Engineering Research Centers | Apply Online

NSF Engineering Research Centers (ERC) (Funding Opportunity Number 15-589) - FAQs

What is the NSF Engineering Research Centers (ERC) grant opportunity (15-589)?

This NSF opportunity supports large, ambitious, multi-year engineering center efforts that link cutting-edge research with education and technology translation. The goal is to strengthen U.S. prosperity, health, and security by funding integrated centers that can address national-scale engineering challenges.

What is the main purpose of the ERC program?

The ERC program is built on the idea that some major engineering challenges are too complex for isolated projects. NSF funds interdisciplinary centers with shared infrastructure and long-term planning so they can generate breakthroughs with measurable scientific, technological, and societal impact within a 10-year support horizon.

What kinds of activities are ERCs expected to integrate?

ERCs are expected to integrate three elements into a cohesive whole: (1) research, (2) workforce development through education and training, and (3) innovation ecosystem development and technology translation pathways that help move innovations toward real-world use.

How does NSF expect an ERC to be structured?

NSF expects a tightly integrated plan in which research thrusts, educational and training activities, and industry/translation partnerships reinforce each other rather than operating as separate silos.

What are the three central proposal questions applicants must address?

Applicants are expected to directly address three central questions: (1) What is the compelling new engineering idea and why does it matter to national needs? (2) Why is a center necessary to tackle the idea (rather than smaller awards)? (3) How will the ERC integrate research, workforce development, and innovation ecosystem development using its overall structure and resources to achieve the vision?

What does NSF mean by a "compelling new engineering idea" tied to national needs?

The proposal should connect the center's vision to important U.S. priorities and explain why the problem is timely and consequential. The emphasis is on national relevance and impact, not just technical novelty.

Why must applicants justify that a center is necessary?

NSF expects proposers to explain why the required scope, interdisciplinarity, facilities, coordination, and sustained effort cannot be achieved effectively through standard single-investigator or small-team awards.

What is the support horizon for ERC outcomes?

The solicitation describes an ERC program 10-year support horizon, with an expectation of producing measurable scientific, technological, and societal impact within that timeframe.

Is this an NSF discretionary grant program, and what is the activity category?

Yes. It is described as a discretionary NSF grant program under the broad activity category of science and technology and other research and development.

What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 47.041 (Engineering Grants).

Is cost sharing or matching required?

Yes. The opportunity includes a cost sharing or matching requirement, so proposing organizations should be prepared to document and manage required non-federal contributions consistent with NSF policy and the solicitation terms.

How much total funding is estimated for this solicitation?

The source information lists an estimated total funding amount of $14,000,000 for the solicitation.

Is eligibility open to all organizations?

No. Eligibility is restricted and not open to all entities by default. The solicitation states that proposals may only be submitted by organizations that meet requirements described under the "Organizational Limit" section in the Additional Eligibility Information of NSF Publication 15-589.

Who must serve as the Lead PI / Center Director?

The Lead Principal Investigator, serving as the Center Director, must be a tenured faculty member in an engineering department or school of engineering at the lead university.

What degree and experience requirements apply to the Center Director?

The Director must hold a doctoral degree in engineering or an associated science field. If the doctoral degree is in an associated science field, the individual must have substantial career experience in engineering, demonstrated by a primary appointment in an engineering department or school of engineering at the lead university.

What do the leadership requirements imply about NSF expectations?

They signal NSF's expectation that ERC leadership be deeply grounded in engineering and positioned to lead a long-term, institutionally embedded center at the lead university.

What are the key dates shown for this solicitation?

The source reflects historical dates for this particular solicitation: posted July 23, 2015; created July 29, 2015; original and current closing date June 16, 2016; archive date July 16, 2016.

Where should applicants look for full details and requirements?

Applicants are directed to NSF Publication 15-589 and NSF ERC program materials, including information on existing ERCs and past achievements.

Who should be contacted for access issues related to the full announcement?

For access issues related to the full announcement, NSF points users to grants.gov support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.

What is meant by "technology translation" in the context provided?

Within the description given, technology translation refers to pathways and partnerships that help innovations move toward real-world use, as part of an integrated center plan alongside research and workforce development.

What kind of culture are ERCs expected to build?

ERCs are expected to build a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive culture in engineering, with an explicit emphasis on discovery, workforce development, and practical pathways for innovations.