The $1,900,000 proposal will modernize and expand the capabilities of the university of maine?S analytical laboratory and soil testing service through the procurement of equipment

This $1,900,000 Project Grant award from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) under the Congressionally-Identified Projects program (CFDA 11.617) will enable the University of Maine System to modernize and expand the capabilities of the University of Maine's Analytical Laboratory and Soil Testing Service. The funding will be used to procure a suite of advanced analytical equipment, including a spectrometer, combustion analyzers, pH analyzers, and an X-ray fluorescence system. Additionally, a full-time technician will be hired to oversee the equipment selection, installation, and development of operational protocols. The project aims to strengthen the Maine Analytical Laboratory's position as a leader in research, teaching, and analytical services in the Northeast, enabling it to bolster Maine's PFAS research, address critical issues like food insecurity and climate change, support conservation efforts, and enhance services to the state's $4.681 billion agricultural industry. The award period is from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2027.

Activities

The applicant will use funding to contract with consultant to assist in optimizing selection of equipment and laboratory layout. The equipment procured will be a suite of analytical equipment (spectrometer, combustion analyzers, PH analyzers, a-RAY fluorescence system, etc.) selected that will best serve the labs research and service missions, valuing ease of operation, reliability, and alignment with analytical needs. In addition to the equipment, a full-time technician will be hired to oversee the selection and installation of the equipment, as well as ensure that the instruments are functioning properly during the protocol development period.

Expected outcomes

With modernization, the maine analytical laboratory will strengthen its position as a leader in research, teaching, and services in the northeast. The new capacity of this laboratory will bolster maine?S ability to drive PFAS research and leadership; enable researchers to carry out work that addresses current and future issues such as food insecurity and climate change; support conservation efforts and workforce training needed by state agencies and federal partners; and improve support for the $4681M agricultural industry in maine.

Intended beneficiaries

This proposal will benefit the nearly 90 faculty supported by the maine agricultural and forest experimentation station, and numerous others in colleges across umaine and customers from across the northeast.

Subrecipient activities

The recipient does not intend to subaward funds.