Major Research Instrumentation Program
Highlights
You should consider applying for this program because it offers up to $4 million to help your business acquire or develop essential scientific and engineering instruments. This funding allows you to either purchase commercially available equipment or cover the costs for creating new instruments that advance your research capabilities. Without this financial support, many breakthroughs in science and engineering may not occur.
One key advantage of this program is that there’s no payback period. That means you can enhance your research capabilities with minimal financial risk. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that you can focus on innovation for up to five years without worrying about repayment. Additionally, by participating, you contribute to the training of the next generation of researchers and instrument users, fostering growth within your field.
This opportunity is designed for businesses like yours, giving you access to funds that can significantly elevate your capabilities. It’s an efficient, straightforward way to strengthen your research efforts and stay ahead in a competitive landscape.
Financing Details
Type of Financing
The program offers a grant for the acquisition or development of multi-user research instruments. You can request up to $4 million for your needs. This funding supports both buying instruments directly from vendors and covering costs to develop new capabilities.
Repayment Terms and Eligible Expenses
There are no repayment terms as this is a grant, meaning you won't have to pay it back. Eligible expenses include purchasing equipment, installation, operational costs, and maintenance of the instruments. You can also allocate funds for personnel costs involved in the development of new instrument capabilities.
Restrictions and Fees
Funds cannot be used for personal expenses, general administrative costs, or activities not directly related to the research instrumentation. There are no additional fees associated with this program, allowing you to use the full grant amount for your approved project.
Qualifications
Eligible Entities:
- Institutions of higher education
- Not-for-profit scientific/engineering research organizations
Funding Request Limits:
- Track 1: More than $100,000 and less than $1,400,000
- Track 2: From $1,400,000 up to $4,000,000
- Track 3: From $100,000 up to $4,000,000 for equipment and instrumentation to conserve or reduce helium consumption
Geographic Eligibility:
- Available across the United States
Employee and Revenue Criteria:
- No minimum or maximum number of employees required
- No minimum or maximum revenue qualifications
Legal Structure:
- All legal structures are applicable
Profit Structure:
- Not-for-profit entities only
Encouraged Proposals:
- Proposals from women, underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, and early-career Principal Investigators (PIs)
- Proposals benefiting early-career researchers
- Proposals from geographically underserved regions, including EPSCoR jurisdictions
- Proposals from under-resourced institutions and emerging research institutions are encouraged.
Disqualifications:
- For Track 1 proposals requesting less than $100,000, only:
- Eligible performing organizations in mathematics or social, behavioral, and economic sciences
- Non-Ph.D.-granting institutions requesting support in any NSF-supported disciplines are accepted.
- For Track 1 proposals requesting less than $100,000, only:
Description
This program offers up to $4 million to help you acquire or develop critical scientific and engineering research instruments. You can use this funding to purchase commercially available equipment or to cover the costs needed to create new instruments that advance research capabilities.
The aim is to enhance your access to necessary tools for research and education. Without this funding, many advancements in fundamental science and engineering might not happen. Additionally, this program supports the training of students who will become the future users and designers of these instruments, promoting growth in the field.
The good news? There's no payback period, making this a straightforward way to boost your business's research abilities without worrying about repayment. You can focus on innovation while the program covers costs for up to five years, allowing you to stretch your resources further.
Program Steps
Gather Required Information
Collect basic information about your business, including your business name, address, and contact details.Prepare Required Documentation
Assemble the necessary documents for your application, which may include:- Business registration documents
- Tax identification number
- A detailed project proposal outlining how the funding will be used
- A budget breakdown for the equipment or instruments needed
- Evidence of past research or educational initiatives (if applicable)
- Letters of support from collaborators or educational institutions (if applicable)
Complete the Application Form
Fill out the program’s application form accurately. Ensure all sections are completed and double-check for errors.Submit the Application
Submit your completed application along with the prepared documentation through the designated program website or portal.Follow-Up
After submission, keep track of your application status. Be ready to provide additional information or clarification if requested.
