STEP concerns itself with the collection of tools and utilities that optimize, monitor, analyze and diagnose performance and behavior across codes within and across nodes of advanced computing systems. Such tools hold an essential role in the success of advanced scientific computing research. Yet many core components of the tool ecosystem are at risk with the sunset of the Exascale Computing Project. Indeed, we face an important transition point for the entire High Performance Computing (HPC) Tools ecosystem. STEP is a new DOE/ASCR funded activity that seeks to understand the capabilities and opportunities of the HPC Tools community and find ways to sustain and improve the Tools ecosystem going forward. You are invited to apply for funding from the US DOE Office of Science. This form, which is intended to be straight-forward and undemanding, initiates consideration for funding by STEP. We will contact you for any further information we require. Thank you.