AI4RA Subaward Competition - Now Accepting Applications!
We are excited to announce an open competition for subawards as part of the NSF-funded AI for Research Administration (AI4RA) project (NSF Grant #2427549). Up to $100,000 each in subawards is available to support two additional partner institutions in years 3–4 of the project, and we invite Research Administration enterprises to apply.
About the Opportunity
The AI4RA project, led by the University of Idaho in partnership with Southern Utah University, is developing open-source generative AI tools and a unified data model designed to reduce administrative burdens and strengthen research infrastructure across institutions. These tools include AI-powered workflows for tasks such as budget justification writing, subaward data extraction, and compliance checklist generation, processes that currently take 20–45 minutes but can be reduced to seconds with the right infrastructure in place. A unified data model is also part of the project goals and deliverables, as well as a community of practice component.
Through this competition, we are seeking partner institutions that want to implement and test these tools and the unified data model at their own institutions. Partners will work directly with the University of Idaho and Southern Utah University to help us assess the interoperability and transferability of the tools we are developing. Your participation will directly shape how these tools are built and refined for the broader research administration community.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is targeted at Research Administration institutions that want to adopt cutting-edge AI tools but face capacity barriers to doing so. We recognize that staff time, infrastructure, and software access are common obstacles, and these awards are designed specifically to help address them.
What Can Funding Be Used For?
Award amounts and eligible expenses will vary based on your institution's specific needs. Allowable costs may include:
Infrastructure or equipment upgrades
Software and technology needs
Staff training
Personnel effort or hiring (e.g., a data analytics position)
Other costs needed to interface with AI4RA tools and systems
How to Apply
Applications are open June 18 – July 12, 2026 and are accepted through our online portal:
AI4RA Sub Award Application – Artificial Intelligence for Research Administration
If you have questions please contact:
Dashiell Tyler – dashiellt@... (primary)
Sarah Martonick – smartonick@... (secondary)
You are also welcome to:
Attend our monthly Office Hours (every fourth Tuesday at 11:00 AM PST) for live Q&A and demos
Visit our website at https://ai4ra.uidaho.edu/
This is a unique chance to be at the forefront of AI adoption in research administration, gain funded support to build your institution's capacity, and contribute to a national effort to transform how research offices operate. We hope to hear from you!
Sincerely,
The AI4RA Team
University of Idaho | Southern Utah University
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Sarah Martonick
Director, Sponsored Programs
Regents of the University of Idaho
Moscow, ID
12088856651
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