active Federal Grant

DOE Advanced Nuclear Energy Licensing Cost-Share Grant Program

U.S. Department of Energy — Office of Nuclear Energy (Idaho Field Office)

Varies (cost-share structure)

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Researched for this program: 6 rejection traps · 7 required documentsWhat decides this award ↓

The short version

Offset NRC licensing costs for advanced nuclear reactor and fuel cycle technologies

Ongoing federal cost-share grant program that helps companies offset the direct costs of licensing advanced nuclear reactor and fuel cycle technologies with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Open to U.S. companies developing non-light-water or advanced nuclear designs. Cost sharing is required; DOE covers a share of NRC licensing fees, engineering analyses, and related documentation costs. The FOA (DE-FOA-0003339) was opened January 2025 and accepts applications on a rolling basis through September 30, 2026.

Funding type: Grant
Level: Federal
Amount range: $500,000 – $10,000,000
Realistic amount: Expect $1M–$5M in federal cost share per award. Licensing cost-share is structured as reimbursement for actual NRC-incurred costs, so award size tracks the complexity and phase of the reactor licensing effort.
Deadline: Rolling applications accepted through November 30, 2026, subject to available funding (DE-FOA-0003339)
Status: active
States: Nationwide
Payment model: reimbursement

Who qualifies

U.S. companies (including small businesses and startups) developing advanced nuclear reactor or fuel cycle technologies requiring NRC licensing
Applicant must be pursuing or planning to pursue an NRC license, certification, or approval for a non-light-water advanced reactor design, advanced fuel cycle facility, or related nuclear technology
Primary place of performance must be in the United States
Must be able to provide a non-federal cost share (percentage varies by company size — small businesses may qualify for lower cost-share rates under DOE policies)
Must have or be establishing an active SAM.gov registration with a valid UEI
Foreign-owned companies may participate as subrecipients but generally cannot serve as prime applicants
Prior DOE NE award is NOT required — this program is open to new applicants (unlike Phase II CINR)

Hard requirements

Must be incorporated
Restricted to industry: true

What it covers

Eligible expenses

Direct NRC review fees and licensing costs (application fees, amendment fees, inspection fees incurred during the licensing process)
Engineering analyses and calculations required to support NRC license applications or amendments
Safety analysis report (SAR/FSAR) development and revisions in response to NRC requests
Environmental report preparation required by 10 CFR
Technical meetings and interactions with NRC staff to support license review
Consultants and contractors engaged specifically for NRC licensing support work
Regulatory affairs staff salaries directly attributable to the NRC licensing activities funded

Ineligible expenses

General R&D costs not directly tied to NRC licensing activities
Construction or demonstration of the nuclear facility (this program is for licensing costs, not construction)
Equipment purchases not directly required for licensing documentation
Costs incurred before the award date
Travel not directly related to NRC interactions or technical meetings required for licensing
Marketing or business development activities

How to apply

1

Download and review FOA DE-FOA-0003339

Obtain the full FOA from Grants.gov (ID 358100) or the DOE Idaho Field Office. Review all eligibility requirements, technical topic areas, and application instructions. This is a rolling FOA — confirm funding remains available before investing significant application effort.

~4 hrs
2

Confirm NRC licensing nexus

Document your company's NRC licensing pathway — which type of NRC review, approval, or certification you are pursuing (e.g., Design Certification, Construction Permit, Combined License, License Amendment). The grant reimburses specific NRC-incurred costs, so a clear licensing plan is essential.

~8 hrs
3

Register in SAM.gov and Grants.gov

Confirm active SAM.gov entity registration (UEI required). Register on Grants.gov if not already. Allow up to 10 business days for new SAM.gov registrations. Startups often underestimate this step — begin immediately.

~3 hrs
4

Develop technical and cost narrative

Write the technical narrative explaining: your advanced nuclear technology, current NRC licensing stage, specific licensing costs to be cost-shared (NRC fees, engineering analyses, safety analysis reports, environmental reports), and how the grant accelerates commercialization. Prepare a detailed budget tied to anticipated NRC costs.

~40 hrs
5

Prepare SF-424 package and submit

Complete all required forms (SF-424, SF-424A or SF-424C, project narrative, budget justification) and submit through Grants.gov before September 30, 2026. Rolling submissions — earlier applications receive earlier review. DOE Idaho Field Office may request negotiations and clarifications before award.

~12 hrs

Industry & certifications

NAICS codes: 541712, 237110, 221113

Insider tip

This is a rolling FOA — submit as early as possible. DOE may close it before September 30 if funds run out. Past awardees range from well-funded companies (NuScale, TerraPower) to early-stage startups — the key differentiator is a clear, documented NRC licensing plan with realistic cost projections, not company size.

Deadline & timing

Rolling application accepted through September 30, 2026 under FOA DE-FOA-0003339 (DOE Idaho Field Office). This is a continuation solicitation — applications can be submitted at any time before the close date, subject to available funding. DOE may close the solicitation early if funds are exhausted. Check Grants.gov opportunity ID 358100 for current status and any amendments.

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Programs that stack well

DOE CINR Program (Separate R&D Grants For Nuclear Technology Development)
NRC Licensing Fees Have No Parallel State Programs
Private Investors And Strategic Partners Common In Advanced Nuclear Startups
DOE Loan Programs Office (Advanced Nuclear Loan Guarantees, Separate From This Grant)

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