NSF & Congress
MRE Review and Approval Chart

First Column: MRE Pipeline Project

• Scientific community defines need/concept
• NSF Originating Organization submits
• MRE Panel reviews
• Inclusion in Visionary Pipeline List
• Director discusses with NSB & OMB

Next Column: MRE Account Candidate

• NSF Originating Organization proposes
• MRE Panel reviews & recommends
• Director selects candidates (for NSB submission)

Next Column: NSB Approved Project

• NSF Originating Organization prepares
• DRB reviews
• Director submits
• NSB approves projects for inclusion in future budget request

Next Column: Budget Request

• Director selects MRE projects
• NSB reviews & approves budget
• NSF submits budget
• OMB reviews budget request

Next Column: Budget Approval

• Congress reviews & appropriates
• Director allocates funds for MRE projects

Next Column: RFP/Program Solicitation

• NSF Program Manager/Project Advisory Team prepare RFP/Program Solicitation
• DRB reviews RFPs
• Director and NSB approve RFPs

Next Column: MRE Award(s)

• NSF Originating Organization recommends (merit review process)
• DRB reviews
• Director and NSB approve

Next Column: Technical and Business Implementation

• Originating Organization, LFP Deputy & Business Operations oversee
• MRE Panel approves project management plan
• Director & NSB review project status