Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) Gaithersburg and Boulder Programs; Availability of Funds, 76982-76987 [E6-21982]
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76982
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 246 / Friday, December 22, 2006 / Notices
Authority: 15 U.S.C. 1512 and Executive
Order 11625.
Dated: December 19, 2006.
Ronald N. Langston,
National Director, Minority Business
Development Agency.
[FR Doc. E6–21981 Filed 12–21–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–21–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Institute of Standards and
Technology
Proposed Information Collection;
Comment Request; Evaluation of
Whole-Body Gamma-Ray System—
Information Regarding the
Administrated Radioactive Material
ACTION:
II. Method of Collection
Notice.
The Department of
Commerce, as part of its continuing
effort to reduce paperwork and
respondent burden, invites the general
public and other Federal agencies to
take this opportunity to comment on
proposed and/or continuing information
collections, as required by the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
DATES: Written comments must be
submitted on or before February 20,
2007.
SUMMARY:
Direct all written comments
to Diana Hynek, Departmental
Paperwork Clearance Officer,
Department of Commerce, Room 6625,
14th and Constitution Avenue, NW.,
Washington, DC 20230 (or via the
Internet at dHynek@doc.gov).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Requests for additional information or
copies of the information collection
instrument and instructions should be
directed to Kenneth Inn, Research
Chemist, at (301) 975–5541,
kenneth.inn@nist.gov.
ADDRESSES:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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I. Abstract
This project will determine the
whole-body detector response of the
Radioactivity Group’s Virtual Gammaray Range system to provide support in
the event of an emergency radiological
incident. The project will evaluate the
system’s response to a variety of body
geometries, and relate the system’s
response to handheld in vivo gammaray detectors readings that would be
used during radiological emergency
response. Because there are inadequate
numbers of phantom types to
approximate all body shapes and sizes,
we plan to use NIST employees
(participants) already subjected to
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nuclear medicine procedures as
radioactive ‘‘sources’’ to determine the
response of our High Purity Germanium
(HPGe) measurements system. Physical
parameters of the participants such as
height, weight will be needed to assess
the correlation with counting response
that is expected to have uncertainties as
large as 50%. The physician or
technician who administers the
injection of nuclear radiation will be
requested to provide written
documentation containing the identity
and time of the injected radionuclide
given to the participants, its
radioactivity content, and the
calibration date and time of the
radionuclide received. All information
will be carefully safeguarded.
A paper form will be distributed to
the physicians by the participant. Once
completed by the physician/technician,
the paper form will be returned, by the
participant, to the investigator.
III. Data
OMB Number: None.
Form Number: None.
Type of Review: Regular.
Affected Public: Business or other forprofit organizations; Federal
Government; and Individuals or
households.
Estimated Number of Respondents:
250.
Estimated Time Per Response: 6
minutes.
Estimated Total Annual Burden
Hours: 5.
Estimated Total Annual Cost to
Public: $0.
IV. Request for Comments
Comments are invited on: (a) Whether
the proposed collection of information
is necessary for the proper performance
of the functions of the agency, including
whether the information shall have
practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the
agency’s estimate of the burden
(including hours and cost) of the
proposed collection of information; (c)
ways to enhance the quality, utility, and
clarity of the information to be
collected; and (d) ways to minimize the
burden of the collection of information
on respondents, including through the
use of automated collection techniques
or other forms of information
technology.
Comments submitted in response to
this notice will be summarized and/or
included in the request for OMB
approval of this information collection;
they also will become a matter of public
record.
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Dated: December 18, 2006.
Gwellnar Banks,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief
Information Officer.
[FR Doc. E6–21921 Filed 12–21–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Institute of Standards and
Technology
[Docket Number: 061128313–6313–01]
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 2007: (1) The
Gaithersburg Summer Undergraduate
Research Fellowship Program, and (2)
the Boulder Summer Undergraduate
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
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 246 / Friday, December 22, 2006 / Notices
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.
EEEL, MEL, CSTL, PL, MSEL, BFRL,
and ITL SURF Gaithersburg Programs
DATES: All SURF Gaithersburg Program
applications, paper and electronic, must
Program
Anticipated NSF funding
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EEEL ........
MEL ..........
CSTL ........
PL .............
MSEL .......
BFRL ........
ITL ............
Anticipated NIST funding
$80,000
90,000
70,000
110,000
80,000
65,000
0
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 29, 2007
through August 10, 2007; adjustments
may be made to accommodate specific
academic schedules (e.g., a limited
number of 9-week cooperative
agreements).
Funding for the programs listed in
this notice is contingent upon the
availability of Fiscal Year 2007
appropriations. NIST issues this notice
subject to the appropriations made
VerDate Aug<31>2005
be received no later than 5 p.m. Eastern
Standard Time on February 15, 2007.
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
17:45 Dec 21, 2006
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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 ($363.64 per week
per student), travel, and lodging (up to
$3,400 per student).
$120,000
90,000
140,000
170,000
80,000
65,000
80,000
available under the current continuing
resolution, H.R. 5631, ‘‘Continuing
Appropriations Resolution, 2007,’’
Public Law 109–289, as amended by H.J.
Res. 100, Public Law 109–369. NIST
anticipates making awards for the
programs listed in this notice provided
that funding for the programs is
continued beyond December 8, 2006,
the expiration of the current continuing
resolution.
Statutory Authority: The authority for
the SURF Gaithersburg Programs is 15
U.S.C. 278g–l 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
universities in the United States and its
territories with degree granting
PO 00000
concerning this program should be
directed to Marilyn Goldstein, NIST
Grants and Agreements Management
Division at (301) 975–6359 or
marilyn.goldstein@nist.gov or for
assistance with using Grants.gov contact
support@grants.gov.
Total program funding
$40,000
0
70,000
60,000
0
0
80,000
76983
Anticipated No. of awards
∼12
∼13
∼16
∼26
∼20
∼8
∼12
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 recordkeeping purposes.
The remaining copies will be destroyed.
Proposals should include the following:
(A) Student Information:
(1) Student application information
cover sheet;
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(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 2007 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
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17:45 Dec 21, 2006
Jkt 211001
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:
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(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, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Paper applications for the
SURF NIST Boulder Program must be
submitted to: Ms. Eyvon Petty,
Administrative Coordinator, National
Institute of Standards and Technology,
325 Broadway, Mail Stop 847.00,
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
programs will publish separate FFOs on
www.grants.gov. Program questions
should be addressed to Ms. Eyvon Petty,
Administrative Coordinator, National
Institute of Standards and Technology,
325 Broadway, Mail Stop 847.00,
Boulder, CO 80305–3328, Tel: (303)
497–3295, E-mail: pettye@
boulder.nist.gov; Web site: https://
surf.boulder.nist.gov/. All grants related
administration questions concerning
this program should be directed to
Marilyn Goldstein, NIST Grants and
Agreements Management Division at
(301) 975–6359 or
marilyn.goldstein@nist.gov for
assistance with using Grants.gov contact
support@grants.gov.
DATES:
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
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 246 / Friday, December 22, 2006 / Notices
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
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 21, 2007
through August 10, 2007; 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).
Funding for the programs listed in
this notice is contingent upon the
availability of Fiscal Year 2007
appropriations. NIST issues this notice
subject to the appropriations made
available under the current continuing
resolution, H.R. 5631, ‘‘Continuing
Appropriations Resolution, 2007,’’
Public Law 109–289, as amended by H.J.
Res. 100, Public Law 109–369. NIST
anticipates making awards for the
programs listed in this notice provided
that funding for the programs is
continued beyond December 8, 2006,
the expiration of the current continuing
resolution.
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
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17:45 Dec 21, 2006
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$29,560
18,475
11,085
7,390
7,390
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
PO 00000
Frm 00026
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
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
of each student/institution packet based
on the Evaluation Criteria for the SURF
NIST Boulder Program 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 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
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
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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, and 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).
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17:45 Dec 21, 2006
Jkt 211001
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. 200–212, 37 CFR
part 401, 15 CFR 14.36, and in section
B.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
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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
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
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 246 / Friday, December 22, 2006 / Notices
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: Funding for
the programs listed in this notice is
contingent upon the availability of
Fiscal Year 2007 appropriations. NIST
issues this notice subject to the
appropriations made available under the
current continuing resolution, H.R.
5631, ‘‘Continuing Appropriations
Resolution, 2007,’’ Public Law 109–289,
as amended by H.J. Res. 100, Public Law
109–369 and H.J. res 102, Public Law
109–383. NIST anticipates making
awards for the programs listed in this
VerDate Aug<31>2005
17:45 Dec 21, 2006
Jkt 211001
notice provided that funding for the
programs is continued beyond February
15, 2007, the expiration of the current
continuing resolution. 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 14, 2006.
James E. Hill,
Acting Deputy Director, NIST.
[FR Doc. E6–21982 Filed 12–21–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
Proposed Information Collection;
Comment Request; Management and
Oversight of the National Estuarine
Research Reserve System
National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The Department of
Commerce, as part of its continuing
effort to reduce paperwork and
respondent burden, invites the general
public and other Federal agencies to
take this opportunity to comment on
proposed and/or continuing information
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Sfmt 4703
76987
collections, as required by the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
DATES: Written comments must be
submitted on or before February 20,
2007.
Direct all written comments
to Diana Hynek, Departmental
Paperwork Clearance Officer,
Department of Commerce, Room 6625,
14th and Constitution Avenue, NW.,
Washington, DC 20230 (or via the
Internet at dHynek@doc.gov).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Requests for additional information or
copies of the information collection
instrument and instructions should be
directed to Doris Grimm, 301–713–3155,
ext. 107, or Doris.Grimm@noaa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
ADDRESSES:
I. Abstract
The National Estuarine Research
Reserve System consists of carefully
selected estuarine areas of the U.S. that
are designated, preserved, and managed
for research and educational purposes.
The information is needed from states to
review proposed designations. For sites
selected, states must develop
management plans and submit an
annual report/work plan. NOAA needs
the information to ensure that the sites
selected meet national standards.
II. Method of Collection
The information can be submitted
electronically via a Web site; other
information is submitted in paper form.
III. Data
OMB Number: 0648–0121.
Form Number: None.
Type of Review: Regular submission.
Affected Public: State or Local
Government.
Estimated Number of Respondents:
28.
Estimated Time Per Response: 2,000
hours for a management plan; 2,000
hours for a site nomination; 15 hours for
an annual report/work plan; and 2 hours
beyond basic application information
for an application requiring a categorical
exclusion checklist, state historical
office comments, a preliminary
engineering report for a construction
project or restoration, or a Federal
Consistency Certification.
Estimated Total Annual Burden
Hours: 14,105.
Estimated Total Annual Cost to
Public: $29,815.
IV. Request for Comments
Comments are invited on: (a) Whether
the proposed collection of information
is necessary for the proper performance
of the functions of the agency, including
E:\FR\FM\22DEN1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 246 (Friday, December 22, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 76982-76987]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-21982]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Institute of Standards and Technology
[Docket Number: 061128313-6313-01]
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 2007: (1) The Gaithersburg Summer
Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program, and (2) the Boulder Summer
Undergraduate 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
[[Page 76983]]
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, 2007.
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 Marilyn Goldstein, NIST Grants and Agreements
Management Division at (301) 975-6359 or marilyn.goldstein@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 ($363.64
per week per student), travel, and lodging (up to $3,400 per student).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Program Anticipated NSF funding Anticipated NIST funding Total program funding Anticipated No. of awards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EEEL............................ $80,000 $40,000 $120,000 ~12
MEL............................. 90,000 0 90,000 ~13
CSTL............................ 70,000 70,000 140,000 ~16
PL.............................. 110,000 60,000 170,000 ~26
MSEL............................ 80,000 0 80,000 ~20
BFRL............................ 65,000 0 65,000 ~8
ITL............................. 0 80,000 80,000 ~12
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 29,
2007 through August 10, 2007; adjustments may be made to accommodate
specific academic schedules (e.g., a limited number of 9-week
cooperative agreements).
Funding for the programs listed in this notice is contingent upon
the availability of Fiscal Year 2007 appropriations. NIST issues this
notice subject to the appropriations made available under the current
continuing resolution, H.R. 5631, ``Continuing Appropriations
Resolution, 2007,'' Public Law 109-289, as amended by H.J. Res. 100,
Public Law 109-369. NIST anticipates making awards for the programs
listed in this notice provided that funding for the programs is
continued beyond December 8, 2006, the expiration of the current
continuing resolution.
Statutory Authority: The authority for the SURF Gaithersburg
Programs is 15 U.S.C. 278g-l 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 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 recordkeeping
purposes. The remaining copies will be destroyed. Proposals should
include the following:
(A) Student Information:
(1) Student application information cover sheet;
[[Page 76984]]
(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 2007 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, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Paper applications for the SURF NIST Boulder Program must be
submitted to: Ms. Eyvon Petty, Administrative Coordinator, National
Institute of Standards and Technology, 325 Broadway, Mail Stop 847.00,
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 programs will publish separate FFOs on
www.grants.gov. Program questions should be addressed to Ms. Eyvon
Petty, Administrative Coordinator, National Institute of Standards and
Technology, 325 Broadway, Mail Stop 847.00, Boulder, CO 80305-3328,
Tel: (303) 497-3295, E-mail: pettye@boulder.nist.gov; Web site:
https://surf.boulder.nist.gov/. All grants related administration
questions concerning this program should be directed to Marilyn
Goldstein, NIST Grants and Agreements Management Division at (301) 975-
6359 or marilyn.goldstein@nist.gov 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
[[Page 76985]]
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 21,
2007 through August 10, 2007; 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).
Funding for the programs listed in this notice is contingent upon
the availability of Fiscal Year 2007 appropriations. NIST issues this
notice subject to the appropriations made available under the current
continuing resolution, H.R. 5631, ``Continuing Appropriations
Resolution, 2007,'' Public Law 109-289, as amended by H.J. Res. 100,
Public Law 109-369. NIST anticipates making awards for the programs
listed in this notice provided that funding for the programs is
continued beyond December 8, 2006, the expiration of the current
continuing resolution.
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 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 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 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
[[Page 76986]]
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, and
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. 200-
212, 37 CFR part 401, 15 CFR 14.36, and in section B.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
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
[[Page 76987]]
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: Funding for the programs listed in this
notice is contingent upon the availability of Fiscal Year 2007
appropriations. NIST issues this notice subject to the appropriations
made available under the current continuing resolution, H.R. 5631,
``Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007,'' Public Law 109-289, as
amended by H.J. Res. 100, Public Law 109-369 and H.J. res 102, Public
Law 109-383. NIST anticipates making awards for the programs listed in
this notice provided that funding for the programs is continued beyond
February 15, 2007, the expiration of the current continuing resolution.
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 14, 2006.
James E. Hill,
Acting Deputy Director, NIST.
[FR Doc. E6-21982 Filed 12-21-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-13-P
