The National Technical Nuclear Forensics Center (NTNFC) was established on October 1, 2006, within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). NTNFC was tasked with two core missions: to provide national-level integration, centralized planning, and stewardship for the National Technical Nuclear Forensics (NTNF) community; and to lead the U.S. Government (USG) in establishing a robust and enduring pre-detonation radiological/nuclear materials forensics capability. A top priority of NTNFC’s stewardship mission is to lead USG efforts in addressing the enduring challenge of sustaining a preeminent Nuclear Forensics (NF) workforce.
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. 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.”
To accomplish this mandate, the following initiative has been implemented: 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.
Deadline: Aug. 14, 2024
Technical Priorities. NF addresses a diverse set of topics related to the collection, analysis, and evaluation of pre-detonation (intact) and post-detonation (exploded) radiological or nuclear materials, devices, and debris, as well as the immediate effects created by a nuclear detonation. Each application will be evaluated based on the information provided in Evaluation Criteria under the Application Review Information section. Technical Mission Areas (TMAs) included below, reflect the technical priorities of the NNFEDP and NFRA, and should be taken into consideration when developing a research project.
- TMA 1. Pre-Detonation Material and Device Signatures
- TMA 2. Pre-Detonation Analysis Methods and Tools
- TMA 3. Post-Detonation Material Collection and Analysis Methods
- TMA 4. Post-Detonation Prompt Signal Analysis
The following entities below are eligible to apply for this NOFO:
• Private institutions of higher education
• Public & State controlled institutions of higher education
IMPORTANT: Academic recipients will be required to collaborate with national or defense laboratories for this award. 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 between the entities does not currently exist. Laboratory partners will be sponsored directly by DHS separately.
Limit on Number of Proposals per PI. One (1). Furthermore, an individual researcher may not be named as a participant on more than one proposal submitted to this NOFO. This limitation includes participation as a PI, co-PI, senior researcher, student, consultant, or any other role for which financial remuneration is requested.
Maximum Award Amount
$300,000 per year for 3 years ($900,000)