Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) Gaithersburg and Boulder Programs; Availability of Funds, 1411-1416 [E6-74]
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competitive strengths and will bolster
regional economic competitiveness,
resulting in tangible, quantifiable
improvements in regional economic
health, such as increased numbers of
higher-skill, higher-wage jobs, increased
tax revenue or increased private sector
investment.
2. Have strong organizational
leadership. An investment will have
strong leadership, relevant project
management experience, and a
significant commitment of human
resources talent to ensure a highperforming University Center.
Specifically for University Center
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extent to which the proposed University
Center will maximize coordination with
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demonstrating the support and
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3. Advance productivity, innovation
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5. Demonstrate a high degree of local
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• High levels of local government or
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sector leverage;
• Clear and unified leadership and
support by local elected officials; and
• Strong cooperation between the
business sector, relevant regional
partners and local, State and Federal
governments.
In making its recommendations on
which institutions should be invited to
submit a full application, the EDA
review team will strive to avoid the
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concentration of program funding in a
single or very limited number of
geographic areas. For that reason, EDA
cannot predict a minimum ranking of a
successful proposal.
Selection Factors: EDA expects to
fund the highest ranking proposals
submitted under this competition
solicitation. However, EDA may select
proposals out of order for several
reasons, including: (1) Availability of
funding; (2) geographic balance in
distribution of funds; (3) program
priorities and policy factors as set forth
in the FFO announcement; or (4) the
applicant’s performance under previous
awards.
The Department of Commerce PreAward Notification Requirements for
Grants and Cooperative Agreements
The Department of Commerce PreAward Notification Requirements for
Grants and Cooperative Agreements,
published in the Federal Register on
December 30, 2004 (69 FR 78389), are
applicable to this solicitation.
Teleconferences
EDA’s Atlanta and Seattle regional
offices will each hold a teleconference
to answer questions about the FY 2006
competition for University Center
Program funding.
Atlanta: The Atlanta regional office
will hold its conference call on January
19, 2006 at 2 p.m. EST. In order to
assure enough incoming lines are
available, EDA requests colleges and
universities planning to participate in
the conference call to send an e-mail to
tpellegrino@eda.doc.gov with
‘‘Conference Call Registration’’ in the
subject line no later than 2 p.m. EST on
January 17, 2006. The number for the
conference call is 1–800–988–0490. The
pass code for this conference call is
‘‘46468.’’ The lead contact for the
conference call is Tom Pellegrino.
Seattle: The Seattle regional office
will hold its conference call on January
23, 2006 at 11 a.m. PST. In order to
assure enough incoming lines are
available, EDA requests colleges and
universities planning to participate in
the conference call to send an e-mail to
batkinson@eda.doc.gov with
‘‘Conference Call Registration’’ in the
subject line no later than 2 p.m. PST on
January 19, 2006. The number for the
conference call is 1–800–857–7001. The
pass code for this conference call is
‘‘12458.’’ The lead contact for the
conference call is Bettye Atkinson.
Paperwork Reduction Act
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Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The
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This notice has been determined to be
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It has been determined that this notice
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Administrative Procedure Act/
Regulatory Flexibility Act
Prior notice and an opportunity for
public comments are not required by the
Administrative Procedure Act or any
other law for rules concerning grants,
benefits, and contracts (5 U.S.C.
553(a)(2)). Because notice and
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been prepared.
Dated: January 4, 2006.
Sandy K. Baruah,
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for
Economic Development.
[FR Doc. E6–65 Filed 1–6–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–24–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Institute of Standards and
Technology
[Docket No.: 051222346–5346–01]
Summer Undergraduate Research
Fellowships (SURF) Gaithersburg and
Boulder Programs; Availability of
Funds
National Institute of Standards
and Technology, Commerce.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST)
announces that the following programs
are soliciting applications for financial
assistance for FY 2006: (1) The
Gaithersburg Summer Undergraduate
Research Fellowship Program, and (2)
the Boulder Summer Undergraduate
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Research Fellowship Program. Each
program will only consider applications
that are within the scientific scope of
the program as described in this notice
and in the detailed program
descriptions found in the Federal
Funding Opportunity (FFO)
announcement for these programs.
Dates: See below.
Addresses: See below.
Supplementary Information:
Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance Name and Number:
Measurement and Engineering Research
and Standards—11.609.
Summer Undergraduate Research
Fellowships (SURF) Gaithersburg and
Boulder Programs
Program Description: The SURF
Gaithersburg program is soliciting
applications in the areas of Electronics
and Electrical Engineering,
Manufacturing Engineering, Chemical
Science and Technology, Physics,
Materials Science and Engineering,
Building and Fire Research, and
Information Technology.
The SURF Boulder program is
soliciting applications in the areas of
Electronics and Electrical Engineering,
Chemical Science and Technology,
Physics, Materials Science and
Engineering, and Information
Technology.
Applications for the Gaithersburg and
Boulder programs are separate.
Application to one program does not
constitute application to the other, and
applications will not be exchanged
between the Gaithersburg and Boulder
programs. If applicants wish to be
considered at both sites, two separate
applications must be submitted.
Both SURF programs will provide an
opportunity for the NIST laboratories
and the National Science Foundation
(NSF) to join in a partnership to
encourage outstanding undergraduate
students to pursue careers in science
and engineering. The programs will
provide research opportunities for
students to work with internationally
known NIST scientists, to expose them
to cutting-edge research and promote
the pursuit of graduate degrees in
science and engineering.
The NIST SURF Gaithersburg and
Boulder Program Directors will work
with appropriate department chairs,
outreach coordinators, and directors of
multi-disciplinary academic
organizations to identify outstanding
undergraduates (including graduating
seniors) who would benefit from offcampus summer research in a worldclass scientific environment.
Gaithersburg and Boulder SURF
programs will publish separate FFOs on
www.grants.gov. Program questions
should be addressed to Ms. Anita
Sweigert, Administrative Coordinator,
National Institute of Standards and
Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop
8400, Gaithersburg, MD 20899–8400,
Tel: (301) 975–4200, E-mail:
anita.sweigert@nist.gov. The SURF
Gaithersburg program Web site is:
https://www.surf.nist.gov/surf2.htm. All
grants related administration questions
concerning this program should be
directed to Joyce Brigham, NIST Grants
and Agreements Management Division
at (301) 975–6328 or
joyce.brigham@nist.gov, or for
assistance with using Grants.gov contact
support@grants.gov.
EEEL, MEL, CSTL, PL, MSEL, BFRL,
and ITL SURF Gaithersburg Programs
Funding Availability
All SURF Gaithersburg Program
applications, paper and electronic, must
be received no later than 5 p.m. Eastern
Standard Time on February 15, 2006.
ADDRESSES: For all SURF Gaithersburg
Programs, paper applications must be
submitted to: Ms. Anita Sweigert,
Administrative Coordinator, National
Institute of Standards and Technology,
100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8400,
Gaithersburg, MD 20899–8400; Tel:
(301) 975–4200; E-mail:
anita.sweigert@nist.gov; Web site:
https://www.surf.nist.gov/surf2.htm.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
complete information about this
program and instructions for applying
by paper or electronically, read the
Federal Funding Opportunity Notice
(FFO) at https://www.grants.gov. A paper
copy of the FFO may be obtained by
calling (301) 975–6328. The
DATES:
Anticipated
NSF funding
Program
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EEEL ................................................................................................................
MEL ..................................................................................................................
CSTL ................................................................................................................
PL .....................................................................................................................
MSEL ...............................................................................................................
BFRL ................................................................................................................
ITL ....................................................................................................................
The actual number of awards made
under this announcement will depend
on the proposed budgets and the
availability of funding. For all SURF
Gaithersburg Programs described in this
notice, it is expected that individual
awards to institutions will range from
approximately $3,000 to $70,000.
Funding for student housing will be
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Anticipated
NIST funding
$73,000
82,000
71,000
105,000
80,000
65,000
60,000
included in cooperative agreements
awarded as a result of this notice.
The SURF Gaithersburg Programs are
anticipated to run from May 22, 2006
through August 11, 2006; adjustments
may be made to accommodate specific
academic schedules (e.g., a limited
number of 9-week cooperative
agreements).
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Funds budgeted for payment to
students under these programs are
stipends, not salary. The stipend is an
amount that is expected to be provided
to the participating student to help
defray the cost of living, for the duration
of the program, in the Washington
National Capital Region. The SURF
Gaithersburg Programs will not
authorize funds for indirect costs or
fringe benefits. The table below
summarizes the anticipated annual
funding levels from the NSF to operate
our REU (Research Experience for
Undergraduates) programs, subject to
program renewals and availability of
funds. In some programs, anticipated
NIST co-funding will supplement the
number of awards supported. Program
funding will be available to provide for
the costs of stipends ($333.33 per week
per student), travel, and lodging (up to
$3400 per student).
$0
0
36,000
60,000
0
30,000
40,000
Total program
funding
$73,000
82,000
107,000
165,000
80,000
95,000
100,000
Anticipated
number of
awards
∼11
∼12
∼15
∼27
∼12
∼14
∼17
Statutory Authority: 15 U.S.C. 278g–1
authorizes NIST to fund financial
assistance awards to students at
institutions of higher learning within
the United States. These students must
show promise as present or future
contributors to the missions of NIST.
Eligibility: NIST’s SURF Gaithersburg
Programs are open to colleges and
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universities in the United States and its
territories with degree granting
programs in materials science,
chemistry, engineering, computer
science, mathematics, or physics.
Participating students must be U.S.
citizens or permanent U.S. residents.
The SURF Gaithersburg Programs do not
require any matching funds.
Review and Selection Process: All
SURF Gaithersburg Program proposals
are submitted to the Administrative
Coordinator. Each proposal is examined
for completeness and responsiveness.
Incomplete or non-responsive proposals
will not be considered for funding, and
the applicant will be notified in writing.
The Program will retain one copy of
each non-responsive application for
three years for record keeping purposes.
The remaining copies will be destroyed.
Proposals should include the following:
(A) Student Information:
(1) Student application information
cover sheet;
(2) Academic transcript for each
student nominated for participation (it
is recommended that students have a
G.P.A. of 3.0 or better, out of a possible
4.0);
(3) A statement of motivation and
commitment from each student to
participate in the 2006 SURF program,
including a description of the student’s
prioritized research interests;
(4) A resume for each student;
(5) Two letters of recommendation for
each student; and
(6) Confirmation of U.S. citizenship or
permanent legal resident status for each
student.
(B) Information About the Applicant
Institution:
(1) Description of the institution’s
education and research programs; and
(2) A summary list of the student(s)
being nominated.
Institution proposals will be separated
into student/institution packets. Each
student/institution packet will be
comprised of the required application
forms, including a complete copy of the
student information and a complete
copy of the institution information. The
student/institution packets will be
directed to the SURF Gaithersburg
Program designated by the student as
his/her first choice. Each SURF
Gaithersburg Program will have three
independent, objective NIST employees,
who are knowledgeable in the scientific
areas of the program, conduct a
technical review of each student/
institution packet based on the
Evaluation Criteria for the SURF
Gaithersburg Programs described in this
notice. Each technical reviewer will
recommend that each student/
institution packet be placed into one of
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three categories: Priority Funding; Fund
if Possible; and Do Not Fund. Each
student/institution packet will then be
placed into one of the three categories
by the Program’s Director, who will take
into consideration the reviewers’
recommendations, the relevance of the
student’s course of study to the program
objectives of the NIST laboratory in
which that SURF Gaithersburg Program
resides as described in the Program
Description section of the FFO, the
relevance of the student’s statement of
commitment to the goals of the SURF
Gaithersburg Program, and the
availability of funding.
Student/institution packets placed in
the Priority Funding category will be
selected for funding in that SURF
Gaithersburg Program. Student/
institution packets placed in the Do Not
Fund category will not be considered for
funding.
Student/institution packets placed in
the Fund if Possible Category will be
considered for funding by the SURF
Gaithersburg Program designated by the
student as his/her second choice. In
making selections for funding, the
Director of the student’s second choice
SURF Gaithersburg Program will take
into consideration the recommendations
of the reviewers who conducted the
technical reviews for the student’s first
choice SURF Gaithersburg Program, the
program objectives of the NIST
laboratory in which the student’s
second choice SURF Gaithersburg
Program resides as described in the
Program Description section of the FFO,
the relevance of the student’s statement
of commitment to the goals of the SURF
Gaithersburg Program, and the
availability of funding.
Students not selected for funding by
their first or second choice SURF
Gaithersburg Program, and students
who did not designate a second choice,
will then be considered for funding
from all SURF Gaithersburg Programs
that still have slots available. In making
selections for funding, the SURF
Gaithersburg Program Directors will
take into consideration the
recommendations of the reviewers who
conducted the technical reviews for the
student’s first choice SURF Gaithersburg
Program, the program objectives of the
NIST laboratory in which their SURF
Gaithersburg Program resides as
described in the Program Description
section of the FFO, the relevance to the
goals of the SURF Gaithersburg
Program, and the availability of funding.
Student/institution packets placed in
the Fund if Possible category, but not
selected through the process described
above, will not be funded.
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The final approval of selected
applications and award of cooperative
agreements will be made by the NIST
Grants Officer based on compliance
with application requirements as
published in this notice, compliance
with applicable legal and regulatory
requirements, compliance with Federal
policies that best further the objectives
of the Department of Commerce, and
whether the recommended applicants
appear to be responsible. Applicants
may be asked to modify objectives, work
plans, or budgets and provide
supplemental information required by
the agency prior to award. The decision
of the Grants Officer is final.
The SURF Gaithersburg Program will
retain one copy of each unsuccessful
application for three years for record
keeping purposes, and unsuccessful
applicants will be notified in writing.
The remaining copies will be destroyed.
Evaluation Criteria: For the SURF
Gaithersburg Programs, the evaluation
criteria are:
(A) Evaluation of Student’s Academic
Ability and Commitment to Program
Goals: Includes evaluation of completed
course work; expressed research
interest; compatibility of the expressed
research interest with SURF
Gaithersburg Program research areas;
research skills; grade point average in
courses relevant to the SURF
Gaithersburg Program; career goals;
honors and activities.
(B) Evaluation of Applicant
Institution’s Commitment to Program
Goals: Includes evaluation of the
institution’s academic department(s)
relevant to the discipline(s) of the
student(s).
Each of these factors is given equal
weight in the evaluation process.
SURF NIST Boulder Program
All SURF NIST Boulder Program
applications, paper and electronic, must
be received no later than 5 p.m.
Mountain Standard Time on February
15, 2006.
ADDRESSES: Paper applications for the
SURF NIST Boulder Program must be
submitted to: Ms. Phyllis Wright,
Administrative Coordinator, National
Institute of Standards and Technology,
325 Broadway, Mail Stop 104, Boulder,
CO 80305–3328.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
complete information about this
program and instructions for applying
by paper or electronically, read the
Federal Funding Opportunity Notice
(FFO) at https://www.grants.gov. A paper
copy of the FFO may be obtained by
calling (301) 975–6328. The
Gaithersburg and Boulder SURF
DATES:
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programs will publish separate FFOs on
www.grants.gov. Program questions
should be addressed to Ms. Phyllis
Wright, Administrative Coordinator,
National Institute of Standards and
Technology, 325 Broadway, Mail Stop
104, Boulder, CO 80305–3328, Tel: (303)
497–3244, E-mail:
pkwright@boulder.nist.gov, Web site:
https://surf.boulder.nist.gov/. All grants
related administration questions
concerning this program should be
directed to Joyce Brigham, NIST Grants
and Agreements Management Division
at (301) 975–6328 or
joyce.brigham@nist.gov, or for
assistance with using Grants.gov contact
support@grants.gov.
Additional Information
Funding Availability
Funds budgeted for payment to
students under these programs are
stipends, not salary. The stipend is an
amount that is expected to be provided
to the participating student to help
defray the cost of living, for the duration
of the program, in the Boulder area. The
SURF NIST Boulder Program will not
Anticipated
NSF funding
Laboratory
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EEEL ................................................................................................................
PL .....................................................................................................................
CSTL ................................................................................................................
MSEL ...............................................................................................................
ITL ....................................................................................................................
The actual number of awards made
under this announcement will depend
on the proposed budgets and the
availability of funding. For the SURF
NIST Boulder Program described in this
notice, it is expected that individual
awards to institutions will range from
approximately $4,000 to $70,000.
Funding for student housing will be
included in cooperative agreements
awarded as a result of this notice.
The SURF NIST Boulder Program is
anticipated to run from May 22, 2006
through August 11, 2006; adjustments
may be made to accommodate specific
academic schedules (e.g., a limited
number of 12 week cooperative
agreements shifted to begin 3 weeks
after the regular start in order to
accommodate institutions operating on
quarter systems).
Statutory Authority: 15 U.S.C. 278g–1.
Eligibility: The SURF NIST Boulder
Program is open to colleges and
universities in the United States and its
territories with degree granting
programs in materials science,
chemistry, engineering, computer
science, mathematics, or physics.
Participating students must be U.S.
citizens or permanent U.S. residents.
The SURF NIST Boulder Programs do
not require any matching funds.
Review and Selection Process: All
SURF NIST Boulder Program proposals
are submitted to the Administrative
Coordinator. Each proposal is examined
for completeness and responsiveness.
Incomplete or non-responsive proposals
will not be considered for funding, and
the applicant will be so notified. The
Program will retain one copy of each
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$29,560
18,475
11,085
7,390
7,390
non-responsive application for three
years for record keeping purposes. The
remaining copies will be destroyed.
Proposals should include the following:
(A) Student Information:
(1) Student application information
cover sheet;
(2) Academic transcript for each
student nominated for participation (it
is recommended that students have a
G.P.A. of 3.0 or better, out of a possible
4.0);
(3) A statement of motivation and
commitment from each student to
participate in the SURF NIST Boulder
program, including a description of the
student’s prioritized research interests;
(4) A resume for each student;
(5) Two letters of recommendation for
each student; and
(6) Confirmation of U.S. citizenship or
permanent legal resident status for each
student.
(B) Information About the Applicant
Institution:
(1) Description of the institution’s
education and research programs; and
(2) A summary list of the student(s)
being nominated.
Institution proposals will be separated
into student/institution packets. Each
student/institution packet will be
comprised of the required application
forms, including a complete copy of the
student information and a complete
copy of the institution information. The
student/institution packets will be
directed to a review committee of NIST
staff appointed by the SURF NIST
Boulder Program Directors. Each SURF
Program packet will be reviewed by
three independent, objective NIST
employees, who are knowledgeable in
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Frm 00009
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authorize funds for indirect costs or
fringe benefits. The table below
summarizes the anticipated annual
funding levels from the NSF to operate
the SURF NIST Boulder program,
broken out by Laboratory, subject to
program approval and availability of
funds. In some Laboratories, anticipated
NIST co-funding will supplement the
number of awards supported. Program
funding will be available to provide for
the costs of stipends ($4000 per student
for 12 weeks), travel, and lodging
(approximately $1890 per student for 12
weeks).
Anticipated
NIST funding
$29,560
18,475
11,085
7,390
7,390
Total program
funding
$59,120
36,950
22,170
14,780
14,780
Anticipated
number of
awards
8
5
3
2
2
the scientific areas of the program and
are able to conduct a technical review
of each student/institution packet based
on the Evaluation Criteria for the SURF
NIST Boulder Program described in the
FFO. Each technical reviewer will
recommend that each student/
institution packet be placed into one of
three categories: Priority Funding; Fund
if Possible; and Do Not Fund. Each
student/institution packet will then be
placed into one of the three categories
by the SURF NIST Boulder Program
Directors, who will take into
consideration the reviewers’
recommendations, the relevance of the
student’s course of study to the program
objectives of the NIST Boulder
Laboratories as described in the Program
Description section of the FFO, the
relevance of the student’s statement of
commitment to the goals of the SURF
NIST Boulder Program, and the
availability of funding. Student/
institution packets placed in the Priority
Funding category will be selected for
funding in the SURF NIST Boulder
Program. Student/institution packets
placed in the Do Not Fund category will
not be considered for funding.
Student/institution packets placed in
the Fund if Possible Category will be
considered for funding by the SURF
NIST Boulder Program when possible.
For example, when an award has been
declined by another applicant, a backup will be selected from student/
institution packets in this category. In
this case, it is likely that either the
student’s second or third choice of
research opportunity would be assigned.
In making selections for funding, the
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SURF NIST Boulder Program Directors
will take into consideration the
recommendations of the reviewers who
conducted the technical reviews, the
program objectives of the NIST Boulder
laboratory in which the student’s
requested research opportunity resides
as described in the Program Description
and Objectives section of the FFO, the
relevance of the student’s statement of
commitment to the goals of the SURF
NIST Boulder Program, and the
availability of funding.
Students not selected for funding for
either their first, second or third choice
of research opportunities, and students
who did not designate a second or third
choice, will then be considered for
funding from all Boulder Laboratories
that still have slots available. In making
selections for funding, the SURF NIST
Boulder Program Directors will take into
consideration the recommendations of
the reviewers who conducted the
technical reviews, the program
objectives of the NIST Laboratory in
which their SURF NIST Boulder SURF
Program research opportunity resides as
described in the Program Description
section of the FFO, the relevance to the
goals of the SURF NIST Boulder
Program, and the availability of funding.
Student/institution packets placed in
the Fund if Possible category, but not
selected through the process described
above, will not be funded.
The final approval of selected
applications and award of cooperative
agreements will be made by the NIST
Grants Officer based on compliance
with application requirements as
published in this notice, compliance
with applicable legal and regulatory
requirements, compliance with Federal
policies that best further the objectives
of the Department of Commerce.
Applicants may be asked to modify
objectives, work plans, or budgets and
provide supplemental information
required by the agency prior to award.
The decision of the Grants Officer is
final.
The SURF NIST Boulder Program will
retain one copy of each unsuccessful
application for three years for record
keeping purposes, and unsuccessful
applicants will be notified in writing.
The remaining copies will be destroyed.
Evaluation Criteria: For the SURF
NIST Boulder Program, the evaluation
criteria are:
(A) Evaluation of Student’s Academic
Ability and Commitment to Program
Goals: Includes evaluation of completed
course work; expressed research
interest; compatibility of the expressed
research interest with SURF NIST
Boulder Program research areas;
research skills; grade point average in
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courses relevant to the SURF NIST
Boulder Program; career goals; honors
and activities;
(B) Evaluation of Applicant
Institution’s Commitment to Program
Goals: Includes evaluation of the
institution’s academic department(s)
relevant to the discipline(s) of the
student(s). Each of these factors is given
equal weight in the evaluation process.
The following information applies to
all programs announced in this notice:
The Department of Commerce PreAward Notification Requirements for
Grants and Cooperative Agreements:
The Department of Commerce PreAward Notification Requirements for
Grants and Cooperative Agreements
contained in the Federal Register notice
of December 30, 2004 (69 FR 78389). On
the form SF–424, the applicant’s 9-digit
Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal
Numbering System (DUNS) number
must be entered in the Applicant
Identifier block (68 FR 38402).
Collaborations with NIST Employees:
All applications should include a
description of any work proposed to be
performed by an entity other than the
applicant, and the cost of such work
should ordinarily be included in the
budget.
If an applicant proposes collaboration
with NIST, the statement of work
should include a statement of this
intention, a description of the
collaboration, and prominently identify
the NIST employee(s) involved, if
known. Any collaboration by a NIST
employee must be approved by
appropriate NIST management and is at
the sole discretion of NIST. Prior to
beginning the merit review process,
NIST will verify the approval of the
proposed collaboration. Any
unapproved collaboration will be
stricken from the proposal prior to the
merit review.
Use of NIST Intellectual Property: If
the applicant anticipates using any
NIST-owned intellectual property to
carry out the work proposed, the
applicant should identify such
intellectual property. This information
will be used to ensure that no NIST
employee involved in the development
of the intellectual property will
participate in the review process for that
competition. In addition, if the
applicant intends to use NIST-owned
intellectual property, the applicant must
comply with all statutes and regulations
governing the licensing of Federal
government patents and inventions,
described at 35 U.S.C. sec. 200–212, 37
CFR part 401, 15 CFR 14.36, and in
section 20 of the Department of
Commerce Pre-Award Notification
Requirements, published on December
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1415
30, 2004 (69 FR 78389). Questions about
these requirements may be directed to
the Counsel for NIST, 301–975–2803.
Any use of NIST-owned intellectual
property by a proposer is at the sole
discretion of NIST and will be
negotiated on a case-by-case basis if a
project is deemed meritorious. The
applicant should indicate within the
statement of work whether it already
has a license to use such intellectual
property or whether it intends to seek
one.
If any inventions made in whole or in
part by a NIST employee arise in the
course of an award made pursuant to
this notice, the United States
government may retain its ownership
rights in any such invention. Licensing
or other disposition of NIST’s rights in
such inventions will be determined
solely by NIST, and include the
possibility of NIST putting the
intellectual property into the public
domain.
Initial Screening of all Applications:
All applications received in response to
this announcement will be reviewed to
determine whether or not they are
complete and responsive to the scope of
the stated objectives for each program.
Incomplete or non-responsive
applications will not be reviewed for
technical merit. The Program will retain
one copy of each non-responsive
application for three years for record
keeping purposes. The remaining copies
will be destroyed.
Paperwork Reduction Act: The
standard forms in the application kit
involve a collection of information
subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act.
The use of Standard Forms 424, 424A,
424B, SF-LLL, and CD–346 have been
approved by OMB under the respective
Control Numbers 0348–0043, 0348–
0044, 0348–0040, 0348–0046, and 0605–
0001.
Notwithstanding any other provision
of the law, no person is required to
respond to, nor shall any person be
subject to a penalty for failure to comply
with, a collection subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork
Reduction Act, unless that collection of
information displays a currently valid
OMB Control Number.
Research Projects Involving Human
Subjects, Human Tissue, Data or
Recordings Involving Human Subjects:
Any proposal that includes research
involving human subjects, human
tissue, data or recordings involving
human subjects must meet the
requirements of the Common Rule for
the Protection of Human Subjects,
codified for the Department of
Commerce at 15 CFR part 27. In
addition, any proposal that includes
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 5 / Monday, January 9, 2006 / Notices
research on these topics must be in
compliance with any statutory
requirements imposed upon the
Department of Health and Human
Services (DHHS) and other federal
agencies regarding these topics, all
regulatory policies and guidance
adopted by DHHS, FDA, and other
Federal agencies on these topics, and all
Presidential statements of policy on
these topics.
NIST will accept the submission of
human subjects protocols that have been
approved by Institutional Review
Boards (IRBs) registered with DHHS and
performed by entities possessing a
current, valid Federal-wide Assurance
(FWA) from DHHS. NIST will not issue
a single project assurance (SPA) for any
IRB reviewing any human subjects
protocol proposed to NIST.
On August 9, 2001, the President
announced his decision to allow Federal
funds to be used for research on existing
human embryonic stem cell lines as
long as prior to his announcement (1)
the derivation process (which
commences with the removal of the
inner cell mass from the blastocyst) had
already been initiated and (2) the
embryo from which the stem cell line
was derived no longer had the
possibility of development as a human
being. NIST will follow guidance issued
by the National Institutes of Health at
https://ohrp.osophs.dhhs.gov/
humansubjects/guidance/stemcell.pdf
for funding such research.
Research Projects Involving Vertebrate
Animals: Any proposal that includes
research involving vertebrate animals
must be in compliance with the
National Research Council’s ‘‘Guide for
the Care and Use of Laboratory
Animals’’ which can be obtained from
National Academy Press, 2101
Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington,
DC 20055. In addition, such proposals
must meet the requirements of the
Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2131 et
seq.), 9 CFR parts 1, 2, and 3, and if
appropriate, 21 CFR part 58. These
regulations do not apply to proposed
research using pre-existing images of
animals or to research plans that do not
include live animals that are being cared
for, euthanized, or used by the project
participants to accomplish research
goals, teaching, or testing. These
regulations also do not apply to
obtaining animal materials from
commercial processors of animal
products or to animal cell lines or
tissues from tissue banks.
Limitation of Liability: In no event
will the Department of Commerce be
responsible for proposal preparation
costs if these programs fail to receive
funding or are cancelled because of
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other agency priorities. Publication of
this announcement does not oblige the
agency to award any specific project or
to obligate any available funds.
Executive Order 12866: This funding
notice was determined to be not
significant for purposes of Executive
Order 12866.
Executive Order 13132 (Federalism):
It has been determined that this notice
does not contain policies with
federalism implications as that term is
defined in Executive Order 13132.
Executive Order 12372: Applications
under this program are not subject to
Executive Order 12372,
‘‘Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.’’
Administrative Procedure Act/
Regulatory Flexibility Act: Notice and
comment are not required under the
Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C.
553) or any other law, for rules relating
to public property, loans, grants,
benefits or contracts (5 U.S.C. 553 (a)).
Because notice and comment are not
required under 5 U.S.C. 553, or any
other law, for rules relating to public
property, loans, grants, benefits or
contracts (5 U.S.C. 553(a)), a Regulatory
Flexibility Analysis is not required and
has not been prepared for this notice, 5
U.S.C. 601 et seq.
Dated: December 23, 2005.
William Jeffrey,
Director, NIST.
[FR Doc. E6–74 Filed 1–6–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
Availability of Seats for the Channel
Islands National Marine Sanctuary
Advisory Council
National Marine Sanctuary
Program (NMSP), National Ocean
Service (NOS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration,
Department of Commerce (DOC).
ACTION: Notice of request for
applications.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The Channel Islands National
Marine Sanctuary (CINMS) is seeking
applicants for the following vacant seats
on its Sanctuary Advisory Council
(Council): tourism-alternate and
Recreational Fishing member and
alternate. Applicants are chosen based
upon their particular expertise and
experience in relation to the seat for
which they are applying; community
and professional affiliations; philosophy
regarding the protection and
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management of marine resources; and
possibly the length of residence in the
area affected by the Sanctuary.
Applicants who are chosen as members
should expect to serve 2-year terms,
pursuant to the Council’s Charter.
Applications are due by
February 14, 2006.
DATES:
Application kits may be
obtained from Jacklyn Kelly, Channel
Islands National Marine Sanctuary, 113
Harbor Way, Suite 150, Santa Barbara,
CA 93109–2315. Completed
applications should be sent to the same
address.
ADDRESSES:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jacklyn Kelly, Channel Islands National
Marine Sanctuary, 113 Harbor Way,
Suite 150, Santa Barbara, CA 93109–
2315, (805) 966–7107 extension 371,
jacklyn.kelly@noaa.gov.
The
CINMS Advisory Council was originally
established in December 1998 and has a
broad representation consisting of 21
members, including ten government
agency representatives and eleven
members from the general public. The
Council functions in an advisory
capacity to the Sanctuary Manager. The
Council works in concert with the
Sanctuary Manager by keeping him or
her informed about issues of concern
throughout the Sanctuary, offering
recommendations on specific issues,
and aiding the Manager in achieving the
goals of the Sanctuary program.
Specifically, the Council’s objectives are
to provide advice on: (1) Protecting
natural and cultural resources, and
identifying and evaluating emergent or
critical issues involving Sanctuary use
or resources; (2) Identifying and
realizing the Sanctuary’s research
objectives; (3) Identifying and realizing
educational opportunities to increase
the public knowledge of stewardship of
the Sanctuary environment; and (4)
Assisting to develop an informed
constituency to increase awareness and
understanding of the purpose and value
of the Sanctuary and the National
Marine Sanctuary Program.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Authority: 16 U.S.C. Sections 1431, et seq.
(Federal Domestic Assistance Catalog
Number 11.429 Marine Sanctuary Program)
Dated: December 29, 2005.
Daniel J. Basta,
Director, National Marine Sanctuary Program,
National Ocean Service, National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration.
[FR Doc. 06–168 Filed 1–6–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–NK–M
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[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 5 (Monday, January 9, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 1411-1416]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-74]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Institute of Standards and Technology
[Docket No.: 051222346-5346-01]
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) Gaithersburg and
Boulder Programs; Availability of Funds
AGENCY: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Commerce.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
announces that the following programs are soliciting applications for
financial assistance for FY 2006: (1) The Gaithersburg Summer
Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program, and (2) the Boulder Summer
Undergraduate
[[Page 1412]]
Research Fellowship Program. Each program will only consider
applications that are within the scientific scope of the program as
described in this notice and in the detailed program descriptions found
in the Federal Funding Opportunity (FFO) announcement for these
programs.
Dates: See below.
Addresses: See below.
Supplementary Information:
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Name and Number: Measurement
and Engineering Research and Standards--11.609.
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) Gaithersburg and
Boulder Programs
Program Description: The SURF Gaithersburg program is soliciting
applications in the areas of Electronics and Electrical Engineering,
Manufacturing Engineering, Chemical Science and Technology, Physics,
Materials Science and Engineering, Building and Fire Research, and
Information Technology.
The SURF Boulder program is soliciting applications in the areas of
Electronics and Electrical Engineering, Chemical Science and
Technology, Physics, Materials Science and Engineering, and Information
Technology.
Applications for the Gaithersburg and Boulder programs are
separate. Application to one program does not constitute application to
the other, and applications will not be exchanged between the
Gaithersburg and Boulder programs. If applicants wish to be considered
at both sites, two separate applications must be submitted.
Both SURF programs will provide an opportunity for the NIST
laboratories and the National Science Foundation (NSF) to join in a
partnership to encourage outstanding undergraduate students to pursue
careers in science and engineering. The programs will provide research
opportunities for students to work with internationally known NIST
scientists, to expose them to cutting-edge research and promote the
pursuit of graduate degrees in science and engineering.
The NIST SURF Gaithersburg and Boulder Program Directors will work
with appropriate department chairs, outreach coordinators, and
directors of multi-disciplinary academic organizations to identify
outstanding undergraduates (including graduating seniors) who would
benefit from off-campus summer research in a world-class scientific
environment.
EEEL, MEL, CSTL, PL, MSEL, BFRL, and ITL SURF Gaithersburg Programs
DATES: All SURF Gaithersburg Program applications, paper and
electronic, must be received no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time
on February 15, 2006.
ADDRESSES: For all SURF Gaithersburg Programs, paper applications must
be submitted to: Ms. Anita Sweigert, Administrative Coordinator,
National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop
8400, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8400; Tel: (301) 975-4200; E-mail:
anita.sweigert@nist.gov; Web site: https://www.surf.nist.gov/surf2.htm.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For complete information about this
program and instructions for applying by paper or electronically, read
the Federal Funding Opportunity Notice (FFO) at https://www.grants.gov.
A paper copy of the FFO may be obtained by calling (301) 975-6328. The
Gaithersburg and Boulder SURF programs will publish separate FFOs on
www.grants.gov. Program questions should be addressed to Ms. Anita
Sweigert, Administrative Coordinator, National Institute of Standards
and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8400, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-
8400, Tel: (301) 975-4200, E-mail: anita.sweigert@nist.gov. The SURF
Gaithersburg program Web site is: https://www.surf.nist.gov/surf2.htm.
All grants related administration questions concerning this program
should be directed to Joyce Brigham, NIST Grants and Agreements
Management Division at (301) 975-6328 or joyce.brigham@nist.gov, or for
assistance with using Grants.gov contact support@grants.gov.
Funding Availability
Funds budgeted for payment to students under these programs are
stipends, not salary. The stipend is an amount that is expected to be
provided to the participating student to help defray the cost of
living, for the duration of the program, in the Washington National
Capital Region. The SURF Gaithersburg Programs will not authorize funds
for indirect costs or fringe benefits. The table below summarizes the
anticipated annual funding levels from the NSF to operate our REU
(Research Experience for Undergraduates) programs, subject to program
renewals and availability of funds. In some programs, anticipated NIST
co-funding will supplement the number of awards supported. Program
funding will be available to provide for the costs of stipends ($333.33
per week per student), travel, and lodging (up to $3400 per student).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anticipated
Program Anticipated Anticipated Total program number of
NSF funding NIST funding funding awards
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EEEL............................................ $73,000 $0 $73,000 ~11
MEL............................................. 82,000 0 82,000 ~12
CSTL............................................ 71,000 36,000 107,000 ~15
PL.............................................. 105,000 60,000 165,000 ~27
MSEL............................................ 80,000 0 80,000 ~12
BFRL............................................ 65,000 30,000 95,000 ~14
ITL............................................. 60,000 40,000 100,000 ~17
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The actual number of awards made under this announcement will
depend on the proposed budgets and the availability of funding. For all
SURF Gaithersburg Programs described in this notice, it is expected
that individual awards to institutions will range from approximately
$3,000 to $70,000. Funding for student housing will be included in
cooperative agreements awarded as a result of this notice.
The SURF Gaithersburg Programs are anticipated to run from May 22,
2006 through August 11, 2006; adjustments may be made to accommodate
specific academic schedules (e.g., a limited number of 9-week
cooperative agreements).
Statutory Authority: 15 U.S.C. 278g-1 authorizes NIST to fund
financial assistance awards to students at institutions of higher
learning within the United States. These students must show promise as
present or future contributors to the missions of NIST.
Eligibility: NIST's SURF Gaithersburg Programs are open to colleges
and
[[Page 1413]]
universities in the United States and its territories with degree
granting programs in materials science, chemistry, engineering,
computer science, mathematics, or physics. Participating students must
be U.S. citizens or permanent U.S. residents. The SURF Gaithersburg
Programs do not require any matching funds.
Review and Selection Process: All SURF Gaithersburg Program
proposals are submitted to the Administrative Coordinator. Each
proposal is examined for completeness and responsiveness. Incomplete or
non-responsive proposals will not be considered for funding, and the
applicant will be notified in writing. The Program will retain one copy
of each non-responsive application for three years for record keeping
purposes. The remaining copies will be destroyed. Proposals should
include the following:
(A) Student Information:
(1) Student application information cover sheet;
(2) Academic transcript for each student nominated for
participation (it is recommended that students have a G.P.A. of 3.0 or
better, out of a possible 4.0);
(3) A statement of motivation and commitment from each student to
participate in the 2006 SURF program, including a description of the
student's prioritized research interests;
(4) A resume for each student;
(5) Two letters of recommendation for each student; and
(6) Confirmation of U.S. citizenship or permanent legal resident
status for each student.
(B) Information About the Applicant Institution:
(1) Description of the institution's education and research
programs; and
(2) A summary list of the student(s) being nominated.
Institution proposals will be separated into student/institution
packets. Each student/institution packet will be comprised of the
required application forms, including a complete copy of the student
information and a complete copy of the institution information. The
student/institution packets will be directed to the SURF Gaithersburg
Program designated by the student as his/her first choice. Each SURF
Gaithersburg Program will have three independent, objective NIST
employees, who are knowledgeable in the scientific areas of the
program, conduct a technical review of each student/institution packet
based on the Evaluation Criteria for the SURF Gaithersburg Programs
described in this notice. Each technical reviewer will recommend that
each student/institution packet be placed into one of three categories:
Priority Funding; Fund if Possible; and Do Not Fund. Each student/
institution packet will then be placed into one of the three categories
by the Program's Director, who will take into consideration the
reviewers' recommendations, the relevance of the student's course of
study to the program objectives of the NIST laboratory in which that
SURF Gaithersburg Program resides as described in the Program
Description section of the FFO, the relevance of the student's
statement of commitment to the goals of the SURF Gaithersburg Program,
and the availability of funding.
Student/institution packets placed in the Priority Funding category
will be selected for funding in that SURF Gaithersburg Program.
Student/institution packets placed in the Do Not Fund category will not
be considered for funding.
Student/institution packets placed in the Fund if Possible Category
will be considered for funding by the SURF Gaithersburg Program
designated by the student as his/her second choice. In making
selections for funding, the Director of the student's second choice
SURF Gaithersburg Program will take into consideration the
recommendations of the reviewers who conducted the technical reviews
for the student's first choice SURF Gaithersburg Program, the program
objectives of the NIST laboratory in which the student's second choice
SURF Gaithersburg Program resides as described in the Program
Description section of the FFO, the relevance of the student's
statement of commitment to the goals of the SURF Gaithersburg Program,
and the availability of funding.
Students not selected for funding by their first or second choice
SURF Gaithersburg Program, and students who did not designate a second
choice, will then be considered for funding from all SURF Gaithersburg
Programs that still have slots available. In making selections for
funding, the SURF Gaithersburg Program Directors will take into
consideration the recommendations of the reviewers who conducted the
technical reviews for the student's first choice SURF Gaithersburg
Program, the program objectives of the NIST laboratory in which their
SURF Gaithersburg Program resides as described in the Program
Description section of the FFO, the relevance to the goals of the SURF
Gaithersburg Program, and the availability of funding.
Student/institution packets placed in the Fund if Possible
category, but not selected through the process described above, will
not be funded.
The final approval of selected applications and award of
cooperative agreements will be made by the NIST Grants Officer based on
compliance with application requirements as published in this notice,
compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements,
compliance with Federal policies that best further the objectives of
the Department of Commerce, and whether the recommended applicants
appear to be responsible. Applicants may be asked to modify objectives,
work plans, or budgets and provide supplemental information required by
the agency prior to award. The decision of the Grants Officer is final.
The SURF Gaithersburg Program will retain one copy of each
unsuccessful application for three years for record keeping purposes,
and unsuccessful applicants will be notified in writing. The remaining
copies will be destroyed.
Evaluation Criteria: For the SURF Gaithersburg Programs, the
evaluation criteria are:
(A) Evaluation of Student's Academic Ability and Commitment to
Program Goals: Includes evaluation of completed course work; expressed
research interest; compatibility of the expressed research interest
with SURF Gaithersburg Program research areas; research skills; grade
point average in courses relevant to the SURF Gaithersburg Program;
career goals; honors and activities.
(B) Evaluation of Applicant Institution's Commitment to Program
Goals: Includes evaluation of the institution's academic department(s)
relevant to the discipline(s) of the student(s).
Each of these factors is given equal weight in the evaluation
process.
SURF NIST Boulder Program
DATES: All SURF NIST Boulder Program applications, paper and
electronic, must be received no later than 5 p.m. Mountain Standard
Time on February 15, 2006.
ADDRESSES: Paper applications for the SURF NIST Boulder Program must be
submitted to: Ms. Phyllis Wright, Administrative Coordinator, National
Institute of Standards and Technology, 325 Broadway, Mail Stop 104,
Boulder, CO 80305-3328.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For complete information about this
program and instructions for applying by paper or electronically, read
the Federal Funding Opportunity Notice (FFO) at https://www.grants.gov.
A paper copy of the FFO may be obtained by calling (301) 975-6328. The
Gaithersburg and Boulder SURF
[[Page 1414]]
programs will publish separate FFOs on www.grants.gov. Program
questions should be addressed to Ms. Phyllis Wright, Administrative
Coordinator, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 325
Broadway, Mail Stop 104, Boulder, CO 80305-3328, Tel: (303) 497-3244,
E-mail: pkwright@boulder.nist.gov, Web site: https://
surf.boulder.nist.gov/. All grants related administration questions
concerning this program should be directed to Joyce Brigham, NIST
Grants and Agreements Management Division at (301) 975-6328 or
joyce.brigham@nist.gov, or for assistance with using Grants.gov contact
support@grants.gov.
Additional Information
Funding Availability
Funds budgeted for payment to students under these programs are
stipends, not salary. The stipend is an amount that is expected to be
provided to the participating student to help defray the cost of
living, for the duration of the program, in the Boulder area. The SURF
NIST Boulder Program will not authorize funds for indirect costs or
fringe benefits. The table below summarizes the anticipated annual
funding levels from the NSF to operate the SURF NIST Boulder program,
broken out by Laboratory, subject to program approval and availability
of funds. In some Laboratories, anticipated NIST co-funding will
supplement the number of awards supported. Program funding will be
available to provide for the costs of stipends ($4000 per student for
12 weeks), travel, and lodging (approximately $1890 per student for 12
weeks).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anticipated
Laboratory Anticipated Anticipated Total program number of
NSF funding NIST funding funding awards
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EEEL............................................ $29,560 $29,560 $59,120 8
PL.............................................. 18,475 18,475 36,950 5
CSTL............................................ 11,085 11,085 22,170 3
MSEL............................................ 7,390 7,390 14,780 2
ITL............................................. 7,390 7,390 14,780 2
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The actual number of awards made under this announcement will
depend on the proposed budgets and the availability of funding. For the
SURF NIST Boulder Program described in this notice, it is expected that
individual awards to institutions will range from approximately $4,000
to $70,000. Funding for student housing will be included in cooperative
agreements awarded as a result of this notice.
The SURF NIST Boulder Program is anticipated to run from May 22,
2006 through August 11, 2006; adjustments may be made to accommodate
specific academic schedules (e.g., a limited number of 12 week
cooperative agreements shifted to begin 3 weeks after the regular start
in order to accommodate institutions operating on quarter systems).
Statutory Authority: 15 U.S.C. 278g-1.
Eligibility: The SURF NIST Boulder Program is open to colleges and
universities in the United States and its territories with degree
granting programs in materials science, chemistry, engineering,
computer science, mathematics, or physics. Participating students must
be U.S. citizens or permanent U.S. residents. The SURF NIST Boulder
Programs do not require any matching funds.
Review and Selection Process: All SURF NIST Boulder Program
proposals are submitted to the Administrative Coordinator. Each
proposal is examined for completeness and responsiveness. Incomplete or
non-responsive proposals will not be considered for funding, and the
applicant will be so notified. The Program will retain one copy of each
non-responsive application for three years for record keeping purposes.
The remaining copies will be destroyed. Proposals should include the
following:
(A) Student Information:
(1) Student application information cover sheet;
(2) Academic transcript for each student nominated for
participation (it is recommended that students have a G.P.A. of 3.0 or
better, out of a possible 4.0);
(3) A statement of motivation and commitment from each student to
participate in the SURF NIST Boulder program, including a description
of the student's prioritized research interests;
(4) A resume for each student;
(5) Two letters of recommendation for each student; and
(6) Confirmation of U.S. citizenship or permanent legal resident
status for each student.
(B) Information About the Applicant Institution:
(1) Description of the institution's education and research
programs; and
(2) A summary list of the student(s) being nominated.
Institution proposals will be separated into student/institution
packets. Each student/institution packet will be comprised of the
required application forms, including a complete copy of the student
information and a complete copy of the institution information. The
student/institution packets will be directed to a review committee of
NIST staff appointed by the SURF NIST Boulder Program Directors. Each
SURF Program packet will be reviewed by three independent, objective
NIST employees, who are knowledgeable in the scientific areas of the
program and are able to conduct a technical review of each student/
institution packet based on the Evaluation Criteria for the SURF NIST
Boulder Program described in the FFO. Each technical reviewer will
recommend that each student/institution packet be placed into one of
three categories: Priority Funding; Fund if Possible; and Do Not Fund.
Each student/institution packet will then be placed into one of the
three categories by the SURF NIST Boulder Program Directors, who will
take into consideration the reviewers' recommendations, the relevance
of the student's course of study to the program objectives of the NIST
Boulder Laboratories as described in the Program Description section of
the FFO, the relevance of the student's statement of commitment to the
goals of the SURF NIST Boulder Program, and the availability of
funding. Student/institution packets placed in the Priority Funding
category will be selected for funding in the SURF NIST Boulder Program.
Student/institution packets placed in the Do Not Fund category will not
be considered for funding.
Student/institution packets placed in the Fund if Possible Category
will be considered for funding by the SURF NIST Boulder Program when
possible. For example, when an award has been declined by another
applicant, a back-up will be selected from student/institution packets
in this category. In this case, it is likely that either the student's
second or third choice of research opportunity would be assigned. In
making selections for funding, the
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SURF NIST Boulder Program Directors will take into consideration the
recommendations of the reviewers who conducted the technical reviews,
the program objectives of the NIST Boulder laboratory in which the
student's requested research opportunity resides as described in the
Program Description and Objectives section of the FFO, the relevance of
the student's statement of commitment to the goals of the SURF NIST
Boulder Program, and the availability of funding.
Students not selected for funding for either their first, second or
third choice of research opportunities, and students who did not
designate a second or third choice, will then be considered for funding
from all Boulder Laboratories that still have slots available. In
making selections for funding, the SURF NIST Boulder Program Directors
will take into consideration the recommendations of the reviewers who
conducted the technical reviews, the program objectives of the NIST
Laboratory in which their SURF NIST Boulder SURF Program research
opportunity resides as described in the Program Description section of
the FFO, the relevance to the goals of the SURF NIST Boulder Program,
and the availability of funding.
Student/institution packets placed in the Fund if Possible
category, but not selected through the process described above, will
not be funded.
The final approval of selected applications and award of
cooperative agreements will be made by the NIST Grants Officer based on
compliance with application requirements as published in this notice,
compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements,
compliance with Federal policies that best further the objectives of
the Department of Commerce. Applicants may be asked to modify
objectives, work plans, or budgets and provide supplemental information
required by the agency prior to award. The decision of the Grants
Officer is final.
The SURF NIST Boulder Program will retain one copy of each
unsuccessful application for three years for record keeping purposes,
and unsuccessful applicants will be notified in writing. The remaining
copies will be destroyed.
Evaluation Criteria: For the SURF NIST Boulder Program, the
evaluation criteria are:
(A) Evaluation of Student's Academic Ability and Commitment to
Program Goals: Includes evaluation of completed course work; expressed
research interest; compatibility of the expressed research interest
with SURF NIST Boulder Program research areas; research skills; grade
point average in courses relevant to the SURF NIST Boulder Program;
career goals; honors and activities;
(B) Evaluation of Applicant Institution's Commitment to Program
Goals: Includes evaluation of the institution's academic department(s)
relevant to the discipline(s) of the student(s). Each of these factors
is given equal weight in the evaluation process.
The following information applies to all programs announced in this
notice:
The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for
Grants and Cooperative Agreements: The Department of Commerce Pre-Award
Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements
contained in the Federal Register notice of December 30, 2004 (69 FR
78389). On the form SF-424, the applicant's 9-digit Dun and Bradstreet
Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number must be entered in the
Applicant Identifier block (68 FR 38402).
Collaborations with NIST Employees: All applications should include
a description of any work proposed to be performed by an entity other
than the applicant, and the cost of such work should ordinarily be
included in the budget.
If an applicant proposes collaboration with NIST, the statement of
work should include a statement of this intention, a description of the
collaboration, and prominently identify the NIST employee(s) involved,
if known. Any collaboration by a NIST employee must be approved by
appropriate NIST management and is at the sole discretion of NIST.
Prior to beginning the merit review process, NIST will verify the
approval of the proposed collaboration. Any unapproved collaboration
will be stricken from the proposal prior to the merit review.
Use of NIST Intellectual Property: If the applicant anticipates
using any NIST-owned intellectual property to carry out the work
proposed, the applicant should identify such intellectual property.
This information will be used to ensure that no NIST employee involved
in the development of the intellectual property will participate in the
review process for that competition. In addition, if the applicant
intends to use NIST-owned intellectual property, the applicant must
comply with all statutes and regulations governing the licensing of
Federal government patents and inventions, described at 35 U.S.C. sec.
200-212, 37 CFR part 401, 15 CFR 14.36, and in section 20 of the
Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements, published
on December 30, 2004 (69 FR 78389). Questions about these requirements
may be directed to the Counsel for NIST, 301-975-2803.
Any use of NIST-owned intellectual property by a proposer is at the
sole discretion of NIST and will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis
if a project is deemed meritorious. The applicant should indicate
within the statement of work whether it already has a license to use
such intellectual property or whether it intends to seek one.
If any inventions made in whole or in part by a NIST employee arise
in the course of an award made pursuant to this notice, the United
States government may retain its ownership rights in any such
invention. Licensing or other disposition of NIST's rights in such
inventions will be determined solely by NIST, and include the
possibility of NIST putting the intellectual property into the public
domain.
Initial Screening of all Applications: All applications received in
response to this announcement will be reviewed to determine whether or
not they are complete and responsive to the scope of the stated
objectives for each program. Incomplete or non-responsive applications
will not be reviewed for technical merit. The Program will retain one
copy of each non-responsive application for three years for record
keeping purposes. The remaining copies will be destroyed.
Paperwork Reduction Act: The standard forms in the application kit
involve a collection of information subject to the Paperwork Reduction
Act. The use of Standard Forms 424, 424A, 424B, SF-LLL, and CD-346 have
been approved by OMB under the respective Control Numbers 0348-0043,
0348-0044, 0348-0040, 0348-0046, and 0605-0001.
Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is
required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty
for failure to comply with, a collection subject to the requirements of
the Paperwork Reduction Act, unless that collection of information
displays a currently valid OMB Control Number.
Research Projects Involving Human Subjects, Human Tissue, Data or
Recordings Involving Human Subjects: Any proposal that includes
research involving human subjects, human tissue, data or recordings
involving human subjects must meet the requirements of the Common Rule
for the Protection of Human Subjects, codified for the Department of
Commerce at 15 CFR part 27. In addition, any proposal that includes
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research on these topics must be in compliance with any statutory
requirements imposed upon the Department of Health and Human Services
(DHHS) and other federal agencies regarding these topics, all
regulatory policies and guidance adopted by DHHS, FDA, and other
Federal agencies on these topics, and all Presidential statements of
policy on these topics.
NIST will accept the submission of human subjects protocols that
have been approved by Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) registered
with DHHS and performed by entities possessing a current, valid
Federal-wide Assurance (FWA) from DHHS. NIST will not issue a single
project assurance (SPA) for any IRB reviewing any human subjects
protocol proposed to NIST.
On August 9, 2001, the President announced his decision to allow
Federal funds to be used for research on existing human embryonic stem
cell lines as long as prior to his announcement (1) the derivation
process (which commences with the removal of the inner cell mass from
the blastocyst) had already been initiated and (2) the embryo from
which the stem cell line was derived no longer had the possibility of
development as a human being. NIST will follow guidance issued by the
National Institutes of Health at https://ohrp.osophs.dhhs.gov/
humansubjects/guidance/stemcell.pdf for funding such research.
Research Projects Involving Vertebrate Animals: Any proposal that
includes research involving vertebrate animals must be in compliance
with the National Research Council's ``Guide for the Care and Use of
Laboratory Animals'' which can be obtained from National Academy Press,
2101 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20055. In addition, such
proposals must meet the requirements of the Animal Welfare Act (7
U.S.C. 2131 et seq.), 9 CFR parts 1, 2, and 3, and if appropriate, 21
CFR part 58. These regulations do not apply to proposed research using
pre-existing images of animals or to research plans that do not include
live animals that are being cared for, euthanized, or used by the
project participants to accomplish research goals, teaching, or
testing. These regulations also do not apply to obtaining animal
materials from commercial processors of animal products or to animal
cell lines or tissues from tissue banks.
Limitation of Liability: In no event will the Department of
Commerce be responsible for proposal preparation costs if these
programs fail to receive funding or are cancelled because of other
agency priorities. Publication of this announcement does not oblige the
agency to award any specific project or to obligate any available
funds.
Executive Order 12866: This funding notice was determined to be not
significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866.
Executive Order 13132 (Federalism): It has been determined that
this notice does not contain policies with federalism implications as
that term is defined in Executive Order 13132.
Executive Order 12372: Applications under this program are not
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.''
Administrative Procedure Act/Regulatory Flexibility Act: Notice and
comment are not required under the Administrative Procedure Act (5
U.S.C. 553) or any other law, for rules relating to public property,
loans, grants, benefits or contracts (5 U.S.C. 553 (a)). Because notice
and comment are not required under 5 U.S.C. 553, or any other law, for
rules relating to public property, loans, grants, benefits or contracts
(5 U.S.C. 553(a)), a Regulatory Flexibility Analysis is not required
and has not been prepared for this notice, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.
Dated: December 23, 2005.
William Jeffrey,
Director, NIST.
[FR Doc. E6-74 Filed 1-6-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-13-P
