Research Infrastructure Improvement

EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement (RII) grants provide support for lasting improvements in a jurisdiction's academic research infrastructure and increased national competitiveness. Each RII grant runs for 36 or 48 months and provides up to $9 million to support infrastructure improvements in science and technology (S&T;) areas chosen by the applying jurisdiction's EPSCoR governing committee as being critical to future R&D; competitiveness. A 50 percent non-Federal matching share, up to a maximum of $4.5 million, is required. Jurisdictions with current RII grants are not eligible to receive a second such award during the 36- or 48-month period following the effective date of the current award.

Before applying for an RII grant, the following conditions must be met:

• The jurisdiction must be EPSCoR-eligible
• An EPSCoR governing committee must have been formed
• An EPSCoR Planning Grant must have been applied for, awarded, and completed.

IMPORTANT: An RII grant is NOT an appropriate mechanism for supporting individual faculty research projects. Requests for such support should be directed to NSF's regular research grant programs. Also, since EPSCoR investments are designed to enhance the competitiveness of a jurisdiction or institution, it is expected that equipment purchased with EPSCoR funds will remain in the jurisdiction, even if a principal investigator transfers to another State.

The deadline for proposals for the FY 2004 RII competition is 5PM, LOCAL TIME, July 19, 2004.

For further information, including examples of infrastructure improvements, guidelines on eligible activities, budget guidelines, and proposal preparation information, see the EPSCoR Program Solicitation.