EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Program Inter Campus and Intra Campus Cyber Connectivity | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the NSF EPSCoR RII C2 grant opportunity?

The NSF EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Program Inter Campus and Intra Campus Cyber Connectivity opportunity (often called RII C2) is a discretionary National Science Foundation grant focused on strengthening research cyberinfrastructure in EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions by improving network connectivity within campuses and between campuses across a state or jurisdiction.

What problem is this program trying to solve?

This solicitation targets a practical bottleneck that can limit research productivity and collaboration: insufficient quality, reach, and performance of network connectivity. The intent is to improve broadband access for academic research and expand effective use of cyberinfrastructure.

What is the main purpose of the funding?

The purpose is to enhance inter-campus and intra-campus cyber connectivity in ways that directly improve broadband access for academic research and expand effective use of cyberinfrastructure, enabling better access to data, computing resources, instruments, and collaborative platforms essential to modern STEM research and education.

What types of activities or improvements does RII C2 support?

Based on the solicitation description, supported activities can include upgrades or improvements that increase network capacity, reliability, and performance so researchers, educators, and students can more effectively use cyberinfrastructure and collaborate across campuses and institutions.

How many awards did NSF plan to make under this solicitation?

NSF planned to make about nine awards under this solicitation.

What was the estimated total funding level for the competition?

The estimated total funding level was around $9,000,000.

What is the maximum award size?

Individual awards could be as large as $1,000,000.

How long can a project last?

Projects could run for up to two years.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The opportunity indicates there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.

What is the award instrument?

The award instrument is a grant.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is restricted to EPSCoR jurisdictions that meet the program's published eligibility criteria (at the time: 27 states plus the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands).

Are there restrictions for jurisdictions that already have an RII C2 award?

Yes. Jurisdictions with an active RII C2 award were not permitted to submit a proposal under this solicitation.

Who must submit the proposal on behalf of an eligible jurisdiction?

Proposals must be submitted by a fiscal agent designated by the jurisdiction's EPSCoR governing committee.

Does the fiscal agent need to be the same organization as the project leader's institution?

Where possible, the fiscal agent should be the home institution of the project leader.

Who can serve as Principal Investigator/Project Director (PI/PD)?

The PI/PD must be affiliated with a research university, agency, or organization located within the participating jurisdiction.

What is NSF looking for in terms of strategic alignment?

A key theme is alignment with the jurisdiction's Science and Technology plan. Proposals are expected to show that connectivity investments are part of a broader, strategic effort to strengthen the jurisdiction's research ecosystem, rather than isolated IT upgrades.

What outcomes does NSF emphasize for this program?

NSF emphasizes outcomes such as broadening participation across individuals and institutions within the jurisdiction, improving the ability of multiple campuses to take part in STEM research and education, and enabling stronger collaboration within the jurisdiction and among EPSCoR jurisdictions.

How should this work relate to other NSF EPSCoR activities?

The connectivity improvements are intended to create synergy with other NSF EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement activities, meaning the network investments should amplify related EPSCoR-funded research capacity building rather than operate as a standalone project.

What research or disciplinary areas can benefit from the funded connectivity improvements?

The solicitation spans multiple NSF disciplinary areas (as reflected in the CFDA listings). The networking and cyberinfrastructure improvements are meant to benefit a wide range of fields, including engineering, computer science, geosciences, biological sciences, social and behavioral sciences, education, polar programs, and international science and engineering connections.

What is the activity category for this opportunity?

The activity category is Science and Technology and other Research and Development.

What is the solicitation number and funding opportunity number?

The opportunity is identified as NSF Publication 10-598, Funding Opportunity Number 10-598.

When was the opportunity posted and what was the deadline?

The opportunity was posted on August 13, 2010, and the full proposal deadline was November 10, 2010.

Which agency administers this opportunity?

The administering agency is the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Where were applicants directed for help with access or submission issues?

Applicants were directed to NSF grants.gov support for access issues.

Why does NSF EPSCoR focus on certain jurisdictions?

EPSCoR exists to help jurisdictions that have historically received smaller shares of NSF research and development funding build lasting capacity, improve research infrastructure, and become more competitive nationally.

What is meant by "inter-campus" and "intra-campus" cyber connectivity in this context?

In this context, "intra-campus" refers to network connectivity within a campus, and "inter-campus" refers to connectivity between campuses across a state or jurisdiction, with the goal of improving performance, reach, and reliability for research and education use.