Fiscal Year 2024 Nuclear Forensics Research Award (NFRA)

Background
The National Nuclear Forensics Expertise Development Program (NNFEDP) works to build a nuclear forensics workforce of recognized technical experts and leaders through fostering scholastic and research collaboration between and among academia, the national and defense laboratories, and the National Technical Nuclear Forensics (NTNF) Interagency, as required by law. The implementation of the NNFEDP fulfills the requirements outlined in Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended. This program also aligns with Goal 1 of the DHS Strategic Plan fiscal years 2020-2024: “Counter Terrorism and Homeland Security Threats” and Objectives 1.2: “Detect and Disrupt Threats,” and 1.4: “Counter Weapons of Mass Destruction and Emerging Threats.”

The Nuclear Forensics Research Award (NFRA) supports the establishment of a team of faculty, students, and technical staff at the national or defense laboratories to conduct research in the field of nuclear forensics.

Grant Details
The NFRA is designed to recruit and produce a new generation of leaders and technical experts in fields relevant to nuclear forensics. It aims to link qualified students with a nuclear forensics-relevant research project, sponsored by faculty and laboratory staff participation. The NFRA can sponsor a minimum of two graduate and/or two undergraduate students for a three-year period with potential additional funding for up to two additional years.

The initiative also aims to enhance collaborative partnerships among universities, national, and defense laboratories to increase knowledge in the field of nuclear forensics. Technical Mission Areas (TMAs) include Pre-Detonation Material and Device Signatures, Pre-Detonation Analysis Methods and Tools, Post-Detonation Material Collection and Analysis Methods, and Post-Detonation Prompt Signal Analysis.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include private institutions of higher education, public & state controlled institutions of higher education, universities accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency with campuses located in the United States or U.S. territories.

Applicants must propose a minimum of two graduate students for funding or a minimum of two graduate students along with a minimum of two undergraduate students in their junior/senior year for funding.

Period of Performance
The period of performance is 3 years funded annually with projected start date on 09/30/2024 and end date on 09/29/2027.

Continuations to the period of performance are allowed for up to two additional years with additional funding provided through renewal awards.

Grant Value
$1,800,000 is available for up to 6 awards with a maximum award amount of $300,000 per year for 3 years ($900,000).

Place of Performance
DHS will assist academic recipients with establishing partnership with a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory or Department of Defense laboratory if such partnership does not currently exist.