Research in Basic Plasma Science and Engineering
Quick Info
Opportunity ID: DE-FOA-0003503
Issuing Office: Office of Science
Post Date: 14 January 2025
Generated using: o1-2024-12-17
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Scientific Summary
This funding opportunity supports fundamental research in basic plasma science and engineering, emphasizing innovative approaches that advance our understanding of plasma physics. It will not fund near-term technology demonstrations, duplicative research already funded, or projects lacking a strong fundamental research focus. Proposals must clearly articulate how they will expand the scientific knowledge base in plasma science rather than merely applying existing technologies.
Logistical Summary
Answer: This opportunity is sponsored by the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science, specifically the Fusion Energy Sciences (FES) sub-office. The technical point of contact/program manager is Dr. Nirmol Podder (301-903-9536, Nirmol.Podder@science.doe.gov).
National Lab Eligibility
Yes. DOE/NNSA National Laboratories are explicitly listed as eligible applicants or team members in this funding opportunity, subject to written authorization from their cognizant DOE/NNSA Contracting Officer. If selected as a prime awardee, their project is funded through the DOE field work authorization system rather than a financial assistance award.
Deadlines
Pre-application due date: 14 February 2025 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Pre-application response date: 28 February 2025 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time
Application due date: 4 April 2025 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time
Funding
The award size depends on the number of meritorious applications and available appropriated funds, so there is no specific estimated amount per award. The period of performance is anticipated to be approximately three years.
Competitiveness
It appears that this funding opportunity is likely to be highly competitive, as is typical for major Office of Science awards. The solicitation does not detail a specific number of anticipated awards or a total funding ceiling, but historically demand has outstripped supply in similar DOE programs. Consequently, applicants should anticipate rigorous merit review and submit proposals that strongly align with the stated research priorities.
Gotchas
Common mistakes include ignoring instructions for required forms, missing attachments, or exceeding page limits. Another frequent error is neglecting to provide materials such as Data Management Plans or conflict-of-interest disclosures. Thoroughly reading the FOA guidelines, following the “Checklist for Avoiding Common Errors,” and verifying all required steps can help applicants avoid these pitfalls.
Prompt Information
Scientific Summary
Summarize the scientific objectives of this funding opportunity. Pay close attention to the key themes of the proposal and especially the scientific areas of research the funding opportunity is concerned with. In addition, summarize non-goals of the funding opportunity, i.e., scientific research that the opportunity specifically will NOT fund. In summary, what will this proposal fund? What will it not fund? Answer both of these questions clearly.
Logistical Summary
Briefly summarize the logistics of the proposal. For example, which sub-office is sponsoring this (e.g. DOE Advanced Scientific Computing Research; ASCR)? Who is the technical point-of-contact/program manager?
National Lab Eligibility
Answer the question: are scientific staff at United States Department of Energy national laboratories eligible to respond to this funding opportunity (either as the lead or otherwise) and if so, in what capacity.
Deadlines
Record ALL deadlines mentioned in the funding opportunity, and present them in the format of “<deadline type>: <date>”, where deadline type is the deadline in question (final draft, pre-application, letter of intent, etc.) and date is the deadline including a time, if provided (e.g. 12 February 2023 at 5:00 PM EST).
Funding
How much funding PER AWARD is estimated for this opportunity, and what is the period of performance for the award?
Competitiveness
Speculate on the competitiveness of this award. Take into account the award amount, number of awards expected, etc. Summarize your conclusions in 3 sentences or less.
Gotchas
Often times, there are simple mistakes respondent can make that will significantly reduce their chances of getting funded, or disqualify them all together. Some examples of this might be failing to include an appendix or supplemental material, or failing to partner with a university. Summarize some of the common key mistakes respondents make and how to avoid them.