[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 183 (Thursday, September 22, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-23502]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: September 22, 1994]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Institute of Standards and Technology
[Docket No. 940949-4249]
RIN 0693-ZA01
Precision Measurement Grants Program
AGENCY: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Commerce.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The purpose of this notice is to inform potential applicants
that the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is
continuing a program of research grants, formally titled Precision
Measurement Grants, to scientists in U.S. academic institutions for
significant, primarily experimental research in the field of precision
measurement and fundamental constants. 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.
DATES: Abbreviated proposals must be received at the address listed
below no later than 5 p.m. EDT on February 1, 1995. The semi-finalists
will be notified of their status by March 24, 1995, and will be
requested to submit their full proposals to NIST by 5 p.m. EDT on May
8, 1995. The successful applicants will be notified of their selection
on or before August 15, 1995.
ADDRESSES: Applicants are requested to submit an abbreviated proposal
(original and two (2) signed copies), using Standard Form 424 (Rev. 4/
92) with a description of their proposed work of no more than five (5)
double spaced pages. Standard Form 424A (4-92) and 424B (4-92) are also
required. Copies should be sent to the following: Dr. Barry N. Taylor,
Chairman, NIST Precision Measurement Grants Committee, Bldg. 245, Room
C229, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD
20899-0001.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Technical questions concerning the
NIST Precision Measurement Grants Program may be directed to the above
address or call Dr. Taylor at (301) 975-4220. Prospective candidates
are urged to contact Dr. Taylor before preparing their abbreviated
proposal. Inquiries should be general in nature. Specific inquiries as
to the usefulness or merit of any particular project, or other specific
inquiries that deal with evaluation criterion can potentially impede
the competitive selection process and therefore, cannot be answered.
Administrative questions concerning the NIST Precision Measurement
Grants Program may be directed to the Grants Office at (301) 975-6329.
Written inquiries should be forwarded to the following address: Grants
Office, Acquisition and Assistance Division, Building 301/Room B129,
National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-
0001.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Name and Number
Measurement and Engineering Research and Standards; 11.609.
Authority
As authorized by Section 2 of the Act of March 3, 1901 as amended
(15 U.S.C. 272 (b)(2) and (c)(3)), NIST conducts directly, and supports
through grants, a basic and applied research program in the general
area of precision measurement and the determination of fundamental
constants of nature. As part of this research program, NIST has since
1970 awarded Precision Measurement Grants to scientists in U.S.
academic institutions for significant, primarily experimental research
in the field of precision measurement and fundamental constants.
Award Period
NIST is now accepting applications for two new grants in the amount
of $50,000 per year to be awarded for the period October 1, 1995,
through September 30, 1996 (fiscal year 1996.) Each grant may be
renewed for up to two additional years; however, future or continued
funding will be at the total discretion of NIST based on such factors
as satisfactory performance and the availability of funds.
Program Description
NIST sponsors these grants to encourage basic, measurement-related
research in U.S. colleges and universities and to foster contacts
between NIST scientists and those researchers in the U.S. academic
community who are actively engaged in such work. The Precision
Measurement Grants are also intended to make it possible for workers in
U.S. academic institutions to pursue new measurement ideas for which
other sources of support may be difficult to find.
Matching Requirements
The Precision Management Grants Program does not involve the
payment of any matching funds and does not directly affect any state or
local government.
Research Topics
There is considerable latitude in the kind of research projects
that will be considered for support under the Precision Measurement
Grants Program. The key requirement is that they are consistent with
NIST's mission in the field of basic measurement science, for example:
(1) Experimental and theoretical studies of fundamental physical
phenomena to test the basic laws of physics or which may lead to
improved or new fundamental measurement methods and standards.
(2) The determination of important fundamental physical constants.
(3) The development of new standards for physical measurement of
the highest possible precision and accuracy.
In general, proposals for experimental research will be given
preference over proposals for theoretical research because of the
greater expense of experimental work. Proposals from workers at the
assistant and associate professor level who have some record of
accomplishment are especially encouraged in view of the comparative
difficulty aspiring researchers have in obtaining funds.
Typical projects which have been funded through the NIST Precision
Measurement Grants Program include:
``Measurement of Fundamental Constants Using Three-Level Resonances
in Hydrogen,'' Carl E. Wieman, University of Michigan.
``Quantum Limited Measurement of a Harmonic Oscillator,'' William
C. Oelfke, University of Central Florida.
``Fine-Structure Constant Determination Using Precision Stark
Spectroscopy,'' Michael G. Littman, Princeton University.
``Eotvos Experiment-Cryogenic Version,'' D.F. Bartlett, University
of Colorado.
``A Test of Local Lorentz Invariance Using Polarized \21\Ne
Nuclei,'' T.E. Chupp, Harvard University.
``A New Method to Search for an Electric dipole Moment of the
Electron,'' L.R. Hunter, Amherst College.
``High Precision Timing of Millisecond Pulsars,'' D.R. Stinebring,
Princeton University.
``Precision Optical Spectroscopy of Positronium,'' S. Chu, Stanford
University.
``Quantum-Limited Cooling and Detection with Stored Ions,'' D.J.
Heinzen, University of Texas/Austin.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants under the Precision Measurement Grants Program
are limited to U.S. universities and colleges, professional institutes
and associations, nonprofit organizations, and State and local
governments.
Selection Procedure
To simplify the proposal writing and evaluation process, the
following selection procedure will be used:
On the basis of the abbreviated proposals, four to eight
semifinalist candidates will be selected by the NIST Precision
Measurement Grants Committee and the Outside Review Committee to submit
full proposals. The same committees will evaluate the detailed
proposals, and on the basis of their evaluation, the two grantees for
fiscal year 1996 will be selected.
Evaluation Criteria
The criteria to be used in evaluating the abbreviated proposals and
final proposals include:
1. Importance of the proposed research to science--does it have the
potential of answering some currently pressing questions or of opening
up a whole new area of activity?
2. The relationship of the proposed research to measurement
science--is there a possibility that it will lead to a new or improved
fundamental measurement method, basic measurement unit, or physical
standard? (Or to a better understanding of important but already
existing measurement methods, measurement units, or physical
standards?)
3. The feasibility of the research--is it likely that significant
progress can be made in a three year time period with the funds and
personnel available?
4. The past accomplishments of the applicant--is the quality of the
research previously carried out by the prospective grantee such that
there is a high probability that the proposed research will be
successfully carried out?
Each of these factors are given equal weight in the selection
process.
Paperwork Reduction Act
The Standard Forms 424, 424A, 424B, and LLL mentioned in this
notice are subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act
and have been cleared by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
under Control Numbers 0348-0043, 0348-0044, 0348-0040, and 0348-0046.
Application Kit
An application kit, containing all required application forms and
certifications is available by calling Vickie Weedon, NIST Precision
Measurement Grants Committee, (301) 975-6092. 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
Additional Requirements
Past Performance
Unsatisfactory performance under prior Federal awards may result in
an application not being considered for funding.
Preaward Activities
Applicants that incur any costs prior to an award being made do so
solely at their own risk of not being reimbursed by the Government.
Applicants are also hereby notified that notwithstanding any verbal
assurance that they may have received, there is no obligation on the
part of DoC to cover pre-award costs.
Primary Application Certification
All primary applicants must submit a completed Form CD-511,
``Certification 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, ``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, and
4. Anti-Lobbying Disclosure
Any applicant that has been 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
Grant 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, ``Certification 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 DoC. SF-LLL submitted by any tier recipient or
subrecipient should be submitted to DoC in accordance with the
instructions contained in the award document.
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.
Executive Order Statement
This funding notice was determined to be not significant for
purposes of Executive Order 12866.
False Statements
Applicants are reminded that a false statement on an application is
grounds for denial or termination of funds and grounds for possible
punishment by 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.
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, increased funding, or extending the period of
performance is at the total discretion of NIST.
Federal Policies and Procedures
Recipients and subrecipients under the Precision Measurement Grants
Program are subject to all Federal Laws and Federal and Departmental
policies, regulations, and procedures applicable to Federal financial
assistance awards. The Precision Measurement Grants 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.''
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 606 (a) and (b).
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.
Dated: September 16, 1994.
Samuel Kramer,
Associate Director.
[FR Doc. 94-23502 Filed 9-21-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-13-M
