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Recovery Act NIST Construction Grant Program (ARRA) - FAQs

What is the Recovery Act NIST Construction Grant Program?

It was a one-time, competitive construction grant opportunity created under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). Congress appropriated $180 million to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to support major construction projects for research science buildings, with an emphasis on moving money quickly into the economy while building lasting research infrastructure.

Was this a recurring program or a one-time opportunity?

It was described as a one-time competitive construction funding opportunity under the Recovery Act.

How much funding was available under this program?

A total of $180 million was appropriated to NIST for major construction projects for research science buildings.

How did NIST plan to split the $180 million between competitions?

NIST indicated that Conference Report language directed that the $180 million cover both the FY 2008 and FY 2009 competitions. NIST planned to allocate about $60 million to previously submitted but unfunded, high-quality proposals from the FY 2008 competition and about $120 million to a new FY 2009 competition.

What was the main purpose of the program?

The program aimed to expand the nation’s capacity to conduct scientific research by funding either new construction or the expansion of existing facilities specifically used for research.

What kinds of facilities counted as a "research science building"?

NIST defined a research science building broadly as a facility whose purpose is to conduct scientific research. Examples included labs, test and measurement facilities, research computing facilities, and observatories.

Did the program fund renovations, remodeling, or rearrangement of space?

The program focus was on new construction or expansion. "Expansion" had to increase the amount of usable research space beyond what was currently available for the supported research activities. Projects that only renovated or rearranged existing space without a net gain in research capacity did not meet the expansion concept described.

What does NIST mean by "expansion" for this grant?

Expansion was defined in practical terms: the project had to increase the amount of usable research space beyond what was currently available for the supported research activities, rather than simply renovate or reconfigure existing space without increasing research capacity.

How did this program connect to Recovery Act economic goals?

It was framed as supporting job preservation and near-term economic recovery while also creating longer-term benefits through infrastructure investment that improves economic efficiency and helps spur technological advancement.

How quickly were funded activities expected to start?

NIST emphasized that funded activities should begin as quickly as possible, while maintaining responsible oversight and prudent management consistent with the Recovery Act’s focus on speed and accountability.

About how many awards did NIST expect to make?

NIST anticipated making roughly 8 to 12 awards.

What was the typical expected federal share per project?

The expected federal share per project was generally in the $10 million to $15 million range.

How long could a project run under this grant?

The period of performance could be up to five years, though NIST stated an expectation that most construction would finish sooner.

When would the project start after an award?

The anticipated start date was about one month after the award.

What determined the actual length of the performance period?

The actual performance period was tied to the construction schedule proposed by the applicant.

Was cost sharing (matching) required?

No. Cost sharing was not required, but it was treated as a competitive advantage.

How much cost sharing did NIST say would be viewed favorably?

NIST indicated that a 25% cost share would be viewed favorably and a 50% cost share would be viewed even more favorably.

What forms of cost sharing were allowed?

Cost sharing could include both direct and indirect costs. It could come from cash or third-party in-kind contributions.

What were acceptable sources of cash cost share?

Acceptable cash sources included the recipient and non-federal government or other non-federal sources, such as state, county, or city funds.

What kinds of third-party in-kind contributions could count as cost share?

In-kind contributions from non-federal third parties could include items such as equipment, materials, and supplies.

Could land purchases be counted as cost share?

No. The purchase of land could not be counted as cost share.

Were there specific compliance requirements for cost sharing?

Yes. Any proposed cost sharing had to comply with federal administrative requirements (15 CFR Part 14, as referenced at the time) and applicable federal cost principles depending on applicant type (for example, OMB Circular A-21 for universities and A-122 for nonprofits, as cited in the announcement).

Who was eligible to apply?

Eligibility was limited to U.S. institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations.

What type of funding instrument was used?

The funding instrument was a grant.

What was the program classification or category?

It was categorized under science and technology and other research and development.

What CFDA number applied to this opportunity?

The opportunity was tied to CFDA 11.618 (NIST Construction Grant Program).

What kinds of projects were explicitly not fundable?

Projects were ineligible or unallowable if the building was not actually intended for performing research, if the space would mostly be routine offices or lecture/classroom space instead of research space, if the project primarily benefited undergraduate research training programs rather than creating or expanding graduate-level research programs, or if the facility was aimed mainly at general public education rather than supporting research activities.

Would projects focused mainly on office space, classrooms, or lecture halls be eligible?

No. NIST drew clear lines that projects were ineligible if the space would mostly be outfitted as routine offices or lecture/classroom space rather than research space.

Would facilities aimed mainly at general public education be eligible?

No. Facilities aimed mainly at general public education (rather than supporting research activities) were excluded.

Were projects tied primarily to undergraduate research training programs allowed?

No. Projects were considered unallowable if they primarily benefited undergraduate research training programs instead of creating new graduate-level research programs or expanding existing graduate research programs.

How did NIST treat "shell space" in proposals?

If a proposal included construction of shell space that would not be finished into functional research space within the grant period, NIST indicated those shell-space tasks would be removed. This reinforced the focus on delivering usable research capacity within the funded timeline.

What was the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number was 2009 NIST ARRA CONSTRUCTION 01.

When was the opportunity posted?

It was posted in late May 2009.

Was a Letter of Intent required?

Yes. A Letter of Intent was required.

What was the deadline for the required Letter of Intent?

The Letter of Intent was due by 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time on June 25, 2009.

When was the full proposal due?

The full proposal was due by 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time on August 10, 2009.

Was there a contact listed for technical access issues?

Yes. The announcement listed a NIST grants technical contact for access issues with the full materials.