Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRCs)

Background
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science (SC) is re-competing the Energy Frontier Research Center (EFRC) program. This program aims to unite world-class teams of scientists from universities, DOE national laboratories, and other institutions to conduct energy-relevant basic research. The focus is on fundamental scientific research that addresses complex challenges in materials sciences, chemical sciences, geosciences, and biosciences. The mission of the Basic Energy Sciences (BES) program is to support research that enhances understanding and control of matter and energy at the electronic, atomic, and molecular levels to foster new energy technologies.

Grant Details
The EFRC program encourages multi-disciplinary teams to propose discovery science and use-inspired basic research addressing scientific challenges in specific topic areas. Applications are solicited in two categories: BES Report Topics and Special Topics. The BES Report Topics include priority research directions identified in various reports related to nuclear energy innovation, subsurface fluid flow, electrical energy storage, transformative manufacturing, microelectronics, quantum computing opportunities, and next-generation quantum systems. Special Topics focus on controlling quantum phenomena for unconventional computing paradigms, AI/ML integration for materials discovery science, emergent phenomena in complex chemical systems, and fundamental science for critical minerals and materials. The expected total funding available is $352 million over several fiscal years with individual awards ranging from $3 million to $4.5 million per year for a maximum of four years.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include all domestic entities except nonprofit organizations engaged in lobbying activities after December 31, 1995. DOE/NNSA National Laboratories can submit applications or be proposed as subrecipients. Non-DOE/NNSA Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) may not submit applications but can be included as subrecipients. Other federal agencies are also not eligible to apply directly but may participate as subrecipients.

Period of Performance
The anticipated project period for awards is approximately four years with a start date assumed to be August 1, 2026.

Grant Value
The total value of the grant opportunity is anticipated to be $352 million across multiple fiscal years with individual grants expected to range from $3 million to $4.5 million per year ($12 million to $18 million total over four years).