Research@UIC > Funding Opportunities > Finding Funding > Limited Competitions > NSF MRI 2008

NSF Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program

Selected Applicant Information

• Richard Magin, Bioengineering (Acquisition)
• Robert Klie, Physics (Acquisition)
• OPEN - Development
  

Program Summary

NSF's Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) program provides funds to purchase or develop major research equipment that is too costly for support through other NSF programs. Awards range from $100,000 to $2 million.

MRI will not support instrumentation to be used in the conduct of disease-oriented research, including the etiology, diagnosis or treatment of physical or mental disease, abnormality or malfunction in human beings or animals, or the design and testing of drugs for treatment of such conditions.  For additional information please refer to Program Solicitation at http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2009/nsf09502/nsf09502.htm

Submission Limits

UIC can submit three MRI proposals. One proposal must be for the development of instrumentation. The two remaining proposals can be for either the acquisition or development of instrumentation.   NOTE:  This limitation applies to proposals for which UIC is the lead or subawardee to another organization.  Priority will be given to applications for which UIC is lead.  No applications with UIC as a subawardee will be considered unless submission spots remain available at the close of the selection process. Interested faculty should inquire with RDS@uic.edu in mid October for further information.

Cost Share Requirements: 
NSF requires 30% cost share.   Cost share must be covered by applicant’s department, college, or other (non-OVCR) sources.   OVCR encourages multi-unit collaborations. Please contact RDS@uic.edu if you would like help facilitating these arrangements.   

Deadlines

Letter of Intent

1. By submitting completed LOI form applicant attests that s/he:
1. Has read and meets the sponsor's eligibility criteria for this program; 
2. Understands that NSF intends to require 30% cost share for this program and that all of this must come from the applicants’ respective unit(s), department(s), and college(s).  None of this support can come from the OVCR. 
2. Item 3 must be signed by Unit Head of lead PI to acknowledge cost share requirements and limitations noted above. 
3. OVCR may reserve submission slots for previously submitted but unfunded proposals that received highly competitive ratings from the external sponsor. These will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Vice Chancellor.  For consideration, scanned copies of your complete reviews (not just summary) must be included with LOI.
4. Item 8: Indicate whether this is an Acquisition or Development proposal.  It can not be both.
5. Submit to RDS@uic.edu Attn: Tony Halford (can also be faxed to 312-413-0238)

Limited Competition Instructions

1. One (1) Page cover page with following information:
   1. Name and unit affiliation of PI and Co-PIs
   2. Sponsor and sponsor program name 
   3. Title of White Paper;  prefaced with either “Acquisition” or “Development”
   4. Estimated total costs and source(s) of cost share
   5. Note if resubmission
   6. PI Contact Information
   7. Business manager contact information
2. Three (3) page narrative including the following:
   1. Description of instrumentation and needs, noting why it is essential and appropriate.   Note whether or not the requested or related equipment is available for use through the Research Resources Center or elsewhere on campus.  If yes, please justify request.   
   2. Research and research training activities to be undertaken.  Include a list by number and type of the personnel who will use the instrumentation for research and research training activities on a regular basis. 
   3. Statement of Intellectual Merit
   4. Statement of Broader Impacts
   5. Considerations for long term management
   6. An additional page may be added for references.
   7. If any of the PIs have received NSF support for shared research instrumentation within the past five years please include an additional page of Results from Past NSF Support.  This should include information on operation and maintenance, downtime and usage history on the previously funded instrument.
   8. Three-page limit is inclusive of tables, figures, or other graphical data. 
   9. Narrative must be 12-point font; minimum acceptable margin is ½” all around. 
3. If this is a resubmission (internal or NSF) attach review comments.  Applicant may add up to 1 (one) additional page to indicate how you have responded to reviewer’s comments.
4. Attach the following for PI, CoPIs, senior personnel who will be major users of the equipment, as well as for the individual responsible for instrument management:
   1. Two (2) page Biographical sketch
   2. One (1) page current and pending support
5. Attach brief - 1 page or less - letter outlining source(s) of cost share should proposal be selected for submission NSF.  Letter must be signed by respective unit head(s)/department head(s)/dean(s) pledging the support.   

Questions

Questions should be referred to RDS@uic.edu attn: Tony Halford.

Last updated: