Funding

DOE Solar America Initiative (SAI) Technology Pathway Partnerships (TPP), Phase 1
Eligibility for this procurement is restricted to U.S. commercial entities as prime recipients although subcontractors may be from outside the U.S. Technology Pathway Partnerships (TPP) partnerships will be required to identify how their approach will fit within the SAI mission and achieve the Life Cycle Cost of Energy (LCOE), and support installed capacity goals. TPP partnerships should be industry-led teams comprised of one or more companies, universities, national laboratories, and/or non-governmental organizations. Team composition should emphasize a coordinated effort of diverse approaches that in combination mitigate the total project risk while maximizing the potential project outcome. The TPP project management approach should incorporate means for adding or dropping sub-recipients (with authorization from the Contracting Officer) in order to focus effort on tasks that prove to provide the greatest value. This FOA focuses on projects conducted by partnerships that fall into two topic areas: 1. Systems Class projects (Integrated systems) - These larger projects will address multiple technology improvements in PV system and component design, integration, and installation. 2. Subsystems Class projects (Component-based/cross-cutting)  These smaller projects will focus on fewer technology developments to improve PV systems. Both Systems Class and Subsystems Class projects will be required to demonstrate the benefits of a project on system-level LCOE and installed capacity. New PV components and systems developed through this FOA will be required to meet all applicable codes, standards, and environment, safety, and health regulations. Due

Oct 02, 2006
U.S. Department of Commerce Agriculture Research Grants
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service requests applications for the National Research Initiative (NRI) Competitive Grants Program. The NRI supports scientific research relevant to agriculture, food, the environment, and communities. 41 areas of interest identified, including but not limited to: Biobased Products and Bioenergy Production Research; Water and Watersheds; Global Change Initatives; Air Quality; Rural Development; Agricultural Prosperity for Small and Medium-Sized Farms. Due dates and requirements for Letters of Intent (range 10/5/06 – 12/6/06), final proposal due dates (range 10/9/06 – 8/14/07), and contact information vary by program area. $181 million expected to be available, award range $5K to $1.5 million. For more info, contact electronic@csrees.usda.gov. Refer to Sol# USDA-CSREES-NRI-000141. (Grants.gov 9/14/06)

United States Department of Agriculture National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program Grant
The purpose of the NRI Program is to support research, extension, and education grants that address key problems of national, regional, and multistate importance in sustaining all components of agriculture (farming, ranching, forestry including urban and agroforestry, aquaculture, rural communities, human nutrition, processing, etc.). Providing this support requires that NRI advance fundamental sciences in support of agriculture and coordinate opportunities to build on these discoveries. Building on these discoveries will necessitate new efforts in education and extension that deliver science-based knowledge to people, allowing them to make informed practical decisions. In FY 2007, the NRI Program will accept applications for fundamental research, mission-linked research, and integrated research, extension, and education projects. Application due dates vary by program. Check solicitation for eligibility. Applications must be received by the date appropriate to the program area listed at the end of the FY 2007 Request for Applications.

The Minority Business Development Agency invites applications for its Native American Business Enterprise Center (NABEC) Program. This program is intended, in part, to provide business assistance services to the Native American business public directly, to develop a network of strategic partnerships and to provide strategic business consulting. Approximately $1.25 million is expected to be available annually to support four awards having a project period of three years. Cost-sharing of at least 10 percent is required. Eligible are for-profit entities and nonprofit organizations, state and local government entities, American Indian tribes, and educational institutions. Applications are due Oct. 18, 2006.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
EPA invites applications for research that uses existing databases of environmental, biological or health-related data to develop indicators that reliably signal the impact of changes in environmental conditions, management approaches or policies on human health. Key to the development of such indicators is a clearer understanding of the sequence of events that link changes in the environment to human exposure and adverse health outcomes. Approximately $3 million is expected to be available for six awards of up to $500,000 for a project period of up to three years. Eligible are public and private nonprofit institutions or organizations located in the U.S., including institutions of higher education and hospitals; state and local governments; federally recognized Indian tribal governments; and U.S. territories or possessions. Applications are due Dec. 14, 2006.

EPA invites applications for graduate fellowships to support masters and doctoral students in environmental fields of study, as part of its Greater Research Opportunities program. This program is part of the national effort to help strengthen the environmental research capacity of institutions of higher education that receive limited funding to build such capacity, particularly institutions with substantial minority enrollment. Approximately $1.4 million is expected to be available for 15 awards of up to $37,000 per year. This amount covers a monthly stipend of $1,667 for up to 12 months totaling $20,000 for the year, $5,000 for authorized expenses and up to $12,000 for tuition and fees. Master's students may receive support for up to two years. Doctoral students may be supported for up to three years, usable over a period of four years. Applicants who are citizens of the U.S. or its territories or possessions or have been lawfully admitted to the U.S. for permanen t residence must attend a fully accredited U.S. college or university. Applications are due Nov. 28, 2006.

Undergraduate Fellowships for the Environment
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requests proposals for Undergraduate Fellowships for bachelor level students in environmental fields of study. 7 areas of interest identified which include, but are not limited to, Environmental Science and Economics. $622K expected to be available, 15 awards anticipated. Responses due 11/29/06. For more info, contact Georgette Boddie at boddie.georgette@epa.gov. Refer to Sol# EPA-F2007-GRO-P1. (Grants.gov 8/31/06)

Design Competition for Sustainability
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requests applications for the 4th Annual P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity, and the Planet. This competition supports teams of college students to research, develop, and design solutions to challenges to sustainability. Areas of interest include: Energy, Agriculture, the Built Environment, Water, Materials and Chemicals and Information Technology. $1.25 million expected to be available, up to 60 awards anticipated. Responses due 12/21/06. For more info, contact Tom Barnwell at: barnwell.thomas@epa.gov. Refer to Sol# EPA-G2007-P3-Z3. (Grants.gov 8/21/06)

Environmental Protection Agency Uncertainty Analyses of Models in Integrated Environmental Assessments Grant
Grants awarded under this announcement may involve Geospatial Information. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, is seeking applications proposing interdisciplinary research in the formal treatment of uncertainty when models are used to conduct integrated environmental assessments. Integrated assessments use findings, data, and methods across different disciplines to generate information about a particular issue. For example, to assess the impact of mercury on public health and the environment, EPA integrated results from air dispersion models, exposure models, health effects models, and economic models (EPA 2005). To facilitate integrated assessments, models are used either (1) as a single, overarching model that integrates all pertinent information; or, as in EPA’s impact assessment for mercury, (2) as a suite of multiple models, with each model focusing on a specific aspect of the integrated assessment. In either case, NCER is interested in research that explores two types of uncertainties: (1) uncertainties within the models themselves, i.e. within their underlying data and hypotheses; and (2) uncertainties that arise during decision-making, as stakeholders discuss the weight of scientific evidence embodied within these models.

Due Dec 13, 2006

Universal Design
The National Endowment for the Arts requests proposals for the Universal Design Leadership Project. Work would include creating greater public awareness of and demand for universal designed environments. The intent of universal design is to simplify life for everyone by making products, communications, and the built environment more usable by as many people as possible at little or no extra cost. $50K expected to be available, 1 award anticipated. Responses due 11/2/06. For more info, contact William Hummel at contracts@arts.gov. Refer to Sol# PS06-05. (Grants.gov 8/28/06)

US Department of Energy Superconducting Power Equipment
The closing date for all areas is 1/10/07

Program Area of Interest 1. Power Delivery Cables (DE-PS26-06NT42874-01) The objective of this area is the development and demonstration of power delivery cables to facilitate the integration of high temperature superconducting wires and cables in existing electric networks to demonstrate improvements to electric system performance, such as power flow control and reliability.

Program Area of Interest 2. Fault Current Limiters (DE-PS26-06NT42874-02) The objective of this area is the development and demonstration of fault current limiters (FCL) using high temperature superconductors to control fault-current levels on utility distribution and transmission networks.

Program Area of Interest 3. Other High Temperature Superconductivity Applications (DE-PS26-06NT42874-03) The objective of this area is the development and demonstration of High Temperature Superconductor (HTS) applications not included in Areas of Interest 1 or 2.

National Science Foundation
NSF is soliciting proposals for the Operations Research (OR) program. This program is intended to support research leading to fundamental advances in the science of models and algorithms arising in the study of operations of large scale systems. The program will support research in three main directions: (1) optimization, (2) simulation and stochastic models, and (3) novel enterprise-wide models based on integrating OR methodology with advanced high-end computing. While the overall emphasis of the program is on research that improves modeling and computational capabilities in OR, successful proposals must make the case for potential impact on relevant engineering, managerial or scientific applications. Proposals are due Oct. 1, 2006.

NSF is soliciting proposals for the Manufacturing Enterprise Systems program. This program is intended to support research on design, planning and control of operations in manufacturing enterprises, from shop floors to the associated procurement and distribution supply chains. Contributions should impact and extend the range of analytical and computational techniques addressed to extended enterprise operations, and/or advance novel models offering policy insights or the prospect of implementable solutions. Proposals are due Oct. 1, 2006.

NSF is soliciting proposals for the Manufacturing Machines and Equipment program. This program seeks to provide technologies that could reduce the detrimental environmental and societal impacts of manufacturing, including manufacturing facility footprint, energy consumption, use of scarce or hazardous substances, and waste products. A major focus of the program is to support research that leads to an understanding of the physics of manufacturing operations and ultimately to improved predictive models and manufacturing decision-making. Proposals are due Oct. 1, 2006.

NSF is soliciting proposals for the Biomaterials Program. This program focuses on the study of biologically related materials and phenomena, including biological pathways to new materials. Materials and systems of interest include biomolecules, biomolecular assemblies, biomolecular systems, and biomimetic, bioinspired or biocompatible materials. The methods of materials research may be applied to biological systems to discover or understand phenomena and to create or optimize materials. Awards will be in the general areas of biological condensed matter physics and chemistry, and biologically related materials science. Materials-focused proposals for research and education in these areas are encouraged. Proposals may be submitted between Sept. 18 and Nov. 3 of 2006.

Catalysis and Biocatalysis
The National Science Foundation requests proposals for Quantitative Environmental and Integrative Biology. Areas of interest include but are not limited to, sustainability, environmental catalysis, and basic research related to green chemistry or the utilization of biorenewable resources. Proposals accepted on an ongoing basis. Refer to Sol# PD-05-1401. (Grants.gov 8/28/06)

National Science Foundation Economics Grant
The Economics program supports research in almost every area of economics, including econometrics, economic history, environmental economics, finance, industrial organization, international economics, labor economics, macroeconomics, mathematical economics, and public finance. The Economics program welcomes proposals for individual or multi-investigator research projects, doctoral dissertation improvement awards, conferences, workshops, symposia, experimental research, data collection and dissemination, computer equipment and other instrumentation, and research experience for undergraduates. The program places a high priority on interdisciplinary research. Investigators are encouraged to submit proposals of joint interest to the Economics Program and other NSF programs and NSF initiative areas. The program places a high priority on broadening participation and encourages proposals from junior faculty, women, other underrepresented minorities, Research Undergraduate Institutions, and EPSCoR states. The program also funds conferences and interdisciplinary research that strengthens links among economics and the other social and behavioral sciences as well as mathematics and statistics. Proposals due Jan 18, 2007.

National Science Foundation Biomaterials Grant
The focus of the Biomaterials Program is the study of biologically related materials and phenomena, including biological pathways to new materials. The materials and systems of interest include biomolecules, biomolecular assemblies (systems of strongly interacting biomolecules), biomolecular systems (vesicles, membranes, and various other assemblies and networks of biomolecules), and biomimetic, bioinspired, or biocompatible materials . Full Proposal Window: September 18, 2006 - November 3, 200

National Science Foundation Mechanics and Structures of Materials Grant
The Mechanics and Structures of Materials (MSM) program element supports research on computational, theoretical, analytical and experimental solid mechanics, biomechanics, and nanomechanics; model based simulation and constitutive models; and the link of microstructure to nano-, meso- and macro-scale structural behavior. The program also supports experimental and analytical research on deformation, fatigue, and fracture and underlying nano- and micro-structural states and their origin, transformation and evolution. Proposals accepted anytime.

National Science Foundation Nano and Bio Mechanics Grant
The Nano and Bio Mechanics (NBM) program element supports research in mechanical properties of engineering materials and systems containing nanoscale features, such as grains, layers, precipitates or composites; mechanical properties of biological materials, which include cell, tissues, muscles, bones and prosthetic implants; design of materials suitable for prosthetic implants; relationship between nanomechanics, adhesion and tribological properties; effects of environment, surface chemistry and temperature: computational and experimental tools to study nano and bio mechanics of materials. Due Oct 01, 2006

National Science Foundation Office of Special Programs Grant
DMR's Office of Special Programs (OSP) coordinates and supports crosscutting activities in DMR and in conjunction with NSF-wide programs, including enhanced international collaborations in materials research and education. OSP activities are often co-funded with other NSF units, such as the Office of International Science and Engineering and the MPS Office for Multidisciplinary Activities. Examples of OSP activities include: •International Materials Institutes (IMI) The IMIs advance fundamental materials research by coordinating international research and education projects. Their long-term goal is the creation of a worldwide network in materials research and the development of a generation of scientists and engineers with international leadership capabilities. •Opportunities for International Cooperation in Materials Research DMR supports international collaborative research and education projects in partnership with funding organizations in Europe and the Americas. Collaborative activities in partnership with funding agencies in Asia and in Africa are being developed. •Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Sites and Research Experiences for Teachers. Full Proposal Window: September 18, 2006 - November 03, 2006

National Science Foundation Thermal Transport and Thermal Processing
Thermal Transport and Thermal Processing projects should be aimed at gaining a basic understanding at the microscopic and macroscopic levels of thermal phenomena underlying the production of energy, the synthesis and processing of materials, the cooling and heating in equipment and devices, the interaction of industrial processes with the environment, and the thermal phenomena in biological systems. Higher priority will be given to those projects that deal with problems on the cutting edge of technology while developing human resources in engineering.

National Science Foundation Physical and Dynamic Meteorology Grant
Physical and Dynamic Meteorology supports research involving studies of cloud physics; atmospheric electricity; radiation; boundary layer and turbulence; the initiation, growth, and propagation of gravity waves; all aspects of mesoscale meteorological phenomena, including their morphological, thermodynamic, and kinematic structure; development of mesoscale systems and precipitation processes; and transfer of energy between scales. The program also sponsors the development of new techniques and devices for atmospheric measurements. Proposals accepted anytime.

National Science Foundation Power, Controls and Adaptive Networks
The Power, Controls and Adaptive Networks (PCAN) program supports creative research and education underlying the analysis and design of intelligent engineering networks for control, communications, computation and energy. Proposals leading to improved methods for multi-scale modeling, learning, optimization, reliability, security and robustness of complex dynamical systems are of interest. Distributed networks occur in telecommunications, Internet, power and energy, transportation and manufacturing. The program invites proposals dealing with control theory in bioelectronics, including molecular biology, genomics, biotechnology and robotics. In addition, areas of interest include computational video and imaging, integrated sensor networks, autonomic communication networks, quantum computing, embedded control, and measurement and control of micro-scale and nano-scale devices and systems. The program also covers all aspects of transmission, distribution and generation of electric power, including operations, communications, reliability, electric machines, power electronics and drives. The program further includes integration of renewable and distributed energy systems, such as fuel cells, solar cells, wind power and micro-turbines into large power networks. Understanding of regulatory and economic structures for power grids and critical infrastructures is needed to support the 21st Century economy. The program supports the development of innovative architectures for multi-scale modeling. Areas of interest include: * Adaptive Dynamic Programming * Embedded, Distributed and Adaptive Control * Power and Energy Networks * Quantum Modeling and Simulation of Devices and Systems * Sensing and Imaging Networks * Telerobotics Full Proposal Window: September 07, 2006 - October 07, 2006

National Science Foundation Thermal Transport and Thermal Processing Grant
Thermal Transport and Thermal Processing projects should be aimed at gaining a basic understanding at the microscopic and macroscopic levels of thermal phenomena underlying the production of energy, the synthesis and processing of materials, the cooling and heating in equipment and devices, the interaction of industrial processes with the environment, and the thermal phenomena in biological systems. Higher priority will be given to those projects that deal with problems on the cutting edge of technology while developing human resources in engineering. Due Oct 02, 2006

National Science Foundation Catalysis and Biocatalysis
This program primarily supports fundamental and applied research on: 1. Kinetics and mechanisms of important catalyzed chemical reactions as they relate to the production of chemicals, fuels and specialized materials; 2. Characterization of chemical phenomena occurring at or near solid surfaces and interfaces; 3. Electrocatalytic processes having engineering significance or commercial potential; 4. Sustainability, environmental catalysis, and basic research related to green chemistry or utilization of biorenewable resources; 5. Kinetic modeling and theory of heterogeneous, homogeneous and biocatalysis; 6. Fundamental aspects of reactive deposition and processing for thin film materials; and 7. Interactions between chemical reactions and transport processes in reactive systems, and the use of this information in the design or control of complex chemical reactors.

National Science Foundation Solar Terrestrial Grant
Supports research on the processes by which energy in diverse forms is generated by the Sun, transported to the Earth, and ultimately deposited in the terrestrial environment. Major topics include space weather impacts, helioseismology, the solar dynamo, the solar activity cycle, magnetic flux emergence, solar flares and eruptive activity, coronal mass ejections, solar wind heating, solar energetic particles, interactions with cosmic rays, and solar wind/magnetosphere boundary problems. Proposals accepted anytime

National Science Foundation Solid-State Chemistry Grant
Supports basic research that includes understanding the atomic and molecular basis for synthesis, structure-composition-property relationships, and the processing of materials. The program is largely multidisciplinary with strong components of chemistry, physics, biology, and materials science. Special attention is given to the creation of new classes of materials exhibiting new phenomena, and discovering specific materials with superior properties. Current research areas include innovative synthetic routes to new materials; characterization of materials displaying new phenomena or superior behavior; the relationships among structure, composition, and properties such as chemisorption, cooperative-assembly, transport, and reactivity; and materials preparation, processing, and optimization by chemical means. The current materials emphasis is on hybrid materials, complex materials, environmental materials, and advanced materials optimization and processing. Full Proposal Window: September 18, 2006 - November 03, 2006

National Science Foundation Atmospheric Chemistry Grant
Supports research to measure and model the concentration and distribution of gases and aerosols in the lower and middle atmosphere. Also supports research on the chemical reactions among atmospheric species; the sources and sinks of important trace gases and aerosols; the aqueous-phase atmospheric chemistry; the transport of gases and aerosols throughout the atmosphere; and the improved methods for measuring the concentrations of trace species and their fluxes into and out of the atmosphere. No due date specified yet.

National Science Foundation Particulate and Multiphase Processes Grant
The Particulate and Multiphase Processes Program supports fundamental and applied research on physical mechanisms and phenomena governing multiphase processes, granular and granular-fluid flows, particle/bubble/droplet interactions, aerosol science and technology, suspensions, micro-/nano-structured fluids, self and directed assembly of nanostructures, and related instrumentation and diagnostics. Innovative research is sought that contributes to improving the basic understanding, design, predictability, efficiency, and control of multiphase processes with particular emphasis on: new frontiers in nanotechnology, novel manufacturing techniques, nano-metrology, multiphase transport in biological systems, environmental sustainability, critical infrastructure systems, and complex engineering or natural systems. Due Oct 02, 2006.

National Science Foundation Condensed Matter and Materials Theory
Supports theoretical and complementary computational research in the topical areas represented in DMR programs, including condensed matter physics, polymers, solid-state chemistry, metals, electronic materials, and ceramics. The program supports fundamental research that advances conceptual, analytical, and computational techniques for materials research. A broad spectrum of research is supported using electronic structure methods, many-body theory, statistical mechanics, and Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulations, along with other techniques, many involving advanced scientific computing. Emphasis is on approaches that begin at the smallest appropriate length scale, such as electronic, atomic, molecular, nano-, micro-, and mesoscale, required to yield fundamental insight into material properties, processes, and behavior and to reveal new materials phenomena. Areas of recent interest include strongly correlated electron systems; low-dimensional systems; nonequilibrium phenomena, including pattern formation, microstructural evolution, and fracture; high-temperature superconductivity; nanostructured materials and mesoscale phenomena; quantum coherence and its control; and soft condensed matter, including systems of biological interest. Full Proposal Window: September 18, 2006 - November 03, 2006.

National Science Foundation Ecosystem Science Grant
The Ecosystem Science Cluster supports research on natural, managed, and disturbed ecosystems, including those in terrestrial, freshwater, and wetland (including salt marsh) environments. The Ecosystem Science Cluster funds research in the following areas. Ecosystem Studies: Supports investigations of whole-system ecological processes and relationships in ecosystems across a diversity of spatial and temporal (including paleo) scales. Proposals may focus on areas such as: biogeochemistry; decomposition of organic matter; belowground nutrient cycling and energy flow; primary productivity; radiatively active gas flux; element budgets on watershed, regional, continental, or global scales; relationships between diversity and ecosystem function; ecosystem services; and landscape dynamics. Proposals will be considered that focus on advancing ecosystem science through either the pursuit of new theoretical paradigms or novel modeling efforts. Proposals that, in whole or in part, strive to develop new techniques can be supported when a compelling argument exists that there is the potential for a major advance in ecosystem research. Inter- and multi-disciplinary proposals that fall across traditional programmatic boundaries are welcomed and encouraged. Proposals may focus on the cycling of non-nutrient elements, but proposals that are ecotoxicological in orientation will not be considered. Due Jan 09, 2007.

National Science Foundation Ecological Biology Grant
The Ecological Biology Cluster supports research on natural and managed ecological systems, primarily in terrestrial, wetland, and freshwater habitats. Research areas include experimental, observational, theoretical, and modeling studies on the structure and function of complex associations that focus on biotic components, and the coupling of small-scale systems to each other and to large-scale systems. Projects are encouraged that develop conceptual and synthetic linkages among theoretical, modeling, and empirical approaches; that are conducted at one or more scales of ecological or geographic organization; and that synthesize empirical and theoretical findings into new paradigms. The Ecological Biology Cluster funds research in the following areas. Ecology: Supports studies of community ecology and population interactions at diverse spatial and temporal scales. These include (1) dynamics and processes within particular habitats; (2) food-web structure; (3) landscape patterns and processes; (4) paleoecology; (5) biotic interactions, including mutualism, competition, predation, and parasitism; (6) mechanisms of coexistence and community assembly, (7) co-evolution, and (8) chemical ecology. Full Proposal Target Date: January 09, 2007.

National Science Foundation Service Enterprise Engineering Grant
The Service Enterprise Engineering program addresses focused research on design, planning and control of operations and processes in commercial and institutional service enterprises. Contributions should extend the range of analytical and computational techniques addressed to these systems, and/or advance novel models offering policy insight or the prospect of implementable solutions. The SEE program is a new venture that became fully operational with the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2002. Service enterprises dominate the US economy, and the SEE program is intended to parallel more traditional activities in modeling and analysis of manufacturing enterprises with a new focus on engineered systems in service operations. Sectors represented initially include: * Commercial Transportation * Logistics and Distribution * Health Care Delivery * Financial Engineering * Electronic Markets and Auctions * After Sale Equipment Monitoring, Maintenance and Repair * Retailing * Hospitality and Entertainment Customer Call/Contact Centers Contributions may involve generic issues for such enterprises such as staff scheduling, dynamic pricing, facilities design, and quality assurance, or they may address more focused questions of interest mainly in particular sectors. Due Oct 01, 2006.

National Science Foundation Manufacturing Enterprise Systems Grant
The Manufacturing Enterprise Systems program addresses research on design, planning and control of operations in manufacturing enterprises, from shop floors to the associated procurement and distribution supply chains. MES replaces the Production Systems program, which formerly sponsored research on these topics. Contributions should impact and extend the range of analytical and computational techniques addressed to extended enterprise operations, and/or advance novel models offering policy insights or the prospect of implementable solutions. Among the categories of research supported are the following: * Analytical and computational tools and systems for planning, monitoring, control, and scheduling of manufacturing and distribution operations * Methods for personnel planning * Methods for evaluation, comparison, and optimization of designs for manufacturing systems and facilities, especially in the presence of massive uncertainty and risk about the operating environment. Recent topics funded: * Planning and control of manufacturing and distribution operations in highly distributed global environments (Scalable Enterprise Systems solicitation) * Real-time manufacturing process control and root-cause analysis * Real-time supply chain control * Design of reverse manufacturing systems and supply-chains * Personnel rotation and scheduling with consideration of learning and forgetting * Reliability and yield analysis in nano-fabrication. Oct 01, 2006.

National Science Foundation Manufacturing Machines and Equipment Grant
A goal of the Manufacturing Machines and Equipment program is to accelerate this transition by helping to meet the knowledge needs of next-generation of manufacturing systems. A second goal is to provide technologies that could reduce the detrimental environmental and societal impacts of manufacturing, including manufacturing facility footprint, energy consumption, use of scarce or hazardous substances, and waste products. Toward the accomplishment of these goals, a focus of the program is to support research leading to an understanding of the physics of manufacturing operations, leading to improved predictive models and improved manufacturing decision making. Key research topics include the following: * Understanding and modeling of fundamental processes, such as cutting, drilling, grinding, EDM, ECM, and the various additive processes related to solid freeform fabrication, * Utilization and integration of sensors into the manufacturing process, * Machine and manufacturing system operation and control, including closed-loop control of manufacturing machines, tool path generation and operation sequencing, * Parts feeding, holding and fixturing, * Metrology and quality control, and * Manufacturing machine design. Program interest spans the full range of size scales from critical dimensions on the order of one micron and up (for smaller part dimensions, please refer to the NanoManufacturing program). Interest includes manufacturing with new and nonconventional materials, and new and nonconventional methods of material removal or addition. Small group proposals are encouraged as a means of gaining multi-disciplinary insights into key issue areas.

National Science Foundation Process and Reaction Engineering
This program supports fundamental and applied research on: 1) Rates and mechanisms of important classes of catalyzed and uncatalyzed chemical reactions as they relate to the design, production, and application of catalysts, chemical processes, and specialized materials;2) Chemical phenomena occurring at or near solid surfaces and interfaces; 3) Electrochemical and photochemical processes of engineering significance or with commercial potential; 4) Design and optimization of complex chemical processes; 5) Dynamic modeling and control of process systems and individual process units; 6) Reactive processing of polymers, ceramics, and thin films; and 7) Interactions between chemical reactions and transport processes in reactive systems, and the use of this information in the design of complex chemical reactors. Due Oct 2.

National Science Foundation Combustion and Plasma Systems
The Combustion and Plasma Systems Program concentrates on research in fundamental engineering science in support of systems applications of combustion and plasmas. There are many mission-oriented programs in industry and government that support applied research and development in these areas. For the most part, this program is not an applied research program, but provides basic knowledge that can be used by others in development of systems for civil, industrial, or military applications. Broad-based tools--computational, experimental, or diagnostic--that can be applied to a variety of problems in combustion and/or plasmas are major products of this endeavor. Oct 02, 2006

National Science Foundation Systematic Biology and Biodiversity Inventories Grant
Systematic Biology and Biodiversity Inventories Cluster: Supports the general science of systematics, whose three main missions are: to discover, describe, and inventory global species diversity; to analyze and synthesize the information derived from this global discovery effort into predictive classification systems that reflect the history of life; and to organize the information derived from this global program in efficiently retrievable forms that best meet the needs of science and society. The Cluster manages review panels each fall and spring, which include the review of Revisionary Systematics (REVSYS) proposals; as well as special competitions for Partnerships for Enhancing Expertise in Taxonomy (PEET) and Planentary Biodiversity Inventories (PBI), which rotate biennially. The Cluster also works in conjunction with Emerging Frontiers (EF) on the Assembling the Tree of Life (AToL) program. Full Proposal Target Date: January 09, 2007

National Science Foundation Combustion and Plasma Systems
The Combustion and Plasma Systems Program concentrates on research in fundamental engineering science in support of systems applications of combustion and plasmas. There are many mission-oriented programs in industry and government that support applied research and development in these areas. For the most part, this program is not an applied research program, but provides basic knowledge that can be used by others in development of systems for civil, industrial, or military applications. Broad-based tools--computational, experimental, or diagnostic--that can be applied to a variety of problems in combustion and/or plasmas are major products of this endeavor.Investigators wishing to submit unsolicited plasma engineering proposals to CTS are encouraged to submit their proposals in response to the FY06 NSF/DOE Partnership for Basic Plasma Science and Engineering. Subject to NSF and DOE agency approvals and the availability of funds, the FY06 NSF/DOE Partnership solicitation is being planned for the autumn of 2005 with an early 2006 submission deadline. More funds will be made available for plasma engineering proposals reviewed within the Partnership than for unsolicited plasma engineering proposals reviewed within CTS during FY 2006.

National Science Foundation Particulate and Multiphase Processes
The Particulate and Multiphase Processes Program supports fundamental and applied research on physical mechanisms and phenomena governing multiphase processes, granular and granular-fluid flows, particle/bubble/droplet interactions, aerosol science and technology, suspensions, micro-/nano-structured fluids, self and directed assembly of nanostructures, and related instrumentation and diagnostics. Innovative research is sought that contributes to improving the basic understanding, design, predictability, efficiency, and control of multiphase processes with particular emphasis on: new frontiers in nanotechnology, novel manufacturing techniques, nano-metrology, multiphase transport in biological systems, environmental sustainability, critical infrastructure systems, and complex engineering or natural systems.

National Science Foundation Particulate and Multiphase Processes
The Particulate and Multiphase Processes Program supports fundamental and applied research on physical mechanisms and phenomena governing multiphase processes, granular and granular-fluid flows, particle/bubble/droplet interactions, aerosol science and technology, suspensions, micro-/nano-structured fluids, self and directed assembly of nanostructures, and related instrumentation and diagnostics. Innovative research is sought that contributes to improving the basic understanding, design, predictability, efficiency, and control of multiphase processes with particular emphasis on: new frontiers in nanotechnology, novel manufacturing techniques, nano-metrology, multiphase transport in biological systems, environmental sustainability, critical infrastructure systems, and complex engineering or natural systems.

Community Development Financial Institutions
The U.S. Department of Treasury requests applications for the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund. The Fund provides financial and technical assistance to community-based organizations, known as community development financial institutions, that provide financing and related services to communities and populations that lack access to credit, capital and financial services. CFDI supports economic development, affordable housing and community development financial services. $26 million expected to be available, 75 awards anticipated. Responses due 11/14/06. For more info, contact cdfihelp@cdfi.treas.gov. Refer to Sol# CDFI-2007-FATA. (Grants.gov 8/28/06)

Department of Defense
Power and Thermal Technologies for Air and Space (PTTAS) Multimegawatt Electric Power System (MEPS) Program

The Air Force Research Laboratory Propulsion Directorate, Power Division (AFRL/PRP) issues Amendment 3 for the purpose of soliciting the second call for proposals for the Power and Thermal Technologies for Air and Space (PTTAS). The current solicitation topic is the Multimegawatt Electric Power System (MEPS) Program. The objective of the Multimegawatt Electric Power System (MEPS) program is to demonstrate in a ground test a multimegawatt power system for military applications. The major power system components include a gas turbine, superconducting generator, power conditioner and thermal management. The superconducting generator technology development is the emphasis of this effort while the gas turbine and power conditioner are anticipated to be commercial off the shelf components.

DOD SBIR/STTR Includes Hydrogen, Fuel Cell Topics
Regenerative fuel cells for airships and SOFC anodes are among topics of interest in the latest Department of Defense Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer solicitation. Phase I awards are typically $70,000 to $100,000 in size for a six-to-nine month period. Deadline for proposals is October 13, 2006.

DOE Issues Loan Guarantee Solicitation for Innovative Energy Projects
The Department of Energy has issued a solicitation for its Loan Guarantee Program, seeking projects that employ innovative technologies in support of the advanced energy initiative. The total amount of funding available under this initiative is $2 billion. Pre-applications are required and due by November 6, 2006. Qualified pre-applicants will be invited to submit a full application.

DOE to Award $250 Million for New Bioenergy Centers
The Department of Energy announced it will invest $250 million to establish two new Bioenergy Research Centers to accelerate basic research on the development of cellulosic ethanol and other biofuels, including biologically produced hydrogen. $25 million in first-year funding will be awarded in 2007 for the establishment of each center. Deadline for proposals is February 1, 2007.

Purchase of Fuel Cell System
The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake CA announces its intent to seek one or more hydrogen regenerative fuel cell systems that produce between 1 and 5 kilowatts (kW) of power. The goal is to be able to purchase these systems as building blocks to create larger systems in the future. The solicitation will open on or about 10/2/06 and will close 30 days later. For more info, contact Theodore Fiske at Theodore.Fiske@navy.mil. Refer to Sol# N6893606R0042. (FBO 9/14/06)

Energy Innovations Small Grant Program Announces Solicitation
The California Energy Commission’s Energy Innovations Small Grant (EISG) program announced its latest solicitation to fund projects that determine the feasibility of energy research and development concepts relating to the state’s Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) Program. A maximum of $95,000 is available for individual hardware projects requiring physical testing and $50,000 for individual modeling projects. Approximately $2.6 million is allocated per year for EISG grants. Deadline for applications is October 13, 2006.

NYSERDA Issues PON for Hydrogen Transportation Development Program
The New York State Energy Research and Development Agency (NYSERDA) has issued a Program Opportunity Notice (PON 1082) in support of its Hydrogen Transportation Development Program, seeking projects involving development of hydrogen fueling stations and hydrogen Internal Combustion Engines. A total of $5 million is available. Individual project awards will not exceed $1 million. Proposals are due October 31, 2006.

Sacramento Renewables
The Sacramento Municipal Utility District requests proposals for Renewable Energy Power Purchase Agreements to meet the needs of the District's Renewable Portfolio Standard and Greenergy Program. Renewables include wind, small hydroelectric (30MW or less), geothermal, landfill gas, direct combustion biomass, and biodiesel. Responses due 10/3/06. For more info, contact Marco Lemes at mlemes@smud.org. Refer to Sol# 060309.CJB.

Nevada Renewables
Nevada Power Company and Sierra Pacific Power Company seek to purchase non-solar and non-Demand Side Management renewable resources. Responses due 10/23/06. (Grant Power Network 9/8/06)

Wisconsin Energy and Environmental Research
Wisconsin's Focus on Energy requests proposals for the Environmental Research Program. This initiative supports research projects that study the environmental effects of electrical generation and transmission in WI. Research areas of interest include the siting of renewable energy facilities, the ecological impacts of transmission line development, and the effects of global warming and greenhouse gasses. $235K expected to be available. A notice of Intent to Propose is required and is due 10/16/06, final proposals due 10/30/06. For more info, contact EnRshinfo@focusonenergy.com.

Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
The Sloan Foundation invites nominations for Sloan Industry Studies Fellowships. These fellowships support junior faculty from a variety of academic disciplines who are conducting field-based research on a topic important to a specific industry. Up to five awards of $45,000 for a two-year period will be made. Candidates must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent in economics, management, engineering, political science, sociology, or a related or interdisciplinary field, being no more than six years from completion of the most recent Ph.D. or equivalent as of the year of their nomination. Candidates also must be members of the regular faculty of a college or university in the U.S. or Canada and be nominated by a senior scholar. Nominations are due Oct. 15, 2006.

L'Oréal USA
L'Oréal USA invites applications for its 2007 Fellowships for Women in Science program. This program provides grants to postdoctoral researchers who are pursuing studies and research in the life and physical/material sciences, mathematics, engineering and computer science. Following selection of 20-25 finalists, five $40,000 fellowship grants will be offered for a one-year term. Applicants who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents or naturalized citizens must be affiliated with a U.S.-based academic or research institution. Applicants must be planning to do their postdoctoral studies and research in the U.S. Applications are due Oct. 31, 2006. More information is available by clicking on "For Women in Science" at the top of the web page.

Environmental Marketing Projects Supported

Temper of the Times Foundation
Temper of the Times Foundation promotes the use of standard marketing concepts to increase environmental awareness. Recognizing that organizations working to protect the environment generally have limited access to paid media, the Foundation provides funds to underwrite advertising designed to promote the conservation and restoration of native wildlife, plants, and ecosystems in the United States. Projects with measurable short-term effects on wildland ecosystem conservation will be prioritized over those that are purely educational in nature. Grants may be used to fund the production of print, radio, or television ads; to pay for advertising space or airtime; or to produce or distribute pamphlets, books, videos, or press packets. The application deadline is October 16, 2006. Visit the website listed above for funding guidelines and application procedures.

Support for K-14 Science Programs

Initiative to Develop Education through Astronomy and Space Science
The Initiative to Develop Education through Astronomy and Space Science (IDEAS) is a grant program that provides start-up funding to explore innovative, creative ways to integrate astronomy and space science into United States education and public outreach venues. The objective of the IDEAS program is to enhance science, mathematics, and/or technology education in the United States for K-14 students and the general public by promoting partnerships between astronomers/space scientists and educators. All proposals must have at least one professional astronomer/space scientist and one professional educator active in the development and implementation of the project. The application deadline is October 20, 2006. Visit the website listed above for funding guidelines and application forms.

Local Boating Programs Funded

BoatU.S. Foundation
The BoatU.S. Foundation, established by the Boat Owners Association of the U.S., is dedicated to promoting safe and environmentally sensitive boating. The Foundation offers the following two distinct grant programs. Boating Safety Grants provide support for projects that promote safe boating on local waterways. Topics can range from literature on the affects of boating under the influence to signs at boat ramps informing users about free vessel safety checks. The deadline for this program is November 1, annually. Clean Water Grants provide support for projects that teach boaters to reduce their impact on the waters they use for boating. Topics can range from petroleum pollution prevention to keeping trash out of waterways. The deadline for this program is February 1, annually. The Foundation awards grants to small, local, volunteer-based nonprofit organizations as well as local chapters of national organizations.

Healthy Planet Advocacy Groups Funded

Beldon Fund
The Beldon Fund seeks to build a national consensus to achieve a healthy planet by supporting nonprofit advocacy organizations through two grantmaking programs. The Human Health and the Environment program supports organizations throughout the U.S. that engage new constituencies in exposing the connection between toxic chemicals and human health and in promoting public policies that eliminate environmental risks to people's health. The Key States program supports organizations in Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Wisconsin that focus on building a growing, energized consensus for environmental protection that can influence public policy makers. Proposals for this program do not need to be tied to any particular issue, but targeted issues must have the potential to build active public support for the environment. Letters of inquiry for both programs will be accepted between September 27 and November 1, 2006.

Support for Environmental Programs

Waste Management Charitable Giving Program
The Waste Management Charitable Giving Program is committed to making company communities safer, cleaner, and better places to live and work. (Information on company locations is available on the Waste Management website.) One of the primary focus areas of the Charitable Giving Program is the environment. The company is committed to helping provide renewable resources to reduce our nation’s dependence on fossil fuels, and to conserving and maintaining wetlands, wildlife habitats and green spaces for people's enjoyment. Support is also provided to environmental education programs, including environmental and science related projects targeted to middle and high school students. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

Funds for K-12 Field Trips

Target Field Trip Grants
The Target Field Trip Grants program will award grants to K-12 educators, teachers, principals, para-professionals, or classified staff to fund field trips for their students. Up to 800 grants of $1,000 each will be awarded to educators throughout the United States. Examples of eligible field trips include art, science, and cultural museum visits; civics projects; career enrichment opportunities, etc. Education professionals who are employed by an accredited K-12 public, private or charter school in the U.S. that maintains a 501(c)(3) or a 509(a)(1) tax exempt status are eligible to apply. Funds may be used to cover field trip-related costs such as transportation, ticket fees, resource materials, and supplies. Applications must be submitted online by November 1, 2006.