NSF to establish national AI operations center
Kelly J. Sullivan · Federal Grants & Contracts · 2025
The National Science Foundation (NSF) released a new solicitation to establish a National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource Operations Center (NAIRR-OC). The new center is an initial step to transition the National AI Research Resource (NAIRR) from a successful pilot program to laying the foundations for a sustainable, coordinated national program that will advance U.S. research capabilities and global leadership in AI, the department said. “The NAIRR Operating Center solicitation marks a key step in the transition from the NAIRR Pilot to building a sustainable and scalable NAIRR program,” said Katie Antypas, director of the NSF Office of Advanced Cyberinfrastructure in a statement. “We look forward to continued collaboration with private sector and agency partners, whose contributions have been critical in demonstrating the innovation and scientific impact that comes when critical AI resources are made accessible to research and education communities across the country.” To date, the NAIRR Pilot has already connected over 400 U.S. research teams with computing platforms, datasets, software, and models—accelerating breakthroughs in fields from agriculture and drug discovery to cybersecurity and education, NSF said. Letters of Intent are due Dec. 15, 2025. Applications must be submitted by Feb. 4, 2026. Learn more at NAIRR-OC.