Office for Research Development

Major Research Instrumentation Program:

Solicitation: NSF 18-513

• LOI Due to Research Office, Wednesday, October 8, 2021
• Submission Window Date(s) (due by 5 p.m. submitter's local time):   January 1 - 19, 2022. 

Institutional Limit: 3 - See Limit Summary

Three (3) as described below. Potential PIs are advised to contact their institutional office of research 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 funded [3] subawardee in no more than three MRI proposals. Beginning with this competition, each performing organization is now limited to a maximum of three proposals in revised “Tracks” as defined below, with no more than two submissions in Track 1 and no more than one submission in Track 2. Any MRI proposal may request support for either the acquisition or development of a research instrument. Within their submission limit, NSF strongly encourages organizations to submit proposals for innovative development projects.

Any MRI proposal may request support for either the acquisition or development of a research instrument.

• Track 1: Track 1 MRI proposals are those that request funds from NSF greater than or equal to $100,000¹ and less than $1,000,000. (no more than two)
• Track 2: Track 2 MRI proposals are those that request funds from NSF greater than or equal to $1,000,000 up to and including $4,000,000. (no more than one)

Note: The 30% cost-sharing requirement applies to only the portion of the total project cost budgeted to non-exempt organizations, including those participating through sub-awards. When required, cost-sharing must be precisely 30%. Cost-sharing is required for Ph.D.-granting institutions of higher education and for non-degree-granting organizations. Non-Ph.D.-granting institutions of higher education are exempt from cost-sharing and cannot provide it. National Science Board policy is that voluntarily committed cost sharing is prohibited. See section V.B. for specific information on cost-sharing calculations and the solicitation text for definitions of organizational types used for the MRI program.

Please note:  The MRI program requires matching Funds. Please see the full text of this solicitation for further information.  Create your cost share information in the Fundraising section of the project description.  

General guidance for the preparation of letters of intent to the Research Office:

COVER SHEET (1 page)

• Solicitation Name and Descriptive Title
• Project Summary:  3 or 4 sentences or bullet points that provide an overview of the objective of your proposed research, how you plan to do it, and the expected outcome.
• Unique Aspects:  3 or 4 sentences or bullet points that highlight how your research/approach is different/better.
• Key PI/co-PIs:  5 or 6 sentences or bullet points that highlight team expertise as it relates to the project.
• Budget:  Example:  The total cost of the project is anticipated to be $ X, with $ Y being requested from the NSF.  NSF funds will be used for: $ A for personnel; $ B for operations, and $ C for broader impacts/subcontracts etc. 
• Justification for NSF support: One paragraph explaining why this research fits with the RFP and strategic goals of NSF. 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION (1 - 3 pages)

• Problem statement - Clear and concise statement of 1) research question(s) and how the project will address the research question(s); 2) what technical barriers need to be overcome to perform the research, and 3) how the proposed research can lead to the advancement of research/knowledge in this area.
• Conceptual framework:  Conceptual framework describing, for example, how the synthesis of various project components, approaches, and participant expertise are linked together to address the problem of interest.  Graphics may be used.
• Proposed activities: Describe the project to be undertaken and provide the technical specifications of the research activities and timelines that will be undertaken.
• Expected results: Describe the outcome you anticipate from the research. (Remember your initial motivation for wanting to do this!)
• Broader Impact/Metrics for Success: What metrics are the most appropriate for evaluating the success of the proposed project (e.g., peer-reviewed papers, policy-directed efforts, databases, models, development of new resources, etc.)? If successful, who would most likely use the knowledge or tools developed?

Suggested Reviewers: (1 page) Optional – 

• Reviewer 1: Area of expertise
• Name
• Title
• Contact
• State why you think this person would be a good reviewer.

Submit electronically as a PDF document to:

SMARTSHEET FORM

Questions, please email  research.development@oregonstate.edu