Information about PIER Plans

The information below describes the guidance language that will appear in all SC Notices of Funding Opportunity and DOE Laboratory Announcements. Some solicitations may include additional guidance language for PIER Plans tailored to the scope and objectives of the solicitation and history of the programmatic activities. Likewise, the guiding reviewer questions may include additional questions related to the scope and history of the associated programmatic activities.

Note, the PIER Plan proposal element does not apply to applications for supplemental funding on existing awards or applications requesting support for conferences. As of FY 2023, applications to the Office of Science requesting support for conferences are subject to additional requirements (See the FY 2024 Continuation of Solicitation for the Office of Science Financial Assistance Program). 

General Guidance Language on PIER Plans

The following guidance language will appear in Section IV (APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION), subsection D.2. (Research and Related Other Project Information) in SC’s Notices of Funding Opportunity:

APPENDIX [#]: Promoting Inclusive and Equitable Research Plan

“All applications must provide a Promoting Inclusive and Equitable Research (PIER) Plan as an appendix to the research proposal narrative. The PIER plan should describe the activities and strategies of the applicant to promote equity and inclusion as an integral element to advancing scientific excellence in the research project within the context of the proposing institution and any associated research group(s)1. Plans may include, but are not limited to: strategies for enhanced recruitment of undergraduate students, graduate students, and early-stage investigators (postdoctoral researchers, and others), including individuals from diverse backgrounds and groups historically underrepresented in the research community; strategies for creating and sustaining a positive, inclusive, safe, and professional research and training environment that fosters a sense of belonging among all research personnel; and/or training, mentoring, and professional development opportunities2. PIER Plans should be tailored to the research project. While PIER Plans may incorporate or build upon existing efforts of the project key personnel or applicant institution(s) to recruit diverse participants and create inclusive research environments, plans should not be a re-statement of standard institutional policies or broad principles. The complexity and detail of a PIER Plan is expected to increase with the size of the research team and the number of personnel to be supported.

For renewal applications only: Discuss briefly how this PIER Plan builds on or expands upon actions and accomplishments of the relevant efforts (e.g., PIER Plan or related activities) of the currently supported research.

Subject to the applicable cost principles, applications may request costs necessary for implementing the PIER Plan.

See also Section V for information on the Merit Review Criteria associated with this section.

  • Do not attach a separate file.
  • This response should not exceed three (3) pages. This appendix will not count in the project narrative page limitation.”

1Please see definitions and related information at https://science.osti.gov/SW-DEI/DOE-Diversity-Equity-and-Inclusion-Policies/Q-and-As#definitions.

2Please see SC's Things to Consider When Developing a PIER Plan.

Merit Review Criterion and Reviewer Questions

PIER Plans will be evaluated as part of the merit review process and will be used to inform funding decisions. The review criterion, Quality and Efficacy of the Plan for Promoting Inclusive and Equitable Research, will be included as one of the merit review criteria that peer reviewers will use to evaluate applications.

The Office of Science’s standard merit review criteria are set forth by 10 CFR Part 605.10 and may include additional criteria relevant to the scope and objectives of the solicitation. In SC’s Notices of Funding Opportunity, the merit review criteria and associated guiding questions for reviewers will appear in Section V (Application and Review Information). Unless otherwise tailored in the solicitation (Notices of Funding Opportunity or DOE Laboratory Call), the merit review criteria for the evaluation of applications are as follows, in descending order of importance:

  • Scientific and/or Technical Merit of the Project;
  • Appropriateness of the Proposed Method or Approach;
  • Competency of Applicant’s Personnel and Adequacy of Proposed Resources;
  • Reasonableness and Appropriateness of the Proposed Budget; and
  • Quality and Efficacy of the Plan for Promoting Inclusive and Equitable Research.

The guiding reviewer questions for the criterion, Quality and Efficacy of the Plan for Promoting Inclusive and Equitable Research, may include the following:

  • How well integrated is the Promoting Inclusive and Equitable Research (PIER) Plan with the proposed project?
  • What aspects of the PIER Plan are likely to contribute to the goal of creating and maintaining an equitable, inclusive, encouraging, and professional training and research environment and supporting a sense of belonging among project personnel?
  • Are all aspects of the PIER Plan actionable and are the goals attainable during the project's period of performance?
  • How does the proposed plan include intentional mentorship of project personnel and are the associated mentoring resources reasonable and appropriate?
  • How are the proposed resources and budget for the PIER Plan reasonable and appropriate?
  • To what extent is the PIER Plan likely to lead to participation of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including individuals historically underrepresented in the research community? 
  • For renewal applications only: How does the proposed plan build or expand upon actions and strategies to promote diversity and professional, inclusive research environments in the currently supported research?

Additional or modified reviewer questions may be included in the solicitation if applicable to the scope of the solicitation and history of the research efforts.