Grants and cooperative agreements; availability, etc.: Precision measurement program, et al.,
[Federal Register: November 19, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 223)]
[Notices]
[Page 64236-64242]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr19no98-36]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Institute of Standards and Technology Docket No. 981103273-8273-01 RIN 0693-ZA24
Precision Measurement Grants et al; Notice of Financial Assistance
AGENCY: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Commerce.
ACTION: Notice.
SUMMARY: The purpose of this notice is to inform potential applicants that the following programs of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) are offering financial assistance as follows: (1) the Precision Measurement Grants Program; (2) the 1999 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) in the areas of Atomic, Molecular and Optical (AMO) and Radiation Physics, in Materials Science and Engineering, and in Manufacturing Engineering; (3) the Materials Science and Engineering Grants Program; and (4) the Fire Research Grants Program.
The Precision Measurement Grants Program is seeking proposals for significant, primarily experimental, research in the field of fundamental measurement or the determination of fundamental constants. Applicants must submit an abbreviated proposal for preliminary screening. Based on the merit of the abbreviated proposal, applicants will be advised whether a full proposal should be submitted. The programs ``SURFing the Physics Laboratory,'' ``SURFing the Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory,'' and ``SURFing the Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory'' will provide an opportunity for the Physics Laboratory (PL), the Materials Science and engineering Laboratory (MSEL), the Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory (MEL), and the National Science Foundation (NSF) to join in a partnership to encourage outstanding undergraduate students to pursue careers in science and engineering. The PL program will function by exposing students to world class atomic, molecular, optical (AMO) and radiation physicists and facilities in the NIST Physics Laboratory, and by strengthening undergraduate AMO physics curricula by forming the basis for ongoing collaborations. The MSEL program will function by providing research opportunities with internationally known NIST scientists in the fields of ceramics, solid state chemistry, metallurgy, polymers, neutron condensed matter science, and materials reliability. The MEL program will function by providing research opportunities with internationally known NIST scientists in the fields of intelligent systems, automated production, precision engineering, and manufacturing systems integration. The NIST Program Directors will work with physics, materials science, manufacturing engineering, intelligent systems, automated production, precision engineering, and other science-related department chairs and directors of multi-disciplinary centers of excellence to identify outstanding undergraduates (including graduation seniors) who would benefit from off-campus summer research in an honors academy environment. The Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory (MSEL) Grants Program, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is continuing its program for grants and cooperative agreements in the following fields of research: Ceramics, Metallurgy, Polymer Sciences, Neutron Scattering Research and Spectroscopy. Each applicant must submit one signed original and two copies of each proposal along with a Grant Application, (Standard Form 424 REV. 7/97 and other required forms), as referenced under the provisions of OMB Circular A- 110 and 15 CFR 24. The Fire Research Grants Program is limited to innovative ideas in the fire research area generated by the proposal writer, who chooses the topic and approach, consistent with the program description/objectives of this notice.
DATES: The Precision Measurement Grants Program abbreviated proposals must be received at the address listed below no later than the close of business February 1, 1999. The semifinalists will be notified of their status by March 22, 1999, and will be requested to submit their full proposals to NIST by close of business on May 7, 1999. Selection of the awards will be made by Friday, August 15, 1999.
The Physics, MSEL and MEL SURF Programs' proposals must be received no later than the close of business February 15, 1999.
The MSEL Grants Program proposals must be received no later than the close of business September 30, 1999.
The Fire Research Grants Program proposals must be received no later than the close of business September 30, 1999.
ADDRESSES AND CONTACT INFORMATION: For the Precision Measurement Grants Program, applicants are requested to submit any technical questions and an abbreviated proposal (original and two (2) signed copies), with a description of their proposed work of no more than five (5) double spaced pages to: Dr. Barry N. Taylor, Chairman, NIST Precision Measurement Grants Committee, Bldg. 225, Rm. B161, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-0001, Tel: (301) 975-4220 E-mail: barry.taylor@nist.gov, Website: http:// physics.nist.gov/ResOpp/grants/grants.html
For the remainder of the Grants Programs, applicant institutions must submit one signed original and two (2) copies of the proposal to: For the Physics, MSEL and MEL SURF Programs: Attn.: Ms. Anita Sweigert, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Building 221, Room B- 160, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-0001, Tel: (301) 975-4200, E-mail: anita.sweigert@nist.gov
Websites for each program are as follows: Physics SURF Program, http://physics.nist.gov/ResOpp/surf/surf.html;MSEL SURF Program, http:/ /www.msel.nist.gov/surf/surf.html; and MEL SURF Program, http:// www.mel.nist.gov/opps/surf.htm
Technical questions for the Physics, MSEL and MEL SURF Programs should be directed to the following contact persons: for the Physics Surf Program, Dr. Marc Desrosiers, Tel: (301) 975-5639, E-mail: marc.desrosiers@nist.gov; for the MSEL SURF Program, Dr. Terrell
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Vanderah, Tel: (301) 975-5785, E-mail: terrell.vanderah@nist.gov; and for the MEL SURF Program, Ms. Lisa Jean Fronczek, Tel: (301) 975- 6633, E-mail: 1fronczek@nist.gov.
For the MSEL Grants Program, each application package should be clearly marked to identify the field of research and should be submitted to: Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory, Attn.: Ms. Patty Salpino, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Building 223, Room A305, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899-0001, Tel: (301) 975-5731, E-mail: patty.salpino@nist.gov
For the Fire Research Grants Program: Building and Fire Research Laboratory (BFRL), Attn: Ms. Sonya Parkham, Building 226, Room B206, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899-0001, Tel: (301) 975-6854, E-mail: sonya.parkham@nist.gov
With the Exception of the MSEL Grants Program, all administrative questions concerning these programs may be directed to the NIST Grants Office at (301) 975-6329. Administrative questions regarding the MSEL Grants Program should be directed to Ms. Marlene Taylor at (301) 975- 5653.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Name and Number: Measurement and Engineering Research and Standards--11.609.
Authority: The authority for the Precision Measurement Grants Program is as follows: As authorized by Section 2 of the Act of March 3, 1901, as amended (15 U.S.C. 272 (b)(2) and (c)(3)), NIST conducts directly, supports through grants and cooperative agreements, a basic and applied research program in the general area of fundamental measurement and the determination of fundamental constants of nature. The authority for the Physics, MSEL and MEL SURF Programs is as follows: The Act of March 3, 1901, as amended (15 U.S.C. 278g-1) authorizes the National Institute of Standards and Technology to expend up to 1 per centum of the funds appropriated for activities of NIST in any fiscal year, as the Director deems appropriate, for financial assistance awards in the form of cooperative agreements to students at institutions of higher learning within the United States. These students must show promise as present or future contributors to the missions of NIST. Cooperative agreements are awarded to assure continued growth and progress of science and engineering in the United States, including the encouragement of women and minority students to continue their professional development. The authority for the MSEL Grants Program is as follows: As authorized under 15 U.S.C. 272 (b)(6) and (c)(16), the MSEL conducts a basic and applied research program directly and through grants and cooperative agreements to eligible recipients. The authority for the Fire Research Grants Program is as follows: As authorized by Section 16 of the Act of March 3, 1901, as amended (15 U.S.C. 278f), the NIST Building and Fire Research Laboratory conducts directly and through grants and cooperative agreements, a basic and applied fire research program.
Program Description/Objectives
The program description/objectives for the Precision Measurement Grants Program are as follows: NIST sponsors these grants to encourage basic, measurement-related research in U.S. universities and colleges and to foster contacts between NIST scientists and those faculty members of U.S. academic institutions who are actively engaged in such work. The Precision Measurement Grants are also intended to make it possible for such faculty members to pursue new, fundamental measurement ideas for which other sources of support may be difficult to find. There is some latitude in research topics that will be considered under the Precision Measurement Grants Program. The key requirement is that the proposed project support NIST's ongoing work in the field of basic measurement science, which includes:
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Experimental and theoretical studies of fundamental physical phenomena which test the basic laws of physics or which may lead to new or improved fundamental measurement methods and standards.
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The determination of important fundamental physical constants.
In general, proposals for experimental research will be given preference over proposals for theoretical research because of the greater expense of experimental work. Proposals from workers at the assistant and associate professor level who have some record of accomplishment are especially encouraged in view of the comparative difficulty aspiring researchers have in obtaining funds.
Typical projects which have been funded through NIST Precision Measurement Grants Program include:
(1) Eotvos experiment-cryogenic version, D.F. Bartlett, University of Colorado.
(2) A test of local Lorentz invariance using polarized \21\Ne nuclei, T.E. Chupp, Harvard University.
(3) A new method to search for an electric dipole moment of the electron, L.R. Hunter, Amherst College.
(4) High-precision timing of millisecond pulsars, D.R. Stinebring, Princeton, University.
(5) Development of an atom interferometer gyroscope for tests of general relativity, M. Kasevich, Stanford Univerisity.
(6) Spectroscopy of francium: towards a precise parity nonconservation measurement in a laser trap, Luis A. Orozco, State University of New York at Stony Brook.
(7) Measurement of the magnetically-introduced QED birefringence of the vacuum, Siu Au Lee, Colorado State University.
(8) Measurement of Newton's constant G using a new method, J.H. Gundlach, Unversity of Washington.
The progranm description/objectives for the Physics, MSEL and MEL SURF Programs are as follows: To build a mutually beneficial relationship between the student, the institution of higher learning and NIST. This is the sixth year of the Physics SURF Program which is partially funded by the NSF Physics Division as a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) site. This is the second year of a proposed three year MSEL SURF Program and the first year of proposed five year MEL SURF Program funded by the NSF Materials Science Division as a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) site. Between ten and twenty percent of the associated student stipends, travel and housing has been provided in cost sharing by the participating institutions in previous years.
NIST is one of the nation's premier research institutions for the physical sciences and, as the lead Federal agency for technology transfer, is providing a strong interface between government, industry and academia. On-site researchers at NIST come from a broad range of institutions. Owing to its unique mission to support the U.S. economy by working with industry, NIST embodies a special science culture, developed from a large and well-equipped research staff that enthusiastically blends programs that address the immediate needs of industry with longer-term research that anticipates future needs. This occurs in few other places that enables the Physics Laboratory, the Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory and the Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory to offer unique research and training opportunities for undergraduates, providing them a research-rich environment and exposure to state of the art equipment, to scientists at work, and to professional contacts that represent future employment possibilities.
Attending to the long term needs of many U.S. high-technology industries, NIST's Physics Laboratory conducts basic research in the areas of quantum, electron, optical, atomic, molecular, and radiation physics. NIST's Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory conducts basic research in the
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electronic, magnetic, optical, superconducting, mechanical, thermal, chemical, and structural properties of metals, ceramics, polymers, and composits. Much of this applied research is devoted to overcoming barriers to the next technological revolution, in which individual atoms and molecules will serve as the fundamental building blocks of devices. NIST's Manufacturing Engineering laboratory conducts theoretical and experimental research in length, mass, force, vibration, acoustics, and ultrasonics, as well as intelligent machines, precision control of machine tools, information technology for the integration of all elements of a product's life cycle. Much of this applied research is devoted to overcoming barriers to the next technological revolution, in which manufacturing facilities are spread across the globe.
To achieve these goals, PL staff develop and utilize highly specialized equipment, such as polarized electron microscopes, scanning tunneling microscopes, lasers, and x-rays and synchrotron radiation sources. Research projects can be theoretical or experimental and will range in focus from computer modeling of fundamental processes through trapping atoms and choreographing molecular collisions, to standardization for radiation therapy.
Preparation of unique materials by atomic level tailoring of multi- layers, perfect single crystals, and nanocomposites are just some of the future technologies being developed and explored in NIST's MSEL. To achieve these goals, staff develop and utilize highly specialized equipment, such as high resolution electron microscopes, atomic force microscopes, a nuclear reactor, x-ray diffraction sources, lasers, magnetometers, plasma furnaces, melt spinners, molecular beam epitaxy systems, and power atomization chambers. Research projects can be theoretical or experimental and will range in focus from the structural, chemical, and morphological characterization of advanced materials made in the NIST laboratories to the accurate measurement of the unique properties possessed by these special materials.
MEL's research and development leads to standards, test methods and data that are crucial to industry's success in exploiting advanced manufacturing technology. Critical components of manufacturing at any level are measurement and measurement-related standards, not just of products, but increasingly of information about products and processes. Thus, MEL programs enhance both physical and information-based measurements and standards. Research projects can be theoretical or experimental, and will range in focus from intelligent machine control, characterizing a manufacturing process or improving product data exchange, to the accurate measurement of an artifact's dimensions.
SURF students will work one-on-one with our nation's top physical scientists both from NIST and from some of our nation's leading, high tech industries. It is anticipated that successful SURF students will move from a position of reliance on guidance from their research advisors to one of research independence during the twelve-week period. One goal of this partnership is to provide opportunities for our nation's next generation of scientists and engineers to engage in world-class scientific research at NIST, especially in ground-breaking areas of emerging technologies. This carries with it the hope of motivating these individuals to pursue a Ph.D. in physics, materials science, engineering, mathematics, physics, or computer science, and to consider research careers. SURFing the Physics Laboratory, SURFing the Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory and SURFing the Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory will help to forge partnerships with NSF and with post-secondary institutions that demonstrate strong, hands-on undergraduate science curricula, especially those with a demonstrated commitment to the education of women, minorities, and students with disabilities. These programs will be open to all U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents interested in AMO or radiation physics, materials science or manufacturing research.
The program description/objectives for the MSEL Grants Program are as follows: All proposals submitted must be in accordance with the program objectives listed below. The appropriate Program Manager for each field of research may be contacted for clarification of the program objectives.
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Ceramics Division, 852--The primary objective is to supplement division activities in the area of ceramic processing, tribology, composites, machining, interfacial chemistry, and microstructural analysis. The contact person for this division is: Dr. Ronald Munro and he may be reached at (301) 975-6127.
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Polymers Division, 854--The primary objective is to support division programs in polymer blends, composites, electrical applications, as well as, dental and medical polymeric materials through participation in research on metrology, synthesis, processing and characterization of structure, mechanical, thermal and electrical properties. The contact person for this division is: Dr. Donald L. Hunston, and he may be reached at (301) 975-6837.
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Metallurgy Division, 855--The primary objective is to develop techniques to predict, measure and control transformations, phases, microstructure and kinetic processes as well as mechanical, physical and chemical properties in metals and their alloys. The contact person for this division is: Dr. Robert J. Schaefer and he may be reached at (301) 975-5961.
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Metallurgy Division, 855--The primary objective is to develop new and improved sensors, measurement techniques, and analytical models for metallurgical structures and processes in order to facilitate the development and adoption of intelligent processing systems for materials. The contact person for this division is: Dr. Robert J. Schaefer and he may be reached at (301) 975-5961.
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NIST Center for Neutron Research, 856--The primary objective is to develop high resolution cold and thermal neutron scattering research approaches and related physics, chemistry, macromolecular and materials applications. The contact person for this division is: Dr. John J. Rush and he may be reached at (301) 975-6231.
The program description/objectives for the Fire Research Grants Program are as follows:
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Fire Modeling and Applications: To perform research, develop and demonstrate the application of analytical models for the quantitative prediction of the consequences of fires and the means to assess the accuracy of those models. This includes: developing methods to assess fire hazard and risk; creating advanced, usable modelling for the calculation of the effluent from building fires; modelling the ignition and burning of furniture, contents, and building elements such as walls; developing methods of evaluating and predicting the performance of building safety design features; developing a protocol for determining the accuracy of algorithms and comprehensive models; developing data bases to facilitate use of fire models; and developing methodologies to acquire, model, and display fire information.
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Large Fire Research: To perform research and develop techniques to measure, predict the behavior and mitigate large fire events. This includes: understanding the mechanisms of large
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fires that control gas phase combustion, burning rate, thermal and chemical emissions, and transport processes; developing field measurement techniques to assess the near- and far-field impact of large fires and their plumes; performing research on the use of combustion for environmental cleanup; predicting the performance and environmental impact of fire protection measures and fire fighting systems and techniques; and developing and operating the Fire Research Program large-scale experimental facility.
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Advance Fire Measurements: To produce the scientific basis and robust measurement methods for characterizing fires and their effluents at full- and reduced-scales. This includes discrete point, volume- integrated, and time- and space-resolved measurements for such properties as temperature, smoke density, chemical species, and flow velocity. Laboratory and computational research are also performed to understand the underpinning fire phenomena to ensure the soundness of the developed measurement techniques.
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Materials Fire Research: To perform research enabling the confident development by industry of new, less-flammable materials and products. This capability is based on understanding fundamentally the mechanisms that control the ignition, flame spread and burning rate of materials, as well as and the chemical and physical characteristics that affect these aspects of flammability. This includes: developing methods of measuring the response of a material to fire conditions that enable assured prediction of the full-scale performance of the final product; developing computational molecular dynamics and other mechanistic approaches to understand flame retardant mechanisms and the effects of polymer chemical structure on flammability; characterizing the burning rates of charring and non-charring polymers and composites; and delineating and modeling the enthalpy and mass transfer mechanisms of materials combustion.
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Fire Sensing and Extinguishment: To develop understanding, metrology and predictive methods to enable high-performance fire sensing and extinguishment systems; and devising new approaches to minimize the impact of unwanted fires and the suppression process. This includes: performing research for the identification and in-situ measurement of the symptoms of pending and nascent fires and the consequences of suppression; devising or adapting monitors for these variables and the intelligence for timely interpretation of the data; developing methods to characterize the performance of new approaches to fire detection and suppression; determining mechanisms for deflagration and detonation suppression by advanced agents and principles for their optimal use; and modeling the extinguishment process.
Eligibility
For the Precision Measurement Grants Program, colleges and universities in the United States. As part of this research program since 1970, NIST has awarded Precision Measurement Grants to faculty members of U.S. universities and colleges for significant, primarily experimental research in the field of fundamental measurement or the determination of fundamental constants. For the Physics, MSEL and MEL SURF Programs, colleges and universities in the United States with degree granting programs in materials science, chemistry, engineering, computer science, mathematics, or physics. Participating students must be U.S. citizens or permanent U.S. residents. For the MSEL Grants Program, this program will be open to all U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents. For the Fire Research Grants Program, academic institutions, non-Federal agencies, independent and industrial laboratories, and research organizations.
Funding Availability
For all Grants programs listed below, awards are contingent on the availability of funds. For the Precision Measurement Grants Program, the annual budget is approximately $300,000. The annual awards must have scopes of work that are clearly severable into annual increments of meaningful work which represent solid accomplishments if continuing (i.e., multi-year) funding is not made available to the applicant. Because of commitments for supporting multi-year programs, only a portion of the budget is available to initiate new programs or renew existing ones in any one year.
For the Physics SURF Program, the NIST Physics Laboratory will commit approximately $50,000 to support cooperative agreements under this program. The NIST Physics Laboratory's REU Program is anticipating renewal of funding by the NSF at the level of $70,000 per year. The anticipated direct costs for stipends, travel, housing, and conference attendance for twenty-five students is about $150,000. The actual number of awards made under this announcement will depend on the level of cost sharing by our academic partners.
For the MSEL SURF Program, the NIST Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory anticipates receiving funding as a NSF REU Program at the level of $50,000 per year. For the MEL SURF Program, the NIST Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory anticipates receiving funding as a NSF REU Program at the level of $52,000 per year. It is anticipated that the funding for both of these programs would provide for the costs of stipends, travel and housing, and the conference attendance of eight students for each program. The actual number of awards made under this announcement will depend on the level of cost sharing by our academic partners.
For the MSEL Grants Program, proposals will be considered for research projects from one to three years. When a proposal for a multi- year award is approved, funding will initially be provided for only the first year of the program. If an application is selected for funding, NIST has no obligation to provide any additional funding in connection with that award. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the total discretion of NIST. Funding for each subsequent year of a multi-year proposal will be contingent upon satisfactory progress, in relation to the mission of the MSEL program, and the availability of funds. The annual awards must have scopes of work that are clearly severable and can be easily separated into annual increments of meaningful work, which represent solid accomplishments if prospective funding is not made available to the applicant, (i.e., the scopes of work for each funding period must produce identifiable and meaningful results in and of themselves).
For the Fire Research Grants Program, the annual budget is $1.36 million. Because of commitments for the support of multi-year programs, only a portion of the budget is available to initiate new programs in any one year. Most grants and cooperative agreements are in the $10,000 to $100,000 per year range.
For all of the above programs, the issuance of awards is contingent upon the availability of funding.
Proposal Review Process and Evaluation Criteria
For the Precision Measurement Grants Program, to simplify the proposal writing and evaluation process, the following selection procedure will be used:
The abbreviated proposals will be reviewed on the basis of the evaluation criteria below. The NIST Precision
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Measurement Grants Committee and the Outside Review Committee will then select approximately four to eight semifinalists and request that these candidates submit full proposals. The same committees will evaluate the detailed proposals based on the evaluation criteria, and the two grantees with the highest scores for fiscal year 2000 will be selected.
The evaluation criteria to be used in evaluating the preapplication proposals and full proposals include:
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The importance of the proposed research--does it have the potential of answering some currently pressing question or of opening up a whole new area of activity?
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The relationship of the proposed research to NIST's ongoing work--will it support one of NIST's current efforts to develop a new or improved fundamental measurement method or physical standard, or to better understand an important, but already existing, measurement method or physical standard?
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The feasibility of the research--is it likely that significant progress can be made in a three year time period with the funds and personnel available?
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The past accomplishments of the applicant--is the quality of the research previously carried out by the prospective grantee such that there is a high probability that the proposed research will be successfully carried out?
Each of these factors is given equal weight in the selection process.
For the Physics, MSEL and MEL SURF Programs, all proposals will be reviewed and ranked by a panel of three NIST scientists appointed by the Program Directors on the basis of the evaluation criteria. Proposals should include the following:
(A) Student Information:
(1) Official transcript for each student nominated with a recommended G.P.A. of 3.0 or better, out of a possible 4.0;
(2) A personal statement from each student and statement of commitment to participate in the 1998 SURF program, including a description of the student's prioritized research interests;
(3) A resume for each student; and
(4) Two letters of recommendation for each student.
(B) Information About the Applicant Institution:
(1) Description of the institution's education and research philosophy, faculty interests, on-campus research program(s) and opportunities, and overlapping research interests of NIST and the institution; and
(2) A statement addressing issues of academic credit and cost sharing.
For the Physics, MSEL and MEL SURF Programs, the evaluation criteria includes the following:
Evaluation of Student's Academic Ability and Commitment to Program Goals (70%): Includes, but is not limited to, evaluation of the following: completed course work; expressed research interest; prior research experience; grade point average in courses relevant to program; career plans; honors and activities.
Evaluation of Applicant Institution's Commitment to Program Goals (30%): Includes, but is not limited to, evaluation of the following: institution's focus on AMO physics, materials science, manufacturing research and all of its components, including but not limited to engineering, computer science, physics, and mathematics; overlap between research interests of the institution and NIST; emphasis on undergraduate hands-on research; undergraduate participation in research conferences/programs; on-campus research facilities; past participation by students/institution in such programs; and commitment to educate women, minorities, and persons with disabilities. In the spirit of a true partnership, successful applicant institutions will be encouraged to contribute some partial support to the program. A suggested level of participation would be to directly cover student travel (one round trip by common carrier) or housing costs (approximately $1500); stated intent to support the participating students at a research conference, and/or awarding of academic credit for the student research.
Award decisions shall be based upon total evaluation score.
For the MSEL Grants Program, proposals will be reviewed in a two- step process. First, a panel of at least three individuals knowledgeable about the particular scientific area described in the section above that the proposal addresses will conduct a technical review of proposals based on the evaluation criteria. Second, the chief of each division will make final award selections. In making final award selections, the chief of each division will take into account the score received by the applicant and the compatibility of the applicant's proposal with the program objectives of the particular division that the proposal addresses. These objectives are described above in the ``Program Objectives'' section. If an award is made to an applicant that does not receive the highest score in its category by technical reviewers, the Division Chief shall justify the selection in writing. Award decisions shall be based upon the total evaluation score.
For the MSEL Grants Program, the evaluation criteria the technical reviewers will use in evaluating the proposals includes the following:
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Rationality. Reviewers will consider the coherence of the applicant's approach and the extent to which the proposal effectively addresses scientific and technical issues.
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Qualifications of Technical Personnel. Reviewers will consider the professional accomplishments, skills, and training of the proposed personnel to perform the work in the project.
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Resources Availability. Reviewers will consider the extent to which the proposer has access to necessary facilities and other support to accomplish project objectives.
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Technical Merit of Contribution. Reviewers will consider the potential technical effectiveness of the proposal and the value it would contribute to the field of materials science and engineering.
Each of these factors will be given equal weight in the evaluation process.
For the Fire Research Grants Program, all proposals are assigned to the appropriate group leader of the five programs listed above in the program description/objectives. Proposals are evaluated for technical merit based on the evaluation criteria by at least three reviewers chosen from NIST professionals, technical experts from other interested government agencies and experts from the fire research community at large. Both the technical value of the proposal and the relationship of the work proposed to the needs of the specific program are taken into consideration in the group leader's recommendation to the Division Chief. The Division Chief will make the final selections. If an award is made to an applicant that does not receive the highest score in its category by technical reviewers, the Division Chief shall justify the selection in writing. Applicants should allow up to 90 days processing time.
For the Fire Research Grants Program, the evaluation criteria includes the following:
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Technical quality of the research: 0-35 points.
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Potential impact of the results: 0-25 points.
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Staff and institution capability to do the work: 0-20 points.
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Match of budget to proposed work: 0-20 points.
Award Period
For the Precision Measurement Grants Program, NIST is now accepting applications for two new grants in the amount of $50,000 per year to be
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awarded for the period October 1, 1999, through September 30, 2000 (fiscal year 2000). Each grant may be renewed for up to two additional years; however, future or continued funding will be at the discretion of NIST based on such factors as satisfactory performance and the availability of funds.
For the Physics, MSEL and MEL SURF Programs, these programs are anticipated to run between May 25 through August 13, 1999; adjustments may be made to accommodate specific academic schedules (e.g., a limited number of 10-week cooperative agreements).
For the MSEL Grants Program, proposals will be considered for research projects from one to three years. When a proposal for a multi- year award is approved, funding will initially be provided for only the first year of the program. If an application is selected for funding, NIST has no obligation to provide any additional funding in connection with that award. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the total discretion of NIST. Funding for each subsequent year of a multi-year proposal will be contingent upon satisfactory progress, in relation to the mission of the MSEL program, and the availability of funds.
For the Fire Research Grants Program, proposals will be considered for research projects from one to three years. When a proposal for a multi-year is approved, funding will initially be provided for only the first year of the program. If an application is selected for funding, DoC has no obligation to provide any additional future funding in connection with that award. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the total discretion of DoC. Funding for each subsequent year of a multi-year proposal will be contingent on satisfatory progress, fit to the NIST Fire Research Program and the availability of funds.
Matching Requirements
Each of the above grants programs does not involve the payment of any matching funds, with the exception of the Physics, MSEL and MEL SURF Programs which use cost-sharing as an evaluation criterion.
Application Kit
An application kit, containing all required application forms and certifications is available by contacting: for the Precision Measurement Grants Program, Ms. Michelle Hane, (301) 975-4397; for the Physics, MSEL and MEL SURF Programs, Ms. Anita Sweigert, (301) 975- 4200, websites for each program's application kit are as follows: for the Physics SURF Program, http://physics.nist.gov/ResOpp/surf/ surf.html; for the MSEL SURF Program, http://www.msel.nist.gov/surf/ surf.html; and for the MEL SURF Program, http://www.mel.nist.gov/opps/ surf.htm; for the MSEL Grants Program, Ms. Patty Salphino, (301) 975- 5731; and for the Fire Research Grants Program, Ms. Sonya Parham, (301) 975-6854. The application kit includes the following:
SF 424 (Rev 7/97)--Application for Federal Assistance SF 424A (Rev 7/97)--Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs SF 424B (Rev 7/97)--Assurances--Non-Construction Programs CD 511 (7/91)--Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters; Drug-Free Workplace Requirements and Lobbying CD 512 (7/91)--Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion--Lower Tier Covered Transactions and Lobbying SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities
Paperwork Reduction Act
The Standard Form 424 and other Standard Forms in the application kit are subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act and have been approved by OMB under Control No. 0348-0043, 0348-0044, 0348- 0040, and 0348-0046.
Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection, subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act, unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number.
Additional Requirements
Primary Application Certification
All primary applicant institutions must submit a completed form CD- 511, ``Certifications Regarding Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters; Drug-Free Workplace Requirements and Lobbying,'' and the following explanations must be provided:
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Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension. Prospective participants (as defined at 15 CFR Part 26, Section 105) are subject to 15 CFR Part 26, ``Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension'' and the related section of the certification form prescribed above applies;
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Drug-Free Workplace. Grantees (as defined at 15 CFR Part 26, Section 605) are subject to 15 CFR Part 26, Subpart F, ``Government wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants)'' and the related section of the certification form prescribed above applies;
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Anti-Lobbying. Persons (as defined at 15 CFR Part 28, Section 105) are subject to the lobbying provisions of 31 U.S.C. 1352, ``Limitation on use of appropriated funds to influence certain Federal contracting and financial transactions,'' and the lobbying section of the certification form prescribed above applies to applications/bids for grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts for more than $100,000, and loans and loan guarantees for more than $150,000, or the single family maximum mortgage limit for affected programs, whichever is greater.
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Anti-Lobbying Disclosure. Any applicant institution that has paid or will pay for lobbying using any funds must submit an SF-LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,'' as required under 15 CFR Part 28, Appendix B.
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Lower-Tier Certifications. Recipients shall require applicant/ bidder institutions for subgrants, contracts, subcontracts, or other lower tier covered transactions at any tier under the award to submit, if applicable, a completed Form CD-512, ``Certifications Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion--Lower Tier Covered Transactions and Lobbying'' and disclosure form, SF-LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities.'' Form CD-512 is intended for the use of recipients and should not be transmitted to NIST. SF-LLL submitted by any tier recipient or subrecipient should be submitted to NIST in accordance with the instructions contained in the award document.
Name Check Reviews
All for-profit and non-profit applicants will be subject to a name check review process. Name checks are intended to reveal if any individuals associated with the applicant have been convicted of or are presently facing, criminal charges such as fraud, theft, perjury, or other matters which significantly reflect on the applicant's management honesty or financial integrity.
Preaward Activities
Applicants (or their institutions) who incur any costs prior to an award being made do so solely at their own risk of not being reimbursed by the Government. Notwithstanding any verbal assurance that may have been provided, there is no obligation on the part of NIST to cover pre- award costs.
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No Obligation for Future Funding
If an application is accepted for funding, DOC has no obligation to provide any additional future funding in connection with that award. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the total discretion of NIST.
Past Performance
Unsatisfactory performance under prior Federal awards may result in an application not being considered for funding.
False Statements
A false statement on an application is grounds for denial or termination of funds, and grounds for possible punishment by a fine or imprisonment as provided in 18 U.S.C. 1001.
Delinquent Federal Debts
No award of Federal funds shall be made to an applicant who has an outstanding delinquent Federal debt until either:
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The delinquent account is paid in full,
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A negotiated repayment schedule is established and at least one payment is received, or
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Other arrangements satisfactory to DoC are made.
Indirect Costs
For the Physics, MSEL and MEL SURF Programs, no Federal funds will be authorized for Indirect Costs (IDC); however, an applicant may provide for IDC under his/her portion of Cost Sharing.
For each of the above grant programs, the total dollar amount of the indirect costs proposed in an application under this program must not exceed the indirect cost rate negotiated and approved by a cognizant Federal agent prior to the proposed effective date of the award or 100 percent of the total proposed direct costs dollar amount in the application, whichever is less.
Purchase of American-Made Equipment and Products
Applicants are hereby notified that they are encouraged, to the greatest practicable extent, to purchase American-made equipment and products with funding provided under this program.
Federal Policies and Procedures
Recipients and subrecipients under each of the above grant programs shall be subject to all Federal laws and Federal and Departmental regulations, policies, and procedures applicable to financial assistance awards. Each of the above grant programs does not directly affect any state or local government.
Applications under these programs are not subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.''
Executive Order Statement
This funding notice was determined to be ``not significant'' for the purposes of Executive Order 12866.
Dated: November 16, 1998. Robert E. Hebner, Acting Deputy Director.
[FR Doc. 98-30981Filed11-18-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-13-M
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