Mid-scale Research Infrastructure-1

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Description

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Mid-scale Research Infrastructure-1 (Mid-scale RI-1) program funds the design and implementation of research infrastructure projects that fall between the scale of the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) program and Major Multi-user Facilities. The program aims to address critical needs for cutting-edge infrastructure that enables advances in any NSF-supported research domain, including science, engineering, and STEM education.

Projects may include new or upgraded facilities, equipment, instrumentation, cyberinfrastructure, large-scale datasets, and the necessary personnel to commission and operate the infrastructure. The program supports both "Implementation" projects (acquisition, assembly, construction, commissioning) and "Design" activities (preparatory work for future implementation).

A strong emphasis is placed on scientific merit, community/national need, robust project management, and the training and inclusion of a diverse STEM workforce. The program seeks to broaden participation by supporting a geographically and demographically diverse set of institutions and principal investigators, including those from EPSCoR jurisdictions, minority-serving institutions, and groups underrepresented in STEM.

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Due Dates

• Preliminary Proposal (required):

  • November 18, 2024
  • September 1, 2026

• Full Proposal (by invitation only):

  • June 5, 2025
  • February 8, 2027

All deadlines are 5:00 p.m. local time of the submitting organization.

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Funding Amount

• Implementation Projects: $4,000,000 up to (but not including) $20,000,000 total project cost.
• Design Activities: $400,000 up to (but not including) $20,000,000 total project cost.
• Project Duration: Typically up to 5 years.
• Estimated Number of Awards: 5–10 per competition cycle.
• Total Program Funding: ~$100 million per biennial cycle (subject to appropriations).

No cost sharing is required or allowed.

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Eligibility

• Eligible Applicants:
  • U.S.-based institutions of higher education (Ph.D.-granting and non-Ph.D.-granting)
  • Not-for-profit, non-degree-granting U.S. organizations (e.g., museums, observatories, research labs)
  • Consortia of eligible organizations (formal or informal, with at least two eligible lead institutions)
• For-profit organizations may participate only as sub-awardees/partners, not as lead applicants.
• FFRDCs may participate as part of a consortium.
• PI/Co-PI Limit: Any individual may be PI or co-PI on only one preliminary or full proposal per cycle.
• No limit on the number of preliminary proposals per organization.

Note: Projects that augment ongoing NSF Major Multi-user Facility or Mid-scale RI-2 projects in construction are not eligible.

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Application Process

1. Preliminary Proposal (required):

   • Must be submitted via Research.gov.
   • Includes project summary, description (10 pages), budget estimate, personnel lists, and initial project execution/design plan.
   • No letters of intent required.
   • Supplementary documents and a personnel/organization spreadsheet must be emailed to NSF after submission.

2. Full Proposal (by invitation only):

   • Only invited projects may submit a full proposal.
   • May be submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov.
   • Requires detailed project execution/design plan, robust budget, letters of commitment, and additional documentation.
   • Environmental compliance documentation may be required.
   • Vendor quotes required for major components (implementation projects).

3. Review Process:

   • Preliminary proposals are reviewed internally; outcome is invite/do-not-invite for full proposal.
   • Full proposals are reviewed externally using NSF’s merit review criteria (Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts), with additional focus on project management, community need, and diversity/training plans.

4. Award Types: Standard grant, continuing grant, or cooperative agreement, depending on project complexity.

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Additional Information

• Build America, Buy America Act: All iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials must be produced in the U.S. unless a waiver is granted.
• Operations & Maintenance: The program does not fund post-implementation operations or maintenance, but proposals must include a plan for O&M.
• Broader Impacts: Proposals must address student training, broadening participation, and benefits to the wider U.S. research community.
• Accessibility: PIs are encouraged to incorporate accessibility for persons with disabilities in all project phases.
• Reporting: Annual and final project reports are required; additional reporting may be required based on project scope.

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External Links

• NSF Mid-scale RI-1 Solicitation (NSF 24-598)
• NSF Research Infrastructure Guide (RIG)
• NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)
• Program Page & Updates
• Build America, Buy America Act Information

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Contact Information

• NSF Contact Page
• NSF Information Center: (703) 292-5111

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