[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 208 (Friday, October 28, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page ]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-26740]
[Federal Register: October 28, 1994]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Institute of Standards and Technology
[Docket No. 94-0970-4270]
RIN 0693-ZA04
Physics Laboratory 1995 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships
(SURF)--Partnerships in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) Physics
AGENCY: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Commerce.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: Through Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships, ``SURFing
the Physics Lab: A Partnership for AMO Physics'' will provide an
opportunity for the Physics Laboratory of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology and the National Science Foundation to join in
partnership with American colleges and universities, stimulating
outstanding physics students to pursue scientific careers by exposing
them to the world class atomic, molecular, optical and radiation
physicists and facilities in the NIST Physics Laboratory, and
strengthening undergraduate AMO physics curricula by forming the basis
for ongoing collaborations. The NIST program director will work with
physics department chairs and directors of multi-disciplinary centers
of excellence to identify outstanding undergraduates (including
graduating seniors) who would benefit from off-campus summer research
in an honors academy environment. We recommend a group of two
candidates plus one alternate to be nominated by each institution,
although larger or smaller groups will be given equal consideration.
The selected group of about twenty (20) students will spend
approximately twelve (12) weeks at the Physics Laboratory's
Gaithersburg, MD campus, working one-on-one with NIST staff physicists;
actively engaged in projects that combine the quest for fundamental
knowledge and direct applications to problems of national importance;
learning about non-academic alternatives for research careers; living
science and seeing how they can make a difference. The 12-week stipend
for the summer of 1995 will be $3600. Students and NIST research
advisors will be paired based on the student's background and interests
in the spring, to allow for adequate dialogue between the students, the
student's physics professors and NIST advisor about the intended
project, to ensure that the student arrives at NIST ready to
contribute, and to prepare the student's physics professor for follow-
up in the fall. Good overlap of research interest will facilitate
collaborations between NIST and the participating academic partners.
The students will collectively live in a nearby furnished apartment
complex and participate in the many NIST seminars and in a weekly
SURFing the Physics Lab Summer Seminar Series. The students will all
present a research seminar at NIST and be encouraged to participate in
a local or national scientific conference during the following academic
year. Given the significant lack of diversity in the present physics
work force, we will aggressively seek out competitive students from
underrepresented groups or persons with disabilities. Costs for this
program (stipend, travel and housing) will be shared by NIST, NSF and
the participating schools.
DATES: Proposals must be received no later than the close of business
February 1, 1995.
ADDRESSES: Applicants must submit one signed original plus two (2)
copies of the proposal along with the Grant Application, Standard Form
424 (Rev. 4/92) to: Physics Laboratory, Attn: Dr. David S. King,
National Institute of Standards and Technology, Building 221, Room
B268, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-0001.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dr. David S. King, (301) 975-2369.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Catalog of Federal domestic assistance name and number: 11.609--
Measurement and Engineering Research and Standards.
Authority
The Act of March 3, 1901, as amended (15 U.S.C. 278g-l) authorizes
the National Institute of Standards and Technology to expend up to 1
per centum of the funds appropriated for activities of NIST in any
fiscal year, as the Director deems appropriate, for financial
assistance awards in the form of cooperative agreements 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. Cooperative Agreements are awarded to assure
continued growth and progress of science and engineering in the United
States, including the encouragement of women and minority students to
continue their professional development.
Program Description
The objective of this partnership will build upon a 1993 summer
pilot program funded by NIST as a proof of concept and the 1994 SURFing
program partially funded by the NSF Physics Division as a Research
Experience for Undergraduates Site. Of the 40 students involved during
the past two years about 40% were Hispanic Americans and 40% were
African Americans, half were women and 1 was legally blind. Between 20
to 50% of the associated student stipends, travel and housing was
provided in cost sharing by the individual participating institutions.
NIST is the nation's premiere institute for the physical sciences
and, as the lead agency for technology transfer, is providing a strong
interface between government, industry, and academia; on-site
researchers at NIST come from a broad range of colleges and industries.
Owing to its unique mission to support the U.S. economy by working with
industry, NIST embodies a special science culture, developed from a
large and well equipped research staff that enthusiastically blends
programs that address the immediate needs of industry with longer-term
research that anticipates future needs. This occurs in few other places
and enables the Physics Laboratory to offer unique research and
training opportunities for undergraduates, providing them a research-
rich environment and exposure to state of the art equipment, to
scientists at work and to professional contacts that represent future
employment possibilities.
Attending to the long term needs of many U.S. high-technology
industries, NIST's Physics Lab conducts basic research in the areas of
quantum, electron, optical, atomic, molecular, and radiation physics.
This is complemented by applied research devoted to overcoming barriers
to the next technological revolution, in which individual atoms and
molecules will serve as the fundamental building blocks of electronic
and optical devices. To achieve these goals, staff develop and utilize
highly specialized equipment, such as polarized electron microscopes,
scanning tunneling microscopes, lasers, and x-ray and synchrotrons
radiation sources. Research projects can be theoretical or
experimental, and will range in focus from quantum electrodynamics,
through trapping atoms and choreographing molecular collisions, to
ionizing radiation. SURFers will work one-on-one with our nation's top
physical scientists both from NIST and from some of our nation's
leading, high tech industries. It is anticipated that successful
SURFers will move from a position of reliance on guidance from their
research advisors to one of research independence during the twelve
week period. One goal of this partnership is to provide opportunities
for our nation's next generation of scientists and engineers to engage
in world class scientific research at NIST, especially in ground
breaking areas of emerging technologies. This carries with it the hope
of motivating these individuals to pursue a Ph.D. in physics, and to
consider alternative research careers. SURFing the Physics Lab will
attempt to forge partnerships with NSF and with post-secondary
institutions that demonstrate strong, hands-on undergraduate science
curricula, especially those with a demonstrated commitment to the
education of women, minorities and students with disabilities. This
program will be open to all U.S. citizens interested in AMO physics.
Eligibility
Colleges and universities with degree granting programs in areas of
AMO physics.
Funding Availability
The NIST Physics Laboratory will commit approximately $50,000 to
support cooperative agreements under this program. The NIST Physics
Laboratory's REU Program is supported by NSF at the level of $55,000
per year. The anticipated direct and indirect cost for stipends, travel
and housing and conference attendance for twenty students is about
$140,000. The actual number of awards made under this announcement will
depend on the level of cost sharing by our academic partners.
Proposal Review Process
All proposals will be reviewed by a panel of three NIST scientists
appointed by the Program Director. Proposals should include the
following:
(A) Student Information: (1) Official transcript for each student
nominated with a recommended G.P.A. of 3.0 or better; (2) a personal
statement from each student and statement of commitment to participate
in the 1995 SURF, including a description of the student's prioritized
research interests; (3) a resume for each student; and (4) two letters
of recommendation for each student. All references to student include
the proposed alternate.
(B) Information About the Applicant Institution: (1) Description of
the applicant's education and research philosophy, faculty interests,
on-campus research program(s) and opportunities, and overlapping
research interests of NIST and the institution; and (2) a statement
addressing issues of academic credit and commitment to cost sharing.
Application Kit
An application kit, containing all required application forms and
certifications is available by calling Arvella Kuehl at (301) 975-2378.
An application kit includes the following:
SF 424 (Rev 4/92)--APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE
SF 424A (Rev 4/92)--BUDGET INFORMATION--Non-Construction Programs
SF 424B (Rev 4/92)--ASSURANCES--Non-Construction Programs
CD 511 (7/91)--CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION, AND OTHER
RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS; DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE REQUIREMENTS AND LOBBYING
CD 512 (7/91)--CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION,
INELIGIBILITY AND VOLUNTARY EXCLUSIONS--LOWER TIER COVERED TRANSACTIONS
AND LOBBYING
SF-LLL--DISCLOSURE OF LOBBYING ACTIVITIES
SF-LLL-A--DISCLOSURE OF LOBBYING ACTIVITIES CONTINUATION SHEET
Evaluation Criteria
Evaluation of Student's Academic Ability and Commitment to Program
Goals (35%): Includes, but is not limited to, evaluation of the
following: Completed course work; expressed research interest; prior
research experience; grade point average in courses relevant to
program; career plans; honors and activities.
Evaluation of Applicant Institution's Commitment to Program Goals
(35%): Includes, but is not limited to, evaluation of the following:
Institution's focus on AMO physics; overlap between research interests
of the institution and NIST; emphasis on undergraduate hands-on
research; undergraduate participation in research conferences/programs;
on-campus research facilities; involvement in systemic reform at the
undergraduate level; past participation by students/institution in such
programs; and commitment to educate women/minorities, and persons with
disabilities.
Evaluation of Applicant Institution's Cost Sharing (30%): In the
spirit of a true partnership, successful applicants will be encouraged
to contribute matching funds. A suggested level of participation would
be to directly cover student travel (one round trip by common carrier)
and housing costs (approximately $1200); a higher level of
participation, such as partial payment of the student's stipend, stated
intent to support the participating students at a research conference,
and/or awarding of academic credit, will be given extra merit in the
evaluation process.
Award decisions shall be based upon total evaluation score.
Award Period
The 1995 Physics Laboratory SURFing Partnership is anticipated to
run between May 29 through August 18, 1995; adjustments may be made to
accommodate specific academic schedules (e.g., running from May 15
through August 4, of awarding a limited number of 10-week cooperative
agreements).
Paperwork Reduction Act
The Standard Form 424 and other Standard Forms in the application
kit are subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act and
have been approved by OMB under Control Nos. 0348-0043, 0348-0044,
0348-0040, and 0348-0046.
Additional Requirements
Primary Application Certifications
All primary applicants must submit a completed form CD-511,
``Certifications Regarding Debarment, Suspension and Other
Responsibility Matters; Drug-Free Workplace Requirements and
Lobbying,'' and the following explanations must be provided:
1. Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension
Prospective participants (as defined at 15 CFR part 26, section
105) are subject to 15 CFR part 26, ``Nonprocurement Debarment and
Suspension'' and the related section of the certification form
prescribed above applies;
2. Drug-Free Workplace
Grantees (as defined at 15 CFR part 26, section 605) are subject to
15 CFR part 26, subpart F, ``Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free
Workplace (Grants)'' and the related section of the certification form
prescribed above applies;
3. Anti-Lobbying
Persons (as defined at 15 CFR part 28, section 105) are subject to
the lobbying provisions of 31 U.S.C. 1352, ``Limitation on use of
appropriated funds to influence certain Federal contracting and
financial transactions,'' and the lobbying section of the certification
form prescribed above applies to applications/bids for grants,
cooperative agreements, and contracts for more than $100,000, and loans
and loan guarantees for more than $150,000, or the single family
maximum mortgage limit for affected programs, whichever is greater.
4. Anti-Lobbying Disclosure
Any applicant that has paid or will pay for lobbying using any
funds must submit an SF-LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,'' as
required under 15 CFR part 28, appendix B.
5. Lower-Tier Certifications
Recipients shall require applicants/bidders for subgrants,
contracts, subcontracts, or other lower tier covered transactions at
any tier under the award to submit, if applicable, a completed Form CD-
512, ``Certifications Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility
and Voluntary Exclusion--Lower Tier Covered Transactions and Lobbying''
and disclosure form, SF-LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities.''
Form CD-512 is intended for the use of recipients and should not be
transmitted to NIST. SF-LLL submitted by any tier recipient or
subrecipient should be submitted to NIST in accordance with the
instructions contained in the award document.
Preaward Activities
Applicants who incur any costs prior to an award being made do so
solely at their own risk of not being reimbursed by the Government.
Notwithstanding any verbal assurance that may have been provided, there
is no obligation on the part of NIST to cover pre-award costs.
No Obligation for Future Funding
If an application is accepted for funding, DOC has no obligation to
provide any additional future funding in connection with that award.
Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of
performance is at the total discretion of NIST.
Past Performance
Unsatisfactory performance under prior Federal awards may result in
an application not being considered for funding.
Name Check Reviews
All for-profit and nonprofit applicants will be subject to a name
check review process. Name checks are intended to reveal if any key
individuals associated with the applicant have been convicted of or are
presently facing criminal charges such as fraud, theft, perjury, or
other matters which significantly reflect on the applicant's
management, honesty, or financial integrity.
False Statements
A false statement on an application is grounds for denial or
termination of funds, and grounds for possible punishment by a fine or
imprisonment as provided in 18 U.S.C. 1001.
Delinquent Federal Debts
No award of Federal funds shall be made to an applicant who has an
outstanding delinquent Federal debt until either:
1. The delinquent account is paid in full,
2. A negotiated repayment schedule is established and at least one
payment is received, or
3. Other arrangements satisfactory to DoC are made.
Indirect Costs
The total dollar amount of the indirect costs proposed in an
application under this program must not exceed the indirect cost rate
negotiated and approved by a cognizant Federal agency prior to the
proposed effective date of the award or 100 percent of the total
proposed direct cost dollar amount in the application, whichever is
less.
Buy American-Made Equipment or Products
Applicants are hereby notified that they are encouraged, to the
extent feasible, to purchase American-made equipment and products with
funding provided under this program in accordance with Congressional
intent as set forth in the resolution contained in Pub. L. 103-317,
sections 607 (a) and (b).
Federal Policies and Procedures
Recipients and subrecipients under the Physics Laboratory Program
shall be subject to all Federal laws and Federal and Departmental
regulations, policies, and procedures applicable to financial
assistance awards. The SURF program does not directly affect any state
or local government.
Applicants are reminded of the applicability of Executive Order
12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.''
This rule making action has been determined to be ``not
significant'' for purposes of Executive Order 12866.
Dated: October 24, 1994.
Samuel Kramer,
Associate Director.
[FR Doc. 94-26740 Filed 10-27-94; 8:45 am]
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