Enhancing Access to the Radio Spectrum | Apply Online

Opportunity Summary:

The National Science Foundation (NSF) grant opportunity titled "Enhancing Access to the Radio Spectrum" (EARS), published as NSF 12-546, is a discretionary research grant program focused on advancing how the United States uses and shares radio spectrum. The central goal is to support bold, high-impact research ideas that could substantially improve spectrum efficiency, meaning getting more reliable wireless capability out of the limited airwaves available. A second, equally important emphasis is expanding the real-world benefits of wireless technologies to Americans who have traditionally been underserved, which can include communities facing geographic, economic, infrastructural, or other barriers to accessing current and emerging wireless-enabled services.

EARS is intentionally structured to push research beyond typical disciplinary silos. NSF highlights that the effort is coordinated across four directorates: Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS), Engineering (ENG), Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE), and Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (SBE). In practice, that means proposals are expected to be collaborative and cross-cutting, bringing together expertise that might span, for example, wireless communications engineering, networking and computing, signal processing and physics-based approaches, and the human, economic, and policy dimensions that influence adoption and equitable access. The program is looking for projects that "transcend the traditional boundaries of existing programs," especially research that draws from two or more of the participating directorates, rather than work that sits comfortably inside a single established lane.

From a funding and administrative standpoint, the opportunity is a grant (Funding Instrument Type: Grant) under the Science and Technology and other Research and Development activity category. NSF anticipated making about 25 awards, with an estimated total program funding level of $11,000,000. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement, so applicants are not required to contribute non-federal funds as a condition of the award. The associated CFDA numbers reflect the multi-directorate nature of the program: 47.041 (Engineering Grants), 47.049 (Mathematical and Physical Sciences), 47.070 (Computer and Information Science and Engineering), and 47.075 (Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences).

Eligibility is aimed at U.S.-based research and education institutions and certain nonprofit organizations. Proposals may be submitted by accredited U.S. universities and colleges (including two-year and four-year institutions such as community colleges) acting on behalf of their faculty. In addition, eligible applicants include nonprofit, non-academic organizations such as independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies, and similar U.S. organizations that are associated with educational or research activities. The listing notes "Others (see text field...)" but the specific eligible organization categories are spelled out in the eligibility information provided.

Key dates show this as a 2012 solicitation. The opportunity was posted and created on May 14, 2012, with a full proposal deadline of June 14, 2012, and an archive date of July 14, 2012. The agency administering the program is NSF. For practical access issues related to the full announcement, NSF points applicants to grants.gov support (grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov), and references the full solicitation as "NSF Publication 12-546" via the additional information link.

Browse more opportunities from the same agency: National Science Foundation

Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development

Next opportunity: Experimental Nuclear Physics

Previous opportunity: NSF/DOE PARTNERSHIP ON ADVANCED COMBUSTION ENGINES

USGrants.org Applicant Portal:

Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.

Apply for 12 546

 

[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?

Applicants also applied for:

Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (12 546) also looked into and applied for these:

 

Grant application guides and resources

It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!

Apply for Grants

 

 

Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers

Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.

If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.

Subscribe to Leads

 

Request more information:

Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "12 546", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:

Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.