94-26740. Physics Laboratory 1995 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF)Partnerships in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) Physics  

  • [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]
    BILLING CODE 3510-13-M
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
10/28/1994
Department:
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Entry Type:
Uncategorized Document
Action:
Notice.
Document Number:
94-26740
Dates:
Proposals must be received no later than the close of business February 1, 1995.
Pages:
0-0 (None pages)
Docket Numbers:
Federal Register: October 28, 1994, Docket No. 94-0970-4270
RINs:
0693-ZA04