Applicants should be aware that requests for travel funds must be directly related to the needs of the project, e.g., travel to DOE Headquarters to meet with the DOE Program Manager.  If funds are requested for travel, they should be addressed in detail in the budget justification.

Travel expenses for technical conferences are not permitted unless the purpose of attending the conference directly relates to the project (e.g., to present research results of the project).  

Foreign travel is not normally an appropriate expense. Funds to cover travel expenses outside of the U.S. is considered an unallowable cost unless written approval has been obtained from the Contracting Officer.  

Section D. Travel Budget Instructions 

Field 

Instructions 

Domestic Travel Costs (Incl. Canada, Mexico, and U.S. Possessions 

  • Identify the total funds requested for domestic travel. Domestic travel includes Canada, Mexico, and US possessions. 
  • In the budget justification section, include the purpose, destination, dates of travel (if known), and number of individuals for each trip. If the dates of travel are not known, specify estimated length of trip (e.g., 3 days). 
  • Use the data provided by the U.S. General Services Administration for determining per diem rates for lodging, meals, and incidentals for a specific location.    
  • Airfare should be estimated at the lowest available price. 
  • Pursuant to the Fly America ActALL air travel and cargo transportation services funded by the federal government are required to use a "U.S. flag" air carrier service. 

Foreign Travel Costs 

  • Except in rare and unique circumstances, Foreign Travel Costs are not allowable costs in performance of SBIR/STTR awards.  
  • Enter the total funds requested for foreign travel. Foreign travel includes any travel outside of North America and/or US possessions.  
  • In the budget justification section, include the purpose, destination, dates of travel (if known) and number of individuals for each trip. If the dates of travel are not known, specify estimated length of trip (e.g., 3 days). 

Total Travel Costs 

Total funds requested for all travel. 


Section E: Participant/Trainee Support Costs 

Unless specifically stated otherwise in an announcement, DOE applicants should leave blank Section E.   

Tuition remission for graduate students should continue to be included in Section F. Other Direct Costs, Fields 8-10, when applicable.  

Section E. Participant/Trainee Support Costs Budget Instructions 

Field 

Instructions 

Tuition/Fees/Health Insurance 

List total funds requested for Participant/Trainee tuition / fees / health insurance. 

Stipends 

List total funds requested for Participant/Trainee stipends.  

Travel 

List total funds requested for Participant/Trainee travel. See Section D. Travel regarding specific instructions related to grant-funded travel. 

Subsistence 

List total funds requested for Participant/Trainee subsistence.  

Other 

Describe any other participant trainee funds requested. List total funds requested for any other Participant/Trainee costs described.  

Number of Participants/Trainees 

List total number of proposed Participants/Trainees.  

Total Participant/Trainee Support Costs 

Total funds requested for all trainee costs. 

 

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