U.S.
DEPARTMENT OF
ENERGY

For this Solicitation the Office of Science is using Grants.Gov for the electronic submission of applications. Please reference Funding Opportunity
DE-PS02-08ER08-10 when submitting applications for this Solicitation.

For more information about the Office of Science Grant Program, go to the Office of Science Grants and Contracts Web Site.

Office of Science
Financial Assistance
Funding Opportunity Announcement
DE-PS02-08ER08-10

Research Opportunities at Rare Isotope Beam Facilities

The Office of Nuclear Physics (NP), Office of Science (SC), U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), hereby announces its interest in receiving preapplications for developing outstanding scientific opportunities in nuclear structure and dynamics, nuclear astro- physics, and tests of fundamental interactions and symmetries at leading rare isotope beam (RIB) facilities around the world.

A companion Program Announcement to DOE Laboratories (LAB 08-10) will be posted on the Office of Science Grants and Contracts web site.

PREAPPLICATION DUE DATE: June 2, 2008, 8 PM Eastern Time (REQUIRED)

Preapplications are REQUIRED and must be received by June 2, 2008. Preapplications referencing Program Notice DE-PS02-08ER08-10 should be submitted via E-mail to the following address: Chris.Izzo@science.doe.gov. Please include "Preapplication for Notice
DE-PS02-08ER08-10" in the subject line. Preapplications should include
(1) the title of the proposal, (2) the name(s) and institution(s) of the principal investigator(s) and U.S. and international collaborators, (3) a description of the scientific goals and their merit, (4) a description of the scope of work,
(5) a description of technical scope or hardware deliverables, if appropriate, (6) the amount and duration of the requested funding, and (7) an expression of interest by the prospective host institution, with the name of a senior contact person. The preapplications should be no more than ten pages, excluding the expression of interest by the prospective host institution
(item 7).

Specifically, each preapplication should address these program policy factors:

  • The particular outstanding scientific opportunity afforded by U.S. investments at the host facility;
  • The opportunity for a leading or significant role by U.S. participants; and
  • The relevance or impact on the planned U.S. FRIB and associated program.

    As part of the required elements above, the preapplication should address briefly the scientific and technical merit of the effort, the appropriateness of the proposed method or approach, the competency of the applicant's personnel, the adequacy of the proposed resources, the reasonableness and appropriateness of the proposed budget, and any other factors relevant to the proposed project.

    Preapplications will be screened and preapplicants will be notified if a formal application is encouraged. Preapplications will be reviewed for conformity with the guidelines given in this Announcement, suitability in the technical areas and program policy factors specified in the Announcement. It is expected that a response to preapplications will be communicated, by reply email, by July 1, 2008. Note that notification of a successful preapplication is not a guarantee that an award will be made in response to a formal application. Formal applications will be accepted only from preapplicants encouraged to submit a formal application.

    FORMAL APPLICATION DUE DATE for Selected Applicants: November 10, 2008, 8 PM Eastern Time

    Applications must be submitted using Grants.gov, the Funding Opportunity Announcement can be found using the CFDA Number, 81.049 or the Funding Opportunity Announcement number, DE-PS02-08ER08-10. Applicants must follow the instructions and use the forms provided on Grants.gov.

    GENERAL INQUIRIES ABOUT THIS NOTICE SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO:

      PROGRAM MANAGER: Dr. Eugene Henry, Office of Nuclear Physics
      PHONE: (301) 903-6093
      FAX: (301) 903-3833
      E-MAIL: Gene.Henry@science.doe.gov
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Program Objective:

    The mission of the NP program is to enable fundamental research in nuclear physics that will advance our knowledge of the nature of matter and energy, and develop the needed technologies and workforce. While the U.S. is planning for a national facility for rare isotope beams (FRIB) in the latter part of the next decade, it is crucial for U.S. scientists to maintain leadership in the field. To that end, the Office of Nuclear Physics intends to provide funding for the U.S. nuclear physics research community to play a prominent role in developing outstanding research opportunities in nuclear structure and dynamics, nuclear astrophysics, and tests of fundamental interactions and symmetries at leading RIB facilities currently operating, being upgraded or being constructed around the world. The capabilities at these facilities will provide unique opportunities for U.S. nuclear physics researchers to stay engaged at the forefront of the field, both scientifically and technologically, including opportunities for research collaboration, accelerator research and development activities, and fabrication of accelerator components or scientific instrumentation. The Office of Nuclear Physics envisions multi-year funding for one or more proposals with relevance for the planned U.S. RIB facility.

    Collaboration

    Collaborative research projects with other institutions, such as universities, industry, non- profit organizations, and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), including the DOE National Laboratories, are encouraged under this Announcement. Further information on preparation of collaborative applications may be accessed via the Internet at: http://www.science.doe.gov/grants/Colab.html.

    Program Funding

    It is anticipated that a total of up to $50,000,000 will be available for awards over a period of up to ten years, starting as early as Fiscal Year 2010 with a total of up to $1,000,000 in that year. The number and size of awards will depend on the number of Formal Applications selected for award, and the availability of appropriated funds. DOE is under no obligation to pay for any costs associated with preparation or submission of applications. DOE reserves the right to fund, in whole or in part, any, all, or none of the applications submitted.

    Posted on the Office of Science Grants and Contracts Web Site
    February 14, 2008.