[National Science Foundation](https://www.nsf.gov)

Proposals accepted anytime

~$5 million total annually; 1–3 new awards per year; award size varies by project scope

Supports continued operation of existing cyberinfrastructure or biological living stocks that are critical to advancing contemporary biological research.

Proposals must focus on sustaining mature resources, not developing new capabilities.

--- ## Description This program supports the ongoing operation and maintenance of existing research infrastructure that is essential for advancing contemporary biology in any area supported by the NSF Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO). The focus is on sustaining critical infrastructure—primarily cyberinfrastructure or biological living stocks—that serves a broad community of researchers. Projects must ensure the continued availability of mature resources that enable significant scientific outcomes for a wide range of users. The program does **not** fund research or development of new capabilities, features, or tools. Instead, it is intended for resources that are already established and have demonstrated impact in the biological sciences. Proposals should provide clear evidence of past scientific and educational impacts and a compelling justification for continued support. --- ## Due Dates - **Proposals are accepted at any time.** - Submissions must be received by 5:00 p.m. (submitter's local time) on the day of submission. --- ## Funding Amount - **Total anticipated funding:** Approximately $5,000,000 per year. - **Number of awards:** 1–3 new awards annually. - **Award size:** Varies depending on the nature and scope of the infrastructure and the breadth of the user community. - **Award type:** Standard Grant, Continuing Grant, or Cooperative Agreement. - **Cost sharing:** Not allowed; institutional cost-share is prohibited. --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible applicants:** - U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (two- and four-year, including community colleges) accredited in the U.S. and acting on behalf of their faculty. - Non-profit, non-academic organizations in the U.S. (e.g., independent museums, observatories, research labs, professional societies) associated with educational or research activities. - **International branch campuses** of U.S. institutions may be included with strong justification. - **No restrictions** on who may serve as PI or co-PI. - **No limits** on the number of proposals per organization or per PI/co-PI. --- ## Application Process - **Submission platforms:** Proposals must be submitted via [Research.gov](https://www.research.gov) or [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov). - **Letters of Intent/Preliminary Proposals:** Not required. - **Full proposal requirements:** Follow the [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg). - **Key proposal elements:** - Project Summary (1 page): Overview, Intellectual Merit, Broader Impacts. - Project Description (max 15 pages): Resource overview, justification, broader impacts, description of product, technical implementation, project management, business planning, outcomes assessment, results from prior NSF support. - Facilities, Equipment, and Other Resources (max 2 pages). - Data Management Plan. - Letters of Collaboration (if applicable). - **Budget:** Must be well justified and limited to activities essential for maintaining current functionality. No funds for new development. - **Review criteria:** NSF’s standard Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts, plus additional criteria specific to the criticality, maturity, management, and sustainability of the resource. --- ## Additional Information - **Scope:** Only supports operation and maintenance of existing, mature infrastructure. Proposals for new development or major upgrades should be directed to other NSF programs (e.g., Innovation or Capacity programs). - **Cost recovery:** Projects are expected to develop business plans to recover some operating costs from user communities or other sources, without restricting open access. - **Reporting:** Annual and final project reports are required via Research.gov. - **Diversity:** Strongly encouraged to involve underrepresented groups and veterans in project personnel. --- ## External Links - [NSF Program Solicitation & Details (NSF 21-503)](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/sustaining-sustaining-infrastructure-biological-research/nsf21-503/solicitation) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg) - [Apply via Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/329293) - [Research.gov Submission Portal](https://www.research.gov) - [NSF Division of Biological Infrastructure](https://www.nsf.gov/div/index.jsp?div=DBI) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |-----------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Program Email | [SustainingDBI@nsf.gov](mailto:SustainingDBI@nsf.gov) | | Program Phone | (703) 292-8470 | | NSF Information Center | (703) 292-5111 | | Grants.gov Support | [grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov](mailto:grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov) / 1-800-518-4726 | | Research.gov Help Desk | [rgov@nsf.gov](mailto:rgov@nsf.gov) / 1-800-673-6188 | | NSF General Contact Page | [NSF Contact Us](https://www.nsf.gov/about/contact-us) | ---

Sustaining Infrastructure for Biological Research

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