(FOA)-Mid-scale
Research Infrastructure-1 (Mid-scale RI-1); February 19, 2019
Agency
National
Science Foundation
Description
NSF-supported
science and engineering research increasingly relies on cutting-edge
infrastructure. With its Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) program and Major
Research Equipment and Facilities Construction (MREFC) projects, NSF supports
infrastructure projects at the lower and higher ends of infrastructure scales
across science and engineering research disciplines. The Mid-scale Research
Infrastructure Big Idea is intended to provide NSF with an agile,
Foundation-wide process to fund experimental research capabilities in the
mid-scale range between the MRI and MREFC thresholds.
Within
Mid-scale RI-1, proposers may submit two types of projects, “Implementation”
and “Design”. Design and Implementation projects may comprise any combination of
equipment, infrastructure, computational hardware and software, and necessary
commissioning. Design includes planning (preliminary and final design) of
research infrastructure with an anticipated total project cost that is
appropriate for future Mid-scale RI-1, Mid-scale RI-2 or MREFC-class
investments. Mid-scale RI-1 uses an inclusive definition of implementation,
which can include traditional stand-alone construction or acquisition and can
include a degree of advanced development leading immediately to final system
acquisition and/or construction.
Mid-scale
RI-1 "Implementation" projects may have a total project cost ranging from $6
million up to below $20 million. Projects must directly enable advances in
fundamental science, engineering or science, technology, engineering and
mathematics (STEM) education research in one or more of the research domains
supported by NSF. Implementation projects may support new or upgraded research
infrastructure. Only Mid-scale RI-1 "Design" projects may request less than $6
million, with a minimum request of $600,000 and a maximum request below $20
million as needed to prepare for a future mid-scale or larger infrastructure
implementation project. (Successful award of a Mid-scale RI-1 design project
does not imply NSF commitment to future implementation of that
project.)
Mid-scale
research infrastructure projects beyond the Mid-scale RI-1 program limit are
anticipated to be separately solicited by a Mid-scale RI-2
program.
Mid-scale
RI-1 emphasizes strong scientific merit and response to an identified need of
the research community. Demonstrated technical and managerial experience is
required for both design and implementation projects, as are well-developed
plans for student training and the involvement of a diverse workforce in all
aspects of mid-scale activities.
***Note:
Due to the institutional responsibilities inherent in managing a Mid-scale RI-1
project, please notify the Vice President for Research at VPRGRants@uky.edu
if you intend to apply for this program.
Announcement
Number
NSF
19-537
Preliminary
Proposal Due Date (Required)
February
19, 2019
Full
Proposal Deadline (By Invitation Only)
May
20, 2019
Link
to Full Announcement
https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2019/nsf19537/nsf19537.htm
Contact
Information
Randy
L. Phelps
(703)
292-8040