STEWARDSHIP SCIENCE ACADEMIC ALLIANCES PROGRAM CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE | DE FOA 0002789

Opportunity Information: Apply for DE FOA 0002789

The Stewardship Science Academic Alliances (SSAA) Program Centers of Excellence opportunity is a Department of Energy (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Defense Programs funding announcement aimed at supporting university-based research that directly strengthens the science foundation behind the nation`s Stockpile Stewardship Program (SSP). The SSP exists because the United States has maintained a moratorium on underground nuclear testing since 1992 while still needing to ensure the nuclear weapons stockpile remains safe, secure, and effective. Instead of relying on explosive testing, the SSP depends on a mix of advanced experiments, high-fidelity physics models, and modern computing to simulate and predict weapon performance across many scenarios. This funding call is designed to keep that scientific base moving forward and to develop the next generation of experts who can support NNSA`s long-term technical and workforce needs.

This particular solicitation, issued by the Defense Programs Office of Strategic Partnership Programs, invites applications for new or renewal awards specifically structured as cooperative agreements for SSAA Centers of Excellence. A key point is that only cooperative agreement applications are allowed under this announcement; standard grant applications are explicitly not accepted. In practical terms, a cooperative agreement typically signals substantial involvement by the federal sponsor during the period of performance, reflecting the mission-connected nature of the work and the need for close coordination with NNSA priorities.

The program focuses on fundamental physical sciences and enabling technologies that matter to stockpile stewardship, especially in areas that may not be well covered by other federal research programs. The goal is not only to produce publishable scientific advances, but also to provide hands-on research training that builds a durable pipeline of scientists and engineers for stewardship-related challenges. This workforce emphasis is central to the SSAA model: it supports STEM development at U.S. universities while aligning research topics with the technical problems and future capability needs of NNSA and its laboratories.

Applications are sought in four specific technical areas. The first is advanced characterization of materials properties under extreme conditions, which broadly covers understanding how materials behave when exposed to high pressures, high temperatures, strong radiation fields, or rapid deformation rates conditions that are critical for stewardship-relevant modeling and experiments. The second area is low energy nuclear science, a field that includes nuclear reactions and structure studies at energies relevant to many applied and fundamental questions connected to stewardship. The third area is radiochemistry, which spans the chemistry of radioactive materials, including measurement, separation, and analysis methods that support diagnostics, forensics, and stockpile-related science. The fourth is high energy density physics, which involves matter under extreme energy densities (often created with powerful lasers, pulsed power systems, or dynamic compression), and underpins many experimental and computational approaches used to validate and improve predictive models.

The announcement also highlights an administrative responsibility point related to collaborations with Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs). If selected, the university applicant remains the responsible authority for resolving contractual and administrative issues tied to agreements with an FFRDC contractor, including disputes or claims that may arise. The notice points applicants to the Master Government List of FFRDCs maintained by NSF as a reference resource.

Eligibility is limited to U.S. institutions of higher education, including public and state-controlled universities as well as private universities. The funding instrument is discretionary financial assistance through cooperative agreements, categorized under science and technology and other research and development. The Assistance Listing (CFDA) number is 81.112, and the funding opportunity number is DE-FOA-0002789. The posting indicates an award ceiling of $3,000,000 and anticipates up to 10 awards under this solicitation.

Application submission is handled through Grants.gov only. Applicants are directed to locate the opportunity by searching Grants.gov using the Assistance Listing number (81.112) and/or the NOFO number, then using the "Apply" function to access the application package and instructions. The announcement is explicit that applications submitted through FedConnect will not be accepted, so applicants need to plan their submission process around Grants.gov and consult the Grants.gov Applicant FAQs to avoid common submission issues.

• The Department of Energy, NNSA in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "STEWARDSHIP SCIENCE ACADEMIC ALLIANCES PROGRAM CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 81.112.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jul 11, 2022.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Oct 19, 2022. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $3,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 10 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education.

Apply for DE FOA 0002789

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: