EPSCoR/IDeA Foundation

Program Description

The Department of Energy’s Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DOE EPSCoR) was established by Section 2203 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (P.L. 102-486). DOE EPSCoR enhances the capability of 25 eligible states and Puerto Rico to conduct sustainable and nationally competitive energy-related research, increase the number of competitive scientists and engineers in energy-related areas, and build beneficial relationships between designated states and territories and the 10 world-class laboratories managed by the Office of Science, leveraging DOE national user facilities and intellectual collaboration. The DOE EPSCoR effort to develop science and engineering research infrastructure and human resources enables the states to contribute to the current and future energy-related needs.

EPSCoR/IDeA states have significant energy resources (seven of the top ten energy producing states are EPSCoR/IDeA states) and have ongoing research in many areas that are at the core of the Office of Science’s mission and the DOE as a whole, including: fossil energy, fuel cells, semi-conductors, high energy/solid state physics, condensed matter physics, biomass energy, and materials science.

Award Components

The Program funds basic research in energy-related, programmatic areas through two mechanisms: Implementation Grants, and Laboratory-Partnership Grants.

Implementation Grants fund group research projects for a maximum period of six years with an initial grant period of three years. Only one active implementation grant/jurisdiction is allowed. Maximum funding for Implementation Grants is $750,000 per year. Fifty percent state matching funds are required.

The Laboratory Partnership Grants are for a maximum period of three years. Maximum funding for these grants is $150,000 per year. Ten percent state matching funds are required. Laboratory Partnership Grants allow EPSCoR researchers to work closely with the DOE National Laboratories to conduct collaborative research and train students. DOE’s FY08 award selection process is occurring in two groups: The first group will be notified in late February; the second in March, 2008.

EPSCoR States

29 states: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wyoming, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands.