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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - NSF Centers for Chemical Innovation (CCI) Program (NSF 11-552)

What is the NSF Centers for Chemical Innovation (CCI) Program?

The NSF Centers for Chemical Innovation (CCI) Program (NSF Publication 11-552; Funding Opportunity Number 11-552) supports large, center-style research efforts designed to tackle major, long-term, fundamental challenges in chemical science. The program emphasizes ambitious research themes intended to produce transformative advances, spark innovation, and attract broad interest across the scientific community and the public.

What makes a CCI different from a typical research grant?

CCIs are designed as agile, highly collaborative center structures rather than single-investigator or small-team projects. A key expectation is that the center can respond quickly to new scientific opportunities and that it will use cyberinfrastructure to connect teams, share data, and accelerate discovery.

What is the two-phase center model described in this solicitation?

The solicitation describes a two-phase model:

• Phase I: Provides substantial resources to launch the center, establish the scientific vision, and build integrative center components (collaboration structures, research coordination, education and workforce elements, and public outreach). Phase I is a development period intended to mature the concept to justify a larger effort.
• Phase II: A larger, longer effort that centers may seek after completing Phase I, based on the schedule described in the solicitation.

For Phase I awards made in FY 2012, when would Phase II be expected?

Under the schedule described in the solicitation, Phase I awards made in FY 2012 would be expected to seek Phase II funding in FY 2015.

Who is eligible to apply for Phase II funding in FY 2012?

The Phase II track in FY 2012 is restricted. Only organizations that received Phase I awards in FY 2009 are eligible to apply for Phase II funding in FY 2012.

What theme is required for the FY 2012 Phase I competition?

For FY 2012 Phase I, NSF limits consideration to projects aligned with the theme of sustainable chemistry. Both the preliminary proposal and the full proposal must explicitly explain how the proposed research advances sustainable chemistry.

Do both preliminary and full proposals need to address sustainable chemistry?

Yes. The solicitation states that both the preliminary proposal and the full proposal must explicitly explain how the proposed research advances sustainable chemistry.

What sustainable chemistry focus areas are highlighted as examples?

The solicitation lists example directions within sustainable chemistry, while indicating other sustainable-chemistry directions may also be appropriate. The highlighted examples include:

• Developing cleaner, safer, and more economical alternatives to conventional chemical products and practices
• Reducing reliance on petroleum-derived feedstocks by exploring alternative sources such as biorenewables
• Replacing rare, expensive, or toxic materials with earth-abundant, low-cost, benign substitutes (illustrative references include indium, germanium, rare earth elements, and platinum catalysts)
• Improving the recognition, sequestration, recycling, and reuse of key elements critical to sustainability (examples include phosphorus and rare earth elements)

Are projects about alternative energy or climate change eligible under this FY 2012 CCI Phase I competition?

No. The solicitation explicitly states that projects centered on alternative energy, climate change, or other sustainability topics that fit better within NSF SEES solicitations are directed elsewhere and will not be considered under this CCI competition.

Can CCIs partner with organizations outside academia?

Yes. Centers may build partnerships beyond academia, including collaborations with industry, government laboratories, and international organizations, when those partnerships strengthen the science and its broader impact.

What non-research components are CCIs expected to include?

Beyond research, CCIs are expected to integrate research with innovation-related thinking, education, and public outreach. Proposals are also expected to include integrative components typical of a center, such as collaboration structures, research coordination, education and workforce elements, and public outreach.

Is there a requirement related to broadening participation?

Yes. The solicitation states that proposals must include a concrete plan to broaden participation of underrepresented groups.

How are proposals evaluated beyond the scientific challenge?

Based on the solicitation’s description of expectations, proposals are not only judged on the scientific challenge and research approach, but also on how effectively the center will build an inclusive community, develop talent, and communicate or translate knowledge to benefit a wider audience.

What type of funding instrument is used for this opportunity?

The funding instrument identified in the solicitation is a grant.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The solicitation states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.

Which NSF directorate and CFDA number are associated with this program?

The program is positioned within NSF’s Mathematical and Physical Sciences directorate and is listed under CFDA 47.049.

What types of organizations are eligible to apply?

The opportunity is open to a range of U.S.-based organizations engaged in education or research. Eligible applicants include:

• Accredited U.S. universities and two- and four-year colleges (including community colleges) applying on behalf of their faculty
• Certain non-profit, non-academic organizations such as independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies, and similar U.S. organizations associated with educational or research activities

Does the Principal Investigator (PI) need to be affiliated with the submitting organization?

Yes. The solicitation states that the PI must be affiliated with the eligible submitting organization.

How many investigators can be listed as PI on a CCI proposal?

Only one individual is listed as the Principal Investigator (PI) on the cover sheet. All other investigators are treated as senior personnel.

Are there limits on how many CCI proposals an investigator can participate in?

Yes. The solicitation includes a participation limit intended to prevent overlapping submissions: any given investigator may participate (as PI or senior personnel) in only one CCI proposal submitted to this competition.

How many awards does NSF anticipate making, and what is the estimated total funding?

NSF anticipated making about seven awards under this competition, with an estimated total funding level of $15,000,000.

When was this opportunity posted, and what are the closing dates listed?

The opportunity was originally posted on June 22, 2011. The original closing date is listed as October 25, 2011, and a current closing date is listed as March 27, 2012. The notice also reminds applicants to consult the full solicitation for detailed requirements and deadlines.

Where can applicants get technical help with accessing the announcement?

For technical help accessing the announcement, the notice points to NSF’s Grants.gov support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.