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

Proposals accepted anytime

Estimated total program funding: $5,000,000; typically 1–3 awards per year; award size and duration vary by project

Supports ongoing operation and maintenance of critical biological research infrastructure to enable transformative science.

--- ## Description The Sustained Availability of Biological Infrastructure (SABI) program provides funding to ensure the continued operation of mature infrastructure that is essential for advancing basic biological research. Supported infrastructure may include cyberinfrastructure, instrumentation, experimental or observational facilities, and biological living stocks with ongoing operational costs that exceed the capacity of the host institution. The program is distinct in its focus on sustaining existing resources rather than developing new infrastructure. Proposals should clearly demonstrate how the sustained availability of the proposed resource will advance or transform research in the biological sciences, with particular emphasis on impact within the NSF's Directorate for Biological Sciences and its partners. The infrastructure must be openly accessible, critical to sustained scientific outcomes, and serve a broad user community. Competitive proposals will document past impacts and present a compelling justification for continued or expanded significance during the award period. --- ## Due Dates - Proposals accepted anytime --- ## Funding Amount - Estimated total program funding: $5,000,000 annually - Approximately 1–3 new awards are made each year - Award size and duration vary depending on the nature and scale of the infrastructure and needs of the research community --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - U.S.-based non-profit, non-academic organizations (such as independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies) directly associated with educational or research activities - U.S. institutions of higher education (two- and four-year, including community colleges), acting on behalf of their faculty members **Special instructions for international branch campuses of U.S. IHEs:** If funding is requested for an international branch campus, the proposal must justify why the work cannot be performed at the U.S. campus. There are no restrictions on who may serve as Principal Investigator (PI), nor on the number of proposals per organization or individual. --- ## Application Process - Proposals may be submitted via [FastLane](https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/), [Research.gov](https://www.research.gov/), or [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/). - No letters of intent or preliminary proposals are required. - Proposals must follow the [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg). - Key proposal components include: Project Summary, Project Description (including Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts), Results of Prior Research, Justification, Technical Implementation, Project Management, Outcomes Assessment, Business Planning, Budget and Justification, Facilities/Equipment/Other Resources, Data Management Plan, and required supplementary documents. - Cost sharing is not required or permitted. - Proposals are reviewed using NSF’s standard merit review criteria (Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts), plus additional program-specific considerations regarding transformative impact, user community, and sustainability planning. --- ## Additional Information - Funds are strictly for sustaining existing infrastructure; proposals for research, development of new capabilities, or significant upgrades should be directed to other NSF programs. - Infrastructure must be at a mature stage, operational, and of demonstrated importance to the biological sciences community. - The program encourages cost-recovery mechanisms and long-term sustainability planning. - Awards may be made as standard grants, continuing grants, or cooperative agreements, depending on project complexity. --- ## External Links - [Program Solicitation & Details (NSF 19-569)](http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf19569) - [Grants.gov Opportunity Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359477) - [NSF Program Page](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/sustaining-sustaining-infrastructure-biological-research) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Resource | Email/Phone | Notes | |------------------------------|----------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------| | NSF Grants.gov Support | [grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov](mailto:grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov) | General inquiries, technical support | | Peter H. McCartney (Program Officer) | [pmccartn@nsf.gov](mailto:pmccartn@nsf.gov) | Scientific/program questions | | Roland P. Roberts (Program Officer) | [rolrober@nsf.gov](mailto:rolrober@nsf.gov) | Scientific/program questions | | Reed S. Beaman (Program Officer) | [rsbeaman@nsf.gov](mailto:rsbeaman@nsf.gov) | Scientific/program questions | | NSF Information Center | (703) 292-5111 | General NSF information | ---

Sustaining Infrastructure for Biological Research

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