[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 11 (Friday, January 16, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 2568-2577]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-975]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Institute of Standards and Technology

[Docket No.: 040108008-4008-01]
RIN 0693-ZA53


Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) Gaithersburg and 
Boulder 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 2004 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships 
(SURF) Gaithersburg and Boulder programs are soliciting applications 
for financial assistance for FY 2004. The SURF Gaithersburg program is 
soliciting applications 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. The SURF Boulder program is 
soliciting applications in the areas of Electronics and Electrical 
Engineering, Chemical Science and Technology, Physics, Materials 
Science and Engineering, and Information Technology. Applications for 
the Gaithersburg and Boulder programs are separate. Application to one 
program does not constitute application to the other, and applications 
will not be exchanged between the Gaithersburg and Boulder programs. If 
applicants wish to be considered at both sites, two separate 
applications must be submitted.
    In Gaithersburg, Maryland, 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), 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 program will provide research opportunities for 
students to work with internationally known NIST scientists, to expose 
them to cutting-edge research and promote the pursuit of graduate 
degrees in science and engineering.
    The SURF NIST Boulder program will provide an opportunity for five 
NIST laboratories (in Boulder, Colorado)--Electronics and Electrical 
Engineering Laboratory (EEEL), Physics Laboratory (PL), Chemical 
Science and Technology Laboratory (CSTL), Materials Science and 
Engineering Laboratory (MSEL) 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

[[Page 2569]]

program will provide research opportunities for students to work with 
internationally known NIST scientists, exposing them to cutting-edge 
research, and will promote the pursuit of graduate degrees in science 
and engineering.
    The NIST SURF Gaithersburg and Boulder Program Directors will work 
with appropriate department chairs, outreach coordinators, and 
directors of multi-disciplinary academic organizations to identify 
outstanding undergraduates (including graduating seniors) who would 
benefit from off-campus summer research in a world-class scientific 
environment.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

EEEL, MEL, CSTL, PL, MSEL, BFRL, and ITL SURF Gaithersburg Programs

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    The objective of the SURF Gaithersburg Programs is to expose 
promising undergraduate students to scientific research and stimulate 
them to pursue advanced degrees and subsequent careers in scientific 
and engineering disciplines. Students, competitively selected into the 
program, must show promise as present or future contributors to the 
mission of NIST. SURF students will work one-on-one with our nation's 
top scientists and engineers at NIST. It is anticipated that successful 
SURF students will move from a position of reliance on their research 
advisors to one of research independence during the twelve-week period. 
The program provides opportunities for our nation's next generation of 
scientists and engineers to engage in world-class scientific research, 
especially in ground-breaking areas of emerging technologies. This 
carries with it the hope of motivating individuals to pursue advanced 
degrees in physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, 
mathematics, or computer science, and to consider research careers. The 
SURF Gaithersburg 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. NIST will establish cooperative agreements with 
participants to further the program objective.
    The following are summaries of the technical activities in the 
participating NIST laboratories.
    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.
    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 and emergency 
response, to the accurate measurement of an artifact's dimensions.
    NIST's 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: Automotive 
and Aerospace, Biomaterials, Pharmaceuticals and Biomanufacturing, 
Chemical and Allied Products, Energy Systems, Environmental 
Technologies and Services, Food and Nutritional Products, Forensics and 
Homeland Security, Health and Medical Technologies, Industrial and 
Analytical Instruments and Services, Microelectronics, Measurement and 
Standards, Data and Informatics (Knowledge Management), and 
Technologies for Future Measurements and Standards.
    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, and 
condensed matter. 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

[[Page 2570]]

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.
    The authority for the SURF Gaithersburg 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.

II. Award Information

    Funds budgeted for payment to students under these programs are 
stipends, not salary. The SURF Gaithersburg Programs will not authorize 
funds for indirect costs or fringe benefits. The table below summarizes 
the anticipated annual funding levels from the NSF to operate our REU 
(Research Experience for Undergraduates) programs, subject to program 
renewals and availability of funds. In some programs, anticipated NIST 
co-funding will supplement the number of awards supported. Program 
funding will be available to provide for the costs of stipends ($333.33 
per week per student), travel, and lodging (up to $2800 per student).

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Anticipated
                     Program                        Anticipated     Anticipated    Total program     number of
                                                    NSF funding    NIST funding       funding         awards
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EEEL............................................         $73,000         $30,000        $103,000         [sim]16
MEL.............................................          56,000          22,000          78,000         [sim]11
CSTL............................................          41,000          54,000          95,000         [sim]15
PL..............................................          85,000          50,000         135,000         [sim]22
MSEL............................................          80,000               0          80,000         [sim]12
BFRL............................................          69,000          30,000          99,000         [sim]16
ITL.............................................          60,000          40,000         100,000         [sim]17
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The actual number of awards made under this announcement will 
depend on the proposed budgets. For all SURF Gaithersburg Programs 
described in this notice, it is expected that individual awards to 
institutions will range from approximately $3,000 to $70,000. Funding 
for student housing will be included in cooperative agreements awarded 
as a result of this notice.
    The SURF Gaithersburg Programs are anticipated to run from May 24 
through August 13, 2004; adjustments may be made to accommodate 
specific academic schedules (e.g., a limited number of 9-week 
cooperative agreements).

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants--NIST's SURF Gaithersburg 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.
    2. Cost Sharing or Matching--The SURF Gaithersburg Programs do not 
require any matching funds.

IV. Application Submission Information

    1. Address to Request Application Package--For the EEEL, MEL, CSTL, 
PL, MSEL, BFRL, and ITL SURF Gaithersburg 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.
    The NIST site in Boulder, Colorado also operates a SURF program, 
described later in this notice. The application process for the 
Gaithersburg and Boulder programs are distinctly separate. An 
application for one SURF program does not constitute that for the 
other, and applications will not be exchanged between the Gaithersburg 
and Boulder programs. If applicants wish to be considered at both 
sites, a separate application must be submitted to each program.
    2. Content and Form of Application Submission--For all SURF 
Gaithersburg Programs, applicant institutions must submit one (1) 
signed original and two (2) 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.
    3. Submission Dates and Times--All SURF Gaithersburg Program 
proposals must be received no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time 
on February 17, 2004.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Criteria--For the SURF Gaithersburg Programs, the evaluation 
criteria are:

[[Page 2571]]

    (A) Evaluation of Student's Academic Ability and Commitment to 
Program Goals: Includes evaluation of completed course work; expressed 
research interest; compatibility of the expressed research interest 
with SURF Gaithersburg Program research areas; research skills; grade 
point average in courses relevant to the SURF Gaithersburg Program; 
career goals; honors and activities.
    (B) Evaluation of Applicant Institution's Commitment to Program 
Goals: Includes evaluation of 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.
    2. Review and Selection Process--All SURF Gaithersburg 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 in writing. 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 (it is recommended that students have a G.P.A. of 3.0 or 
better, out of a possible 4.0);
    (3) A statement of motivation and commitment from each student to 
participate in the 2004 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 Gaithersburg 
Program designated by the student as his/her first choice. Each SURF 
Gaithersburg Program will have three independent, objective NIST 
employees, who are knowledgeable in the scientific areas of the 
program, conduct a technical review of each student/institution packet 
based on the Evaluation Criteria for the SURF Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg 
Program, and the availability of funding.
    Student/institution packets placed in the Priority Funding category 
will be selected for funding in that SURF Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg Program 
designated by the student as his/her second choice. In making 
selections for funding, the Director of the student's second choice 
SURF Gaithersburg Program will take into consideration the 
recommendations of the reviewers who conducted the technical reviews 
for the student's first choice SURF Gaithersburg Program, the program 
objectives of the NIST laboratory in which the student's second choice 
SURF Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg 
Program, and the availability of funding.
    Students not selected for funding by their first or second choice 
SURF Gaithersburg Program, and students who did not designate a second 
choice, will then be considered for funding from all SURF Gaithersburg 
Programs that still have slots available. In making selections for 
funding, the SURF Gaithersburg Program Directors will take into 
consideration the recommendations of the reviewers who conducted the 
technical reviews for the student's first choice SURF Gaithersburg 
Program, the program objectives of the NIST laboratory in which their 
SURF Gaithersburg Program resides as described in the Program 
Description and Objectives section of this notice, the relevance to the 
goals of the SURF Gaithersburg 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 
the agency prior to award. The decision of the Grants Officer is final.
    The SURF Gaithersburg Program will retain one copy of each 
unsuccessful application for three years for record keeping purposes, 
and unsuccessful applicants will be notified in writing. The remaining 
copies will be destroyed.

VI. Award Administration Information

    Award administration information for this program may be found in 
the Award Administration Information section at the end of this notice.

VII. Agency Contact(s)

    Technical questions for the SURF Gaithersburg Programs should be 
directed to the following contact persons:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Program                    Contact person(s)               Phone No.                                 E-mail address
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EEEL.................................  Dr. David Newell.......                  301-975-4228  [email protected]
                                       Dr. Joseph Kopanski....                  301-975-2089  [email protected]
MEL..................................  Ms. Lisa Jean Fronczek.                  301-975-6633  [email protected]

[[Page 2572]]

 
CSTL.................................  Dr. Albert Lee.........                  301-975-2857  [email protected]
                                       Ms. Jeanice Brown                        301-975-3120  [email protected]
                                        Thomas.
PL...................................  Dr. Marc Desrosiers....                  301-975-5639  [email protected]
                                       Dr. Paul Lett..........                  301-975-6559  [email protected]
MSEL.................................  Dr. Terrell A. Vanderah                  301-975-5785  [email protected]
                                       Dr. Robert Shull.......                  301-975-6035  [email protected]
BFRL.................................  Dr. Chris White........                  301-975-6016  [email protected]
                                       Dr. Chiara Ferraris....                  301-975-6711  [email protected]
ITL..................................  Dr. Larry Reeker.......                  301-975-5147  [email protected]
                                       Mr. Tim Boland.........                  301-975-3608  [email protected]
                                       Dr. Isabel Beichl......                  301-975-3821  [email protected]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    All grants related administration questions concerning this program 
should be directed to Joyce Brigham, NIST Grants and Agreements 
Management Division at (301) 975-6328 or [email protected].
    Where websites are referenced within this notice, those without 
internet access may contact the appropriate Program official to obtain 
information.

SURF NIST Boulder Program

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    The objective of the SURF NIST Boulder Program is to expose 
promising undergraduate students to scientific research and stimulate 
them to pursue advanced degrees and subsequent careers in scientific 
and engineering disciplines. Students, competitively selected into the 
program, must show promise as present or future contributors to the 
mission of NIST. SURF students will work one-on-one with some of our 
nation's top scientists and engineers at NIST in Boulder, Colorado. It 
is anticipated that successful SURF students will move from a position 
of reliance on their research advisors to one of research independence 
during the 10 week period of the program. The program provides 
opportunities for our nation's next generation of scientists and 
engineers to engage in world-class scientific research, especially in 
ground-breaking areas of emerging technologies. This carries with it 
the hope of motivating individuals to pursue advanced degrees in 
physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, mathematics, or 
computer science, and to consider research careers. The SURF NIST 
Boulder Program will help to forge partnerships with NSF and with post-
secondary institutions that demonstrate strong, hands-on undergraduate 
science curricula, including those with a demonstrated commitment to 
the education of women, minorities, and students with disabilities. The 
NIST will establish cooperative agreements with participating colleges 
and universities to further the program's objectives.
    The following are summaries of the technical activities in the 
participating NIST Boulder Laboratories:
    Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory (EEEL):
    [sbull] Measurement technology, standards, and traceability for the 
optoelectronic industry,
    [sbull] Solutions to metrology problems using solid-state quantum 
effects, low temperatures to reduce thermal noise, and state-of-the-art 
lithography,
    [sbull] Fundamental microwave quantities, high-speed 
microelectronics, electromagnetic compatibility, antennas, 
electromagnetic properties of materials, measurement methods and 
standards for the magnetic data storage and superconductor power 
industries.
    Physics Laboratory (PL):
    [sbull] Standards of time and frequency; dissemination of timing 
information using radio broadcasts and the Internet,
    [sbull] Atomic and chemical physics, precision measurement, and 
laser and optical physics.
    Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory (CSTL):
    [sbull] Measurements, standards, data, and models for the 
thermophysical/chemical properties of gases, liquids, and solids and 
for low-temperature refrigeration systems.
    Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory (MSEL):
    [sbull] Measurement methods and standards enhancing the quality and 
reliability of materials.
    Information Technology Laboratory (ITL):
    [sbull] Design of experiments, modeling, analytical methods, and 
algorithms for science,
    [sbull] Modern statistical experimental design, statistical 
modeling, data analysis, and process control procedures.
    The authority for the SURF NIST Boulder Program is as follows: 15 
U.S.C. 278g-1 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.

II. Award Information

    Funds budgeted for payment to students under these programs are 
stipends, not salary. The SURF NIST Boulder Program will not authorize 
funds for indirect costs or fringe benefits. The table below summarizes 
the anticipated annual funding levels from the NSF to operate the SURF 
NIST Boulder program, broken out by Laboratory, subject to program 
approval and availability of funds. In some Laboratories, anticipated 
NIST co-funding will supplement the number of awards supported. Program 
funding will be available to provide for the costs of stipends ($4000 
per student for 10 weeks), travel, and lodging (approximately $1800 per 
student for 10 weeks).

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Anticipated
                     Laboratory                        Anticipated     Anticipated   Total  program    number of
                                                      NSF  funding    NIST  funding      funding        awards
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EEEL...............................................         $58,400           $5600         $64,000       8
PL.................................................          36,500            3500          40,000       5
CSTL...............................................          21,900            2100          24,000       3
MSEL...............................................          14,600            1400          16,000       2

[[Page 2573]]

 
ITL................................................          14,600            1400          16,000       2
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The actual number of awards made under this announcement will 
depend on the proposed budgets. For the SURF NIST Boulder Program 
described in this notice, it is expected that individual awards to 
institutions will range from approximately $4,000 to $70,000. Funding 
for student housing will be included in cooperative agreements awarded 
as a result of this notice.
    The SURF NIST Boulder Program is anticipated to run from June 1 
through August 6, 2004; adjustments may be made to accommodate specific 
academic schedules (e.g., a limited number of 10 week cooperative 
agreements shifted to begin 2 weeks after the regular start in order to 
accommodate institutions operating on quarter systems).

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants--The SURF NIST Boulder Program is 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.
    2. Cost Sharing or Matching--The SURF NIST Boulder Program does not 
require any matching funds.

IV. Application Submission Information

    1. Address to Request Application Package--For the SURF NIST 
Boulder Program, an application kit, containing all required forms and 
certifications, may be obtained by contacting Ms. Phyllis Wright, (303) 
497-3244; the program's application kit may be accessed through the 
following Web site: http://surf.boulder.nist.gov/.
    The NIST headquarters site in Gaithersburg, Maryland also operates 
a SURF program, described above in this notice. The application process 
for the Gaithersburg and Boulder programs are distinctly separate. An 
application for one SURF program does not constitute that for the 
other, and applications will not be exchanged between the Gaithersburg 
and Boulder programs. If applicants wish to be considered at both 
sites, a separate application must be submitted to each program.
    2. Content and Form of Application Submission--For the SURF NIST 
Boulder Program, applicant institutions must submit one signed original 
and two copies of the proposal to: Ms. Phyllis Wright, Administrative 
Coordinator, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 325 
Broadway, Mail Stop 346.16, Boulder, CO 80305-3328, Tel: (303) 497-
3244, E-mail: [email protected], Web site: http://surf.boulder.nist.gov/.
    3. Submission Dates and Times--All SURF NIST Boulder Program 
proposals must be received no later than 5 p.m. Mountain Standard Time 
on February 17, 2004.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Criteria--For the SURF NIST Boulder Program, the evaluation 
criteria are:
    (A) Evaluation of Student's Academic Ability and Commitment to 
Program Goals: Includes evaluation of completed course work; expressed 
research interest; compatibility of the expressed research interest 
with SURF NIST Boulder Program research areas; research skills; grade 
point average in courses relevant to the SURF NIST Boulder Program; 
career goals; honors and activities;
    (B) Evaluation of Applicant Institution's Commitment to Program 
Goals: Includes evaluation of 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.
    2. Review and Selection Process--All SURF NIST Boulder 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 so 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 (it is recommended that students have a G.P.A. of 3.0 or 
better, out of a possible 4.0);
    (3) a statement of motivation and commitment from each student to 
participate in the SURF NIST Boulder 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 insurance 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 a review committee of 
NIST staff appointed by the SURF NIST Boulder Program Directors. Each 
SURF Program packet will be reviewed by three independent, objective 
NIST employees, who are knowledgeable in the scientific areas of the 
program and are able to conduct a technical review of each student/
institution packet based on the Evaluation Criteria for the SURF NIST 
Boulder Program 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 SURF NIST Boulder Program Directors, who will 
take into consideration the reviewers' recommendations, the relevance 
of the student's course of study to the program objectives of the NIST 
Boulder Laboratories 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 NIST Boulder Program, 
and the availability of funding.
    Student/institution packets placed in the Priority Funding category 
will be selected for funding in the SURF NIST

[[Page 2574]]

Boulder 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 NIST Boulder Program when 
possible. For example, when an award has been declined by another 
applicant, a back-up will be selected from student/institution packets 
in this category. In this case, it is likely that either the student's 
second or third choice of research opportunity would be assigned. In 
making selections for funding, the SURF NIST Boulder Program Directors 
will take into consideration the recommendations of the reviewers who 
conducted the technical reviews, the program objectives of the NIST 
Boulder laboratory in which the student's requested research 
opportunity 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 NIST Boulder Program, 
and the availability of funding.
    Students not selected for funding for either their first, second or 
third choice of research opportunities, and students who did not 
designate a second or third choice, will then be considered for funding 
from all Boulder Laboratories that still have slots available. In 
making selections for funding, the SURF NIST Boulder Program Directors 
will take into consideration the recommendations of the reviewers who 
conducted the technical reviews, the program objectives of the NIST 
Laboratory in which their SURF NIST Boulder SURF Program research 
opportunity resides as described in the Program Description and 
Objectives section of this notice, the relevance to the goals of the 
SURF NIST Boulder 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. 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.
    The SURF NIST Boulder Program will retain one copy of each 
unsuccessful application for three years for record keeping purposes, 
and unsuccessful applicants will be notified in writing. The remaining 
copies will be destroyed.

VI. Award Administration Information

    Award administration information for this program may be found in 
the Award Administration Information section at the end of this notice.

VII. Agency Contact(s)

    Technical questions for the Boulder Laboratories SURF Program 
should be directed to the following contact person: Ms. Phyllis Wright, 
Administrative Coordinator, National Institute of Standards and 
Technology, 325 Broadway, Mail Stop 346.16, Boulder, CO 80305-3328, 
Tel: (303) 497-3244, E-mail: [email protected], Web site: 
http://surf.boulder.nist.gov/.
    All grants related administration questions concerning this program 
should be directed to Joyce Brigham, NIST Grants and Agreements 
Management Division at (301) 975-6328 or [email protected].
    Where websites are referenced within this notice, those without 
internet access may contact the appropriate Program official to obtain 
information.

VI. Award Administration Information

    The following Award Administration Information applies to all 
programs announced in this notice:
1. Award Notices
    A successful applicant will be notified of award through the 
receipt of an obligated/approved Financial Assistance Award document. 
The document, which will include the award period, the budget, special 
award conditions, and applicable policy and regulatory references that 
will govern the award, is sent to the successful applicant via surface 
mail and requires a counter-signature of an authorized official.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
    a. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Name and Number: 
Measurement and Engineering Research and Standards--11.609.
    b. 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. On the form SF-424, the applicant's 9-
digit Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number 
must be entered in the Applicant Identifier block. In addition, the 
following information is applicable to all programs described above.
    c. 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.
    d. 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.
    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

[[Page 2575]]

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.
    e. Funding Availability: For all Financial Assistance programs 
listed in this notice, awards are contingent on the availability of 
funds.
    f. 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.
    g. 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.
    h. 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, CD-
346, SF-269, and SF-272 have been approved by OMB under the respective 
Control Numbers 0348-0043, 0348-0044, 0348-0040, 0348-0046, 0605-0001, 
0348-0039, and 0348-0003.
    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.
    i. 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/humansubjects/assurance/fwas.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:// for funding such research.
    j. 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.
    k. 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://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=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.
    l. Indirect Costs: For the SURF Gaithersburg and Boulder 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.
    m. Executive Orders: 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.''
    n. Administrative Procedure Act/Regulatory Flexibility Act: Notice 
and comment are not required under the Administrative Procedure Act (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)). Because notice 
and comment

[[Page 2576]]

are not required under the Administrative Procedure Act, a Regulatory 
Flexibility Analysis is not required and has not been prepared for this 
notice, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.
    o. Limitation of Liability: Funding for the programs listed in this 
notice is contingent upon the availability of Fiscal Year 2004 
appropriations. NIST issues this notice subject to the appropriations 
made available under the current continuing resolution, H.J. Res. 69, 
``Making continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2004, and for 
other purposes,'' Public Law 108-84, as amended by H.J. Res. 75, Public 
Law 108-104, H.J. Res. 76, Public Law 108-107, and H.J. Res. 79, Public 
Law 108-135. NIST anticipates making awards for the programs listed in 
this notice provided that funding for the programs is continued beyond 
January 31, 2004, the expiration of the current continuing resolution. 
In no event will NIST or the Department of Commerce be responsible for 
proposal preparation costs if these programs fail to receive funding or 
are cancelled because of other agency priorities. Publication of this 
announcement does not oblige NIST to award any specific project or to 
obligate any available funds.
    The following are examples of the Special Award Conditions that may 
be applied to the recipients award document:
    a. Program Income: Program income, as defined at 15 CFR 14.24 (non-
profits and colleges) or 15 CFR 14.24.25 (states), earned during the 
award period shall be retained by the recipient and shall be deducted 
from the total allowable costs to determine the net allowable costs. 
Program income shall be used for current costs unless the Grants 
Officer authorizes otherwise. Program income, which the Recipient did 
not anticipate at the time of the award, must be used to reduce the 
Department's contribution rather than to increase the funds committed 
to the project.
    b. Supplemental Information to DoC, Financial Assistance Standard 
Term and Condition, K.02, titled ``Rights to Inventions.'' The 
Recipient shall submit to the National Institute of Standards and 
Technology a final patent report listing all inventions disclosed or a 
certification that no subject inventions were disclosed during the 
award period. This report is due to the Grants Officer within 90 days 
from the expiration date of this award.
    c. General Publication Guidelines:
    (a) Whenever possible, the results of the research should be 
published in the open scientific literature in such a way as to be 
generally available to American Scientific Libraries.
    (b) The Federal Program Officer is responsible for insuring 
appropriate dissemination of information resulting from a grant/
cooperative agreement.
    (c) The Journal of Research of NIST may be used as a medium of 
publication, but the Principal Investigators are free to choose the 
place of publication in the best scientific interest.
    (d) In such publications, acknowledgment shall be made of 
sponsorship by NIST. Normally this is done by a footnote reading, 
``This work was performed under the sponsorship of the U. S. Department 
of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology,'' or words 
to that effect.
    (e) If the publication is copyrighted, the statement ``Reproduction 
of this article, with the customary credit to the source, is 
permitted'' should be added.
    (f) Manuscripts intended for publication shall be forwarded to the 
Federal Program Officer for review prior to release.
    (g) When issuing statements, press releases, requests for 
proposals, bid solicitations and other documents describing projects or 
programs funded in whole or in part with Federal money, all recipients 
receiving Federal funds, including States and local governments, shall 
clearly state the:
    (1) Percentage of the total costs of the program or project which 
will be financed with Federal money;
    (2) Dollar amount of federal funds for the project or program; and,
    (3) Percentage and dollar amount of the total costs of the project 
or program financed by non-federal sources.
    d. Interest: This award is subject to 15 CFR 14.22 requiring 
recipients of Federal financial assistance to maintain advances of 
Federal funds in interest bearing accounts. Interest earned on Federal 
advances deposited in such accounts (with the exception of $250 per 
year, which may be retained for administrative expenses) shall be 
remitted promptly, but not less frequently than quarterly to NIST at 
the address listed below:
    NIST Accounts Receivable, 100 Bureau Drive, STOP 3751, Building 
101, Room A809, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-3751.
    e. Supplementary Condition to DoC Standard Term and Condition D.01, 
titled, ``Organization-wide, Program Specific, and Project Audits, 
paragraph b.: Since the period of this award is less than two years and 
the recipient is a for-profit organization, the NIST requires that the 
recipient provide the Grant Officer with one of the following audits:
    (1) An organization-wide audit that is conducted by an independent 
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in accordance with Generally Accepted 
Government Auditing Standards, that encompasses the period of 
performance of this award and provides for a review of the costs 
associated with this award and all other revenue and income of the 
recipient, and certification that the recipient has complied with all 
the terms and conditions related to the financial management standards 
found at 15 CFR 14.21; or
    (2) A project audit conducted by an independent CPA in accordance 
with Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards, similar to that 
found in OMB, Circular A-133 and that:
    (i) Provides for a review and determination of the appropriateness 
of the costs associated with this award in accordance with the 
applicable cost principles as specified on the cover sheet of this 
award;
    (ii) Provides for a new review and determination of the recipient's 
compliance with the terms, conditions, laws and regulations governing 
this award; and
    (iii) Reviews the financial statements of the organization and 
provides an opinion.
    The Recipient shall submit either (1) or (2) above to the Grants 
Officer within 90 days of the expiration date of this award.
    f. Return Payments for Funds Withdrawn Through ASAP: Funds that 
have been withdrawn through ASAP may be returned to ASAP via the 
Automated Clearing House (ACH) or via FEDWIRE. The ACH or FEDWIRE 
transaction can only be done by the Recipient's financial institution. 
Full or partial amounts of payments received by a Payment Requestor/
Recipient Organization may be returned to ASAP. All funds returned to 
the ASAP system will be credited to the ASAP Suspense Account. The 
Suspense Account allows the Regional Financial Center to monitor 
returned items and ensure that funds are properly credited to the 
correct ASAP account. Returned funds that cannot be identified and 
classified to an ASAP account will be dishonored and returned to the 
originating depository financial institution (ODFI).
    It is essential that the Payment Requestor/Recipient Organization 
provide its financial institution with ASAP account information (ALC, 
Recipient ID and Account ID) to which the return is to be credited. 
Additional detailed information can be found at http://www.fms.treas.gov/asap/pay-return2.pdf.

[[Page 2577]]

    g. Supervision of the Recipient's Researchers on the NIST Site: The 
Recipient shall control the means and manner of its researcher(s)' 
activities, including research conducted on the NIST campus. The 
Recipient shall provide a salary, stipend, or other funding to the 
researcher(s), and shall establish the researcher(s)' work schedule and 
tenure. The Recipient is the supervisor of record for the 
researcher(s), and shall coordinate with NIST as needed to ensure that 
the research remains consistent with NIST program objectives. Staff and 
affiliates of the Recipient conducting research on a NIST site shall 
sign and abide by the terms of the NIST Guest Researcher Agreement.
    NIST shall collaborate on the research as described in a Special 
Award Condition, titled NIST Participation, (that will change 
accordingly per award), and shall coordinate with the Recipient as 
needed regarding progress on the research. NIST shall have no firing or 
other terminating authority over the employment or affiliation status 
of the Recipient's researcher(s). Any issues related to performance or 
conduct in the laboratory involving researcher(s) shall be immediately 
reported to the Recipient. Any suspension or termination action on this 
award will comply with 15 CFR 14.60-.62 and the Department of Commerce 
Financial Assistance Standard Terms and Conditions, B.02 and B.05.
    h. The Recipient shall comply with the requirements found in the 
Notice of Funding Availability published in the Federal Register and 
incorporated by reference into this award.
    i. NIST Implementation of Department of Commerce, Financial 
Assistance Standard Terms and Conditions, Dated October 2001, Section 
A.02, Award Payments.
    (1) The advance method of payment shall be authorized unless 
otherwise specified in a special award condition.
    (2) Payments will be made through electronic funds transfers, using 
the Department of Treasury's Automated Standard Application for Payment 
(ASAP) system, and in accordance with the requirements of the Debt 
Collection Improvement Act of 1996. The following information is 
required when making withdrawals for this award (1) ASAP account 
identification (id) = award number found on the cover sheet of this 
award; (2) Agency Location Code (ALC) = 13060001; and (3) Region Code = 
01. Recipients do not need to submit a ``Request for Advance or 
Reimbursement'' (SF-270) for payments relating to this award. If you 
are not enrolled as an ASAP Recipient Organization you must complete 
the enrollment process with your Federal Reserve Bank, Regional Finance 
Center. Enrollment applications and information can be found at http//
www.fms.treas.gov/asap/handbook.html. If you need a paper copy of the 
enrollment documentation please contact the Grant Specialist 
responsible for this award.
    (3) Advances taken through the ASAP shall be limited to the minimum 
amounts necessary to meet immediate disbursement needs. Advanced funds 
not disbursed in a timely manner must be promptly returned, via an ASAP 
credit, to the account from which the advanced funding was withdrawn. 
Advances shall be for periods not to exceed 30 days.
    (4) This award has the following control or withdraw limits set in 
ASAP:

------None
------Agency Review required for all withdrawals (see explanation 
below)
------Agency Review required for all withdrawal requests over $------ 
(see explanation below)
------Maximum Draw Amount controls (see explanation below)
$------ each month
$------ each quarter
$------ each year
3. Reporting
    a. The Department of Commerce Financial Assistance Standard Terms 
and Conditions dated October, 2001 provides policy guidelines for 
recipients. Financial and Programmatic Reporting Requirements for 
grants and cooperative agreements are outlined below. Please see the 
Department of Commerce Financial Assistance Standard Terms and 
Conditions dated October, 2001 which can be found on the Internet at 
http://www.osec.doc.gov/oebam/standards.htm.
    b. Financial Requirements--Financial Reports
    1. The Recipient shall submit a ``Financial Status Report'' (SF-
269) on a semi-annual basis for the periods ending March 31 and 
September 30, or any portion thereof, unless otherwise specified in a 
special award condition. Reports are due no later than 30 days 
following the end of each reporting period. A final SF-269 shall be 
submitted within 90 days after the expiration date of the award.
    2. The Recipient shall submit a ``Federal Cash Transactions 
Report'' (SF-272) for each award where funds are advanced to 
Recipients. The SF-272 should be submitted on a quarterly basis for 
periods ending March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. The 
SF-272 is due 15 working days following the end of each reporting 
period unless otherwise specified in a special award condition.
    3. All financial reports shall be submitted in triplicate (one 
original and two copies) to the Grants Officer.
    c. Programmatic Requirements--Performance (Technical) Reports
    1. For SURF Gaithersburg and Boulder Programs--Deviation to the 
DoC, Standard Term and Condition B.01, entitled, ``Performance 
(Technical) Reports.''
    The technical abstract prepared by the student at the end of the 
SURF program shall constitute and fulfill the requirement for a final 
technical report. The abstract is the only required report that shall 
be submitted by the recipient. In addition, the Recipient must submit a 
SF-269 at the end of the program.

    Dated: January 12, 2004.
Arden L. Bement, Jr.,
Director, NIST.
[FR Doc. 04-975 Filed 1-15-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-33-P