This funding opportunity, titled "EXPRESS: 2025 Exploratory Research for Extreme-Scale Science" (NOFO Number DE-FOA-0003545), is issued by the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science (SC) within its Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR) program. It supports basic research in scientific computing and extreme-scale science to address emerging trends and challenges in high-end computing, quantum technologies, and artificial intelligence on heterogeneous architectures. The anticipated funding amount for this opportunity is $16 million, with an estimated 20 awards, ranging between $200,000 and $1 million per project, for a project period of two years.

The purpose of the program is to advance innovative approaches in extreme-scale scientific computing. Applicants are encouraged to explore research areas including quantum computation based on topological concepts, local and campus-area quantum networking for parallel quantum computing, neuromorphic computing, computational physical systems, and deep understanding of AI models. The funding focuses on fundamental advancements in these areas rather than incremental extensions of current research.

Eligibility is broad, encompassing all types of applicants except nonprofit organizations described in section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code that engaged in lobbying activities after December 31, 1995. DOE and other federally funded laboratories, higher education institutions, and for-profit entities are eligible to apply. Cost sharing is not required, and individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to participate. However, a pre-application is mandatory, and applications from those who fail to submit one will be declined without review.

Applicants must submit a pre-application by February 25, 2025, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Full applications are due by May 6, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. The pre-application must include a concise hypothesis and research objectives, with applications evaluated based on their scientific and technical merit, appropriateness of approach, competency of personnel, and alignment with DOE priorities. Applications exceeding the budget ceiling of $500,000 annually for DOE laboratories or $250,000 annually for others, or falling below the minimum floor of $100,000, will not be reviewed.

The review process includes scientific merit evaluations, responsiveness checks, and a risk review. Selected applicants will be notified of their status and, if successful, must demonstrate progress through periodic reporting. An informational webinar will be held, with details posted on the ASCR funding opportunities webpage.

For additional details, refer to the original NOFO document or visit Grants.gov to apply. Let me know if further clarification is needed!