TITLE: Dear Colleague Letter: FY 2014 Engineering Research Centers (ERC) Program
Solicitation
DATE: 3/27/2013



   NSF 13-081

Dear Colleague Letter: FY 2014 Engineering Research Centers (ERC) Program
Solicitation


   Date: March 27, 2013

   Within the next month, we anticipate issuing a solicitation calling
   for proposals to establish new Engineering Research Centers (ERC) in
   FY 2014. The solicitation includes two types of proposal submission
   tracks - Open Topic ERCs (engineered systems vision chosen by the PI)
   and Nanosystems ERCs (NERC) (topics where the realization of the
   engineered system vision requires a significant body of new nanoscale
   research). The actual number of each type of ERC funded center will
   depend on the scale and scope of the proposed centers, the
   availability of funds, and the quality of the proposals submitted. Up
   to four awards are anticipated and there is no preference between the
   two tracks.

   The proposal submission requirements are changing from prior
   solicitations. Submission of a letter of intent, with an anticipated
   due date sometime in mid-May 2013, is required. A seven page preliminary 
   proposal is required and, depending on the release date of the 
   solicitation, will be due around the end of June 2013. The preliminary 
   proposal will include only a project description with sections covering 
   the vision, strategic plan, research, workforce development, and innovation
   ecosystem components of the proposed ERC plus a letter from the Dean
   of Engineering in support of the proposed center.

   Only the PI and up to four co-PIs will be identified. The lead
   university must submit the preliminary proposal and there may be up to
   four other partner universities in accordance with the standard ERC
   program guidelines. However, all of those partners do not have to be
   in place at this time and the configuration may change after the
   review of the preliminary proposals.

   The preliminary proposals will undergo peer review and we anticipate
   invitations to submit full proposals will be issued in September 2013.
   Full proposals may be submitted only by invitation, with an
   anticipated deadline in January 2014. Full proposals will be reviewed
   and approximately eight may be selected for site visit. We anticipate
   site visits taking place in March or April 2014 with a final review
   panel in May 2014. Up to four new ERCs will be funded with awards
   planned for no later than September 2014.

   Please do not contact program staff until the ERC solicitation is
   released.

   Theresa A. Maldonado
   Director
   Division of Engineering Education and Centers