Grants for Exclusive - see details - Federal

This funding opportunity provides financial support to the Short Line Safety Institute to improve safety practices and culture in short line and regional railroads across the United States.

To support outstanding graduate students from diverse backgrounds, including those from groups underrepresented in biomedical, clinical, behavioral and social sciences, over the transition from predoctoral to postdoctoral research training.. This phased award program will facilitate completion of graduate PhD or dual degree clinician scientist programs (F99) and progression to mentored postdoctoral positions in dental, oral and craniofacial research (K00).

Quantum information science [https://quantum.gov] has emerged as a promising area for the development of disruptive computing technologies. Since 2015, ASCR has organized several workshops that have indicated the potential of quantum computing for scientific applications [2 -5] and has supported basic research to improve all layers of the quantum software stack including algorithms, programming languages, error mitigation, and compilers. The progress has been remarkable, however, practical applications of quantum computing that improve time-to-solution, or power-to-solution, or accuracy of the results with respect to the best classical system have not yet been deployed. The 2023 Basic Research Needs Workshop in Quantum Computing and Networking [6] identified several priority research directions (PRDs); this FOA targets end-to-end software toolchains to program and control quantum systems and networks at scale (PRD1), quantum algorithms delivering quantum advantage (PRD2), and resilience through error detection, prevention, protection, mitigation, and correction (PRD4). These are key components for the development of a software ecosystem that must be ready to account for modularity and interoperability on one side, and for specialization and performance on another. Research proposed in response to this FOA must primarily focus on addressing one of the two topics described below: Topic 1 Modular Software Stack: The diversity of quantum computing architectures and hardware technologies is expected to persist into the foreseeable future; this is an important consideration that guides the advancement of computer science sought in this topic. The development of an integrated computational ecosystem requires a general-purpose quantum software stack that is adaptable to, and takes advantage of, multiple kinds of quantum hardware. We seek basic research in computer science and applied mathematics that: Addresses practical and fundamental bottlenecks that hinder modularity and potential synergy among selected hardware technologies; Pursues general approaches to integration that may remain relevant for future technologies; Devises ways to embed quantum processors in parallel and distributed computing models; and Integrates error management across the software stack. Topic 2 Quantum Utility: This topic aims to advance the research towards achievement and demonstration of quantum utility [1] by developing new algorithms and fine-tuning all levels of the software stack for a selected portfolio of promising problems within the ASCR mission. Applications should: Choose generalizable application-inspired target problems; Develop algorithms for optimized math kernels and math primitives for selected current (NISQ) and future quantum systems that significantly advance state-of-the-art performance for the selected target problems; Adapt, if needed, any level of the software stack for the specific target problems; and Estimate quantum resources by employing important complementary metrics, including energy-to-solution. Verification protocols and tools are important for both Topic 1 and Topic 2 and should be discussed in the application. Applicants must choose and specify Topic 1 or Topic 2 as the focus of their application. In the choice of Topic 1 or 2, proposed research is encouraged to consider multiple metrics, such as qubit count, gate fidelity, and qubit connectivity.

With this solicitation, BJS seeks to enhance the completeness, automation, and transmittal of records to state and federal systems used by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). Eligible states and tribes may receive grant funding to improve the completeness, automation, and transmittal of records to state and federal systems.

The Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program provides funding for rural projects through local utility organizations. USDA provides zero-interest loans to local utilities which they, in turn, pass through to local businesses (ultimate recipients) for projects that will create and retain employment in rural areas. The ultimate recipients repay the lending utility directly. The utility then is responsible for repayment to USDA. USDA provides grants to local utility organizations which use the funding to establish Revolving Loan Funds (RLF). Loans are made from the revolving loan funds to projects that will create or retain rural jobs. When the revolving loan fund is terminated, the grant is repaid to USDA.The Agency anticipates the following maximum amounts per award: Loans - $2,000,000; Grants - $300,000.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for institutions involved in scientific research and conservation efforts to restore native mussel populations in the Great Lakes region, specifically targeting the Indiana Dunes National Park.

The U.S. Embassy in Dakar, Senegal, announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications under the 2024 Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership (TSCTP)/CVE Program for Women Leading Peace in West Africa. Proposals funded under this announcement should seek to carry out a program to build the capacity of Bajenu Gox members (neighborhood godmothers-English translation) to counter violent extremism (CVE) in local communities along the eastern border regions of Senegal. Note: The U.S. Embassy expects to receive funding for the TSCTP/CVE-WLP program before September 30, 2024. Grant awards are contingent on the receipt of funding. If the program is not approved, no grants will be awarded under this call.

This program is authorized by 34 U.S.C 12511(e). The Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program (TSASP) (CFDA # 16.024) supports efforts to create, maintain, and expand sustainable sexual assault services provided by Tribes, tribal organizations, and nonprofit tribal organizations within Indian country and Alaska Native villages. TSASP supported projects provide intervention, advocacy, accompaniment (e.g., accompanying victims to court, medical facilities, or police departments), support services, and related assistance for adult, youth, and child victims of sexual assault, non-offending family and household members of victims, and those collaterally affected by the sexual assault.

Currently, many BOEM-funded marine minerals field studies produce results based on data collected in a discrete, ecologically arbitrary footprint (i.e., a dredge or leasing area) over a relatively short period of time (2-4 years). While these offer valuable insight into site-specific conditions and responses, analyzing these data at finer or coarser scales, often integrating external datasets (e.g., species distribution relative to regional stratification) is often limited due to scope, data availability, and budget limitations. With several robust datasets focused on the ecology before and after marine minerals activities, it is an opportune time to re-evaluate past studies and proactively consider future methods. BOEM has identified the need to better understand how the spatial and temporal scales (explicit or implicit) in the study designs, sampling strategies, and analytical or statistical methods underlying BOEMs biological and ecosystem studies can implicate results, findings, and interpretations. The purpose of this study is to evaluate past MMP studies and provide guidance on how to plan studies at the appropriate scale or nested scales. This will ensure that BOEM is maximizing the design, methods, and application of environmental studies for assessments and decisions.Objectives include identifying how well the spatial and temporal scales of MMP research and authorized activities match (or mismatch) the scales of habitat and organismal distribution and naturally occurring phenomena that may substantially influence habitat or organismal distribution. With this information, this study will provide recommendations and propose appropriate methods or approaches that consider relevant scales for future MMP research.Specific objectives include:Defining spatial and temporal scales of dredge disturbance and potentially impacted habitat and organisms, from a single dredge pass to the entire Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico OCS (e.g., as demonstrated for wind energy by Stokesbury et al., 2022 and Trifonova et al., 2022); describe these relative to other common ocean uses and disturbances (e.g., fishing or storms)Defining supporting concepts, such as disturbance, impact, response, and resilienceIdentify important habitats, functional guilds, and organisms and the scales at which they are, or are not, affected by dredgingResampling existing datasets or synthesizing regional datasets to examine and illustrate different scales of analysis and how that affects interpretationsDeveloping recommendations for future research methods and modelsThe study would develop a methods paper to outline data requirements and proposed execution of how to identify scale bias in MMP studies. This paper would also identify the spatial and temporal scales of potential impact from BOEM-authorized dredging activities. Based on these recommendations, existing datasets on fish and habitat from relevant BOEM studies, plus data from partners like U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the National Marine Fisheries Service, states, or local communities, would be reviewed for data richness. If sufficient data exists for reanalysis, spatial and temporal relationships could be investigated at multiple scales. Based on the methods paper and reanalysis, recommendations for study design and analysis will be provided.

The Embassy of the United States in North Macedonia announces an open competition for organizations/independent media to submit a statement of interest (SOI) to carry out a program (or programs) that support the development of democratic institutions. The FY 2024 program has five priority areas: 1) Strengthen democratic values, including security, anti-corruption, good governance, and transparency in elections; 2) Bolster civil society, foster volunteerism or activism in local communities; 3) Addressing social division, encourage social cohesion and/or combat intolerance; 4) Cyber security, media literacy, and/or anti-disinformation efforts focused on sustainable results; and 5) Environmental and health-focused initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for organizations to maintain and enhance a national website that helps the public and law enforcement access information about registered sex offenders across the United States.

This funding opportunity supports the development of user-centered decision-support tools that utilize advanced Earth science models to improve environmental decision-making across various sectors.

This funding opportunity provides up to $2 million for federal, state, tribal, and academic partners to conduct research on public lands and assess geological, water, mineral, and biological resources in alignment with USGS priorities.

This funding opportunity supports research training for students from underrepresented backgrounds in health disparities and minority health, enabling them to gain valuable experience through domestic and international research programs.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for existing partners in the Rocky Mountain Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit to develop tools that improve the federal environmental review and project authorization process.

The Ghana Youth Activity addendum seeks to support a local Ghanaian applicant with a defined youth-led and locally-led program to empower Ghanaian youth to advance their own social, economic, and civic development through improved employability, improved access to essential services, and strengthened civic engagement. USAID seeks to support an applicant whose proposed program reflects the Positive Youth Development (PYD) approach and who can independently identify and address new and impactful interventions.Under the YouthPower 2 (YP2) Annual Program Statement (APS), USAID/Ghana will fund a program based on youth demographic trends and results and lessons learned in previous USAID-funded activities, especially those from northern Ghana. In addition, USAID encourages applicants to leverage work being supported by other donors and stakeholders, including the Government of Ghana.USAID/Ghana prioritizes learning and adaptive management and requests applicants to incorporate these approaches in their proposed programs.

This grant provides funding for research institutions to study the endangered Everglade snail kite's demographics, movement, and habitat in relation to water management practices in Florida's Everglades ecosystem.

The purpose of this NOFO is to provide grants on a competitive basis for projects that seek to achieve a reduction in the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions; and improve habitat connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic species (Title 23, United States Code (U.S.C.), Section 171).

This funding opportunity provides financial support to public health departments already receiving CDC funding to enhance their environmental health capabilities through data-driven projects addressing COVID-19 mitigation and pediatric cancer monitoring.

Freshwater ecosystems provide direct and indirect contributions to human well-being, impacting our survival, quality of life, and National security. These systems are jeopardized by the continued establishment and spread of aquatic invasive plants (AIP), including harmful algal blooms (HAB), throughout the Nation. These nuisance species pose an existential threat to ecosystem services, impacting drinking water supplies, irrigated food and fiber production, fish and wildlife habitat, flood control, navigation, industrial water use, economic and social benefits. The future sustainability of key freshwater resources in the U.S. mandates innovative and holistic strategies to manage infestations of AIP in an accelerated timeline for their restoration and conservation. To expedite and ensure a scientifically sound process, ERDC is developing and evaluating AIP management with on a national scale. The recent establishment and spread of hydrilla biotypes in the Eastern US, giant salvinia populations along the Gulf Coast, and flowering rush stands in the Pacific Northwest require expansion of capabilities, geographical footprint, and technical partnerships to address these plant infestations, and provide science-based solutions for species-selective and large-scale management activities to protect major waterways. The USACE ERDC is seeking a partner institution to identify opportunities for the development and evaluation of multi-scale AIP management techniques and strategies in major regional watersheds that are infested with plants such as hydrilla, giant salvinia, and flowering rush, among others. Year one (1) will establish the initial structure of the project and includes tasks that support the following objectives. If funded, years two (2), three (3), four (4), and five (5) would continue to expand major elements of the research project and build a diverse portfolio of collaborative projects and work efforts. Objective 1: Project Locations and Initiation of Data-based Evaluations for Management Strategies. This objective prioritizes initial research activities that are focused on identifying, ground-truthing, and documenting project locations and specific sites for the collection of new data to evaluate site-specific management techniques including: (1) biotic and abiotic characterization of evaluation sites (quantitative vegetation assessments - AIP and non-target plants); 2) presence of listed species; 3) acreage of site, average water depth, water exchange processes); and 4) key water quality parameters (temp, dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity). At least one site should be selected primarily from the Eastern U.S. region. Secondary sites would be from the Gulf Coast and Pacific Northwest. Objective 2: Experimentation to Close Data Gaps. This objective focuses on empirical research to close data gaps and transfer results through technology transfer mechanisms. Part of this objective is to organize interdisciplinary technical teams to plan and conduct studies during year one of the project. Joint teams will comprise scientists to partner with ERDC in the development and evaluation of environmentally compatible strategies to selectively manage AIP. These strategies include: 1) the use of chemical herbicides; 2) bio-suppression techniques; 3) mechanical/physical methods, and 4) integration of selected approaches 1 through 3. Additionally, education and outreach activities on the need, methods, and benefits for managing AIP in public waters will be conducted at the conclusion of each study. These activities will be undertaken as technical webinars, workshops, training sessions, field tours, reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, sponsor briefings, and presentations at professional meetings. Education/outreach and technology transfer audiences will include the public, agencies, legislators, industry, media outlets, and all other stakeholders and practitioners. Deliverables: Upon completion of Objectives 1-2, the selected academic institution will develop a report that documents the project locations and includes a summary of the management strategies that were identified, considered and/or ultimately recommended during the research effort. The report will also include information explaining the management strategies and their limits, and the potential effects of implementing such strategies to restore, manage, and/or preserve selected project locations in major watersheds, focused on the Eastern US, Gulf Coast, and Pacific Northwest regions initially, and may expand to other regions as opportunities become available.