Opportunity Information: Apply for 19 602
The Oceanographic Facilities and Equipment Support opportunity is a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant program run through the Integrative Programs Section (IPS) in the Division of Ocean Sciences (OCE) within the Directorate for Geosciences (GEO). Its central purpose is to keep major oceanographic platforms and related equipment available, capable, and safe for broad shared use by the federally funded ocean science and education community. Rather than funding a single research group or a one-off project asset, the program is aimed at facilities that multiple investigators can access across a wide range of NSF-supported (and often other federally supported) research and training efforts in ocean, coastal, near-shore, and Great Lakes environments.
A key theme in the solicitation is cost-sharing through mixed support streams. Many of the ships, facilities, and equipment covered by these awards receive partial support from other federal agencies as well as state and local governments and private sources. Cost recovery is often handled proportionally through daily user rates or similar mechanisms. Even with these other contributions, NSF funding is intended to ensure that the community has dependable access to the right platforms and infrastructure to carry out federally funded work. By contrast, facilities or instruments meant for just one investigator or a small set of investigators are expected to be requested through standard research programs, not through this IPS facilities-focused solicitation.
The solicitation is organized into several distinct program areas, each covering a different slice of facility operations or capability enhancement. Ship Operations (Ship Ops) supports the operation and maintenance of vessels in the U.S. Academic Research Fleet (ARF). Allowable expenses are the practical, day-to-day costs required to run a research vessel, including crew and marine operations staff salaries and benefits; minor or expendable equipment; maintenance, overhaul, and repairs; insurance; and direct operating costs such as fuel, food, supplies, travel, and pilot/agent fees. Shore-side support is only covered when it directly supports ship operations. A firm requirement is that Ship Ops requests must be directly attributable to NSF-sponsored science, meaning the operating support needs to map clearly to NSF-funded research use.
Oceanographic Technical Services (Tech Services) funds the technical and logistical backbone that enables efficient, high-quality science at sea, especially on research vessels. This includes quality assurance, scheduling and coordination of technical support, logistical assistance, and at-sea supervision of shared-use instrumentation and equipment used by visiting science teams. The program also provides baseline operational support for University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) equipment pools, including wire, vans, and winches. Typical supported costs include technical staff salaries and related expenses, maintenance and calibration of sensors and instrumentation, and associated travel. As with Ship Ops, requests must be directly attributable to NSF-sponsored science. The solicitation also draws a boundary around what belongs in Tech Services versus other tracks: except for the wire pool, new or replacement capital equipment is generally routed to the Shipboard Scientific Support Equipment program so it can be reviewed in a panel context.
Oceanographic Instrumentation (OI) focuses on shared-use scientific instrumentation that expands or improves the data-collection and analysis capabilities of seagoing research projects, primarily those using research vessels. The emphasis is on equipment that can serve multiple projects over time, not specialized gear for a single cruise or lab. Examples of typical OI-supported instrumentation include sensors, acoustic systems, data loggers, water sampling rosettes, biological net systems, coring equipment, and auto-analyzers. In practice, OI proposals are often submitted by an institution's technical services manager, reflecting that these instruments are managed and maintained as shared resources for many users.
Shipboard Scientific Support Equipment (SSSE) is aimed at vessel outfitting and major science-support systems that improve safety and enable oceanographic research operations. SSSE can cover new permanent or portable equipment needed for research, as well as overhaul of equipment previously funded under SSSE. Examples include science handling systems (such as winches, A-frames, cranes, and related deck systems), navigation and communications equipment, and safety or regulatory compliance items. This is also where requests for new capital equipment for the winch pool or van pool are directed. SSSE proposals are typically submitted by the institution's Marine Superintendent (or equivalent), aligned with the operational leadership that oversees ship readiness and compliance. The solicitation explicitly notes why SSSE and OI remain separate: organizational responsibilities differ across the fleet, and SSSE requests are typically much larger in cost than OI requests, so separating them helps keep proposals competing against similarly sized requests.
Ship Acquisition and Upgrade (SAU) addresses the largest-scale needs: acquisition, design and construction, major modification (either capability enhancements or service life extensions), or conversion of research vessels. These awards are made periodically and depend on the availability of specifically appropriated funds and interagency coordination tied to broader Academic Research Fleet modernization. The bar for SAU awards is high, requiring strong evidence of community scientific need for a new vessel or major reconditioning of an existing one.
Other Facility Activities (OFA) supports a range of specialized, community-serving facility functions and development activities. Examples cited include operations of specialized facilities like the National Deep Submergence Facility, UNOLS functions, early-career chief scientist training cruises, workshops, and other efforts that enhance facilities or develop new capabilities. The consistent requirement is that projects must focus on shared-use benefits for the ocean science research community rather than narrow, project-specific gains.
Across these programs, compliance with UNOLS Research Vessel Safety Standards (RVSS) is mandatory, and the solicitation indicates this will be specified more fully in award terms and conditions. From an administrative perspective, the opportunity is an NSF discretionary grant under CFDA 47.050, with an award ceiling listed at $8.5 million and an expectation of around 75 awards (as stated in the provided source information). The original closing date shown is December 16, 2019, and eligibility is described broadly in the notice as "Others" with additional eligibility details referenced elsewhere in the full solicitation text.Apply for 19 602
- The National Science Foundation in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Oceanographic Facilities and Equipment Support" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 47.050.
- This funding opportunity was created on Sep 07, 2019.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Dec 16, 2019. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $8,500,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 75 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - NSF Oceanographic Facilities and Equipment Support
1) What is the Oceanographic Facilities and Equipment Support opportunity?
Oceanographic Facilities and Equipment Support is a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant opportunity managed through the Integrative Programs Section (IPS) in the Division of Ocean Sciences (OCE) within the Directorate for Geosciences (GEO). Its purpose is to keep major oceanographic platforms and related equipment available, capable, and safe for broad shared use by the federally funded ocean science and education community.
2) What is the main goal of this NSF program?
The central goal is to ensure dependable community access to major oceanographic facilities and equipment that support many investigators across a wide range of NSF-supported (and often other federally supported) research and training efforts. The focus is on shared-use infrastructure rather than assets serving a single project or lab.
3) Who is this program intended to serve?
The program is designed to serve the federally funded ocean science and education community, emphasizing broad shared use by multiple investigators and multiple projects over time.
4) What environments or research settings does the program support?
Supported work can span ocean, coastal, near-shore, and Great Lakes environments, as long as the facilities and equipment are used for federally funded ocean science and education activities and align with the solicitation's shared-use purpose.
5) Does this program fund equipment for a single investigator or a small group?
No. The solicitation emphasizes that facilities or instruments meant for just one investigator (or a small set of investigators) are expected to be requested through standard NSF research programs, not through this facilities-focused opportunity.
6) What is meant by "shared use" in this solicitation?
Shared use refers to facilities, platforms, and equipment that multiple investigators can access across many NSF-supported research and training efforts, rather than equipment dedicated to one-off or single-group use.
7) How does cost-sharing work in this program?
A key theme is cost-sharing through mixed support streams. Many supported ships, facilities, and equipment receive partial support from other federal agencies, state and local governments, and private sources. Cost recovery is often handled proportionally through daily user rates or similar mechanisms.
8) If facilities already have other funding sources, why does NSF fund them?
Even with other contributions, NSF funding is intended to ensure the research and education community has dependable access to the right platforms and infrastructure needed to carry out federally funded work.
9) What are the main program areas within this solicitation?
The solicitation is organized into distinct program areas: Ship Operations (Ship Ops), Oceanographic Technical Services (Tech Services), Oceanographic Instrumentation (OI), Shipboard Scientific Support Equipment (SSSE), Ship Acquisition and Upgrade (SAU), and Other Facility Activities (OFA).
10) What does Ship Operations (Ship Ops) fund?
Ship Ops supports the operation and maintenance of vessels in the U.S. Academic Research Fleet (ARF). It covers practical, day-to-day costs required to run a research vessel, including crew and marine operations staff salaries and benefits; minor or expendable equipment; maintenance, overhaul, and repairs; insurance; and direct operating costs such as fuel, food, supplies, travel, and pilot/agent fees.
11) Are shore-side costs allowed under Ship Ops?
Shore-side support is covered only when it directly supports ship operations.
12) What is the attribution requirement for Ship Ops proposals?
Ship Ops requests must be directly attributable to NSF-sponsored science. Operating support needs to map clearly to NSF-funded research use.
13) What does Oceanographic Technical Services (Tech Services) fund?
Tech Services supports the technical and logistical backbone that enables efficient, high-quality science at sea, especially on research vessels. This includes quality assurance, scheduling and coordination of technical support, logistical assistance, and at-sea supervision of shared-use instrumentation and equipment used by visiting science teams.
14) Does Tech Services include support for UNOLS equipment pools?
Yes. Tech Services provides baseline operational support for University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) equipment pools, including wire, vans, and winches.
15) What types of costs are typically supported under Tech Services?
Typical Tech Services costs include technical staff salaries and related expenses, maintenance and calibration of sensors and instrumentation, and associated travel.
16) Does Tech Services fund new or replacement capital equipment?
Generally, no. Except for the wire pool, new or replacement capital equipment is generally routed to the Shipboard Scientific Support Equipment (SSSE) program so it can be reviewed in a panel context.
17) What does Oceanographic Instrumentation (OI) support?
OI focuses on shared-use scientific instrumentation that expands or improves the data-collection and analysis capabilities of seagoing research projects, primarily those using research vessels. The emphasis is on equipment that can serve multiple projects over time, not specialized gear for a single cruise or lab.
18) What are examples of instrumentation that may fall under OI?
Examples cited include sensors, acoustic systems, data loggers, water sampling rosettes, biological net systems, coring equipment, and auto-analyzers.
19) Who typically submits OI proposals?
OI proposals are often submitted by an institution's technical services manager, reflecting that the instruments are managed and maintained as shared resources for many users.
20) What does Shipboard Scientific Support Equipment (SSSE) support?
SSSE is aimed at vessel outfitting and major science-support systems that improve safety and enable oceanographic research operations. It can cover new permanent or portable equipment needed for research, as well as overhaul of equipment previously funded under SSSE.
21) What are examples of equipment that may be requested under SSSE?
Examples include science handling systems (such as winches, A-frames, cranes, and related deck systems), navigation and communications equipment, and safety or regulatory compliance items.
22) Where do requests for new capital equipment for the winch pool or van pool go?
Requests for new capital equipment for the winch pool or van pool are directed to SSSE.
23) Who typically submits SSSE proposals?
SSSE proposals are typically submitted by the institution's Marine Superintendent (or equivalent), aligned with the operational leadership that oversees ship readiness and compliance.
24) Why does the solicitation separate SSSE and OI?
The solicitation notes that organizational responsibilities differ across the fleet, and SSSE requests are typically much larger in cost than OI requests. Keeping them separate helps ensure proposals compete against similarly sized requests.
25) What does Ship Acquisition and Upgrade (SAU) cover?
SAU addresses large-scale needs such as acquisition, design and construction, major modification (capability enhancements or service life extensions), or conversion of research vessels.
26) How often are SAU awards made?
SAU awards are made periodically and depend on the availability of specifically appropriated funds and interagency coordination tied to broader Academic Research Fleet modernization.
27) What level of justification is expected for SAU proposals?
The bar for SAU awards is described as high, requiring strong evidence of community scientific need for a new vessel or major reconditioning of an existing one.
28) What does Other Facility Activities (OFA) support?
OFA supports specialized, community-serving facility functions and development activities. Examples include operations of specialized facilities like the National Deep Submergence Facility, UNOLS functions, early-career chief scientist training cruises, workshops, and other efforts that enhance facilities or develop new capabilities.
29) What is the common requirement across OFA projects?
OFA projects must focus on shared-use benefits for the ocean science research community, rather than narrow, project-specific gains.
30) Are there mandatory safety standards for supported vessels and activities?
Yes. Compliance with UNOLS Research Vessel Safety Standards (RVSS) is mandatory, and the solicitation indicates this will be specified more fully in award terms and conditions.
31) What type of NSF award is this, and what is the CFDA number?
This opportunity is described as an NSF discretionary grant under CFDA 47.050.
32) What is the award ceiling listed for this opportunity?
The award ceiling listed in the provided information is $8.5 million.
33) How many awards are expected?
The provided source information states an expectation of around 75 awards.
34) What closing date is shown in the provided information?
The original closing date shown is December 16, 2019.
35) Who is eligible to apply based on the notice summary?
Eligibility is described broadly as "Others" in the notice summary, with additional eligibility details referenced elsewhere in the full solicitation text.
36) What is the U.S. Academic Research Fleet (ARF) in this context?
In this solicitation, the ARF refers to the fleet of U.S. academic research vessels whose operation and maintenance may be supported under Ship Operations (Ship Ops).
37) What is UNOLS in this solicitation?
UNOLS refers to the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System. The solicitation references UNOLS equipment pools (wire, vans, winches), UNOLS functions supported under OFA, and mandatory compliance with UNOLS Research Vessel Safety Standards (RVSS).
38) What is the key difference between funding "operations" and funding "capital equipment" in this solicitation?
Operations-focused tracks (such as Ship Ops and Tech Services) emphasize day-to-day operating costs and personnel/logistics needed to support NSF-sponsored science. Capital equipment requests are generally directed to SSSE (and OI for shared-use scientific instrumentation), with Tech Services typically not used for new or replacement capital equipment except for the wire pool.
39) Does the program support education and training activities?
Yes, the solicitation mentions support for the ocean science and education community and includes examples such as early-career chief scientist training cruises under Other Facility Activities (OFA).
40) What is the overarching theme across all program areas?
Across the solicitation, the consistent theme is maintaining and improving shared-use oceanographic facilities and equipment so they remain available, capable, and safe, with requests tied to NSF-sponsored science and community-serving benefits rather than single-investigator needs.
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