Nuclear Data Interagency Working Group (NDIAWG) Research Program

The Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science (SC) has announced the Nuclear Data InterAgency Working Group (NDIAWG) Research Program, a funding opportunity for research advancing nuclear data to support the missions of the Nuclear Physics (NP) and Fusion Energy Sciences (FES) programs. This program invites proposals addressing challenges identified through the Workshop on Applied Nuclear Data Activities (WANDA) and other discussions. With over $70 million invested since 2016, this initiative is now offering $2 million in total funding for fiscal year 2025. The program anticipates awarding between 1 to 3 grants, with individual award amounts ranging from $100,000 to $1,000,000 for project periods of 3 to 5 years. The primary purpose of this program is to improve and refine nuclear data critical for fusion energy applications, including neutron interaction cross-sections, decay pathways, and activation products. The research should focus on advancing sensitivity studies, optimizing material selection, improving radiation transport models, and refining predictive models for material activation and waste management strategies. These efforts aim to enhance reactor design, economic viability, and safety while reducing waste and radiological impact. Successful applicants will also be expected to participate in the annual WANDA meeting to present findings and engage with the broader nuclear data community. Eligible applicants include all institutions except nonprofit organizations described in Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code that engage in lobbying activities. DOE/NNSA National Laboratories, non-DOE/NNSA FFRDCs, other federal agencies, and their subcontractors are also eligible but must follow specific submission protocols detailed in the funding opportunity announcement (FOA). Individual applicants must demonstrate their ability to meet the program's technical and organizational requirements, and non-domestic applicants must substantiate their unique capabilities. Cost-sharing is not required, and proposals focused on commercial activities or customer-specific needs will be declined. Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) through the DOE's Portfolio Analysis and Management System (PAMS) before the full application deadline. The LOI should outline the project’s objectives, technical approach, senior personnel, and anticipated budget. Full applications must be submitted via Grants.gov and include required forms such as the SF-424 (R&R), project narrative, budget details, and letters of collaboration or access. Multi-institutional teams may apply through collaborative submissions or as subrecipients, depending on their organizational structure and research goals. Proposals will be evaluated based on scientific and technical merit, the applicant’s qualifications and resources, and the project's alignment with program priorities. DOE emphasizes open science practices and compliance with export controls and nonproliferation protocols. All proposed research must be fundamental, publishable in scholarly literature, and free from classified or restricted data. Key deadlines, including the LOI and application submission dates, are provided in the NOFO's cover sheet. Award announcements will be made following a merit review process, with anticipated project periods starting between December 1 and June 30. For additional guidance, applicants are encouraged to contact DOE program managers or consult the detailed FOA available on the DOE website.