Scientific Discovery through Computing (SCiDAC): Partnerships in Basic Energy Sciences
Quick Info
Opportunity ID: DE-FOA-0003515
Issuing Office: Office of Science
Post Date: 17 January 2025
Generated using: o1-2024-12-17
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Scientific Summary
This opportunity funds fundamental scientific research leveraging advanced computational methods (including high-performance computing, modeling, AI/ML) to accelerate discoveries in areas such as materials, chemical transformations, and complex dynamical systems. It specifically supports open, unclassified projects that integrate domain scientists with applied mathematicians and computer scientists to develop methods, algorithms, and software aligned with DOE’s mission. It does not fund restricted or proprietary research, proposals lacking a strong HPC or open-science component, or those that fail to address the fundamental science objectives (for example, purely incremental or non-transparent projects).
Logistical Summary
This opportunity is sponsored by the Department of Energy’s Office of Science, specifically Basic Energy Sciences (BES) and Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR). The technical points of contact/program managers include Dr. Matthias Graf (BES MSE), Dr. Aaron Holder (BES CSGB), and Dr. Marco Fornari (ASCR). Their email addresses and other details can be found under “Agency Contact Information” in the FOA.
National Lab Eligibility
Yes. DOE/NNSA National Laboratories are eligible to submit applications as the lead institution and may also be proposed as subrecipients under another organization’s application. If selected for funding as the lead, they receive support through the DOE Field-Work Proposal System under their existing contract with DOE, and if selected as subrecipients, their portion of the award is removed from the prime award and separately authorized through DOE.
Deadlines
Pre-application: February 21, 2025 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Pre-application response: March 21, 2025 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Application: April 25, 2025 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time
Funding
Answer: The NOFO specifies an annual award range of $1,000,000 to $2,000,000 for academic institutions and $1,500,000 to $2,500,000 for DOE National Laboratories. Awards are anticipated to span a 4-year project period. Continuation funding depends on factors such as congressional appropriations and satisfactory progress toward project objectives.
Competitiveness
Based on the relatively large per-year funding range ($1–$2 million for academic institutions and $1.5–$2.5 million for DOE National Laboratories) over four years, these awards will likely be highly competitive. While the exact number of awards depends on the availability of funds and technical merit of proposals, the total potential award size suggests a smaller number of awards overall. As a result, prospective applicants should expect a selective process with rigorous review criteria.
Gotchas
Common mistakes include submitting materials in the wrong portal or format, failing to attach required documents in the correct fields, overlooking page limits, or including disallowed personal data. These can be avoided by thoroughly reading the instructions, using checklists to ensure all required content is included, and submitting materials well before deadlines. Carefully verifying completeness, correctness, and adherence to all specifications is key to avoiding disqualification.
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.