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Financial Assistance Program Grant Application Guide INTRODUCTION
The Office of Science (SC) Financial Assistance Program Rule (10 CFR Part 605), along with the Department's Financial Assistance regulation (10 CFR Part 600), sets forth policies and procedures to be used when the Office of Science supports basic and applied research, educational and/or training activities, conferences and other related activities. This guide assists potential applicants and award recipients in understanding the required forms and formats necessary to submit a grant application, pre- and post-award administration requirements, and the award process utilized within Office of Science programs and DOE awarding offices. Individually published notices of availability or Funding Opportunity Announcements may change or amend information contained in this guide. Even though the purpose of this guide is to inform eligible applicants of the special and generic financial assistance policies and procedures, it may be necessary to refer to both Parts 605 and 600 to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the full requirements for financial assistance support within the Office of Science.
SUMMARY
DETAIL Other program areas may be described in a notice of availability/Funding Opportunity Announcement posted on the Office of Science Grants and Contracts Web Site. They are also posted on Grants.gov a Federal wide system that allows organizations to electronically find and apply for competitive grant opportunities from all Federal grant-making agencies.
Application - a written request for financial assistance.
Approved budget - a budget and any revision that has been approved
in writing by DOE for carrying out the proposed project.
Basic and applied research - basic and applied research and that
part of development not related to the development of specific
systems or products. The primary aim of research is scientific
study and experimentation directed toward advancing the state
of the art or increasing knowledge of understanding rather than
focusing on a specific system or product.
Budget - the applicant's financial expenditure plan for carrying
out the proposed project. The budget shall include any cost sharing
which is required by statute, rule, or the award.
Budget period - the interval of time specified in the award, into
which a project is divided for budgeting and funding purposes.
Conference - scientific, technical or educational conferences,
symposia, workshops or seminars organized for the purpose of communicating
or exchanging information or views pertinent to the Office of Science program areas.
Continuation award - an award for a second or subsequent budget
period within an approved project period.
Contracting Officer - an official of DOE authorized to execute awards
on behalf of DOE and who is responsible for the business management and
non-program aspects of the financial assistance process.
Cooperative agreement - a financial assistance instrument used
by DOE to transfer money or property when the principal purpose
of the transaction is accomplishment of a public purpose of support
or stimulation authorized by Federal statute, and substantial involvement
is anticipated between DOE and the recipient during performance
of the contemplated activity.
Cost sharing - the share of project costs required to be contributed
by the recipient. Depending on the source and nature of the requirement,
terms such as matching and cost participation
may also be used to denote cost sharing.
Department or DOE - the United States Department of Energy.
Education/Training - support for education or related activities
for an individual or organization that will enhance education
levels and skills in particular scientific or technical areas
of interest to DOE.
SC - the Office of Science, U.S. Department of Energy.
Extension - an amendment of an award which would otherwise expire,
to provide additional time and, if appropriate, additional funds
for completion of project activities.
Financial assistance - transfer of money or property to a recipient
or subrecipient to accomplish a public purpose of support or stimulation
authorized by Federal statute through grants or cooperative agreements and
subawards. In DOE, it does not include direct loans, loan guarantees,
price guarantees, purchase agreements, Cooperative Research and Development
Agreements (CRADAs), or any other type of financial incentive instrument.
Grant - a financial assistance instrument (award notice) used
to transfer money or property when the principal purpose of the
transaction is accomplishment of a public purpose of support or
stimulation authorized by Federal statute, and minimal
involvement between DOE and the recipient during the performance
of the contemplated activity is anticipated.
Merit Review System - the process an application undergoes to
determine eligibility and scientific/technical importance based
on Office of Science stated evaluation criteria.
Notice of Availability (Solicitation / Funding Opportunity Announcement)
- a document which requests the submission of applications for financial assistance
and which describes program objectives, recipient and project eligibility requirements,
desired performance activity, evaluation criteria, award terms and conditions, and
other relevant information about the financial assistance opportunity.
Preapplication - an optional vehicle that constitutes a potential
applicant's intent to submit a formal application. A preapplication allows the
potential applicant to receive a response from the cognizant Office of Science program
office regarding the suitability of the proposed research project to
SC's interests.
Principal Investigator - the researcher, scientist, or other
individual designated by the recipient to direct the project.
Project - activities described in an application.
Project period - the total period of time indicated in an award
during which the Office of Science expects to provide financial assistance. A project
period may consist of one or more budget periods and may be extended
by the Office of Science.
Recipient - the organization, individual, or other entitly which
receives an award from DOE and is financially accountable for the use of
any DOE funds or property provided for the performance of the project,
and is legally responsible for carrying out the terms and conditions of the
award.
Renewal award - an award which extends a project period by adding
one or more additional budget periods.
Special purpose equipment - equipment used only for research,
medical, scientific, or other technical activities.
Subrecipient - an organization, individual, or other entity that
receives a subaward.
Terms and conditions - the rights and obligations of the awarding
party and the recipient or subrecipient set forth in statute, regulation,
program rules, or otherwise set forth or incorporated by reference in
the award or subaward document.
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