[Federal Register: April 27, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 81)]
[Notices]
[Page 22774-22779]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr27ap04-34]
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Office of Science Financial Assistance Program Notice DE-FG01-
04ER04-20; Basic Research for the Hydrogen Fuel Initiative
AGENCY: Department of Energy.
ACTION: Notice inviting grant applications.
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SUMMARY: The Office of Basic Energy Sciences (BES) of the Office of
Science (SC), U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), in keeping with its
energy-related mission to assist in strengthening the Nation's
scientific research enterprise through the support of basic science,
announces its interest in receiving grant applications for projects on
basic research for the Hydrogen Fuel Initiative (HFI). Areas of focus
include: Novel Materials for Hydrogen Storage; Membranes for
Separation, Purification, and Ion Transport; Design of Catalysts at the
Nanoscale; Solar Hydrogen Production; and Bio-Inspired Materials and
Processes. More information on these focus areas is provided in the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.
DATES: Potential applicants are required to submit a brief
preapplication. Preapplications referencing Program Notice DE-FG01-
04ER04-20, must be received by DOE by 4:30 pm, Eastern Time, July 15,
2004. Preapplications will be reviewed for conformance with the
guidelines presented in this notice and suitability in the technical
areas specified in this notice. A response to the preapplications
encouraging or discouraging formal applications will be communicated to
the applicants within approximately forty-five days of receipt.
[[Page 22775]]
Only those preapplicants that receive notification from DOE
encouraging a formal application may submit full proposals. No other
formal applications will be considered. Formal applications in response
to this notice must be received by January 4, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Preapplications referencing Program Notice DE-FG01-04ER04-20
should be sent as PDF file attachments via e-mail to:
hydrogen@science.doe.gov with ``Notice DE-FG01-04ER04-20'' and the
submission category (e.g., Novel Materials for Hydrogen Storage) in the
Subject line. No FAX or mail submission of preapplications will be
accepted.
Formal applications referencing Program Notice DE-FG01-04ER04-20
must be sent electronically by an authorized institutional business
official through DOE's Industry Interactive Procurement System (IIPS)
at: http://e-center.doe.gov. IIPS provides for the posting of
solicitations and receipt of applications in a paperless environment
via the Internet. In order to submit applications through IIPS your
business official will need to register at the IIPS Web site. IIPS
offers the option of using multiple files, please limit submissions to
one volume and one file if possible, with a maximum of no more than
four PDF files. The Office of Science will include attachments as part
of this notice that provide the appropriate forms in PDF fillable
format that are to be submitted through IIPS. Color images should be
submitted in IIPS as a separate file in PDF format and identified as
such. These images should be kept to a minimum due to the limitations
of reproducing them. They should be numbered and referred to in the
body of the technical scientific grant application as Color image 1,
Color image 2, etc. Questions regarding the operation of IIPS may be e-
mailed to the IIPS help desk at: HelpDesk@pr.doe.gov or you may call
the help desk at (800) 683-0751. Further information on the use of IIPS
by the Office of Science is available at: http://www.science.doe.gov/production/grants/grants.html
.
If you are unable to submit an application through IIPS, please
contact the Grants and Contracts Division, Office of Science at: (301)
903-5212 or (301) 903-3064, in order to gain assistance for submission
through IIPS or to receive special approval and instructions on how to
submit printed applications.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Harriet Kung, Ph.D., Office of Basic
Energy Sciences, Materials Sciences and Engineering Division, SC-131,
telephone: (301)903-1330, e-mail: harriet.kung@science.doe.gov. The
full text of Program Notice DE-FG01-04ER04-20 is available via the
Internet using the following Web site address: http://www.sc.doe.gov/production/grants/grants.html
.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: President Bush, in his 2003 State of the
Union address, announced a $1.2 billion hydrogen initiative to reverse
America's growing dependence on foreign oil and reduce greenhouse gas
emissions. DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)
coordinates the DOE Hydrogen Program; efforts include R&D of hydrogen
production, delivery, storage, and fuel cell technologies; technology
validation; safety, codes and standards; and education http://www.eere.energy.gov/hydrogenandfuelcells/
.
The President's 2005 Budget proposed that fundamental research
within DOE Office of Science be enhanced, focused, and included in the
HFI. The basic research will help overcome key technology hurdles in
hydrogen production, storage, and conversion by seeking revolutionary
scientific breakthroughs http://www.ostp.gov/html/budget/2005/FY05HydrogenFuelInitiative1-pager.pdf
.
In the fall of 2002, the National Academies'' National Research
Council appointed a Committee on Alternatives and Strategies for Future
Hydrogen Production and Use. While addressing the topic on ``Research
and Development Priorities,'' the Committee concludes that ``There are
major hurdles on the path to achieving the vision of the hydrogen
economy; the path will not be simple or straightforward.''
Specifically, the Academies'' report recommends a shift toward
exploratory work, and calls for increased funding in important
exploratory research areas with a focus on interdisciplinary scientific
approaches http://www.nap.edu/books/0309091632/html/.
In May 2003, a workshop was sponsored by BES to identify basic
research needs for hydrogen production, storage and use. The workshop
report, entitled Basic Research Needs for the Hydrogen Economy (http://www.science.doe.gov/bes/Hydrogen.pdf
), detailed a broad array of basic
research challenges. These challenges depict the vast gap between
present-day scientific knowledge/technology capabilities and what would
be required for the practical realization of a hydrogen economy. This
Notice solicits innovative basic research proposals to establish the
scientific basis that underpins the physical, chemical, and biological
processes governing the interaction of hydrogen with materials. We seek
to support outstanding fundamental research programs to ensure that
discoveries and related conceptual breakthroughs from basic research
will provide a solid foundation for the innovative design of materials
and processes to usher in hydrogen as the clean and sustainable fuel of
the future. Five high-priority research directions, encompassing both
short-term showstoppers and long-term grand challenges, will be the
focus of this solicitation. They are:
1. Novel Materials for Hydrogen Storage.
2. Membranes for Separation, Purification, and Ion Transport.
3. Design of Catalysts at the Nanoscale.
4. Solar Hydrogen Production.
5. Bio-Inspired Materials and Processes.
The following provides further information under each of the five
focus areas to illustrate the scope of applications solicited under the
Notice.
Novel Materials for Hydrogen Storage
On-board hydrogen storage is considered to be the most challenging
aspect for the successful transition to a hydrogen economy, because the
performance of current hydrogen storage materials and technologies
falls far short of vehicle requirements. A factor of two to three
improvement in hydrogen storage capacity and energy density, and
considerable improvements in hydrogen uptake and release kinetics and
cycling durability are needed to achieve performance targets within the
next decade. Improvements in current technologies will not be
sufficient to meet the goals. The Hydrogen Storage Grand Challenge
solicitation, issued by the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy (EERE) in June 2003, aims at addressing these critical
performance gaps by supporting innovative R&D efforts in the areas of
metal hydrides, chemical hydrides, carbon-based materials, and new
materials or technologies (http://www.eere.energy.gov/hydrogenandfuelcells/2003_storage_solicitation.html
).
As indicated in the BES hydrogen workshop report, basic research is
essential for identifying novel materials and processes that can
provide important breakthroughs needed to meet the HFI goals. These
breakthroughs may result from research at the nanoscale facilitated by
new understanding derived from both theory and experiment. The advances
may not necessarily come from within the
[[Page 22776]]
boundaries of metal hydrides, chemical hydrides or carbon-based
materials; instead success may well be found at the interstices of
these classes of materials or may come from ``out-of-the-box''
concepts. Innovative basic research in the following high priority
areas is needed:
Complex hydrides. A basic understanding of the
physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of metal hydrides and
chemical hydrides is needed. Specifically, the fundamental factors that
control bond strength, atomic processes associated with hydrogen update
and release kinetics, the role of surface structure and chemistry in
affecting hydrogen-material interactions, hydrogen-promoted mass
transport, degradation due to cycling, reversibility in metal hydrides,
and regeneration of chemical hydrides must be understood. Specific
emphasis is also placed on innovative synthesis and processing routes
(e.g., solvent-free synthetic approaches), and on the exploration of
multi-component complex hydrides. The effect of dopants in achieving
reasonable kinetics and reversibility needs to be understood at the
molecular level.
Nanostructured materials. Nanophase materials
offer promise for superior hydrogen storage due to short diffusion
distances, new phases with better capacity, reduced heats of
adsorption/desorption, faster kinetics, and surface states capable of
catalyzing hydrogen dissociation. Improved bonding and kinetic
properties may permit good reversibility at lower desorption
temperatures. Tailored nanostructures based on light metal hydrides,
carbon-based nano-materials, and other non-traditional storage
approaches need to be explored with the focus on understanding the
unique surfaces and interfaces of nanostructured materials and how they
affect the energetics, kinetics, and thermodynamics of hydrogen
storage.
Other materials. Research is needed to explore
other novel storage materials, e.g., those based on nitrides, imides,
and other materials that fall outside of metal hydrides, chemical
hydrides, and carbon-based hydrogen storage materials as identified by
EERE's ``Grand Challenge'' for Basic and Applied Research in Hydrogen
Storage Solicitation.
Theory, modeling, and simulation. Theory,
modeling, and simulation will enable (1) understanding the physics and
chemistry of hydrogen interactions at the appropriate size scale and
(2) the ability to simulate, predict, and design materials performance
in service. Examples of research areas include: hydrogen interactions
with surface and bulk microstructures, hydrogen bonding, role of
nanoscale, surface interactions, multiscale hydrogen interactions, and
functionalized nanocarbons. The emphasis will be to establish the
fundamental understanding of hydrogen-materials interactions so that
completely new and revolutionary hydrogen storage media can be
identified and designed.
Novel analytical and characterization tools.
Sophisticated analytical techniques are needed to meet the high
sensitivity requirements associated with characterizing hydrogen-
materials interactions, especially for nanostructured materials (e.g.,
individual carbon nanotubes), while maintaining high specificity in
characterization. In-situ studies are needed to characterize site-
specific hydrogen adsorption and release processes at the molecular
level.
Membranes for Separation, Purification, and Ion Transport
Membranes that selectively transport atomic, molecular, or ionic
hydrogen and oxygen are vital to the hydrogen economy: they purify
hydrogen fuel streams, transport hydrogen or oxygen ions between
electrochemical half-reactions, and separate hydrogen in
electrochemical, photochemical, or thermochemical production routes.
Often these membrane functions are closely coupled with catalytic
functions such as dissociation, ionization, or oxidation/reduction.
Successful integration of membranes with nanocatalysts may improve the
efficiency in reforming, shift chemistry and hydrogen separation
utilizing different feedstocks by combining one or more of these steps.
Current membrane materials often lack sufficient selectivity to
eliminate critical contaminants or to prevent leakage transport between
fuel cell compartments that robs efficiency. The NafionTM
membrane, which is presently the best available for separating low
temperature fuel cell chambers, is expensive and allows enough gas
transport to reduce efficiency. Currently available oxide membranes,
which are critical for ionic transport in higher-temperature fuel
cells, are inefficient and fail to operate at the lower temperatures
needed for use in transportation. Separation membranes that could
operate in the rigorous chemical environment of a thermal cycle
hydrogen generator would be of substantial value but are unknown at
present. Overcoming these barriers will require an integrated, basic
research effort to enable discovery of new membrane materials,
improvement in membrane performance, and integration of membrane and
catalytic functions. High priority research directions include:
Integrated nanoscale architectures. The similar
nanoscale dimensions of catalyst particles and of pores that transport
fuel, ions, and oxygen hold promises to enable gas diffusion layers,
catalyst support networks, and electrolytic membranes in fuel cells to
be integrated into a single network for ion, electron, and gas
transport. Chemical self-assembly of this integrated network would
dramatically reduce cost and improve uniformity. Synthesis and
characterization of radically new nanoscale and porous materials are
required, including microporous oxides, metal-organic frameworks, and
carbons that remove sulfur and carbon monoxide from hydrogen. This new
approach to the design and fabrication of integrated nanoscale
architectures would enable ultra-pure hydrogen to be produced from
fossil, solar, thermochemical and bio-based processes. It might also
revolutionize fuel cell designs.
Fuel cell membranes. Novel membranes with higher
ionic conductivity, better mechanical strength, lower cost, and longer
life are critical to the success of fuel cell technologies. Polymeric
membranes that conduct protons and remain hydrated to 120-150[deg] C
are needed to reduce the purity requirements and enable the use of non-
noble-metal catalysts. Solid oxide fuel cells need lower-temperature
oxide-ion membranes to minimize corrosion and differential thermal
expansion, while maintaining selectivity and permeability. Many thermal
water-splitting cycles subject materials to harshly corrosive, high
temperature environments. Sorbents and membranes that are stable and
durable in such environments are needed for efficient thermal cycles.
Achieving these goals will require discovery of better, more durable
materials, as well as better understanding and control of the
electrochemical processes at the electrodes and membrane electrolyte
interfaces.
Theory, modeling, and simulation of membranes
and fuel cells. Fundamental understanding of the selective transport of
molecules, atoms, and ions in membranes is in its infancy. The
diversity of transport mechanisms and their dependence on local defect
structure requires extensive theory, modeling and simulation to
establish the basic principles and design strategies for improved
membrane
[[Page 22777]]
materials. The emphasis is to understand the nature of proton transport
in polymer electrolyte membranes; the interaction of complex aqueous,
gaseous, and solid interfaces in gas diffusion electrode assemblies;
the nature of corrosion processes under applied electrochemical
potentials and in oxidative media; and the origin of the performance
robbing overpotential for fuel cell cathodes.
Design of Catalysts at the Nanoscale
Catalysis is vital to the success of the HFI owing to its roles in
converting solar energy to chemical energy, producing hydrogen from
water or carbon-containing fuels such as coal and biomass, and
producing electricity from hydrogen in fuel cells. Catalysts can also
increase the efficiency of the uptake and release of stored hydrogen
with reduced need for thermal activation. Breakthroughs in catalytic
research would impact the thermodynamic efficiency of hydrogen
production, storage, and use, and thus improve the economic efficiency
with which the primary energy sources--fossil, biomass, solar, or
nuclear--serve our energy needs. Most fuel-cell and low-temperature
reforming catalysts are based on expensive noble metals (e.g.,
platinum), and their limited reserves threaten the long-term
sustainability of a hydrogen economy. High priority research directions
include:
Nanoscale catalysts. Nanostructured materials--
with high surface areas and large numbers of controllable sites that
serve as active catalytic regions--open new opportunities for
significantly enhancing catalytic activity and specificity. The
concepts, technologies, and synthetic capabilities derived from
research at the nanoscale now provide new approaches for the controlled
production of catalysts. Specific emphasis is on elucidating the atomic
and molecular processes involved in catalytic activity, selectivity,
deactivation mechanisms, and on understanding the special properties
that emerge at the nanoscale.
Innovative synthetic techniques. Emerging
technologies that allow synthesis at the nanoscale with atomic-scale
precision will open new opportunities for producing tailored structures
of catalysts on supports with controlled size, shape and surface
characteristics. New, high-throughput innovative synthesis methods can
be exploited in combination with theory and advanced measurement
capabilities to accelerate the development of designed catalysts. In
addition, novel, cost-effective fabrication methods need to be
developed for the practical application of these new designer
catalysts. The interplay between theory and experiment forms a
recursive process that will accelerate the development of predictive
models to support the development of optimized catalysts for specific
steps in hydrogen energy processing.
Novel characterization techniques. To fully
understand complex catalytic mechanisms will require detailed
characterization of the active sites; identification of the interaction
of the reactants, intermediates and products with the active sites;
conceptualization and, possibly, detection of the transition states;
and quantification of the dynamics of the entire catalytic process.
This will entail the production of well-defined materials that can be
characterized at the atomic level. Special focus is placed on
developing new analytical tools to permit the determination of the
interatomic arrangements, interactions and transformations in situ,
i.e., during reaction, in order to reveal details about reaction
mechanisms and catalyst dynamics.
Theory, modeling, and simulation of catalytic
pathways. Computational methods have now developed to the point that
entire reaction pathways can be identified and these advances will
allow trends in reactivity to be understood. Close coupling between
experimental observations and theory, modeling, and simulation will
provide unprecedented capabilities to design more selective, robust,
and impurity-tolerant catalysts for hydrogen production, storage, and
use. This approach will enable the design and control of the chemical
and physical properties of the catalyst, its supporting structure, and
the associated molecular processes at the nanoscale.
Solar Hydrogen Production
The sun is Earth's most plentiful source of energy, and it has
sufficient capacity to fully meet the global needs of the next century
without potentially destructive environmental consequences. Efficient
conversion of sunlight to hydrogen by splitting water through
photovoltaic cells driving electrolysis or through direct
photocatalysis at energy costs competitive with fossil fuels is a major
enabling milestone for a viable hydrogen economy. Basic strategies for
cost effective solar hydrogen production are rooted in fundamental
scientific breakthroughs in chemical synthesis, self-assembly, charge
transfer at nanoparticle interfaces, and photocatalysis. High priority
research directions for solar hydrogen include:
Nanoscale structures. The sequential processes
of light collection, charge separation, and transport in photovoltaic
and photocatalytic devices require nanoscale architectural control and
manipulation. Nanoscale assemblies of multiple wavelength absorbers
(e.g., semiconductor quantum dots), nanoscale polymer or molecular
diodes that prevent recombination, and employing short collection
lengths between the excitation and collection points have the potential
to dramatically improve efficiencies. Semiconductor-metal
nanocomposites show promise for improved light-harvesting and charge-
separation efficiency. Incorporation of multielectron redox catalysts
for direct water splitting greatly simplify the water splitting process
and offer new horizons for improved photocatalytic hydrogen production.
Light harvesting and novel photoconversion
concepts. New strategies are needed to efficiently use the entire solar
spectrum. These strategies could involve molecular photon antennas,
junctions containing multiple absorbers, and up- and down-conversion of
light to the appropriate wavelengths. Dye-sensitized TiO2
nanocrystalline solar cells have emerged as a potential, cost effective
alternative to silicon solar cells. New photochemical sensitizers are
needed (e.g. bi- and trimetallic transition metal complexes) that
absorb in the visible and near-infrared and that are efficient
injectors of electrons into semiconductor nanoparticles. Solid-state
molecule-based solar photochemical conversion, however, offers distinct
advantages over liquid junction dye-sensitized nanocrystalline solar
cells. Multicomponent molecular architectures are envisioned in which
bioinspired multiredox catalysts are incorporated within durable
polymer, zeolite, or membrane organizing environments for vectorial
electron transfer. The exploitation of higher energy radiation to
produce charge carriers would enable the use of corrosion-resistant
wide band-gap semiconductors without sensitizers for hydrogen
production.
Organic semiconductors and other high
performance materials. The organic semiconductors offer an inexpensive
alternative to traditional semiconductors for photovoltaic and
photocatalytic devices. Basic research on the fundamental charge
excitation, separation, and collection processes in organics and their
dependence on nanoscale structure is needed to bring their efficiency
from the current 3% to
[[Page 22778]]
10% or more, which is needed for economically competitive photovoltaic
and photocatalytic hydrogen production. In addition, novel materials
for transparent conductors, electrocatalysts, electron- and hole-
conducting polymers, and for charge promoting separation in liquid
crystals and organic thin films are needed for novel photovoltaic and
photocatalytic solar hydrogen production.
Theory, modeling, and simulation of
photochemical processes. Theory and modeling are needed to develop a
predictive framework for the dynamic behavior of molecules, complex
photoredox systems, interfaces, and photoelectrochemical cells. As new
physical effects are discovered and exploited, particularly those
involving semiconductor nanoparticles and supramolecular assemblies,
challenges emerge for theory to accurately model the behavior of
complex systems over a range of time and length scales.
Bio-Inspired Materials and Processes
Direct production of hydrogen from water and other carbon neutral
sources using sunlight (solar radiation) offers real promises in
realizing a clean and sustainable energy future, but there are many
obstacles to efficient and cost-effective technologies. Fortunately,
plants and some bacteria are endowed with enzymes and catalysts that
can produce hydrogen while powered by sun light or fermentation-derived
energy at operating temperatures ranging from 0[deg] C to 100[deg] C.
While inherent biological inefficiencies and public sensitivity to
genetically engineered organisms may need to be overcome for biological
production of hydrogen to become competitive and viable, a fundamental
understanding of the molecular machinery of biological systems could
provide the knowledge that is needed to design artificial, bio-inspired
materials that make solar photochemical production of hydrogen a
reality. Our current knowledge of many of the basic aspects of these
biological processes is limited.
Fundamental research into the molecular mechanisms underlying
biological hydrogen production is the essential key to our ability to
adapt, exploit, and extend what nature has accomplished for our own
renewable energy needs. Important research directions include:
Enzyme catalysts. A fundamental understanding is
needed of the structure and chemical mechanism of enzyme complexes that
support hydrogen generation. For example, photochemical hydrogen
production requires biology-inspired catalysts that (1) can operate at
the very high potential required for water oxidation, (2) can perform a
four-electron reaction to maximize energetic efficiency and avoid
limiting cathode overpotentials, and (3) can avoid production of
corrosive intermediates (such as hydroxyl radicals), and mediate
proton-coupled redox reactions. Research approaches would likely
include novel analytical technologies and would merge aspects of
disparate biological and physical techniques.
Bio-hybrid energy coupled systems. As more is
understood about biocatalytic hydrogen production, there is the
possibility that critical enzymes that are synthesized and employed by
biological systems can be harvested and combined with synthetic
materials to construct robust, efficient hybrid systems that are
scalable to hydrogen production facilities. Before we can efficiently
apply biological catalysts to hydrogen generation, we need to
understand how these catalysts are assembled with their cofactors into
integrated systems. How are these multi-component systems organized,
continually refreshed, and maintained, while remaining functional in
the face of damaging side reactions or changing external environmental
conditions? Can the natural enzymes be reduced in size and complexity
to contain the essential catalytic activity while removing the complex
regulation and signaling components that are required for integration
into functioning biological species?
Theory, modeling, and nanostructure design.
Taking cues from these various natural processes, computational
approaches may be employed for rational redesign of enzymes for
improved hydrogen production, reduced sensitivity to inhibitors, and
improved stability. Emerging capabilities in nanoscale science hold
particular promise for harnessing the chemical processes inherent in
bio-inspired hydrogen production. For example, nanoscale structures can
be designed to spatially separate oxygen and hydrogen formation during
photochemical water splitting for a biomimetic or biohybrid system that
circumvents problems with inactivation of catalytic sites. Research at
the nanoscale is challenging, but offers the promise of inexpensive
materials for overcoming current kinetic constraints in hydrogen energy
systems.
Program Funding
It is anticipated that up to $12 million annually will be available
for multiple awards for this notice. Initial awards will be in Fiscal
Year 2005, and applications may request project support for up to three
years. All awards are contingent on the availability of funds and
programmatic needs.
Preapplication
The preapplication should consist of a description of the research
proposed to be undertaken by the applicant including a clear
explanation of its importance to the advancement of basic hydrogen
research and its relevance to the HFI. The preapplication must include
a cover sheet downloadable at: http://www.science.doe.gov/bes/HFI_preapp_cover_grants.pdf
to identify the institution, Principal
Investigator name(s), address(es), telephone and fax number(s) and e-
mail address(es), the title of the project, the submission category,
and the yearly breakdown of the total budget request. A brief (one-
page) vitae should be provided for each Principal Investigator. The
preapplication should consist of a maximum of 3 pages of narrative
(including text and figures) describing the research objectives,
approaches to be taken, the institutional setting, and a description of
any research partnership if appropriate.
Full Application
The Department of Energy will accept Full Applications by
invitation only, based upon the evaluation of the preapplications.
After receiving notification from DOE concerning successful
preapplications, applicants may prepare formal applications. The
Project Description must not exceed 20 pages, including tables and
figures, but exclusive of attachments. The application must contain an
abstract or project summary, short vitae, and letters of intent from
collaborators if appropriate. The application should also contain one
paragraph addressing how the proposed research will address one or more
of the four BES long-term program measures used by the Office of
Management andBudget to rate the BES program annually; these measures
may be found at: http://www.sc.doe.gov/bes/ BES--PART--Long-- Term--
Measures--FEB04.pdf. DOE is under no obligation to pay for any costs
associated with the preparation or submission of applications.
Merit Review
Applications will be subjected to scientific merit review (peer
review) and will be evaluated against the following evaluation criteria
listed below as codified at 10 CFR 605.10 (d) for the university
projects.
1. Scientific and/or Technical Merit of the Project, 2.
Appropriateness of the Proposed Method of Approach, 3.
[[Page 22779]]
Competency of Applicant's Personnel and Adequacy of Proposed Resources,
4. Reasonableness and Appropriateness of the Proposed Budget, 5. Basic
research that is relevant to the Administration's Hydrogen Fuel
Initiative.
The external peer reviewers are selected with regard to both their
scientific expertise and the absence of conflict-of-interest issues.
Non-federal reviewers may be used, and submission of an application
constitutes agreement that this is acceptable to the investigator(s)
and the submitting institution.
Submission Information
Other information about the development and submission of
applications, eligibility, limitations, evaluation, selection process,
and other policies and procedures including detailed procedures for
submitting applications from multi-institution partnerships may be
found in 10 CFR part 605, and in the Application Guide for the Office
of Science Financial Assistance Program. Electronic access to the Guide
and required forms is made available at: http://www.science.doe.gov/production/grants/grants.html
.
Coordination and Integration With the DOE Offices of Energy Efficiency
and Renewable Energy (EERE), Fossil Energy (FE), and Nuclear Energy,
Science and Technology (NE) Hydrogen Programs
The proposal solicitation and selection processes will be
coordinated with EERE, FE, and NE's programs to ensure successful
integration of the basic research components with the applied
technology programs. Specifically, input from EERE, FE and NE have been
incorporated in the formulation of this announcement, and further input
will be solicited in the review processes. There will also be an annual
Contractors' Meeting for all participants in the BES program to help
coordinate and integrate research efforts related to hydrogen research.
The Annual Contractors' Meeting of BES principal investigators will be
coordinated with EERE, FE and NE, and will include presentations on
applied research and development needs from researchers inside and
outside of the Contractors' group.
The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number for this
program is 81.049, and the solicitation control number is ERFAP 10
CFR part 605.
Issued in Washington, DC.
Martin Rubinstein,
Acting Director, Grants and Contracts Division, Office of Science.
[FR Doc. 04-9525 Filed 4-26-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 645-01-P