Washington University in St. Louis

EES > I-CARES > Funding Opportunities > Previous

Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation 2008 (EFRI)
http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=13708
Synopsis of Program: The Directorate for Engineering at the National Science Foundation has established the Office of Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation (EFRI) to serve a critical role in focusing on important emerging areas in a timely manner. The EFRI Office is launching a new funding opportunity for interdisciplinary teams of researchers to embark on rapidly advancing frontiers of fundamental engineering research. For this solicitation, we will consider proposals that aim to investigate emerging frontiers in the following two specific research areas: (1) Cognitive Optimization and Prediction: From Neural Systems to Neurotechnology (COPN), and (2) Resilient and Sustainable Infrastructures (RESIN). EFRI seeks proposals with transformative ideas that represent an opportunity for a significant shift in fundamental engineering knowledge with a strong potential for long term impact on national needs or a grand challenge. The proposals must also meet the detailed requirements delineated in this solicitation.
Anticipated Type of Award: Standard Grant
Estimated Number of Awards: 11 (4-year awards)
Anticipated Funding Amount: $22,000,000 in FY 2008
Letter of Intent Deadline Date: September 25, 2007
Preliminary Proposal Deadline Date: October 26, 2007
Full Proposal Deadline Date: April 30, 2008

Research and Development for On-Board Vehicular Hydrogen Storage
https://e-center.doe.gov/iips/faopor.nsf/UNID/EA28431B05C4D981852573CC0070C077?OpenDocument
Synopsis of Program: The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) is requesting applications to support the President’s Hydrogen Fuel and Advanced Energy Initiatives in developing a pathway to the widespread commercialization of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. To support these initiatives, this DOE Hydrogen Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA or “announcement”) seeks to fund the research and development of viable hydrogen storage technologies for on-board vehicular applications. DOE intends to provide financial support for this effort under authority of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, Public Law 109 58, in particular the Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen Act of 2005, Title VIII – Hydrogen.
Funding Opportunity Number: DE-PS36-08GO98004P
CFDA Number: 81.087
Issue Date: 01/10/2008
Estimated Total Funding Available: $6,000,000
Expected Number of Awards: 6
Anticipated Award Size: $1,000,000
Award Ceiling: $6,000,000
Anticipated Start Date: 09/01/2008
Preliminary Applications Due: 02/28/2008, 11:59 PM EST
Invitations for Final Applications Sent: 04/18/2008
Final Applications Due: 05/22/2008, 11:59 PM EDT

Program Title:
5TH ANNUAL P3 AWARDS: A NATIONAL STUDENT DESIGN COMPETITION FOR SUSTAINABILITY FOCUSING ON PEOPLE, PROSPERITY AND THE PLANET http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?oppId=15423&flag2006=true&mode=VIEW
Synopsis of Program:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of the P3 Award Program, is seeking applications proposing to research, develop, and design solutions to real world challenges involving sustainability. The P3 competition highlights people, prosperity, and the planet - the three pillars of sustainability. The P3 Awards program is a partnership between the public and private sectors to foster progress toward sustainability by achieving the mutual goals of economic prosperity, protection of the planet, and improved quality of life for its people. The EPA offers the P3 competition in order to respond to the technical needs of the developed and developing world while moving towards the goal of sustainability. Please see the P3 website (http://www.epa.gov/ncer/P3) for more details about this program.
Expected Number of Awards: 55
Estimated Total Program Funding: $1,000,000
Award Ceiling:$10,000 Closing Date for Applications: Dec 20, 2007

Program Title:
FALL 2008 EPA GREATER RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES (GRO) FELLOWSHIPS FOR UNDERGRADUATE ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY
http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?oppId=15372&flag2006=true&mode=VIEW
Synopsis of Program:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of its Greater Research Opportunities (GRO) program, is offering Greater Research Opportunities (GRO) undergraduate fellowships for bachelor level students in environmental fields of study. The deadline for receipt of pre-applications is December 19, 2007 at 4:00 PM EST. Subject to availability of funding, the Agency plans to award approximately 20 new fellowships by July 31, 2008. Eligible students will receive support for their junior and senior years of undergraduate study and for an internship at an EPA facility during the summer between their junior and senior years. The fellowship provides up to $17,000 per year of academic support and up to $7,500 of internship support for a three-month summer period.
Expected Number of Awards: 20
Estimated Total Program Funding: $650,000
Award Ceiling: $41,500 Solicitation Opening Date: August 29, 2007
Solicitation Closing Date: December 19, 2007, 4:00 pm Eastern Time

Center for the Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology
http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf07590
Synopsis of Program: This solicitation requests proposals to create a national Center to conduct fundamental research and education on the implications of nanotechnology for the environment and living systems at all scales. The Center will address interactions of naturally derived, incidental and engineered nanoparticles and nanostructured materials, devices and systems (herein called nanomaterials) with the living world. Essential elements of this Center will include understanding the interactions of nanomaterials with organisms, cellular constituents, metabolic networks and living tissues; understanding environmental exposure and bioaccumulation and their effects on living systems; and determining the biological impacts of nanomaterials dispersed in the environment. Additional elements of the Center may include the development of methods and instrumentation for the detection and characterization of nanomaterials. For the purpose of this solicitation, nanomaterials have at least one dimension with a length of approximately 1 to 100 nm. A multidisciplinary research approach involving the biological, chemical, physical, computational, mathematical, social and behavioral sciences will be needed to understand the fundamental processes associated with the interaction of nanomaterials with the environment and living systems. This Center is expected to interact with other Nanotechnology Science and Engineering Centers as appropriate. Anticipated Funding Amount: : $5,000,000 Award is expected to be up to $5,000,000 per year for up to 5 years pending the availability of funds, with the possibility of one 5-year renewal depending on the availability of funds and successful review. The award is expected to consist of up to $4,000,000 per year from the National Science Foundation plus $1,000,000 per year from the Environmental Protection Agency for the initial 5 year award period.
Preliminary Proposal Due Date(s) (required): December 10, 2007
Full Proposal Deadline(s) (due by 5 p.m. proposer's local time):
March 17, 2008 Full proposals may ONLY be submitted by invitation from NSF

Plant Feedstock Genomics for Bioenergy: A Joint Research Solicitation - USDA,DOE
http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?oppId=15647&flag2006=true&mode=VIEW
Synopsis of Program: The U.S. Department of Energy apos;s Office of Science, Office of Biological and Environmental Research (OBER), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES), National Research Initiative (NRI) Competitive Grants Program hereby announce their interest in receiving applications for genomics-based research that will lead to the improved use of biomass and plant feedstocks for the production of fuels such as ethanol or renewable chemical feedstocks. Specifically, applications are sought for fundamental research on plants that will improve biomass characteristics, biomass yield, or sustainability. Systems biology approaches to identify genetic indicators enabling plants to be efficiently bred or manipulated, or research that yields fundamental knowledge of the structure, function and organization of plant genomes leading to improved feedstock characterization and sustainability are also encouraged. Anticipated Funding Amount: It is anticipated that up to $4 million total will be available for multiple awards to be made in FY 2008 for the Plant Feedstock Genomics for Bioenergy: A Joint Research Solicitation-USDA, DOE. The number of awards will be contingent on satisfactory peer review, the availability of appropriated funds, and the size of the awards. Multiple year funding is expected. Applications may request project support for up to three years, with out-year support contingent on the availability of funds, progress of the research, and programmatic needs; it is anticipated that this will reflect a long term commitment to improved use of primary feedstocks or residues for energy resources. Annual budgets are expected to range from $100,000 to $500,000 total costs. Neither DOE nor USDA is under any obligation to pay for any costs associated with the preparation or submission of an application. DOE and USDA reserve the right to fund, in whole or in part, any, all, or none of the applications submitted in response to this Notice.
Preapplication Due Date: 11/13/2007, 4:30 PM Eastern Time (Preapplications are Required)
Application Due Date: 1/23/2008, 8:00 PM Eastern Time

NATIONAL RESEARCH INITIATIVE - MICROBIAL ASSOCIATIONS WITH PLANTS http://www.csrees.usda.gov/fo/microbialbiologyplantmicrobeassociationsnri.cfm
Synopsis of Program: Unlocking the information in microbial genomes is essential to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying agriculturally relevant processes in microbes and managing microorganisms for the benefit of U.S. agriculture. These processes include pathogenicity, disease suppression by biological control agents, and mechanisms of microbial communication. This program supports fundamental hypothesis-driven research on the interactions between microorganisms and plants with which they are associated. The program encourages application of knowledge gained to systems of economic importance to U.S. agriculture or of importance to agricultural sustainability. To meet these identified needs of agriculture, the long-term (10-year) goals for this program are: improved resistance to high-impact plant diseases based on knowledge of plant pathogens, their plant hosts, and host-pathogen interactions; improved methods of manipulating plant-associated microorganisms to develop more effective, environmentally sound, profitable, and safer disease management practices by interfering with microbial cell to cell signaling; and improved understanding of how pathogens spread within a plant.
Estimated Total Program Funding: $5,400,000.00
Range of Awards: : $0.00 to $400,000.00
Letter of Intent Due Date: October 9, 2007
Due Date (Closing): December 19, 2007

NATIONAL RESEARCH INITIATIVE - MANAGED ECOSYSTEMS http://www.csrees.usda.gov/fo/managedecosystemsnri.cfm
Synopsis of Program: The goals of the Managed Ecosystems program are to protect and enhance the natural resource base and environment through the appropriate use and management of ecological systems; enhance economic opportunities by increasing productivity and ecosystem services; and improve the quality of life in rural America through improved environmental quality. Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the entire Program Description section for current priorities and additional information relative to the program of interest. Please carefully review the RFA guidelines to ensure application acceptance.
Estimated Total Program Funding: $4,000,000.00
Range of Awards: : $0.00 to $500,000.00
Letter of Intent Due Date: October 9, 2007
Due Date (Closing): December 19, 2007

NATIONAL RESEARCH INITIATIVE - PLANT BIOLOGY (B): ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS http://www.csrees.usda.gov/fo/plantbiologyenvironmentalstressnri.cfm
Synopsis of Program: The future of agricultural productivity and sustainability depends on the ability of agricultural and forestry plants to grow and be productive in response to a changing environment. This program supports fundamental research to improve plant tolerance and resistance to environmental stress. Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the entire Program Description section for current priorities and additional information relative to the program of interest. Please carefully review the RFA guidelines to ensure application acceptance.
Estimated Total Program Funding: $3,400,000.00
Range of Award: $0.00 to $350,000.00
Letter of Intent Due Date: October 9, 2007
Due Date (Closing): December 19, 2007

SOLID STATE ENERGY CONVERSION ALLIANCE (SECA): CORE TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?oppId=15230&flag2006=true&mode=VIEW
Synopsis of Program: The Department of Energy (DOE) National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) is seeking applications for the funding opportunity announcement entitled, "Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance (SECA) Core Technology and Innovative Concepts." The purpose of this announcement is to develop science and technologies that address specific technical challenges and barriers faced by the SECA Industry Teams in the Cost Reduction and Coal Based Systems program. This Core Technology and Innovative Concepts announcement focuses on the following specific areas of interest: 1. Theory, Investigation and Stability of Cathode Electrocatalytic Activity 2. Performance Degradation of Lanthanum Strontium Cobalt Ferrite (LSCF) Cathodes 3. Novel Fuel Cells for Coal-Based Systems 4. Sealing Systems Based on Viscous Glass
Anticipated Funding Amount: Approximately $3,000,000 is expected to be available for new awards in FY 2008 and an additional $8,900,000 is expected to be available in years FY 2009 through FY 2010.
Award Size: Ceiling - NONE, Floor - NONE
Full Proposal Due Date(s): 1/15/2008 at 8:00:00 PM Eastern Time

2010 PROJECT: TO DETERMINE THE FUNCTIONS OF ALL GENES IN ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA BY THE YEAR 2010 http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf07591
Synopsis of Program: The Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO) of the National Science Foundation (NSF) announces its intention to continue support of research to determine the functions of all genes in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana by the year 2010. Individual investigators or groups of investigators will be supported to conduct creative and innovative, genome-wide or systems-level research designed to determine, using all available means, the functions of Arabidopsis genes. This year, as in FY 2007, the Program will focus on: (1) research on exemplary networks using high throughput methods and integrating modeling with experimental data to understand the gene circuitry underlying basic plant processes; (2) projects that will develop experimental and computational methods, tools, and resources for enabling a broad community of scientists to conduct functional genomics research on Arabidopsis; and (3) projects to perform genome-wide analyses of the gene function.
Anticipated Type of Award: Standard Grant or Continuing Grant.
Estimated Number of Awards: Approximately 12 awards.
Anticipated Funding Amount: $10,000,000 Approximately $10M for new FY 2008 awards, pending the availability of funds with individual award amounts as noted in Section III.
Full Proposal Due Date(s): January 21, 2008

SOLID STATE ENERGY CONVERSION ALLIANCE (SECA) COAL-BASED SYSTEMS
http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?oppId=15285&flag2006=true&mode=VIEW
Synopsis of Program: This Funding Opportunity Announcement is a follow-on to the Fuel Cell Coal-Based Systems FOA released in FY05. The goal of this FOA is to aid in the development of large (>100 MWe) fuel cell systems that will produce affordable, efficient and environmentally-friendly electrical power at greater than forty-five percent (45%) overall efficiency from coal (HHV) to electrical power, to include CO2 separation preparatory to sequestration. The system may contain any combination of existing or "near-term" power generation technologies (e.g., gas turbines or steam cycles). One of these components must be a fuel cell which will provide the majority of the gross electrical power output of the system. System cost, exclusive of the coal gasification unit and CO2 separation sub-systems, must be $400/kWe or less (2002 $) at the end of Phase II. The FOA is seeking applications for an eight-year, three phase program, however, projects selected under this announcement will only be awarded for Phase I initially, with subsequent phases to be selected in accordance with the competitive renewal application process described in the Model Cooperative Agreement.
Estimated Number of Awards: DOE anticipates making 1 - 2 awards under this announcement.
Anticipated Funding Amount: The anticipated award size for a Phase I award is approximately $17,500,000 ($12,500,000 DOE Share), comprised of $10,000,000 DOE Share for cell, stack and system R&D, and $2,500,000 DOE Share for manufacturing facility development.
Application Due Date: October 2, 2007 at 8:00:00 PM Eastern Time.

US Department of Energy National Energy, Office of Efficiency and Renewable Energy
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) announces a notice of availability of funds for financial assistance addressing research and development of enzyme systems to hydrolyze and saccharify pretreated lignocellulosic biomass. DOE expects that applicants will be willing and able to take the enzyme or enzyme systems to a commercial scale and have a sound business strategy to license and market them. A total of approximately $33,800,000 is available for new awards under this announcement. DOE anticipates making 3-5 awards under this announcement in the $5-12,000,000 range for the total project period. Applicants are requested to submit a letter of intent by September 10, 2007. Applications must be received by October 30, 2007.
http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?oppId=15222&mode=VIEW

US Department of Energy National Energy Technology Laboratory
The Department of Energy (DOE), National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), on behalf of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's (EERE) Building Technologies Program (BTP), is issuing this Funding Opportunity Announcement to select and fund at least two applications (depending on size of the awards) for pilot Energy Efficient Building Technologies Application Centers. The goal of this funding opportunity is to establish geographically and climatically diverse Energy Efficient Building Technologies Application Centers. Closing date for applications is July 3, 2007.
http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=13974

Department of Agriculture (USDA)
USDA and the Department of Energy jointly invite applications for the Biomass Research and Development Initiative. This initiative seeks, in part, to develop technologies and processes necessary for abundant commercial production of bio-based fuels at prices competitive with fossil fuels. Up to $16 million is expected to be available for 16-30 new awards of up to $1 million. Approximate distribution of funding is as follows:

feedstock production (20%)
overcoming recalcitrance of cellulosic biomass (45%)
product diversification (30%)
analysis for strategic guidance (5%)

Cost-sharing of at least 20% of the total project costs is required. All entities listed under 7 U.S.C. 8606(f) are eligible to apply, except nonprofit organizations described in section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that engaged in lobbying activities after Dec. 31, 1995.

Preapplications are due July 11, 2007; full applications will be due 45 days following invitation. For more information, click here.

Solar America Initiative (SAI) University Photovoltaic Process and Product Development Support
Through this FOA, DOE is soliciting applications from U.S. universities for projects that offer direct, near-term improvements in PV products and development processes. Closing date for applications is Sept. 12, 2007.
http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?oppId=14504&mode=VIEW