NSF 23-519 was archived in anticipation of the release of a
new solicitation. NSF anticipates that the new solicitation will be released within a few weeks after the start of the Federal FY 2027 (Oct. 1). Therefore, in
order to be prepared for a narrow submission window, UCR RED is now announcing
the internal competition for the MRI program. The internal deadline has been set for October 7th as historically
the NSF MRI submission window was  October 15-November 15.

The information in this limited opportunity will be updated once the
NSF officially posts the MRI FY 2027 opportunity.

Summary from previous year:

The Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program serves to
increase access to multi-user scientific and engineering instrumentation for
research and research training in our Nation's institutions of higher education
and not-for-profit scientific/engineering research organizations. An MRI award
supports the acquisition of a multi-user research instrument that is
commercially available through direct purchase from a vendor, or for the
personnel costs and equipment that are required for the development of an
instrument with new capabilities, thereby advancing instrumentation
capabilities and enhancing expertise for instrument design and fabrication at
academic institutions. MRI instruments are, in general, too costly and/or not
appropriate for support through other NSF programs.

MRI provides support to acquire critical research
instrumentation without which advances in fundamental science and engineering
research may not otherwise occur. MRI also provides support to obtain
next-generation research instruments by developing instruments with new
capabilities that open new opportunities to advance the frontiers in science
and engineering research. Additionally, an MRI award is expected to enhance
research training of students who will become the next generation of instrument
users, designers and builders.

An MRI proposal may request from NSF up to $4 million for
either acquisition or development of a research instrument. Each performing
organization may submit in revised "Tracks" as defined below, with no
more than two (2) submissions in Track 1 and no more than one (1) submission in
Track 2. For the newly defined Track 3, no more than one (1) submission per
competition is permitted.

Track 1: Track 1 MRI proposals are those that request funds
from NSF greater than $100,000 and less than $1,400,000.

Track 2: Track 2 MRI proposals are those that request funds
from NSF greater than or equal to $1,400,000 up to and including $4,000,000.

Track 3: Track 3 MRI proposals are those that request funds
from NSF greater than or equal to $100,000 and less than or equal to $4,000,000
that include the purchase, installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment
and instrumentation to conserve or reduce the consumption of helium.