FOA-Mid-scale
Research Infrastructure-1 (Mid-scale RI-1); January 7,
2021
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
Multi-user Facilities (Major Facilities) 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
Major Facilities thresholds.
Mid-scale
RI-1 emphasizes strong scientific merit, a response to an identified need of
the research community or fulfillment of a national need to enable U.S.
researchers to be competitive in a global research environment. Well-conceived
technical and management plans are 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.
Within
Mid-scale RI-1, proposers may submit two types of projects, “Implementation”
(e.g., acquisition/construction) and “Design”. The “Design” track is intended to
facilitate progress toward readiness for a mid-scale range implementation
project. Both Implementation and Design projects may involve new or upgraded
research infrastructure. Mid-scale RI-1 "Implementation" projects may have a
total project cost ranging from $6 million up to but not including $20 million.
Only Mid-scale RI-1 "Design" projects may request less than $6 million, with a
minimum request of $600,000 and a maximum request up to but not including $20
million, as appropriate, to prepare for a future mid-scale range implementation
project. (Note: Successful award of a Mid-scale RI-1 design project does not
imply NSF commitment to the future implementation of the project being designed,
nor is a Mid-scale RI-1 design award required for the submission of an
implementation project.)
Announcement
Number:
NSF
21-505
Closing
Date:
Required
Preliminary Proposal Due: January 7, 2021
Full
Proposal Deadline: April 23, 2021
Link
to Full Announcement
https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=505602&WT.mc_id=USNSF_180&WT.mc_ev=click
Contact
Information
Randy L.
Phelps
(703)
292-8040