Geologic Sequestration Training And Research Grant Program (81.133)

Program

81.133 Geologic Sequestration Training And Research Grant Program

Federal Agency

Agency: Department of Energy

Authorization

H.R. 1 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Program Number

81.133

Last Known Status

Active

Objectives

The mission of the Fossil Energy (FE) Sequestration Training and Research Grant Program is to develop a future generation of geologists, scientists and engineers to fill the gap and provide the skills required for National-scale, large volume geologic storage projects. This program will emphasize advancing educational opportunities across a broad range of minority colleges and universities.

Types of Assistance

Project Grants

Uses and Use Restrictions

Enhance educational opportunities across a broad range of universities, colleges, and university affiliated research institutions to develop a future generation of geologists, scientists and engineers to expand the workforce and provide the skills required for national-scale, commercial geologic storage projects. Educational and training opportunities will be developed by seeking grant applications from universities, colleges, and university affiliated research institutions to educate and train undergraduate and graduate level students through research related to CCS in geology, geophysics, geomechanics, geochemistry and reservoir engineering disciplines needed to staff a broad national CCS program targeting underground storage and monitoring of carbon dioxide (CO2) in deep geologic formations. Fundamental research is needed to advance science in: simulation and risk assessment; monitoring, verification, and accounting; geological related analytical tools; methods to interpret geophysical models; CO2 capture; well completion and integrity; and water production/clean-up/alternative use.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

None

Beneficiary Eligibility

None

Credentials/Documentation

Prior successful experience in the education and training of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies to develop a future generation of geologists, scientists, and engineers in CCS technologies. OMB Circular No. A-87 applies to this program.

Application and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

Preapplication coordination is not applicable. Environmental impact information is not required for this program. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure

This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110. The applicant should follow the procedures listed in the specific funding opportunity announcement (FOA) posted on the Grants.gov (www.grants.gov) and FedConnect (www.fedconnect.net) websites.

Award Procedure

Decisions to approve are made by the Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy and negotiations are conducted by the Office of Procurement in Headquarters and/or the procurement office located in the field.

Deadlines

Not Applicable.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Deadlines are identified in the FOA.

Appeals

Not Applicable.

Renewals

Awards may be modified or extended as required.

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

Statutory formulas are not applicable to this program.

Matching requirements are not applicable to this program.

MOE requirements are not applicable to this program.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

This information will be published in the FOA. See the following for information on how assistance is awarded/released: This information will be published in the FOA.

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

Program reports are not applicable. Cash reports are not applicable. A final technical report is due within 90 days after completion of the project. There will be additional reports associated with the Recovery Act requirements and included in the terms and conditions of the award document. Performance monitoring is not applicable.

Audits

In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133. Audits may be performed to ensure that funds have been applied in accordance with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Possible project audit, overhead rate audit, final closeout audit.

Records

Required by the agreement terms and conditions.

Program Accomplishments

Not Applicable.

Financial Information

Account Identification

89-0211-0-1-271.

Obligations

(Project Grants) FY 08 $0; FY 09 est $19,900,000; FY 10 est $0 - There will be an estimated $12.93M directed to the Universities and another $6.9M directed to training facilities.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

TBD.

Regulations, Guidelines and Literature

DOE Financial Assistance Regulations, 10 CFR 600

Related Programs

81.089 Fossil Energy Research and Development

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

None. National Energy Technology Laboratory, Acquisition & Assistance Division; P.O. Box 10940, Mail Stop 921-107, 626 Cochrans Mill Road, Pittsburgh, PA; 15236-0940. Contact: john.augustine@netl.doe.gov.

Headquarters Office

Maria Jones, 1000 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, District of Columbia 20623 Email: Maria.Jones@hq.doe.gov Phone: (202) 586-1890.

Web Site Address

http://www.netl.doe.gov

Examples of Funded Projects

Not Applicable.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

The merit review evaluation criteria will be published in the FOA such as: (1) Technical merit; (2) priority of technical work relating to proposal; (3) relevance to current program objectives; (4) cost-benefit judgment; and (5) amount of cost-sharing by potential recipient.