EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Program Track 1 | Apply Online

NSF EPSCoR RII Track 1 (NSF 15-566) - Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is the NSF EPSCoR RII Track 1 opportunity?

NSF EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Program Track 1 (RII Track 1) is a large, multi-year, capacity-building grant opportunity intended to help historically underfunded U.S. jurisdictions strengthen their long-term research and development (R&D) competitiveness. The emphasis is on improving research infrastructure in ways that can be sustained after the award ends.

2) What does EPSCoR stand for and what is its purpose?

EPSCoR is NSF's Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research. Its purpose is to advance NSF's mandate to promote scientific progress across the entire United States by helping jurisdictions that have historically received a smaller share of federal research dollars build competitiveness for future R&D funding.

3) Who is eligible to participate in EPSCoR programs?

Eligibility is jurisdiction-based. A state or territory (referred to as a "jurisdiction") must have received 0.75 percent or less of the total NSF research and related activities funding over the most recent three-year period, as documented in the NSF EPSCoR eligibility tables for the relevant fiscal year.

4) Who can submit a proposal to RII Track 1?

Only eligible jurisdictions may submit proposals, and proposals are submitted through a designated fiscal agent (the proposing organization) selected by the jurisdiction's EPSCoR steering committee.

5) Are there additional participation limits for the FY 2016 competition described here?

Yes. For the FY 2016 competition referenced in the provided information, NSF limited participation to eligible jurisdictions that either (a) did not have a current RII Track 1 award, or (b) had a current RII Track 1 award expiring before October 1, 2016.

6) What is the main focus of RII Track 1 funding?

RII Track 1 focuses on improving a jurisdiction's long-term research infrastructure to increase future R&D competitiveness. The infrastructure improvements are expected to be sustainable beyond the life of the award.

7) What types of research infrastructure can RII Track 1 support?

The infrastructure emphasis is broad and can include physical infrastructure (for example, shared equipment or laboratory capabilities), human infrastructure (for example, faculty development, research workforce training, recruitment and retention), and cyberinfrastructure (for example, data systems, advanced computing, networking, and related support).

8) Does NSF choose the research focus area for an RII Track 1 award?

No. The research focus areas are not selected by NSF in advance. They are selected by the jurisdiction's EPSCoR steering committee based on what the jurisdiction believes has the strongest potential to improve its future R&D competitiveness.

9) What kinds of partnerships are expected under RII Track 1?

The program is designed to create partnerships across government, higher education, and industry, with the practical goal of upgrading systems that help researchers compete successfully for future R&D funding.

10) What is the award size and duration for RII Track 1?

RII Track 1 provides up to $4 million per year for up to five years.

11) What was NSF's estimated total funding for this opportunity?

For NSF Publication/Funding Opportunity Number 15-566, NSF estimated total funding at about $28 million.

12) What is the funding instrument type?

The funding instrument is a grant.

13) How is this opportunity categorized?

The opportunity is categorized under science and technology and other research and development.

14) Is RII Track 1 tied to a single NSF discipline or directorate?

No. Because it is an EPSCoR infrastructure program rather than a single-discipline research program, it is associated with a wide range of NSF CFDA program areas, including engineering; mathematical and physical sciences; geosciences; computer and information science and engineering; biological sciences; social, behavioral and economic sciences; education and human resources; and international science and engineering.

15) What is a "jurisdiction" in this program?

In EPSCoR, a "jurisdiction" refers to a state or territory whose eligibility is determined by its share of NSF research and related activities funding as shown in NSF EPSCoR eligibility tables.

16) What is the role of the jurisdiction's EPSCoR steering committee?

Based on the provided information, the EPSCoR steering committee (1) selects the research focus areas that the jurisdiction believes will best improve its future competitiveness, and (2) designates the fiscal agent (proposing organization) responsible for submitting and managing the award.

17) What is a fiscal agent in the context of RII Track 1?

The fiscal agent is the proposing organization designated by the jurisdiction's EPSCoR steering committee. It is responsible for the award, and it must be the employer of the Project Director.

18) Who must serve as Project Director, and what are the employment requirements?

The Project Director must serve as the lead Principal Investigator and must be employed by the designated fiscal agent/proposing organization.

19) Where must the Project Director and other PIs be affiliated?

The Project Director and other PIs must be affiliated with research universities, agencies, or other organizations located within the participating jurisdiction. This reflects the program's intent to build in-jurisdiction capacity and competitiveness.

20) Is a statewide or jurisdiction-wide plan required to apply?

Yes. The jurisdiction must have an established Science and Technology (S&T) Plan in place before submitting an RII Track 1 proposal, and proposals are expected to align with that broader strategy for research and innovation.

21) Is cost sharing or matching required?

Yes. Cost sharing or matching is required, meaning applicants should expect to document non-federal contributions consistent with the solicitation's rules.

22) When was this opportunity posted, and what were the key dates?

The opportunity was posted May 5, 2015. The original and current closing date was August 4, 2015. The archive date was September 3, 2015.

23) Where can applicants find the detailed proposal preparation guidance and review criteria?

The formal solicitation is referenced as NSF Publication 15-566. It contains the detailed proposal preparation guidance, required components, and the review criteria used for award decisions.

24) Where should applicants go for submission or technical help?

For access or technical issues, applicants were directed to Grants.gov support.