This grant is for setting up and running the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource Operations Center (NAIRR-OC). The center will help manage and develop a national infrastructure for AI research and education, working with both public and private partners to advance AI innovation in the U.S.
Who it's for: This opportunity is open to any organization capable of establishing and managing a community-based operations center for AI research. This includes organizations with experience in AI, research infrastructure, and public-private partnerships.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Lack of experience in AI research or operations
- Inability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders
- Insufficient organizational capacity to manage a large-scale project
- Failure to demonstrate a sustainable operations plan
- Non-compliance with NSF guidelines
What You May Need
- Detailed proposal outlining vision and operations plan
- Evidence of experience in AI and research infrastructure
- Organizational capacity and management plan
- Partnership agreements with stakeholders
- Budget and financial plan
- Compliance with NSF and federal guidelines
- Community outreach and engagement strategy
Cautions
- Only one award will be made, making this highly competitive
- Requires coordination with multiple federal and private partners
- Long-term sustainability and expansion potential need to be demonstrated
- Oversight by NSF and potential for expanded responsibilities
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
The grant is open to any organization capable of establishing and managing a community-based operations center for AI research. This includes organizations with experience in AI, research infrastructure, and public-private partnerships. The eligibility is unrestricted, meaning there are no specific limitations on the types of entities that can apply.
Overview
This opportunity is open to any organization capable of establishing and managing a community-based operations center for AI research. This includes organizations with experience in AI, research infrastructure, and public-private partnerships.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Lack of experience in AI research or operations
- Inability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders
- Insufficient organizational capacity to manage a large-scale project
- Failure to demonstrate a sustainable operations plan
- Non-compliance with NSF guidelines
Use of Funds
Funds can be used to establish and operate the NAIRR Operations Center, including organizational leadership, building capabilities, community outreach, and coordination with existing pilot operations.
Total Program Funding
$35,000,000
Cost Sharing
Not Required
Important Dates
- Posted
- Oct 1, 2026
- Archive Date
- Oct 2, 2026
Application Checklist
- Develop a comprehensive proposal with clear vision and operations plan
- Gather evidence of experience in AI and research infrastructure
- Prepare organizational capacity and management documentation
- Secure partnership agreements with stakeholders
- Draft a detailed budget and financial plan
- Ensure compliance with NSF and federal guidelines
- Create a community outreach and engagement strategy