§1862o–14 Major Research Instrumentation

Summary

Grants under the Major Research Instrumentation program must be at least $100,000. They are normally capped at $4,000,000, but if the program gets more than $125,000,000 in a fiscal year, the cap rises to $6,000,000. Award money can buy instruments and equipment and can also pay to run and maintain them. Colleges and universities getting a grant must provide at least 30% of the cost from private or non‑Federal sources. Schools that do not offer Ph.D. degrees are exempt from that 30% rule. The Director may lower or waive the 30% requirement for schools not in the top 100 for Federal research funding when the project will greatly boost their research capacity, give undergraduates hands‑on experience with advanced facilities, and broaden participation by the groups named in sections 1885a or 1885b. Consortia that include at least one non‑Ph.D. granting school can also get a reduction or waiver.