Funder: NNSA
Due Dates: June 15, 2026 (current closing date; temporarily closed as of Jan 21, 2025—see Key Information)
Funding Amounts: Up to $5,000,000 per award; total program funding $25,000,000; typical duration up to 5 years.
Summary: Supports consortia of Minority Serving Institutions and Tribal Colleges/Universities to build workforce capacity, expand STEM knowledge, and foster collaboration in nuclear security and related fields.
Key Information: As of January 21, 2025, the opportunity is temporarily closed due to limited funding; monitor Grants.gov for reopening.
Description
This funding opportunity from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) aims to support consortia composed of Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). The program is designed to:
- Build and support the workforce capacity of the National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA) Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE).
- Expand scientific and technical knowledge in advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, engineering, and nuclear security.
- Provide experiential learning opportunities for students in STEM disciplines.
- Strengthen research and education capacities at participating institutions.
- Promote collaborations between MSIs/TCUs and NNSA laboratories, plants, and sites.
The overarching goal is to increase the number of MSI and TCU students graduating with STEM degrees and entering the NSE workforce, while enhancing institutional research capabilities and fostering direct engagement with NNSA resources.
Due Dates
- Current Application Deadline: June 15, 2026 (11:59 PM EST)
- Status: As of January 21, 2025, the opportunity is temporarily closed due to limited funding. No applications are being accepted at this time. Updates will be posted on Grants.gov if the opportunity reopens.
Funding Amount
- Award Ceiling: $5,000,000 per award
- Award Floor: $500,000 per award
- Total Program Funding: $25,000,000
- Project Duration: Up to 5 years
- Cost Sharing/Matching: Not required
Eligibility
- Eligible Applicants:
- Public and State-controlled institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- Consortium Requirement: Applications must be submitted by consortia that include MSIs and/or TCUs.
- Focus: Projects must address workforce development, research, and education in areas relevant to the NNSA Nuclear Security Enterprise.
Application Process
- Submission: Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov.
- Required Forms: All mandatory forms for both the prime applicant and any sub-applicants must be included. Missing forms will render the application non-compliant.
- Budget Justification: A detailed budget justification is required, covering personnel, equipment, travel, participant support, and other direct/indirect costs. See the Budget Justification Narrative template.
- Data Management Plan: Applicants must submit a Data Management Plan (DMP) describing data sharing, preservation, and protection. See DMP Guidance.
- Environmental Review: Completion of the NNSA NEPA Checklist is required to assess potential environmental impacts.
- Collaborator Engagement: Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with NNSA Nuclear Security Enterprise facilities. See the NSE Collaborators list for contacts and research areas.
Additional Information
- Program Areas: Advanced Manufacturing, Cybersecurity, Engineering, Nuclear Security, and related STEM fields.
- Student Opportunities: Emphasis on experiential learning, internships, and direct engagement with NNSA labs and facilities.
- No Cost Sharing Required: There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for this opportunity.
- Compliance: All applications must comply with federal, DOE, and NNSA regulations, including data management and environmental review requirements.
External Links
Contact Information
For technical questions or issues accessing the full announcement, contact the individuals above.