Opportunity Information: Apply for DE FOA 0002198
The Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science, through the Biological and Environmental Research (BER) program in the Climate and Environmental Sciences Division (CESD), released this grant opportunity to fund Atmospheric System Research (ASR). The central purpose is to improve scientific understanding of atmospheric processes that control Earths radiation balance and the water cycle, especially the cloud, aerosol, precipitation, and radiative transfer processes that are not well represented in current regional and global climate models. The program is focused on reducing key uncertainties that limit model skill, which ultimately supports better prediction and understanding of climate and weather relevant phenomena.
The funding opportunity invites research proposals that are observational, data analysis-based, and/or modeling-focused, with a strong emphasis on using DOE-supported observations. A major resource highlighted is the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) user facility, which provides long-term and field-campaign atmospheric measurements and associated infrastructure. Proposed work is expected to leverage ARM and other BER-supported observations to connect real-world measurements to improvements in process understanding and model representation.
The FOA identifies four main research thrusts. First, it seeks advances in aerosol-cloud interactions, meaning how aerosols influence cloud formation, cloud properties, precipitation development, and cloud lifetime, and how those effects feed back on radiation and climate. Second, it targets high-latitude atmospheric processes, which typically include cold-region clouds, boundary-layer structure, mixed-phase cloud behavior, Arctic amplification-related processes, and other polar or near-polar dynamics that are challenging for models but important for global climate sensitivity. Third, it explicitly supports aerosol and cloud research tied to ARMs Tracking Aerosol Convection Interactions Experiment (TRACER), a field effort designed to better understand how aerosols interact with convective clouds and storms, with the expectation that proposals will either use or help interpret TRACER-related observations. Fourth, it encourages the development of new proof-of-concept data products derived from ARM site instruments, which can include new retrieval algorithms, merged or value-added datasets, or methods that transform raw instrument data into more usable variables for scientific analysis and model evaluation.
From an administrative standpoint, this is a discretionary grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number DE-FOA-0002198) under the Science and Technology and other Research and Development activity category (CFDA 81.049). The agency anticipated making around 20 awards, with an award ceiling listed at $900,000. The opportunity was created on November 20, 2019, and the original application closing date was March 10, 2020. Eligibility is described broadly as "Others" with additional clarification referenced in the full eligibility text of the announcement, implying that applicants should check the FOA details for the exact list of eligible institution types and any restrictions.
Overall, the opportunity is aimed at generating results that directly strengthen the scientific basis for representing clouds, aerosols, and related processes in models, while also expanding the value of DOE observational assets like ARM through new analyses, campaign-related studies, and improved data products. The stated public benefit is increased understanding of the Earth system, particularly in ways that improve predictive capability and reduce uncertainty in projections tied to radiation and the hydrological cycle.Apply for DE FOA 0002198
- The Department of Energy - Office of Science, Office of Science in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Atmospheric System Research (ASR)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 81.049.
- This funding opportunity was created on Nov 20, 2019.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 10, 2020. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $900,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 20 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is this funding opportunity?
This is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science funding opportunity released through the Biological and Environmental Research (BER) program, Climate and Environmental Sciences Division (CESD), to support Atmospheric System Research (ASR).
What is the main purpose of the ASR funding described here?
The central purpose is to improve scientific understanding of atmospheric processes that control Earths radiation balance and the water cycle. The emphasis is on clouds, aerosols, precipitation, and radiative transfer processes that are not well represented in current regional and global climate models.
Why is DOE funding this research area?
The program is aimed at reducing key scientific uncertainties that limit climate and weather model skill. Better process understanding and better model representation are expected to support improved prediction and understanding of climate and weather relevant phenomena.
What types of research proposals are invited?
The opportunity invites proposals that are observational, data analysis-based, and/or modeling-focused. A strong emphasis is placed on using DOE-supported observations.
Is the use of DOE observations required or just encouraged?
Based on the description provided, proposed work is expected to leverage ARM and other BER-supported observations to connect real-world measurements to improvements in process understanding and model representation. The FOA places a strong emphasis on DOE-supported observations.
What is ARM and how does it relate to this FOA?
The Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) user facility is highlighted as a major resource. ARM provides long-term and field-campaign atmospheric measurements and supporting infrastructure. Proposals are expected to leverage ARM observations (and other BER-supported observations) to link measurements to improved understanding and model representation.
What research topics or thrust areas does the FOA emphasize?
The FOA identifies four main thrusts: (1) aerosol-cloud interactions, (2) high-latitude atmospheric processes, (3) aerosol and cloud research connected to ARMs TRACER field effort, and (4) proof-of-concept data products derived from ARM site instruments.
What does "aerosol-cloud interactions" mean in the context of this opportunity?
It refers to how aerosols influence cloud formation and cloud properties, precipitation development, and cloud lifetime, and how these changes feed back on radiation and climate. The thrust seeks advances in understanding these relationships and their representation in models.
What are "high-latitude atmospheric processes" as described here?
This thrust generally includes cold-region clouds, boundary-layer structure, mixed-phase cloud behavior, Arctic amplification-related processes, and other polar or near-polar dynamics. These processes are described as challenging for models but important for global climate sensitivity.
What is TRACER and what does the FOA want related to it?
TRACER stands for ARMs Tracking Aerosol Convection Interactions Experiment. The FOA explicitly supports aerosol and cloud research tied to TRACER, with the expectation that proposals will either use TRACER-related observations or help interpret them to better understand interactions between aerosols and convective clouds and storms.
What does the FOA mean by "proof-of-concept data products" from ARM instruments?
This refers to developing new data products derived from ARM site instruments, such as new retrieval algorithms, merged or value-added datasets, or methods that transform raw instrument data into more usable variables for scientific analysis and model evaluation.
Does the opportunity focus more on basic science, applied modeling, or both?
Based on the description provided, it supports both process understanding (basic atmospheric science) and improvements in model representation (applied toward enhancing regional and global climate models), with proposals allowed to be observational, analysis-based, and/or modeling-focused.
What is the expected outcome or benefit of the funded projects?
The intended outcome is results that strengthen the scientific basis for representing clouds, aerosols, and related atmospheric processes in models and that expand the value of DOE observational assets like ARM through new analyses, campaign studies, and improved data products. The stated public benefit is increased understanding of the Earth system in ways that reduce uncertainty and improve predictive capability for radiation and the hydrological cycle.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FOA number)?
The Funding Opportunity Number is DE-FOA-0002198.
What is the CFDA number and program area listed for this opportunity?
The opportunity is listed under CFDA 81.049, in the Science and Technology and other Research and Development activity category.
Is this a discretionary grant?
Yes. It is described as a discretionary grant opportunity.
How many awards was DOE expecting to make?
The agency anticipated making around 20 awards.
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The award ceiling is listed at $900,000.
When was this opportunity created?
The opportunity was created on November 20, 2019.
What was the original application closing date?
The original application closing date was March 10, 2020.
Who is eligible to apply based on the information provided?
Eligibility is described broadly as "Others" with additional clarification referenced in the full eligibility text of the announcement. Applicants are expected to check the FOA for the exact list of eligible institution types and any restrictions.
What kinds of projects appear to fit this FOA particularly well?
Projects that use DOE-supported observational assets (especially ARM), analyze or interpret field campaign and long-term measurements, connect observations to improved understanding of cloud/aerosol/precipitation/radiative transfer processes, and translate that understanding into better model representation or evaluation align closely with the stated goals and thrust areas.
Does the FOA emphasize improving regional models, global models, or both?
Both. The description highlights processes not well represented in current regional and global climate models and aims to reduce uncertainties that limit model skill overall.
What is the role of radiative transfer in this opportunity?
Radiative transfer is explicitly listed among the key processes of interest because it is central to Earths radiation balance. The program seeks better understanding and representation of radiative transfer processes, especially where they intersect with clouds, aerosols, and precipitation.
Is precipitation specifically part of the scientific scope?
Yes. Precipitation processes are included alongside clouds, aerosols, and radiative transfer as priority areas, particularly where they affect the water cycle and are poorly represented in models.
How does this FOA connect observations to modeling improvements?
Proposed work is expected to leverage ARM and other BER-supported observations to connect real-world measurements with improved process understanding and better model representation, which can include model evaluation and reducing key sources of uncertainty.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Next opportunity: Historical Markers (U.S. - Panama Shared History)
Previous opportunity: 2020 South Africa Mandela Washington Fellow Program Logistics
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for DE FOA 0002198
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (DE FOA 0002198) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Next Generation Software for Data-driven Models of Space Weather with Quantified Uncertainties Apply for 20 519 Funding Number: 20 519 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Early Career Research Program Apply for DE FOA 0002173 Funding Number: DE FOA 0002173 Agency: Department of Energy - Office of Science, Office of Science Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| FY2020 Research Opportunities in High Energy Physics Apply for DE FOA 0002172 Funding Number: DE FOA 0002172 Agency: Department of Energy - Office of Science, Office of Science Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $15,000,000 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Great Rivers CESU Apply for G20AS00021 Funding Number: G20AS00021 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $85,000 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Great Rivers CESU Apply for G20AS00020 Funding Number: G20AS00020 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Californian CESU Apply for G20AS00019 Funding Number: G20AS00019 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $621,890 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Colorado Plateau CESU Apply for G20AS00014 Funding Number: G20AS00014 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $49,245 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Great Lakes Northern Forests CESU Apply for G20AS00022 Funding Number: G20AS00022 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $62,133 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Piedmont South Atlantic Coast CESU Apply for G20AS00016 Funding Number: G20AS00016 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $115,276 |
| Ephemeral Tributary Sediment Transport Measurement Apply for BOR DO 20 N002 Funding Number: BOR DO 20 N002 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $218,329 |
| Field Initiated Projects Program (Development) Apply for HHS 2020 ACL NIDILRR IFDV 0374 Funding Number: HHS 2020 ACL NIDILRR IFDV 0374 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Field Initiated Projects Program (Research) Apply for HHS 2020 ACL NIDILRR IFRE 0373 Funding Number: HHS 2020 ACL NIDILRR IFRE 0373 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| HERO Appendix D: NASA Human Research Program Omnibus Opportunity Apply for 80JSC019N0001 OMNIBUS2 Funding Number: 80JSC019N0001 OMNIBUS2 Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA Johnson Space Center Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| HERO Appendix C: Topics in Human Health Countermeasures, Behavioral Performance, and Space Radiation Apply for 80JSC019N0001 HHCBPSR Funding Number: 80JSC019N0001 HHCBPSR Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA Johnson Space Center Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,800,000 |
| EarthCube Apply for 20 520 Funding Number: 20 520 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| National Robotics Initiative 2.0: Ubiquitous Collaborative Robots Apply for 20 522 Funding Number: 20 522 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Computational Tool Development for Integrative Systems Biology Data Analysis Apply for DE FOA 0002217 Funding Number: DE FOA 0002217 Agency: Department of Energy - Office of Science, Office of Science Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $350,000 |
| Commercial Technologies for Maintenance Activities (CTMA) Apply for HQ0034 20 FOA CTMA 0001 Funding Number: HQ0034 20 FOA CTMA 0001 Agency: Department of Defense Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $900,000,000 |
| Dimensions of Biodiversity Apply for 20 524 Funding Number: 20 524 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Petrology and Geochemistry Apply for 20 523 Funding Number: 20 523 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $500,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "DE FOA 0002198", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.