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U.S.
DEPARTMENT OF
ENERGY
The Office of Science is now using The Department of Energy e-Center Industry
Interactive Procurement System (IIPS) for the electronic submission of applications. Please
reference
IIPS number
DE-FG01-04ER04-20 when submitting applications for this Solicitation.
Click here to access the U.S. Department of Energy
Industry Interactive Procurement System (IIPS)
Directions on the Use of IIPS, Tailored to the Office of Science, are available at
Instructions on the Use of IIPS
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Office of Science Grant Program, go to the
Office of Science
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Office of Science
Notice DE-FG01-04ER04-20
Basic Research
for the Hydrogen Fuel Initiative
Department of Energy
Office of Science Financial Assistance Program Notice DE-FG01-04ER04-20; Basic
Research for the Hydrogen Fuel Initiative
AGENCY: U.S. Department of Energy
ACTION: Notice inviting grant applications.
SUMMARY: The Office of Basic Energy Sciences (BES) of the Office of Science (SC),
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), in keeping with its energy-related mission to assist in
strengthening the Nation's scientific research enterprise through the support of basic
science, announces its interest in receiving grant applications for projects on basic
research for the Hydrogen Fuel Initiative (HFI). Areas of focus include: Novel Materials
for Hydrogen Storage; Membranes for Separation, Purification, and Ion Transport;
Design of Catalysts at the Nanoscale; Solar Hydrogen Production; and Bio-Inspired
Materials and Processes. More information on these focus areas is provided in the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.
DATES: Potential applicants are required to submit a brief preapplication.
Preapplications referencing Program Notice DE-FG01-04ER04-20, must be received by
DOE by 4:30 p.m., Eastern Time, July 15, 2004. Preapplications will be reviewed for
conformance with the guidelines presented in this notice and suitability in the technical
areas specified in this notice. A response to the preapplications encouraging or
discouraging formal applications will be communicated to the applicants within
approximately forty-five days of receipt.
Only those preapplicants that receive notification from DOE encouraging a formal
application may submit full proposals. No other formal applications will be considered.
Formal applications in response to this notice must be received by
January 4, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Preapplications referencing Program Notice DE-FG01-04ER04-20
should be sent as PDF file attachments via e-mail to: hydrogen@science.doe.gov with
"Notice DE-FG01-04ER04-20" and the submission category (e.g., Novel Materials for
Hydrogen Storage) in the Subject line. No FAX or mail submission of preapplications
will be accepted.
Formal applications referencing Program Notice DE-FG01-04ER04-20 must be sent
electronically by an authorized institutional business official through DOE's Industry
Interactive Procurement System (IIPS) at: http://e-center.doe.gov.
IIPS provides for the posting of solicitations and receipt of applications in a paperless environment via the
Internet. In order to submit applications through IIPS your business official will need to
register at the IIPS website. IIPS offers the option of using multiple files, please limit
submissions to one volume and one file if possible, with a maximum of no more than
four PDF files. The Office of Science will include attachments as part of this notice that
provide the appropriate forms in PDF fillable format that are to be submitted through
IIPS. Color images should be submitted in IIPS as a separate file in PDF format and
identified as such. These images should be kept to a minimum due to the limitations of
reproducing them. They should be numbered and referred to in the body of the technical
scientific grant application as Color image 1, Color image 2, etc. Questions regarding the
operation of IIPS may be e-mailed to the IIPS help desk at: HelpDesk@pr.doe.gov or you
may call the help desk at (800) 683-0751. Further information on the use of IIPS by the
Office of Science is available at:
http://www.science.doe.gov/production/grants/grants.html.
If you are unable to submit an application through IIPS, please contact the Grants and
Contracts Division, Office of Science at: (301) 903-5212 or (301) 903-3064, in order to
gain assistance for submission through IIPS or to receive special approval and
instructions on how to submit printed applications.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Harriet Kung, Ph.D., Office of Basic
Energy Sciences, Materials Sciences and Engineering Division, SC-131, telephone:
(301)903-1330, E-mail: harriet.kung@science.doe.gov. The full text of Program Notice
DE-FG01-04ER04-20 is available via the Internet using the following web site address:
http://www.science.doe.gov/production/grants/grants.html.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
President Bush, in his 2003 State of the Union address, announced a $1.2 billion
hydrogen initiative to reverse America's growing dependence on foreign oil and reduce
greenhouse gas emissions. DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
(EERE) coordinates the DOE Hydrogen Program; efforts include R&D of hydrogen
production, delivery, storage, and fuel cell technologies; technology validation; safety,
codes and standards; and education [
http://www.eere.energy.gov/hydrogenandfuelcells/].
The President's 2005 Budget proposed that fundamental research within DOE Office of
Science be enhanced, focused, and included in the HFI. The basic research will help
overcome key technology hurdles in hydrogen production, storage, and conversion by
seeking revolutionary scientific breakthroughs
[
http://www.ostp.gov/html/budget/2005/FY05HydrogenFuelInitiative1-pager.pdf].
In the fall of 2002, the National Academies' National Research Council appointed a
Committee on Alternatives and Strategies for Future Hydrogen Production and Use.
While addressing the topic on "Research and Development Priorities," the Committee
concludes that "There are major hurdles on the path to achieving the vision of the
hydrogen economy; the path will not be simple or straightforward." Specifically, the
Academies' report recommends a shift toward exploratory work, and calls for increased
funding in important exploratory research areas with a focus on interdisciplinary
scientific approaches [
http://www.nap.edu/books/0309091632/html/].
In May 2003, a workshop was sponsored by BES to identify basic research needs for
hydrogen production, storage and use. The workshop report, entitled Basic Research
Needs for the Hydrogen Economy [
http://www.science.doe.gov/bes/Hydrogen.pdf],
detailed a broad array of basic research challenges. These challenges depict the vast gap
between present-day scientific knowledge/technology capabilities and what would be
required for the practical realization of a hydrogen economy. This Notice solicits
innovative basic research proposals to establish the scientific basis that underpins the
physical, chemical, and biological processes governing the interaction of hydrogen with
materials. We seek to support outstanding fundamental research programs to ensure that
discoveries and related conceptual breakthroughs from basic research will provide a solid
foundation for the innovative design of materials and processes to usher in hydrogen as
the clean and sustainable fuel of the future. Five high-priority research directions,
encompassing both short-term showstoppers and long-term grand challenges, will be the
focus of this solicitation. They are:
1. Novel Materials for Hydrogen Storage
2. Membranes for Separation, Purification, and Ion Transport
3. Design of Catalysts at the Nanoscale
4. Solar Hydrogen Production
5. Bio-Inspired Materials and Processes
The following provides further information under each of the five focus areas to illustrate
the scope of applications solicited under the Notice.
Novel Materials for Hydrogen Storage
On-board hydrogen storage is considered to be the most challenging aspect for the
successful transition to a hydrogen economy, because the performance of current
hydrogen storage materials and technologies falls far short of vehicle requirements. A
factor of two to three improvement in hydrogen storage capacity and energy density, and
considerable improvements in hydrogen uptake and release kinetics and cycling
durability are needed to achieve performance targets within the next decade.
Improvements in current technologies will not be sufficient to meet the goals. The
Hydrogen Storage Grand Challenge solicitation, issued by the DOE Office of Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) in June 2003, aims at addressing these critical
performance gaps by supporting innovative R&D efforts in the areas of metal hydrides,
chemical hydrides, carbon-based materials, and new materials or technologies
[
http://www.eere.energy.gov/hydrogenandfuelcells/2003_storage_solicitation.html].
As indicated in the BES hydrogen workshop report, basic research is essential for
identifying novel materials and processes that can provide important breakthroughs
needed to meet the HFI goals. These breakthroughs may result from research at the
nanoscale facilitated by new understanding derived from both theory and experiment.
The advances may not necessarily come from within the boundaries of metal hydrides,
chemical hydrides or carbon-based materials; instead success may well be found at the
interstices of these classes of materials or may come from "out-of-the-box" concepts.
Innovative basic research in the following high priority areas is needed:
- Complex hydrides.
A basic understanding of the physical, chemical, and mechanical
properties of metal hydrides and chemical hydrides is needed. Specifically, the
fundamental factors that control bond strength, atomic processes associated with
hydrogen update and release kinetics, the role of surface structure and chemistry in
affecting hydrogen-material interactions, hydrogen-promoted mass transport,
degradation due to cycling, reversibility in metal hydrides, and regeneration of
chemical hydrides must be understood. Specific emphasis is also placed on
innovative synthesis and processing routes (e.g., solvent-free synthetic approaches),
and on the exploration of multi-component complex hydrides. The effect of dopants
in achieving reasonable kinetics and reversibility needs to be understood at the
molecular level.
- Nanostructured materials.
Nanophase materials offer promise for superior hydrogen
storage due to short diffusion distances, new phases with better capacity, reduced
heats of adsorption/desorption, faster kinetics, and surface states capable of catalyzing
hydrogen dissociation. Improved bonding and kinetic properties may permit good
reversibility at lower desorption temperatures. Tailored nanostructures based on light
metal hydrides, carbon-based nano-materials, and other non-traditional storage
approaches need to be explored with the focus on understanding the unique surfaces
and interfaces of nanostructured materials and how they affect the energetics, kinetics,
and thermodynamics of hydrogen storage.
- Other materials.
Research is needed to explore other novel storage materials, e.g.,
those based on nitrides, imides, and other materials that fall outside of metal hydrides,
chemical hydrides, and carbon-based hydrogen storage materials as identified by
EERE's "Grand Challenge" for Basic and Applied Research in Hydrogen Storage
Solicitation.
- Theory, modeling, and simulation.
Theory, modeling, and simulation will enable (1)
understanding the physics and chemistry of hydrogen interactions at the appropriate
size scale and (2) the ability to simulate, predict, and design materials performance in
service. Examples of research areas include: hydrogen interactions with surface and
bulk microstructures, hydrogen bonding, role of nanoscale, surface interactions,
multiscale hydrogen interactions, and functionalized nanocarbons. The emphasis will
be to establish the fundamental understanding of hydrogen-materials interactions so
that completely new and revolutionary hydrogen storage media can be identified and
designed.
- Novel analytical and characterization tools.
Sophisticated analytical techniques are
needed to meet the high sensitivity requirements associated with characterizing
hydrogen-materials interactions, especially for nanostructured materials (e.g.,
individual carbon nanotubes), while maintaining high specificity in characterization.
In-situ studies are needed to characterize site-specific hydrogen adsorption and
release processes at the molecular level.
Membranes for Separation, Purification, and Ion Transport
Membranes that selectively transport atomic, molecular, or ionic hydrogen and oxygen
are vital to the hydrogen economy: they purify hydrogen fuel streams, transport hydrogen
or oxygen ions between electrochemical half-reactions, and separate hydrogen in
electrochemical, photochemical, or thermochemical production routes. Often these
membrane functions are closely coupled with catalytic functions such as dissociation,
ionization, or oxidation/reduction. Successful integration of membranes with
nanocatalysts may improve the efficiency in reforming, shift chemistry and hydrogen
separation utilizing different feedstocks by combining one or more of these steps.
Current membrane materials often lack sufficient selectivity to eliminate critical
contaminants or to prevent leakage transport between fuel cell compartments that robs
efficiency. The NafionTM membrane, which is presently the best available for separating
low temperature fuel cell chambers, is expensive and allows enough gas transport to
reduce efficiency. Currently available oxide membranes, which are critical for ionic
transport in higher-temperature fuel cells, are inefficient and fail to operate at the lower
temperatures needed for use in transportation. Separation membranes that could operate
in the rigorous chemical environment of a thermal cycle hydrogen generator would be of
substantial value but are unknown at present. Overcoming these barriers will require an
integrated, basic research effort to enable discovery of new membrane materials,
improvement in membrane performance, and integration of membrane and catalytic
functions. High priority research directions include:
- Integrated nanoscale architectures.
The similar nanoscale dimensions of catalyst
particles and of pores that transport fuel, ions, and oxygen hold promises to enable
gas diffusion layers, catalyst support networks, and electrolytic membranes in fuel
cells to be integrated into a single network for ion, electron, and gas transport.
Chemical self-assembly of this integrated network would dramatically reduce cost
and improve uniformity. Synthesis and characterization of radically new nanoscale
and porous materials are required, including microporous oxides, metal-organic
frameworks, and carbons that remove sulfur and carbon monoxide from hydrogen.
This new approach to the design and fabrication of integrated nanoscale architectures
would enable ultra-pure hydrogen to be produced from fossil, solar, thermochemical
and bio-based processes. It might also revolutionize fuel cell designs.
- Fuel cell membranes.
Novel membranes with higher ionic conductivity, better
mechanical strength, lower cost, and longer life are critical to the success of fuel cell
technologies. Polymeric membranes that conduct protons and remain hydrated to
120-150°C are needed to reduce the purity requirements and enable the use of non-
noble-metal catalysts. Solid oxide fuel cells need lower-temperature oxide-ion
membranes to minimize corrosion and differential thermal expansion, while
maintaining selectivity and permeability. Many thermal water-splitting cycles subject
materials to harshly corrosive, high temperature environments. Sorbents and
membranes that are stable and durable in such environments are needed for efficient
thermal cycles. Achieving these goals will require discovery of better, more durable
materials, as well as better understanding and control of the electrochemical processes
at the electrodes and membrane electrolyte interfaces.
- Theory, modeling, and simulation of membranes and fuel cells.
Fundamental
understanding of the selective transport of molecules, atoms, and ions in membranes
is in its infancy. The diversity of transport mechanisms and their dependence on local
defect structure requires extensive theory, modeling and simulation to establish the
basic principles and design strategies for improved membrane materials. The
emphasis is to understand the nature of proton transport in polymer electrolyte
membranes; the interaction of complex aqueous, gaseous, and solid interfaces in gas
diffusion electrode assemblies; the nature of corrosion processes under applied
electrochemical potentials and in oxidative media; and the origin of the performance
robbing overpotential for fuel cell cathodes.
Design of Catalysts at the Nanoscale
Catalysis is vital to the success of the HFI owing to its roles in converting solar energy to
chemical energy, producing hydrogen from water or carbon-containing fuels such as coal
and biomass, and producing electricity from hydrogen in fuel cells. Catalysts can also
increase the efficiency of the uptake and release of stored hydrogen with reduced need for
thermal activation. Breakthroughs in catalytic research would impact the thermodynamic
efficiency of hydrogen production, storage, and use, and thus improve the economic
efficiency with which the primary energy sources - fossil, biomass, solar, or nuclear -
serve our energy needs. Most fuel-cell and low-temperature reforming catalysts are
based on expensive noble metals (e.g., platinum), and their limited reserves threaten the
long-term sustainability of a hydrogen economy. High priority research directions
include:
- Nanoscale catalysts.
Nanostructured materials - with high surface areas and large
numbers of controllable sites that serve as active catalytic regions - open new
opportunities for significantly enhancing catalytic activity and specificity. The
concepts, technologies, and synthetic capabilities derived from research at the
nanoscale now provide new approaches for the controlled production of catalysts.
Specific emphasis is on elucidating the atomic and molecular processes involved in
catalytic activity, selectivity, deactivation mechanisms, and on understanding the
special properties that emerge at the nanoscale.
- Innovative synthetic techniques.
Emerging technologies that allow synthesis at the
nanoscale with atomic-scale precision will open new opportunities for producing
tailored structures of catalysts on supports with controlled size, shape and surface
characteristics. New, high-throughput innovative synthesis methods can be exploited in
combination with theory and advanced measurement capabilities to accelerate the
development of designed catalysts. In addition, novel, cost-effective fabrication
methods need to be developed for the practical application of these new designer
catalysts. The interplay between theory and experiment forms a recursive process that
will accelerate the development of predictive models to support the development of
optimized catalysts for specific steps in hydrogen energy processing.
- Novel characterization techniques.
To fully understand complex catalytic mechanisms
will require detailed characterization of the active sites; identification of the interaction
of the reactants, intermediates and products with the active sites; conceptualization and,
possibly, detection of the transition states; and quantification of the dynamics of the
entire catalytic process. This will entail the production of well-defined materials that
can be characterized at the atomic level. Special focus is placed on developing new
analytical tools to permit the determination of the interatomic arrangements,
interactions and transformations in situ, i.e., during reaction, in order to reveal details
about reaction mechanisms and catalyst dynamics.
- Theory, modeling, and simulation of catalytic pathways.
Computational methods
have now developed to the point that entire reaction pathways can be identified and
these advances will allow trends in reactivity to be understood. Close coupling
between experimental observations and theory, modeling, and simulation will provide
unprecedented capabilities to design more selective, robust, and impurity-tolerant
catalysts for hydrogen production, storage, and use. This approach will enable the
design and control of the chemical and physical properties of the catalyst, its supporting
structure, and the associated molecular processes at the nanoscale.
Solar Hydrogen Production
The sun is Earth's most plentiful source of energy, and it has sufficient capacity to fully
meet the global needs of the next century without potentially destructive environmental
consequences. Efficient conversion of sunlight to hydrogen by splitting water through
photovoltaic cells driving electrolysis or through direct photocatalysis at energy costs
competitive with fossil fuels is a major enabling milestone for a viable hydrogen
economy. Basic strategies for cost effective solar hydrogen production are rooted in
fundamental scientific breakthroughs in chemical synthesis, self-assembly, charge
transfer at nanoparticle interfaces, and photocatalysis. High priority research directions
for solar hydrogen include:
- Nanoscale structures.
The sequential processes of light collection, charge separation,
and transport in photovoltaic and photocatalytic devices require nanoscale
architectural control and manipulation. Nanoscale assemblies of multiple wavelength
absorbers (e.g., semiconductor quantum dots), nanoscale polymer or molecular diodes
that prevent recombination, and employing short collection lengths between the
excitation and collection points have the potential to dramatically improve
efficiencies. Semiconductor-metal nanocomposites show promise for improved light-
harvesting and charge-separation efficiency. Incorporation of multielectron redox
catalysts for direct water splitting greatly simplify the water splitting process and
offer new horizons for improved photocatalytic hydrogen production.
- Light harvesting and novel photoconversion concepts.
New strategies are needed to
efficiently use the entire solar spectrum. These strategies could involve molecular
photon antennas, junctions containing multiple absorbers, and up- and down-
conversion of light to the appropriate wavelengths. Dye-sensitized TiO2
nanocrystalline solar cells have emerged as a potential, cost effective alternative to
silicon solar cells. New photochemical sensitizers are needed (e.g. bi- and trimetallic
transition metal complexes) that absorb in the visible and near-infrared and that are
efficient injectors of electrons into semiconductor nanoparticles. Solid-state
molecule-based solar photochemical conversion, however, offers distinct advantages
over liquid junction dye-sensitized nanocrystalline solar cells. Multicomponent
molecular architectures are envisioned in which bioinspired multiredox catalysts are
incorporated within durable polymer, zeolite, or membrane organizing environments
for vectorial electron transfer. The exploitation of higher energy radiation to produce
charge carriers would enable the use of corrosion-resistant wide band-gap
semiconductors without sensitizers for hydrogen production.
- Organic semiconductors and other high performance materials.
The organic
semiconductors offer an inexpensive alternative to traditional semiconductors for
photovoltaic and photocatalytic devices. Basic research on the fundamental charge
excitation, separation, and collection processes in organics and their dependence on
nanoscale structure is needed to bring their efficiency from the current 3% to 10% or
more, which is needed for economically competitive photovoltaic and photocatalytic
hydrogen production. In addition, novel materials for transparent conductors,
electrocatalysts, electron- and hole-conducting polymers, and for charge promoting
separation in liquid crystals and organic thin films are needed for novel photovoltaic
and photocatalytic solar hydrogen production.
- Theory, modeling, and simulation of photochemical processes.
Theory and
modeling are needed to develop a predictive framework for the dynamic behavior of
molecules, complex photoredox systems, interfaces, and photoelectrochemical cells.
As new physical effects are discovered and exploited, particularly those involving
semiconductor nanoparticles and supramolecular assemblies, challenges emerge for
theory to accurately model the behavior of complex systems over a range of time and
length scales.
Bio-inspired Materials and Processes
Direct production of hydrogen from water and other carbon neutral sources using sunlight
(solar radiation) offers real promises in realizing a clean and sustainable energy future,
but there are many obstacles to efficient and cost-effective technologies. Fortunately,
plants and some bacteria are endowed with enzymes and catalysts that can produce
hydrogen while powered by sun light or fermentation-derived energy at operating
temperatures ranging from 0°C to 100°C. While inherent biological inefficiencies and
public sensitivity to genetically engineered organisms may need to be overcome for
biological production of hydrogen to become competitive and viable, a fundamental
understanding of the molecular machinery of biological systems could provide the
knowledge that is needed to design artificial, bio-inspired materials that make solar
photochemical production of hydrogen a reality. Our current knowledge of many of the
basic aspects of these biological processes is limited.
Fundamental research into the molecular mechanisms underlying biological hydrogen
production is the essential key to our ability to adapt, exploit, and extend what nature has
accomplished for our own renewable energy needs. Important research directions include:
- Enzyme catalysts.
A fundamental understanding is needed of the structure and
chemical mechanism of enzyme complexes that support hydrogen generation. For
example, photochemical hydrogen production requires biology-inspired catalysts that
(1) can operate at the very high potential required for water oxidation, (2) can
perform a four-electron reaction to maximize energetic efficiency and avoid limiting
cathode overpotentials, and (3) can avoid production of corrosive intermediates (such
as hydroxyl radicals), and mediate proton-coupled redox reactions. Research
approaches would likely include novel analytical technologies and would merge
aspects of disparate biological and physical techniques.
- Bio-hybrid energy coupled systems.
As more is understood about biocatalytic
hydrogen production, there is the possibility that critical enzymes that are synthesized
and employed by biological systems can be harvested and combined with synthetic
materials to construct robust, efficient hybrid systems that are scalable to hydrogen
production facilities. Before we can efficiently apply biological catalysts to hydrogen
generation, we need to understand how these catalysts are assembled with their
cofactors into integrated systems. How are these multi-component systems organized,
continually refreshed, and maintained, while remaining functional in the face of
damaging side reactions or changing external environmental conditions? Can the
natural enzymes be reduced in size and complexity to contain the essential catalytic
activity while removing the complex regulation and signaling components that are
required for integration into functioning biological species?
- Theory, modeling, and nanostructure design.
Taking cues from these various
natural processes, computational approaches may be employed for rational redesign
of enzymes for improved hydrogen production, reduced sensitivity to inhibitors, and
improved stability. Emerging capabilities in nanoscale science hold particular
promise for harnessing the chemical processes inherent in bio-inspired hydrogen
production. For example, nanoscale structures can be designed to spatially separate
oxygen and hydrogen formation during photochemical water splitting for a
biomimetic or biohybrid system that circumvents problems with inactivation of
catalytic sites. Research at the nanoscale is challenging, but offers the promise of
inexpensive materials for overcoming current kinetic constraints in hydrogen energy
systems.
Program Funding
It is anticipated that up to $12 million annually will be available for multiple awards for
this notice. Initial awards will be in Fiscal Year 2005, and applications may request
project support for up to three years. All awards are contingent on the availability of
funds and programmatic needs.
Preapplication
The preapplication should consist of a description of the research proposed to be
undertaken by the applicant including a clear explanation of its importance to the
advancement of basic hydrogen research and its relevance to the HFI. The preapplication
must include a cover sheet downloadable at:
http://www.science.doe.gov/bes/HFI_preapp_cover_grants.pdf to identify the institution,
Principal Investigator name(s), address(es), telephone and fax number(s) and E-mail
address(es), the title of the project, the submission category, and the yearly breakdown of
the total budget request. A brief (one-page) vitae should be provided for each Principal
Investigator. The preapplication should consist a maximum of 3 pages of narrative
(including text and figures) describing the research objectives, approaches to be taken,
the institutional setting, and a description of any research partnership if appropriate.
Full Application
The Department of Energy will accept Full Applications by invitation only, based upon
the evaluation of the preapplications. After receiving notification from DOE concerning
successful preapplications, applicants may prepare formal applications. The Project
Description must not exceed 20 pages, including tables and figures, but exclusive of
attachments. The application must contain an abstract or project summary, short vitae,
and letters of intent from collaborators if appropriate. The application should also
contain one paragraph addressing how the proposed research will address one or more of
the four BES long-term program measures used by the Office of Management and
Budget to rate the BES program annually; these measures may be found at :
http://www.sc.doe.gov/bes/BES_PART_Long_Term_Measures_FEB04.pdf. DOE is
under no obligation to pay for any costs associated with the preparation or submission of
applications.
Merit Review
Applications will be subjected to scientific merit review (peer review) and will be
evaluated against the following evaluation criteria listed below as codified at 10 CFR
605.10 (d) for the university projects.
1. Scientific and/or Technical Merit of the Project,
2. Appropriateness of the Proposed Method of Approach,
3. Competency of Applicant's Personnel and Adequacy of Proposed Resources,
4. Reasonableness and Appropriateness of the Proposed Budget,
5. Basic research that is relevant to the Administration's Hydrogen Fuel Initiative
The external peer reviewers are selected with regard to both their scientific expertise and
the absence of conflict-of-interest issues. Non-federal reviewers may be used, and
submission of an application constitutes agreement that this is acceptable to the
investigator(s) and the submitting institution.
Submission Information
Other information about the development and submission of applications, eligibility,
limitations, evaluation, selection process, and other policies and procedures including
detailed procedures for submitting applications from multi-institution partnerships may
be found in 10 CFR Part 605, and in the Application Guide for the Office of Science
Financial Assistance Program. Electronic access to the Guide and required forms is made
available at:
http://www.science.doe.gov/production/grants/grants.html.
Coordination and Integration with the DOE Offices of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy (EERE), Fossil Energy (FE), and Nuclear Energy, Science and
Technology (NE) Hydrogen Programs
The proposal solicitation and selection processes will be coordinated with EERE, FE, and
NE's programs to ensure successful integration of the basic research components with the
applied technology programs. Specifically, input from EERE, FE and NE have been
incorporated in the formulation of this announcement, and further input will be solicited
in the review processes. There will also be an annual Contractors' Meeting for all
participants in the BES program to help coordinate and integrate research efforts related
to hydrogen research. The Annual Contractors' Meeting of BES principal investigators
will be coordinated with EERE, FE and NE, and will include presentations on applied
research and development needs from researchers inside and outside of the Contractors'
group.
The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number for this program is 81.049, and the
solicitation control number is ERFAP 10 CFR Part 605.
Martin Rubinstein
Acting Director
Grants and Contracts Division
Office of Science
Published in the Federal Register April 27, 2004, Volume 69, Number 81, Pages 22774-22779.
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