[All_staff] Lab Directed Research and Development Call for Preliminary Letters of Intent Due June 15

[Pat Stroop]

  /Message from Bob McKeown:
  /


  Call for Preliminary LDRD Letters of Intent (LOI)

As has been discussed briefly in each of the meetings associated with 
the strategic planning process now underway, we anticipate beginning a 
modest JLab LDRD program in FY14.Before proceeding we want to evaluate 
more completely both the level of interest in an LDRD program and the 
range of ideas for using such funding at the lab.Therefore, as a 
preliminary step, *we are requesting Letters-of-Intent for LDRD funding 
for projects that could be considered for funding in FY14.*These 
requests will inform the strategic planning effort as it moves forward 
with a laboratory management retreat on July 5-6, and help us set the 
parameters for an LDRD program intelligently.The remainder of this note 
describes the LDRD program briefly and outlines the LOI process.The due 
date for these LOIs is June 15, 2012.If you have further questions 
please contact Bob McKeown at bmck at jlab.org.

The implementation of a Lab Directed Research and Development (LDRD) at 
JLab will enable the laboratory to respond to timely scientific and 
technological opportunities that also support DOE's research and 
development mission. This program will be a critical tool for directing 
the Laboratory's forefront scientific research capabilities towards 
vital, excellent, and emerging scientific challenges. The program 
provides the resources for JLab scientists to make rapid and significant 
contributions to critical national science and technology problems of 
mission relevance to JLab and the DOE. LDRD also can advance the 
Laboratory's core scientific capability and permits seeding and 
exploration of exciting new opportunities.

Areas eligible for support will include:

    * Advanced study of new hypotheses, new concepts, and innovative
      approaches to scientific or technical problems;
    * Experiments directed towards "proof-of-principle" or early
      determination of the utility of new scientific ideas, technical
      concepts, or devices; and
    * Conception and preliminary technical analysis of experimental
      facilities or devices.

Within these eligible research areas, the LDRD program is conducted with 
a scale of effort typically utilizing existing research facilities. The 
projects can be characterized as:

    * Small-scale research and development activities or pilot projects;
    * Bench-scale research projects;
    * Computer modeling, conceptual design and feasibility studies.

Consistent with DOE policy, funding cannot be used for construction 
line-item projects, maintenance projects, or general purpose equipment 
acquisition. Projects may not substitute for, or increase the budget of, 
projects or tasks already funded at JLab by DOE or other sponsors.

JLab's LDRD program will provide an opportunity to advance the 
Laboratory's mission as described in the Annual Lab Plan and the JLab 
Strategic Plan that is currently under development. Proposers are 
encouraged to consider this in developing their proposals, and should 
consult with the cognizant AD(s) at a very early stage.

We anticipate beginning a modest (~$0.5M total) JLab LDRD program in 
FY14. For now, we are requesting Letters-of-Intent to assess the level 
of interest and collect a baseline set of concepts for future proposals. 
These LOIs will inform the discussion about the value of the program and 
help determine the level of its initial funding.The process is described 
at the LDRD website at http://www.jlab.org/div_dept/ldrd/. A proposal 
template, guidelines for completing the template, as well as other 
information and background materials should be accessed from the same 
web link.

Letters-of-Intent can be for a single year of funding or up to three 
years, with an upper bound of ~$0.2M/year in funding.  LOIs should be 
forwarded to the proposer's AD in Experimental Physics, Theory, 
Accelerator, Free Electron Laser or Engineering Divisions who will 
review for responsiveness and forward to Larry Cardman for 
consideration.  Proposals that are cross-cutting, engaging and 
leveraging the core capabilities across multiple divisions are welcomed, 
and relevant ADs will each participate in the review of such proposals.

Thank you for your interest in the LDRD program and we look forward to 
seeing the innovative ideas that you propose.

Bob



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