Equipment Usage
OBM Circular A-110 Relocated to 2 CFR, Part 215 specifies priorities in usage of equipment obtained under federally sponsored programs for a particular project or program. Processes for monitoring and resolving conflicts are detailed below.
Usage and scheduling of major equipment managed by the Advanced Materials Characterization Core Facility (AMCC) is coordinated through the full-time staff associated with these instruments. Starting July 1, 2006, internal users will be required to provide mocodes identifying the project to be charged when scheduling equipment usage. This ensures the funding source for the requested characterization can be properly established.
The delivery time for the requested characterization will be confirmed when the request is made, and any potential scheduling conflicts will be handled by the full-time staff member managing the instrument schedule. Characterization scheduling and delivery, including for federal projects, generally have a quick turnaround time, ranging from a few days to one or two weeks, depending on the instrument used. Conflicts of priority among projects, federal, and non-federal, necessary to meet deliverable target dates will be brought to the attention of the AMCC director, and the equipment priority usage identified in OBM Circular A-110 Relocated to 2 CFR, Part 215 will be followed. All such conflicts will be documented and reviewed on an annual basis.
Rates and Fees
The rates and fees are reviewed and approved by the Office of Sponsored Research annually. The 2024/2025 Internal rates are available here. External Users can submit a Service Request or email amcc@mst.edu with their peculiar details to receive an appropriate fee quote.
Training
All new users wishing to obtain approval for independent use of any AMCC facility must undergo one-on-one training with an AMCC research specialist, rather than their peers. Upon demonstrating competence in operating the instrument after completing the necessary training, users can fill out and submit the approved-user authorization form with the guidance of the responsible AMCC staff.
Data Storage and Computers
Users are responsible for managing their data and are advised to promptly collect all their data after the characterization session. So, bring a USB or use the internet to retrieve your data.
Hazardous Materials
Radioactive materials, as well as biosafety Level (BSL) -3 or BSL-4 agents/pathogens, are strictly prohibited in the facility at all times. Also, food and beverages are not permitted within the facility at any time.
Acknowledgment
Researchers using the AMCC Facility are encouraged to acknowledge the “S&T Advanced Materials Characterization Core Facility (AMCC)” in their publications. Additionally, if an AMCC Research Specialist has made notable intellectual contributions to their work, users may consider including them as a co-author in the publication.