Oceanographic Facilities and Equipment Support
Oceanographic Facilities and Equipment Support for ocean research programs, providing funding for platforms and instruments used in shared research and education endeavors.
Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation
Due Dates: January 11, 2027 (Full proposals)
Funding Amounts: $47.5 million total program funding; listed award range $5,000–$47.5 million; awards generally 1–5 years
Summary: Supports shared-use oceanographic technical services, instrumentation, and scientific support equipment for federally funded research and education.
Key Information: Applicants must have a substantial in-house ocean science research program and demonstrate effective, economical shared-use facility operations.
Description
NSF’s Integrative Programs Section within the Division of Ocean Sciences administers this program to ensure that federally funded investigators and educators have access to properly equipped and managed oceanographic facilities. It supports procurement, conversion, upgrades, enhancement, and annual operation of platforms serving open-ocean, coastal, near-shore, and Great Lakes research. Support is principally directed toward shared-use facilities rather than facilities or instruments serving a single investigator or small research group.
The solicitation covers three programs: Oceanographic Technical Services, Oceanographic Instrumentation, and Shipboard Scientific Support Equipment. Together, they support technical personnel, shared equipment pools, instruments for collecting and analyzing oceanographic data, and equipment that improves vessel safety and scientific capability. Ship Operations, Ship Acquisition and Upgrade, and Other Facility Activities are not included in this solicitation.
