EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Program Track 1 | Apply Online

NSF EPSCoR RII Track 1 (NSF 13-549) - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

RII Track 1 is an NSF EPSCoR cooperative agreement opportunity intended to strengthen research capacity in eligible U.S. jurisdictions that have historically received relatively low levels of NSF research and development funding. The program is designed to reduce structural and resource gaps and to build a stronger, more sustainable research ecosystem across an entire state or jurisdiction over multiple years.

2) What is the main purpose of Track 1 funding?

The core purpose is to advance NSF's broader mandate to promote scientific progress nationwide by improving research competitiveness in EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions. Rather than funding a single narrow research project, Track 1 is meant to catalyze jurisdiction-wide improvements that persist beyond the period of NSF support.

3) Is this opportunity meant to fund one research project or something broader?

It is broader. Track 1 is specifically described as not being for a single narrow research project. Instead, it supports coordinated, statewide or jurisdiction-wide research infrastructure and capacity improvements.

4) Who is eligible to apply?

This competition is open only to jurisdictions that meet NSF EPSCoR eligibility criteria for the relevant fiscal year and that are included as eligible in the solicitation described (NSF 13-549). Proposals are submitted by a designated fiscal agent chosen by the jurisdiction's EPSCoR steering committee, not by an individual investigator acting alone.

5) Which jurisdictions are listed as eligible in NSF 13-549 (as described here)?

The eligible jurisdictions listed include 25 states (Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming), plus the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the U.S. territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

6) Can an individual principal investigator (PI) submit a proposal directly?

No. Proposals are not submitted by individual investigators acting alone. The jurisdiction's EPSCoR steering committee must designate a fiscal agent (the proposing organization) to serve as the responsible recipient of the award.

7) What organization should serve as the fiscal agent/proposing organization?

The EPSCoR steering committee designates the fiscal agent. Where feasible, NSF indicates that the fiscal agent should be the employing organization of the Project Director.

8) Who can serve as the Project Director/Principal Investigator?

The Project Director/Principal Investigator must be affiliated with a research university, agency, or organization within the eligible jurisdiction.

9) Is a jurisdiction required to have a Science and Technology Plan to apply?

Yes. A key precondition for applying is that the jurisdiction must have an established Science and Technology Plan. This reflects the program's emphasis on coordinated, strategic investment and statewide planning rather than isolated activities.

10) How are the research areas chosen for a Track 1 proposal?

The jurisdiction selects research areas through its EPSCoR steering committee. The focus is on areas judged most likely to produce sustained gains in research competitiveness and future success in attracting research and development funding.

11) What kinds of improvements does Track 1 support?

Track 1 can support improvements across physical, human, and cyber infrastructure, as part of a broader effort to strengthen a jurisdiction's overall research ecosystem.

12) What is considered "physical" infrastructure under this opportunity?

Physical infrastructure can include research instrumentation and facilities that expand the ability to conduct competitive research.

13) What is considered "human" infrastructure under this opportunity?

Human infrastructure typically includes strengthening the research workforce through faculty development, student and trainee support, recruitment and retention efforts, and building interdisciplinary teams that can compete for national funding.

14) What is considered "cyber" infrastructure under this opportunity?

Cyber infrastructure can include computing resources, data systems, networking, and related capabilities that enable modern research and collaboration.

15) Are partnerships required or emphasized?

Yes. A defining feature is the emphasis on partnerships among government, higher education, and industry, with the goal of building an integrated innovation and research environment within the jurisdiction.

16) What is the award size and project duration?

Track 1 awards can provide up to $4 million per year for up to five years.

17) What type of funding instrument is used for this opportunity?

The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement, which generally indicates substantial NSF involvement during the life of the award compared to a standard grant.

18) Is there a cost sharing or matching requirement?

Yes. The opportunity includes a cost sharing or matching requirement, meaning the proposing jurisdiction and/or partners are expected to contribute non-federal support consistent with the program solicitation.

19) What is the estimated total funding amount and number of awards for this cycle?

The total estimated funding listed for this cycle is $32,000,000, with an expected eight awards.

20) Which NSF disciplines or program areas are connected to this opportunity?

The program spans many NSF disciplinary areas, reflected in a broad set of CFDA numbers associated with Engineering; Mathematical and Physical Sciences; Geosciences; Computer and Information Science and Engineering; Biological Sciences; Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences; Education and Human Resources; Polar Programs; International Science and Engineering; Cyberinfrastructure; and the Office of Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research.

21) What are the key dates listed for this solicitation (NSF 13-549) as provided here?

The opportunity was posted March 29, 2013. The full proposal deadline was August 6, 2013. The archive date was September 6, 2013.

22) Where should applicants look for complete requirements and proposal instructions?

The primary reference for complete requirements and instructions is NSF Publication 13-549.

23) Where can applicants get technical help accessing the announcement?

Applicants needing technical help accessing the announcement were directed to Grants.gov support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.