2024 Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management (DOE-EM) Minority Serving Institutions Partnership Program (MSIPP) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Background
The Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management (DOE-EM) aims to enhance and foster a sustainable and diverse STEM workforce pipeline. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) focuses on developing a nationally engaged scientific and engineering workforce to conduct basic research, particularly for underrepresented groups. The initiative includes technology curriculum, professional development, and shared interest research to prepare students from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) for future careers in the DOE-EM complex.

Grant Details
The grant supports the development of a technology curriculum and professional development for MSI collegiate students, aiming to strengthen their theoretical and experimental knowledge in STEM fields. It includes funding for specialized equipment, resources for field and laboratory studies, and collaborative research projects between EM, DOE National Laboratories, and MSIs. Specific areas of interest include Deactivation & Decommissioning, Digital Technologies, and Robotics. The program encourages innovative applications that address unique hazards in environmental management.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants are restricted to Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with a student population of 5,000 or fewer. Only accredited MSIs may submit applications. Non-MSI subawards are not allowed, and subawards to MSIs with more than 5,000 students cannot exceed 20% of the total award value. Cost sharing is not required but can be considered.

Period of Performance
The anticipated project period for awards ranges from 12 months up to 36 months, potentially comprising one to three budget periods/years. Continuation of projects will depend on satisfactory performance and availability of funding.

Grant Value
Approximately $15,500,000 is expected to be available for new awards under this NOFO. Individual awards may vary between $1,000,000 and $3,000,000. EM anticipates making approximately 5-10 awards based on the availability of appropriated funds.