|
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY For more information about the Office of Science, go to Office of Science |
To DOE National Laboratories LAB 09-26
THIS IS A RECOVERY ACT ANNOUNCEMENT
RECOVERY ACT (ARRA)
OFFICE OF SCIENCE
EARLY CAREER RESEARCH PROGRAM
Projects under this announcement will be funded, in whole or in part, with funds appropriated by
the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Pub. L. 111-5, (Recovery Act or Act).
The Recovery Act's purposes are to stimulate the economy and to create and retain jobs. The Act
gives preference to activities that can be started and completed expeditiously. Accordingly,
special consideration will be given to projects that promote and enhance the objectives of the
Act, especially job creation, preservation and economic recovery, in an expeditious manner.
Be advised that special terms and conditions may apply to projects funded by the Act relating to:
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has issued Implementing Guidance for the
Recovery Act. See M-09-10, Initial Implementing Guidance for the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009 and M-09-15, Updated Implementing Guidance for the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. OMB will be issuing additional guidance concerning
the Act in the near future. Proposers should consult the DOE website,
http://www.energy.gov, the OMB website
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/, and the Recovery website,
http://www.recovery.gov regularly to keep abreast of guidance and information as it evolves. Recipients of funding
appropriated by the Act shall comply with requirements of applicable Federal, State, and local
laws, regulations, DOE policy and guidance, and instructions in this announcement, unless relief
has been granted by DOE.
Be advised that Recovery Act funds can be used in conjunction with other funding as necessary
to complete projects, but tracking and reporting must be separate to meet the reporting
requirements of the Recovery Act and related OMB Guidance. Proposers for projects funded by
sources other than the Recovery Act should plan to keep separate records for Recovery Act funds
and to ensure those records comply with the requirements of the Act. Funding provided through
the Recovery Act that is supplemental to an existing award is one-time funding.
GENERAL INQUIRES ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO:
Administrative Contact: Questions about program rules should be sent to
early.career@science.doe.gov.
Technical Contact: Questions regarding the specific program areas/technical requirements can
be directed to the technical contacts listed for each program within the Notice.
LETTER OF INTENT:
A Letter of Intent, comprising a brief summary of the proposed research (one paragraph), is
encouraged and should be submitted by August 3, 2009, 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, to
early.career@science.doe.gov. The letter should clearly state the program area to which the
proposal is being submitted (e.g., BER, BES, HEP, NP, ASCR, FES). Please include the
program acronym along with "Early Career Research Program Letter of Intent" in the subject
line. For example, the subject line of a letter to the Office of Biological and Environmental
Research (BER) would be "BER Early Career Research Program Letter of Intent." Principal
Investigators are not required to contact the Office of Science program managers before sending
the letter of intent or submitting a proposal.
PROPOSAL DUE DATE:
Formal proposals submitted in response to this Announcement must be received by September 1,
2009, 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, to permit timely consideration of awards. All proposals should
be in a single PDF file. You are encouraged to transmit your proposal well before the
deadline. PROPOSALS RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL NOT BE
REVIEWED OR CONSIDERED FOR AWARD.
SUMMARY:
The Office of Science of the Department of Energy hereby invites field work proposals for
support under the Early Career Research Program in the following program areas: Advanced
Scientific Computing Research (ASCR); Biological and Environmental Research (BER); Basic
Energy Sciences (BES), Fusion Energy Sciences (FES); High Energy Physics (HEP), and
Nuclear Physics (NP). The purpose of this program is to support the development of individual
research programs of outstanding scientists early in their careers and to stimulate research
careers in the disciplines supported by the DOE Office of Science.
The following program descriptions are offered to provide more in-depth information on
scientific and technical areas of interest to the Office of Science:
Early Career Research Program opportunities exist in the following Office of Science research
programs. Additional details about each program, websites, and technical points of contacts are
provided in the materials that follow.
II. Biological and Environmental Research (BER)
III. Basic Energy Sciences (BES)
IV. Fusion Energy Sciences (FES)
V. High Energy Physics (HEP)
VI. Nuclear Physics (NP)
The mission of the Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR) Program is to deliver
forefront computational and networking capabilities to extend the frontiers of science. A
particular challenge of this program is fulfilling the science potential of emerging multi-core
computing systems and other novel "extreme-scale" computing architectures, which will require
significant modifications to today's tools and techniques.
The priority areas for ASCR include:
(a) Applied Mathematics
This program supports research on the mathematical models, methods and numerical algorithms
to accurately describe, understand and predict the behavior of complex physical, chemical,
biological, and engineered systems.
For example, the topics of supported research efforts may include: (1) numerical methods for the
parallel solution of systems of partial differential equations, large- scale linear or nonlinear
systems, or very large parameter-estimation problems; (2) analytical or numerical techniques for
modeling complex physical, biological or engineered phenomena, such as fluid turbulence,
microbial populations or networked systems; (3) analytical or numerical methods for bridging a
broad range of temporal and spatial scales; (4) optimization, control, coupling techniques and
risk analysis of complex systems, such as computer networks and electrical power grids; and (5)
mathematical research issues related to extreme scale science and analysis of petascale data.
(b) Computer Science
This program supports research to advance extreme scale computing and data.
Research topics include scalable and fault tolerant operating systems, programming models,
performance modeling and assessment tools, development tools, interoperability and
infrastructure methodology, and large scale data management and visualization. The
development of new computer and computational science techniques will allow scientists to use
the most advanced computers without being overwhelmed by the complexity of rewriting their
codes with each new generation of high performance architectures.
(c) Computational Science
Technical Contact: Lali Chatterjee, 301-903-7379, lali.chatterjee@science.doe.gov
This program supports research in pioneering science applications for the next generations of
high performance computers.
Research topics include the development of transformative new science application software,
techniques and methods and the development of advanced collaboratory, data management and
visualization tools. The development of new computational science techniques will allow
scientists to tap the potential of extreme scale computers to advance science.
(d) Network Environment Research
This program supports research to develop and deploy a high-performance network and
collaborative technologies to support distributed high-end science applications and large-scale
scientific collaborations.
The current focus areas include but are not limited to cyber security systems, dynamic bandwidth
allocation services, network measurement and analysis, ultra high-speed transport protocols,
fault tolerance, self correction techniques, and advanced application layer services. The
development of the next generation of networks will allow scientists to effectively and efficiently
access and use distributed resources, such as advanced services for group collaboration, secure
services for remote access of distributed resources, and innovative technologies for sharing,
controlling, and managing distributed computing resources.
Proposed research may include one or more of the areas listed above.
II. Biological and Environmental Research (BER)
The mission of the Biological and Environmental Research (BER) program is to understand
complex biological, climatic, and environmental systems across spatial and temporal scales
ranging from sub-micron to the global, from individual molecules to ecosystems, and from
nanoseconds to millennia. This is accomplished by exploring the frontiers of genome-enabled
biology; discovering the physical, chemical and biological drivers of climate change; and
seeking the geochemical, hydrological, and biological determinants of environmental
sustainability and stewardship.
(a) Biological Systems Science
Research is focused on using DOE's unique resources and facilities to develop fundamental
knowledge of biological systems that can be used to address DOE needs in clean energy, carbon
sequestration, and environmental cleanup and that will underpin biotechnology-based solutions
to energy challenges. The objectives are: (1) to develop the experimental and, together with the
ASCR program, the computational resources, tools, and technologies needed to understand and
predict complex behavior of complete biological systems, principally microbes and microbial
communities; (2) to take advantage of the remarkable high throughput and cost-effective DNA
sequencing capacity at the Joint Genome Institute to meet the DNA sequencing needs of the
scientific community through competitive, peer-reviewed nominations for DNA sequencing; (3)
to understand and characterize the risks to human health from exposures to low levels of ionizing
radiation; (4) to operate experimental biological stations at synchrotron and neutron sources; (5)
to anticipate and address ethical, legal, and social implications arising from Office of Science-
supported biological research, especially synthetic biology, sustainability, and nano technology
and (6) to develop radiochemistry and advanced technologies for imaging and high through-put
characterization and analysis for BER missions in bioenergy, subsurface, and climate change.
(b) Climate and Environmental Sciences
The program seeks to understand the basic physical, chemical, and biological processes of the
Earth's System and how these processes may be affected by energy production and use. Research
is designed to provide data to enable an objective, scientifically based assessment of the potential
for, and the consequences of, human-induced climate change at global and regional scales. The
program also provides data and models to enable assessments of mitigation options to prevent
such change. The program is comprehensive with emphasis on: (1) understanding and simulating
the radiation balance from the surface of the Earth to the top of the atmosphere, including the
effect of clouds, water vapor, trace gases, and aerosols. (The Atmospheric Radiation
Measurement Climate Research Facility provides key observational data to the climate research
community on the radiative properties of the atmosphere, especially clouds and aerosols. This
national user facility includes highly instrumented ground stations, a mobile facility, and an
aerial vehicles program.; (2) enhancing and evaluating the quantitative models necessary to
predict natural climatic variability and possible human- caused climate change at global and
regional scales; (3) understanding and simulating the net exchange of carbon dioxide between
the atmosphere, and terrestrial systems, as well as the effects of climate change on the global
carbon cycle; (4) understanding ecological effects of climate change; (5) improving approaches
to integrated assessments of effects of, and options to mitigate, climatic change; (6) basic
research directed at understanding options for sequestering excess atmospheric carbon dioxide in
terrestrial ecosystems, including potential environmental implications of such sequestration; (7)
subsurface biogeochemical research to understand and predict subsurface contaminant fate and
transport; and (8) take advantage of the national user facility, the Environmental Molecular
Sciences Laboratory (EMSL) that houses an unparalleled collection of state-of-the-art
capabilities, including a supercomputer and over 60 major instruments, providing integrated
experimental and computational resources for discovery and technological innovation in the
environmental molecular sciences. EMSL also contributes to systems biology by providing
leading edge capabilities in proteomics.
III. Basic Energy Sciences (BES)
The mission of the Basic Energy Sciences (BES) program is to support fundamental research to
understand, predict, and ultimately control matter and energy at the electronic, atomic, and
molecular levels in order to provide the foundations for new energy technologies and to support
other aspects of DOE missions in energy, environment, and national security. The portfolio
supports work in the natural sciences by emphasizing fundamental research in materials sciences,
chemistry, geosciences, and physical biosciences.
The four long-term goals in scientific advancement that the BES program is committed to and
against which progress can be measured are:
(a) Materials Sciences and Engineering
The objective of this subprogram is to support fundamental experimental and theoretical research
to provide the knowledge base for the discovery and design of new materials with novel
structures, functions, and properties. These research activities emphasize the design and
synthesis of materials; the characterization of their structure and defect state; the understanding
of their physical, chemical, and irradiation-induced behaviors over multiple length and time
scales; and the development and advancement of new experimental and computational tools and
techniques. The main research elements of the subprogram are condensed matter and materials
physics; scattering and instrumentation sciences; and materials discovery, design, and synthesis.
In condensed matter and materials physics - including activities in experimental condensed
matter physics, theoretical condensed matter physics, mechanical behavior and radiation effects,
and physical behavior of materials - research is supported to understand, design, and control
materials properties and function. These goals are accomplished through studies of the
relationship of materials structures to their electrical, optical, magnetic, surface reactivity, and
mechanical properties and the way in which materials respond to external forces such as stress,
chemical and electrochemical environments, radiation, and the proximity of materials to surfaces
and interfaces. The activity emphasizes correlation effects, which can lead to the formation of
new particles, new phases of matter, and unexpected phenomena. The theoretical efforts focus on
the development of advanced computer algorithms and codes to treat large or complex systems.
In scattering and instrumentation sciences - including activities in neutron and x-ray scattering
and electron and scanning microscopies - research is supported on the fundamental interactions
of photons, neutrons, and electrons with matter to understand the atomic, electronic, and
magnetic structures and excitations of materials and the relationship of these structures and
excitations to materials properties and behavior. Major research areas include fundamental
dynamics in complex materials, correlated electron systems, nanostructures, and the
characterization of novel systems. The development of next-generation neutron, x-ray, and
electron microscopy instrumentation is a key element of this portfolio.
In materials discovery, design, and synthesis - including activities in synthesis and processing
science, materials chemistry, and biomolecular materials - research is supported in the discovery
and design of novel materials and the development of innovative materials synthesis and
processing methods. Major research thrust areas include nanoscale synthesis, organization of
nanostructures into macroscopic structures, solid state chemistry, polymers and polymer
composites, surface and interfacial chemistry including electrochemistry and electro-catalysis,
and synthesis and processing science including biomimetic and bioinspired routes to functional
materials and complex structures.
(b) Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences
The objective of this subprogram is to support fundamental research enabling the understanding
of chemical transformations and energy flow in systems relevant to DOE missions. This
knowledge serves as a basis for the development of new processes for the generation, storage,
and use of energy and for mitigation of the environmental impacts of energy use. New
experimental techniques are developed to investigate chemical processes and energy transfer
over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales: from atomic to kilometer spatial scales and
from femtosecond to millennia time scales. Theory, modeling, and computational simulations are
performed, from detailed quantum calculations of chemical properties and reactivity to multi-
scale simulations of combustion devices. The main research activities within the subprogram are
fundamental interactions; photo- and biochemistry; and chemical transformations.
In fundamental interactions, basic research is supported in atomic, molecular and optical
sciences; gas-phase chemical physics; ultrafast chemical science; and condensed phase and
interfacial molecular science. Emphasis is placed on structural and dynamical studies of atoms,
molecules, and nanostructures, and the description of their interactions in full quantum detail,
with the aim of providing a complete understanding of reactive chemistry in the gas phase,
condensed phase, and at interfaces. Novel sources of photons, electrons, and ions are used to
probe and control atomic, molecular, and nanoscale matter. Ultrafast optical and x-ray
techniques are developed and used to study chemical dynamics. There is a focus on cooperative
phenomena in complex chemical systems, such as the effect of solvation on chemical structure,
reactivity, and transport and the coupling of complex gas-phase chemistry with turbulent flow in
combustion.
In photo- and biochemistry, including solar photochemistry, photosynthetic systems, and
physical biosciences, research is supported on the molecular mechanisms involved in the capture
of light energy and its conversion into chemical and electrical energy through biological and
chemical pathways. Natural photosynthetic systems are studied to create robust artificial and bio-
hybrid systems that exhibit the biological traits of self assembly, regulation, and self repair.
Complementary research encompasses organic and inorganic photochemistry, photo-induced
electron and energy transfer, photoelectrochemistry, and molecular assemblies for artificial
photosynthesis. Inorganic and organic photochemical studies provide information on new
chromophores, donor-acceptor complexes, and multi-electron photocatalytic cycles.
Photoelectrochemical conversion is explored in studies of nanostructured semiconductors at
liquid interfaces. Biological energy transduction systems are investigated, with an emphasis on
the coupling of plant development and microbial biochemistry with the experimental and
computational tools of the physical sciences.
In chemical transformations, the themes are characterization, control, and optimization of
chemical transformations, including efforts in catalysis science; separations and analytical
science; actinide chemistry; and geosciences. Catalysis science underpins the design of new
catalytic methods for the clean and efficient production of fuels and chemicals and emphasizes
inorganic and organic complexes; interfacial chemistry; nanostructured and supramolecular
catalysts; photocatalysis and electrochemistry; and bio-inspired catalytic processes. Heavy
element chemistry focuses on the spectroscopy, bonding, and reactivity of actinides and fission
products; complementary research on chemical separations focuses on the use of nanoscale
membranes and the development of novel metal-adduct complexes. Chemical analysis research
emphasizes laser-based and ionization techniques for molecular detection, particularly the
development of chemical imaging techniques. Geosciences research covers analytical and
physical geochemistry, rock-fluid interactions, and flow/transport phenomena; this research
provides a fundamental basis for understanding the environmental contaminant fate and transport
and for predicting the performance of repositories for radioactive waste or carbon dioxide
sequestration.
(c) Scientific User Facilities-Related Research
This subprogram supports the R&D, planning, and operation of scientific user facilities for the
development of novel nano-materials and for materials characterization through x-ray, neutron,
and electron beam scattering. The main research elements of the subprogram are accelerator and
detector research for light sources and neutron scattering facilities, electron-beam micro-
characterization, nanoscale science and engineering, and the development and use of x-ray and
neutron scattering to address scientific problems of interest to the two subprograms described in
(a) and (b) above. All of these research elements are in the context of serving the needs of the
Scientific User Facilities.
In accelerator and detector research the objective is to improve the output and capabilities of
synchrotron radiation light sources and neutron scattering facilities that are the most advanced of
their kind in the world. This program supports basic research in accelerator physics and x-ray
and neutron detectors. Research is supported that seeks to achieve a fundamental understanding
beyond the traditional accelerator science and technology in order to develop new concepts to be
used in the design of new accelerator facilities for synchrotron radiation and spallation neutron
sources. To exploit fully the fluxes delivered by synchrotron radiation facilities and spallation
neutron sources, new detectors capable of acquiring data several orders of magnitude faster are
required. Improved detectors are especially important in the study of multi-length scale systems
such as protein- membrane interactions as well as nucleation and crystallization in nanophase
materials. They will also enable real-time kinetic studies and studies of weak scattering samples.
This program strongly interacts with BES programmatic research that uses synchrotron radiation
and neutron sources.
In the area of electron-beam microcharacterization the focus is on the development of next-
generation electron-beam instrumentation and on conducting corresponding research. Electron
scattering has key attributes that give such approaches unique advantages and make them
complementary to x-ray and neutron beam techniques. These characteristics include strong
interactions with matter (allowing the capture of meaningful signals from very small amounts of
material, including single atoms under some circumstances) and the ability to readily focus the
charged electron beams using electromagnetic lenses. The net result is unsurpassed spatial
resolution and the ability to simultaneously get structural, chemical, and other types of
information from subnanometer regions, allowing study of the fundamental mechanisms of
catalysis, energy conversion, corrosion, charge transfer, magnetic behavior, and many other
processes. All of these are fundamental to understanding and improving materials for energy
applications and the associated physical characteristics and changes that govern performance.
Instrumentation and technique development efforts are supported in areas including scanning,
transmission, and scanning transmission electron microscopes, atom probes and related field ion
instruments, related surface characterization apparatus and scanning probe microscopes, and
ancillary tools such as spectrometers, detectors, and advanced sample preparation equipment.
Nanoscience research is focused at the following five Nanoscale Science Research Centers,
which support the synthesis, processing, fabrication, and analysis of materials at the nanoscale:
the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences at ORNL, the Molecular Foundry at LBNL, the
Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies at SNL/LANL, the Center for Nanoscale Materials at
ANL, and the Center for Functional Nanomaterials at BNL. These facilities are the Department
of Energy's premier user centers for interdisciplinary research at the nanoscale, serving as the
basis for a national program that encompasses new science, new tools, and new computing
capabilities. As such, research is supported in a wide variety of scientific disciplines including
materials derived from or inspired by nature, hard and crystalline materials (including the
structure of macromolecules), magnetic and soft materials (including polymers and ordered
structures in fluids), and nanotechnology integration.
IV. Fusion Energy Sciences (FES)
Program Website: http://www.science.doe.gov/ofes/
The mission of the Fusion Energy Sciences (FES) program is to expand the fundamental
understanding of matter at very high temperatures and densities and to build the scientific
foundations needed to develop a fusion energy source. This is accomplished by studying plasmas
under a wide range of temperature and density conditions, developing advanced diagnostics to
make detailed measurements of plasma properties, and creating theoretical/computational models
to resolve the essential physics.
The FES program contributes to the Department's Energy Security goal through participation in
ITER, an experiment to study and demonstrate the sustained burning of fusion fuel. ITER will
provide an unparalleled scientific research opportunity and will test the scientific and technical
feasibility of fusion power. The ITER Agreement was signed and ratified by the ITER parties in
FY 2008. Currently FES scientists and engineers are supporting the design activities, technical
R&D, hardware procurement and other construction activities.
The FES program contributes to the World-Class Scientific Research Capacity goal by managing
a program of fundamental research into the nature of fusion plasmas and the means for confining
plasma to yield energy. This includes: 1) exploring basic issues in plasma science; 2) developing
the scientific basis and computational tools to predict the behavior of magnetically confined
plasmas; 3) using the advances in tokamak research to enhance the initiation of the burning
plasma physics phase of the FES program; 4) exploring innovative confinement options that
offer the potential of more attractive fusion energy sources in the long term; 5) advancing our
understanding of high energy density laboratory plasmas; 6) developing the cutting edge
technologies that enable fusion facilities to achieve their scientific goals; and 7) carrying out
research on innovative materials to establish the economic feasibility and environmental quality
of fusion energy.
The overall effort requires operation of a set of unique and diversified experimental facilities,
ranging from smaller-scale university experiments to large national facilities that involve
extensive collaborations. These facilities provide scientists with the experimental data to
validate theoretical understanding and computer models-leading ultimately to an improved
predictive capability for fusion science. Scientists from the U.S. also participate in leading
edge experiments on fusion facilities abroad and conduct comparative studies to supplement
the scientific understanding they can obtain from domestic facilities.
Operation of the major fusion facilities will be focused on science issues relevant to ITER design
and operation. The United States is an active participant in the International Tokamak Physics
Activity, which facilitates identification of high priority research for burning plasmas in general,
and for ITER specifically, through workshops and assigned tasks. In addition, there will be
continuing efforts to investigate simulations of fusion plasmas in collaboration with the Office of
Advanced Scientific Computing Research.
(a) Science Subprogram
The Science subprogram seeks to develop the physics knowledge needed to advance the FES
program. Research is conducted on small to large-scale confinement devices to study physics
issues relevant to fusion and plasma physics and to the production of fusion energy. Experiments
on these devices are used to explore the limits of specific confinement concepts, as well as study
associated physical phenomena.
Grant applications/proposals are sought in all areas of plasma science relevant to fusion energy.
Priority will be given to the following research topics: (1) theory and modeling to provide the
foundations for integrated simulation of fusion systems; (2) the development and application of
new diagnostic techniques for investigating edge and pedestal physics.
(b) Enabling R&D Subprogram
The Enabling R&D subprogram supports the advancement of fusion science in the nearer-term
by carrying out research on technological topics that: (1) enable domestic experiments to achieve
their full performance potential and scientific research goals; (2) permit scientific exploitation of
the performance gains being sought from physics concept improvements; (3) allow the U.S. to
enter into international collaborations gaining access to experimental conditions not available
domestically; and (4) explore the science underlying these technological advances.
Grant applications/proposals are sought in enabling technologies relevant to fusion energy.
Priority will be given to the following research topics: (1) plasma facing materials/components,
(2) structural and special purpose materials, and (3) breeding blankets.
V. High Energy Physics (HEP)
The mission of the High Energy Physics (HEP) program is to understand how our universe
works at its most fundamental level. We do this by discovering the elementary constituents of
matter and energy, probing the interactions between them, and exploring the basic nature of
space and time itself.
The HEP program focuses on three scientific frontiers:
There are three broad areas within the Office of High Energy Physics that support research and
technology development aimed at these objectives. New proposals should generally focus on
one of these areas.
a) Experimental High Energy Physics Research
The experimental HEP research effort supports experiments utilizing man-made and naturally
occurring particle sources to study fundamental particles and their interactions. This subprogram
also provides graduate and postdoctoral research training for the next generation of scientists,
equipment for experiments, and related computational support.
Topics studied in the experimental research program include, but are not limited to: proton-
(anti)proton collisions at the highest possible energies; studies of neutrino properties using
accelerator-produced neutrino beams as well as neutrinos from nuclear reactors; sensitive
measurements of rarely occurring phenomena that can indicate new physics beyond the Standard
Model; measurements of dark energy; and detection of the particles that make up cosmic dark
matter.
b) Theoretical High Energy Physics Research
The theoretical HEP research subprogram provides the vision and mathematical framework for
understanding and extending the knowledge of particles, forces, space-time, and the universe.
This subprogram also provides graduate and postdoctoral research training for the next
generation of scientists and computational resources needed for theoretical calculations.
Topics studied in the theoretical research program include, but are not limited to:
phenomenological and theoretical studies that support the experimental research program, both
in understanding the data and in finding new directions for experimental exploration; developing
analytical and numerical computational techniques for these studies; and to find theoretical
frameworks for understanding fundamental particles and forces at the deepest level possible.
c) Advanced Technology Research and Development
The advanced technology R&D subprogram develops the next generation of particle accelerator
and detector technologies for the future advancement of high-energy physics and other sciences,
supporting world-leading research in the physics of particle beams and fundamental advances in
particle detection. This subprogram also provides graduate and postdoctoral research training,
equipment for experiments and related computational efforts.
This subprogram supports long-range, exploratory research aimed at developing new concepts.
Topics studied in the accelerator science program include, but are not limited to: analytic and
computational techniques for modeling particle beams; novel acceleration concepts; muon
colliders and neutrino factories; the science of high gradients in room-temperature accelerating
cavities; high-brightness beam sources; and cutting-edge beam diagnostic techniques. Topics
studied in the detector R&D program include, but are not limited to: low-mass, high channel
density charged particle tracking detectors; high resolution, fast-readout calorimeters and particle
identification detectors; improving the radiation tolerance of particle detectors; and advanced
electronics and data acquisition systems.
VI. Nuclear Physics (NP)
The Nuclear Physics (NP) program seeks to discover, explore, and understand all forms of
nuclear matter. The fundamental particles that compose nuclear matter-quarks and gluons-are
relatively well understood, but exactly how they fit together and interact to create different types
of matter in the universe is still largely not understood. To solve this mystery, the NP program
supports experimental and theoretical research-along with the development and operation of
particle accelerators and advanced technologies-to create, detect, and describe the different
forms and complexities of nuclear matter that can exist in the universe, including those that are
no longer found naturally in our universe. The NP program also produces stable and radioactive
isotopes that are critical for the Nation.
To carry out this research, nuclear physics focuses on three broad yet tightly interrelated areas of
inquiry. These areas are described in The Frontiers of Nuclear Science
(http://www.sc.doe.gov/np/nsac/nsac.html), a
long range plan for nuclear science released in
2007 by the Nuclear Science Advisory Committee (NSAC). The three frontiers are: Quantum
Chromodynamics, Nuclei and Nuclear Astrophysics, and Fundamental Symmetries and
Neutrinos. To address these frontiers, specific questions are addressed by the research activities
of each subprogram supported by the Office of Nuclear Physics:
(a) Medium Energy Nuclear Physics
The Medium Energy subprogram focuses primarily on questions having to do with Quantum
Chromodynamics (QCD) and the behavior of quarks inside protons and neutrons. Specific
questions that are being addressed include: What is the internal landscape of the nucleons? What
does QCD predict for the properties of strongly interacting matter? What governs the transition
of quarks and gluons into pions and nucleons? What is the role of gluons and gluon self-
interactions in nucleons and nuclei? One major goal, for example, is to achieve an experimental
description of the substructure of the proton and the neutron. The subprogram supports
investigations into a few aspects of the second frontier, Nuclei and Nuclear Astrophysics, such as
the question: What is the nature of the nuclear force that binds protons and neutrons into stable
nuclei? The subprogram also examines aspects of the third area, Fundamental Symmetries and
Nuclei, including the questions: Why is there now more visible matter than antimatter in the
universe? What are the unseen forces that were present at the dawn of the universe, but
disappeared from view as it evolved? In pursuing these goals the Medium Energy subprogram
supports different experimental approaches primarily at the Thomas Jefferson National
Accelerator Facility and the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider.
(b) Heavy Ion Nuclear Physics
The Heavy Ion subprogram supports experimental research that investigates the frontier of
Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) by attempting to recreate and characterize new and predicted
forms of matter and other new phenomena that might occur in extremely hot, dense nuclear
matter and which have not existed since the Big Bang. This subprogram addresses what happens
when nucleons "melt." QCD predicts that nuclear matter can change its state in somewhat the
same way that ordinary matter can change from solid to liquid to gas. The fundamental questions
addressed include: What are the phases of strongly interacting matter, and what roles do they
play in the cosmos? What governs the transition of quarks and gluons into pions and nucleons?
What determines the key features of QCD, and what is their relation to the nature of gravity and
spacetime? Experimental research is carried out primarily using the U.S. Relativistic Heavy Ion
Collider (RHIC) facility and the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at the European Organization for
Nuclear Research (CERN).
(c) Low Energy Nuclear Physics
The Low Energy subprogram aims primarily at answering the overarching questions associated
with the second frontier identified by NSAC- Nuclei and Nuclear Astrophysics. These
questions include: What is the nature of the nucleonic matter? What is the origin of simple
patterns in complex nuclei? What is the nature of neutron stars and dense nuclear matter? What
is the origin of the elements in the cosmos? What are the nuclear reactions that drive stars and
stellar explosions? Major goals of this subprogram are to develop a comprehensive description
of nuclei across the entire nuclear chart, to utilize rare isotope beams to reveal new nuclear
phenomena and structures unlike those that are derived from studies using stable nuclei, and to
measure the cross sections of nuclear reactions that power stars and spectacular stellar explosions
and are responsible for the synthesis of the elements. The subprogram also investigates aspects
of the third frontier of Fundamental Symmetries and Neutrinos. Questions addressed in this
frontier include: What is the nature of the neutrinos, what are their masses, and how have they
shaped the evolution of the universe? Why is there now more visible matter than antimatter in
the universe? What are the unseen forces that were present at the dawn of the universe but
disappeared from view as the universe evolved? The subprogram seeks to measure, or set a limit
on, the neutrino mass and to determine if the neutrino is its own antiparticle. Experiments with
cold neutrons also investigate the dominance of matter over antimatter in the universe, as well as
other aspects of Fundamental Symmetries and Interactions.
(d) Nuclear Theory (including the Nuclear Data subprogram)
The Nuclear Theory subprogram supports theoretical research at universities and DOE national
laboratories with the goal of improving our fundamental understanding of nuclear physics,
interpreting the results of experiments, and identifying and exploring important new areas of
research. This subprogram addresses all three of the field's scientific frontiers described in
NSAC's long range plan, which are Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD), Nuclei and Nuclear
Astrophysics, and Fundamental Symmetries and Neutrinos, and the associated specific questions
listed for the experimental subprograms above.
Theoretical research on QCD (the fundamental theory of quarks and gluons) addresses how the
properties of the nuclei, hadrons, and nuclear matter observed experimentally arise from this
theory, how the phenomena of quark confinement arises, and what phases of nuclear matter
occur at high densities and temperatures. In Nuclei and Nuclear Astrophysics, theorists
investigate a broad range of topics, including calculations of the properties of stable and unstable
nuclear species, the limits of nuclear stability, the various types of nuclear transitions and decays,
how nuclei arise from the forces between nucleons, and how nuclei are formed in cataclysmic
astronomical events such as supernovae. In Fundamental Symmetries and Neutrinos, nucleons
and nuclei are used to test the Standard Model, which describes the interactions of elementary
particles at the most fundamental level. Theoretical research in this area is concerned with
determining how various aspects of the Standard Model can be explored through nuclear physics
experiments, including the interactions of neutrinos, unusual nuclear transitions, rare decays, and
high-precision studies of cold neutrons.
Nuclear Theory activities at DOE also include the Nuclear Data subprogram, which compiles,
maintains and distributes a database of information on nuclear properties and reactions that is of
critical interest both to researchers and to developers of industrial applications of nuclear
technology.
The NP program also supports the development of the tools and capabilities that make the
fundamental research possible, and is the steward of the isotopes program for the nation:
(e) Accelerator Research and Development for Current and Future Nuclear Physics
Facilities
The Nuclear Physics program supports a broad range of activities aimed at research and
development related to the science, engineering, and technology of heavy-ion, electron, and
proton accelerators and associated systems. Areas of interest include the R&D technologies of
the Brookhaven National Laboratory's Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC), with heavy ion
and polarized proton beam; the development of an electron-ion collider (EIC); linear accelerators
such as the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) at the Thomas Jefferson
National Accelerator Facility (TJNAF); and development of devices and/or methods that would
be useful in the generation of intense rare isotope beams for the next generation rare isotope
beam accelerator facility (FRIB).
(f) Isotope Development and Production for Research and Applications
The Isotope Development and Production for Research and Applications subprogram supports
the production and development of production techniques of radioactive and stable isotopes that
are in short supply. The program provides facilities and capabilities for the production of
research and commercial stable and radioactive isotopes, scientific and technical staff associated
with general isotope research and production, and a supply of critical isotopes to address the
needs of the Nation. Isotopes are made available by using the Department's unique facilities, the
Brookhaven Linear Isotope Producer (BLIP) at BNL and the Isotope Production Facility (IPF) at
LANL, of which the subprogram has stewardship responsibilities. The Program also coordinates
and supports isotope production at a suite of university, national laboratory, and commercial
accelerator and reactor facilities throughout the Nation to promote a reliable supply of domestic
isotopes. Topics of interest include research that is focused on the development of advanced,
cost-effective and efficient technologies for producing, processing, recycling and distributing
isotopes in short supply. This includes innovative approaches to model and predict behavior and
yields of targets undergoing irradiation in order to minimize target failures during routine isotope
production.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
DOE anticipates awarding laboratory work authorization awards under this program
announcement. DOE will accept new proposals through the Searchable FWP system
(https://www.osti.gov/fwp/) under this Announcement.
A single Portable Document Format (PDF) file should be submitted from the laboratory to DOE.
Please have your Searchable FWP Laboratory Administrator submit an FWP via Searchable
FWP (https://www.osti.gov/fwp). If you need contact information for your Laboratory
Administrator, please contact the Searchable FWP Support Center. The Searchable FWP
Support Center can be reached Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ET. Telephone: 865-241-1844, Email: FWPSupport@osti.gov
PROGRAM FUNDING:
It is anticipated that up to $60M of Recovery Act funds will be available for laboratory work
authorization awards in FY 2010. This amount is approximate and subject to availability of
funds. It is anticipated that 15-35 awards will be made in fiscal year 2010. The number of
awards is subject to availability of funds. The typical award size is expected to be $2,500,000
over five years. The minimum award size is $500,000 per year over five years. DOE national
laboratories are encouraged to propose research expenditures as close to this funding minimum
as possible. The size of a national laboratory award is commensurate with the requirement to
charge twelve-month annual salaries (compared with professors, who are partially paid by
academic institutions). Thus, a minimum of 75% and preferably 100% of the principal
investigator's salary should be proposed.
ELIGIBLE INVESTIGATORS:
The Principal Investigator must be a full-time, permanent, non-postdoctoral national laboratory
employee as of the deadline for the proposal. No more than ten (10) years can have passed
between the year the Principal Investigator's Ph.D. was awarded and the year of the deadline for
the proposal (for the present competition, those who received doctorates no earlier than 1999 are
eligible). Each Principal Investigator may only submit one Office of Science Early Career
Research Program proposal per annual competition. Additionally, a Principal Investigator may
not participate in more than three Office of Science Early Career Research Program
competitions.
Proposals must be submitted through a DOE national laboratory. A companion announcement
describes the Early Career Research Program opportunity for tenure-track assistant professors at
U.S. academic institutions. An employee with a joint appointment between a university and a
DOE national laboratory must apply through the institution that pays his or her salary and
provides his or her benefits; the eligibility criteria above must also be met.
There can be no co-Principal Investigators and letters of recommendation are not allowed.
There is no limit on the number of proposals from a DOE national laboratory in a given year.
However, each proposal must be accompanied by a letter from the national laboratory director
confirming that the proposed research idea fits within the scope of Office-of-Science-funded
programs at the national laboratory.
Eligibility exemptions will not be granted.
AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION
Annual progress reports from the award investigators will be required.
Execution of the annual funding is solely at the discretion of the principal investigator in
accordance with the DOE-approved budget.
If an investigator is a current recipient of one of the following awards and is selected for an
award under this announcement, the institution must forgo any remaining years of funding for
the current award when the new award begins. The previous awards covered by this condition
are (1) Office of Advanced Scientific Computing Research Early Career Principal Investigator
Program; (2) Office of Fusion Energy Sciences Plasma Physics Junior Faculty Award Program;
(3) Office of High Energy Physics Outstanding Junior Investigator Program; (4) Office of
Nuclear Physics Outstanding Junior Investigator Program; and (5) DOE Presidential Early
Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE).
Office of Science Early Career Research Program investigators intending to transfer to a new
institution must submit a request for transfer along with a new proposal. If the scope of work has
not changed, the award can be transferred. If the scope of work has changed, the new proposal
will be subject to merit review as described above. Transfer awards will be for the remaining
award period only, and the requested budget cannot exceed the remaining budget for the original
award. If a laboratory employee transfers to a university, the requested budget should be as close
to $150,000 per year as possible for each remaining year. While a transfer proposal can be
submitted any time of the year, it should be submitted at least six months before the transfer to
allow time for execution of merit review.
The award period is five years, conditional on adequate annual progress and appropriation of
funds. At the end of this period, the DOE national laboratory employing the principal
investigator has the primary responsibility to address funding transition issues that arise when the
award ends.
Special Provisions relating to work funded under American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009, Pub. L. 111-5 shall apply. These provisions can be found at
http://management.energy.gov/policy_guidance/1672.htm.
AWARD NOTICES:
DOE will notify proposers selected for award. This notice of selection is not an authorization to
begin performance. Organizations whose proposals have not been selected will be advised as
promptly as possible. This notice will explain why the proposal was not selected.
The instructions and format described below should be followed. You must reference
Program Announcement LAB 09-26 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. Initial Review Criteria: Prior to a comprehensive merit evaluation, DOE staff will perform an initial evaluation of each proposal to ensure that the information required is provided, that the proposed effort is technically sound and feasible, and that the effort is consistent with program funding priorities. For proposals that pass the initial evaluation, DOE shall review and evaluate them received based on the criteria set forth below. Proposals will be subjected to scientific merit review (peer review) and will be evaluated against the following evaluation criteria:
2. Appropriateness of the proposed method or approach. 3. Competency of the personnel and adequacy of proposed resources. 4. Reasonableness and appropriateness of the proposed budget. 5. Relevance to the mission of the specific program (e.g., ASCR, BER, BES, FES, HEP, or NP) to which the proposal is submitted and the DOE national laboratory mission. 6. Leadership within the scientific community. For criterion 5, the missions of the program areas are: Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR): To discover, develop, and deploy the computational and networking capabilities that enable researchers in the scientific disciplines to analyze, model, simulate, and predict complex phenomena important to the Department of Energy. A particular challenge of this program is fulfilling the science potential of emerging multi-core computing systems and other novel "extreme-scale" computing architectures, which will require significant modifications to today's tools and techniques. Biological and Environmental Research (BER): To understand complex biological, climatic, and environmental systems across spatial and temporal scales ranging from sub-micron to the global, from individual molecules to ecosystems, and from nanoseconds to millennia. This is accomplished by exploring the frontiers of genome-enabled biology; discovering the physical, chemical and biological drivers of climate change; and seeking the molecular determinants of environmental sustainability and stewardship. Basic Energy Sciences (BES): To support fundamental research to understand, predict, and ultimately control matter and energy at the electronic, atomic, and molecular levels in order to provide the foundations for new energy technologies and to support other aspects of DOE missions in energy, environment, and national security. Fusion Energy Sciences (FES): To expand the fundamental understanding of matter at very high temperatures and densities and the scientific foundations needed to develop a fusion energy source. This is accomplished by studying plasmas under a wide range of temperature and density, developing advanced diagnostics to make detailed measurements of their properties, and creating theoretical/computational models to resolve the essential physics. High Energy Physics (HEP): To understand how our universe works at its most fundamental level. This is accomplished by discovering the most elementary constituents of matter and energy, probing the interactions between them, and exploring the basic nature of space and time itself. Nuclear Physics (NP): To discover, explore, and understand all forms of nuclear matter. The fundamental particles that compose nuclear matter-quarks and gluons-are relatively well understood, but exactly how they fit together and interact to create different types of matter in the universe is still largely not understood. To solve this mystery, the NP program supports experimental and theoretical research-along with the development and operation of particle accelerators and advanced technologies-to create, detect, and describe the different forms and complexities of nuclear matter that can exist in the universe, including those that are no longer found naturally. Preference will be given for proposals that promote and enhance the objectives of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, P.L. 111-5. 2. Summary of Proposal Contents
Adherence to type size and line spacing requirements is necessary for several reasons. No researcher should have the advantage, by using small type, of providing more text in their proposals. 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 at least 11 point. Line spacing is at the discretion of the researcher, 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). 3.1 Field Work Proposal Format (Reference DOE Order 412.1A) (DOE ONLY) 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. 3.2 Proposal Cover Page The following proposal cover page information may be placed on plain paper. No form is required. The cover page of the project narrative must include the following information:
Principal Investigator (PI): Position Title of Principal Investigator: Mailing Address of PI: Telephone Number of PI: Email of PI: DOE/Office of Science Program Office: Program Office Technical Point of Contact: Year Doctorate Awarded: PECASE Eligible*: (Yes or No) * The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy may ask the agencies each year to nominate candidates for the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). A Principal Investigator is PECASE-eligible if he or she is a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident and if she or he has not received a PECASE previously through any agency. Investigators from the top proposals in the Office of Science Early Career Research Award competition may be nominated for PECASE. 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 Budget and Budget Explanation The size of a national laboratory award is commensurate with the requirement to charge twelve- month annual salaries (compared with professors, who are partially paid by academic institutions). Thus, a minimum of 75% and preferably 100% of the principal investigator's salary should be proposed. Budgets are required for the entire five year project period. The DOE's budget page, Form 4620.1 ( http://www.science.doe.gov/grants/budgetform.pdf), should be used. A budget form should be completed for each of the five years of the award, and a cumulative budget form for the entire five year period should also be included. A detailed budget justification narrative should be included after the budget pages. The justification should cover labor, domestic and foreign travel, equipment, materials and supplies, and anything else that will be covered with project funds. Proposals shall provide information which validates that all laborers and mechanics on projects funded directly by or assisted in whole or in part by and through funding appropriated by the Act are paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on projects of a character similar in the locality as determined by subchapter IV of Chapter 31 of title 40, United States Code (Davis- Bacon Act). For guidance on how to comply with this provision, see http://www.dol.gov/esa/whd/contracts/dbra.htm. Other Project Information Project Title: The words "Early Career:" should be placed at the beginning of the proposal title listed in Searchable FWP. For example, the title might be "Early Career: Experimental Study of Scientific Information". 3.5 Abstract The project summary/abstract must contain a summary of the proposed activity suitable for public dissemination. It should be a single page that identifies the national laboratory, the principal investigator, the project title, the objectives of the project, a description of the project, including methods to be employed, the potential impact of the project (i.e., benefits, outcomes), and major participants. This document must not include any proprietary or sensitive business information as the Department may make it available to the public. The project summary must not exceed one page when printed using standard 8.5" by 11" paper with 1" margins (top, bottom, left and right) with font not smaller than 11 point. 3.6 Narrative The Project Narrative comprises the research plan for the project; it should contain enough background material in the Introduction, including review of the relevant literature, to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the state of the science. The major part of the narrative should be devoted to a description and justification of the proposed project, including details of the method to be used. It should also include a timeline for the major activities of the proposed project, and should indicate which project personnel will be responsible for which activities. There is a limit of 15 pages for the Project Narrative. 3.7 Appendix 1: Biographical Sketch This information is required for the Principal Investigator submitting the proposal. This appendix will not count in the project narrative page limitation. The biographical sketch is limited to a maximum of three pages and must include: Education and Training. Undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral training, provide institution, major/area, degree and year. Research and Professional Experience. Beginning with the current position list, in chronological order, professional/academic positions with a brief description. Publications. Provide a list of up to 10 publications most closely related to the proposed project. For each publication, identify the names of all authors (in the same sequence in which they appear in the publication), the article title, book or journal title, volume number, page numbers, year of publication, and website address if available electronically. Patents, copyrights and software systems developed may be provided in addition to or substituted for publications. Synergistic Activities. List no more than 5 professional and scholarly activities related to the effort proposed. To assist in the identification of potential conflicts of interest or bias in the selection of reviewers, the following information must also be provided in each biographical sketch.
Graduate and Postdoctoral Advisors and Advisees: A list of the names of the individual's own graduate advisor(s) and principal postdoctoral sponsor(s), and their current organizational affiliations. A list of the names of the individual's graduate students and postdoctoral associates during the past five years, and their current organizational affiliations. 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 the Principal Investigator. 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 (months per year or percentage of the year) devoted to the project. This appendix will not count in the project narrative page limitation. 3.9 Appendix 3: Bibliography and References Cited Give full bibliographic entries for each publication cited in the narrative. Each reference must include the names of all authors (in the same sequence in which they appear in the publication), the article and journal title, book title, volume number, page numbers, and year of publication. Include only bibliographic citations. Principal investigators should be especially careful to follow scholarly practices in providing citations for source materials relied upon when preparing any section of the proposal. This appendix will not count in the project narrative page limitation. 3.10 Appendix 4: Facilities and Other Resources Facilities to be used for the conduct of the proposed research should be briefly described. Indicate the pertinent capabilities of the institution, 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. This appendix will not count in the project narrative page limitation. 3.11 Appendix 5: Equipment List major items of equipment already available for this project and, if appropriate, identify location and pertinent capabilities. This appendix will not count in the project narrative page limitation. 3.12 Appendix 6: Other Attachments Information not easily accessible to a reviewer may be included in an appendix, but do not use the appendix to circumvent the page limitations of the proposal. Reviewers are not required to consider information in an appendix, and reviewers may not have time to read extensive appendix materials with the same care they would use with the proposal proper. Do not include general letters of endorsement of the project. This appendix will not count in the project narrative page limitation.
4. Detailed Instructions for the Budget 4.1 Salaries and Wages List the names of the principal investigator 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 Proposed 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 $50,000 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. 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, and computer services. 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 Consultant services are not allowed. 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 are generally not allowed. If there is a pressing need for a subcontract, it should be listed so that it 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.
|