Distributed Array of Small Instruments | 19 545

Opportunity Information: Apply for 19 545

The National Science Foundation (NSF) funding opportunity titled Distributed Array of Small Instruments (DASI) is a discretionary research and development grant program focused on strengthening measurement capabilities in solar and space physics. The central purpose of the solicitation is to meet a growing demand for observations with much higher spatial and temporal resolution than traditional approaches can often provide. By supporting distributed arrays, DASI aims to enable coordinated measurements across multiple locations, allowing researchers to better capture how solar-terrestrial and geospace phenomena evolve in time and vary across regions, and how those local and regional behaviors connect to global-scale processes. The overarching motivation is to generate the kinds of data needed to address foundational scientific questions in solar and space physics where single-point or sparsely sampled measurements can miss important structure and dynamics.

The solicitation is structured around two complementary tracks. The first track supports the development of new or improved instruments intended for future deployment as part of arrays. This track is about building the next generation of compact, array-ready sensors and systems, with an emphasis on designs that can realistically be replicated and deployed across multiple sites to provide coordinated coverage. The second track supports the deployment and operation of existing instruments in distributed arrays. This track is geared toward taking proven instrumentation and using it in an array configuration to produce immediate scientific return, including the logistical and operational needs required to keep an array functioning and producing high-quality, scientifically useful data.

Across both tracks, NSF places strong weight on scientific merit, meaning proposals are expected to clearly articulate the key research questions being addressed, explain why an array-based approach is essential, and describe how the resulting measurements will advance understanding of processes that operate from local to global scales. In addition to the science case and technical plan, the solicitation also explicitly emphasizes education and workforce development. Proposals are expected to include a well-developed plan for student training and meaningful involvement, along with intentional efforts to broaden participation and engage a diverse workforce. In practice, that means DASI is not only about building and operating instruments, but also about building capacity in the community by integrating research with training, mentoring, and inclusive participation.

Administratively, this is an NSF grant opportunity (CFDA 47.050) in the Science and Technology and other Research and Development activity category. Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning it is broadly open to applicant organizations, subject to any additional eligibility details that may appear in the full solicitation text. The opportunity was created on December 22, 2018, with an original closing date of April 19, 2019. NSF anticipated making about four awards, and the award ceiling is listed as 0, which typically indicates that a specific upper limit is not stated in the summary and that applicants should consult the full solicitation for budget expectations, constraints, or typical award sizes.

In short, DASI is designed to expand the field's ability to observe space physics systems with fine detail in both space and time by supporting either the creation of array-deployable instruments or the expanded use of existing instruments in coordinated networks, while also requiring strong plans for student involvement and inclusive workforce development.

• The National Science Foundation in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Distributed Array of Small Instruments" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 47.050.
• This funding opportunity was created on Dec 22, 2018.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Apr 19, 2019. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 4 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.

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