Mid-scale Research Infrastructure-1 | 24 598

Opportunity Information: Apply for 24 598

The **Mid-scale Research Infrastructure-1 (Mid-scale RI-1) program** is a **National Science Foundation (NSF)** funding opportunity designed to support the development of research infrastructure that falls between NSF’s **Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) program** and **Major Multi-user Facilities** projects in terms of cost and scope. This initiative aims to fill a critical funding gap, enabling cutting-edge experimental research across various scientific and engineering disciplines by supporting mid-scale projects.

The program funds two types of projects: - **Implementation projects**: Support the acquisition, construction, and commissioning of mid-scale research infrastructure, including equipment, instrumentation, cyberinfrastructure, datasets, and personnel. - **Design projects**: Provide funding for planning and preparing future mid-scale infrastructure projects to ensure readiness for later implementation.

### **Funding Details** - **Implementation projects**: Total project costs must range **from $4 million up to (but not including) $20 million**. - **Design projects**: Funding requests may range from **$400,000 to just under $20 million**, depending on project needs.

Approval of a **design project does not guarantee** future funding for its implementation. Projects beyond the **$20 million cap** fall under a separate Mid-scale RI-2 program. Proposals exceeding the cost limits will be returned without review.

### **Eligibility Criteria** Organizations eligible to apply must operate primarily in the **United States, its territories, or possessions** and include: 1. **Accredited higher education institutions (both Ph.D.-granting and non-Ph.D.-granting institutions).** 2. **Non-profit, non-degree-granting organizations** (e.g., independent museums, research labs, observatories, and science centers). 3. **Legally incorporated consortia and informal consortia** (comprising at least two eligible organizations). 4. **For-profit organizations (e.g., small businesses) can participate only as subawardees or subcontractors** and must demonstrate a unique contribution to infrastructure development.

### **Program Priorities** - **Broadening institutional and geographic participation**, particularly institutions in EPSCoR jurisdictions. - **Encouraging diversity**, including proposals led by women, early-career researchers, persons with disabilities, and underrepresented groups in STEM. - **Emphasizing workforce development**, integrating student training, mentoring, professional development, and accessibility considerations in infrastructure-related STEM activities. - **Promoting strong project management**, requiring detailed technical and execution plans scaled to project complexity.

### **Restrictions** - Proposals **cannot request funding to augment existing NSF Major Multi-user Facilities or Mid-scale RI-2 projects** in the construction stage. - Title to infrastructure funded under this program must be retained by the awardee institution unless otherwise specified.

The Mid-scale RI-1 program provides a critical funding mechanism for advancing research infrastructure while ensuring U.S. researchers remain globally competitive. Applicants should carefully review NSF's **Research Infrastructure Guide (RIG)** for specific project execution and design plan requirements.

• The National Science Foundation in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Mid-scale Research Infrastructure-1" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 47.041, 47.049, 47.050, 47.070, 47.074, 47.075, 47.076, 47.083.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-08-20.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-03-19. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2025.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $19,999,999.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 10 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for 24 598

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