Sponsor
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Summary
The MRI program supports the acquisition or development of a multi-user research instrument that is, in general, too costly and/or not appropriate for support through other NSF programs. The MRI program focuses on multi-user/shared instrumentation that often supports research needs across disciplinary boundaries. An instrument acquired or developed with support from the MRI program is expected to be operational by the end of the award period to enable the research/research training activities committed to in the proposal.
NSF anticipates issuing an updated MRI solicitation later in FY 2026 for an opportunity to submit proposals in FY 2027. Because of the anticipated timing of the solicitation release, the Center for Research and Creative Activity requests that teams submit a white paper for internal review before the new solicitation is released. Teams who submitted to this call in the spring are asked to resubmit. If there are major changes to the new solicitation, a new limited submission call may be issued.
For additional background on the MRI program, please reference the archived solicitation, Major Research Instrumentation Program solicitation (NSF 23-519).
Award*
- Track 1: at least $100,000 but less than $1.4M.
- Track 2: at least $1.4M and up to a maximum of $4M.
- Track 3: at least $100,000 and up to maximum of $4M. Track 3 is for requests that include the acquisition, development, installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment and instrumentation to reduce consumption of helium.
Regardless of track, acquisition proposals may be funded for up to three (3) years and development proposals may be funded for up to five (5) years.
*May be subject to change with publication of new solicitation.
Limited Submission Requirements and Timeline
Based on the prior solicitation, it is anticipated that four (4) submissions per institution are allowed as a lead organization, non-lead organization, or subawardee. However, this may be subject to change once the new solicitation is released. Proposals may be for instrument acquisition or instrument development.
White Paper Process
If interested in this submission, please complete the White Paper form by 4 PM on August 13, 2026. Only proposals approved by the Division of Research and Economic Development may be submitted to this program.
When submitting your White Paper form, indicate in your description which track you are submitting for.
Key Submission Dates
- August 13, 2026 – White paper
- September 2, 2026 – Anticipated date applicants will be notified of decision
- Upon Notification – Proposal Intake Form due to OSP Pre-Award. PIs will need to indicate their preferred submission deadline within the submission window noted in the funding opportunity announcement.
- 5 business days before submission deadline- All final proposal documents due to OSP
- October 15, 2026 – November 16, 2026 – Full proposal due to NSF
Please send all inquiries for Limited Submission opportunities to limitedsubmissions@boisestate.edu