Mid-scale Research Infrastructure-1

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is seeking proposals for the Mid-scale Research Infrastructure-1 (Mid-scale RI-1) program, which aims to provide funding for experimental research capabilities in the mid-scale range between the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) program and Major Multi-user Facilities. The program supports design activities or implementation of unique and compelling research infrastructure projects, including equipment, instrumentation, cyberinfrastructure, and personnel. Proposals may be submitted for either "Implementation" or "Design" projects, with total project costs ranging from $4 million to $20 million for implementation and $400,000 to $20 million for design. The program seeks to broaden the representation of principal investigators and institutions in its award portfolio and encourages participation from diverse talent, including women, early-career researchers, and individuals with disabilities. • Proposals must be submitted by organizations located in the United States, its territories, or possessions. • Proposals may be submitted by institutions of higher education, not-for-profit organizations, and consortia. • The program encourages partnerships between institutions and the inclusion of individual project participants to create a supportive working environment. • Proposals must demonstrate strong scientific merit, a response to an identified need of the research community, and/or fulfillment of a national need to enable U.S. researchers to be competitive in a global research environment. • Well-conceived technical and management plans are essential for both design and implementation proposals.