NIST- Hawaiʻi Partnership in Plastic Pollution Research (HPPR) Program | 2024 NIST HPPR 01

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the NIST-Hawaii Partnership in Plastic Pollution Research (HPPR) Program?

The NIST-Hawaii Partnership in Plastic Pollution Research (HPPR) Program is a discretionary federal funding opportunity from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). It is focused on building a long-term, institution-based partnership to advance priority plastic pollution research, with a specific emphasis on the Hawaiian Island region.

What is the main goal of this funding opportunity?

The main goal is to establish an enduring partnership between NIST and a host institution that can support multidisciplinary, cross-cutting research on plastic pollution. The program is intended to create sustained collaboration and shared research goals, rather than a short-term standalone research project.

What type of award is being offered (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?

The award is structured as a cooperative agreement. This typically means NIST expects substantial involvement in the work, reflecting close collaboration between NIST and the recipient rather than a hands-off funding relationship.

What does "substantial involvement" by NIST mean in practice?

Based on the description provided, "substantial involvement" is reflected in the program design, which centers on close collaboration with NIST staff, including integrating NIST scientists into the host institution's day-to-day environment and operations to pursue shared plastic pollution research goals.

Where must the host institution be located to apply?

Eligibility is limited to organizations with facilities on the Island of Oahu. The program is seeking a host institution on Oahu.

Which organizations are eligible to apply?

Eligible applicant types include organizations with facilities on Oahu, specifically: accredited institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations incorporated in the United States, and state and local governments that meet the location requirement.

Are federal agencies or federal entities eligible to receive funding?

No. Federal entities are not eligible to receive funding under this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO).

Can federal agencies participate in any way if they cannot receive funding?

Yes. Federal entities may participate as unfunded collaborators, meaning they can contribute expertise or coordination without receiving award funds.

How many NIST scientists are expected to be integrated into the host institution?

The program expects the host institution to integrate at least three NIST scientists into its environment and day-to-day operations.

What does it mean to "integrate" NIST scientists into the institution?

Applicants are expected to explain, in practical terms, how they will accommodate NIST researchers and support regular interaction between NIST staff and the recipient organization. This includes planning for appropriate office space, laboratory access, and other facilities needed to carry out multidisciplinary plastic pollution research.

What kinds of facilities and space should the applicant be prepared to provide?

The proposal should address how the institution will provide appropriate office space, laboratory access, and other facilities needed to support multidisciplinary research by NIST scientists working within the institution.

What research area does the program focus on?

The program focuses on advancing priority plastic pollution research, with an emphasis on the Hawaiian Island region.

What kind of research approach is expected?

The opportunity emphasizes multidisciplinary, cross-cutting research activities, enabled by strong day-to-day interaction between NIST staff and the host organization.

What types of institutional support should applicants describe in the proposal?

Applications should describe the support structure that will surround the research, including administrative backbone functions (such as project management, grants administration, compliance, reporting, and coordination), research support (such as equipment access, technical staff, analytical capabilities, field support, or data infrastructure), and outreach or educational components the institution can provide.

What administrative capabilities are expected from the host institution?

Applicants should describe their administrative backbone, including capabilities such as project management, grants administration, compliance, reporting, and coordination functions that will support the partnership.

What research support capabilities are expected from the host institution?

Applicants should explain what research support they can provide, which may include access to equipment, technical staff, analytical capabilities, field support, or data infrastructure needed to enable high-quality plastic pollution research.

Does the opportunity include outreach, education, or training elements?

Yes. The opportunity places emphasis on outreach or educational components that the institution can provide. The description also indicates that workforce development and academic or training engagement may be part of how recipients structure participation.

Who may be supported through the partnership (for example, students or faculty)?

Individuals supported through the partnership may include employees, students, or faculty, depending on what is appropriate for the applicant institution.

Is the program intended to be short-term or long-term?

The program is designed to build a long-term, institution-based partnership and establish an enduring collaboration, rather than a short-term project.

What federal department guidance is the award arrangement intended to align with?

The award arrangement is intended to be consistent with the Department of Commerce Grants and Cooperative Agreements Manual (Chapter 6.A.2, dated April 20, 2021), emphasizing sustained collaboration and shared research goals.

What is the funding opportunity number for this NOFO?

The funding opportunity number is 2024 NIST HPPR 01.

What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number associated with this opportunity?

The Assistance Listing (CFDA) number is 11.619.

What is the application closing date listed in the notice?

The original application closing date is June 17, 2024.

What is the activity category for this opportunity?

The activity category is classified under science and technology and other research and development.

Does the provided notice specify an award ceiling or number of expected awards?

No. The notice as provided does not specify an award ceiling or the number of expected awards.

Does the provided notice specify the performance period or project length?

No. The notice as provided does not include the performance period or project length.

Does the provided notice mention cost sharing requirements?

No. The notice as provided does not state whether cost sharing is required.

Where can applicants find details like budget limits, evaluation criteria, and reporting requirements?

The summary notes that applicants would need to consult the full NOFO for details such as budgetary limits, anticipated funding range, performance period, additional requirements (including any cost sharing), evaluation criteria, and reporting expectations.