Federal Funding Opportunities

Department of Commerce

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is soliciting preapplications under the United States Weather Research Program for the transfer of relevant research and technology advances into tropical cyclone analysis and forecast operations. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, other nonprofit and commercial organizations, and state, local and Indian tribal governments. Approximately $1.5 million is expected to be available in FY 2003 to fund new awards. The period of awards is from one to two years. Preapplications are due February 3, 2003. More information is available in the January 3 edition of the Federal Register at: http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fedreg/frcont03.html

NOAA also is soliciting proposals for the Environmental Entrepreneurship Program, NOAA’s educational partnership program with Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). The goal of the program is to strengthen the capacity of MSIs to foster student careers, entrepreneurship opportunities and advanced academic study in the sciences directly related to NOAA. This includes opportunities in coastal, oceanic, atmospheric, environmental, and remote sensing sciences coupled with training in economics, marketing, product development, and services to create jobs, businesses and economic development opportunities. NOAA expects to have approximately $3.3 million in FY 2003 to support programs and projects for 1-3 years in two categories: (1) Program Development and Enhancement, and (2) Environmental Demonstration Projects. For the first category, approximately six grants or cooperative agreement awards, each up to $250,000 total, will be awarded. Approximately six such awards, each up to $300,000 total, also will be made for the second category. Eligible MSIs include Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions. Preliminary proposals are due February 17, 2003; full proposals will be due April 17, 2003. More information is available in the January 3 edition of the Federal Register at: http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fedreg/frcont03.html

NOAA and the National Weather Service (NWS) invite proposals for projects under the Collaborative Science, Technology, and Applied Research (CSTAR) Program. The program represents an effort to create a cost-effective continuum of basic and applied research to operations through collaborative research between operational forecasters and academic institutions with expertise in the environmental sciences. Activities should engage researchers and students in applied research of interest to the operational meteorological community and improve the accuracy of forecasts and warnings of environmental hazards by applying scientific knowledge and information to NWS products and services. Proposals should be prepared assuming an annual budget of no more than $125,000. Approximately four awards will be made for projects to be conducted by university investigators for 1-3 years. All accredited U.S. colleges and universities are eligible to submit proposals, which are due by February 21, 2003. More information is available in the January 7 edition of the Federal Register at: http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fedreg/frcont03.html

Department of Defense (DoD)

DoD will begin accepting proposals on March 3, 2003 for R&D projects with both military and commercial applications in response to the FY 2003 STTR solicitation. Five DoD components will participate in the solicitation, including the Departments of the Army, Navy and Air Force, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and the Missile Defense Agency. Phase I awards are limited to $100,000 in size over a period not to exceed one year. Small high-technology firms working with a research institution are encouraged to submit proposals, which will be due April 16, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.acq.osd.mil/sadbu/sbir

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative research proposals for the development and demonstration of novel, high-efficiency Direct Thermal to Electric Conversion (DTEC) technologies. The goal is to advance DTEC technologies that would significantly reduce the gap between achievable conversion efficiencies and Carnot efficiencies. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Institutions (MIs) are encouraged to submit proposals and to join others in submitting proposals. Responses are due April 4, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/ODA/DARPA/CMO/BAA03-04/listing.html

The Air Force Research Laboratory, Rome Research Site seeks capable sources to perform software research and development. Software development, integration, deployment and maintenance will be provided for the Information Support Server Environment Guard. It will also be necessary to provide analysis, design, development, integration management, system and network administration/operation and testing to support the maintenance and evaluation of existing systems and of new development systems, and the generation of technical documentation detailing the above activities. Responses are sought from small businesses and are due February 7, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/USAF/AFMC/AFRLRRS/F30602-03-R-0029/listing.html

Department of Education

The Department of Education invites applications for research and innovation to improve services and results for children with disabilities. The goal is to produce and advance the use of knowledge to improve the results of education and early intervention for infants, toddlers and children with disabilities. For student-initiated research projects, approximately $240,000 is expected to be available to fun an estimated 12 new awards ranging from $14,122 to $20,000. Applications for these projects are due March 7, 2003. For field-initiated research projects, approximately $2.52 million is expected to be available to fund an estimated 14 new awards ranging from $177,318 to $180,000. Applications for these projects are due February 21, 2003. Eligible are state educational agencies, local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, other public agencies, nonprofit private organizations, outlying areas, freely associated states, and Indian tribes or tribal organizations. More information is available at: http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/announcements/2002-4/122402d.html

The Director of the Institute of Education Sciences invites applications for grants to support educational research in seven project areas, including effective mathematics education, teacher quality and reading comprehension. The intent of these grants is to provide national leadership in expanding fundamental knowledge and understanding of education from early childhood education through postsecondary study. Anticipated funding available for grants is not specified in the solicitation. Project periods may range from 36-60 months in duration. Eligible are nonprofit and for-profit organizations and public and private agencies and institutions, such as colleges and universities. Deadlines for optional letters of intent vary for each project area, beginning with January 24, 2003. Application deadlines also vary, beginning with March 14, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/announcements/2003-1/010603c.html

Department of Energy (DOE)

The DOE Idaho Operations Office is seeking applications for 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 making 1-6 cooperative agreements with a maximum estimated federal funding of $3 million in the first year. A minimum 30 percent non-federal cost-share for advanced research and 50 percent non-federal cost-share for validation and demonstration is required. For-profit, nonprofit, state and local governments, Indian tribes, and institutions of higher education may submit applications, which are due February 27, 2003. More information is available in the December 24, 2002 issue of the Federal Register at: http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fedreg/frcont02.html

In a pre-solicitation notice, DOE solicits research proposals for the development of novel sensors for ultra high temperature fossil fuel applications. The goal is to seek out new fundamental approaches to sensor concepts, materials, design, and fabrication that have potential application in the harsh environment of the advanced fossil fuel-based energy production systems. Three to six awards are anticipated. The period of performance for each award will range from one to three years with budget periods to be established independently based on the logical technical phases of each individual project. More information is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/DOE/PAM/HQ/DE-PS26-03NT41731/listing.html

Environmental Protection Agency

EPA is seeking applications for research into the consequences of global change for air quality. EPA particularly is interested in three related topics: (1) changes in the spatial distribution of stationary source emissions due to regional development patterns and technology changes; (2) changes in the spatial distribution of mobile source emissions due to the interactions between climate, land-use and technology change and regional transportation systems; and (3) changes in the spatial distribution and quantity of biogenic emissions due to land-use, vegetation and climate changes. Approximately $8 million is expected to be available to fund an estimated 12-15 awards. The projected award per grant is $150,000 to $250,000 per year for up to three years. Institutions of higher education, nonprofit institutions, and tribal, state and local governments are eligible to submit applications, which are due April 9, 2003. More information is available at: http://es.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/current/2003_global_change.html

EPA also invites applications for longitudinal case studies to quantify the behavioral factors that lead to nonoccupational human exposures to toxic chemicals in the United States. One or two awards will be made for research that includes collection of activity, food consumption, and consumer product use data. These awards are expected to range from $1 million to $1.25 million per year for up to four years, but not exceed $5 million total. Two or three awards will be made for projects that include the collection of only one type of data (e.g., activity, food consumption, or consumer product use). Awards for these projects are expected to range between $300,000 and $500,000 per year for up to four years, but not exceed $2 million total. Institutions of higher education, nonprofit institutions, and tribal, state and local governments are eligible to submit applications, which are due May 8, 2003. More information is available at: http://es.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/current/2003_expos_assess.html

The National Academies

The National Academies administers Postdoctoral and Senior Research Awards through its Associateship Programs office, part of the Policy and Global Affairs Division. The awards are made to Postdoctoral Associates (within five years of the doctorate) and Senior Associates (five years or more beyond the doctorate) for independent research in all areas of science and engineering. Each awardee works in collaboration with a research adviser, who is a staff member of the federal laboratory. Winter Review applications must be postmarked by February 1, 2003; Spring Review applications must be postmarked by May 1, 2003. More information is available at: http://www4.nationalacademies.org/pga/rap.nsf

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

NASA solicits proposals for supporting research and technology across a broad range of space science program elements relevant to one or more of four science themes, including (1) Astronomical Search for Origins, (2) Solar System Exploration, (3) Structure and Evolution of the Universe, and (4) The Sun-Earth Connection. Participation is open to all categories of organizations, foreign and domestic, including educational institutions, industry, nonprofit organizations, NASA centers, and other government agencies. Requested notices of intent for begin with February 28, 2003. Proposal deadlines start with March 28, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/NASA/HQ/OPHQDC/NRA-03-OSS-01/listing.html

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Multiple NIH institutes invite applications to conduct studies on microbial biofilms leading to improved strategies to diagnose, prevent and treat biofilm-associated infectious diseases. Collaborative projects, both domestic and international, that bring together investigators in diverse scientific disciplines, including microbiology, immunology (including mucosal immunology), biochemistry, clinical medicine, pathology, bioengineering, material science, imaging technology and mathematical modeling, are encouraged. Research project grants and exploratory or developmental grants will be awarded. Applicants for the latter may request up to a total of two years of support, with total direct costs not exceeding $275,000. 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-03-047.html

The National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) solicits proposals to establish a National Swine Research and Resource Center (NSRRC) for depositing, maintaining, preserving and distributing swine models for studies of human diseases, as well as cryopreservation, storage and reconstitution of embryos and germplasm. Through appropriate research investigations, the NSRRC also will advance research and technologies to improve the utility of swine models for biomedical research. NCRR anticipates one research center will be funded. An applicant may request a project period of up to five years and a budget for direct costs of up to $1 million per year. Eligible are nonprofit or for-profit organizations; public or private institutions, such as universities, colleges, hospitals and laboratories; units of state and local governments; and agencies of the federal government. Applications are due February 26, 2003. More information is available at: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-RR-03-003.html

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) invites applications for the Centers of Excellence in Chemical Methodologies and Library Development program, which seeks to create multi-investigator research centers that develop efficient, general, state-of-the-art methodologies for the design, synthesis, analysis and handling of chemical diversity libraries. NIGMS intends to commit approximately $6 million in FY 2003 to fund up to two new grants. An applicant may request a project period of up to five years and a budget for direct costs of up to $1.1 million per year per center. Eligible are for-profit or nonprofit organizations; public or private institutions, such as universities, colleges, hospitals and laboratories; units of state and local governments; and eligible agencies of the federal government. Optional letters of intent are due January 24, 2003; applications are due February 20, 2003. More information is available at: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-GM-03-004.html

The National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is considering issuing a contract that would provide resources and expertise to help accelerate therapeutics development for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). NINDS is attempting to identify competent sources to establish and coordinate pre-clinical research activities leading to a new treatment for SMA and is seeking input from experienced sources into the design of a proposed statement of work for the project. All organizations capable of fulfilling this effort are eligible to apply. Responses are due by February 1, 2003. More information is available at: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-NS-03-005.html

National Science Foundation (NSF)

NSF solicits proposals to establish a National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network as an integrated national network of user facilities that will support the future infrastructure needs for research and education in the nanoscale science and engineering field. U.S. academic institutions with strong research and education programs in nanoscale science and engineering and with appropriate fabrication and/or instrumentation facilities are eligible to submit and participate in a network proposal. Non-academic U.S. institutions and organizations, including national laboratories and private sector companies, may participate in network activities using their own resources. NSF plans support of a single national network. Approximately $14 million is expected to be available to fund the network for each year of a five-year award duration, beginning in FY 2004. An individual institution within the network is limited to receiving a maximum of $2.5 million per year for support of its facility. Required letters of intent are due April 7, 2003; proposals are due by May 16, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf03519

NSF invites applications for the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation Program, which aims to increase the number of students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) baccalaureate degree programs and programs of graduate study. The program goals are accomplished through the formation of alliances. Eligible are academic institutions that have exemplary records over several years of enrolling and retaining significant numbers of undergraduate students underrepresented in STEM disciplines. Alliances are expected to involve two- and four-year higher education institutions, businesses and industries, national research laboratories, and local, state and federal agencies. Approximately $6 million is expected to be available to fund up to eight awards. For Phase I, $700,000 or more will be awarded for projects that award 500 or more B.S. degrees annually. Between $500,000 and $700,000 will be awarded for projects that award 300-500 B.S. degrees annually, and less than $500,000 for projects that award 300 or less B.S. degrees annually. Cost sharing of 100 percent is required. Applications will be accepted by two deadlines in 2003, March 23 and October 15. More information is available at: http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf03520

NSF and seven other federal agencies or departments solicit proposals for an interagency granting activity in the area of metabolic engineering. The participating agencies expect to have a total of up to $6 million available for funding an estimated 10 new awards. Eligible are academic and nonprofit institutions, industrial organizations and government laboratories at all levels. Proposals are due by March 19, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf03516

NSF solicits proposals under the Quantitative Systems Biotechnology program to combine analysis of large-scale cellular biological systems, or their representations, with creative software tools for the development of computer models and complementary quantitative experimental approaches. Approximately $4 million is expected to be available in FY 2003 to fund an estimated 10 awards. Award amounts are limited to a maximum of $500,000 for up to three years. Cost sharing is required for equipment costs over $20,000. U.S. academic and nonprofit research institutions with science and/or engineering research and education programs are eligible to submit proposals, which are due by March 18, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf03517

NSF solicits multidisciplinary proposals focusing on basic research into the mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery of societies to disasters and extreme events affecting critical infrastructure and related systems. Approximately $1 million is expected to be availabe to fund an estimated 3-10 new awards ranging from $100,000 to $150,000 per year for 1-3 years. Only U.S. academic institutions eligible under the NSF Grant Proposal Guide in support of individual investigators or small groups may submit proposals, which are due by March 31, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf03518

Foundation Funding Opportunities

Semiconductor Research Corporation
The Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC) has funding available for two fellowship programs described below. SRC fellowships provide full tuition and fee support for up to two years of master’s level study, a living stipend of $1,800/month for up to two years of master’s level study, an unrestricted annual gift of $2,000 to the department in which the student is enrolled, and travel expenses for the Graduate Fellowship Program Annual Conference. Applications for both programs below are due February 3, 2003. All applicants must have U.S./Canadian citizenship, or have permanent resident status, to be eligible to apply. More information is available at: http://www.src.org/member/students/fellowships.asp

* The Master’s Scholarship Program is designed to attract women and under-represented minorities to graduate study in areas of interest to the semiconductor industry. Eligible are women or members of an under-represented minority category (African-American, Hispanic, Native American) who meet admission requirements for graduate school at an SRC-participating university and are planning to pursue a Master’s degree with research relevant to microelectronics under the guidance of an SRC-sponsored faculty member.

* The Graduate Fellowship Program (GFP) addresses the issues of improving educational opportunities at the doctoral level and supplying a relevantly educated work force for the semiconductor industry. The GFP is designed to attract exceptionally talented students to academic areas of interest to SRC members. Eligible students must be pursuing or planning to pursue a Ph.D. degree with research relevant to microelectronics under the guidance of an SRC-sponsored faculty member.

Veritas Software Foundation

Veritas Software Foundation, a nonprofit charitable organization established by Veritas Software Corporation, recently introduced its Software Donation Program. The program has allocated $500,000 worth of software to be distributed over the next year to provide nonprofit and educational organizations with leading storage software technology. Organizations receiving a software grant will benefit from the use of VERITAS Software’s Net Backup™ and Backup Exec™ storage software, recognized as the industry’s leading data protection technology for organizations of all sizes. More information is available at: http://www.veritas.com/news/press/PressReleaseDetail.jhtml?NewsId=9662

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.