EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Program: Focused EPSCoR Collaborations Program (FEC)

The EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Program: Focused EPSCoR Collaborations (FEC), managed by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Office of Integrative Activities, is designed to promote scientific progress through enhanced collaborative research capacity in EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions. This program supports inter-jurisdictional partnerships that aim to strengthen research infrastructure and increase national competitiveness in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. The program particularly targets sustainable improvements in research and development (R&D) capacity and emphasizes disciplinary, institutional, and geographic diversity. This opportunity, formerly known as the EPSCoR Track-2 program, seeks to build collaborative teams from multiple EPSCoR jurisdictions focusing on STEM research areas aligned with the NSF Strategic Plan. Proposals must demonstrate a compelling rationale for inter-jurisdictional collaboration, a strong research vision, and capacity-building plans that would be less feasible without partnership. Participation from at least two different EPSCoR jurisdictions is required, and projects should include diverse institutions such as Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), Primarily Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs), and Emerging Research Institutions. Eligibility is limited to organizations located in EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions, including higher education institutions, not-for-profit research and education organizations, and federally recognized or non-recognized tribal governments. Proposals must involve a PI or co-PI from each participating jurisdiction. An organization can only submit one proposal as a lead but may participate in others as non-lead or subawardee. Proposals must be submitted either through Research.gov or Grants.gov, preceded by a required Letter of Intent (LOI) from the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR). The funding provides up to $6 million over four years depending on the number of jurisdictions involved: up to $4 million for collaborations between two jurisdictions and up to $6 million for three or more. Awards are provided as cooperative agreements, with 12 anticipated awards and a total program budget ranging from $12 million to $18 million. No cost sharing is required or allowed. Budgetary allocations must cover key activities, including participation in national EPSCoR meetings and workforce development events. Applications will be reviewed using NSF’s standard merit review criteria, focusing on intellectual merit and broader societal impacts. Additional review criteria include the quality of inter-jurisdictional collaboration, workforce development (particularly of early-career faculty), integration of project elements, and sustainability of research impact. Letters of Intent are due by December 17, 2024, with full proposals due by January 28, 2025. Proposers are required to comply with NSF's Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide and ensure that their projects align with the focus area announced biennially through a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL). Inquiries regarding the program can be directed to NSF at EPSCoR-FEC@nsf.gov or by phone at (703) 292-7088. Proposers should utilize NSF systems (Research.gov or Grants.gov) for submission and tracking and may contact respective help desks for technical support. Final decisions are made by NSF Grants and Agreements Officers, and awardees are subject to standard NSF award conditions, including annual and final reporting requirements.

Include all EPSCoR jurisdiction collaborators as PI or co-PI, align with announced focus area, submit LOI before full proposal, clearly articulate inter-jurisdictional benefits, and ensure all budget costs are allowable and justified.