Opportunity Information: Apply for DE FOA 0003312
The Fiscal Year 2025 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research (often tied to the CINR program) is a U.S. Department of Energy opportunity focused on strengthening the physical and organizational research capabilities that support nuclear energy science and engineering. The funding is issued by DOE's Office of Nuclear Energy through the Idaho Field Office under Funding Opportunity Number DE FOA 0003312, and it uses the grant funding instrument. At its core, the program is meant to build or enhance the research infrastructure that universities rely on to carry out nuclear-related research and development, and to train the next generation of nuclear scientists, engineers, and policy professionals.
The opportunity is grounded in DOE-NE's broader mission to advance nuclear energy science and technology in ways that meet U.S. energy, environmental, and economic needs. The announcement highlights four major strategic goals that frame NE's work across programs: keeping the existing U.S. reactor fleet operating safely and reliably, enabling deployment of new reactors (including advanced designs), securing and sustaining the nuclear fuel cycle, and expanding international cooperation in nuclear energy. The infrastructure emphasis matters because progress on any of these goals depends on having modern laboratories, equipment, and baseline capabilities in the research community, not just individual research projects. The program also explicitly connects NE-sponsored activities to department-wide priorities such as addressing climate change, supporting clean energy jobs (including access to union jobs and collective bargaining), and advancing equity and environmental justice through the delivery of innovative clean energy technologies.
From an applicant's perspective, the grant is aimed at higher education institutions, including both public/state-controlled universities and private universities. The activity category is listed as Energy, and the CFDA (assistance listing) number provided is 81.121, which is associated with DOE nuclear energy assistance programs. While the notice emphasizes research and development, it places special weight on "scientific infrastructure support," meaning the types of investments that make sustained R and D possible over time. That typically includes acquiring or upgrading shared-use instrumentation, laboratory capabilities, and other foundational assets that support multiple research thrusts and user groups, particularly where those assets strengthen consolidated or collaborative nuclear research efforts.
Key timing and funding details included in the listing are straightforward: the original closing date is July 17, 2024, and the award ceiling is up to $5,000,000. The listing shows "ExpectedAwards: 0," which can occur in summary records for several administrative reasons (for example, awards may be contingent on appropriations, selections may be made later, or the public summary may not reflect an estimated count). The opportunity was created on May 20, 2024. In practical terms, prospective applicants would treat the ceiling as the maximum potential federal amount per award and should expect the application to make a strong case for why the proposed infrastructure is essential, broadly enabling, and aligned with DOE-NE mission outcomes.
Overall, the program is best read as an investment in capacity: DOE is trying to ensure the U.S. university research ecosystem has the facilities and baseline tools needed to do high-quality nuclear energy research, to educate and train students across undergraduate, graduate, and two-year programs, and to connect that training to research and development that is relevant to DOE priorities and the broader U.S. nuclear energy industry. The central idea is that by improving shared infrastructure and basic capabilities, the program helps accelerate innovation, sustain a skilled workforce pipeline, and support the long-term technical needs of the nation's nuclear energy sector.Apply for DE FOA 0003312
- The Idaho Field Office in the energy sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Fiscal Year 2025 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 81.121.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2024-05-20.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-07-17. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $5,000,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Fiscal Year 2025 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research (CINR) opportunity?
It is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) funding opportunity focused on strengthening the physical and organizational research capabilities that support nuclear energy science and engineering. The emphasis is on "scientific infrastructure support" that enables sustained nuclear-related research and development (R&D) and helps train the next generation of nuclear scientists, engineers, and policy professionals.
Which DOE office is offering this funding opportunity?
The opportunity is issued by DOE's Office of Nuclear Energy (DOE-NE) through the Idaho Field Office.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FOA number)?
The Funding Opportunity Number is DE FOA 0003312.
What funding instrument will be used?
The listing specifies that the funding instrument is a grant.
Who is eligible to apply?
The opportunity is aimed at higher education institutions, including public/state-controlled universities and private universities.
What is the main purpose of this grant?
The core purpose is to build or enhance university research infrastructure that supports nuclear energy science and engineering R&D over time. The intent is to strengthen baseline capabilities and shared resources that multiple research efforts and users can rely on, rather than focusing only on a single narrow project.
What kinds of activities or investments does "scientific infrastructure support" typically mean?
Based on the description, it typically includes acquiring or upgrading shared-use instrumentation, laboratory capabilities, and other foundational assets that support multiple research thrusts and user groups, especially where the investments strengthen consolidated or collaborative nuclear research efforts.
How does this opportunity connect to DOE-NE's broader mission?
DOE-NE's mission is to advance nuclear energy science and technology in ways that meet U.S. energy, environmental, and economic needs. This infrastructure-focused program supports that mission by ensuring the research community has modern facilities and baseline tools needed to make progress across nuclear energy priorities.
What strategic goals does DOE-NE highlight that frame this work?
The announcement describes four strategic goals that frame DOE-NE work across programs: keeping the existing U.S. reactor fleet operating safely and reliably; enabling deployment of new reactors (including advanced designs); securing and sustaining the nuclear fuel cycle; and expanding international cooperation in nuclear energy.
Why does the DOE emphasize infrastructure rather than only funding individual research projects?
The listing emphasizes that progress on DOE-NE strategic goals depends on having modern laboratories, equipment, and baseline capabilities across the research community. Infrastructure investments are positioned as broadly enabling resources that make multiple R&D efforts possible and sustainable over time.
What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number for this opportunity?
The Assistance Listing (CFDA) number provided is 81.121, associated with DOE nuclear energy assistance programs.
What is the activity category for this opportunity?
The activity category is listed as Energy.
What is the application closing date?
The original closing date shown in the listing is July 17, 2024.
When was this opportunity created?
The listing shows that the opportunity was created on May 20, 2024.
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The award ceiling is up to $5,000,000. This is presented as the maximum potential federal amount per award.
How many awards does DOE expect to make?
The listing shows "ExpectedAwards: 0." The description notes that this can appear in summary records for administrative reasons (for example, awards may be contingent on appropriations, selections may be made later, or the public summary may not reflect an estimated count).
Does "ExpectedAwards: 0" mean no one will be funded?
Not necessarily. The provided information explains that an "ExpectedAwards: 0" entry can occur for several administrative reasons and may not reflect the actual number of awards ultimately made.
What kinds of outcomes is DOE looking for from these infrastructure investments?
The opportunity is best read as an investment in capacity: improving shared infrastructure and foundational capabilities to accelerate innovation, support long-term technical needs of the U.S. nuclear energy sector, and sustain a skilled workforce pipeline through education and training.
How does the opportunity relate to workforce development and education?
The program is explicitly tied to training the next generation of nuclear scientists, engineers, and policy professionals. It also emphasizes supporting education and training across undergraduate, graduate, and two-year programs by strengthening the university infrastructure that enables high-quality nuclear R&D and hands-on learning.
How does this opportunity connect to broader DOE priorities like climate, jobs, equity, and environmental justice?
The announcement connects DOE-NE-sponsored activities to department-wide priorities such as addressing climate change, supporting clean energy jobs (including access to union jobs and collective bargaining), and advancing equity and environmental justice through the delivery of innovative clean energy technologies.
What should a strong application emphasize, based on the listing?
Based on the description provided, a strong application would make a clear case that the proposed infrastructure is essential, broadly enabling (supporting multiple users or research thrusts), and aligned with DOE-NE mission outcomes and priorities.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Energy
Next opportunity: NIDCR Small Research Grants for Secondary Analysis of FaceBase Data (R03)
Previous opportunity: Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 Emergency Management Performance Grant Program - Region 8
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for DE FOA 0003312
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (DE FOA 0003312) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Fiscal Year 2025 Distinguished Early Career Program Apply for DE FOA 0003311 Funding Number: DE FOA 0003311 Agency: Idaho Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: $800,000 |
| Energy Utility Partnership Program (EUPP) Apply for RFA OAA 17 000007 Funding Number: RFA OAA 17 000007 Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Energy Funding Amount: $20,000,000 |
| Empowering Insular Communities Program 2017 Apply for EIC 2017 Funding Number: EIC 2017 Agency: Department of the Interior Category: Energy Funding Amount: $2,971,000 |
| Opportunity Notice for Partners to Assist NETL in Adapting CCSI Tool Set Apply for OPPORTUNITY NOTICE Funding Number: OPPORTUNITY NOTICE Agency: National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Fossil Fuel Large-Scale Pilots Request for Information Apply for DE FOA 0001776 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001776 Agency: National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Research Needs Related to Developing Technologies for Advancement of Geologic Storage in Basinal Geo-laboratories Apply for DE FOA 0001863 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001863 Agency: National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| REQUEST FOR INFORMATION- El Salvador Power Efficiency and Reliability Improvement Apply for USAID ES 18 01 Funding Number: USAID ES 18 01 Agency: El Salvador USAID-San Salvador Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| USAID/RDMA Asia Enhancing Growth and Development through Energy (EDGE) Initiative Apply for 72048618RFI USAID RDMA ASIA EDGE Funding Number: 72048618RFI USAID RDMA ASIA EDGE Agency: Thailand USAID-Bangkok Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Versatile modular gasification technology for competitive markets Apply for DE FOA 0002072 Funding Number: DE FOA 0002072 Agency: National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Port Infrastructure Development Grants Apply for 693JF7 19 BAA 0002 Funding Number: 693JF7 19 BAA 0002 Agency: Maritime Administration Category: Energy Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| USAID/Indonesia New Environment Activity Apply for 72049719RFI00001 Funding Number: 72049719RFI00001 Agency: Indonesia USAID-Jakarta Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| USAID/Indonesia New Energy Activity Apply for 72049719RFI00002 Funding Number: 72049719RFI00002 Agency: Indonesia USAID-Jakarta Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research Apply for DE FOA 0002129 Funding Number: DE FOA 0002129 Agency: Idaho Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| Energizing Insular Communities Program Apply for EIC 2020 Funding Number: EIC 2020 Agency: Department of the Interior Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DOE Hydropower Program Research and Development Strategy and HydroWIRES Research Roadmap Apply for DE FOA 0002343 Funding Number: DE FOA 0002343 Agency: Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Request for Information on Research and Development Opportunities for Windows Apply for DE FOA 0002161 Funding Number: DE FOA 0002161 Agency: Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Request for Information (RFI): “Research and Development Opportunities for Opaque Building Envelopes” Apply for DE FOA 0002162 Funding Number: DE FOA 0002162 Agency: Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Understanding Workforce Development Needs for Activities Within the High-Performance Materials Supply Chain Apply for DE FOA 0002247 Funding Number: DE FOA 0002247 Agency: National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| 2020 RFI for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO) Apply for DE FOA 0002379 Funding Number: DE FOA 0002379 Agency: Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Fiscal Year 2021 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research Apply for DE FOA 0002362 Funding Number: DE FOA 0002362 Agency: Idaho Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "DE FOA 0003312", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.