Computer Systems Laboratory Cooperative Agreement Program Availability of Funds

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Institute of Standards and Technology

[Docket No. 940549-4149]

Computer Systems Laboratory Cooperative Agreement Program--

Availability of Funds

AGENCY: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Computer Systems Laboratory (CSL) National Institute of

Standards and Technology (NIST) announces funding availability for

cooperative agreements to support its ongoing programs in the following

fields of research: Human--Computer Interfaces, Image Recognition,

Parallel Processing, Wireless communications, and Collaborative

Engineering. Specific details are outlined below in the Program

Objectives section. The purpose of the CSL program is to expand the

research being performed in these fields and disseminate resulting

information publicly for potential commercial use. Applicants must

submit an abbreviated proposal for preliminary screening; based on the

merit of the abbreviated proposal applicants will be advised whether a

full proposal should be submitted. A proposal shall deal with only one

area of research.

DATES: Abbreviated proposals must be received at the address listed

below no later than 3 p.m. EDT on October 17, 1994. Proposals

transmitted by facsimile or electronic mail will not be accepted. Each

applicant submitting an abbreviated proposal will receive a written

recommendation regarding whether or not to prepare and submit a full

proposal. Such notification will be mailed/faxed on or before November

18, 1994. Full proposals must be received by 3 p.m. EDT on December 19,

1994. Cooperative agreements are expected to be awarded on or before

April 3, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Abbreviated proposals and full proposals should be submitted

to The National Institute of Standards and Technology, Computer Systems

Laboratory, Building 225, Room A216, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899-0001;

Attention: Mary Ruhl. Each application package should be clearly marked

``CSL Cooperative Agreement'' and identify the field of research.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Technical inquiries should be directed to the following Program

Managers: David Pallett, (301) 975-2935 [Manager, Speech Recognition];

Donna Harman, (301) 975-3569 [Manager, Text Retrieval]; Charles Wilson,

(301) 975-2080 [Manager, Image Recognition]; Gordon Lyon, (301) 975-

5679 [Manager, Parallel Processing]; Wayne McCoy, (301) 975-2984

[Manager, Signal Processing Systems]; Fernando Podio, (301) 975-2947

[Project Leader, Collaborative Engineering]. Inquiries should be

general in nature. Special inquiries as to a laboratory's needs, the

usefulness or merit of any particular project, or other inquiries with

the potential to provide any competitive advantage to an applicant are

not acceptable.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Authority

As authorized by 15 U.S.C. 272, the Computer Systems Laboratory

conducts a basic and applied research program directly and through

cooperative agreements to eligible recipients.

Program Description

The objectives of the CSL Cooperative Agreement Program are to: (1)

Support its ongoing programs in the research fields of Human-Computer

Interfaces, Image Recognition, Parallel Processing, Wireless

Communications, and Collaborative Engineering; (2) expand the research

being performed in these fields; and (3) disseminate resulting

information publicly for potential commercial use. Federal assistance

is for cooperative agreements to support these objectives. Since CSL

has ongoing efforts in these research areas, the cooperative agreements

will involve a close working relationship between CSL and the

recipients. The results of the research will be made publicly available

for potential commercialization. The beneficiaries of this program are

commercial end users of various techniques that are furthered by the

research enabled by these cooperative agreements.

All proposals submitted must be in accordance with the program

objectives listed below. Details on ongoing CSL research are provided

in order that applicants may submit proposals consistent with CSL

objectives. NIST shall retain title to all intangible property

developed under the cooperative agreement and shall make such property

available for public use without any obligation to the recipient. The

appropriate Program Manager for each field of research may be contacted

for clarification of the program objectives and activities.

I. Human--Computer Interfaces

The primary objective is to design and develop natural language

user interfaces (spoken and written) to computers. CSL efforts focus on

developing a spoken natural language user interface to electronic

library catalogs and improving natural language approaches for text

retrieval from large text collections.

I.A. Spoken Language User Interfaces

NIST has initiated a project to investigate the feasibility of

building a spoken natural language user interface to electronic

libraries, as a specific instance of spoken language user interfaces to

information services. The prototype system will be built from a

technology base of (D)ARPA-sponsored spoken language systems research

(e.g., Air Travel Information Systems).

Late in FY 1994, a prototype system is to be built, consisting of a

library catalog information kiosk. Users will be able to use spoken

natural language to obtain library catalog information with simple

human-computer dialogues (e.g., ``What's the title of Julia Child's

recent book? Is it in the collection at this library? What is the

catalog number?''). For the initial prototype system, library catalog

data is to be accessed from a subset of Library of Congress MARC files

comprising of approximately 10,000 titles. In CY 1995, user-interface

data will be collected and the system capabilities enhanced. During

development, NIST will use the prototype system to collect a corpus of

spoken natural language data to be shared with the spoken language

research community through the Linguistic Data Consortium, to encourage

other researchers to join in development of this technology.

In FY '96 and beyond, this technology is to be extended to permit

user spoken language access to on-line library catalog information over

ordinary telephone lines, and to provide expanded spoken natural

language information search and retrieval services for electronic

libraries. To accomplish this, more robust speech recognition

technology must be developed, and method of dialogue management

developed to paraphrase and summarize information for presentation

using speech synthesis technology.

I.B. Text Retrieval

The primary objective is to design and develop algorithms for

improving the performance of text retrieval against large amounts of

text. NIST has emphasized the testing of text retrieval algorithms

using natural language access against large amounts of text for the

past five years. This included building and testing a very fast

prototype retrieval system that allowed the use of simple English

phrases as the input query and returned a list of documents ranked in

order of likely relevance to that query. This project was followed by

continued research using this prototype.

To continue this work, proposals most compatible with CSL's ongoing

research in text retrieval are requested that use the large (3

gigabyte) text collection developed at NIST for Text Retrieval

Conferences. This research should involve natural language approaches

to text retrieval, including document ranking. Specific topics are (1)

the use of multi-term content indicators for retrieval and (2) the

design of user tools to improve initial queries.

The research involving these complex content indicators should be

directed toward identification of complex content indicators in brief

natural language statements of information need, efficiently search for

occurrences of them in an indexed document collection, and

incorporating the matches effectively into a weighting and ranking

model. These complex content indicators might range from simple word

combinations (e.g., phrases) to more abstract representations of words

or concepts and their semantic relationships (such as causal

relationships).

The research into design of user tools can investigate the use of

relevance feedback in large test collections, implement user studies as

to what tools are needed by various user populations, or deal with the

design and testing of novel tools that allow users to improve their

queries.

II. Image Recognition

The primary objective in this research area is to design and

develop image pattern recognition algorithms which will generate

improved performance in commercial applications. The image pattern

recognition algorithms should address image segmentation and contextual

checking of classified images. Examples include efforts to improve

image segmentation of handwritten text or improved extraction of

specific visual material from cluttered images such as a face in a

crowd or a drawing in a technical document. This segmentation should

lead naturally to improved image classification and sufficient

understanding to allow indexing of image databases without domain

specific constraints.

III. Parallel Processing

The primary objective is to design and develop algorithms,

measurement tools, and related software for Parallel Processor

platforms. General techniques and software tools for debugging and

tuning parallel codes often ignore important points, such as

scalability or portability. An opportunity exists for novel solutions

that address such pivotal aspects. These can be hitherto untried

concepts, or well-designed empirical investigations that shed insight

on the demands special to the parallel programming task. Both software

and hardware approaches can be used. The publication ``System Software

and Tools for High Performance Computing Environments'' (edited by P.

Messina and T. Sterling, SIAM, 1993) is a good survey of the issues and

problems of interest.

IV. Wireless Communications

This primary objective is to devise, test, and demonstrate adaptive

error control strategies for a variety of information types (e.g.,

speech, image, video) for use in wireless communications. A principal

barrier to the realization of the National Information Infrastructure

will be in interfacing networks of fundamentally different

characteristics while providing uniform, transparent end-to-end

service. For example, the wireline technologies being proposed will

provide bit transfer rates from 64 Kb/s to over 2 Gb/s, while wireless

technologies are expected to be in the range of 10 Kb/s to perhaps 1

Mb/s. The strategies for efficient use of network services will be very

different for the different technologies used. Central to such

strategies are compression and encoding methodologies. For wireless

services, compression and encoding have to take into account inherently

lower transmission bandwidth and much higher levels of noise and

interference than for wireline services. When the services must be

transparently interconnected, there must be a way for these networks to

adapt to dynamic transmission environments.

Proposals most compatible with CSL's on-going research in Wireless

Communications would target:

--Examining the effects of signal transmission for various source

encoding techniques by means of appropriate metrics (e.g., Signal to

Noise Ratios (SNR), perceptual differences, and spectral

distortions);

--Identifying critical characteristics of reference source signals

that are most influential to receive quality and devising strategies

as part of the encoding scheme to protect the critical

characteristics of the source signal;

--Devising precise evaluation methodologies and metrics;

--Examining characteristics of various transmission technologies

(e.g., modulation schemes);

--Devise strategies for transparent transmission considering

information type, network characteristics, physical environment

(e.g., noise), and appropriate security/privacy techniques.

V. Collaborative Engineering

The primary objective is to assist industry in applying state-of-

the-art collaborative engineering technology to engineering and

manufacturing applications. This efforts includes research on high

performance computing and communication (HPCC) and interconnectivity

among heterogeneous systems.

In real-time collaborative computing environments, a group of

individuals need to share an application and objects of this

application. In addition, they need to work on the objects to modify

them, et. Reliable real-time operations require protocols for

application synchronization and command synchronization. For example,

transferring mouse movements and keystrokes require that the

information gets reliably to all the partners in the right sequence.

Proposals most compatible with CSL's on-going research in

Collaborative Engineering would include research on synchronization of

real-time shared applications. For example, the design and development

of protocols for applications synchronization (e.g., two CAD

applications to be able to work in real-time) and command

synchronization (e.g., mouse movements). This work will allow

differently configured applications to perform the same actions

simultaneously and transparently to the user.

Funding Availability

Approximately $900,000 is available to support cooperative

agreements under this program. The number of awards will depend on the

quality of the proposals received and the amount of funding requested

by the proposals under consideration for award. The Computer Systems

laboratory Research Program is limited to innovative ideas generated by

the proposal writer on what specific tasks will be performed and how.

Any additional years of project funding will be subject to annual

competition.

Matching Requirements

There are no matching requirements.

Type of Funding Instrument

Due to the substantial involvement by various divisions of the CSL,

cooperative agreements will be awarded. Cooperative agreements will

generally involve a close working relationship between CSL and the

recipient, and it is expected that the recipient will periodically

visit and work at the NIST Gaithersburg, Maryland site with the

guidance of NIST scientists.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants under the CSL program is limited to colleges

and universities.

Award Period

NIST intends to fund cooperative agreements for a one (1) year

period.

Preliminary Screening Process

Applicants must submit an abbreviated proposal prior to submitting

a full proposal. The purpose of the abbreviated proposal is to provide

applicants with feedback regarding whether the proposed projects are

sufficiently promising relative to the selection criteria to warrant

preparation of a full proposal. The abbreviated proposal shall include

a budget synopsis. The abbreviated proposal is limited in length to no

more than 10 pages (8\1/2\ x 11 inch) plus the title page. Forms or

certifications for the full proposal shall not be included in the

abbreviated proposal. Applicants will be notified in writing whether or

not a full submission is invited. Proposals will receive an

independent, objective review by a panel composed of at least three

persons knowledgeable about the particular scientific area described

above that the proposal addresses. Each applicant must submit one

signed original and two copies of each proposal.

Full Proposal Review Process

Full proposals are limited in length to no more than 30 pages (8\1/

2\ x 11 inch) plus the title page. Proposals will receive an

independent, objective review by a panel composed of at least three

persons knowledgeable about the particular scientific area described

above that the proposal addresses. The proposals will be evaluated on a

competitive basis. Each applicant must submit one signed original and

two copies of each proposal along with Standard Form 424 (Rev 4/92) and

other required forms, as referenced under the provisions of OMB

Circular A-110.

Application Kit

An application kit, containing all required application forms and

certifications is available by calling Trudy Cummings at (301) 975-

2946. An application kit includes the following:

SF424 (Rev 4/92)--Application for Federal Assistance

SF424A (Rev 4/92)--Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs

SF424B (Rev 4/92)--Assurances--Non-Construction Programs

CD 511 (7/91)--Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and

Other Responsibility Matters; Drug-Free Workplace Requirements and

Lobbying

CD 512 (7/91)--Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension,

Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusions--Lower Tier Covered

Transactions and Lobbying

SF-LLL--Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

SF-LLL-A--Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Continuation Sheet

Evaluation Criteria

The criteria to be used in evaluating the proposals include

technical factors, qualifications of personnel, and reasonability of

cost in relation to proposed project scope. Technical factors include:

Technical merit of proposal, rationality of approach, compatibility of

proposal with needs of targeted area of research, use of new approaches

and new methods, and availability of resources. Technical personnel

qualifications factors include: Previous technical work with respect to

subject area, performance on previous cooperative agreements, grants,

or contracts, and academic qualifications with regard to proposed

research area (include curriculum vitae and list of publications).

Technical FActors--Total=65%

--technical merit of proposal: 35%

--rationality of approach: 10%

--compatibility of proposal with needs of targeted area of

research: 10%

--use of new approaches and new methods: 5%

--availability of resources: 5%

Personal Qualifications--Total=25%

--previous technical work with respect to subject area: 10%

--academic qualifications with respect to proposed research

area: 19%

--performance on previous cooperative agreements, grants, or

contracts: 5%

Reasonability of cost with proposed project scope--Total=10%

Selection Procedure

Award recommendations shall be made by the panels based on the

scores of the proposals determined in accordance with the evaluation

criteria. The chief of each CSL division will make the final award

recommendation to the NIST Grants Officer taking into account the score

received by the applicant, available funding, and the compatibility of

the proposal with the CSL programs. The highest-scored proposals may

not necessarily receive award; award is dependent on the compatibility

of the proposal with the CSL program.

Paperwork Reduction Act

The Standard Form 424 and Standard Form LLL mentioned in this

notice are subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act

and have been approved by OMB under Control Numbers 0348-0043 and 0348-

0046.

Primary Application Certification

All primary applicants must submit a completed form CD-511,

``Certifications Regarding Debarment, Suspension and Other

Responsibility Matters; Drug-Free Workplace Requirements and

Lobbying,'' and the following explanations are hereby provided:

1. Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension

Prospective participants (as defined at 15 CFR Part 26, Section

105) are subject to 15 CFR Part 26, ``Nonprocurement Debarment and

Suspension'' and the related section of the certification form

prescribed above applies;

2. Drug-Free Workplace

Grantees (as defined at 15 CFR Part 26, Section 605) are subject to

15 CFR Part 26, Subpart F, ``Government wide Requirements for Drug-Free

Workplace (Grants)'' and the related section of the certification form

prescribed above applies;

3. Anti-Lobbying

Persons (as defined at 15 CFR Part 28, Section 105) are subject to

the lobbying provisions of the 31 U.S.C. 1352, ``Limitation on use of

appropriated funds to influence certain Federal contracting and

financial transactions,'' and the lobbying section of the certification

form prescribed above applies to applications/bids for grants,

cooperative agreements, and contracts for more than $100,000 and loans

and loan guarantees for more than $150,000, or the single family

maximum mortgage limit for affected programs, whichever is greater; and

4. Anti-Lobbying Disclosure

Any applicant that has paid or will pay for lobbying using any

funds must submit an SF-LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,'' as

required under 15 CFR Part 28, Appendix B.

5. Lower-Tier Certifications

Recipients shall require applicants/bidders for subgrants,

contracts, subcontracts, or other lower tier covered transactions at

any tier under the award to submit, if applicable, a completed Form CD-

512, ``Certifications Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility

and Voluntary Exclusion--Lower Tier Covered Transactions and Lobbying''

and disclosure form, SF-LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities.''

Form CD-512 is intended for the use of recipients and should not be

transmitted to NIST. SF-LLL submitted by any tier recipient or

subrecipient should be submitted to NIST in accordance with the

instructions contained in the award document.

Preaward Activities

If applicants incur any costs prior to an award being made, they do

so solely at their own risk of not being reimbursed by the Government.

Notwithstanding any verbal or written assurance that may have been

received, there is no obligation on the part of NIST to cover preaward

costs.

No Obligation for Future Funding

If an application is selected for funding, DoC has no obligation to

provide any additional future funding in connection with that award.

Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of

performance is at the total discretion of NIST.

Past Performance

Unsatisfactory performance under prior Federal awards may result in

an application not being considered for funding.

Name Check Reviews

All non-profit and for-profit applicants are subject to a name

check review process. Name checks are intended to reveal if any key

individuals associated with the applicant have been convicted of or are

presently facing criminal charges such as fraud, theft, perjury, or

other matters which significantly reflect on the applicant's management

honesty or financial integrity.

False Statements

A false statement on an application is grounds for denial or

termination of funds, and grounds for possible punishment by a fine or

imprisonment as provided in 18 U.S.C. 1001.

Buy American-Made Equipment or Products

Applicants are hereby notified that they are encouraged, to the

extent feasible, to purchase American-made equipment and products with

funding provided under this program in accordance with Congressional

intent as set forth in the resolution contained in Public Law 103-121,

Sections 602 (a) and (b).

Delinquent Federal Debts

No award of Federal funds shall be made to an applicant who has an

outstanding delinquent Federal debt until either:

i. The delinquent account is paid in full,

ii. A negotiated repayment schedule is established and at least

one payment is received, or

iii. Other arrangements satisfactory to DoC are made.

Indirect Costs

The total dollar amount of the indirect costs proposed in an

application under this program must not exceed the indirect cost rate

negotiated and approved by a cognizant Federal agency prior to the

proposed effective date of the award or 100 percent of the total

proposed direct costs dollar amount in the application, whichever is

less.

Federal Policies and Procedures

Recipients and subrecipients under the Computer Systems Laboratory

Research Program are subject to all Federal Laws and Federal and

Departmental policies, regulations, and procedures applicable to

Federal financial assistance awards. The Computer Systems Laboratory

cooperative agreements program does not directly affect any state or

local government. Applications under this program are not subject to

Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal

Programs.''

Dated: September 8, 1994.

Samuel Kramer,

Associate Director.

[FR Doc. 94-22759 Filed 9-14-94; 8:45 am]

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