Strengthening American Infrastructure (SAI)

The National Science Foundation’s Strengthening American Infrastructure (SAI) program seeks transformative, human‑centered research that advances the science of infrastructure design, operation, and maintenance. Eligible applicants include U.S. for‑profit firms, non‑profits, higher‑education institutions, and federally recognized tribal nations. Proposals must integrate social, behavioral, or economic sciences with engineering or physical sciences to generate fundamental knowledge that can be applied to critical infrastructure sectors. Funding is discretionary, with total anticipated awards of $9.6 million, individual award amounts ranging from $50,000 to $750,000. The solicitation opened on 5 Oct 2026 and closed on 6 Oct 2026; proposals are no longer being accepted. • Target area: fundamental research that improves the resilience, efficiency, and societal impact of U.S. infrastructure. • Eligible participants: U.S.‑based companies, NGOs, colleges, universities, and tribal nations. • Required interdisciplinary approach: blend of social/behavioral/economic science with engineering/technical disciplines. • Funding mechanism: discretionary NSF grant (award ceiling $750 k, floor $50 k). • Submission window: one‑day window (Oct 5‑6 2026). • Contact: Jeremy Koster ([email protected], (703) 292‑8740).