Engineering (ENG): Electrical, Communications, and Computing Systems (ECCS) | 26 514

FAQs: NSF ENG ECCS Grant (Funding Opportunity Number 26-514)

What is this funding opportunity?

This is a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant opportunity offered through the Directorate for Engineering (ENG) under the Electrical, Communications, and Computing Systems (ECCS) portfolio. It supports foundational, early-stage engineering research related to devices, circuits, systems, and methods that underpin modern electrical and information technologies.

What kinds of projects does ECCS aim to support?

ECCS supports intellectually ambitious foundational research with the potential to be transformative. The opportunity emphasizes work that advances underlying science and engineering, and it can be high-risk/high-reward. Proposals do not need to be tied to a near-term product, deployment plan, or commercial deliverable to be competitive.

Does the research need to lead to a near-term commercial product?

No. The opportunity explicitly notes that proposals do not need to be connected to near-term commercialization, product development, or deployment plans. The focus is on deep technical novelty and long-term impact potential.

What are the main ECCS program areas?

ECCS funding is organized around three core programs: (1) Electronic, Photonic, Magnetic, and Quantum Devices (EPMQD), (2) Circuits and Systems for Communications and Sensing (CSCS), and (3) Energy, Power, Control, and Learning (EPCL).

What does the EPMQD program focus on?

The Electronic, Photonic, Magnetic, and Quantum Devices (EPMQD) program supports research on new and emerging classical and quantum devices. It emphasizes understanding and leveraging electronic, photonic, and magnetic properties of matter, including novel device concepts, materials and physical mechanisms, and new ways to manipulate signals, energy, or information at the device level.

What does the CSCS program focus on?

The Circuits and Systems for Communications and Sensing (CSCS) program supports foundational work on components, circuits, systems, and signal processing approaches for communications and sensing, spanning both classical and quantum dimensions. This can include new architectures and theories for communications and sensing systems, along with advanced signal processing methods that improve performance, efficiency, robustness, or capability.

What does the EPCL program focus on?

The Energy, Power, Control, and Learning (EPCL) program targets foundational research in systems and control, learning, optimization, artificial intelligence, and networked multi-agent systems, with emphasis on applications in power and energy systems. Common topics include modeling, controlling, optimizing, and improving the adaptability or resilience of complex interconnected systems as energy systems evolve.

Is quantum-related research within scope?

Yes. Quantum dimensions are explicitly mentioned in both the EPMQD program (quantum devices) and the CSCS program (communications and sensing spanning classical and quantum dimensions).

Is power and energy research within scope?

Yes. The EPCL program places particular emphasis on applications in power and energy systems, especially research that addresses modeling, control, optimization, learning, and resilience in evolving energy infrastructures.

How many awards does NSF expect to make under this opportunity?

The opportunity indicates an expectation of roughly 300 ECCS awards, though the actual number of awards depends on available funds.

Are award sizes and project durations fixed?

No. NSF anticipates a substantial number of awards across a range of project sizes and durations. Typical award sizes and timeframes may vary based on available funding, project scope, and program priorities.

Is there an award ceiling (maximum funding limit) listed?

No specific award ceiling is listed in the provided notice. This suggests awards may vary widely depending on the nature and scope of the proposed work and the priorities of the relevant program.

What is the funding instrument?

The funding instrument is a grant.

What is the activity category for this opportunity?

The activity category is scientific and technical research and development.

What is the CFDA number listed for this opportunity?

The CFDA number provided is 47.041.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning the program is broadly open to applicants who meet NSF's general proposal and award requirements.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number and title?

The Funding Opportunity Number is 26-514. The title is "Engineering (ENG): Electrical, Communications, and Computing Systems (ECCS)."

Is this a one-time competition or an ongoing solicitation?

The notice shows an original closing date far in the future (2076-08-17), which typically signals an ongoing or standing program solicitation rather than a one-time competition.

Does the far-future closing date mean I can apply anytime?

Not necessarily. While the far-future closing date often indicates a standing solicitation, applicants are encouraged to verify current NSF submission windows, any program deadlines, and the solicitation details in the official posting before preparing and submitting a proposal.

What makes a proposal competitive for this ECCS opportunity?

The opportunity emphasizes deep technical novelty and the potential for long-term transformative impact. Competitive proposals align with foundational research goals and may pursue bold ideas, including high-risk/high-reward concepts, without needing to promise near-term deliverables or commercialization.

What is the overall purpose of the ECCS portfolio within NSF ENG?

The ECCS portfolio supports research that advances the underlying science and engineering of devices, circuits, systems, and methods that power modern electrical and information technologies, with an emphasis on foundational contributions that can enable future applications.