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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the NSF International Research Network Connections (IRNC) opportunity?

The NSF International Research Network Connections (IRNC) opportunity supports projects that strengthen high-performance international network links used by the research and education community. The focus is on the advanced, reliable, high-capacity connectivity needed for cross-border science and engineering research and education, including moving large datasets, using real-time collaboration tools, and accessing specialized instruments or computing resources located in other regions.

What is the main purpose of this solicitation?

The purpose is to improve the U.S. research and education environment by enabling state-of-the-art international networking, expanding international collaboration opportunities, and improving access to data and related network services that support research and education.

Which Funding Opportunity Number applies to this solicitation?

This solicitation is identified as Funding Opportunity Number 16-523.

What regions are targeted for connectivity under this solicitation?

Under this solicitation, NSF anticipated awards aimed at connecting U.S. research networks to peer research and education networks in Europe and Africa.

How many awards did NSF expect to make?

NSF anticipated making a small number of awards, typically one to two. The opportunity summary also indicates an expected total of two awards.

Does the program emphasize building new infrastructure from scratch?

No. A major theme is leveraging existing international connectivity rather than building duplicative infrastructure. Applicants are expected to integrate with and extend what is already in place to deliver stronger, more usable end-to-end network services for the NSF research community.

What does NSF mean by "end-to-end network services" in this context?

Based on the opportunity description, "end-to-end" refers to practical, usable connectivity that supports real research workflows across borders, such as transferring large amounts of data, enabling real-time collaboration, and allowing access to instruments or computing resources in other regions. The emphasis is on delivering services that researchers and educators can actually use, not just increasing raw capacity.

Are proposals expected to support specific science and engineering uses?

Yes. NSF emphasizes that funded connections should directly enable science and engineering applications, not simply add generic bandwidth.

Is generic bandwidth expansion alone responsive to the goals of this program?

The description indicates that NSF is looking for connections that directly enable science and engineering applications. Proposals that only add general bandwidth, without clearly tying the connectivity to research and education use cases, would not align with that stated emphasis.

What kinds of research activities does the networking need to support?

The opportunity highlights international projects that depend on moving large amounts of data, using real-time collaboration tools, and accessing specialized instruments or computing resources located in other regions.

What does NSF mean by "economy of scale" in proposal preference?

NSF indicates a preference for proposals that show strong economy of scale and clear, practical benefits for the widest possible set of users. This implies solutions should efficiently serve large communities of interest and make the best use of resources, rather than benefiting only a narrow group.

Who should benefit from the resulting network capability?

NSF’s stated preference is for solutions that provide clear, practical benefits for the widest possible set of users, meaning the network capability should benefit many researchers and educators rather than a narrow niche.

How is this program intended to fit with existing U.S. (domestic) research networks?

Projects are expected to enhance the overall ecosystem by extending international network reach and unlocking additional research and production network services that complement what domestic research networks already offer or are planning to offer, rather than replacing existing national capabilities.

What category of funding opportunity is this?

This is described as a discretionary NSF grant opportunity in the science and technology/research and development category.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA number 47.070.

When was this opportunity posted and created?

The posting and creation dates are listed as December 18, 2015.

What was the application closing date?

The application closing date is listed as March 17, 2016.

Who is eligible to apply?

The eligibility category is listed broadly as "Others." The summary indicates applicants are expected to consult the solicitation text for specific eligibility details.

Is the award ceiling provided in the summary information?

No. The award ceiling is not specified in the provided summary data.

What is the overall outcome NSF is aiming for with these awards?

The stated impact is improved international networking for U.S. research and education, expanded collaboration opportunities, and improved access to data and related services, achieved by strengthening international links and integrating effectively with existing connectivity to deliver stronger end-to-end services.