Funding-Limited Submission – Department of Energy (DOE) – Energy Frontier Research Centers (Funding Opportunity # DE-FOA-0001010); October 24, 2013

The DOE, Office of Basic Energy Sciences (BES), is seeking new and renewal applications for Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRCs) to conduct fundamental research focused on one or more “grand challenges” and use-inspired “basic research needs” identified in major strategic planning efforts by BES and the scientific community. The mission of the BES program is to support fundamental research to understand, predict, and ultimately control matter and energy at the electronic, atomic, and molecular levels in order to provide the foundations for new energy technologies and to support DOE’s mission emphases in energy, the environment, and national security. EFRCs are intended to bring together the skills and talents of multiple investigators to enable fundamental research to enhance U.S. energy security and to meet the global need for abundant, clean, and economical energy.

DOE expects to make multiple Energy Frontier Research Center (EFRC) awards for a period of up to five years.  The award floor is $2,000,000 per year ($10,000,000 for a 5-year period) and the award ceiling is $4,000,000 per year ($20,000,000 for a 5-year period).

Further information can be found at:

https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/PublicPages/PublicSearch/Public_Opportunities.aspx

(Then, click the “FOA” link on the right-hand side of the screen.)

A specific entity may not submit more than a total of three (3) new and/or renewal applications as the lead organization.  Also, an individual may not be named as the EFRC Director on more than one (1) application.

Because DOE does not allow an entity to submit more than three applications, the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process.  Individuals interested in submitting to this program are to submit the following materials electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at limitedsubmissions@uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Thursday, October 24, 2013:

· Names and departments of UK Project Director and key personnel

· Title of funding opportunity and funding opportunity announcement number

· An overview (1-2 pages) of the proposed research that includes the Grand Challenge(s) addressed by the EFRC and the Basic Research Needs area(s) addressed by the EFRC

A committee will be appointed to review the information and make a recommendation.  The DOE deadline for submitting the required Letter of Intent is November 13, 2013; the DOE deadline for submitting an application is January 9, 2014.  Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).