Fiscal Year 2026 University Reactor Sharing and Outreach

The University Reactor Sharing and Outreach (RS&O) grant opportunity, issued by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Idaho Operations Office, supports the sharing of nuclear research reactor resources by U.S. universities and colleges. This initiative forms part of the DOE's broader effort to strengthen the nuclear energy sector through education, research, and public engagement. Specifically, the RS&O grant is aligned with the mission of the Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) to sustain U.S. leadership in nuclear energy technology and innovation, ensuring long-term support for education, infrastructure, and workforce development in nuclear science and engineering. This grant program is intended exclusively for U.S. institutions of higher education that possess operational nuclear research reactors—referred to as “Host Institutions.” These institutions are encouraged to collaborate with other academic institutions that do not have such facilities, including tribal colleges, technical schools, community colleges, and K–12 institutions. Through collaborative outreach activities and educational engagements, the program aims to enhance nuclear-related curriculum development, improve public understanding of nuclear science and engineering, and foster student and faculty collaboration across institutions. The program explicitly supports efforts that promote STEM education and increase public engagement with nuclear technology. Funding under this program totals approximately $1,000,000, with an anticipated five awards ranging up to $200,000 each over a performance period of up to 24 months. While cost sharing is encouraged, it is not required. The DOE allows awardees to direct funds toward activities such as reactor tours, development of nuclear laboratory content for university courses, teacher workshops, student engagement events, and specialized research utilizing university reactor facilities. However, funding may not be used for infrastructure upgrades, routine maintenance, or the planning or construction of new nuclear reactors. Equipment purchases are limited to under $10,000, and foreign travel is not permitted. To be eligible, applicants must be among the 24 pre-designated U.S. universities and colleges operating nuclear research reactors, including institutions such as Idaho State University, North Carolina State University, and the University of California, Irvine. Subrecipients may include other U.S.-based universities, for-profit or nonprofit entities, state and local governments, and federally recognized Indian tribes. Foreign entities and entities of concern are ineligible. Only one application per Host Institution is allowed, and each institution may have only one active RS&O award at a time. The application process involves submitting a full application package by February 27, 2026, through the NEUP.gov portal. Required components include a technical volume (limited to 8 pages), a project summary, resumes of key personnel, budget forms (SF-424 and SF-424A), budget justification, vendor quotes, cost-sharing letters if applicable, and documentation regarding current and pending support. The DOE will evaluate submissions based on their alignment with program objectives, project feasibility, collaboration potential, educational impact, and community engagement. Successful applicants will be notified by September 30, 2026, with awards anticipated to begin by February 1, 2027. Projects may last up to two years. The RS&O program is recurring and issued annually, with past rounds indicating a consistent focus on nuclear education outreach and cross-institutional collaboration. Contact for inquiries is provided through the Innovative Nuclear Research (INR) Integration Office at [email protected]. This funding opportunity is governed by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and administered under 2 CFR Part 200 and Part 910, incorporating applicable DOE financial assistance regulations.

Avoid proposing infrastructure upgrades or reactor construction; focus on outreach, education, and collaborative use of existing reactors.