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Title: Major Research Instrumentation Cost-Sharing Notice
Date: 10/01/07



 Dear Colleagues,

 Title VII of the America COMPETES Act (P.L. 110-69) directs the
 National Science Foundation to require cost-sharing in the Major
 Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program of at least 30%.  The Act
 states that institutions of higher education that are not
 Ph.D.-granting institutions are exempt from the cost-sharing
 requirement.  Therefore, effective FY 2008, the MRI Program will
 require 30% cost-sharing on all proposals submitted by PhD granting
 institutions and non degree-granting institutions.  The latter
 category includes US independent research museums, US independent
 nonprofit research organizations and consortia whose members
 consist of US institutions of higher education and/or US
 independent research museums.  Cost-sharing will not be required
 from non PhD-granting institutions.  Contributions towards
 cost-sharing may be made from any non-Federal source, and may be
 cash or in-kind.  No exceptions will be made for this cost-sharing
 requirement.

 When determining institutional type (PhD granting, non
 PhD-granting, or non degree-granting), please consider degrees only
 in fields supported by NSF.

 Instrument Acquisition Proposals

 Eligible costs are limited to the costs of the instrument,
 installation, calibration, commissioning and operation and
 maintenance.  Only these items may be included as the
 institution's contribution to cost sharing.

 Instrument Development Proposals

 Eligible costs are limited to parts and materials needed for
 construction, commissioning costs, and the direct and indirect
 costs associated with support of personnel engaged strictly in the
 development effort.  Only these items may be included as the
 institution's contribution to cost sharing.  Thirty percent
 cost sharing is required for the equipment hardware cost only.

 The solicitation will be published in late October and the MRI
 deadline will be the fourth Thursday in January.  Please consult
 the MRI website for further details in late October:
 http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5260

 Sincerely,

 Nathaniel G. Pitts
 Director
 Office of Integrative Activities
 National Science Foundation
 mri@nsf.gov