The RII-FEC program (formerly known as “EPSCoR Track-2 program”) builds interjurisdictional collaborative teams of EPSCoR investigators in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) focus areas consistent with the current National Science Foundation Strategic Plan. Projects are investigator-driven and must include researchers from at least two EPSCoR eligible jurisdictions with complementary expertise and resources necessary to address challenges, which neither party could address as well or as rapidly independently.  RII-FEC projects have a comprehensive and integrated vision to drive discovery and build sustainable STEM capacity that exemplifies individual, institutional, geographic, and disciplinary diversity. The projects’ STEM research and education activities seek to broaden participation through the strategic inclusion and integration of all individuals, institutions, and sectors. Additionally, EPSCoR recognizes that the development of early-career faculty from backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields is critical to sustaining and advancing research capacity. The integration and inclusion of Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), women’s colleges, Primarily Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs), and two-year colleges is a critical component of this sustainable STEM capacity.

EPSCoR Track 2 FEC Focus/NSF Priority Area: "Building capacity towards use-inspired research"

Internal White Paper Deadline: Friday, July 25, 2025, 5:00 pm
NSF LOI Due: December 16, 2025, 5:00 pm
NSF Full Proposal Due: January 22, 2026, 5:00 pm
Link to NSF solicitation here

Eligibility: Principal Investigators of proposed RII-FEC projects must be affiliated with and employed by eligible organizations in EPSCoR jurisdictions. PIs and Co-PIs on current RII-FEC awards with end dates (including any No Cost Extensions) after October 31, 2025 are not eligible to submit proposals as a PI or Co-PI. However, an individual may serve as senior personnel on any number of RII-FEC proposals or awards.

Institutional Limit: An organization may only submit one proposal to the RII-FEC competition as lead. However, an organization may serve as a non-lead in a collaborative submission or as sub awardee on any number of additional proposals.

Application Information: The Delaware EPSCoR office will coordinate the 2026 EPSCoR RII FEC limited solicitation process. White papers must be uploaded to this application by 5pm Friday July 25, 2025. Please see the attached white paper format document. Note: this submission document is different than the typical RO limited submission template.

Review: The EPSCoR State Committee will review and determine the one proposal to represent UD by Friday, August 11, 2025.

Contact: Amy Slocum, Delaware EPSCoR State Office (als@udel.edu)