Update on Research Funding via Federal Agencies November 17, 2021
Research Development's Strategic Intelligence team monitors the federal budget and funding landscape and produces this memo on a bi-weekly basis to share information that may impact ASU research.
Science Policy Legislation
New Infrastructure Law to Provide Billions to Energy Technology Projects
https://www.aip.org/fyi/2021/new-infrastructure-law-provide-billions-energy-technology-projects
In the coming days, President Biden will sign the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which will provide around a half-trillion dollars in new funding, largely for priorities such as upgrading the U.S. electric grid, transportation systems, and broadband networks. Funds that the bill allocates for fiscal year 2022 will become available after Biden signs it, notwithstanding that the year’s ordinary appropriations have not been completed. Funds the bill allocates for future years will likewise not require any further congressional action to take effect, providing a degree of budgetary certainty unusual for federal R&D programs.
Decadal Survey Updates Priorities for Astrophysical Science
https://www.nap.edu/resource/26141/interactive/
The National Academies released its latest decadal survey for astronomy and astrophysics on Nov. 4. The survey sets priorities for research and major projects on behalf of the U.S. astrophysical sciences community and will guide decision-making at NASA, the National Science Foundation, and the Department of Energy.
Orbital Debris Research and Development Plan
The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy seeks input from all interested parties on the
Orbital Debris Research and Development (R&D) Plan to improve government coordination and to provide long-term guidance for Federal programs and activities in support of an implementation plan. Comments are due Dec. 31, 2021.
National Strategic Plan for Advanced Manufacturing; Request for Information
On behalf of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), Committee on Technology, Subcommittee on Advanced Manufacturing, OSTP requests input from all interested parties on the development of a National Strategic Plan for Advanced Manufacturing. Through this RFI, OSTP seeks input from the public, on ways to improve government coordination, and on long-term guidance for Federal programs and activities in support of United States manufacturing competitiveness, including: Advanced manufacturing research and development that will create jobs, grow the economy across multiple industrial sectors, strengthen national security, enhance sustainability, contribute to climate change challenges, and improve health care. Responses are due December 17th.
COP26: The most important research and innovation announcements
Science plotted the rise of global warming and brought it to worldwide attention. It is now central to dealing with it. With the Glasgow conference drawing to a close, Science|Business sifts through the announcements to find the top R&D stories.
National Science Foundation (NSF)
NSF Hiring a Director in Geosciences
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/618420700
NSF is seeking to hire a Director for the Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences (AGS) in the Directorate for Geosciences (GEO). The mission of AGS is to enable fundamental research as well as to support relevant infrastructure and education that advances understanding of the behavior of the earth's atmosphere and its interactions with the sun. Applications are due Nov. 29, 2021.
CNSF Submits Policy Recommendations in Response to Biden Administration’s FY 2023 multi-agency R&D priorities to OMB and OSTP
The Coalition for National Science Funding, which includes Association of American Universities (AAU), sent a letter to the directors of OMB and OSTP with a list of policy priorities for NSF funding for Fiscal Year 2023. The policy priorities described in the letter are pandemic readiness and prevention, climate change, emerging technologies (including artificial intelligence), STEM education and equity, and national security.
Department of Defense (DoD)
U.S. Space Force Recognizes Georgia Tech as New Strategic Partner
https://research.gatech.edu/us-space-force-recognizes-georgia-tech-new-strategic-partner
The U.S. Space Force established the University Partnership Program to identify, develop, and retain a diverse, STEM-capable workforce to further its mission to protect U.S. and allied interests in space. Through the partnership, the Space Force will seek to recruit new university members and also create educational and leadership development programs for existing Space Force employees. Georgia Tech was selected for its outstanding aerospace engineering research, its expertise in national defense and security, the diversity of its students, and its robust ROTC program.
Department of Energy (DoE)
Secretary Granholm Launches Carbon Negative Earthshots to Remove Gigatons of Carbon Pollution from the Air by 2050
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm announced the DOE's new goal to remove gigatons of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and durably store it for less than $100/ton of net CO2-equivalent. The “Carbon Negative Shot,” the third target within DOE’s Energy Earthshots Initiative, is the U.S. government’s first major effort in carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and is an all-hands-on-deck call for innovation in the expanding field of CDR—a key facet of the plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
DOE Helps Launch H2 Twin Cities to Accelerate Global Hydrogen Deployment | Department of Energy
Through H2 Twin Cities, global partnerships will be created among paired cities and communities to form a larger community of hydrogen best practices, increase collaboration, and broaden the reach of hydrogen deployment to reduce global emissions.
DOE to issue additional FOA to support scale-up of biorefineries | BiodieselMagazine.com
The new FOA will cover two BETO programs: Advanced Algae Systems and Systems Development and Integration. Both topic areas support the White House’s priority for advancing the domestic bioeconomy and support BETO’s program goal to achieve $2.50 per gallon gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE) minimum fuel selling price (MFSP) and at least a 70 percent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030, according to the DOE’s notice. The DOE also noted that the FOA is specifically designed to support the production of low-GHG fuels for aviation, long-haul trucking, and marine transport. EERE plans to issue the full FOA in December.
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
HHS Announces $143.5 Million to Expand Community-Based Efforts to Address Barriers to COVID-19 Vaccination
The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), announced $143.5 million in American Rescue Plan funding to expand community-based efforts to conduct tailored local outreach about vaccines, build vaccine confidence and address barriers to vaccination in their communities. The first program is a new $66.5 million funding opportunity to support community-based organizations that will provide information and education on COVID-19 vaccines to the medically vulnerable or underserved, including racial and ethnic minority groups with low vaccination rates. The second program consists of $77 million to award nine additional community-based organizations under the previously announced funding opportunity to mobilize community outreach workers to educate and assist individuals in accessing and receiving COVID-19 vaccinations. Eligible applicants include nonprofit private or public organizations with demonstrated experience in implementing public health programs.
Biden Administration to Invest $650 Million in Rapid Diagnostic Testing in Latest Action to Increase Access to Tests
As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing commitment to increasing access to COVID-19 testing for Americans and to further strengthen domestic manufacturing of needed tests, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will invest $650 million from the American Rescue Plan to strengthen manufacturing capacity for quick, high-quality diagnostic testing through rapid point-of-care molecular tests and increase Americans’ access to them.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
FACT SHEET: EPA & The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/fact-sheet-epa-bipartisan-infrastructure-deal
Following the passage of the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, the EPA will be making significant investments in the health, equity, and resilience of American communities. With unprecedented funding to support our national infrastructure, EPA will improve people’s health and safety, help create good-paying jobs, and increase climate resilience throughout the country. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal delivers more than $50 billion to EPA.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
NASA Statement on Artemis Lunar Lander Court Decision
https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-statement-on-artemis-lunar-lander-court-decision
On 11/4/2021, NASA was notified that the U.S. Court of Federal Claims denied Blue Origin’s bid protest, upholding NASA’s selection of SpaceX to develop and demonstrate a modern human lunar lander. NASA will resume work with SpaceX under the Option A contract as soon as possible.
NASA Outlines Challenges, Progress for Artemis Moon Missions
https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-outlines-challenges-progress-for-artemis-moon-missions
On 11/9/2021, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson announced the Orion spacecraft development cost now is $9.3 billion from fiscal year 2012 through the first crewed flight test no later than May 2024. “Going forward, NASA is planning for at least 10 Moon landings in the future, and the agency needs significant increases in funding for future lander competition, starting with the 2023 budget,” said Nelson.
NASA CFO statement on FY22 budget negotiations
http://spaceref.com/news/viewsr.html?pid=55363
The President’s Budget and the House and Senate appropriations bills provide the funds needed to keep NASA’s program of lunar exploration on track. Extending current funding levels would disrupt these plans, reduce NASA’s ability to support competition in the human lander program and delay our astronauts’ return to the Moon. A full-year CR would also leave NASA’s science programs $630 million short of the funding they need to continue development of important missions to explore Mars and understand our home planet’s changing climate.
US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
U.S. Department of Agriculture Announces Deputy Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics and Other Key Staff Appointments
On 11/15/2021, the USDA announced the names of individuals who will hold senior positions in Washington, D.C.: Shefali Mehta, PhD was named Deputy Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics; Marcia Bunger was named Administrator for the Risk Management Agency; and Colin Finan was named Senior Advisor for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.