Fire Research Laboratory website at http://www.bfrl.nist.gov. Note
that documents describing the current programs for the two technical
divisions are available through the homepage.
Eligibility: The Building Research Grants and Cooperative
Agreements Program is open to institutions of higher education;
hospitals; non-profit organizations; commercial organizations; State,
local, and Indian tribal governments; foreign governments;
organizations under the jurisdiction of foreign governments; and
international organizations.
Funding Availability: Over the past three years, the building
divisions of the Building and Fire Research Laboratory funded a total
of approximately $1,000,000 in grants and cooperative agreements. The
amount available each year fluctuates considerably based on
programmatic needs. Individual awards are expected to range between
$5,000 and $150,000.
Proposal Review Process: All applications received in response to
this announcement will be reviewed to determine whether or not they are
complete and responsive. Incomplete or non-responsive applications will
not be reviewed for technical merit. The Program will retain one copy
of each non-responsive application for three years for recordkeeping
purposes. The remaining copies will be destroyed.
Responsive proposals will be forwarded to the appropriate Division
Chief, who will assign them to appropriate reviewers. At least three
independent, objective individuals knowledgeable about the particular
scientific area described above that the proposal addresses will
conduct a technical review of each proposal, based on the evaluation
criteria described below. When non-Federal reviewers are used,
reviewers may discuss the proposals with each other, but scores will be
determined on an individual basis, not as a consensus. Reviews will be
conducted no less than once per quarter, and all proposals since the
last review session will be ranked based on the reviewers' scores.
Next, the Division Chief or Laboratory Director will make
application selections. In making application selections, the Division
Chief or Laboratory Director will take into consideration the results
of the
[[Page 8223]]
evaluations, the scores of the reviewers, the availability of funds,
and relevance to the objectives of the Building Systems Research Grants
and Cooperative Agreements Program, as described in the Program
Description and Objectives section for this program.
The final approval of selected applications and award of financial
assistance will be made by the NIST Grants Officer based on compliance
with application requirements as published in this notice, compliance
with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, compliance with
Federal policies that best further the objectives of the Department of
Commerce, and whether the recommended applicants appear to be
responsible. Applicants may be asked to modify objectives, work plans,
or budgets and provide supplemental information required by the agency
prior to award. The award decision of the Grants Officer is final.
Applicants should allow up to 90 days processing time. The Program will
retain one copy of each application that is not funded for three years
for recordkeeping purposes. The remaining copies will be destroyed.
Evaluation Criteria: The Divisions will score proposals based on
the following criteria and weights:
1. Technical quality of the research. Reviewers will assess the
rationality, innovation and imagination of the proposal and the fit to
NIST's in-house building research programs. (0-35 points)
2. Potential impact of the results. Reviewers will assess the
potential impact and the technical application of the results to our
in-house programs and the building industry. (0-25 points)
3. Staff and institution capability to do the work. Reviewers will
evaluate the quality of the facilities and experience of the staff to
assess the likelihood of achieving the objective of the proposal. (0-20
points)
4. Match of budget to proposed work. Reviewers will assess the
budget against the proposed work to ascertain the reasonableness of the
request. (0-20 points)
Award Period: For the Building Research Grants and Cooperative
Agreements 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 generally 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. Continuation 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, continued relevance to the mission of the
Building Research Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program, and the
availability of funds. The multi-year awards must have scopes of work
that can be easily separated into annual increments of meaningful work
that 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).
Matching Requirements: The Building Research Grants and Cooperative
Agreements Program does not require any matching funds.
Application Kit: An application kit, containing all required
application forms and certifications is available by contacting: Karen
Perry, (301) 975-5910.
Fire Research Grants Program
Dates: The Fire Research Grants Program proposals must be received
no later than the close of business September 30, 2003. Proposals
received after April 30, 2003, will continue to be processed and
considered for funding but may be funded in the next fiscal year,
subject to the availability of funds.
Addresses: For the Fire Research Grants Program submit one signed
original and two copies of the proposal to: Building and Fire Research
Laboratory (BFRL), Attn.: Ms. Wanda Duffin, National Institute of
Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8660, Gaithersburg,
Maryland 20899-8660. Tel: (301) 975-6863. E-mail:
[email protected]. Web site: http://www.bfrl.nist.gov.
Authority: As authorized by 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 and Objectives: The program description and
objectives for the Fire Research Grants Program are as follows:
A. Analysis and Prediction: The objectives are to develop
understanding and predictive methods for dynamic fire phenomena to
advance fire science and engineering practice and to perform research
to understand the heat and mass transfer processes occurring in fires
in order to improve predictions of the growth, spread, suppression, and
emissions transport from fires of all scales. Experiments and metrology
are developed and used to develop, support, and verify advanced
computer simulations of fire phenomena, fire hazards, fire protection,
and fire fighting. The contact person for this group is: Dr. Anthony
Hamins, and he may be reached at (301) 975-6598.
B. Fire Metrology: The objective is to apply measurement science in
the development and quantification of new and existing measurement
methods for studying fire growth, fire-induced flows, flame radiation,
smoke formation and dynamics, species production, heat transfer, fire
suppression, and fire detection. The contact person for this group is:
Dr. George Mulholland, and he may be reached at (301) 975-6695.
C. Fire Fighting Technology: The objectives are to conduct research
that enables advances in fire fighter safety, fire ground operations,
and effectiveness of the fire service; develop and apply measurements,
modeling, and technology, and improve the understanding of the
behavior, prevention and control of fires to enhance: fire fighting
operations and equipment, fire suppression, fire investigations, and
disaster response; and provide input, including experimental data, fire
modeling and test protocols, to advance the effectiveness of fire
safety standards and codes. The contact person for this group is Mr.
Nelson Bryner, and he may be reached at (301) 975-6868.
D. Integrated Performance Assessment: The objective is to produce
tools utilizing enhanced data and prediction methods to quantify fire
events for fire hazard and risk assessment; for fire fighting
operations and training; for fire investigations; and for performance
evaluations of fire protection systems in buildings, transportation
systems, and vehicles in response to fire. Stakeholders include
architects and design engineers; manufacturers of building materials,
products, and furnishings; code developers, enforcers, and regulatory
authorities; and those exposed to direct risk such as building owners,
occupants, the fire service, and the general public. The contact person
for this group is: Dr. Kathy Notarianni, and she can be reached at
(301) 975-6883.
E. Materials and Products: The objective is 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
[[Page 8224]]
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. The
contact person for this group is Dr. Jeffrey Gilman, and he can be
reached at (301) 975-6573.
Eligibility: The Fire Research Grants Program is open to
institutions of higher education; hospitals; non-profit organizations;
commercial organizations; State, local, and Indian tribal governments;
foreign governments; organizations under the jurisdiction of foreign
governments; and international organizations.
Funding Availability: For the Fire Research Grants Program, the
annual budget is approximately $1.3 million. Because of commitments for
the support of multi-year projects and because proposals may have been
deferred from the previous year's competition, only a portion of the
budget is available to fund applications received in response to this
notice. Most grants and cooperative agreements are in the $10,000 to
$100,000 per year range, with a maximum requested duration of three
years.
Proposal Review Process: Prospective proposers are encouraged to
contact the above researchers to determine the extent of interest prior
to preparation of a detailed proposal. Responsive proposals will be
assigned, as received on a rolling basis, to the appropriate group
leader of the five programs listed above in the program description and
objectives. Proposals are evaluated for technical merit based on the
evaluation criteria described below 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. When non-Federal reviewers are used, reviewers may discuss the
proposals with each other, but scores will be determined on an
individual basis, not as a consensus. Group leaders will make funding
recommendations to the Division Chief based on the technical evaluation
score and the relationship of the work proposed to the objectives of
the program.
In making application selections, the Division Chief will take into
consideration the results of the evaluations, the scores of the
reviewers, the group leader's recommendation, the availability of
funds, and relevance to the objectives of the Fire Research Grants
Program, as described in the Program Description and Objectives section
for this program. The final approval of selected applications and award
of financial assistance will be made by the NIST Grants Officer based
on compliance with application requirements as published in this
notice, compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements,
compliance with Federal policies that best further the objectives of
the Department of Commerce, and whether the recommended applicants
appear to be responsible. Applicants may be asked to modify objectives,
work plans, or budgets and provide supplemental information required by
the agency prior to award. The award decision of the Grants Officer is
final. Applicants should allow up to 90 days processing time.
Evaluation Criteria: For the Fire Research Grants Program, the
technical evaluation criteria are as follows:
a. Technical quality of the research. Reviewers will assess the
rationality, innovation and imagination of the proposal and the fit to
NIST's in-house fire research program. (0-35 points).
b. Potential impact of the results. Reviewers will assess the
potential impact and the technical application of the results to our
in-house programs and the fire safety community. (0-25 points)
c. Staff and institution capability to do the work. Reviewers will
evaluate the quality of the facilities and experience of the staff to
assess the likelihood of achieving the objective of the proposal. (0-20
points)
d. Match of budget to proposed work. Reviewers will assess the
budget against the proposed work to ascertain the reasonableness of the
request. (0-20 points)
Award Period: 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 project 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. Funding for
each subsequent year of a multi-year proposal will be contingent on
satisfactory progress, continuing relevance to the mission of the NIST
Fire Research Program, and the availability of funds.
Matching Requirements: The Fire Research Grants Program does not
require any matching funds.
Application Kit: For the Fire Research Grants Program, an
application kit, containing all required application forms and
certifications is available by contacting Ms. Wanda Duffin, (301) 975-
6863, Web site: http://www.bfrl.nist.gov.
Additional Information: The Department of Commerce Pre-Award
Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements
contained in the Federal Register notice of October 1, 2001 (66 FR
49917), as amended by the Federal Register notice published on October
30, 2002 (67 FR 66109), are applicable to this solicitation. In
addition, the following information is applicable to all programs
described above.
Collaborations with NIST Employees: All applications should include
a description of any work proposed to be performed by an entity other
than the applicant, and the cost of such work should ordinarily be
included in the budget.
If an applicant proposes collaboration with NIST, the statement of
work should include a statement of this intention, a description of the
collaboration, and prominently identify the NIST employee(s) involved,
if known. Any collaboration by a NIST employee must be approved by
appropriate NIST management and is at the sole discretion of NIST.
Prior to beginning the merit review process, NIST will verify the
approval of the proposed collaboration. Any unapproved collaboration
will be stricken from the proposal prior to the merit review.
Use of NIST Intellectual Property: If the applicant anticipates
using any NIST-owned intellectual property, to carry out the work
proposed, the applicant should identify such intellectual property.
This information will be used to ensure that no NIST employee involved
in the development of the intellectual property will participate in the
review process for that competition. In addition, if the applicant
intends to use NIST-owned intellectual property, the applicant must
comply with all statutes and regulations governing the licensing of
Federal government patents and inventions, described at 35 U.S.C. sec.
200-212, 37 CFR part 401, 15 CFR 14.36, and in section 20 of the
Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements, 66 FR 49917
(2001), as amended by the Federal Register notice published on October
30, 2002 (67 FR 66109). Questions about these requirements may be
directed to the Counsel for NIST, 301-975-2803.
[[Page 8225]]
Any use of NIST-owned intellectual property by a proposer is at the
sole discretion of NIST and will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis
if a project is deemed meritorious. The applicant should indicate
within the statement of work whether it already has a license to use
such intellectual property or whether it intends to seek one.
If any inventions made in whole or in part by a NIST employee arise
in the course of an award made pursuant to this notice, the United
States government may retain its ownership rights in any such
invention. Licensing or other disposition of NIST's rights in such
inventions will be determined solely by NIST, and include the
possibility of NIST putting the intellectual property into the public
domain.
Funding Availability: For all Financial Assistance programs listed
above, awards are contingent on the availability of funds.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Name and Number: Measurement
and Engineering Research and Standards--11.609.
For Further Information Contact: All grants related administration
questions concerning these programs should be directed to the NIST
Grants and Agreements Manangement Division at (301) 975-6328.
Where websites are referenced within this notice, those without
internet access may contact the appropriate Program official to obtain
information.
Initial Screening of all Applications: All applications received in
response to this announcement will be reviewed to determine whether or
not they are complete and responsive to the scope of the stated
objectives for each program. Incomplete or non-responsive applications
will not be reviewed for technical merit. The Program will retain one
copy of each non-responsive application for three years for record
keeping purposes. The remaining copies will be destroyed.
Fees and/or Profit: It is not the intent of NIST to pay fee or
profit for any of the financial assistance awards that may be issued
pursuant to this announcement.
Automated Standardized Application for Payment System (ASAP):
During FY 2002 and becoming mandatory in FY 2003, the Department of
Commerce will begin using the Department of Treasury's ASAP. NIST began
using the ASAP system in July 2001 and continues to establish new
accounts in ASAP. Awards made pursuant to this announcement may contain
the ASAP payment clause. In order to receive payments for services
under these awards, recipients will be required to register with the
Department of Treasury and indicate whether or not they will use the
on-line or voice response method of withdrawing funds from their ASAP
established accounts. More information regarding ASAP can be found on-
line at http://www.fms.treas.gov/asap/index.html.
Paperwork Reduction Act: The standard forms in the application kit
involve a collection of information subject to the Paperwork Reduction
Act. The use of Standard Forms 424, 424A, 424B, SF-LLL, and CD-346 have
been approved by OMB under the respective Control Numbers 0348-0043,
0348-0044, 0348-0040, 0348-0046, and 0605-0001.
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.
Research Projects Involving Human Subjects, Human Tissue, Data or
Recordings Involving Human Subjects: Any proposal that includes
research involving human subjects, human tissue, data or recordings
involving human subjects must meet the requirements of the Common Rule
for the Protection of Human Subjects, codified for the Department of
Commerce at 15 CFR part 27. In addition, any proposal that includes
research on these topics must be in compliance with any statutory
requirements imposed upon the Department of Health and Human Services
(DHHS) and other federal agencies regarding these topics, all
regulatory policies and guidance adopted by DHHS, FDA, and other
Federal agencies on these topics, and all Presidential statements of
policy on these topics.
On December 3, 2000, the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (DHHS) introduced a new Federalwide Assurance of Protection of
Human Subjects (FWA). The FWA covers all of an institution's Federally-
supported human subjects research, and eliminates the need for other
types of Assurance documents. The Office for Human Research Protections
(OHRP) has suspended processing of multiple project assurance (MPA)
renewals. All existing MPAs will remain in force until further notice.
For information about FWAs, please see the OHRP Web site at http://ohrp.osophs.dhhs.gov/irbasur.htm.
In accordance with the DHHS change, NIST will continue to accept
the submission of human subjects protocols that have been approved by
Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) possessing a current, valid MPA from
DHHS. NIST also will accept the submission of human subjects protocols
that have been approved by IRBs possessing a current, valid FWA from
DHHS. NIST will not issue a single project assurance (SPA) for any IRB
reviewing any human subjects protocol proposed to NIST.
On August 9, 2001, the President announced his decision to allow
Federal funds to be used for research on existing human embryonic stem
cell lines as long as prior to his announcement (1) the derivation
process (which commences with the removal of the inner cell mass from
the blastocyst) had already been initiated and (2) the embryo from
which the stem cell line was derived no longer had the possibility of
development as a human being. NIST will follow guidance issued by the
National Institutes of Health at http://escr.nih.gov/ for funding such
research.
Research Projects Involving Vertebrate Animals: Any proposal that
includes research involving vertebrate animals must be in compliance
with the National Research Council's ``Guide for the Care and Use of
Laboratory Animals'' which can be obtained from National Academy Press,
2101 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20055. In addition, such
proposals must meet the requirements of the Animal Welfare Act (7
U.S.C. 2131 et seq.), 9 CFR parts 1, 2, and 3, and if appropriate, 21
CFR part 58. These regulations do not apply to proposed research using
pre-existing images of animals or to research plans that do not include
live animals that are being cared for, euthanased, or used by the
project participants to accomplish research goals, teaching, or
testing. These regulations also do not apply to obtaining animal
materials from commercial processors of animal products or to animal
cell lines or tissues from tissue banks.
Matching Funds: Although many of the programs described in this
notice do not require cost share, if it is determined that your
proposal falls within the authority of 19 U.S.C. 2543-45 cost share
will be required as follows:
Pursuant to 19 U.S.C. 2543-45, financial assistance shall not
exceed 75 percent of such program or activity, when the primary purpose
of such program or activity is--
(1) To increase the awareness of proposed and adopted standards-
related activities;
[[Page 8226]]
(2) To facilitate international trade through the appropriate
international and domestic standards-related activities;
(3) To provide adequate United States representation in
international standards-related activities; and
(4) To encourage United States exports through increased awareness
of foreign standards-related activities that may affect United States
exports.
Type of Funding Instrument: The funding instrument will be a grant
or cooperative agreement, depending on the nature of the proposed work.
A grant will be used unless NIST is ``substantially involved'' in the
project, in which case a cooperative agreement will be used. A common
example of substantial involvement is collaboration between NIST
scientists and recipient scientists or technicians. Please see the DoC
Grants and Cooperative Agreements Interim Manual which may be found on
the Internet at http://www.osec.doc.gov/oebam/GCA_manual.htm. NIST
will make decisions regarding the use of a cooperative agreement on a
case-by-case basis. Funding for contractual arrangements for services
and products for delivery to NIST is not available under this
announcement.
If a proposal submitted under this Notice is not properly funded by
a grant or cooperative agreement, NIST will consider whether the
proposal may be appropriately funded through procurement, interagency
agreement, or another mechanism that does not involve a grant or
cooperative agreement. NIST's review and consideration of that proposal
will be consistent with the requirements applicable to that funding
mechanism.
Indirect Costs: For the EEEL, MEL, CSTL, Physics, MSEL, BFRL, and
ITL SURF Programs, no Federal funds will be authorized for Indirect
Costs (IDC) nor fringe benefits; however, an applicant may provide for
IDC and/or fringe benefits under his/her portion of Cost Sharing.
Classification: This funding notice was determined to be ``not
significant'' for purposes of Executive Order 12866.
It has been determined that this notice does not contain policies
with federalism implications as that term is defined in Executive Order
13132.
Applications under these programs are not subject to Executive
Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.''
Because notice and comment are not required under 5 U.S.C. 553, or
any other law, for notices relating to public property, loans, grants,
benefits or contracts (5 U.S.C. 553(a)), a Regulatory Flexibility
Analysis is not required and has not been prepared for this notice, 5
U.S.C. 601 et seq.
Dated: February 13, 2003.
Karen H. Brown,
Deputy Director, NIST.
[FR Doc. 03-4129 Filed 2-19-03; 8:45 am]
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