Research Office

National Science Foundation (NSF) - Partnerships for International Research and Education (PIRE)

NSF 16-571   -

Anticipated PIRE solicitation release – April/May 2020-2021 – pre-proposals due three months after release.  Full proposals accepted by invitation only.

Projected Due Dates

• Research Office Letter of Intent Deadline:   To be determined

Anticipated Agency Deadlines: 

• Anticipated RFP Announcement: April/May 2020-2021
• Antipcated Preliminary Proposal Due: 
• Anticipated Full Proposal due: 

According to past NSF PIRE Solicitations:

• A single organization may submit one preliminary proposal at a lead institution.
• Full proposals will be accepted by invitation only.
• There is no limit on the number of proposals in which an instituion can participate as a partner.

Estimated Funding Amount:  $10-15,000,000

Estimated Number of Awards:  10-15

Limit on Number of Proposals per Organization:  1

In an effort to provide the highest level of excellence and viability for funding, a review process will be put in place if more than one proposal is submitted. Information: Research.Development@oregonstate.edu

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

COVER SHEET (1 page)

• Solicitation Name and Descriptive Title
• Project Summary:  3 or 4 sentences 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 that highlight how your research/approach is different/better.
•  Key PI/co-PIs:  5 or 6 sentences that highlight team expertize 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 (2 to 4 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!) 
• Peer Groups: Who else is doing something similar, why their discoveries are useful for you, and what discriminates you. 
• 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? 
• Fundraising:  List any matching fund requests, industry commitments etc.  List any current proposals pending.

SUGGESTED REVIEWERS: (1 page) Optional – but as you write envision who might be a reviewer of your proposal or the Program Officer.

• 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: Research.Development@oregonstate.edu