Facility and Instrumentation Request Process | 21 611

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the NSF Facility and Instrumentation Request Process (FIRP)?

The NSF Facility and Instrumentation Request Process (FIRP) is the required proposal pathway for researchers and educators who need to use specialized atmospheric observing instruments and facilities supported by NSF's Facilities for Atmospheric Research and Education (FARE) Program within the Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences (AGS).

Is FIRP a typical research grant competition?

No. FIRP is described as a mechanism the atmospheric science community must use when a project depends on access to FARE-sponsored assets. It functions as the required entry point for proposals that rely on those facilities and instruments, rather than a standard standalone research grant competition.

When is FIRP required?

FIRP is required when any research proposal or education and outreach proposal relies on FARE-supported instruments or facilities. If the project depends on those resources, it must be submitted through FIRP and follow FIRP-specific submission instructions.

What NSF-supported resources does FIRP cover?

FIRP covers access to FARE-sponsored assets, including capabilities made available through the Lower Atmosphere Observing Facilities (LAOF) and the Community Instruments and Facilities (CIF) programs.

What types of proposals can be submitted through FIRP?

Based on the opportunity description, FIRP supports proposals that require FARE-sponsored resources, including both research proposals and education and outreach proposals, as long as they depend on access to the covered instruments or facilities.

How are FIRP proposals reviewed?

FIRP proposals are evaluated on multiple dimensions at the same time. They are reviewed under NSF's standard criteria (intellectual merit and broader impacts) and are also assessed for feasibility related to the requested facility or instrument support.

What does "feasibility" mean in the FIRP review process?

Feasibility refers to whether the requested facility or instrument can realistically support the work as proposed, including considerations such as scheduling, operational readiness, field logistics, and other practical constraints tied to facility-based work.

Why does FIRP include both merit review and feasibility review?

The process reflects that facility-based science can depend heavily on implementation details, not only the underlying research or education goals. FIRP is structured to evaluate the scientific or educational case alongside the practical ability to carry out the work using the requested resources.

How many submission tracks are available under FIRP?

FIRP offers three submission tracks, which vary depending on what is being requested and the complexity of the planned use of facilities and instruments.

What is Track 1 under FIRP?

Track 1 focuses on education and outreach projects that require use of FARE-sponsored instruments or facilities. This includes efforts that build learning, training, or public engagement around atmospheric observations.

What is Track 2 under FIRP?

Track 2 is intended for a single facility request. In general terms, it applies when a project needs access to one specific FARE-supported facility or instrument capability rather than a broader multi-asset effort.

What is Track 3 under FIRP?

Track 3 covers field campaigns. These are typically more complex and coordinated observational efforts that may span multiple platforms, sites, or extended time windows, and they require additional planning and operational coordination.

Which track should be used for a field campaign?

Track 3 is the track specifically described as covering field campaigns, particularly those requiring coordinated observational planning and operational coordination.

Are the deadlines the same for all FIRP tracks?

No. The opportunity distinguishes deadlines by track and notes a separate emphasis on Track 3 (Field Campaign) proposals versus Track 1 and Track 2 submissions.

Who is eligible to apply to FIRP?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning it is open to any type of applicant organization, subject to any clarifications in the full solicitation.

Is there a programmatic preference for where proposals are submitted within NSF?

Yes. The opportunity notes that funding preference is given to proposals submitted to programs within AGS in NSF's Geosciences Directorate.

What if I plan to submit to a program outside AGS or to an NSF-wide solicitation?

The solicitation strongly encourages early communication with the FARE program director for proposals intended for programs outside of AGS, including NSF-wide solicitations, Directorate-wide solicitations, or initiatives associated with NSF's "10 Big Ideas."

Why is early communication with the FARE program director encouraged?

The purpose is to align expectations around timelines, the review pathway, and the budget needed for the requested use of FARE assets, since facility access can involve lead times and cost structures that differ from standard research awards.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity record lists FIRP under CFDA 47.050.

Is this a discretionary NSF grant opportunity?

Yes. The opportunity record describes FIRP as a discretionary NSF grant opportunity.

How many awards does NSF expect to make under FIRP?

The opportunity record indicates an expected number of around 15 awards.

Is there a maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is listed as zero in the summary fields. This typically indicates that a single fixed maximum is not specified in the summary and that award sizes may vary based on facility needs and the scope of the proposed work.

When was this solicitation created, and what was the listed original closing date?

The solicitation was created on September 2, 2021, and the listed original closing date was January 17, 2022.

What is the main takeaway for applicants considering FIRP?

If a project needs FARE-sponsored atmospheric instruments or facilities, FIRP is the mandatory entry point. Proposals must be framed around scientific or educational goals and include a clear, workable plan for using the requested facility resources.