The National Facilities program, administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF), supports the operation of national user facilities that offer specialized instrumentation and unique research capabilities for the scientific and materials research communities. These facilities serve as essential hubs for researchers across various disciplines, including biology, chemistry, geosciences, materials science, and physics. The National Facilities program seeks to make advanced research technologies and instruments available to a wide range of users, providing opportunities for scientists and engineers from academic, governmental, and industrial backgrounds. These facilities play a critical role in advancing U.S. scientific research, supporting high-level experimentation in areas like high magnetic fields, ultraviolet and x-ray synchrotron radiation, neutron scattering, and nanofabrication.

The primary objective of this program is to support the scientific community by maintaining and operating facilities that cannot be duplicated across many locations due to their unique and highly specialized resources. By consolidating advanced instrumentation at these few specialized locations, the NSF enables a broad user base to conduct experiments that would otherwise be inaccessible. These facilities not only facilitate groundbreaking research but also foster public engagement in science and technology, acting as educational centers for students, teachers, and the broader public.

Funding through the National Facilities program may be applied to the operational costs of these research facilities, supporting a range of activities including user services, equipment maintenance, research conducted on-site, and community engagement. The program also funds educational initiatives, offering resources for student training, curriculum development, and public outreach activities designed to increase scientific literacy and awareness. These outreach efforts aim to inspire a new generation of scientists and encourage public support for research endeavors.

Eligible applicants include research organizations or consortia with a demonstrated ability to manage large-scale, complex research facilities. These applicants should ideally have a background in materials science or related disciplines and experience in operating user-centered research facilities. Priority is given to proposals that highlight a clear plan for open access to instrumentation for a diverse array of researchers, as well as a commitment to educational programming that reaches students, educators, and the general public.

Applicants must ensure that their proposals conform to the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) as well as any specific guidelines outlined in this funding opportunity. It is the responsibility of each proposer to confirm that all requirements are met before submission, as submitting in advance does not guarantee compliance. Each application should provide a comprehensive outline of the facility's operational plan, user engagement strategies, educational outreach efforts, and financial management capabilities.

The evaluation of proposals will consider factors such as the uniqueness of the facility's instrumentation, accessibility for a broad user base, the quality and impact of proposed educational activities, and the sustainability of the facility's operation and management plan. NSF also requires that applicants align their operations with revised financial assistance guidelines, as updated in 2 CFR by the Office of Management and Budget, effective October 1, 2024.

While specific deadlines and timelines for proposal submissions have not been detailed, applicants are encouraged to consult the NSF website for updated terms, conditions, and submission deadlines relevant to the current fiscal year. Proposers should regularly check for updates to ensure that their applications adhere to the latest NSF guidelines and requirements.