The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), through the Office of Nuclear Energy’s Idaho Operations Office, has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) titled "Fuel Cycle Research and Development to Assess Options as Technologies and Economics Evolve" (DE-FOA-0003364). This funding opportunity is designed to support the advancement of nuclear fuel cycle technologies that will contribute to the sustainability, security, and efficiency of the U.S. nuclear energy portfolio. The program's primary objective is to facilitate cost-shared research and development (R&D) projects with the nuclear industry to mitigate technical costs and uncertainties associated with used nuclear fuel (UNF) recycling technologies.

The program aims to enhance the technical maturity of integrated design and radioactive material management plans. Projects selected under this NOFO must adhere to U.S. policies under National Security Memorandum-19 (NSM-19), ensuring research activities focus solely on R&D and do not contribute to commercial reprocessing or nuclear proliferation. The funding will support studies and demonstrations of advanced fuel recycle processes, off-gas management strategies, nuclear material control, and waste management strategies to optimize resource utilization while reducing nuclear waste volumes.

Eligible applicants are limited to U.S.-owned nuclear industry entities. These entities must have or apply for a Facility Clearance per Department of Energy Acquisition Regulation (DEAR) 952.204-73. While federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs) are not eligible as prime applicants, they may participate as subrecipients. The DOE prohibits participation from foreign entities, and all work under this NOFO must be conducted within the United States.

The NOFO provides up to $10 million in total funding, with a maximum award of $5 million per project. Cost-sharing of at least 20% of total project costs is required. DOE anticipates awarding multiple cooperative agreements, with projects having a performance period of up to three years. Funding for subsequent years beyond the initial base year is subject to DOE’s approval and availability of appropriations.

The application process includes a mandatory letter of intent due by January 21, 2025. Full applications must be submitted by March 4, 2025, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time through Grants.gov. Compliance with the application requirements, including completion of the Standard Form 328 or proof of an existing Facility Clearance, is necessary for eligibility. Applications will be evaluated based on technical merit, alignment with DOE’s mission, and cost-sharing commitments. The selection process will consider factors such as technological feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and the potential for industry impact.

For further details, applicants can contact Andrew Ford at fordaj@id.doe.gov. The DOE emphasizes that proprietary information should be clearly marked in the application. More information about the submission process, eligibility criteria, and funding requirements is available in the full NOFO documents.