SSTI Federal Funding Opportunities Weekly Digest

Federal Funding Opportunities

Department of Defense (DoD)

The Office of Naval Research has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for potential capabilities and technologies in support for the “next generation” of Vertical Takeoff Or Landing or Very Short Takeoff Or Landing heavy lift technology that could support Navy and Marine Corps requirements. The request is primarily on enabling technologies such as aerodynamics, flight structures, materials, propulsion and control. Full prototypes are beyond the scope of this request. Five-page responses to this RFI, due May 5, 2003, will be considered in the planning and definition of future technology development programs and/or solicitations. More information is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/DON/ONR/ONR/03-SS-002/listing.html

The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, San Diego, in support of the United States Transportation Command, is soliciting white papers and proposals for innovative research and development that demonstrate military related Agile Port technologies ( i.e., technologies that enhance the efficiency of DoD troop and supply deployment through ports). Responses are due April 28, 2003. The Broad Agency Announcement (N66001-03-X-6005) and three related documents are available on the SPAWAR website. More information is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/DON/SPAWAR/SPAWARSYSCEN%5FSan%5FDiego/N66001-03-X-6005/listing.html

The U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Battlelab plans to conduct a concept demonstration of a commercial/government off-the-shelf (COTS/GOTS) or emerging technology Material Handling Equipment Laser Alignment System. Through this announcement, the Air Force is soliciting information concerning mature technologies to be used in the demonstration. Currently, there is only limited Battlelab funding identified for this program; however, if research indicates that the technology is available and transferable to the USAF, funding will be sought for prototype demonstration. Responses are due by Apr 15, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/USAF/AMC/305CONS/Reference-Number-MHELAS-040103-1/listing.html

The Air Force Materiel Command seeks proposals for Laser Materials Technology for Countering Optically Guided Missiles. Specifically, the Materials Directorate is looking for research projects aimed at improving non-linear materials and laser materials necessary for the creation of high-energy pulses of high beam quality laser light in the Band IV Infrared Wavelengths. One three-year award is anticipated with an estimated total value of $1.2 million. Responses are due May 19, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/USAF/AFMC/AFRLWRS/PRDA-03-08-MLK/listing.html

The Information Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory seeks white papers for firms interested in conducting applied research and advanced development in Commercial Imagery Archive & Information Dissemination. Interest areas include improved digital geospatial dissemination capabilities, permitting rapid dissemination of large data sets through electronic means; spectral technology, including the integration and fusion of spectral imagery and geospatial data in relationship to intelligence exploitation and support to military operations; and improved speed and accuracy methods for generating and performing digital geographic and geolocation mensuration. White papers will be accepted until September 30, 2009. More information is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/USAF/AFMC/AFRLRRS/Reference-Number-PRDA-03-07-IFKA/listing.html

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative proposals for research on various aspects of distributed, large-area, flexible electronics. Key features of the desired research are that the electronics are integrated, yet distributed over a large area flexible substrate. Proposals are sought in the following areas: 1) materials development and device fabrication for macroelectronics; 2) process integration for cost effective manufacture of macroelectronics; and 3) analysis and demonstration of novel applications of macroelectronics. Responses are due May 19, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/ODA/DARPA/CMO/BAA03-21/SynopsisP.html

Department of Education (ED)

ED invites Phase I Small Business Innovation Researh (SBIR) proposals under FY 2003 competition. Each organization submitting an application must qualify as a small business concern as defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA) at the time of the award. Firms with strong research capabilities in educational and assistive technologies, science, or engineering in any of the priority areas listed in the solicitation are encouraged to participate. Approximately $4.176 million is expected to be available to fund 25 new awards of up to six months’ duration each. The average size of awards may range up to $75,000 for Priority 1 proposals and $60,000 for Priority 2 proposals. Priority 1 supports research to develop methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technology that maximize the full inclusion and integration into society, employment, independent living, family support, and economic and social self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities, especially individuals with the most significant disabilities; or improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. Priority 2 supports research that contributes to the International Education Program. All proposals are due June 3, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/announcements/2003-2/040303c.html

Department of Energy (DOE)

The DOE Idaho Operations Office is seeking applications for advanced melting or innovative casting processes that have the potential to significantly improve energy efficiency in the areas of metal melting and the casting process. Crosscutting ideas from other industries or ideas that have crosscutting applications also are strongly encouraged. Advanced aluminum remelting furnace concepts are also of interest. Approximately $2 million is expected to be available to fund the first year of selected research. DOE anticipates making 1-4 cooperative agreements with a duration of three years or less for these efforts. A minimum 50 percent non-federal cost-share is required. For-profit and nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, Indian Tribes, and institutions of higher education may submit applications, which are due by May 30, 2003. More information on Solicitation DE-PS07-03ID14488 is available at: http://e-center.doe.gov/

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

EPA invites eligible small business concerns to submit Phase I Small Business Innovation Research proposals. Research is sought in three areas: (1) safe buildings and water security; (2) technology solutions for western U.S. environmental problems; and (3) air pollution monitoring. EPA awards firm-fixed-price Phase I contracts of up to $70,000 and the period of performance for these contracts is typically six months. Applications are due by May 23, 2003. More information is available at: http://es.epa.gov/ncer/sbir/

NASA

NASA has announced it will be seeking ground-based proposals for research that will lead to the development of countermeasures against the negative effects of space flight on humans. This particular announcement (NRA-03-OBPR-04) solicits research proposals for independent investigator research projects or proposals for the opportunity to become a member of an integrated countermeasure development team of the National Space Biomedical Research Institute. The opportunity is open to all categories of U.S. organizations, agencies and institutions. Responses are due July 15, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/NASA/HQ/OPHQDC/NRA-03-OBPR-04/listing.html

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

NIH announces the availability of the Extramural Clinical Research Loan Repayment Program for Individuals from Disadvantaged Backgrounds for FY 2003. The program offers the repayment of educational loan debt to qualified health professionals from disadvantaged backgrounds, who have substantial debt relative to income and agree to conduct clinical research. The Director of NIH may enter into contracts with qualified health professionals from disadvantaged backgrounds who agree to engage in clinical research for a minimum of two years in exchange for loan repayments toward their outstanding educational loan debt, up to a maximum of $35,000 per year. Payments equal to 39 percent of total loan repayments are issued to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on behalf of the participants to offset federal tax liabilities incurred due to their participation in the Program. Among other eligibility requirements, applicants must (1) be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents of the U.S.; (2) have a Ph.D., M.D., D.O., D.D.S., D.M.D., D.P.M., Pharm.D., D.C., N.D., or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited institution; (3) come from a disadvantaged background; and (4) have total qualifying educational loan debt equal to or in excess of 20 percent of their annual institutional base salary at the time their loan repayment contract is executed by the secretary or designee. Applications are due by January 31, 2003. More information is available at: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/03-7580.htm

NIH also invites applications for educational loan repayment support under the Pediatric Research Loan Repayment Program from qualified health professionals who agree to conduct pediatric research. The program provides for the repayment of up to $35,000 of the principal and interest of the extant educational loans of such health professionals for each year of obligated service. Payments equal to 39 percent of total loan repayments are issued to the IRS on behalf of program participants to offset federal tax liabilities incurred. The purpose of the program is the recruitment and retention of highly qualified health professionals as pediatric investigators. Through this notice, NIH invites qualified health professionals who contractually agree to engage in pediatric research for at least two years and who agree to engage in such research for at least 50 percent of their time, i.e., not less than 20 hours per week, to apply. Among other eligibility requirements, applicants must (1) be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents of the U.S.; (2) have a Ph.D., M.D., D.O., D.D.S., D.M.D.,
D.P.M., Pharm.D., D.V.M., D.C., N.D., or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited institution; and (3) have total qualifying educational loan debt equal to or in excess of 20 percent of their institutional base salary on the date of program eligibility, expected to be between June 1 and August 1, 2003. More information is available at: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/03-7579.htm

Mulitiple NIH institutes invite applications for center core grants to support Centers for AIDS Research (CFAR) – standard (CFAR) and developmental (D-CFAR) – to promote all AIDS research efforts at CFAR institutions. CFARs foster synergy and improve coordination of research, support emerging research opportunities, and promote economy of scale through resources shared by multiple independent laboratories. Maximum funding for a D-CFAR is limited to requests for 10 percent of the NIH AIDS funded research base (FRB) as reported by the OAR spreadsheet for the NIH fiscal year preceding receipt of the application, up to $750,000 total cost. For institutions with an FRB of $6-$40 million, a CFAR award will be limited to 10 percent of the FRB, up to $1.5 million total cost. For institutions with an FRB of $40-80 million, a CFAR award will be a base of $2.25 million total cost. For institutions with a FRB that is greater than $80 million, a CFAR award will be a base of $3 million total cost. CFARs that successfully recompeted for renewal in 2003 and that have an FRB greater than $40 million or $80 million will be eligible to submit a complete revised proposal and budget request to increase the CFAR base funding to $2.25 million total funds and $3 million total funds, respectively, for years 2 through 5 of the award. No institution will receive more than one CFAR award. Eligible are domestic, for-profit and nonprofit organizations; public and private, such as universities, colleges, hospitals and laboratories; units of state and local governments; and eligible agencies of the federal government. Applications are due June 16, 2003. More information is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-03-089.html

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) invite applications for Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Awards or Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Awards from physicians and basic scientists interested in pursuing research related to HIV infection of the nervous system. The goal is to encourage research and career development for individuals with a strong commitment to a research career in the area of NeuroAIDS, either in one of the basic sciences relevant to NeuroAIDS or in clinically-oriented research. Three to five consecutive 12-month awards will be made. NINDS and NIMH will provide salary support, and fringe benefits are paid out of grant funds in proportion to the salary contribution. In addition to salary support, funds may be requested for each year to support research and/or career development activities, and applicants may request up to 8 percent of direct costs for facilities and administrative costs. Candidates must have earned a doctoral degree (Ph.D., M.D., D.Sc., etc.) by the time the award is made. Eligible are for-profit or nonprofit organizations; public or private institutions, such as universities, colleges, hospitals and laboratories; units of state and local governments; eligible agencies of the federal government; domestic; and faith- or community-based organizations. Applications will be accepted at the standard application deadlines for AIDS-related grant applications, which are available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/dates.htm. More information is available at: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-03-086.html

NINDS also invites applications for postdoctoral National Research Service Award fellowships from physicians and basic scientists interested in pursuing research related to HIV infection of the nervous system. The goal is to encourage research and career development for individuals with a strong commitment to a research career in the area of NeuroAIDS, either in one of the basic sciences relevant to NeuroAIDS or in clinically-oriented research. Before a postdoctoral fellowship award can be activated, the individual must have received a Ph.D., M.D., D.O., D.C., D.D.S., D.V.M., O.D., D.P.M., Sc.D., Eng.D., Dr. P.H., D.N.S., N.D., Pharm.D., D.S.W., Psy.D., or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited domestic or foreign institution. Sponsoring institutions include for-profit or nonprofit organizations; public or private institutions, such as universities, colleges, hospitals and laboratories; units of state and local governments; eligible agencies and labs of the federal government including NIH; intramural labs; or domestic or foreign institutions. NINDS will offset the combined cost of tuition and fees at the following rate: 100 percent of all costs up to $3,000 and 60 percent of costs above $3,000. At the time of publication, fellows receive an institutional allowance of $5,500 per 12-month period to nonfederal, nonprofit or foreign sponsoring institutions to help defray awardee expenses. NIH will provide an institutional allowance of up to $4,400 for fellows sponsored by federal laboratories or for-profit institutions for expenses associated with travel to scientific meetings, health insurance and books. Individuals may receive up to three years of aggregate support. Applications will be accepted at the standard application deadlines for AIDS-related grant applications, which are available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/dates.htm. More information is available at: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-03-087.html

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) invites applications for the Transition Career Development Award to support promising informatics investigators while they are establishing their first independent research programs. The award applies to biomedical informaticians who are pursuing research in basic informatics, clinical informatics or the informatics relevant to biomedical research. The award will provide salary up to $75,000 plus fringe benefits. Up to $50,000 per year will be provided for additional expenses. The total project period for an application may not exceed three years. To be eligible, a candidate must have a doctoral degree (e.g. M.D., Ph.D.) and training in biomedical informatics. A candidate must have completed two years or more of postdoctoral, mentored research or have been in an independent position for less than two years at the time the application is submitted. Only domestic non-federal organizations, public or private, such as medical, dental or nursing schools or other institutions of higher education, may accept an award on behalf of an applicant. Applications will be accepted at the standard application deadlines, which are available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/dates.htm. More information is available at: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-03-090.html

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Copyright State Science & Technology Institute 2003. Information in this issue of SSTI Weekly Digest was prepared under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration. Redistribution to all others interested in tech-based economic development is strongly encouraged — please cite the State Science & Technology Institute whenever portions are reproduced or redirected. Any opinions expressed in the Digest do not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Commerce.