|
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY For more information about the Office of Science, go to Office of Science |
To DOE National Laboratories LAB 03-07
Radiation Research Program -
The Office of Biological and Environmental Research (OBER) of the Office of Science (SC),
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Office of Biological and Physical Research (OBPR),
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), hereby announce their interest in
receiving research proposals for new research to develop a better scientific basis for
understanding exposures and risks to humans from low dose and low fluence radiation. Topics
of high priority include endogenous oxidative damage versus low dose radiation-induced
damage, radio-adaptive responses, bystander effects, and individual genetic susceptibility to low
dose radiation exposure. Research should employ genome-wide or proteome-wide high-
throughput screening methods whenever possible, and priority will also be given to the use of
three-dimensional biological models. Research should support the DOE/OBER Low Dose
Radiation Research Program, and may include complementary research of direct interest to the
NASA/OBPR Space Radiation Health Program of sufficient scientific merit to qualify for partial
NASA support. Please review the Supplementary Information section below for further
discussion of programmatic needs.
The Office of Biological and Environmental Research of the Office of Science, U.S. Department
of Energy also announces its interest in receiving smaller proposals for research to support
collaborative work between two or more laboratories, one or more of which should be funded to
do low dose-related research. Please review the Supplementary Information section on Glue
Awards, below, for further details.
In addition, we anticipate a separate request for modeling projects in the near future.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
1) Specifics for the Low Dose Radiation Research Program (DOE)
The DOE/OBER Low Dose Radiation Research Program has the challenge of conducting
research that can be used to inform the development of future national radiation risk policy for
the public and the workplace. For the present solicitation, DOE/OBER is chiefly concerned with
very low doses of low Linear Energy Transfer (LET) radiation (electrons, x- and gamma-rays).
The focus of research should be on doses of low LET radiation that are at or near current
workplace exposure limits. In general, research in this program should focus on total radiation
doses that are less than or equal to 10 rads. Some experiments will likely involve selected
exposures to higher doses of radiation for comparisons with previous experiments or for
determining the validity of extrapolation methods previously used to estimate the effects of low
doses of radiation from observations made at high doses. This research program will be a
success if the science it generates is useful to policy makers, standard setters, and the public.
Successful researchers will be expected to effectively communicate research results through
publication in peer-reviewed journals. They will also be encouraged to communicate with the
wider community of concerned persons, so that current thinking and the public debate is better
able to reflect sound science.
Research projects utilizing the systems biology or discovery science approach, including the
tools of comparative genomics and proteomics are especially sought. Research projects that use
experimental protocols or cell microenvironments that will lead to an understanding of
radiobiological responses in intact human tissue are also strongly encouraged.
Not all research on the biological effects of low doses of radiation will be equally useful for the
development of radiation risk policy, though the path from basic radiation biology research to
radiation risk policy is admittedly not clear at this time. In the present context, the research
considered to be most useful will focus on biological responses that are known to be induced at
low doses of radiation, have the potential to directly impact (i.e., increase or decrease)
subsequent development of cancer or other harmful health impacts, are quantifiable, could
potentially be linked to the development of a biologically based model for radiation risk, and
could potentially lead to the development of biological predictors (biomarkers) of individual risk.
Alternatively, a biological response of interest could meet all of the above criteria only at high
doses but may actually be absent (as opposed to simply undetectable) at low doses of radiation.
Since evidence is accumulating that the mechanisms of action are different after high versus low
doses of radiation, such studies would help define these mechanisms. Defining the doses where
these mechanisms shift is of critical importance.
Endogenous oxidative damage in relation to low dose radiation induced damage. A key goal
of this research program will remain the elucidation of similarities and differences between
endogenous oxidative damage and damage induced by low levels of ionizing radiation, as well as
understanding the health risks from both. This information will underpin our interpretation of the
biological effects of exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation. Although qualitative
descriptions of differences and/or similarities between the types of damage induced under both
conditions will be useful in the design and interpretation of experiments in other parts of the
program, there is a need for quantification of the levels of damage induced by normal oxidative
processes and incremental increases due to low dose irradiation.
Living organisms are subject to a daily plethora of environmental insults. Carcinogenesis in an
individual occurs as a function of all the forces and phenomena that go into the production of
that individual's phenotype. These include (but are not limited to) individual genotype, as well
as current and historical aspects of diet, physical exercise, and exposures to chemicals and
radiation. To understand all factors responsible for individual responses to radiation, we are also
soliciting research on key factors that influence the extent of metabolic, endogenously produced
oxidative damage and, concomitantly, affect susceptibility to low doses of radiation.
Radio-Adaptive Response - The ability of a low dose of radiation to induce cellular changes that
alter the level of subsequent radiation-induced or spontaneous damage. If low doses of
radiation regularly and predictably induce a protective response in cells exposed to subsequent
low doses of radiation or to spontaneous damage, this could have a substantial impact on
estimates of adverse health risk from low dose radiation. The generality and extent of the
induction process need to be quantified, and the responsible genes and proteins discovered. By
"generality" is meant its applicability to different cell tissue types and species; by "extent" is
meant quantification over a range of priming doses, dose rates, and time constants of action.
Bystander effects - Biological responses observed in cells that are not directly traversed by
radiation but are neighbors of an irradiated cell. Research is sought to characterize and
determine mechanisms of low LET radiation induced bystander effect, and to quantify its
induction and extent as a function of dose. Bystanders in cell monolayers have already been
shown to respond with gene induction and/or production of clastogenic changes. A detrimental
bystander effect, in essence, "amplifies" the biological effects (and the effective radiation dose)
of a low dose exposure by effectively increasing the number of cells that experience adverse
effects to a number greater than the number of cells directly exposed to radiation. Conversely,
bystander cells may exert a protective effect on the irradiated cell or cells, although very few
studies to detect this effect have been tried. More importantly, entirely different types or levels
of bystander effects may be occurring in three-dimensional tissues, organs, and intact organisms.
Hence, only those proposals that address effects in tissues, or in tissue-like models, will be
considered for funding. New research projects studying bystander effects in isolated cells or cell
monolayers will not be considered.
Because proposals to study bystander effects are limited to three-dimensional biological models,
investigators are also encouraged to propose novel bioimaging protocols for the purpose of in
situ quantification.
The DOE Low Dose Program is currently funding several projects to develop micro-irradiation
devices capable of delivering low doses of low LET radiation to individual cells or to specific
parts of individual cells. Investigators are encouraged to use these irradiators, as appropriate,
through collaborative means, and funds are available to assist in the collaborative use of these or
comparable tools. Information on the microbeam irradiators can be found at:
http://lowdose.tricity.wsu.edu.
Individual genetic susceptibility to low dose radiation. The Low Dose Radiation Research
Program is interested in determining if genetic differences exist that result in increased risk for
radiation-induced cancer in sensitive individuals or sub-populations. It may prove to be of value
to address the three previously discussed research areas of interest (endogenous damage, radio-
adaptive responses, and bystander effects) from the standpoint of genetic susceptibility. A major
goal for this solicitation is to support additional work that seeks to identify patterns of genetic
polymorphisms significantly impacting radiation sensitivity or resistance and characterizes their
mechanism of action. Research should employ genome-wide or proteome-wide high-throughput
screening methods that have a chance of ultimately detecting complex, multi-gene patterns
indicative of or related to susceptibility. New studies focused only on a single or even a few
hundred genes will not be funded.
A new resource that is now available to all Low Dose Program investigators, but might be of
particular interest to those proposing research in the area of genetic susceptibility, is a tissue
repository containing cells from patients who developed second cancers following total body
irradiation and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Presently there are EBV-
transformed cell lines from 25 individuals exposed to radiation who subsequently developed a
skin tumor, and an equal number from exposed individuals that have not yet developed a second
cancer. A much larger tissue resource will be available in the future. Please contact directly
Dr. Jeffrey L. Schwartz, Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington,
(206) 598-4091, E-mail: jschwart@u.washington.edu, for collaborative opportunities.
General information resources. Information on the Low Dose Radiation Research Program can
be found on the web site: http://lowdose.tricity.wsu.edu.
Prospective researchers are also encouraged to visit the National Center for Biotechnology
Information (NCBI) website: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/,
for information on techniques and resources, and especially its Science Primer web site:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/About/primer/snps.html, for an
introduction to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).
2) Specifics for the Space Radiation Health Program (NASA)
The NASA/OBPR Space Radiation Health Program is charged with providing input for the
determination of health risks to humans visiting the space radiation environment. NASA is
especially interested in human exposure to low fluences of high-energy particulate ionizing
radiation (protons and heavy ions). Proposals whose principal focus is on low LET radiation are
encouraged to include complementary research with high-energy particulate ionizing radiation
that leverages progress, resources, and technology used for the low LET radiation research.
Investigators with currently funded low dose projects may also apply for supplementary funding
to address closely related research of interest to NASA.
The primary area of emphasis of the NASA/OBPR Space Radiation Health Program is the
development of mechanistic insights into biological effects of space radiation that account for
radiation risks. Proposals are required to be hypothesis-driven and are expected to obtain their
data in ground-based experimental radiobiology studies with protons and high-energy heavy ion
beams in the energy range corresponding to space radiation. This is mainly a ground-based
program using accelerator facilities to simulate space radiation. In addition to the research topics
already described above this includes research on non-phenomenological predictors of late cell
and tissue effects and the control and modification of radiation effect mechanisms
A short description of the current Space Radiation Health Strategic Program may be found at:
http://spaceresearch.nasa.gov/common/docs/1998_radiation_strat_plan.pdf. Activities of OBPR,
including research opportunities, descriptions of previous tasks, and other relevant information can be
found at: http://SpaceResearch.nasa.gov.
A description of the ground-based facilities and experimental program at Brookhaven National
Laboratory can be found at:
http://www.bnl.gov/medical/NASA/NASA%20Page.htm. The proton therapy facilities at Loma Linda
University Medical Center are described at:
http://www.llu.edu/llu/ci/nasa/. Finally, a description of the NASA Specialized Center
of Research and Training at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory may be found at:
http://www.lbl.gov/lifesciences/NSCORT.
Scientists working in rapidly developing areas of biological sciences not necessarily associated
with the study of radiation are particularly encouraged to consider the contributions that their
field of study can make to Radiation Health. Proposals are required to provide evidence for
expertise in radiation, either by reference to the Principal Investigator's work or by inclusion of
active collaborators expert in radiation research. Hypotheses should be substantiated by
presentation of preliminary data wherever feasible, or by adequate references to the published
literature. Experimental proposals should include a clear discussion of the relevant aspects of the
required radiation dosimetry and an estimate of the statistical power of the expected results.
Research proposals to which NASA will assign high priority:
Research that can lead to future space flight investigations will be welcome, and should take into
account the impact of gender, age, nutrition, stress, genetic predisposition, or sensitivity to other
factors of importance in managing space radiation risks.
NASA envisions that the selected proposals will be structured and operated in a manner that
supports the country's educational initiatives and goals (including historically black colleges and
universities and other minority universities), and in particular the need to promote scientific and
technical education at all levels. NASA envisions that the selected proposals will support the
goals for public awareness and outreach to the general public. The selected investigators are
invited to participate in NASA-funded educational programs.
The proposals represent an opportunity to enhance and broaden the public's understanding and
appreciation of radiation effects, as specified in the DOE Low Dose Program emphasis on
communication of research results and the OBPR Policy for Education and Public Outreach.
Therefore, all investigators are strongly encouraged to promote general scientific literacy and
public understanding of radiation induced health risk research through formal and/or informal
education opportunities. If appropriate, proposals should include a clear and concise description
of the education and outreach activities proposed. Examples include such items as involvement
of students in the research activities, technology transfer plans, public information programs that
will inform the general public of the benefits being gained from the research, and/or plans for
incorporation of scientific results obtained into educational curricula consistent with educational
standards.
Where appropriate, the supported institution will be required to produce, in collaboration with
NASA, a plan for communicating to the public the value and importance of their work.
The particles of interest to the Space Radiation Health Program are protons with energies
between 20 and 1000 MeV, and nuclei of He, C, N, O, Ne, Si, Ar, Ca, Mn, and Fe, with energies
between 50 and 3000 MeV/nucleon. Fluences of interest are of the order of 1-2 particles per
cell; studies with higher fluences will need to be justified by compelling arguments, including an
explanation of how the results can be applied in the low fluence regime. NASA has developed
facilities for use of protons at Loma Linda University Medical School and high-energy heavy ion
beams at the Brookhaven National Laboratory Alternating Gradient Synchrotron (AGS). A
dedicated irradiation facility, using the Booster Synchrotron at Brookhaven, is under
construction and is expected to be operational in 2003. Proposals should not budget for the use
of beams at these facilities, which is paid by NASA. NASA will cooperate with DOE to expand
the range of technical resources available for experimentation and analysis of experimental
results at Brookhaven.
3) Specifics for Glue Awards
The Low Dose Radiation Research Program also announces its interest in receiving proposals for
the purpose of supporting collaborative work between two or more laboratories, one or more of
which should be funded to do low dose-related research. These small awards are primarily
designed to support post-doctoral or graduate-student research that will enable laboratories with
complementary expertise to develop and apply innovative new approaches to low dose research.
Comparative studies between laboratories already using similar experimental approaches are also
encouraged. At least one of the researchers must hold a award focusing on low dose issues. All
researchers must have at least 1 year (and preferably 2 years) of support remaining on their core
awards at the time of award. Collaborative glue awards can be set up between laboratories
funded by such diverse agencies as DOE, NIH/NCI, NASA, DOD, EPA, the European Union,
Canada, France, and Japan, but in any case preference will be given to proposed research that is
of interest to the DOE Low Dose Radiation Research Program. The proposed collaborative
research should add a new dimension or approach to at least one of the studies it is linking.
Proposals for these small awards must follow the instructions for submission stated in this
Announcement. Please note: the Project Description should not exceed five pages.
Program Funding
It is anticipated that up to $4 million will be available from DOE/OBER for new basic research
awards during FY 2003, contingent upon the availability of funds. Multiple year funding of
awards is expected, and is also contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds, progress
of the research, and continuing program need. Up to ten 3-year Glue Awards may be awarded,
each averaging $60,000 total costs per year. Up to $0.5M will be available from NASA for joint
funding of new research in Fiscal Year 2003, also contingent upon the availability of funds.
Funds will be available from DOE to assist in the collaborative use of certain microbeam
irradiators. NASA provides beam time at the Brookhaven AGS and the Loma Linda proton
accelerator; investigators will not be required to pay for the beam time. It is expected that most
awards will be from 1 to 3 years and will range from $100,000 to $500,000 per year (total costs).
DOE is under no obligation to pay for any costs associated with the preparation or submission of
proposals if an award is not made.
Collaboration
Researchers are encouraged to collaborate with researchers in other institutions, such as
universities, industry, non-profit organizations, federal laboratories and Federally Funded
Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), including the DOE National Laboratories, where
appropriate, and to incorporate cost sharing and/or consortia wherever feasible. Additional
information on collaboration is available in the Application Guide for the Office of Science
Financial Assistance Program that is available via the Internet at:
http://www.sc.doe.gov/production/grants/Colab.html.
DATES: Preproposals (letters of intent), including information on collaborators, areas of
research, and a one-page summary of the proposed research, should be submitted by
December 6, 2002.
Formal proposals submitted in response to this announcement must be received by 4:30 p.m.,
E.S.T., Thursday, February 27, 2003, in order to be accepted for merit review and to permit
timely consideration for award in Fiscal Year 2003.
ADDRESSES: Preproposals referencing Program Announcement LAB 03-07, should be sent to
Ms. Joanne Corcoran by E-mail: joanne.corcoran@science.doe.gov, with a copy to Dr. Noelle
Metting at: noelle.metting@science.doe.gov.
Formal proposals, referencing Program Announcement LAB 03-07, should be sent to: Life
Sciences Division, SC-72/Germantown Building, Office of Biological and Environmental
Research, Office of Science, U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW,
Washington, D.C. 20585-1290, ATTN: Program Announcement LAB 03-07.
When submitting proposals by U.S. Postal Service Express Mail, any commercial mail delivery
service, or when hand carried by the researcher, the following address must be used: Life
Sciences Division, SC-72, Office of Biological and Environmental Research, Office of Science,
U.S. Department of Energy, 19901 Germantown Road, Germantown, MD 20874-1290, ATTN:
Program Announcement LAB 03-07.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Noelle Metting, telephone: (301) 903-
8309, E-mail: noelle.metting@science.doe.gov, Office of Biological and Environmental
Research, U.S. Department of Energy, SC-72/Germantown Building, 1000 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-1290. For specific information on NASA/OBPR interests,
contact Dr. Walter Schimmerling, telephone (202) 358-2205, E-mail:
wschimmerling@hq.nasa.gov, NASA Headquarters, Mail Code UB, Washington, DC
20546-0001.
The Proposal
(PLEASE NOTE INFORMATION BELOW ON PAGE LIMITS)
Adherence to type size and line spacing requirements is necessary for several reasons. No
researchers should have the advantage of providing more text in their proposals by using small
type. Small type may also make it difficult for reviewers to read the proposal. Proposals must
have 1-inch margins at the top, bottom, and on each side. Type sizes must be 10 point or larger.
Line spacing is at the discretion of the proposer but there must be no more than 6 lines per
vertical inch of text. Pages should be standard 8 1/2" x 11" (or metric A4, i.e., 210 mm x 297
mm). Proposals must be written in English, with all budgets in U.S. dollars.
Researchers are asked to use the following ordered format:
Any recipient of an award from the Office of Science, performing research involving
recombinant DNA molecules and/or organisms and viruses containing recombinant DNA
molecules shall comply with the National Institutes of Health "Guidelines for Research
Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules," which is available via the World Wide Web at:
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/odhsb/biosafe/nih/rdna-apr98.pdf, (59 FR 34496, July 5, 1994), or
such later revision of those guidelines as may be published in the Federal Register.
DOE requirements for reporting, protection of human and animal subjects and related special
matters can be found on the World Wide Web at:
http://www.science.doe.gov/production/grants/Welfare.html.
The instructions and format described below should be followed. Reference Program
Announcement LAB 03-07 on all submissions and inquiries about this program.
GUIDE FOR PREPARATION OF SCIENTIFIC/TECHNICAL PROPOSALS TO BE SUBMITTED BY NATIONAL LABORATORIES Proposals from National Laboratories submitted to the Office of Science (SC) as a result of this program announcement will follow the Department of Energy Field Work Proposal process with additional information requested to allow for scientific/technical merit review. The following guidelines for content and format are intended to facilitate an understanding of the requirements necessary for SC to conduct a merit review of a proposal. Please follow the guidelines carefully, as deviations could be cause for declination of a proposal without merit review. 1. Evaluation Criteria Proposals will be subjected to formal merit review (peer review) and will be evaluated against the following criteria which are listed in descending order of importance:
Appropriateness of the proposed method or approach Competency of the personnel and adequacy of the proposed resources Reasonableness and appropriateness of the proposed budget Proposals found to be scientifically meritorious and programmatically relevant will be selected in consultation with DOE and NASA selecting officials depending upon availability of funds in each agency's budget. In the course of the selection process, projects will be identified as addressing DOE requirements, NASA requirements, or both. The selected projects will be required to acknowledge support by one or both agencies, as appropriate, in all public communications of the research results. 2. Summary of Proposal Contents
Proposal Cover Page Table of Contents Abstract Relevance Statement Budget and Budget Explanation Narrative Literature Cited Other support of investigators Biographical Sketches Description of facilities and resources Appendix An original and seven copies of the formal proposal/FWP must be submitted. (Unless otherwise instructed in this Program Announcement.) 3. Detailed Contents of the Proposal Proposals must be readily legible, when photocopied, and must conform to the following three requirements: the height of the letters must be no smaller than 10 point with at least 2 points of spacing between lines (leading); the type density must average no more than 17 characters per inch; the margins must be at least one-half inch on all sides. Figures, charts, tables, figure legends, etc., may include type smaller than these requirements so long as they are still fully legible.
3.1 Field Work Proposal Format (Reference DOE Order 5700.7C) The Field Work Proposal (FWP) is to be prepared and submitted consistent with policies of the investigator's laboratory and the local DOE Operations Office. Additional information is also requested to allow for scientific/technical merit review. Laboratories may submit proposals directly to the SC Program office listed above. A copy should also be provided to the appropriate DOE operations office. 3.2 Proposal Cover Page The following proposal cover page information may be placed on plain paper. No form is required.
SC Program announcement title Name of laboratory Name of principal investigator (PI) Position title of PI Mailing address of PI Telephone of PI Fax number of PI Electronic mail address of PI Name of official signing for laboratory* Title of official Fax number of official Telephone of official Electronic mail address of official Requested funding for each year; total request Use of human subjects in proposed project:
Signature of official, date of signature* *The signature certifies that personnel and facilities are available as stated in the proposal, if the project is funded. Provide the initial page number for each of the sections of the proposal. Number pages consecutively at the bottom of each page throughout the proposal. Start each major section at the top of a new page. Do not use unnumbered pages and do not use suffices, such as 5a, 5b. 3.4 Abstract Provide an abstract of no more than 250 words. Give the broad, long-term objectives and what the specific research proposed is intended to accomplish. State the hypotheses to be tested. Indicate how the proposed research addresses the SC scientific/technical area specifically described in this announcement. 3.5 Narrative The narrative comprises the research plan for the project and is limited to 25 pages. It should contain the following subsections: Background and Significance: Briefly sketch the background leading to the present proposal, critically evaluate existing knowledge, and specifically identify the gaps which the project is intended to fill. State concisely the importance of the research described in the proposal. Explain the relevance of the project to the research needs identified by the Office of Science. Include references to relevant published literature, both to work of the investigators and to work done by other researchers. Preliminary Studies: Use this section to provide an account of any preliminary studies that may be pertinent to the proposal. Include any other information that will help to establish the experience and competence of the investigators to pursue the proposed project. References to appropriate publications and manuscripts submitted or accepted for publication may be included. Research Design and Methods: Describe the research design and the procedures to be used to accomplish the specific aims of the project. Describe new techniques and methodologies and explain the advantages over existing techniques and methodologies. As part of this section, provide a tentative sequence or timetable for the project. Subcontract or Consortium Arrangements: If any portion of the project described under "Research Design and Methods" is to be done in collaboration with another institution, provide information on the institution and why it is to do the specific component of the project. Further information on any such arrangements is to be given in the sections "Budget and Budget Explanation", "Biographical Sketches", and "Description of Facilities and Resources". 3.6 Literature Cited List all references cited in the narrative. Limit citations to current literature relevant to the proposed research. Information about each reference should be sufficient for it to be located by a reviewer of the proposal. 3.7 Budget and Budget Explanation A detailed budget is required for the entire project period, which normally will be three years, and for each fiscal year. It is preferred that DOE's budget page, Form 4620.1 be used for providing budget information*. Modifications of categories are permissible to comply with institutional practices, for example with regard to overhead costs. A written justification of each budget item is to follow the budget pages. For personnel this should take the form of a one-sentence statement of the role of the person in the project. Provide a detailed justification of the need for each item of permanent equipment. Explain each of the other direct costs in sufficient detail for reviewers to be able to judge the appropriateness of the amount requested. Further instructions regarding the budget are given in section 4 of this guide. * Form 4620.1 is available at web site: http://www.sc.doe.gov/production/grants/Forms.html 3.8 Other Support of Investigators Other support is defined as all financial resources, whether Federal, non-Federal, commercial or institutional, available in direct support of an individual's research endeavors. Information on active and pending other support is required for all senior personnel, including investigators at collaborating institutions to be funded by a subcontract. For each item of other support, give the organization or agency, inclusive dates of the project or proposed project, annual funding, and level of effort devoted to the project. 3.9 Biographical Sketches This information is required for senior personnel at the laboratory submitting the proposal and at all subcontracting institutions. The biographical sketch is limited to a maximum of two pages for each investigator. 3.10 Description of Facilities and Resources Describe briefly the facilities to be used for the conduct of the proposed research. Indicate the performance sites and describe pertinent capabilities, including support facilities (such as machine shops) that will be used during the project. List the most important equipment items already available for the project and their pertinent capabilities. Include this information for each subcontracting institution, if any. 3.11 Appendix Include collated sets of all appendix materials with each copy of the proposal. Do not use the appendix to circumvent the page limitations of the proposal. Information should be included that may not be easily accessible to a reviewer. Reviewers are not required to consider information in the Appendix, only that in the body of the proposal. Reviewers may not have time to read extensive appendix materials with the same care as they will read the proposal proper. The appendix may contain the following items: up to five publications, manuscripts (accepted for publication), abstracts, patents, or other printed materials directly relevant to this project, but not generally available to the scientific community; and letters from investigators at other institutions stating their agreement to participate in the project (do not include letters of endorsement of the project).
4. Detailed Instructions for the Budget 4.1 Salaries and Wages List the names of the principal investigator and other key personnel and the estimated number of person-months for which DOE funding is requested. Proposers should list the number of postdoctoral associates and other professional positions included in the proposal and indicate the number of full-time-equivalent (FTE) person-months and rate of pay (hourly, monthly or annually). For graduate and undergraduate students and all other personnel categories such as secretarial, clerical, technical, etc., show the total number of people needed in each job title and total salaries needed. Salaries requested must be consistent with the institution's regular practices. The budget explanation should define concisely the role of each position in the overall project. 4.2 Equipment DOE defines equipment as "an item of tangible personal property that has a useful life of more than two years and an acquisition cost of $25,000 or more." Special purpose equipment means equipment which is used only for research, scientific or other technical activities. Items of needed equipment should be individually listed by description and estimated cost, including tax, and adequately justified. Allowable items ordinarily will be limited to scientific equipment that is not already available for the conduct of the work. General purpose office equipment normally will not be considered eligible for support. 4.3 Domestic Travel The type and extent of travel and its relation to the research should be specified. Funds may be requested for attendance at meetings and conferences, other travel associated with the work and subsistence. In order to qualify for support, attendance at meetings or conferences must enhance the investigator's capability to perform the research, plan extensions of it, or disseminate its results. Consultant's travel costs also may be requested. 4.4 Foreign Travel Foreign travel is any travel outside Canada and the United States and its territories and possessions. Foreign travel may be approved only if it is directly related to project objectives. 4.5 Other Direct Costs The budget should itemize other anticipated direct costs not included under the headings above, including materials and supplies, publication costs, computer services, and consultant services (which are discussed below). Other examples are: aircraft rental, space rental at research establishments away from the institution, minor building alterations, service charges, and fabrication of equipment or systems not available off-the-shelf. Reference books and periodicals may be charged to the project only if they are specifically related to the research. a. Materials and Supplies The budget should indicate in general terms the type of required expendable materials and supplies with their estimated costs. The breakdown should be more detailed when the cost is substantial. b. Publication Costs/Page Charges The budget may request funds for the costs of preparing and publishing the results of research, including costs of reports, reprints page charges, or other journal costs (except costs for prior or early publication), and necessary illustrations. c. Consultant Services Anticipated consultant services should be justified and information furnished on each individual's expertise, primary organizational affiliation, daily compensation rate and number of days expected service. Consultant's travel costs should be listed separately under travel in the budget. d. Computer Services The cost of computer services, including computer-based retrieval of scientific and technical information, may be requested. A justification based on the established computer service rates should be included. e. Subcontracts Subcontracts should be listed so that they can be properly evaluated. There should be an anticipated cost and an explanation of that cost for each subcontract. The total amount of each subcontract should also appear as a budget item. 4.6 Indirect Costs Explain the basis for each overhead and indirect cost. Include the current rates.
|