Competition for the Management and Operation of the National Center for Atmospheric Research

The National Science Foundation is soliciting proposals for the management and operation of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). NCAR, an NSF Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), is a center of excellence supporting the atmospheric, geospace and broader Earth sciences communities. NCAR operates world-class observational facilities and computing infrastructure, conducts extensive in-house research, maintains vigorous programs of education, outreach, and the promotion of diversity, and cultivates extensive national and international collaborations. NCAR also carries out research and development on behalf of other organizations, most commonly other U.S. Government agencies. This work, which can only be undertaken if it supports the NCAR mission, currently accounts for approximately 30% of NCAR's total funding.

The awardee will work closely with NSF and the university community to ensure that NCAR continues to support, sustain and advance the atmospheric, geospace and related sciences, including the promotion of a diverse STEM workforce. The awardee will manage and develop the NCAR staff, buildings and facilities, and will promote an ambitious, coherent and inclusive program of research and education.

A single award will be made as a cooperative agreement with a duration of five years beginning on 1 October 2018. NSF may renew the award for an additional five-year term, subject to availability of funds and the awardee's satisfactory performance, and in compliance with the National Science Board Statement on Recompetition of Major Facilities (NSB 2015-45 or successor).