Advanced Nuclear Energy Licensing Cost-Share Grant Program

The Advanced Nuclear Energy Licensing Cost-Share Grant Program, solicitation DE-FOA-0003339, is a federal funding opportunity managed by the Department of Energy's Idaho Operations Office. The program is designed to address regulatory gaps and accelerate the demonstration and deployment of advanced reactor designs or supporting facilities by improving deployment timelines, resolving licensing policy issues, and developing applicable licensing methodologies. Funding is divided into two topic areas: Pre-application Review Activities, with awards ranging from 5,000 to 200,000 dollars, and Application Review Activities, with awards ranging from 100,000 to 8 million dollars. Total expected funding over a five-year period is 50 million dollars, with an approximate 13 million dollars available in FY 2025, contingent upon congressional appropriations. Applications must be submitted via Fedconnect.gov between July 1, 2026, and November 30, 2026. Selection is based on a weighted evaluation of regulatory merit (35 percent), technical feasibility (30 percent), prior regulatory engagement with the NRC (25 percent), and the expertise of key personnel (10 percent). Additional policy factors such as portfolio diversity, strategic value to U.S. leadership, and economic impact in distressed areas may also be considered. Awardees must perform all work within the United States unless a waiver is granted and are required to contribute cost-share amounts incrementally over the life of the award. Required submissions include a technical volume, a one-page project summary, a summary slide, and various certifications regarding foreign influence and research security.