Science and Technology Projects Related to Coal Mining and Reclamation | S20AS00005

FAQs: OSMRE Applied Science Program (Funding Opportunity Number S20AS00005)

What agency is offering this grant opportunity?

The U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) is offering this funding through its Applied Science Program.

What is the purpose of the Applied Science Program funding described here?

The funding supports projects that improve and demonstrate science and technology tied to coal mining operations and the reclamation of mined lands. The emphasis is on practical, implementation-oriented work that helps solve real regulatory and environmental challenges connected to carrying out the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA).

What kinds of projects is OSMRE looking for?

OSMRE is looking for applied research and field-ready innovations that can be implemented and demonstrated, rather than purely theoretical work. The program is oriented toward solutions that can be used in practice to address regulatory and environmental challenges associated with coal mining and mined land reclamation.

Is basic or theoretical research a fit for this opportunity?

Based on the description provided, the focus is applied and demonstration-oriented. OSMRE is seeking practical, field-ready innovations and applied research intended to address real challenges related to SMCRA implementation.

Do proposals have to address specific OSMRE topics?

Yes. A central requirement is that proposals must directly address topics on OSMRE's specified list of eligible issues. Submissions that do not align with those defined issues are not considered.

What happens if a proposal does not align with the eligible issue list?

If a submission does not directly address one or more topics on OSMRE's specified list of eligible issues, it is not considered under this solicitation.

What type of funding opportunity is this?

This is a discretionary grant competition.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this solicitation?

The Funding Opportunity Number is S20AS00005.

What category is this opportunity listed under?

It is in the science and technology and research and development category.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA number is 15.255.

What award instrument does OSMRE expect to use?

Awards are made primarily as cooperative agreements, which generally means OSMRE expects to have substantial involvement during the project rather than acting only as a pass-through funder.

When might an interagency agreement be used instead of a cooperative agreement?

If another federal agency is involved in the work, OSMRE may use an interagency agreement structure instead.

What does it mean that awards are primarily cooperative agreements?

It means OSMRE typically anticipates substantial involvement during the project. In practice, that suggests the agency may be actively engaged beyond simply providing funds, consistent with how cooperative agreements are described in the notice.

How much funding can an applicant request per project?

Applicants can request up to $200,000 per project.

How many awards did OSMRE anticipate making?

OSMRE anticipated making about eight awards under this solicitation.

How long can the project period be?

The project period must match the proposed scope and timeline but cannot exceed two years from the date of award.

Are no-cost extensions allowed?

Yes. No-cost (non-funded) extensions are possible, but only when needed to complete the project and only when the delay is outside the Principal Investigator's control.

Can a no-cost extension be used to cover scheduling issues or an expanded project scope?

No. The notice indicates extensions are not intended to cover avoidable scheduling problems or scope creep.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes: state governments, federally recognized tribal governments, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (other than universities), for-profit organizations other than small businesses, and small businesses.

Are state governments eligible?

Yes, state governments are listed as eligible applicants.

Are federally recognized tribal governments eligible?

Yes, federally recognized tribal governments are listed as eligible applicants.

Are colleges and universities eligible?

Yes. Public and private institutions of higher education are listed as eligible.

Are 501(c)(3) nonprofits eligible?

Yes. Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status are eligible, with the solicitation noting an exclusion for universities in that nonprofit category (institutions of higher education are listed separately as eligible).

Are for-profit organizations eligible?

Yes. For-profit organizations other than small businesses are listed as eligible, and small businesses are also listed as eligible.

Does the application package include guidance on how to prepare a proposal?

Yes. The solicitation states that the application package includes proposal preparation instructions.

Does the opportunity explain how proposals will be reviewed?

Yes. The solicitation indicates the application package includes an explanation of the review process and reinforces that proposals are evaluated against the program's defined issue areas and expectations for applied, demonstrable outcomes.

What outcomes does OSMRE expect from funded projects?

The notice emphasizes applied, demonstrable outcomes, including improvements and demonstrations of science and technology that address practical regulatory and environmental challenges connected to SMCRA.

When was this notice created?

The notice was created on March 25, 2020.

What was the original application deadline?

The original application deadline was May 25, 2020.