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2009 Clean Energy Supercluster Internal Grant Request for Applications (RFA)
The Clean Energy Supercluster (CES) is issuing an RFA to enhance CSU activities and programs related to clean energy. Activities funded through this RFA must contribute to one of the major technology or cross-cutting areas identified by the CES. The CES website contains additional details on the mission, major areas of emphasis, and organization of the CES. One-time proposals will be funded in two general categories:
- Capacity Building – funding for workshops, retreats, outreach projects, speakers, etc.
- Duration – 1 year
- Funding – $15,000 max
- Research Project – start-up projects focused on one of the CES major themes
- Duration – 1 year
- Funding - $18,000 max for single investigator; $36,000 for multi-discipline
For both Capacity Building and Research Project grants, successful proposals will typically be multidisciplinary, will address specific needs and opportunities of the major thrust areas in the CES (e.g., biofuels, solar, wind, energy efficiency, policy, etc), will enhance the clean-energy capabilities at Colorado State University, and will be coordinated through the CES Steering Committee. Proposals will be reviewed and funding decisions will be made by the same committee.
An anticipated outcome of this RFA is the funding of ideas that support product development potential, both directly and indirectly. Examples could include projects that create intellectual property, validate commercial utility, or establish research or training programs that clarify CES product development opportunities. Please note also that these funds are eligible for use as a match to outside funding. A prime example are the funds from the State of Colorado under HB1001 which require matching funds.
Application receipt date: -- January 30, 2009
(Download this RFA as PDF file)
PURPOSE OF THE CAPACITY BUILDING AND CLEAN ENERGY RESEARCH RFA
The mission of the CSU Clean Energy Supercluster is to promote an institution-wide effort to develop and disseminate market-driven clean energy solutions – on a sufficient scale to significantly reduce the accumulation of greenhouse gases that are forcing global climate change.
The CES will strive to integrate CSU capacity and programs and increase national and international recognition of CSU as a world leader in clean energy research and its application. Information on the CES, its mission, programs, activities, and funding opportunities is available on the website: http://energy.colostate.edu/
RFA DESCRIPTION AND FUNDS AVAILABLE
This RFA is for Clean Energy Capacity Building and Clean Energy Research proposals to develop and enhance CES programs at CSU, to build and strengthen CES thematic areas of emphasis, and to promote CES program coherence, growth, and recognition. RFAs for Capacity Building and Clean Energy Research proposals will be issued annually.
Successful proposals will typically address specific needs and opportunities of the respective CES themes (eg, biofuels, solar, wind energy efficiency, policy, etc), and will build overall CES capacity and promote program enhancement. Seed grants that provide essential proof of concept or preliminary results that enable application to federal or private funding agencies are encouraged. Discussing a proposal with one or more members of the CES Steering Committee prior to submission is encouraged. The current Steering Committee membership is listed below.
WHO CAN APPLY
Submission of proposals in response to the RFA is restricted to employees of Colorado State University.
SUBMITTING A PROPOSAL
The proposals must be submitted by January 30, 2009, and must follow the instructions provided below. To facilitate submission, use the proposal template provided below. The completed proposal must be submitted electronically as a pdf document to: energy@colostate.edu
CES CAPACITY BUILDING ACTIVITY
Capacity Building – funding for workshops, retreats, outreach projects, speakers, etc.
- Duration – 1 year
- Funding – $15,000 max
Proposal Format
1. Cover page
2. List of PI’s
3. Proposal text – three page limit (include the following)
- Objectives of Activity
- Background and Significance
- Program Design and Approach
- Include Proposed Milestones and Outputs
- Value added to pertinent CES theme and the overall CES effort
4. Budget and budget justification (internal CSU funds – no Indirect Costs)
- The focus of the funding is on capacity building activity. One month of support for the lead faculty member may be requested.
5. If the PI or Co-PI had previous funding from CES for capacity building, please provide a brief summary of the outcome and success of that activity.
CES RESEARCH PROJECT
Research Project – start-up projects focused on one of the CES major themes
- Duration – 1 year
- Funding - $18,000 max for single investigator; $36,000 for multi-discipline
Proposal Format
1. Cover page
2. Curriculum vitae – 2 pages for each PI
3. Proposal text – three page limit (include the following)
Specific Aims
- Background and Significance
- Preliminary Studies/Evidence of Multidisciplinary Approach
- Research/Program Design and Methods
- Include Proposed Milestones
- Include Plan for Securing additional funding/support
- Awareness of literature
- Value added to pertinent CES theme and the overall CES effort
4. Budget and budget justification (internal CSU funds – no Indirect Costs)
- Personnel
- The focus of the funding for stipends is on graduate student and/or postdoctoral support. One month of support per faculty member may be requested for a maximum of three faculty.
- Materials and supplies
- Travel
- Equipment
5. If the PI or Co-PI had previous funding from CES for a research project, please provide a brief summary of the accomplishments of that project.
REVIEW CRITERIA AND SCHEDULE
The Capacity Building and Clean Energy Activity proposals will be reviewed by the CES Steering Committee for the potential to enhance CES goals as well as by ad hoc reviewers to assess technical and programmatic merit. Principal investigators of proposals selected for funding will be notified and accounts established expeditiously (by March 1, 2009) in the respective departments.
The criteria for selection used by the CES Steering Committee will include the following areas:
- Responsive to CES mission, strategic plan, needs, promise for future funding from federal agencies or commercial sources, and opportunities for IP and commercialization support*
- Quality of the proposed research
- Evidence of multidisciplinary research or potential, value added by the collaboration, etc.
- Principal Investigator (s) demonstrated expertise and productivity
*Information on CES mission and goals is available on the website (http://energy.colostate.edu ) and through the CES Steering Committee.
FUNDS AVAILABLE
We anticipate funding around $300,000 worth of proposals using resources spread across two fiscal years.
WHERE TO SEND INQUIRIES
Direct questions about scientific/research issues to:
Bryan Willson, Director, Clean Energy Supercluster
Phone: (970) 491-4783, e-mail: energy@colostate.edu
Ron Sega, Vice President for Energy, the Environment and Applied Research, CSU Ventures
Andrew Warnock, Chief of Staff
Steering Committee for Clean Energy Supercluster:
Jim Sites, Natural Sciences
Dan Bush, Biology
Lee Sommers, Ag Sciences
Ken Reardon, Chemical Eng
Wade Troxell, Engineering
William Doe, CNR
Tom Dean, Business
Kyle Saunders, Political Science
Stephan Weiler, Liberal Arts/Economics
Keith Paustian, Soil & Crop Science
Tony Rappe, Chemistry
Peter Young, Wind Technologies
