Frequently Asked Questions from Townhalls on Funding Opportunity Announcements

The below list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) was created by the Department of Energy Isotope Program (DOE IP) to address common questions received during DOE IP Townhall events on Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs). If you question is not listed here, please contact the DOE IP.

When can I contact DOE IP staff with my questions?

Any time with any question! DOE IP’s staff are always happy to answer questions and enjoy helping those interested in the work we do. Please visit our staff page for contact information or look for the cognizant Program Manager’s contact information in the FOA.

My institution has not previously engaged with the DOE IP in any capacity. Would our application still be considered competitive?

Absolutely! All applications are considered on their own merit and are subjected to the rigors of a peer review process. A lack of prior funding from or engagement with DOE IP should never be a factor in deciding whether to submit an application in response to a FOA.

My institution does not currently have a faculty member working on isotope production and/or the capability to produce isotopes. Are we still eligible to apply and how can we strengthen our proposal?

Absolutely! Eligibility is not determined based on existing research activities or production capabilities of a given academic institution. Furthermore, there are many scientific disciplines that are integral components to the field of isotope production including, but not limited to: chemistry, physics, nuclear, mechanical, and electrical engineering, materials science and engineering, computer science, and applied mathematics. Institutions are encouraged to consider their strengths and develop collaborative relationships with other academic institutions and/or DOE/NNSA national laboratories to develop the most responsive application possible.

Where can I find a list of the DOE IP Points of Contact (POCs) at each of the DOE/NNSA national laboratories or University Isotope Network (UIN) production sites?

Please download the DOE IP isotope production site contact list here. Please feel free to contact the cognizant Program Manager as published in the FOA if assistance is needed to contact any of the production sites.

Is funding for student stipends an allowable budget expense?

Absolutely! Undergraduate and graduate student stipends are allowable budget expenses.

Is funding to cover faculty, staff, and administrative personnel time spent mentoring or otherwise engaged in activities directly related to the funded effort an allowable budget expense?

Absolutely! Please contact the cognizant Program Manager as published in the FOA for specifics and all other questions regarding allowable budget expenses.

Where can I learn more about Office of Science’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion?

Please visit the Office of Scientific Workforce Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion page and the FAQs related to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion page.

Where can I learn more about the Office of Science’s available support for grants and contracts?

Please visit the Office of Grants & Contracts Support page and the general FAQs on Office of Science Grants and Contracts page.