Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers Program | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers (I/UCRC) Program (Funding Opportunity Number 09-565)

1) What is the NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers (I/UCRC) Program?

The I/UCRC Program is a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant opportunity intended to create long-term, structured research partnerships among universities, industry, and government. NSF provides relatively small seed funding to help start and shape a center, and the center is then sustained primarily through industry membership fees and partner support.

2) What is the core purpose of an I/UCRC center?

The core purpose is to run a research center where the research portfolio is jointly defined by participating companies and university researchers. The model is designed to keep the work academically strong while also being directly relevant to real-world technology and innovation needs.

3) How is an I/UCRC funded over time?

The program model emphasizes that NSF funding is seed funding. Centers are expected to be sustained mainly through membership fees and support from industry partners (and other partner commitments), rather than relying primarily on federal dollars.

4) What types of outcomes does the program aim to achieve beyond research results?

Beyond producing research results, the program is meant to strengthen national research infrastructure, expand the talent pipeline by integrating research and education, and promote international cooperation and collaborative projects when appropriate.

5) What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this solicitation?

The Funding Opportunity Number listed is 09-565.

6) How is this grant categorized?

This opportunity is offered as a discretionary grant within the Science and Technology and other Research and Development category.

7) How many awards does NSF expect to make, and what is the total estimated funding?

NSF anticipated making about 8 awards under this solicitation, with an estimated total funding level of around $10,000,000.

8) What are the minimum and maximum award amounts listed?

Individual awards are listed with a floor of $6,000 and a ceiling of $200,000.

9) Is cost sharing or matching required?

Yes. Cost sharing or matching is required. This aligns with the I/UCRC model, where industry membership and other partner commitments are central to long-term viability.

10) What research areas or NSF disciplines can I/UCRC centers cover?

The program spans a wide range of NSF disciplines, as shown by multiple CFDA numbers associated with the opportunity. The areas listed include 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; and Cyberinfrastructure. This breadth indicates centers can be organized around many different research themes as long as they fit the collaborative center model and attract sustained industry participation.

11) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to accredited U.S. academic institutions. This includes universities and two- and four-year colleges (including community colleges) that have a campus located in the United States. Proposals must be submitted by the institution on behalf of its faculty.

12) Are non-U.S. institutions eligible as the applicant?

Based on the eligibility language provided, the applicant must be an accredited U.S. academic institution with a U.S. campus. The program description also mentions promoting international cooperation when appropriate, but the eligible applicant organization type is explicitly U.S.-based accredited academic institutions.

13) Who must serve as Principal Investigator (PI)?

The principal investigator at any participating institution must be a tenured faculty member. The solicitation also states that the center or site director must serve as the PI, meaning the proposal is expected to be led by the person responsible for overall center execution and governance.

14) Are waivers allowed if the PI is not tenured?

Yes. Waivers may be requested if supported by the PI's supervisor (for example, a department chair or dean).

15) What is the difference between a planning grant proposal and a full center proposal?

The solicitation distinguishes between planning grant proposals and full center proposals and provides recurring annual deadlines that cover both types. The planning grant is tied to additional steps (such as a letter of intent requirement for the next immediate deadline), while full center proposals follow the full proposal deadlines listed.

16) Are letters of intent required?

Letters of intent are not universally required. They are only required when submitting a planning grant proposal for the next immediate deadline.

17) What happens if a planning grant deadline is missed?

If the planning grant deadline is missed, a new letter of intent must be submitted for a future cycle.

18) What are the recurring annual due dates for letters of intent?

The schedule described includes letter of intent due dates of June 26 and January 1 each year (in the context of planning grant proposals for the next immediate deadline).

19) What are the recurring annual full proposal deadlines?

The schedule described includes full proposal deadlines of September 25 and March 6 each year. These deadlines cover both planning grants and full center proposals, as described in the announcement.

20) When was this opportunity posted, and what was the original closing date listed?

The posting date listed is May 22, 2009. The original closing date listed is September 25, 2009, and the timeline continues into subsequent annual cycles described in the announcement.

21) Where are the official program guidance and requirements published?

Applicants are instructed to refer to NSF Publication 09-565 for the full program guidance and requirements.

22) Who should applicants contact for Grants.gov access or submission issues?

For access or submission issues, NSF directs applicants to contact Grants.gov support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.

23) What should applicants do if they have problems linking to the funding announcement?

The notice includes a general note to reach out if there are problems linking to the funding announcement (in addition to the Grants.gov support contact for access/submission issues).

24) What is the program's approach to industry involvement in setting research priorities?

The research portfolio is jointly defined by participating companies and the university researchers. This means industry partners are not just sponsors; they help shape the center's research agenda so it remains relevant to real-world needs while maintaining academic quality.