Silicon Carbide Cladding Lead Test Rod Development-Phase 1
🏛 Idaho Field Office
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 18, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for research institutions and contractors developing advanced nuclear fuel cladding materials. Applicants must conduct research, development, and fabrication of silicon carbide cladding specimens for research reactor insertion and testing. Work includes irradiation testing and post-irradiation examinations through 2030.
The grant supports collaborative research advancing silicon carbide cladding technology toward commercial light water reactor deployment. Eligible recipients typically include universities, national laboratories, and private sector research organizations with nuclear materials expertise and appropriate facilities.
This is a competitive research funding opportunity under a cooperative agreement instrument, requiring substantial technical capacity and nuclear materials handling capabilities.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
Silcon Carbide Cladding Lead Test Rod Development-Phase 1
Research, development, and fabrication of Silicon Carbide cladding specimens for research reactor insertion, irradiation, and post-irradiation examinations by 2030. The objective of this program is to advance the scientific and technological maturity of silicon carbide cladding for nuclear fuel rods for future use in commercial light water reactors.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (federal application form)
- Project Narrative (technical approach and milestones)
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Statement of Cost Sharing
- Organizational Capability Documentation
- Letters of Commitment (reactor access, partners)
Program contact
- 👤 Idaho Field Office
- 📧 rigbyja@id.doe.gov
- 📞 2022871878
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 81.121 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$1,696,938,131
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$921,717,024
-
$262,655,693
-
Cfpp Llc UT$164,741,352
-
$108,279,097
-
$104,148,813
-
$89,719,689
-
$79,418,202
-
$73,208,000
-
$64,370,498
Top States by Funding
- WA 1 awards $1,696.9M
- TX 6 awards $933.1M
- OR 2 awards $264.3M
- PA 11 awards $231.0M
- VA 5 awards $180.9M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 81.121). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2018 | $167,853,383 | |
| 2019 | $156,000,000 | |
| 2020 | $81,000,000 | |
| 2021 | $552,990,732 | |
| 2022 | $186,458,508 | |
| 2023 | $973,321,767 | |
| 2024 est. | $531,693,271 | |
| 2025 est. | $180,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Research institutions, universities, and contractors with nuclear materials expertise and appropriate R&D facilities. Contact the Idaho Field Office to confirm eligibility.
What is the deadline?
December 7, 2026 (fixed deadline). Applicants should begin preparing well in advance given the technical complexity.
What activities are funded?
Research, development, and fabrication of silicon carbide cladding specimens; irradiation testing in research reactors; and post-irradiation examinations through 2030.
What is the funding range?
Awards up to $62.5 million are possible from a $50 million total pool. Actual awards depend on project scope and technical merit.
Is cost sharing required?
Yes, cost sharing is required. Budget narratives must clearly justify all proposed costs and matching contributions.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Contact the Idaho Field Office early to clarify eligible reactor facilities and irradiation access arrangements before finalizing your technical approach.
- Emphasize the commercialization pathway and how your cladding design addresses light water reactor material performance requirements.
- Demonstrate your team's nuclear materials expertise and past successful irradiation testing experience with similar projects.
- Budget realistically for post-irradiation examination costs, which are significant and often underestimated in nuclear materials projects.
- Clearly identify cost-sharing commitments from your institution or private partners early in proposal development.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Underestimating irradiation scheduling complexity and post-examination timelines. Failing to secure access to appropriate research reactors before proposal submission. Inadequate documentation of cost-sharing commitments or unclear budget justification for material fabrication and testing phases.
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