All links are to the COS Funding Opportunities website. If you are off-campus you will need to register as a Missouri State member.
ERDC BAA – Natural Resources Stewardship (EL-21)
The Environmental Laboratory (EL) announces research opportunities involving natural resources stewardship. There are three main focus areas in this solicitation: integrated natural resources management, riparian zone management, and tools for natural and cultural resources at multiple scales. There is an additional topic, Natural Resources Inventories (EL 21-1).
1. Integrated Natural Resources Management. Research includes biological diversity, holistic ecology, and the stewardship and management of habitat-related natural resources at Corps water resource projects and military installations. Emphasis is on integrated natural resources management, which includes the analysis of human-related activities on biological resources and the effects of biological resources on other resources. Current research includes integrated ecosystem management, analysis of impacts to natural landscapes and their components, habitat delineation and analysis, and program development for natural resources management. Related components to complete stewardship include management of information and databases. The work involves literature synthesis, field studies, data analysis, and report preparation.
2. Riparian Zone Management. Research addresses riparian habitat assessment, restoration, and management for natural resources stewardship on Civil Works lands and Department of Defense military installations. Emphasis is on the development of methods and technical guidelines appropriate for managing riparian zones and associated habitats on multiple-use lands. This also includes research on transition areas between riparian areas and other systems. Research includes literature searches, field investigations, restoration projects, data analysis, and development of reports and management action plans. Priorities will depend on regional needs, as determined by study sponsors (that is, Corps districts/sponsors and military installations).
3. Tools for Natural Resources at Multiple Scales. Management of resources in today’s climate requires an awareness of scale and context of those resources. Issues ranging from genetic diversity to watershed or landscape planning are relevant to management decisions. Planners, regulators, and land managers must be able to use existing tools (decision-support systems, models, databases, procedures, etc.) and to adapt new tools to their needs. Although the general processes of resource inventory, impact assessment, and management or mitigation will remain applicable, those activities may be conducted in a different context or at more scales than before. Work under this announcement would supply tools for natural resources management in an ecosystem or holistic context.
4. Natural Resources Inventories (EL 21-1). The USACE has the requirement to conduct research and development for Level I and Level II Inventories and this research includes literature searches, field investigations, data analysis, and development of reports and management action plans. The research and development addresses Level I and II Natural Resources Inventories and Analysis for Fort Peck, Oahe, Garrison, Big Bend, Fort Randall, Gavins Point, Coldbrook, Cottonwood Projects, all on the main-stem of the Missouri River. The study area consists of all lands presently owned by the Corps that is contained within the Projects. This excludes all lands transferred to date to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, and State of South Dakota under Title VI. This topic focuses on advanced research and development for Level I and Level II Inventories. Proposals are sought for the research, development and execution of any or any combination of the following:
1. Research and development of Level I Inventories in sufficient detail to determine general plant and animal composition, acreage of dominant vegetative types (such as grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands among others), soil types, land use capabilities, and the presence of “special status species” and/or their critical habitat occurring on project lands and waters. “Special status species” include any species which is listed, or proposed for listing, as threatened or endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) or National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), under the provisions of the Endangered Species Act; any species covered by the Migratory Bird Treaty; any species designated by the FWS as a “candidate” or “listing” species or “sensitive” species; and any species which is listed and protected by state statute in a category implying potential endangerment or extinction. Research and Development for Level I Inventory shall be conducted using available existing information which is readily available from a variety of sources (e.g., U.S. Geological Survey maps, county soil surveys, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aerial photography, Corps real estate maps, Corps project feasibility documents, State Heritage Offices, etc.).
2. Research and development of Level II Inventories that are required for the effective development, execution and evaluation of specific natural resources management prescriptions. Detailed inventories for “special status species” are contained in Level II Inventories. Research and development for Level II Inventories shall be conducted at frequencies necessary to determine the existence of any new populations of “special status species” occurring on project lands, or to determine significant changes in the existing population levels of these species. Proposals are encouraged to include:
a. Vegetation acreage classification and quantification, in accordance with the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) National Vegetation Classification System (NVCS) within the Projects boundary. Development of vegetation classification and quantification:
i. Use 2006 NAIP-USDA imagery for the Projects
ii. Use a 1:24,000 scale for the Projects
iii. Use Spatial Data Standards for Facilities Infrastructure and Environment (SDSFIE) format
iv. Perform Field Verification
b. Wetland acreage classification and quantification, in accordance with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States (Cowardin et al. 1979) within the Projects boundary. Development of wetland classification and quantification:
i. Use appropriate scale as determined by source data
ii. Use SDSFIE format
c. land (soils) capability classification and quantification, as defined by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) – land capability classes within the Projects boundary. Development of land classification and quantification:
i. Use appropriate scale as determined by source data
ii. Use Soil Survey Geographic database (SSURGO) structure
d. Special Status Species (federally listed threatened and endangered species and state protected species) – potential occurrence on project lands within the Projects boundary. Use SDSFIE format.
Application Deadline: Continuously Open
Funding Agency: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Benet Laboratories Broad Agency Announcement for Basic and Applied Scientific Research for Fiscal Years 2011 through 2016
Benet Laboratories has a long-standing mission in the development of cannon and other component technologies. These weapon systems and components are now in use in several active theaters. In support of this long-standing mission and the Army’s Brigade Combat Team (BCT) Modernization Initiative, BL is interested in technologies that will extend the life, enhance lethality, reduce weight, lessen the logistical burden, reduce the signature of these systems, and cost reductions. The USACC – Picatinny, BLCC solicits proposals for the following:
1. Manufacturing and fabricating components for weapon systems
2. Modeling, simulation, design, manufacturing, and field support of components for weapon systems
3. Other approaches, technologies, planning, scheduling etc., that may not be explicitly mentioned but which help provide the nation’s leadership with versatile ground force capabilities with applicability across the spectrum of operations, and with the institutional agility to both anticipate emerging challenges and the ability to rapidly adapt.
White Paper (requested) Deadline: Continuously Open
Application Deadline: Continuously Open
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Defense – Department of the Army
Theoretical Chemistry
The major objective of the theoretical chemistry program is to develop new methods that can be utilized as predictive tools for designing new materials and improving processes important to the Air Force. These new methods can be applied to areas of interest to the Air Force including the structure and stability of molecular systems that can be used as advanced propellants; molecular reaction dynamics; and the structure and properties nanostructures and interfaces. Interest in advanced propellants is concentrated in the high energy density matter program that aims to develop new propellant systems that can double the current payload capacity that can be put into orbit. Theoretical chemistry is used to predict promising energetic systems, to assess their stability, and to guide the efficient synthesis of selected candidates. These tools will help identify the most promising synthetic reaction pathways and predict the effects of condensed media effects on synthesis.
This program is also seeking to identify novel energetic molecules and investigating the interactions that control or limit the stability of these systems. In addition, this program also encourages the development of new methods to stimulate and predict properties with chemical accuracy for systems having a very large number of atoms that span multiple time and length scales.
Application Deadline: Continuously Open
Funding Agency: Department of the Air Force
Optimization and Discrete Mathematics
The program goal is the development of mathematical methods for the optimization of large and complex models that will address future decision problems of interest to the Air Force. Areas of fundamental interest include resource allocation, planning, logistics, engineering design, and scheduling. Increasingly, the decision models will address problems that arise in the design, management and defense of complex networks, in robust decision making, in optimal control and dynamical systems and in artificial intelligence and information technology applications. There will be a focus on the development of new nonlinear, integer and combinatorial optimization algorithms, including those with stochastic components. Techniques designed to handle data that are uncertain, evolving, incomplete, conflicting, or overlapping are particularly important. As basic research aimed at having the broadest possible impact, the development of new computational methods will include an emphasis on theoretical underpinnings, on rigorous convergence analysis, and on establishing provable bounds for (meta-) heuristics and other approximation methods.
Application Deadline: Continuously Open
Funding Agency: Department of the Air Force
Solar-Terrestrial Research
The program supports research on the processes by which energy in diverse forms is generated by the Sun, transported to the Earth, and ultimately deposited in the terrestrial environment. Major topics include space weather impacts, helioseismology, the solar dynamo, the solar activity cycle, magnetic flux emergence, solar flares and eruptive activity, coronal mass ejections, solar wind heating, solar energetic particles, interactions with cosmic rays, and solar wind/magnetosphere boundary problems.
Application Deadline: Continuously Open
Funding Agency: National Science Foundation
Chemistry of Life Processes (CLP)
The CLP program supports the investigation of problems at the Chemistry-Biology interface in which the primary approach or tools employed are those of chemistry. The fundamental examination of mechanisms, dynamics, recognition and structure/function relationships at the molecular level is at the core of the CLP program. Projects that integrate experimental and theoretical chemical approaches into studies of biomolecules or biomolecular processes in the domain of proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids will be considered. The use of small molecules such as ligands, inhibitors, signal transducers or molecular beacons to interrogate biological systems is a characteristic mode of inquiry for CLP investigators. The program also welcomes the application of computational and spectroscopic methods to examine Nature’s macromolecular machinery and processes.
Appropriate areas of inquiry include, but are not limited to, peptide design, protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interactions, post-translational modification alternative base pairs, epigenetics, signal and energy transduction pathways, and molecular definition of emerging “codes” such as those associated with glycomics and histones. Mechanisms of enzyme and metalloenzyme activity, ribozyme and/or riboswitch function and of DNA damage and covalent modification are also central themes in the program.
Proposals that predominantly utilize biological tools or techniques may be more appropriate for the Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB). Proposals that address biomedical problems may be more appropriate for the National Institutes of Health or other health-directed funding agencies.
Application Deadline: November 30, 2011
Funding Agency: National Science Foundation
Informal Science Education (ISE)
The ISE program supports innovation in anywhere, anytime, lifelong learning, through investments in research, development, infrastructure, and capacity-building for STEM learning outside formal school settings.
Like all NSF programs, ISE invests in Conferences, Symposia, and Workshops; EAGER and RAPID grants; and Grant Supplements. The ISE program also invests in five types of projects that are specific to the program: Research; Connecting Researchers and Public Audiences; Pathways; Full-Scale Development; and Broad Implementation. These project categories relate to the DRL cycle of innovation, and are not listed in any order of priority. Although all proposals should have a foundation of prior work and research, the cycle sequence is not meant to be taken literally. For example, Full-Scale Development projects must build on extant literature and the state of the informal learning field, but they do not necessarily require completed prior Research or Pathways projects.
1. Research projects contribute to the “hypothesize and clarify” and “synthesize and theorize” components of the DRL cycle of innovation. The primary goal of research projects is to advance knowledge in the informal STEM learning field rather than to develop specific deliverables for implementation. Research projects may be innovative empirical studies, methodological advances, syntheses of research, or theoretical studies intended to move the field forward. They might develop innovative approaches for assessing societal, economic, or learning impacts of informal science activities. Of interest are projects to develop, validate, and disseminate assessment tools, especially if these have potential utility for a group of related projects and activities in the informal science education field. One question of particular interest to the ISE program is how to create improved measurement models and methods for assessing changes in public understanding of science, science literacy, and engagement with science. Such research proposals could assess the current status of measurement in these areas, and propose methods to increase their reliability and validity. Projects that synthesize existing research or evaluation studies, or that study learners across multiple or distributed settings and over time are strongly encouraged as well. A research project may involve the creation of new learning resources, applications, media, artifacts, programs, or environments if these are necessary to answer the research questions or test hypotheses that are posed. ISE Research projects are distinguished from proposals submitted to the REESE program by their emphasis on the connections to practice in informal science education. They should involve informal learning organizations and practitioners as active partners.
2. Connecting Researchers and Public Audiences (CRPA) projects relate to the “implement, study efficacy, and improve” component of the DRL cycle of innovation and promote knowledge-building in society, thereby enhancing the intellectual capital of the Nation. These awards, formerly known as Communicating Research to Public Audiences, provide an opportunity for NSF-funded researchers to convey to diverse audiences key features of their research such as the methods, results, and significance. This type of ISE investment is an effort to broaden the impacts of NSF research by promoting the general public’s STEM literacy and engagement with research in out-of-school settings. To encourage the use of best practices in informal science education, collaborations with informal science education institutions and/or professionals in the design and implementation of project activities are required. Projects will be based on current NSF research awards (or be submitted within 12 months after their final expiration date). Any research subject area supported by NSF is eligible for CRPA funding and collaborations that incorporate multiple research proposals and scientists to address a common theme are also appropriate. The research award results may be communicated to the public by any platform (such as media presentations, exhibits, youth-based activities, web-based, or cyber-enabled learning) using contemporary, evidenced-based approaches. It is expected that the product (s) will be sustained beyond the expiration of the CRPA award. ISE is collaborating with NSF Directorates and programs to advance CRPA goals.
3. Pathways projects relate to the “design, develop, and test” component of the DRL cycle of innovation. They include planning activities, pilot studies, and feasibility studies, or, in general, innovative work that is on a path toward a major ISE project (Research, Full-Scale Development, or Broad Implementation) but needs to address critical issues or decisions before major projects can be formulated. Pathways proposals should be more focused than general planning work normally required for submission of a major proposal, and should result in lessons learned that can inform the informal science education field as well as the project team. Not all of the Pathways projects will necessarily result in a subsequent proposal.
4. Full-Scale Development projects relate to the “implement, study efficacy, and improve” component of the DRL cycle of innovation. These projects generate an innovative idea or approach to informal science education, develop and fully implement the concept, and evaluate its effectiveness. Such initiatives can be directed at improving STEM learning by the public, increasing capacity of the professional audience, contributing to the informal science education infrastructure, or embracing several of these goals. While many Full-Scale Development projects create complete STEM learning resources, programs, or experiences, they need to be guided by an explicit conceptual framework and should generate significant knowledge about impact and efficacy.
5. Broad Implementation projects relate to the “scale up and study effectiveness” component of the DRL cycle of innovation, proposing strategies for maximizing prior investments in informal STEM education. These projects are expected to substantially broaden the reach of products or programs within the informal science education field that have demonstrated success with the audience they already reach without sacrificing quality. Definitions of expanded reach may include, but are not limited to, geography, age, socio-economic status, cultural/linguistic group, gender, or learning setting. Proposers are particularly encouraged to consider underrepresented groups as target audiences. Broad Implementation projects will generally, but not necessarily, extend work done with prior ISE program funding. Broad Implementation proposals must describe substantive evidence from summative evaluations or efficacy studies that the already-developed educational products are effective with some populations or in some settings and are ready for wider distribution to a broader population or new setting(s). It is likely that such projects will involve innovative integration or incremental improvements or adaptations.
Pre-Proposal (optional) Deadline: August 12, 2011
Application Deadline (non-CRPA): January 11, 2012
CRPA Application Deadline: Continuously Open
Funding Agency: National Science Foundation
Earth Science Applications: Disasters
This program is specifically focused on the ability of organizations (public and private) to leverage NASA Earth observations, derived products, and modeling capabilities in order to advance their skill to monitor, identify, assess, predict, and respond to natural and technological disasters. Furthermore, this solicitation will seek the development of sustainable solutions that incorporate solid business/organization models that strive to incorporate performance metrics, fiscal realism of sustained operations, and the vision to meet the disaster challenges of both today and in the future.
Letter of Intent (requested) Deadline: September 22, 2011
Application Deadline: November 22, 2011
Funding Agency: NASA
Materials and Surface Engineering (MSE)
The MSE program supports fundamental research leading to a better understanding of the effect of microstructure, surfaces, and coatings on the properties and performance of engineering materials; and the ultimate control of these properties through material design. Of particular interest is materials service under conditions such as impact, temperature extremes, corrosion, oxidation, and friction. The program also supports research leading to biomedical applications of materials. Funded research includes both experimental and theoretical approaches.
Application Deadline: February 15, 2012
Funding Agency: National Science Foundation
Development and Sustainable Production of Regionally-Appropriate Biomass Feedstocks
The AFRI Sustainable Bioenergy Challenge Area focuses on the priority to secure America’s energy future. It supports the development of regional systems for the sustainable production of bioenergy and biobased products that contribute significantly to reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil, have net positive social, environmental, and rural economic impacts, and are compatible with existing agricultural systems. The long-term outcome for this program is to implement regional systems that materially deliver liquid transportation biofuels to help meet the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 goal of 36 billion gallons/year of biofuels by 2022 and reduce the National dependence on foreign oil. In order to achieve this outcome, this program will support single-function Research, multi-function Integrated Research, Education, and/or Extension Projects, and Food and Agricultural Science Enhancement (FASE) Grants that address one of the Program Area Priorities.
For Program Area “Development and Sustainable Production of Regionally-appropriate Biomass Feedstocks” (Program Area Code A6101), the requested project type is Integrated Projects. Applicants must present a coordinated plan for developing a regional approach for feedstock development, production, and delivery to ensure the sustainable production of biomass to be used for conversion to advanced liquid transportation fuels, and if appropriate, biopower and biobased products. These systems should have net positive social, environmental, and rural economic impacts and be specifically targeted to an industrial partner or platform. It is expected that the Regional Feedstock CAP will network with and leverage existing efforts within USDA; university research, education, and extension; other federal agencies; and the private sector by taking multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches. Applications must include at least two of three functions of the agricultural knowledge system (research, education, and extension). Each function should be represented by one or more objectives within the application. This program is focusing on the development of sustainable production and delivery systems around five groups of dedicated energy feedstocks: Energycane, perennial grasses, sorghum, woody biomass, and oilseed crops. For this solicitation, projects targeting algae or woody biomass feedstocks from western states are not eligible given that recently awarded grants from NIFA have strongly supported woody biomass from western states and that the Department of Energy has strongly supported algae. The regional CAP should focus on one or more feedstocks as regionally appropriate. These systems should focus on producing the feedstock in areas with high net primary production; where inputs, such as water and fertilizer, are at their minimum; and where land is available that will not displace existing productive agricultural sectors or harm existing rural economics or environmental conditions. Applicants can determine what area comprises a region.
Required Letter of Intent Deadline: October 25, 2011
Application Deadline (invite only): December 15, 2011
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Sustainable Bioenergy Research – Impacts of Regional Bioenergy Feedstock Production Systems on Wildlife and Pollinators
The AFRI Sustainable Bioenergy Challenge Area focuses on the priority to secure America’s energy future. It supports the development of regional systems for the sustainable production of bioenergy and biobased products that contribute significantly to reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil, have net positive social, environmental, and rural economic impacts, and are compatible with existing agricultural systems. The long-term outcome for this program is to implement regional systems that materially deliver liquid transportation biofuels to help meet the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 goal of 36 billion gallons/year of biofuels by 2022 and reduce the National dependence on foreign oil. In order to achieve this outcome, this program will support single-function Research, multi-function Integrated Research, Education, and/or Extension Projects, and Food and Agricultural Science Enhancement (FASE) Grants that address one of the Program Area Priorities.
For Program Area “Impacts of Regional Bioenergy Feedstock Production Systems on Wildlife and Pollinators” (Program Area A6123), the requested project type is Research Projects. This priority seeks proposals that focus on issues such as fragmentation of habitat, edge-effects, migratory and breeding patterns, predator-prey interactions, and other wildlife issues impacted by biomass development. The potential for land-use change with respect to the production of feedstocks for biofuels and bioenergy will have an unknown effect on sustainable wildlife habitat and pollinator species. Research should focus on the development of best-management practices to minimize adverse effects on wildlife and pollinators. Projects must link to a regional bioenergy system.
This is one of several Sustainable Bioenergy Research Program Areas solicited in this RFA. The other Sustainable Bioenergy Research Program Area Codes are A6122, A6124, and A6125. These Program Areas support research with high relevance to the development of sustainable regional systems for the production of bioenergy and biobased products. In order to attain the greatest benefit from biomass-based energy, the nation must consider the many environmental, social and economic benefits and trade-offs associated with decisions and policies regarding the where, when, how and who of national and regional biofuels development. USDA is dedicated to developing our Nation’s biomass based energy resources in a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable manner. These Program Areas are dynamic and interdisciplinary, spanning ecological, biogeochemical, and social science inquires. Consequently, applications focused on one Program Area may logically incorporate concepts or elements from other Program Areas. Applicants must indicate in their Letters of Intent the one Program Area that is the primary focus of their proposal.
Required Letter of Intent Deadline: October 25, 2011
Application Deadline (invite only): December 15, 2011
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Sustainable Bioenergy Research – Environmental Implications of Direct and Indirect Land Use Change
The AFRI Sustainable Bioenergy Challenge Area focuses on the priority to secure America’s energy future. It supports the development of regional systems for the sustainable production of bioenergy and biobased products that contribute significantly to reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil, have net positive social, environmental, and rural economic impacts, and are compatible with existing agricultural systems. The long-term outcome for this program is to implement regional systems that materially deliver liquid transportation biofuels to help meet the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 goal of 36 billion gallons/year of biofuels by 2022 and reduce the National dependence on foreign oil. In order to achieve this outcome, this program will support single-function Research, multi-function Integrated Research, Education, and/or Extension Projects, and Food and Agricultural Science Enhancement (FASE) Grants that address one of the Program Area Priorities.
For Program Area “Environmental Implications of Direct and Indirect Land Use Change” (Program Area A6125), the requested project type is Research Projects. This priority seeks research to enhance understanding of the environmental implications of direct or indirect land use change as a result of biofuels feedstock production. The overall goal is to maximize the benefits of biofuel and feedstock production while minimizing potential negative environmental consequences of biofuels-induced land use change. This includes potential risks to ecosystem services; issues of water availability; issues of soil, water and air quality; and indirect land use change with potential cascading environmental effects. Projects must link to a regional bioenergy system.
This is one of several Sustainable Bioenergy Research Program Areas solicited in this RFA. The other Sustainable Bioenergy Research Program Area Codes are A6122, A6123, and A6124. These Program Areas support research with high relevance to the development of sustainable regional systems for the production of bioenergy and biobased products. In order to attain the greatest benefit from biomass-based energy, the nation must consider the many environmental, social and economic benefits and trade-offs associated with decisions and policies regarding the where, when, how and who of national and regional biofuels development. USDA is dedicated to developing our Nation’s biomass based energy resources in a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable manner. These Program Areas are dynamic and interdisciplinary, spanning ecological, biogeochemical, and social science inquires. Consequently, applications focused on one Program Area may logically incorporate concepts or elements from other Program Areas. Applicants must indicate in their Letters of Intent the one Program Area that is the primary focus of their proposal.
Required Letter of Intent Deadline: October 25, 2011
Application Deadline (invite only): December 15, 2011
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Sustainable Bioenergy Research – Policy Options for and Impacts on Regional Biofuels Production Systems
The AFRI Sustainable Bioenergy Challenge Area focuses on the priority to secure America’s energy future. It supports the development of regional systems for the sustainable production of bioenergy and biobased products that contribute significantly to reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil, have net positive social, environmental, and rural economic impacts, and are compatible with existing agricultural systems. The long-term outcome for this program is to implement regional systems that materially deliver liquid transportation biofuels to help meet the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 goal of 36 billion gallons/year of biofuels by 2022 and reduce the National dependence on foreign oil. In order to achieve this outcome, this program will support single-function Research, multi-function Integrated Research, Education, and/or Extension Projects, and Food and Agricultural Science Enhancement (FASE) Grants that address one of the Program Area Priorities.
For Program Area “Policy Options for and Impacts on Regional Biofuels Production Systems” (Program Area A6122), the requested project type is Research Projects. This priority seeks research findings that evaluate and develop policy options for achieving sustainable regional biofuels/bioenergy production and commercialization. Proposals should address a diverse range of agricultural, biofuels, or environmental policy options and opportunities (e.g., standards, mandates, subsidies, tax credits, trade, and agricultural assistance programs) that may impact economic, environmental, social, and other prospects. Proposals may include the compatibility and challenges between Federal and state policies. Proposals may also address the indirect consequences of changes in agricultural markets and production decisions that policies may have. Projects must link to a regional bioenergy system.
This is one of several Sustainable Bioenergy Research Program Areas solicited in this RFA. The other Sustainable Bioenergy Research Program Area Codes are A6123, A6124, and A6125. These Program Areas support research with high relevance to the development of sustainable regional systems for the production of bioenergy and biobased products. In order to attain the greatest benefit from biomass-based energy, the nation must consider the many environmental, social and economic benefits and trade-offs associated with decisions and policies regarding the where, when, how and who of national and regional biofuels development. USDA is dedicated to developing our Nation’s biomass based energy resources in a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable manner. These Program Areas are dynamic and interdisciplinary, spanning ecological, biogeochemical, and social science inquires. Consequently, applications focused on one Program Area may logically incorporate concepts or elements from other Program Areas. Applicants must indicate in their Letters of Intent the one Program Area that is the primary focus of their proposal.
Required Letter of Intent Deadline: October 25, 2011
Application Deadline (invite only): December 15, 2011
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Sustainable Bioenergy Research – Socioeconomic Impacts of Biofuels on Rural Communities
The AFRI Sustainable Bioenergy Challenge Area focuses on the priority to secure America’s energy future. It supports the development of regional systems for the sustainable production of bioenergy and biobased products that contribute significantly to reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil, have net positive social, environmental, and rural economic impacts, and are compatible with existing agricultural systems. The long-term outcome for this program is to implement regional systems that materially deliver liquid transportation biofuels to help meet the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 goal of 36 billion gallons/year of biofuels by 2022 and reduce the National dependence on foreign oil. In order to achieve this outcome, this program will support single-function Research, multi-function Integrated Research, Education, and/or Extension Projects, and Food and Agricultural Science Enhancement (FASE) Grants that address one of the Program Area Priorities.
For Program Area “Socioeconomic Impacts of Biofuels on Rural Communities” (Program Area A6124), the requested project type is Research Projects. This priority seeks research findings that enhance scientific knowledge of socioeconomic behaviors, potential direct and indirect impacts, and implications of sustainable regional production of biofuels and biobased products. Proposals should address the nexus of social, economic, legal, or institutional factors; production or markets constraints and vulnerabilities at different scales; or temporal dynamics leading to long-term sustainable biofuels production and commercialization. Examples include assessing technology adoption; social acceptability; income and welfare effects; implications for small-scale and minority producers; rural economic diversification and development; public health, employment and human capital issues; the role of agricultural cooperatives; risks and uncertainties management; the linkage among food, feed, fiber, and biofuels production; or the U.S. role in global food and feed markets. Projects must link to a regional bioenergy system.
This is one of several Sustainable Bioenergy Research Program Areas solicited in this RFA. The other Sustainable Bioenergy Research Program Area Codes are A6122, A6123, and A6125. These Program Areas support research with high relevance to the development of sustainable regional systems for the production of bioenergy and biobased products. In order to attain the greatest benefit from biomass-based energy, the nation must consider the many environmental, social and economic benefits and trade-offs associated with decisions and policies regarding the where, when, how and who of national and regional biofuels development. USDA is dedicated to developing our Nation’s biomass based energy resources in a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable manner. These Program Areas are dynamic and interdisciplinary, spanning ecological, biogeochemical, and social science inquires. Consequently, applications focused on one Program Area may logically incorporate concepts or elements from other Program Areas. Applicants must indicate in their Letters of Intent the one Program Area that is the primary focus of their proposal.
Required Letter of Intent Deadline: October 25, 2011
Application Deadline (invite only): December 15, 2011
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Earth Science Applications: Fires and Wildfires (Earth Science Applications: Wildland Fires)
The NASA Earth Science Division Applied Sciences Program solicits proposals that develop and demonstrate innovative and practical applications of Earth observations, models, visualizations, and other Earth science and geospatial products in decision-support activities and actions related to wildland fires. This solicitation is specifically focused on applications addressing cross-cutting and multidisciplinary issues related to wildland fires in support of management strategies and actions, business practices, and policy analysis and decisions.
The objective of this solicitation is to select applications and applied research projects to improve decision-making activities and actions on topics related to wildland fires, such as wildfires, rangeland fires, and prescribed fires. Successful projects will advance organizations’ use and application of Earth observations in analysis and assessments, management strategies and actions, business practices, and policy analysis and decisions associated with wildland fires. Projects should engage and involve existing agency, state, and intergovernmental structures already in place addressing wildland fire risk, response, and other activities to determine priority, tractable topics to address.
This solicitation will initially support one-year feasibility studies of potential applications. NASA will then down-select and continue support of a subset of these applications in subsequent, three-year projects. The three-year projects will develop the application with and transition the application to a public or private organization for sustained use in decision making and services to end users.
Proposals to this solicitation are only for the Stage 1 portion of this enterprise.
Letter of Intent (requested) Deadline: October 27, 2011
Application Deadline: December 16, 2011
Funding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Sustainable Food Systems to Improve Food Security
The goal of this program area is to test hypotheses and increase the knowledge base about food systems, to enhance the long term sustainability of food systems, and to use this knowledge to enhance food security in the United States by increasing food availability and affordability. Sustainable agriculture is defined in statute at 7 U.S.C., section 3103, with its goals summarized by the National Research Council in 2010 as follows:
1. Satisfy human food, feed and fiber needs.
2. Enhance environmental quality and the resource base.
3. Sustain the economic viability of agriculture.
4. Enhance the quality of life for farmers, farm workers and society as a whole.
Achieving these objectives requires knowledge about complex interactions that occur throughout the system. These interactions can be studied within the boundaries of a production system, or they can be studied within broader boundaries that include production, aggregation, processing, distribution and marketing.
Applications should develop integrated projects that combine research and/or education and/or extension. These projects should enhance food security by increasing productivity and profitability for producers and/or improving intermediate elements of the system to increase access and affordability for consumers. Projects should link approaches/components to ensure a systems approach. Projects should include multiple components such as sustainable food production, processing, distribution, marketing, consumer preferences and food choices, farmer prosperity, and natural resource issues, such as water quality, air quality, and soil health. Approaches should include multiple disciplines such as agronomy, animal science, economics, food science, and social science.
Letter of Intent (required) Deadline: November 15, 2011
Application Deadline: February 15, 2012
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Translational Genomics for Disease Resistance in Animals
A two-pronged strategy will provide both short and longer term approaches to improving animal health. Translational Genomics for Disease Resistance in Animals takes advantage of recent advances in both animal and pathogen genomic sequencing to focus teams on the use of animal genomics for the improvement of animal health and reduction of animal suffering due to disease. This strategy will produce animals more resistant to disease within a mid- to long-term timeframe. The program anticipates facilitating post-award collaborations among the funded groups to build virtual computational and bioinformatics infrastructure that adds value by leveraging expertise. Applicants must address the priority of improving genetic resistance to one or more high priority diseases in agriculturally-relevant animal species (i.e., ruminants, poultry, aquaculture, swine, or equine).
Letter of Intent (required) Deadline: November 17, 2011
Application Deadline: March 1, 2012
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Translational Genomics for Improved Fertility of Animals
Translational Genomics to Improve Fertility of Animals will take advantage of recent advances in animal genomics and apply that knowledge directly to improve fertility in livestock production settings. Proposed projects must address current major problems with fertility that negatively impact profitability and sustainability of livestock production enterprises. The program anticipates facilitating post-award collaborations among the funded groups to build virtual computational and bioinformatics infrastructure that adds value by leveraging expertise. Applicants must address an integrated approach to improve fertility of agriculturally-relevant animal species (i.e., livestock, dairy, poultry, or aquaculture). Proposed projects must address current major problems with fertility that negatively impact profitability and sustainability of livestock production enterprises.
Letter of Intent (required) Deadline: November 17, 2011
Application Deadline: March 1, 2012
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act Grants
Recognizing the importance of conserving migratory birds, the Congress of the United States passed the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act (Act, or NMBCA) in 2000. The Act established an annual competitive, matching grants program, administered by the DBHC, that supports public-private partnerships carrying out projects in the United States, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean that promote the long-term conservation of Neotropical migratory birds and their habitats. The goals of the Act include perpetuating healthy populations of these birds, providing financial resources for bird conservation initiatives, and fostering international cooperation for such initiatives.
During the 2012 NMBCA program the DBHC will follow the recommendation from the NMBCA Advisory Group to initiate a pilot program designed to focus a portion of the program’s funding (approximately 25-30% of any FY12 appropriation) to a group of particularly threatened Neotropical migratory birds. The Advisory Group believes that focused investment in these species over the next 5-6 years has a high potential to deliver significant conservation results leading to meaningful and measurable impacts to those populations.
The following species qualify for the pilot program (alphabetically by English common name):
1. Bicknell’s Thrush (Catharus bicknelli)
2. Buff-breasted Sandpiper (Tryngites subruficollis)
3. Cerulean Warbler (Dendroica cerulea)
4. Golden-cheeked Warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia)
5. Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera)
6. Hudsonian Godwit (Limosa haemastica)
7. Kirtland’s Warbler (Dendroica kirtlandii)
8. Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus)
9. Mountain Plover (Charadrius montanus)
10. Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris)
11. Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens)
12. Red Knot (Calidris canutus rufa)
13. Sprague’s Pipit (Anthus spragueii)
For the purposes of this program, a Neotropical migratory bird is one that breeds in the continental United States or Canada and spends the boreal winter in Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, or South America. Birds from all taxa are included, so that proposals may benefit land birds, waterbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors, and others.
The remainder of the funding (70-75%) will be used, as in past years, in NMBCA’s core program, which catalyzes conservation of any eligible Neotropical migratory bird species and directs funding to the most competitive proposals from a broad spectrum of partners, geographies, threats, species and conservation approaches.
Project activities may be carried out in the USA, in Canada, or in any country or territory in Latin America and the Caribbean. For projects with activities in the USA, the DBHC strongly encourages applicants to contact the Migratory Bird Joint Venture (JV) where the project activities are planned. Proposals with activities that are coordinated with a JV will be more competitive. The following kinds of projects are eligible: protection and management of Neotropical migratory bird populations; maintenance, management, protection, and restoration of Neotropical migratory bird habitat; research and monitoring; law enforcement; and community outreach and education.
Because NMBCA funds are limited, applicants should note that
- proposals for wetland habitat conservation in the United States and Canada should be directed to the North American Wetlands Conservation Council; and
- proposals involving NAWCA priority wetlands in Mexico should be submitted to the North American Wetlands Conservation Council.
While project funds may be used for environmental mitigation, a proposal for such work would be considered a lower priority. NMBCA is interested in funding new conservation work that results in a net gain for conservation.
Application Deadline: November 30, 2011
Funding Agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Theory, Models and Computational Methods (TMCM)
The program supports the discovery and development of theoretical and computational methods to address a range of chemical challenges, with emphasis on emerging areas of chemical research. Proposals that focus on established methods should involve innovative approaches that substantially broaden their applicability. Methods of interest include, but are not limited to, those addressing electronic structure, quantum reaction dynamics, statistical mechanics, molecular dynamics, and simulation techniques for molecular or supramolecular systems. Areas of application span the full range of chemical systems from small molecules to macromolecules and degrees of aggregation from single molecules or small clusters to nanoscopic and even larger systems. While application areas may involve any chemical system, including biological systems or materials, the goal of the program is to support the development of new theoretical and computational methodologies that will be broadly applicable to a range of challenging problems. CHE is particularly interested in fundamental areas of research that are difficult or impossible to address using current synthetic, experimental, and/or computational methodologies.
Proposals that utilize well-established theoretical and modeling approaches to solve chemical problems may be more appropriate for other NSF Divisional programs. Proposals that focus primarily on addressing biological or biomedical problems may be more appropriate for the Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB) or the National Institutes of Health (NIH), respectively. Proposals whose major focus is on the development of methods to improve the properties of materials should be directed to the Division of Materials Research (DMR).
Application Deadline: November 30, 2011
Funding Agency: National Science Foundation
NSF Science, Engineering and Education for Sustainability Fellows (NSF SEES Fellows)
Through SEES Fellows, NSF seeks to enable the discoveries needed to inform actions that lead to environmental, energy and societal sustainability while creating the necessary workforce to address these challenges. The program’s emphasis is to facilitate investigations that cross traditional disciplinary boundaries and address issues of sustainability through a systems approach, building bridges between academic inquiry, economic growth, and societal needs. The Fellow’s proposed investigation should be interdisciplinary and allow him or her to obtain research experience beyond his or her current core disciplinary expertise. Additionally, Fellows are required to develop a research partnership that would broaden the impact and/or scope of the proposed research activities. Such activities might include, but are not limited to, a connection with a NSF Research Coordination Network (RCN), center or facility; industry; a national laboratory; or a state, regional, or local resource management agency. Fellows are required to have two mentors, one for the proposed research at the host institution (the institution that will administer the award) and the other for the research partnership. The mentors can be from the same institution, but should not be from the same discipline.
The challenge of sustainability, maintaining and improving the quality of life for the nation within a healthy Earth system, is of global concern. The NSF SEES Fellows may strengthen connections and collaborations with the broader international science and engineering community by having an international research partnership.
Fellows are also expected to devote some time to a professional development activity such as, but not limited to, broadening participation of under-represented groups in sustainability science, an education activity, or a project that focuses on public engagement. Fellows may also include a plan for leading and teaching a course at the undergraduate or graduate level, provided it is supported financially by the institution where the teaching would take place. The teaching is limited to no more than one course per semester, and no more than two courses throughout the period of the award. This restriction is meant to provide the PI adequate time to engage in research collaborations and other professional development. The overall proposal should reflect the PI’s own research interests and professional goals presented in relationship to overall impact on science, engineering and education for sustainability. Because there may be different expectations within different disciplinary fields and/or different partnering organizations, a wide range of research and professional activities may be appropriate for the NSF SEES Fellows program.
Application Deadline: December 5, 2011
Funding Agency: National Science Foundation
Sustainability Research Networks Competition
Sustainability Research Networks (SRNs) will engage and explore fundamental theoretical issues and empirical questions in sustainability science, engineering, and education that will increase our understanding of the ultimate sustainability challenge – maintaining and improving the quality of life for the nation within a healthy Earth system. The goal of the Sustainability Research Networks (SRN) competition is to support the development and coalescence of entities to advance collaborative research that addresses questions and challenges in sustainability science, engineering, and education. SRNs will link scientists, engineers, and educators, at existing institutions, centers, networks, and also develop new research efforts and collaborations.
Each SRN network will be built upon an ambitious and nationally important sustainability theme. Proposers will be tasked with choosing a specific theme for their network, identifying the research already being done in this area, proposing methods for linking existing research efforts, and then proposing research needed to advance their specific research theme. Examples of possible SRN themes are provided in the “Program Description” section of this solicitation (Section II.B.). SRNs will foster new knowledge and tools at a frontier of research that significantly crosses and melds the boundaries of diverse disciplines, and creates the integrated science and engineering disciplines of the future. SRNs will pursue new opportunities in science, engineering and educational research that truly require the scale, scope, and facilities enabled by such a network.
The SRN competition outlined here is one part of the growing NSF investment in its Science, Engineering and Education for Sustainability (SEES) portfolio (http://www.nsf.gov/sees/). Challenges associated with broadly based SEES goals will be met by supporting fundamental science and engineering research and education needed to understand and overcome the barriers to sustainable human well being and to forge reasoned pathways to a sustainable future. NSF, in partnership with other agencies, international efforts, and the private sector, aims to support members of the academic research community for projects which produce discoveries and knowledge that will inform decisions leading to environmental, energy, social and cultural sustainability. NSF support will advance the frontiers of conceptual, empirical and computational research in science, engineering and education so that the nation has the knowledge base to inform policies on sustainability.
Proposed SRNs are expected to be multi-dimensional with regard to “disciplines” and address fundamental issues that are likely to yield significant new understanding and knowledge.
Required Preliminary Proposal Deadline: December 1, 2011
Invited Full Proposal Deadline: April 1, 2012
Funding Agency: National Science Foundation
Land Cover/Land Use Change
This solicitation will contribute to NASA’s general goal of developing a new generation of scientists capable of undertaking integrated earth science research.
The NASA Land-Cover/Land-Use Change (LCLUC) program supports research at the intersection of physical and social science involving the use of remotely sensed data. The program encourages the development of early career scientists that excel in this area of research. Proposals need to be aligned with the LCLUC program goals and themes. Thus, all the topics on LCLUC are welcome. However, of special interest for this solicitation is the topic of differences in land cover and land use across political borders, explaining and attributing these differences to their primary causes. Differences in land management caused by different institutional, political, social or economic factors on the two sides of the border can lead to marked differences in patterns of land use and land-cover change, often revealed by satellite imaging. For example, differences in the pattern of fires across the Russian-Chinese border in the Far East or differences in field patterns between U.S. and Mexico and between Eastern European countries following the breakup of the Soviet Union are well depicted by satellite images. Such borders provide an opportunity for analyzing land-use patterns and their underlying causes to improve understanding of social processes and human-environment interactions.
The LCLUC Program has a special place in NASA Earth Science in developing interdisciplinary approaches combining aspects of physical and social science, with a high level of societal relevance. Preference will be given to proposals with a strong social science component. Also, the NASA LCLUC program will only support proposals with a strong remote sensing component. The use of data from U.S. Earth-observing satellites in general, and those of NASA in particular, is encouraged. However, the use of non-U.S. and commercial satellites having relevant data holdings is of interest to the program.
Only those who received their Ph.D. after 2005 are eligible to propose.
Preliminary Proposal Deadline: December 1, 2011
Application Deadline: January 1, 2012
Funding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
White-Nose Syndrome Research
FWS is pleased to announce the availability of new funding for projects related directly to the investigation and management of white-nose syndrome (WNS).
Evidence of the continued spread of WNS was documented this past winter (2010/2011), and the number of affected bat hibernacula continued to grow. As of September 1, 2011, 19 states and four Canadian provinces are known to have one or more locations that are either affected by WNS or to present evidence suggestive of the fungus Geomyces destructans (Gd), including New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Tennessee, Delaware, Missouri, Oklahoma, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, North Carolina, Ohio, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. Surveys in affected areas continue to reveal population declines associated with the disease, and evidence to date suggests that affected bat populations are not likely to stabilize or recover in the immediate future. FWS has targeted funding to investigate critical gaps in our understanding of WNS that hinder our ability to manage the disease. FWS has collaborated with the WNS working groups and the oversight committees established under the WNS National Plan to develop the list of research priorities presented below.
Through this request, FWS intends to fund research that addresses the following three areas of investigation (priorities are not ranked). The questions that follow are intended as a guide, but should not be considered to be comprehensive:
1. Understanding the timing and/or reservoirs for Gd transmission, and the parameters that correlate with apparent survival and/or susceptibility of bats with/to WNS:
- Which season(s) is the most critical for Gd transmission or movement?
- Are there site characteristics or biological parameters that correlate with increased bat survival and/or infection and observed spread in North America?
2. The general progression of fungal growth or disease expression within a site:
- Can we define a threshold of infection and/or identify differences in fungal load among different species within a hibernaculum?
- Do disease onset and/or prevalence change over time at contaminated sites, and does earlier annual onset correlate with survival/mortality rates?
3. Identification of non-chemical control options to reduce the severity of WNS among wild bats:
- Is there a biological means to disrupt transmission, disrupt/kill Gd, or otherwise decrease infection rates and/or bat mortality?
- Can survival of bats with WNS, or Gd loads within a site, be impacted by environmental manipulations?
Application Deadline: December 4, 2011
Funding Agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Hydrologic Sciences
This program focuses on the flow of water and transport processes within streams, soils, and aquifers. Particular attention is given to spatial and temporal heterogeneity of fluxes and storages of water, particles, and chemicals coupling across interfaces with the landscape, microbial communities, and coastal environments, to upscaling and downscaling given these heterogeneities and interfaces and how these processes are altered by climate and land use changes. Studies may address aqueous geochemistry as well as physical, chemical, and biological processes within water bodies. These studies commonly involve expertise from many basic sciences and mathematics, and proposals often require joint review with related programs.
Application Deadline: December 5, 2011
Funding Agency: National Science Foundation
Geophysics Program
The program supports basic research in the physics of the solid earth to explore its composition, structure, and processes. Laboratory, field, theoretical, and computational studies are supported. Topics include seismicity, seismic wave propagation, and the nature and occurrence of earthquakes; the earth’s magnetic, gravity, and electrical fields; the earth’s thermal structure; and geodynamics. Supported research also includes geophysical studies of active deformation, including geodesy, and studies of the properties and behavior of earth materials in support of geophysical observation and theory.
Application Deadline: December 5, 2011
Funding Agency: National Science Foundation
Plant Feedstock Genomics for Bioenergy: A Joint Research FOA – USDA, DOE
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science, Office of Biological and Environmental Research (OBER), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES), hereby announce their interest in receiving applications for genomics-based research that will lead to the improved use of biomass and plant feedstocks for the production of fuels such as ethanol or renewable chemical feedstocks.
Specifically, applications are sought for fundamental research on plants that will improve biomass characteristics, biomass yield, or sustainability. Systems biology approaches to identify genetic indicators enabling plants to be efficiently bred or manipulated, or research that yields fundamental knowledge of the structure, function and organization of plant genomes leading to improved feedstock characterization and sustainability are also encouraged.
Renewable energy from biomass has the potential to reduce or remove dependency on fossil fuels as well as reduce negative environmental impacts from emissions of greenhouse gases and toxic pollutants. Realizing this potential will require the simultaneous development of high yielding biomass production systems and bioconversion technologies that efficiently convert biomass energy into the forms of energy usable by industry. Most agricultural research to date has focused on enhancing the production of seeds, roots, and tubers that are used for food and feed production. However, these improvements in food crops have frequently been directed towards increases in starch content with a corresponding reduction of lignocellulose accumulation.
Research applications are solicited in the area of improved fundamental understanding of lignocellulosic accumulation and regulation that will lead to improved utilization of plant biomass for the production of fuels such as ethanol or renewable chemical feedstocks. This FOA continues a commitment, initiated in 2006, to conduct a fundamental research program in biomass genomics, to provide the scientific foundation to facilitate the use of lignocellulosic materials, either primary material or agricultural residues, for bioenergy and biofuels.
The rationale for developing lignocellulosic crops for energy is that less intensive production techniques and poorer quality land can be used for these crops, thereby avoiding competition with food production on better quality land. Significant advances in breeding, molecular genetics, and genomic technologies provide an opportunity to build upon the existing knowledge base of plant biology to be able to confidently predict and manipulate their biological function for bioenergy resources.
Specific areas of interest include the following:
1. Phenotyping plant germplasm collections and advanced breeding lines in public breeding programs of bioenergy crops (Brachypodium, energy cane, Miscanthus, sorghum, switchgrass) to discover and deploy valuable alleles for bioenergy traits such as biomass yield, quantity and quality of key metabolites (sugars, starches,
lignocelluloses); adaptation to temperature extremes, drought (water use efficiency), salinity, nitrogen use efficiency.
2. Fundamental research to enhance translation of genomics information into cultivar improvement (“phenomics”) utilizing bioenergy crops for which genomic resources are available or are currently being developed: Brachypodium, Miscanthus, Populus,
sorghum, switchgrass; Brachypodium is acceptable if the application to a bioenergy crop(s) is clearly outlined.
Preliminary Proposal Deadline: December 16, 2011
Application Deadline: February 24, 2012
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Energy
Expeditionary Wastewater Treatment Technologies
Background: The current and future demands of a highly mobile, resource limited, Forward Operating Base (FOB) Camp call for new/advancements in technologies for wastewater treatment. The Government must continue to improve and optimize its water management to meet mission requirements. The need for reductions in the water supply burden of FOB operations and the safe discharge of wastewater require innovative technologies with the capability to treat gray (i.e., shower water reuse system concentrate) and black water (i.e., kitchen and toilet) so that it can be discharged into the environment, thus eliminating the need for waste hauling.
Under this topic, the Government invites proposals for a low-waste generation, energy efficient, gray and black wastewater treatment system that can, at a minimum, be used to support a Platoon-sized (50 personnel) FOB during expeditionary operations. The technologies used in the system shall be scalable such that a system that can support a Company-sized (150 personnel) FOB can be developed using the same technologies.
Application Deadline: January 9, 2012
Funding Agency: Department of the Army
Whole Genome Approach to Microbial Forensics
The Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate, Chemical and Biological Division, Threat Characterization and Attribution Branch, Bioforensics Program is issuing this BAA in order to seek out technologies to achieve the following programmatic goals:
1. Development and application of mathematical models for statistical confidence measurements in metagenomic analysis.
2. Development of a procedure to support the transfer of viral cDNA generated in a BSL-3/4 laboratory to BSL-2 laboratory for genomic analysis.
3. Whole-genome sequencing to capture the global biodiversity of human, plant and animal pathogens (bacterial, viral and fungal) in support of microbial forensics analysis.
The focus of this BAA is in the area of bioforensics research. The threat of terrorist or criminal use of pathogenic organisms and their toxins remains of great concern in the United States. There are vulnerabilities and needs to perform microbial forensic analyses for attribution purposes in a rigorous scientific manner. As part of the effort to deter biological terrorism and strengthen the law enforcement response to such an act, Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) 10, “Biodefense for the 21st Century” established a dedicated central microbial forensic laboratory known as the National Bioforensics Analysis Center (NBFAC), as part of the Department of Homeland Security to provide bioforensics analysis of evidence associated with the event. The NBFAC operates in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the lead investigative agency in acts of terrorism. This BAA seeks research in the following technical focus areas (TFAs) to support the missions of the NBFAC and FBI for evidentiary analysis and interpretation of results to support a criminal investigation:
TFA-1: Development and application of mathematical models for statistical confidence measurements in metagenomic analysis.
TFA-2: Development of a procedure to support the transfer of viral cDNA generated in a BSL-3/4 laboratory to BSL-2 laboratory for genomic analysis.
TFA-3: Whole-genome sequencing to capture the global biodiversity of human, plant and animal pathogens (bacterial, viral and fungal) in support of microbial forensics analysis.
Offerors may propose to more than one TFA but separate white papers/proposals must be submitted to each TFA.
The ultimate goal of this joint mission is the capture, indictment, and prosecution of the perpetrator(s) of the biocrime or terrorist attack.
White Paper Deadline: January 13, 2012
Application (invitation only) Deadline: March 16, 2012
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Geoinformatics (GI)
This is not a new activity. Geoinformatics was previously included as a separate sub-area of support in the Division of Earth Sciences Instrumentation and Facilities Program (EAR/IF) solicitation NSF 09-517. This separate solicitation gives this activity more emphasis and exposure to the relevant communities.
EAR will consider proposals for the development of cyberinfrastructure for the geosciences (Geoinformatics). EAR seeks the development and implementation of enabling information technology with impacts that extend beyond an individual investigator or small group of investigators and that facilitates the next generation of geosciences research. Proposals to this solicitation may seek support for community-driven development and implementation of databases; tools for data integration, interoperability, and visualization; software development and code hardening; and data-intensive/new computing methodologies that support the enhancement of geosciences research and education activities. Collaboration with computational scientists and the development of public/private partnerships are strongly encouraged.
The efforts supported by this solicitation do not overlap with, but are complementary to, EarthCube, a partnership between the Geosciences Directorate (GEO) and the Office of Cyberinfrasrtructure (OCI) to build an integrated geosciences-wide cyberinfrastructure. The goal of EarthCube is to transform the conduct of research in the geosciences by supporting community-created cyberinfrastructure that integrates knowledge management across the geosciences. The Geoinformatics solicitation will support efforts to create the underlying knowledge base and utilities that will be integrated, over time, through EarthCube. Projects submitted to the Geoinformatics solicitation should be proposed using modern software techniques and standards that facilitate eventual integration into a geoscience-wide knowledge system.
Application Deadline: January 13, 2012
Funding Agency: National Science Foundation
Geobiology and Low-Temperature Geochemistry Program
This program supports research on (1) the interactions between biological and geological systems at all scales of space and time; (2) geomicrobiology and biomineralization processes; (3) the role of life in the transformation and evolution of the Earth’s geochemical cycles; (4) inorganic and organic geochemical processes occurring at or near the Earth’s surface now and in the past, and at the broad spectrum of interfaces ranging in scale from planetary and regional to mineral-surface and supramolecular; (5) mineralogy and chemistry of soils and sediments; (6) surficial chemical and biogeochemical systems and cycles and their modification through natural and anthropogenic change; and (7) development of tools, methods, and models for low-temperature geochemistry and geobiological research – such as those emerging from molecular biology – in the study of the terrestrial environment.
The program is committed to supporting the most meritorious research in any relevant area, including interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research, as well as research involving international collaboration. The program is especially interested in proposals in emerging fields. Where appropriate, proposals may be considered for joint support with other programs in EAR or with other divisions at the NSF. In some cases, proposals may be transferred to other programs within EAR or to other divisions within the NSF when it is deemed appropriate by program officers from the respective programs or divisions. Principal investigators are encouraged to contact the cognizant program officers regarding proposals that may cross disciplinary boundaries before submission.
The program encourages proposals for large projects that will contribute to transformative methodologies and cross-disciplinary research. Interdisciplinary teams considering submitting such proposals are strongly encouraged to contact the cognizant program officer with an expression of interest and to communicate their anticipated needs before proceeding with proposal development.
Application Deadline: January 16, 2012
Funding Agency: National Science Foundation
Methodology, Measurement, and Statistics (MMS)
The MMS Program is an interdisciplinary program in the social, behavioral, and economic sciences that supports the development of innovative analytical and statistical methods and models for those sciences. MMS seeks proposals that are methodologically innovative, grounded in theory, and have potential utility for multiple fields within the social and behavioral sciences. As part of its larger portfolio, the MMS Program partners with a consortium of federal statistical agencies to support research proposals that further the development of new and innovative approaches to surveys and to the analysis of survey data. The MMS Program supports a variety of different types of awards, including Regular Research Awards, Mid-Career Research Fellowships, Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants, and Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Supplements.
Application Deadline: January 16, 2012
Funding Agency: National Science Foundation
2012 BAA Proposed Research on Safety of Oil and Gas Operations
The U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) solicits White Papers of not more than five (5) pages in length, for specific areas of interest to the BSEE Technology Assessment and Research (TA&R) Program on Safety of Oil and Gas Operations in the US Outer Continental Shelf. When appropriate, the research shall be conducted consistently with prior research.
The topics for the FY 2012 safety research funding should be limited to the following topics:
1. Assess Kick Detection Regulations – Identify and assess recently developed equipment and technologies capable of and/or designed to detect kicks and analyze current requirements for any possible improvements to those requirements. Explore methods of kick detection before an influx rises above the BOP stack and the effect of water depth on prompt kick detection and response times.
2. Optimize Blow Out Preventer (BOP) Stack Sequencing and Centralization, Stack Configuration, and Flowing Well Conditions – Assess BOP stack sequencing, which includes auto-shear and dead-man systems for deep-water rigs, to optimize the order and time when rams should be closed to secure a well. For BOP systems that require centralization of pipe to seal/cut, assess centralization when the drill pipe is compressed or forced from center. Include effects of a fully flowing well (e.g., blowout conditions) on the ability of a subsea BOP to shear pipe and ways to improve blind shear design. Also, include improved BOP stack configuration to minimize unsupported pipe in order to reduce likelihood of elastic buckling.
3. Subsea Blow Out Preventer (BOP) Monitoring and Well Control – Perform an evaluation of methods for detecting failure and monitoring the BOP and using state of the art technology to prevent failure.
Explore the reliability of a complete independent, acoustically controlled system for subsea BOP (short stack) in deep-water Gulf of Mexico.
4. Comparison of Synthetic Mooring Design, Manufacturing, and Installation Requirements – API RP 2SM and the ABS Guide to Synthetic Mooring System have both been revised and published or submitted for approval this past year. Compare and explain differences between the old and new versions of the documents, particularly with regard to the design, testing, and manufacturing. In the updated documents explain how each change individually and collectively affects the safety factor and conservatism of overall design.
5. Corrosion Damage of Risers and Structures – Evaluate the methods of detection, monitoring, and inspection of corrosion damage of risers and subsea/splash-zones.
6. Cement Comparison: Laboratory vs. Field – Determine whether laboratory formulations, testing, analysis, etc. are adequate to accurately reflect cement characteristics during offshore field implementation.
7. Impact of Implementing the Safety and Environmental Management System requirements – Develop a methodology to evaluate the impact of implementing the safety and environmental management system (SEMS) requirements on OCS oil and gas industry performance (30 CFR part 250 subpart S). Gather Baseline data beginning with calendar year 2012.
8. Deep-water Pipeline and Pipeline Riser Pressure Testing Methods – Describe and review pressure testing methods for pipelines and pipeline risers located in 1000 feet to 10000 feet of water on the OCS. Pipelines in deep water may either be un-insulated pipe, insulated pipe or pipe-in-pipe. Identify the positive and negative attributes of each pressure testing method and identify if any methods are superior.
White Paper Deadline: January 18, 2012
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of the Interior
Computational and Data-Enabled Science and Engineering in Mathematical and Statistical Sciences (CDS&E-MSS)
Growing out of scientific computation and the explosion in production of digital and observational data, Computational and Data-Enabled Science and Engineering (CDS&E, http://www.nsf.gov/mps/cds-e/) is clearly emerging as a distinct intellectual and technological discipline lying at the interface of mathematics, statistics, computational science, core sciences and engineering disciplines. CDS&E, broadly interpreted, now affects virtually every area of science and technology, revolutionizing the way science and engineering are done.
The Division of Mathematical Sciences (DMS) and the Office of Cyberinfrastructure (OCI) of the NSF recognize the importance of research in CDS&E and envision that the mathematical and statistical research communities will play a leading role in the future development of this emerging science. In partnership with the OCI, the CDS&E program in DMS supports fundamental research at the core of this emerging discipline. It supports broadly innovative, ambitious and transformative research that will lead to significant advancement in CDS&E. The emphasis will be on mathematical, statistical, computational, and algorithmic developments, as well as their applications in advancing modern cyberinfrastructure and scientific discovery. Multidisciplinary collaboration and the training of the next generation data and computational scientists firmly grounded and trained in mathematics and statistics will be strongly encouraged. The research topics supported by CDS&E-MSS will be rooted in mathematics and statistics and will address computational and big data challenges and promote directly discoveries and innovations at the frontiers of science and engineering. The overall impact in the mathematical and statistical sciences of the proposed work will be a review criterion.
Examples in which mathematical and statistical research enables advances in CDS&E include, but are not limited to:
- sophisticated computational/statistical modeling for simulation, prediction, and assessment in large scale and data intensive scientific problems that incorporate high performance and/or distributed computing that includes addressing challenges of scalability and heterogeneous architectures;
- state-of-the-art tools and theory in statistical inference, statistical learning and data mining for knowledge discovery from massive, complex, and dynamic data sets; or novel usage of knowledge in science to understand effective ways to exploit massive and quickly growing data;
- general theory and algorithms for advancing large-scale modeling for complex problems such as those with strong heterogeneities and anisotropies, multi physics coupling, multiscale behavior, stochastic forcing, uncertain parameters or dynamic data, and the subtle impact on a calculation of long-time integration;
- sophisticated computational methods for the elucidation of topological theory, revealing and examining structures in algebraic and arithmetic geometry and number theory, and design of cryptographic security and cybersecured systems;
- innovative methodologies and theory for large scale data acquisition through optimal designs, complex computer experiments, and compressed sampling;
- study of mathematical, statistical and stochastic properties of complex networks arising from computational science, all other core sciences, and engineering disciplines that are supported by NSF;
- computational differential geometry for graphics and visualization, signal processing, analysis and compressed sensing; and
- advances in discretization methods and solvers, optimization, validation and uncertainty quantification, and automated and reproducible science through rigorous problem specification and code generation.
Application Deadline: January 9 – 23, 2012
Funding Agency: National Science Foundation
Major Research Instrumentation Program (MRI)
The Major Research Instrumentation Program (MRI) serves to increase access to shared scientific and engineering instruments for research and research training in the USA’s institutions of higher education, museums, science centers, and not-for-profit organizations. This program especially seeks to improve the quality and expand the scope of research and research training in science and engineering, by providing shared instrumentation that fosters the integration of research and education in research-intensive learning environments. Development and acquisition of research instrumentation for shared inter- and/or intra-organizational use are encouraged, as are development efforts that leverage the strengths of private sector partners to build instrument development capacity at academic institutions.
To accomplish these goals, the MRI program assists with the acquisition or development of shared research instrumentation that is, in general, too costly and/or not appropriate for support through other NSF programs. Instruments are expected to be operational for regular research use by the end of the award period. For the purposes of the MRI program, proposals must be for either acquisition or development of a single instrument or for equipment that, when combined, serves as an integrated research instrument (physical or virtual). The MRI program does not support the acquisition or development of a suite of instruments to outfit research laboratories/facilities or to conduct independent research activities simultaneously.
The participating NSF components are the Office of Integrative Activities (OIA); the Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO); the Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE); the Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR); the Directorate for Engineering (ENG); the Directorate for Geosciences (GEO); the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS); the Directorate for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (SBE); the Office of Polar Programs (OPP); and the Office of Cyberinfrastructure (OCI).
Application Deadline: January 26, 2012
Funding Agency: National Science Foundation
Astrophysics Research and Analysis
The Astrophysics Research and Analysis (APRA) program solicits basic research proposals for investigations that are relevant to NASA’s programs in astronomy and astrophysics and includes research over the entire range of photons, gravitational waves, and particles of cosmic origin. Proposals for suborbital investigations are particularly encouraged. Proposals for developing experimental concepts and related technology for future NASA fundamental physics missions are solicited in this APRA program. The experimental fundamental physics component of the previous years’ Astrophysics Theory and Fundamental Physics (ATFP) program has been removed from that program, which now solicits only theory proposals and which is now named the “Astrophysics Theory” program.
The APRA program seeks to support research that addresses the best possible (i) state-of-the-art detector technology development for instruments that may be proposed as candidate experiments for future space flight opportunities; (ii) science and/or technology investigations that can be carried out with instruments flown on suborbital sounding rockets, stratospheric balloons, or other platforms; and (iii) supporting technology, laboratory research, and/or (with restrictions) ground-based observations that are directly applicable to space astrophysics missions. To meet these goals, proposals are solicited in the following five broad categories:
1. Detector Development
2. Suborbital Investigations
3. Supporting Technology
4. Laboratory Astrophysics
5. Ground-Based Observations
Letter of Intent (requested) Deadline: January 27, 2012
Application Deadline: March 23, 2012
Funding Agency: NASA
Grants for Laboratory Animal Science (GLAS)
The mission of the AALAS Grants for Laboratory Animal Science (GLAS) Program is to enhance scientific knowledge in laboratory animal health and welfare through research, and to further promote collaborative efforts by the AALAS membership within the broader scientific community. The Scientific Advisory Committee oversees this program.
The GLAS Program provides competitive short-term research grants in the laboratory animal science field. Current AALAS members are invited to apply for one-year grants of up to $50,000. The principal investigator (PI) must be an AALAS member but Co-PIs need not be members. PIs are strongly encouraged to include collaboration with a research scientist in their proposals.
Note: Although it says laboratory animal, we did speak with a representative at AALAS and she said even a wildlife biologist could fall under those “possible research topics” described.
Application Deadline: February 1, 2012
Funding Agency: American Association of Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS)
Sustainable Energy Pathways (SEP)
A sustainable world is one in which human needs are met equitably without harm to the environment, and without sacrificing the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Growing evidence for the role of energy use in global change and awareness of limitations in our energy choices are motivating a search for pathways that are technologically innovative as well as environmentally and economically sustainable at all scales of energy usage. This is a grand challenge to the scientific community that cuts across disciplinary boundaries.
The creation of a secure and prosperous future for humanity depends on the contributions that science, engineering, and education will make towards building sustainable pathways to meet the energy needs of future generations. The dual roles of NSF – to support basic research and education – are ideally suited to stimulate vibrant science and engineering discovery and innovation efforts that will be needed to meet the challenge of building a sustainable energy future.
SEP is part of the NSF-wide initiative on Science, Engineering, and Education for Sustainability (SEES). The participating NSF directorates are the Directorate for Mathematical & Physical Sciences (MPS); the Directorate for Engineering (ENG); the Directorate for Computer & Information Science & Engineering (CISE); the Directorate for Geosciences (GEO); and the Directorate for Social, Behavioral & Economic Sciences (SBE). The SEP solicitation calls for innovative, interdisciplinary basic research in science, engineering, and education by teams of researchers for developing systems approaches to sustainable energy pathways based on a comprehensive understanding of the scientific, technical, environmental, economic, and societal issues.
The SEP solicitation considers scalable approaches for sustainable energy conversion to useful forms, as well as its storage, transmission, distribution, and use. The following Topic Areas illustrate the broad scope of sustainable energy interest areas of this solicitation: Energy Harvesting & Conversion from Renewable Resources; Sustainable Energy Storage Solutions; Critical Elements & Materials for Sustainable Energy; Nature-Inspired Processes for Sustainable Energy Solutions; Reducing Carbon Intensity from Energy Conversion & Use; Sustainable Energy Transmission & Distribution; Energy Efficiency & Management.
Application Deadline: February 1, 2012
Funding Agency: National Science Foundation
Science of Learning Centers (SLC)
The SLC program offers awards for large-scale, long-term Centers that create the intellectual, organizational and physical infrastructure needed for the long-term advancement of Science of Learning research. It supports research that harnesses and integrates knowledge across multiple disciplines to create a common groundwork of conceptualization, experimentation and explanation that anchor new lines of thinking and inquiry towards a deeper understanding of learning.
The goals of the SLC program are to advance the frontiers of all the sciences of learning through integrated research; to connect the research to specific scientific, technological, educational, and workforce challenges; to enable research communities to capitalize on new opportunities and discoveries; and to respond to new challenges.
The SLC program construes learning broadly, including that of animals, humans and machines. The program is open to many possible approaches and topics that can be brought to examine what learning is, how it is affected, how it works at different levels, how biologically-derived learning principles can inform artificial systems and vice versa. The program places high value on creativity, integration of theoretical and empirical work, innovative models of research and research transfer, and inventive uses of technology.
Science of Learning Centers are built around a unifying research focus and incorporate a diverse, multidisciplinary environment involving appropriate partnerships with academia, industry, all levels of education, and other public and private entities.
Catalyst awards were made during the initial years of the program. Catalyst awards are designed to enable partnership-building and research activities that facilitate interdisciplinary approaches to questions that require multiple areas of expertise.
There are currently no SLC Centers or Catalyst competitions. However, the Science of Learning Centers Program is currently accepting proposals for Workshops, EArly-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER), Rapid Response Grants (RAPID), and Supplements to NSF awards (including those funded by other programs).
Application Deadline: February 6, 2012
Funding Agency: National Science Foundation
Energy for Sustainability
This program supports fundamental research and education that will enable innovative processes for the sustainable production of electricity and transportation fuels. Processes for sustainable energy production must be environmentally benign, reduce greenhouse gas production, and utilize renewable resources. Current interest areas in sustainable energy technologies are highlighted below.
1. Biomass Conversion, Biofuels and Bioenergy. Photosynthetic processes used by plants or algae use sunlight to convert atmospheric CO2 to energy-rich metabolites (carbohydrates, lipids, or hydrocarbons) which can be processed into transportation fuels. Fundamental research on innovative approaches for the intensification of biofuel and bioenergy processes is an emphasis area of this program. Specific areas of interest include: biological, thermochemical, or thermocatalytic conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to biofuels beyond cellulosic ethanol; microbial fuel cells for direct production of electricity from renewable carbon sources; process-based, scalable approaches for the biological or bio-mimetic generation of electricity directly from sunlight; hydrogen production from autotrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms; hydrocarbons and lipids from autotrophic or heterotrophic microorganisms.
2. Photovoltaic Solar Energy. Solar photovoltaic (PV) devices harvest and convert sunlight directly to electricity. Fundamental research on innovative processes for the fabrication and theory-based characterization of future PV devices is an emphasis area of this program. Specific areas of interest include: nano-enabled PV devices containing nanostructured semiconductors, plasmonic materials, photonic structures, or conducting polymers; earth-abundant and environmentally benign materials for photovoltaic devices; photocatalytic or photoelectrochemical processe for the splitting of water into H2 gas, or for the reduction of CO2 to liquid or gaseous fuels. The generation of thermal energy by solar radiation is not an area supported by this program, but will be considered by the Thermal Transport Processes program within CBET.
3. Wind Energy. Fundamental engineering research, supported by modeling and simulation studies, that leads to new processes to efficiently harness wind energy for the production of electrical power is an interest area of this program. Research that focuses on materials science issues associated with wind energy systems will not be considered by this program.
4. Advanced Batteries for Transportation. Radically new battery systems or breakthroughs based on existing systems can move the USA rapidly toward a more sustainable transportation future. The focus is on high-energy density and high-power density batteries suitable for transportation applications. Advanced systems such as lithium-air, sodium-ion, as well as lithium-ion with new cathode chemistries are appropriate. Work on commercially available systems such as lead-acid and nickel-metal hydride will not be considered by this program.
Note: Fuel-cell projects previously submitted to this program should be directed to other CBET programs, depending on emphasis: electrocatalysis (Catalysis and Biocatalysis); membranes (Separations and Bioseparations); systems (Process and Reaction Engineering).
Innovative proposals outside of these specific interest areas can be considered. However, prior to submission, it is recommended that the PI contact the Program Director to avoid the possibility of the proposal being returned without review.
Proposals should address the novelty and/or potentially transformative nature of the concept being proposed, compared to previous work in the field. Also, it is important to address why the proposed work is important in terms of engineering science, as well as to also project the potential impact on society and/or industry of success in the research. The novelty or potentially transformative nature of the research should be included, as a minimum, in the Project Summary of each proposal.
Application Deadline: February 17, 2012
Funding Agency: National Science Foundation
Plant Genome Research Program (PGRP)
This program is a continuation of the Plant Genome Research Program (PGRP) that began in FY 1998 as part of the National Plant Genome Initiative (NPGI). Since the inception of the NPGI and the PGRP, there has been a tremendous increase in the availability of functional genomics tools and sequence resources for use in the study of key crop plants and their models. Proposals are welcomed that build on these resources to develop conceptually new and different ideas and strategies to address grand challenge questions in plants of economic importance on a genome-wide scale. There is also a continued need for the development of novel and creative tools to facilitate new experimental approaches or new ways of analyzing genomic data. Especially encouraged are proposals that provide strong and novel training opportunities integral to the research plan and particularly across disciplines that include, but are not limited to, plant physiology, quantitative genetics, biochemistry, bioinformatics and engineering.
Three kinds of activity will be supported in FY 2012: (1) Genomics-empowered plant research to tackle fundamental questions in plant and agricultural sciences on a genome-wide scale; (2) Development of tools and resources for plant genome research including novel technologies and analysis tools that will enable discovery; and (3) Mid-Career Investigator Awards in Plant Genome Research (MCA-PGR) to increase participation of investigators trained primarily in fields other than plant genomics. Proposals addressing these opportunities are welcomed at all scales, from single-investigator projects through multi-investigator, multi-institution projects, commensurate with the scope of the work proposed.
Application Deadline: March 5, 2012
Funding Agency: National Science Foundation
Undergraduate Research and Mentoring in the Biological Sciences (URM)
The goal of the URM program is to increase the number and diversity of individuals pursuing graduate studies in all areas of biological research supported by the NSF Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO). Support will be provided to academic institutions to establish innovative programs to engage undergraduates in a year-round research and mentoring activity. Particular emphasis will be placed on broadening participation of members of groups historically underrepresented in science and engineering: African Americans, Alaska Natives, American Indians, Hispanic Americans, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders, and persons with disabilities.
Limit 1 per organization
Application Deadline: March 6, 2012
Funding Agency: National Science Foundation
Transforming STEM Learning (TSL)
TSL combines interests and resources of separate programs in the Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings (DRL) to explore the opportunities and challenges implied by innovative visions of the future for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning. The TSL program invites interdisciplinary teams of STEM content specialists, experts in relevant technologies, STEM formal and informal education specialists, researchers with expertise in the learning sciences, and specialists in education research and evaluation methods to submit proposals for research projects that (1) study efficacy of existing prototypes for innovations like virtual schools, special STEM schools, and educational programs that combine opportunities of formal and informal learning resources in their communities; or (2) design and conduct exploratory development of new potentially transformative models for STEM learning environments. The crosscutting proposals will draw from work in the four primary DRL programs: Discovery Research K-12 (DR K-12), Informal Science Education (ISE), Research and Evaluation on Education in Science and Engineering (REESE), and Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST). However, proposals submitted in response to this solicitation must have a scope that extends well beyond any of those programs individually.
Application Deadline: March 9, 2012
Funding Agency: National Science Foundation
Communications and Networking Discovery and Invention
The goal of this program is to support the FORCEnet vision by developing measurable advances in technology that can directly enable and enhance end-to-end connectivity and quality-of-service for mission-critical information exchange among such widely dispersed naval, joint and coalition forces. The vision is to provide high throughput robust communications and networking to ensure all warfighters, from the operational command to the tactical edge – have access to information, knowledge, and decision-making necessary to perform their assigned tasks. Proposals for potential FY13 Exploratory Development/Applied Research projects are sought under the following focus areas:
1. Back-end electronics devices/sub-systems/architectures/algorithms for ultra-wideband apertures with simultaneous low noise, low distortion, and very high instantaneous dynamic range
2. Innovative approaches for spectrum co-existence (underlay/overlay, interference cancellation, etc.) of military waveforms with commercial communications
3. High pulse power (variable pulse rep frequency) fiber laser emission in the blue-green (450-520 nm) using all-fiber power-scaling and combining techniques. Fully-passive (or minimal electrical/thermal control) filter designs with high transmissivity, narrow optical bandpass (< 0.5 nm), and large field-of-view in the blue-green region. High speed (Gbps), single-photon counting, blue-green detectors and high performance receiver waveforms/protocols with relaxed sync/timing accuracies
4. Machine learning techniques and other novel approaches for autonomous network management
5. Robust tools/approaches for de-confliction of traffic prioritization policies, according to Commander's Intent, over a distributed, tactical network
White Paper Deadline: March 23, 2012
Application Deadline: June 29, 2012
Funding Agency: Office of Naval Research
Planning a Partnership Model for a Giant Segmented Mirror Telescope
Two major survey reports carried out by the National Academy of Sciences have identified the need for a Giant Segmented Mirror Telescope (GSMT) to address frontier astrophysical research questions in a wide array of subfields. This solicitation invites proposals to establish an initial framework for a U.S. community partnership in a proposed GSMT deriving from past, current, or potential future NSF support for design work, construction, instrumentation, and/or operations. Based on a detailed competitive review of the resulting proposals, an award will be made for further development of a public/private/international partnership model under a cooperative agreement between a GSMT project and NSF. During the award period, GSMT project management and representatives from NSF and the U.S. astronomical community are expected to refine the roles of NSF and the community in project development, engage in planning science and engineering operations, prepare for potential future Federal funding opportunities after the start of the next decade. Selection as an awardee in this process does not imply that a GSMT will be approved for further funding.
Application Deadline: April 16, 2012
Funding Agency: National Science Foundation
Decadal and Regional Climate Prediction Using Earth System Models (EaSM)
The consequences of climate variability and change are becoming more immediate and profound than previously anticipated. Important impacts have highlighted that climate variability and change can have significant effects on decadal and shorter time scales, with significant consequences for plant, animal, human, and physical systems. Such aspects include the onset of prolonged droughts on several continents, increased frequency of floods, loss of agricultural and forest productivity, degraded ocean and permafrost ecosystems, global sea level rise and the rapid retreat of ice sheets and glaciers, loss of Arctic sea ice, and changes in ocean currents.
The EaSM funding opportunity enables interagency cooperation on one of the most pressing problems of the millennium: climate change, how it is likely to affect our world, and how we can plan for its consequences. It allows the partner agencies – National Science Foundation (NSF), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) – to combine resources to identify and fund the most meritorious and highest-impact projects that support their respective missions, while eliminating duplication of effort and fostering collaboration between agencies and the investigators they support.
This interdisciplinary scientific challenge calls for the development and application of next-generation Earth System Models that include coupled and interactive representations of such things as ocean and atmospheric currents, human activities, agricultural working lands and forests, urban environments, biogeochemistry, atmospheric chemistry, the water cycle and land ice. This solicitation seeks to attract scientists from the disciplines of geosciences, social sciences, agricultural and biological sciences, mathematics and statistics, physics, and chemistry. Successful proposals will develop intellectual excitement in the participating disciplinary communities and engage diverse interdisciplinary teams with sufficient breadth to achieve the scientific objectives. The partner agencies encourage proposals that have strong broader impacts, including public access to data and other research products of general interest, as well as educational, diversity, or societal impacts.
The long-term goals of this solicitation are to improve on and extend current Earth System modeling capabilities to
- achieve comprehensive, reliable global and regional predictions of decadal climate variability and change through advanced understanding of the coupled interactive physical, chemical, biological, and human processes that drive the climate system;
- quantify the impacts of climate variability and change on natural and human systems, and identify and quantify feedback loops;
- maximize the utility of available observational and model data for impact, vulnerability/resilience, and risk assessments through up/downscaling activities and uncertainty characterization; and
- effectively translate climate predictions and associated uncertainties into the scientific basis for policy and management decisions related to human interventions and adaptation to the projected impacts of climate change.
The following are specific areas of interest to the funding agencies for EaSM 2: (i) research that has the potential to dramatically improve predictive capabilities; (ii) prediction and attribution studies; (iii) research that addresses critical issues linking relevant Earth system processes over a variety of spatial and temporal scales; (iv) research that examines the relationships between climate variability and change to human and natural environments from the human perspective; and (v) development and applications of metrics, methods, and tools for testing and evaluating climate and climate impact predictions and their uncertainty characterization.
Application Deadline: May 11, 2012
Funding Agency: National Science Foundation
I2O Office-Wide BAA
Proposed research should investigate innovative approaches that enable revolutionary advances in science, devices, or systems. I2O seeks unconventional approaches that are outside the mainstream, undertaking directions that challenge assumptions and have the potential to radically change established practice. I2O is interested in submissions related to the following focus areas:
1. Understand: Change is pervasive and accelerating throughout all aspects of human, world and military affairs, bringing with it both opportunities and threats. Examples of threats include emerging regional peer rivals, rogue and failed nation-states, insurgent groups, militant/radicalized populations, transnational terrorist organizations and criminal enterprises, and new classes of cyber-human-physical threats. Military success requires understanding threat capabilities, intentions, and activities as well as local human, social, cultural, and behavioral factors. I2O seeks to enable this understanding through the development of computational and analytic techniques that can process and assimilate the huge volumes of data generated by modern sensor, information, and communication systems, and by incorporating these techniques and new enabling sensor technologies in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) exploitation and language processing systems that can classify behaviors, correlate events, identify trends, detect anomalies, and generate alerts.
2. Empower: Just as the world has gotten more complex, so have military operations, which require the precise tasking, coordination and control of air, ground and naval forces, ISR assets, weapons systems, communications resources and logistics under highly dynamic, uncertain, and dangerous conditions. I2O works to empower warfighters at all echelons to meet these challenges by developing advanced computing technologies, including modeling and simulation, visualization, knowledge management, geographic information systems, semantic web techniques, social networks, crowd-sourced, and Web 2.0/3.0 techniques, and implementing these in command and control systems that automate and improve the application of information to military decision-making, planning, training, mission rehearsal, and operations support.
3. Connect: Modern warfighting depends on reliable connectivity for access to theater and national sensor data and to coordinate the action of widely distributed forces. This connectivity is being challenged by increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks on network and computational resources. I2O aims to ensure this connection by developing more resilient computing and communication technologies and by creating new approaches to ensure the security of defense networks and computing systems. These technologies will enable more rapid detection, analysis, and mitigation of cyber threats; more efficient utilization of network resources; and more effective monitoring and control of computing and communications infrastructure.
Abstract (not mandatory): Proposers may submit an abstract in advance of a proposal to reduce potential effort in proposal preparation.
Application Deadline: May 30, 2012
Funding Agency: Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
Research Networks in the Mathematical Sciences (RNMS)
The RNMS Program creates an award mechanism that supports researchers in ways that are intermediate in scale, scope, and duration to existing individual investigator awards and research institute awards. The RNMS Program recognizes that, over the past quarter century, mathematical research has become increasingly collaborative and interactive, because effectively overcoming core scientific challenges frequently requires the sharing of ideas and expertise. A Research Network is not a substitute for existing funding mechanisms. In particular, it is intended to complement (rather than replace) individual investigator awards by providing additional layers of interaction. Through the involvement of postdoctoral researchers and students and the promotion of international collaborations, the RNMS will not only focus on problems at the frontier of the mathematical sciences but also lead to robust and diverse training of the next generation of mathematicians and statisticians.
Application Deadline: July 10, 2012
Funding Agency: National Science Foundation
Funding Opportunities from the U.S. Department of Energy
The U.S. Department of Energy has several new opportunities available in various scientific fields, below are the general research categories covered by DE-FOA-0000600:
1. Advanced Scientific Computer Research
2. Basic Energy Sciences
3. Biological and Environmental Research
4. Fusion Energy Sciences
5. High Energy Physics
6. Nuclear Physics
7. Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists
Application Deadline: September 30, 2012
FOA Link – Descriptions of the opportunities can be found starting on p.8
Theoretical Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics (TAMOP)
This program supports theoretical and computational research in all areas of atomic structure, the molecular structure of small molecules, electron, and atomic collisions, photoionization and photodetachment of electrons from atoms and small molecules, time-dependent interactions with atoms and small molecules, quantum optics, ultracold phenomena in Bose and Fermi gases, and quantum information.
Application Deadline: October 31, 2012
Funding Agency: National Science Foundation
Mathematical Physics
Mathematical Physics develops and applies advanced mathematical methods to enable the solution of difficult problems in physics. It often is the work of mathematicians with a strong physics interest and intuition, or of physicists who are also highly regarded in mathematics. Very advanced mathematical methods are applied (by individuals or collaborators) to important but difficult physics concepts to rigorously establish the behavior of theoretical systems, resolve conundrums or find new directions. The PHY Mathematical Physics program is dedicated to supporting such research.
Proposals to the Mathematical Physics Program are evaluated by a PHY Mathematical Physics Panel, composed of physicists and mathematicians expert in the many varied aspects of the field. The areas covered include fundamental quantum theory, quantum field theory, string theory, nonlinear dynamics, fluid mechanics, turbulence, chaos and complexity, and statistical physics. The importance of the mathematics is a critical consideration along with the merit and implications for physics of the application. A proposal for which the mathematics is mainly computational or standard, though it could be very sophisticated, may be more competitive for funding in another program.
In addition, the program supports infrastructure activities such as short- and long-term visitor programs, workshops, and research centers involving the participation of external scientists from universities, national laboratories, and industry, as well as graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.
Application Deadline: October 31, 2012
Funding Agency: National Science Foundation