Sensors and Sensing Systems | Apply Online

Opportunity Summary:

The Sensors and Sensing Systems (SSS) grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number PD 08 1639) was a National Science Foundation (NSF) discretionary research grant program in the Engineering Grants CFDA area (47.041). Its focus was on advancing the fundamental science and engineering behind how sensor data is collected, powered, moved, and used in real-world settings, especially for civil infrastructure, mechanical systems, and manufacturing environments. In practical terms, the program targeted early-stage, research-driven work that could lead to new sensing capabilities rather than routine product development or simple deployments of existing sensors.

At the core of the opportunity was research on methods to acquire and use sensor data in complex systems. That includes designing or improving sensors and sensing architectures, developing advanced actuators where sensing and actuation may be tightly coupled, and creating new approaches for wireless sensor networks. The program description also highlighted interest in new materials and novel sensing concepts, which can include material systems that enable improved sensitivity, durability, miniaturization, or operation in harsh conditions. Another emphasized theme was the challenge of power generation and energy supply for sensors and sensing systems, reflecting the reality that many sensing applications are limited not by the sensing element itself but by how the system is powered over long periods, in remote locations, or at large scale.

Beyond the hardware layer, SSS explicitly called out the strategic incorporation of sensors into both natural and engineered systems. This points to research not only on individual devices but also on sensor placement, system integration, and the overall sensing strategy needed to achieve effective data acquisition. For example, it can involve questions like where sensors should be placed on a bridge, inside a manufacturing line, or across a geotechnical site to capture the most informative data with the fewest devices. It also covers research on processing and transmission of sensor data, meaning proposals could address how raw data is filtered, fused, compressed, interpreted, and reliably communicated, particularly when bandwidth, latency, noise, or network reliability become limiting constraints.

Administratively, the opportunity was offered as a grant mechanism under NSF, with no cost sharing or matching requirement, and eligibility listed as unrestricted (open to any type of applicant entity, subject to any additional eligibility language in the full announcement). The posting date was March 23, 2009, and the program operated with recurring annual proposal windows at that time, including September 1 to October 1 and January 15 to February 15 in subsequent cycles. The record indicates the opportunity was later archived on August 4, 2010 and replaced by a different listing (noted as replaced by 10 1639). The public listing shows Expected Awards and Estimated Total Funding as 0, which typically reflects how the opportunity was represented in the archive record rather than a definitive statement about NSF’s actual annual spending in the area.

For applicants, the key takeaway is that SSS was built around foundational advances in sensing systems for engineered and natural environments, spanning devices, networks, powering approaches, and data handling. The program’s scope was broad enough to include sensor and actuator innovation, materials-enabled sensing, wireless and distributed sensing architectures, and the algorithms and communication methods needed to turn sensor measurements into usable information for civil, mechanical, and manufacturing systems.

Browse more opportunities from the same agency: National Science Foundation

Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development

Next opportunity: Infrastructure Management and Extreme Events

Previous opportunity: Hazard Mitigation and Structural Engineering

USGrants.org Applicant Portal:

Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.

Apply for PD 08 1639

 

[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?

Applicants also applied for:

Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PD 08 1639) also looked into and applied for these:

 

Grant application guides and resources

It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!

Apply for Grants

 

 

Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers

Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.

If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.

Subscribe to Leads

 

Request more information:

Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "PD 08 1639", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:

Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.