EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Program Track 1 | Apply Online

NSF EPSCoR RII Track 1 (NSF 11-565) FAQs

1) What is the NSF EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Program Track 1 (RII Track 1)?

RII Track 1 is a large, multi-year NSF EPSCoR cooperative agreement intended to strengthen a jurisdiction's overall research capacity and competitiveness. It is designed to help eligible U.S. states and territories make sustainable, long-term improvements to their research ecosystems so they can compete more successfully for future national research and development (R&D) funding.

2) What is the main goal of RII Track 1?

The core goal is to advance NSF's nationwide mission by improving research infrastructure and capacity in EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions that have historically received a smaller share of NSF R&D funding. The emphasis is on durable, coordinated improvements that increase a jurisdiction's long-term ability to win competitive NSF and other national R&D awards.

3) Is this funding intended for a single research project or investigator?

No. RII Track 1 is not structured as a single-investigator grant or a narrowly scoped project. It is designed as an integrated, jurisdiction-level effort that advances a statewide or regional strategy for improving research competitiveness.

4) Who can apply for an RII Track 1 award?

Only EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions may submit proposals. At the time of this announcement, eligible jurisdictions included 28 states plus the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

5) Who submits the proposal on behalf of the jurisdiction?

The jurisdiction's EPSCoR governing committee must designate a fiscal agent. The fiscal agent is the proposing organization and will be the award recipient if selected.

6) Does NSF say anything about who the fiscal agent should be?

Yes. Where possible, NSF indicates that the fiscal agent should be the employing organization of the Project Director.

7) Are there prerequisites a jurisdiction must meet before submitting?

Yes. The jurisdiction must have an established Science and Technology Plan in place as a prerequisite for submitting a Track 1 proposal. This underscores that Track 1 is meant to fit into a broader statewide research and innovation strategy.

8) What research topics or themes can be proposed?

The specific research focus is expected to align with priorities chosen by the jurisdiction's EPSCoR governing committee. Proposals should focus on research areas the jurisdiction views as strong opportunities for improving future competitiveness.

9) Does the solicitation encourage partnerships?

Yes. The work is expected to be strategic and coordinated across institutions, often involving partnerships that span higher education, state government, and industry, with an emphasis on sustainable changes rather than short-lived initiatives.

10) What types of infrastructure improvements can the award support?

The funding is intended to support improvements across physical, human, and cyber infrastructure. Examples mentioned include shared research facilities and equipment, hiring or developing research talent and support staff, building or upgrading cyberinfrastructure and data capabilities, and creating systems that make research more productive and competitive over time.

11) How much funding is available per award?

Awards can be as high as $4,000,000 per year for up to five years.

12) What is the maximum award duration?

Up to five years.

13) Is there a minimum award size?

Yes. The listed award floor is $1,200,000, indicating NSF expected proposals to be large, integrated efforts rather than small pilot projects.

14) What is the total estimated funding and expected number of awards?

The total estimated funding for the competition is $12,000,000, with an expected three awards.

15) What type of funding mechanism is used (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?

The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement. This typically indicates a more active NSF role in oversight and collaboration than a standard grant.

16) Is cost sharing or matching required?

Yes. Cost sharing or matching is required, consistent with the program's emphasis on durable partnerships and jurisdictional buy-in beyond NSF funds.

17) Who can serve as Project Director and key leadership?

Project Directors and other key leaders must be affiliated with research universities, agencies, or organizations within the participating jurisdiction.

18) Which NSF research areas does RII Track 1 relate to?

The opportunity sits within NSF's broad science and engineering portfolio and is associated with multiple CFDA program areas, including engineering; math and physical sciences; geosciences; computer and information science; biological sciences; social and behavioral sciences; education and human resources; polar programs; international science; cyberinfrastructure; and EPSCoR.

19) What is the funding opportunity number?

The official funding opportunity number is NSF 11-565.

20) Who is the issuing agency?

The solicitation is published by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

21) What are the key dates listed in the announcement?

The posting date is July 28, 2011, and the full proposal deadline is November 4, 2011.

22) Where should applicants go for official program guidance and requirements?

The notice references the NSF publication (the solicitation) for full program guidance and requirements.

23) What should applicants do if they have trouble accessing the application on Grants.gov?

For access issues, the notice directs applicants to Grants.gov support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.

24) What makes a strong Track 1 proposal based on this announcement?

Based on the announcement, a strong proposal would be a large, integrated, jurisdiction-level effort aligned with the EPSCoR governing committee's priorities, built around coordinated partnerships (often across higher education, government, and industry), and focused on sustainable improvements in research infrastructure and capacity (physical, human, and cyber) that increase long-term competitiveness for national R&D funding.