Building EPSCoR-State/National Laboratory Partnerships | DE FOA 0003201

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the name and number of this funding opportunity?

This opportunity is the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) DE-FOA-0003201, titled "Building EPSCoR-State/National Laboratory Partnerships".

Which DOE office is offering this grant?

The grant is administered by the DOE Office of Science.

What is the main goal of this FOA?

The purpose is to strengthen research collaborations between institutions in EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions and DOE National Laboratories, with a focus on fundamental, early-stage energy research that advances basic understanding of the physical world and builds long-term research capacity in historically under-resourced states and territories.

What kind of research does the FOA emphasize?

The FOA emphasizes fundamental, early-stage energy research that advances basic scientific understanding of the physical world, rather than later-stage development or deployment activities.

Is collaboration with a DOE National Laboratory required?

Yes. A central feature of this program is partnership, and proposed projects are expected to be collaborative efforts that meaningfully involve a DOE National Laboratory.

Are applicants encouraged to use DOE user facilities?

Yes. Applicants are encouraged to make use of DOE user facilities, including Office of Science user facilities (such as major light sources, neutron sources, nanoscale science research centers, and high-performance computing resources) and DOE Office of Nuclear Energy user facilities (including resources available through the Nuclear Science User Facilities program).

Why does the FOA encourage using national labs and user facilities?

The intent is to support research that benefits from specialized instruments, facilities, data resources, or lab-based capabilities that may be difficult for universities and smaller institutions to access on their own, while building long-term collaboration and capacity in EPSCoR jurisdictions.

Does the FOA require workforce development or training activities?

Yes. The FOA places a strong emphasis on workforce development and training as part of the research collaboration.

Is participation by students or early-career researchers required?

Yes. Participation is not optional. Each project must include undergraduate students, graduate students, or postdoctoral fellows.

Does the FOA encourage proposals led by early-career faculty?

Yes. The FOA explicitly encourages applications led by early-career faculty from EPSCoR jurisdictions to help build durable research trajectories, mentorship networks, and institutional capacity over time.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to domestic applicants located in designated EPSCoR jurisdictions, following NSF EPSCoR eligibility determinations. The FOA cites 2 CFR 910.126 as the basis for limiting competition.

Which jurisdictions are listed as EPSCoR-eligible for this FOA?

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

Are any nonprofit organizations excluded from applying?

Yes. The FOA notes that certain nonprofit organizations are excluded, specifically 501(c)(4) organizations that engaged in lobbying activities after December 31, 1995.

Where does the FOA direct applicants to confirm eligibility details?

The FOA directs applicants to consult page 9 for eligibility details.

What type of funding mechanism is this?

This is a discretionary grant opportunity.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The FOA is associated with CFDA 81.049.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The listed award ceiling is $1,000,000.

When was this FOA created?

The FOA was created on December 8, 2023.

What was the original application closing date?

The original closing date listed for the FOA was February 28, 2024.

What is the overall intent of the program in practical terms?

In practice, the program is meant to connect researchers in historically under-resourced states and territories with the unique expertise, infrastructure, and scientific capabilities at DOE National Laboratories, helping grow long-term research capacity and competitive strength in those jurisdictions.