Limited Competition: Basic Instrumentation Grant (BIG) Program (S10 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The Basic Instrumentation Grant (BIG) Program is an initiative designed to encourage applications from groups of investigators supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). These groups can apply for funds to purchase a single high-priced, specialized instrument or an integrated instrumentation system that is commercially available. However, the BIG program is exclusive to institutions that haven't received S10 instrumentation funding equal to or exceeding $250,001 in any of the past 3 federal fiscal years (FY).

For determining eligibility, the program sets rules based on fiscal years relative to the application due date. For instance, if the application due date is June 1, 2022, any S10 funding received in the fiscal years from 2019 to 2021 will be considered. If the application is due on June 1, 2023, the S10 funding for fiscal years 2020 to 2022 will be considered. Finally, for applications due on June 3, 2024, the S10 funding from the fiscal years 2021 to 2023 will be reviewed.

The BIG Program awards a minimum of $25,000 to successful applicants, with no set maximum price limit for the instrument they wish to purchase. However, the largest award that can be given is capped at $250,000. The types of instruments and systems that qualify for this funding include basic cell sorters, confocal microscopes, ultramicrotomes, gel imagers, computer systems, and similar equipment.