Federal Funding Opportunities

* Department of Defense

* Department of Energy

* Department of Housing and Urban Development

* Department of Transportation

* National Aeronautics and Space Administration

* National Institutes of Health

* National Science Foundation

Department of Defense

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Advanced Technology Office (ATO), as part of the Odortype Detection Program, invites proposals to (1) determine whether genetically-determined odortypes can be used to identify specific individuals, and if so (2) to develop the science and enabling technology for detecting and identifying specific individuals by such odortypes. Total program funding for this effort will not exceed $3.2 million in FY 2003. Multiple awards are anticipated. Proposals are due by January 29, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/USA/USAMC/DAAD19/DAAD19-03-R-0004/listing.html

The Air Expeditionary Forces Technology Division of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) invites proposals for advanced technologies that develop chemical reactor systems. These reactor systems are intended to (1) produce, or deliver, directed-energy weapon chemicals in combat quantities, under deployed force conditions, (2) convert waste chemicals and materials from combat weapon-system maintenance and sustainment operations to energy or benign compounds, or (3) efficiently produce thermal, mechanical or electrical energy on demand using high-energy chemistry and reactor systems compatible with force deployment constraints. Full and open competition is encouraged. White papers are requested for submission prior to receipt of proposals, which may be submitted until September 30, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/USAF/AETC/TynAFBCS/BAA-TYN-03-002/listing.html

The AFRL Human Effectiveness Directorate solicits research proposals for the Human Performance in Modeling and Simulation program. The purpose of the program is to generally improve the operational realism of the synthetic battlespace and to reduce the cost of conducting such simulations. The primary emphasis of the research is to achieve better representation of human behaviors in synthetic battlespace simulations. Approximately $3.1 million is expected to be available in FY 2003 to fund multiple awards ranging from $200,000 to $1.2 million. The maximum period of performance for all awards will be 12 months. This is an unrestricted solicitation. Proposals are due February 5, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/USAF/AFMC/AFRLWRS/PRDA-03-01-HE/listing.html

The AFRL Materials Manufacturing Technology Division solicits research proposals for the Microstructural Characterization of Materials program. The purpose of this program is to advance state-of-the-art materials characterization by developing new and improved characterization techniques, methods and equipment. Approximately $900,000 is expected to be available in FY 2003 to fund the first year of a single award. The duration of this effort is expected to be 54 months. Small businesses and other qualified offerors are encouraged to propose on all or any part of this solicitation. Proposals are due January 29, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/USAF/AFMC/AFRLWRS/PRDA-03-01-MLK/listing.html

The AFRL Sensors Directorate, Wright Research Site solicits research proposals for the Electro-Optical Warfare Technical Analysis Effort. This contract requires technical and engineering effort for the operation of the Dynamic Infrared Missile Evaluator (DIME) and Laser Infrared Development Range facilities, and research and development of infrared countermeasure techniques. The facilities are part of the DIME Laboratory within Building 620 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Approximately $2.175 million is expected to be available in FY 2003 to fund the first year of a single award. The duration of this effort is expected to be 66 months. This is an unrestricted solicitation. Small businesses are encouraged to propose on all or any part of this solicitation. Proposals are due January 21, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/USAF/AFMC/AFRLWRS/PRDA-03-01-SNK/listing.html

Department of Energy (DOE)

The DOE Idaho Operations Office is seeking applications for cost-shared research and development of materials or materials processing methods, in accordance with the Industrial Materials for the Future (IMF) program. This will be a national effort to research, design, develop, engineer and test new and improved materials to achieve improvements in energy efficiency, emissions and waste reduction, productivity, product quality and global competitiveness. DOE anticipates awarding between one and six cooperative agreements, with maximum estimated DOE funding of $3 million total funds in the first year. Approximately $9 million is expected to be available to fund selected research projects over a three-year period. Advanced research for early-stage technologies will require a minimum 30 percent cost-share. Funding for validation or demonstration of latter-stage technologies will require a minimum 50 percent cost-share. Eligible are for-profit and nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, Indian Tribes, and institutions of higher education. Applications are due by February 27, 2003. More information on this solicitation (DE-PS07-03ID14425) is available at: http://e-center.doe.gov/

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

The HUD Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R) is interested in receiving ideas for cooperative agreements for research and activities in support of the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH) program. PATH is working to foster the development and use of advanced housing technologies, through partnerships between U.S. businesses and the federal government. The program encourages developing and adopting innovative housing components and systems, designs, and production methods, as well as reducing the amount of time needed to move technologies to the marketplace. Since the program’s beginning, an average of six cooperative agreements have been made annually with most awards in the $100,000 to $300,000 range. A 25 percent cost-share applies. PATH cooperative efforts are open for participation by all housing industry or industry-related organizations, or teams of organizations. PD&R encourages small businesses, minority owned firms, HUB-Zone firms, and other similar organizations to participate. Brief summary proposal letters are requested. More information is available at: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2002/02-31365.htm

Department of Transportation (DOT)

The Volpe National Transportation System Center, in a pre-solicitation notice, announces it will begin accepting Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) proposals on or about February 14, 2003. The purpose of this notice is to invite small businesses with their valuable resources and creative capabilities to submit innovative research proposals that address high priority requirements of DOT. Eligible small business concerns may apply. Proposals will be due May 1, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/DOT/RSPA/VNTSC/DTRS57-03-R-SBIR/listing.html

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

NASA’s Langley Research Center plans to issue a NASA Research Announcement (NRA) on or about January 31, 2003 for Advanced Aerodynamic and Structures Technologies for Subsonic Transport Vehicles under the 21st Century Aircraft Technology Program (TCAT). Specifically, the NRA targets proposals for the research, development, and demonstration in two topic areas: (1) aerodynamic technologies and (2) structures technologies. Each topic area will attempt to improve the performance and efficiency (i.e. reduce the aerodynamic drag or structural weight of future subsonic transport vehicles). The planned duration of Phase I activities is six months. Up to 10 awards of approximately $100,000 each may be made in FY 2003. All qualified responsible sources may submit an offer. Proposals will be due April 4, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/NASA/LaRC/OPDC20220/NRA-03-LARC-02/listing.html

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) invites applications for high-impact pilot studies in basic cancer biology. Appropriate projects would be those that could (a) lead to a breakthrough in understanding the cancer process, (b) significantly challenge accepted paradigms on cancer mechanisms, or (c) reveal novel targets for therapeutic exploration. An applicant may request up to $100,000 direct costs per year for two years. Applications will be accepted from newly independent or established investigators; however, these grants are not intended to support or supplement ongoing funded research. 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; and domestic or foreign institutions. Applications are due February 1, 2003. More information is available at: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-03-041.html

The National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) invites applications for the Shared Instrumentation Grant (SIG) Program, which provides a cost-effective mechanism for groups of NIH-supported investigators to obtain commercially available, technologically sophisticated equipment. The objective of the program is to make available to institutions expensive research instruments that can only be justified on a shared-use basis and for which meritorious research projects are described. NCRR intends to commit approximately $50 million in FY 2004 to fund about 150 new grants. Applications are limited to instruments that cost at least $100,000 per instrument or integrated instrument system. The maximum award is $500,000. For purpose of eligibility, a major user group of three or more investigators must be identified. A minimum of three major users must be principal investigators on NIH peer reviewed research grants at the time of the application and award. Eligible are nonprofit organizations; public or private institutions, such as universities, colleges and hospitals; and domestic institutions. Applications are due March 21, 2003. More information is available at: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-RR-03-002.html

NCRR is authorized by law "to expand, remodel, renovate or alter existing research or animal facilities or construct new research or animal facilities" that will be used for basic and clinical biomedical and behavioral research and research training. The maximum award amount will be $4 million for all applicants. Matching funds at a ratio of 1 to 1 will be required for the specific project awarded. National Primate Research Centers will be required to provide matching funds at a 1 to 4 ratio, if awarded. The total project period for any single award may not exceed five years, and the initial budget period is usually two years in length, although extensions may be requested. No facilities and administrative costs or continuation costs will be awarded. Eligible are nonprofit organizations; public or private institutions, such as universities, colleges and hospitals; and domestic institutions. Applications are due February 1, 2003. More information is available at: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-03-040.html

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) invites applications on the use of nonhuman primate models for the study of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-associated pulmonary, cardiovascular and hematologic disorders. These primate models should be designed to facilitate the study of the biological and clinical characteristics of disorders of lung, heart, blood, and bone marrow associated with HIV infections and co-infections. NHLBI intends to commit approximately $3.8 million in FY 2003 to fund 5-7 new and/or competitive continuation grants. An applicant may request a project period of up to five years and a budget for direct costs of up to $500,000 per year. 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 or foreign institutions; and faith- or community-based organizations. Optional letters of intent are due February 20, 2003; applications are due March 20, 2003. More information is available at: http://grants2.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HL-03-005.html

NHLBI also is soliciting comments and ideas on approaches to develop and apply nanotechnology and nanoscience to the study, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cardiovascular, pulmonary, blood and sleep disorders. NHLBI seeks to identify (a) the major opportunities in developing and applying nanoscience and nanotechnology to heart, lung, blood and sleep research and medicine; (b) the critical needs to enable progress and the barriers that may inhibit it; and (c) practical and effective ways to meet the needs, overcome the barriers, and take full advantage of the opportunities. Responses in any of the areas are welcome and are due by January 24, 2003. More information is available at: http://grants2.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-HL-03-005.html

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) invites two types of applications to facilitate the use of comprehensive gene expression analysis technology in basic and clinical research relevant to arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases. Firstly, principal investigators who are currently supported by research project grants from the NIAMS are invited to submit competing supplement applications. Secondly, scientists with established expertise in arthritis or musculoskeletal or skin diseases are invited to propose new projects. NIAMS intends to commit approximately $2 million in FY 2003 to fund 10-15 supplements and/or new awards. Supplement applications may request up to $100,000 per year in direct costs but may not extend beyond the parent project award period. Research project grant applications may not exceed $250,000 per year in direct costs and may not exceed four years for the total project period. 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; and domestic or foreign institutions. Optional letters of intent are due February 17, 2003; applications are due March 17, 2003. More information is available at: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-AR-03-007.html

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Small Grants Program provides research support of up to $50,000 per year for up to two years for new research projects in areas of high relevance to the mission of the NIMH. Small grants are short-term awards designed to answer specific and targeted research questions. Applications may involve a wide variety of biomedical, behavioral or clinical disciplines. Both new and more experienced investigators are encouraged to apply. 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 or foreign institutions; and faith- or community-based organizations. Applications are due February 1, 2003. More information is available at: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-03-039.html

Multiple NIH institutes invite applications for Institutional Mentored Research Scientist Development Awards. These awards are intended to provide funding for departments of institutions of higher education to foster the career development of individuals with interdisciplinary expertise bridging the fields of neuroscience and behavioral science research with that in informatics. The awards will normally be for a five-year period. Up to four appointee positions may be requested. Salary will be commensurate with the level of effort (minimum of 75 percent of full-time salary). Only U.S. educational institutions may apply. Applications may be submitted by the following 2003 dates: January 21, May 21 and September 22. Requested letters of intent should be received one month prior to application receipt date. More information is available at: http://grants2.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-03-034.html

Multiple NIH institutes invite applications for research in neuroscience informatics (neuroinformatics) to better understand the structure, function and development in health and disorders of the nervous system, from the genetic to whole systems level. This research will lead to the development of new web-based databases, analytical tools and knowledge management systems to foster sharing of data for all domains of neuroscience research. This program uses the research project grant, exploratory center grant and program project grant award mechanisms, but available funding is not specified in the solicitation. 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 institutions; and foreign institutions (research project grants only). Applications may be submitted by the following 2003 dates: January 21, May 21 and September 22. Requested letters of intent should be received one month prior to application receipt date. More information is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-03-035.html

Multiple NIH institutes invite applications for a one-time grant award to support innovative research directions requiring preliminary testing or development of neuroinformatics research; exploration of the use of approaches and concepts new to a particular substantive area of neuroinformatics research; or R&D in new technologies, techniques or methods in informatics that will have a high impact upon the advancement of neuroscience research. This program uses the exploratory or developmental grant award mechanism. An applicant may request direct costs of up to $100,000 per year for up to two years. 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; and domestic institutions. Applications may be submitted by the following 2003 dates: January 21, May 21 and September 22. Requested letters of intent should be received one month prior to application receipt date. More information is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-03-036.html

Multiple NIH institutes invite applications to support shared coordinated resources to facilitate collaborative, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary efforts in neuroinformatics. Funding will be provided for two or more research projects to facilitate and build the necessary database capabilities for sharing and analyzing data or federating existing databases. This program uses the research core center grant mechanism, but available funding is not specified in the solicitation. 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; and domestic institutions. Applications may be submitted by the following 2003 dates: January 21, May 21 and September 22. Requested letters of intent should be received one month prior to application receipt date. More information is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-03-037.html

National Science Foundation (NSF)

NSF invites proposals for support under a program involving research and education in advanced sensor development. This program seeks to advance fundamental knowledge in the areas of sensor design, materials and concepts, including sensors for toxic chemicals, explosives and biological agents; sensor networking systems in a distributed environment; the integration of sensors into engineered systems; and the interpretation and use of sensor data in decision-making processes. Approximately $34 million is expected to be available to fund an estimated 55-60 new awards. Single investigator awards (up to $125,000 a year for three years), small team awards (up to $250,000 a year for three years), and interdisciplinary research group awards (up to $2.5 million total covering five years) will be made. Only U.S academic institutions and nonprofit research institutions are eligible to apply. Proposals are due March 6, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf03512

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