Facility and Instrumentation Request Process (FIRP)

The Facility and Instrumentation Request Process (FIRP) solicitation is a mechanism by which the research community can propose projects that require access to instrumentation and facilities sponsored by the Facilities for Atmospheric Research and Education (FARE) Program in the Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences (AGS). FARE provides funding to various organizations to make specialized instrumentation and facilities available to the atmospheric science research community through the Lower Atmosphere Observing Facilities (LAOF) and the Community Instruments and Facilities (CIF) programs. FIRP allows for parallel evaluation of intellectual merit and broader impacts along with the feasibility of the proposed project. Some key points to consider include: • Proposals are accepted anytime, and the submission deadline is September 30, 2026. • The solicitation offers three proposal submission tracks: Education and Outreach, Single Facility Request, and Field Campaigns. • Preference for funding will be given to proposals submitted to programs in the Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences (AGS) in the Geosciences Directorate (GEO). • The estimated funding for this opportunity is $20,000,000, with 15 awards expected.