[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 178 (Thursday, September 15, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-22759]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: September 15, 1994]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Institute of Standards and Technology
[Docket No. 940549-4149]
Computer Systems Laboratory Cooperative Agreement Program--
Availability of Funds
AGENCY: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Commerce.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The Computer Systems Laboratory (CSL) National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST) announces funding availability for
cooperative agreements to support its ongoing programs in the following
fields of research: Human--Computer Interfaces, Image Recognition,
Parallel Processing, Wireless communications, and Collaborative
Engineering. Specific details are outlined below in the Program
Objectives section. The purpose of the CSL program is to expand the
research being performed in these fields and disseminate resulting
information publicly for potential commercial use. Applicants must
submit an abbreviated proposal for preliminary screening; based on the
merit of the abbreviated proposal applicants will be advised whether a
full proposal should be submitted. A proposal shall deal with only one
area of research.
DATES: Abbreviated proposals must be received at the address listed
below no later than 3 p.m. EDT on October 17, 1994. Proposals
transmitted by facsimile or electronic mail will not be accepted. Each
applicant submitting an abbreviated proposal will receive a written
recommendation regarding whether or not to prepare and submit a full
proposal. Such notification will be mailed/faxed on or before November
18, 1994. Full proposals must be received by 3 p.m. EDT on December 19,
1994. Cooperative agreements are expected to be awarded on or before
April 3, 1995.
ADDRESSES: Abbreviated proposals and full proposals should be submitted
to The National Institute of Standards and Technology, Computer Systems
Laboratory, Building 225, Room A216, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899-0001;
Attention: Mary Ruhl. Each application package should be clearly marked
``CSL Cooperative Agreement'' and identify the field of research.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Technical inquiries should be directed to the following Program
Managers: David Pallett, (301) 975-2935 [Manager, Speech Recognition];
Donna Harman, (301) 975-3569 [Manager, Text Retrieval]; Charles Wilson,
(301) 975-2080 [Manager, Image Recognition]; Gordon Lyon, (301) 975-
5679 [Manager, Parallel Processing]; Wayne McCoy, (301) 975-2984
[Manager, Signal Processing Systems]; Fernando Podio, (301) 975-2947
[Project Leader, Collaborative Engineering]. Inquiries should be
general in nature. Special inquiries as to a laboratory's needs, the
usefulness or merit of any particular project, or other inquiries with
the potential to provide any competitive advantage to an applicant are
not acceptable.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Authority
As authorized by 15 U.S.C. 272, the Computer Systems Laboratory
conducts a basic and applied research program directly and through
cooperative agreements to eligible recipients.
Program Description
The objectives of the CSL Cooperative Agreement Program are to: (1)
Support its ongoing programs in the research fields of Human-Computer
Interfaces, Image Recognition, Parallel Processing, Wireless
Communications, and Collaborative Engineering; (2) expand the research
being performed in these fields; and (3) disseminate resulting
information publicly for potential commercial use. Federal assistance
is for cooperative agreements to support these objectives. Since CSL
has ongoing efforts in these research areas, the cooperative agreements
will involve a close working relationship between CSL and the
recipients. The results of the research will be made publicly available
for potential commercialization. The beneficiaries of this program are
commercial end users of various techniques that are furthered by the
research enabled by these cooperative agreements.
All proposals submitted must be in accordance with the program
objectives listed below. Details on ongoing CSL research are provided
in order that applicants may submit proposals consistent with CSL
objectives. NIST shall retain title to all intangible property
developed under the cooperative agreement and shall make such property
available for public use without any obligation to the recipient. The
appropriate Program Manager for each field of research may be contacted
for clarification of the program objectives and activities.
I. Human--Computer Interfaces
The primary objective is to design and develop natural language
user interfaces (spoken and written) to computers. CSL efforts focus on
developing a spoken natural language user interface to electronic
library catalogs and improving natural language approaches for text
retrieval from large text collections.
I.A. Spoken Language User Interfaces
NIST has initiated a project to investigate the feasibility of
building a spoken natural language user interface to electronic
libraries, as a specific instance of spoken language user interfaces to
information services. The prototype system will be built from a
technology base of (D)ARPA-sponsored spoken language systems research
(e.g., Air Travel Information Systems).
Late in FY 1994, a prototype system is to be built, consisting of a
library catalog information kiosk. Users will be able to use spoken
natural language to obtain library catalog information with simple
human-computer dialogues (e.g., ``What's the title of Julia Child's
recent book? Is it in the collection at this library? What is the
catalog number?''). For the initial prototype system, library catalog
data is to be accessed from a subset of Library of Congress MARC files
comprising of approximately 10,000 titles. In CY 1995, user-interface
data will be collected and the system capabilities enhanced. During
development, NIST will use the prototype system to collect a corpus of
spoken natural language data to be shared with the spoken language
research community through the Linguistic Data Consortium, to encourage
other researchers to join in development of this technology.
In FY '96 and beyond, this technology is to be extended to permit
user spoken language access to on-line library catalog information over
ordinary telephone lines, and to provide expanded spoken natural
language information search and retrieval services for electronic
libraries. To accomplish this, more robust speech recognition
technology must be developed, and method of dialogue management
developed to paraphrase and summarize information for presentation
using speech synthesis technology.
I.B. Text Retrieval
The primary objective is to design and develop algorithms for
improving the performance of text retrieval against large amounts of
text. NIST has emphasized the testing of text retrieval algorithms
using natural language access against large amounts of text for the
past five years. This included building and testing a very fast
prototype retrieval system that allowed the use of simple English
phrases as the input query and returned a list of documents ranked in
order of likely relevance to that query. This project was followed by
continued research using this prototype.
To continue this work, proposals most compatible with CSL's ongoing
research in text retrieval are requested that use the large (3
gigabyte) text collection developed at NIST for Text Retrieval
Conferences. This research should involve natural language approaches
to text retrieval, including document ranking. Specific topics are (1)
the use of multi-term content indicators for retrieval and (2) the
design of user tools to improve initial queries.
The research involving these complex content indicators should be
directed toward identification of complex content indicators in brief
natural language statements of information need, efficiently search for
occurrences of them in an indexed document collection, and
incorporating the matches effectively into a weighting and ranking
model. These complex content indicators might range from simple word
combinations (e.g., phrases) to more abstract representations of words
or concepts and their semantic relationships (such as causal
relationships).
The research into design of user tools can investigate the use of
relevance feedback in large test collections, implement user studies as
to what tools are needed by various user populations, or deal with the
design and testing of novel tools that allow users to improve their
queries.
II. Image Recognition
The primary objective in this research area is to design and
develop image pattern recognition algorithms which will generate
improved performance in commercial applications. The image pattern
recognition algorithms should address image segmentation and contextual
checking of classified images. Examples include efforts to improve
image segmentation of handwritten text or improved extraction of
specific visual material from cluttered images such as a face in a
crowd or a drawing in a technical document. This segmentation should
lead naturally to improved image classification and sufficient
understanding to allow indexing of image databases without domain
specific constraints.
III. Parallel Processing
The primary objective is to design and develop algorithms,
measurement tools, and related software for Parallel Processor
platforms. General techniques and software tools for debugging and
tuning parallel codes often ignore important points, such as
scalability or portability. An opportunity exists for novel solutions
that address such pivotal aspects. These can be hitherto untried
concepts, or well-designed empirical investigations that shed insight
on the demands special to the parallel programming task. Both software
and hardware approaches can be used. The publication ``System Software
and Tools for High Performance Computing Environments'' (edited by P.
Messina and T. Sterling, SIAM, 1993) is a good survey of the issues and
problems of interest.
IV. Wireless Communications
This primary objective is to devise, test, and demonstrate adaptive
error control strategies for a variety of information types (e.g.,
speech, image, video) for use in wireless communications. A principal
barrier to the realization of the National Information Infrastructure
will be in interfacing networks of fundamentally different
characteristics while providing uniform, transparent end-to-end
service. For example, the wireline technologies being proposed will
provide bit transfer rates from 64 Kb/s to over 2 Gb/s, while wireless
technologies are expected to be in the range of 10 Kb/s to perhaps 1
Mb/s. The strategies for efficient use of network services will be very
different for the different technologies used. Central to such
strategies are compression and encoding methodologies. For wireless
services, compression and encoding have to take into account inherently
lower transmission bandwidth and much higher levels of noise and
interference than for wireline services. When the services must be
transparently interconnected, there must be a way for these networks to
adapt to dynamic transmission environments.
Proposals most compatible with CSL's on-going research in Wireless
Communications would target:
--Examining the effects of signal transmission for various source
encoding techniques by means of appropriate metrics (e.g., Signal to
Noise Ratios (SNR), perceptual differences, and spectral
distortions);
--Identifying critical characteristics of reference source signals
that are most influential to receive quality and devising strategies
as part of the encoding scheme to protect the critical
characteristics of the source signal;
--Devising precise evaluation methodologies and metrics;
--Examining characteristics of various transmission technologies
(e.g., modulation schemes);
--Devise strategies for transparent transmission considering
information type, network characteristics, physical environment
(e.g., noise), and appropriate security/privacy techniques.
V. Collaborative Engineering
The primary objective is to assist industry in applying state-of-
the-art collaborative engineering technology to engineering and
manufacturing applications. This efforts includes research on high
performance computing and communication (HPCC) and interconnectivity
among heterogeneous systems.
In real-time collaborative computing environments, a group of
individuals need to share an application and objects of this
application. In addition, they need to work on the objects to modify
them, et. Reliable real-time operations require protocols for
application synchronization and command synchronization. For example,
transferring mouse movements and keystrokes require that the
information gets reliably to all the partners in the right sequence.
Proposals most compatible with CSL's on-going research in
Collaborative Engineering would include research on synchronization of
real-time shared applications. For example, the design and development
of protocols for applications synchronization (e.g., two CAD
applications to be able to work in real-time) and command
synchronization (e.g., mouse movements). This work will allow
differently configured applications to perform the same actions
simultaneously and transparently to the user.
Funding Availability
Approximately $900,000 is available to support cooperative
agreements under this program. The number of awards will depend on the
quality of the proposals received and the amount of funding requested
by the proposals under consideration for award. The Computer Systems
laboratory Research Program is limited to innovative ideas generated by
the proposal writer on what specific tasks will be performed and how.
Any additional years of project funding will be subject to annual
competition.
Matching Requirements
There are no matching requirements.
Type of Funding Instrument
Due to the substantial involvement by various divisions of the CSL,
cooperative agreements will be awarded. Cooperative agreements will
generally involve a close working relationship between CSL and the
recipient, and it is expected that the recipient will periodically
visit and work at the NIST Gaithersburg, Maryland site with the
guidance of NIST scientists.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants under the CSL program is limited to colleges
and universities.
Award Period
NIST intends to fund cooperative agreements for a one (1) year
period.
Preliminary Screening Process
Applicants must submit an abbreviated proposal prior to submitting
a full proposal. The purpose of the abbreviated proposal is to provide
applicants with feedback regarding whether the proposed projects are
sufficiently promising relative to the selection criteria to warrant
preparation of a full proposal. The abbreviated proposal shall include
a budget synopsis. The abbreviated proposal is limited in length to no
more than 10 pages (8\1/2\ x 11 inch) plus the title page. Forms or
certifications for the full proposal shall not be included in the
abbreviated proposal. Applicants will be notified in writing whether or
not a full submission is invited. Proposals will receive an
independent, objective review by a panel composed of at least three
persons knowledgeable about the particular scientific area described
above that the proposal addresses. Each applicant must submit one
signed original and two copies of each proposal.
Full Proposal Review Process
Full proposals are limited in length to no more than 30 pages (8\1/
2\ x 11 inch) plus the title page. Proposals will receive an
independent, objective review by a panel composed of at least three
persons knowledgeable about the particular scientific area described
above that the proposal addresses. The proposals will be evaluated on a
competitive basis. Each applicant must submit one signed original and
two copies of each proposal along with Standard Form 424 (Rev 4/92) and
other required forms, as referenced under the provisions of OMB
Circular A-110.
Application Kit
An application kit, containing all required application forms and
certifications is available by calling Trudy Cummings at (301) 975-
2946. An application kit includes the following:
SF424 (Rev 4/92)--Application for Federal Assistance
SF424A (Rev 4/92)--Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs
SF424B (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
The criteria to be used in evaluating the proposals include
technical factors, qualifications of personnel, and reasonability of
cost in relation to proposed project scope. Technical factors include:
Technical merit of proposal, rationality of approach, compatibility of
proposal with needs of targeted area of research, use of new approaches
and new methods, and availability of resources. Technical personnel
qualifications factors include: Previous technical work with respect to
subject area, performance on previous cooperative agreements, grants,
or contracts, and academic qualifications with regard to proposed
research area (include curriculum vitae and list of publications).
Technical FActors--Total=65%
--technical merit of proposal: 35%
--rationality of approach: 10%
--compatibility of proposal with needs of targeted area of
research: 10%
--use of new approaches and new methods: 5%
--availability of resources: 5%
Personal Qualifications--Total=25%
--previous technical work with respect to subject area: 10%
--academic qualifications with respect to proposed research
area: 19%
--performance on previous cooperative agreements, grants, or
contracts: 5%
Reasonability of cost with proposed project scope--Total=10%
Selection Procedure
Award recommendations shall be made by the panels based on the
scores of the proposals determined in accordance with the evaluation
criteria. The chief of each CSL division will make the final award
recommendation to the NIST Grants Officer taking into account the score
received by the applicant, available funding, and the compatibility of
the proposal with the CSL programs. The highest-scored proposals may
not necessarily receive award; award is dependent on the compatibility
of the proposal with the CSL program.
Paperwork Reduction Act
The Standard Form 424 and Standard Form LLL mentioned in this
notice are subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act
and have been approved by OMB under Control Numbers 0348-0043 and 0348-
0046.
Primary Application Certification
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 are hereby 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, ``Government wide 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 the 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; and
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
If applicants incur any costs prior to an award being made, they do
so solely at their own risk of not being reimbursed by the Government.
Notwithstanding any verbal or written assurance that may have been
received, there is no obligation on the part of NIST to cover preaward
costs.
No Obligation for Future Funding
If an application is selected 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 non-profit and for-profit applicants are 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.
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 Public Law 103-121,
Sections 602 (a) and (b).
Delinquent Federal Debts
No award of Federal funds shall be made to an applicant who has an
outstanding delinquent Federal debt until either:
i. The delinquent account is paid in full,
ii. A negotiated repayment schedule is established and at least
one payment is received, or
iii. 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 costs dollar amount in the application, whichever is
less.
Federal Policies and Procedures
Recipients and subrecipients under the Computer Systems Laboratory
Research Program are subject to all Federal Laws and Federal and
Departmental policies, regulations, and procedures applicable to
Federal financial assistance awards. The Computer Systems Laboratory
cooperative agreements program does not directly affect any state or
local government. Applications under this program are not subject to
Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.''
Dated: September 8, 1994.
Samuel Kramer,
Associate Director.
[FR Doc. 94-22759 Filed 9-14-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-13-M
