Established Program to Stimulate Competitive (DOE EPSCoR) Implementation Grants | DE FOA 0002913

FAQs: DOE EPSCoR Implementation Grants (DE-FOA-0002913)

What is the DOE EPSCoR Implementation Grants opportunity (DE-FOA-0002913)?

The DOE EPSCoR Implementation Grants opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number DE-FOA-0002913) is a discretionary grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Science, under the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). It is designed to strengthen and expand research capacity in jurisdictions that are eligible under the NSF EPSCoR RII eligibility framework.

What is the primary purpose of an Implementation Grant under DOE EPSCoR?

The primary purpose is research capacity-building. The program aims to create broader, longer-lasting capability in eligible jurisdictions by supporting a coordinated team of scientists and engineers working around a shared scientific theme, rather than funding a standalone project for a single investigator or one lab.

Is this program meant to fund a single investigator or single-lab project?

No. A defining expectation described in the opportunity is that the work should be organized as a coordinated team effort built around a common theme, with an intentional plan to raise the competitiveness of participating organizations within an institution or region.

What kind of collaboration does DOE expect in these proposals?

The opportunity emphasizes collaboration and capability-building. Proposals should be framed around an integrated research strategy shared by a team of scientists and engineers, with an organized plan to build momentum and durable competitiveness for participating organizations in the eligible jurisdiction(s).

Does the program require student involvement?

Yes. Student education through research is explicitly expected and is described as not optional. The opportunity expects participation across career stages, including undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers, with students integrated into research activities in a meaningful way (not as an add-on).

How should applications treat training and workforce development?

Applications are expected to include a serious, well-planned student research education and workforce development component, aligned with the overall research activities so that capacity-building and talent development advance together.

Can non-academic partners be involved, and what is required if they are?

Yes. The opportunity allows participation from non-academic partners such as nonprofit organizations and industrial research entities. However, even when non-academic partners participate, applications still need a strong student training component with students meaningfully involved in the work.

What types of organizations can participate in an application?

The opportunity allows participation from academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and industrial research entities. These organizations may lead or participate in applications, subject to the jurisdiction-based eligibility restrictions.

Who is eligible to apply based on location or jurisdiction?

Eligibility is restricted by jurisdiction. DOE states it follows NSF EPSCoR RII determinations and, consistent with restricted competition provisions referenced in 2 CFR 910.126, only domestic applicants located in eligible jurisdictions may compete.

Which jurisdictions are listed as eligible in this notice?

The eligible jurisdictions listed are: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Virgin Islands, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Are there any restrictions related to 501(c)(4) organizations?

Yes. In addition to the jurisdiction restriction, the opportunity includes an additional restriction excluding certain 501(c)(4) organizations that have engaged in lobbying activities after December 31, 1995.

What is the awarding office within DOE?

The program is run by the DOE Office of Science under DOE EPSCoR.

How large can an award be under this opportunity?

The award ceiling listed is $7,500,000. This ceiling signals that DOE anticipates substantial, multi-person and coordinated efforts rather than modest, single-project budgets.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA number associated with the opportunity is 81.049.

What activity category does this opportunity fall under?

The activity category listed is Science and Technology and other Research and Development.

What was the original closing date shown for this opportunity?

The original closing date shown is April 4, 2023.

When was the opportunity record created?

The opportunity record was created on December 14, 2022.

What should a competitive proposal generally demonstrate according to the description provided?

Based on the description, strong proposals typically need to demonstrate: (1) an integrated research strategy shared by a coordinated team, (2) clear benefits to the participating EPSCoR-eligible jurisdiction(s) in terms of competitiveness and capacity, and (3) a serious student research education and workforce development plan, aligned with DOE Office of Science priorities and the EPSCoR intent to broaden the geographic distribution of federally supported research excellence.

How should applicants think about the overall intent of DOE EPSCoR Implementation Grants?

They are best understood as capacity-building awards aimed at helping EPSCoR jurisdictions become more competitive in DOE-relevant research areas, while simultaneously strengthening research infrastructure and developing talent through research participation across career stages.