Most recent content update: October 21, 2024
Note: This page will be updated as new information is available. Please check back frequently.
Program Snapshot
The NSF Mid-scale Research Infrastructure-1 Program (Mid-scale RI-1) supports the design or implementation of unique and compelling Research Infrastructure projects. NSF defines research infrastructure as any combination of facilities, equipment, instrumentation, or computational hardware or software, and the human capital necessary to support these. The Foundation-wide Mid-scale Research Infrastructure opportunity is intended to be a biennial competition (depending on availability of funds) to fund experimental research capabilities in the mid-scale range between MRI and Major Multi-user Facilities.
Projects should involve the training of a diverse workforce engaged in the design and implementation of STEM research infrastructure and should directly enable advances in any of the research domains supported by NSF. Projects may also include upgrades to existing research infrastructure.
- Proposal types types and funding levels
- Submissions to Mid-scale RI-1 fall into two categories, “Implementation Projects” (e.g., acquisition and/or construction) or “Design Activities."
- Implementation projects: Acquisition or construction projects with budgets ranging from $4 million up to but not including $20 million. Intended to enable well-defined, limited-term research experiments with broad community buy-in and shared data resources and/or shared-use, mid-scale infrastructure for broad community use. Construction or operations of labs/facilities or scientific research are not supported.
- Design activities: Intended to fund design efforts leading to eventual implementation of a mid-scale class RI project. Minimum request of $400,000, up to but not including $20 million.
- Note: A Mid-scale RI-1 design award does not imply a commitment on the part of NSF to the future implementation of the same project, nor is a Mid-scale RI-1 design award a prerequisite for submitting an implementation project proposal.
- Period of performance: up to five years, commensurate with the scope of the project.
Timeline
(Accurate as of last content update to this page)
- November 18, 2024: Required preliminary proposal due
- March 19, 2025: Full proposal due (by invitation only)
Resources
Information from NSF
- Mid-scale RI-1 program page
- Mid-scale RI-1 solicitation, NSF 24-598 (may be updated for future competition cycles)
- Webinar recording and slides: from NSF Town Hall held September 19, 2024
- 2023 Research Infrastructure Project Management webinar series recordings
- NSF Research Infrastructure Documents and Guidance: The Research Infrastructure Guide (RIG) provides guidance on the management and oversight of NSF's major facilities and mid-scale projects. Guidance for the Mid-scale RI-1 Project Execution Plan (PEP) and Design Execution Plan (DEP) are also available here.