Title
Major Research Instrumentation Program: (MRI) Instrument Acquisition or Development
Agencies
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Description
The Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program (MRI Program Website) serves to increase access to multi-user scientific and
engineering instrumentation for research and research training in our Nation's institutions of higher education and not-for-profit
scientific/engineering research organizations. An MRI award supports the acquisition of a multi-user research instrument that is commercially
available through direct purchase from a vendor, or for the personnel costs and equipment that are required for the development of an
instrument with new capabilities, thereby advancing instrumentation capabilities and enhancing expertise for instrument design and fabrication
at academic institutions. MRI instruments are, in general, too costly and/or not appropriate for support through other NSF programs.
MRI provides support to acquire critical research instrumentation without which advances in fundamental science and engineering research
may not otherwise occur. MRI also provides support to obtain next-generation research instruments by developing instruments with new
capabilities that open new opportunities to advance the frontiers in science and engineering research. Additionally, an MRI award is expected
to enhance research training of students who will become the next generation of instrument users, designers and builders.
An MRI proposal may request from NSF up to $4 million for either acquisition or development of a research instrument. Each performing
organization may submit in revised "Tracks" as defined below, with no more than two (2) submissions in Track 1 and no more than one (1)
submission in Track 2. For the newly defined Track 3, no more than one (1) submission per competition is permitted. As a result, it is now
possible for an institution to submit up to four MRI proposals within the Track limits as described above.
Track 1: Track 1 MRI proposals are those that request funds from NSF greater than $100,0001 and less than $1,400,000.
Track 2: Track 2 MRI proposals are those that request funds from NSF greater than or equal to $1,400,000 up to and including
$4,000,000.
Track 3: Track 3 MRI proposals are those that request funds from NSF greater than or equal to $100,0001 and less than or equal to
$4,000,000 that include the purchase, installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment and instrumentation to conserve or
reduce the consumption of helium. Institutions may submit no more than one Track 3 proposal. Submission of a Track 3
proposal does not impact limits that apply for Track 1 and Track 2 proposals.
Cost sharing requirements for new awards in the MRI Program are waived for a period of 5 years beginning with the FY 2023 MRI
competition. Institutional submission limits for Track 1, Track 2 and Track 3 proposals remain.
The MRI Program especially seeks broad representation of groups, institutions, and geographic regions that are underrepresented in STEM
disciplines. Proposals from women, underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities and early-career PIs are encouraged, as are
proposals that benefit early-career researchers and proposals with PIs from geographically under-served regions, including EPSCoR
jurisdictions. Additionally, proposals are encouraged from under-resourced institutions, including from emerging research institutions, where
MRI can significantly build capacity for research.
1 Track 1 proposals requesting funds from NSF less than $100,000 will be accepted only from: a) eligible performing organizations requesting
instrumentation supporting research in the disciplines of mathematics or social, behavioral and economic sciences; or b)
More Information
https://nsf-gov-resources.nsf.gov/solicitations/pubs/2023/nsf23519/nsf23519.pdf?VersionId=XdNwUeSIELClyxb2kKfMApXgx_6kG5Vn
Submission Limits
Two (2) in Track 1, one (1) in Track 2 and one (1) in Track 3 as described below. Potential PIs are advised to contact their sponsored projects
office well in advance of the MRI submission window regarding processes used to select proposals for submission.
The MRI program requires that an MRI-eligible organization may, as a performing organization, submit or be included as a significantly
funded2 subawardee in no more than three MRI proposals in Tracks 1 and 2 as defined below, with no more than two (2) submissions in Track
1 and no more than one (1) submission in Track 2. One (1) additional submission is permitted in the newly defined Track 3. As a result, it is
now possible for an institution to submit up to four MRI proposals within the Track limits described above.
Any MRI proposal may request support for either the acquisition or development of a research instrument or an upgrade of an existing
research instrument. Within their submission limit, NSF strongly encourages an organization to submit proposals for innovative development
projects.
Track 1: Track 1 MRI proposals are those that request funds from NSF greater than or equal to $100,0001 and less than $1,400,000.
Track 2: Track 2 MRI proposals are those that request funds from NSF greater than or equal to $1,400,000 up to and including
$4,000,000.
Track 3 MRI proposals are those that request funds from NSF greater than or equal to $100,0001 and less than or equal to
$4,000,000 for requests that include the purchase,
Cost Sharing:
Inclusion of voluntary committed cost sharing is prohibited
Deadlines
Internal Notice of Intent |
Jun 14, 2024 |
Notification of Internal Competition |
Jun 15, 2024 |
Internal Pre-proposal |
Jul 15, 2024 |
Results of Internal Competition |
Aug 5, 2024 |
Agency Notice of Intent/Pre-proposal |
N/A |
Agency Proposal |
Nov 15, 2024
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