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  4. LEEP

Large Equipment Enhancement Program (LEEP)

Supporting Transformative Equipment Needs for FSU Faculty

Program Overview

Florida State University (FSU) is pleased to announce a one-time Large Equipment Enhancement Program (LEEP) for 2025.  This new internal funding opportunity will support the acquisition of major research equipment and represents a strategic investment above and beyond the existing CRC programs.

The primary objective of LEEP is to strengthen FSU’s research infrastructure by enabling faculty to obtain state-of-the-art equipment or equipment upgrades that can significantly advance their work. By investing in high-quality research tools, FSU aims to foster innovation, elevate scholarly and creative activity, and enhance the university’s overall research capabilities across all disciplines.

LEEP invites proposals from individual faculty or faculty teams led by a PI who has been with FSU for at least six years.

Priority consideration will be given to proposals that demonstrate significant cross-disciplinary impact and promote collaboration and innovation across multiple academic fields.

All requests must be for equipment totaling $50,000 or more.

This substantial investment underscores the university's commitment to providing its faculty with the necessary resources to conduct cutting-edge research, scholarship and creative endeavors. The equipment funded through this program is expected to have a lasting impact on the research capabilities of the university, enabling faculty to pursue ambitious projects that might not be possible with existing resources.

  • Download a PDF version of the RFP here.

Eligibility

  • Applicants must be full-time faculty employed at FSU (see LEEP Job Code Eligibility List to confirm eligibility).
  • PI must have a minimum of six years of service at the university as of the application deadline.
  • Applications may be submitted by individual faculty members or by teams of eligible faculty.
  • Emeritus, adjunct, and visiting faculty are not eligible to apply.
  • Requests must be for equipment valued at $50,000 or more (exclusive of shipping, installation, or maintenance costs).

Funding Priorities

  • Preference will be given to proposals that support cross-disciplinary programs, fostering collaboration between at least two distinct academic disciplines.
  • Proposals that expand research or creative capacity for multiple departments or colleges are strongly encouraged.
  • Equipment that enables new lines of inquiry, broad student engagement, or external grant competitiveness will be prioritized.

Application Process

  • Applications must be submitted electronically via the OVPR Funding Submission Portal in InfoReady by the November 1, 2025 deadline.
  • Each proposal application must include a detailed equipment quote, a justification, and letters of support from collaborating units or departments.
  • Only one quote is required at proposal stage, however, university procurement methods must be followed when purchasing the equipment.
  • If facilities modifications are required for installation, include a brief description of proposed modifications (such as electrical, steam, structural, etc.), but please DO NOT contact Facilities until notified by OVPR for next steps. 

Review Criteria

  • Alignment with program goals and funding priorities outlined in ASPIRE
  • Demonstrated need and anticipated impact of the equipment
  • Cross-disciplinary reach and collaboration
  • Feasibility and sustainability of equipment use
  • Budget justification and cost-effectiveness

Timeline

  • Program announcement: September 18
  • Application deadline: November 1
  • Award notifications: December 15
  • Equipment purchases must be initiated by March 30, 2026 (unless special exemption is approved)

Reporting Requirements

  • All awardees must submit a one-year progress report detailing usage, outcomes, and cross-disciplinary engagement facilitated by the equipment following installation.
  • Additional follow-up reports may be requested by the Office of Research to assess long-term impact.

Contact Information

For program questions or further information, please contact the FSU Office of Research at research@fsu.edu or visit the Internal Grants Portal at https://www.research.fsu.edu/research-offices/rd/internal-funding/. For any technical questions, please reach out to the Internal Funding Program Coordinator: sbcore@fsu.edu.