[Idaho Field Office](https://www.id.energy.gov)

April 6, 2026 (Questions deadline) | April 9, 2026 (Full application deadline)

Up to $1,500,000 per award; total program funding approx. $5,000,000; expected project period is 12 months.

Supports U.S. colleges and universities in upgrading research reactors and scientific infrastructure to advance nuclear energy research, education, and workforce development.

--- ## Description This opportunity, offered by the U.S. Department of Energy's Idaho Field Office through the Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP), provides funding to support, maintain, or enhance the infrastructure of U.S. colleges and universities engaged in nuclear energy research and education. The goal is to improve research reactors, obtain state-of-the-art equipment or instrumentation, and strengthen the nuclear engineering academic community, thereby advancing the Office of Nuclear Energy's mission and supporting the development of the next generation of nuclear scientists, engineers, and policymakers. --- ## Due Dates - **April 6, 2026**: Deadline to submit questions regarding the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) (must be submitted no later than three business days prior to the application due date) - **April 9, 2026**: Full application submission deadline (by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time) --- ## Funding Amount - **Total Program Funding:** Approximately $5,000,000 for FY 2026. - **Award Ceiling:** Up to $1,500,000 per individual award. - **Award Floor:** No minimum. - **Expected Number of Awards:** ~15 across both topic areas. - **Project Period:** Typically 12 months, with possible extensions upon justification. **Topic Area Details:** - **Topic Area 1: Reactor Upgrades (RU)** - For eligible universities with research reactors. - Awards: $0–$1,500,000 each; 3–5 anticipated awards. - Cost sharing is encouraged but not required. - **Topic Area 2: General Scientific Infrastructure (GSI)** - Open to all U.S. colleges and universities. - Awards: $250,000 each typical; up to 10 anticipated. - Cost sharing is not required for requests ≤$250,000; 1:1 cost match required for amounts >$250,000. --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible Applicants:** - U.S. public and private institutions of higher education. - **Topic Area 1:** Restricted to specific U.S. universities and colleges operating a research reactor (see NOFO for full list). - **Topic Area 2:** Open to all U.S. institutions of higher education. - **Ineligible Applicants:** - Foreign entities, federal agencies, DOE and non-DOE FFRDCs. - Entities debarred or suspended from federal programs. - Entities of Concern as defined by federal law. - **Other Requirements:** - All work must be performed in the United States. - No subrecipients are allowed; only the applying institution may receive funds. - Cost sharing requirements vary by topic area and funding amount (see above). --- ## Application Process - **Registration:** Applicants must register with [SAM.gov](https://sam.gov/content/home), obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and register on [NEUP.gov](https://neup.gov). - **Submission:** Applications must be submitted electronically via [NEUP.gov](https://proposals.inl.gov) by the deadline. - **Required Documents:** - SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance) - Project/Performance Site Location(s) - Project Summary/Abstract (1 page) - Project Summary Slide (1 slide) - Technical Volume (max 8 pages) - Resumes for covered individuals (max 3 pages each) - Budget forms and justification - Vendor quotes (for items >$10,000) - Cost Sharing Letters (if applicable) - Current and Pending Support disclosures - Lobbying disclosure (if applicable) - Transparency of Foreign Connections disclosure - Impacted Indian Tribe documentation (if applicable) - **Formatting:** Strict page limits, font, and margin requirements apply (see NOFO Part 2). - **Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.** --- ## Additional Information - **Restrictions:** - Foreign travel is not allowed. - Indirect costs, routine operation/maintenance, and installation costs beyond standard vendor charges are not allowed. - Equipment must be American-made to the greatest extent practicable. - **Selection Criteria:** Applications will be evaluated on technical merit, relevance to NE mission, impact, utilization, execution, and (for GSI) educational/research innovation. - **Program Areas:** - Reactor upgrades (safety, reliability, performance) - General infrastructure (equipment, instrumentation, facility enhancements) - **Questions:** Submit to NEUP@inl.gov by April 6, 2026. Answers will be posted on [NEUP.gov](https://neup.gov). - **Policy Compliance:** Applicants must comply with conflict of interest, disclosure, and research security requirements as detailed in the NOFO. --- ## External Links - [Funder Home Page: Idaho Field Office](https://www.id.energy.gov) - [Official Grants.gov Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361023) - [NEUP Program Information](https://neup.inl.gov) - [NOFO Part 1 PDF](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/FY26-Scientific-Infrastructure-Support-for-CINR-NOFO-Part-1-Amendment-1-03MAR2026.pdf) - [NOFO Part 2 PDF](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/FY26-Scientific-Infrastructure-Support-for-CINR-NOFO-Part-2-FINAL-12DEC2025.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | |-------------------|----------------------------|---------------| | Jacob Lingard | lingarjn@id.doe.gov | 208-526-5820 | | Andrew Ford | fordaj@id.doe.gov | 208-526-3059 | | General Inquiries | NEUP@inl.gov | 208-526-4854 | For technical assistance with NEUP.gov registration or application submission, contact NEUP@inl.gov. ---

Fiscal Year 2026 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research

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