Grant Proposal Guide

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Changes the title of the NSF proposal guidelines from the "Grants for Research and Education in Science and Engineering" (GRESE) to the "Grant Proposal Guide" (GPG) (NSF 94-2). This new title more clearly conveys the nature, purpose and content of the brochure.
Includes a newly developed proposal forms kit that provides a complete package of forms necessary for submission of unsolicited proposals to NSF. The Proposal Forms Kit will be available as a perforated, pull out section in the GPG and in a "stand-alone" format as NSF 94-3. The forms are also available from the Foundation's Science and Technology Information System (STIS) and proposers are encouraged to submit proposals electronically. The kit language stipulates that forms may be duplicated or reproduced and will be accepted in a variety of media: the forms as contained in the GPG or the separate forms kit, photocopies of such forms, electronic submission, etc.
For this purpose the following new forms have been added:
- Project Summary (NSF Form 1358)
- Table of Contents (NSF Form 1359)
- Project Description (NSF Form 1360)
- Bibliography (NSF Form 1361)
- Biographical Sketch (NSF Form 1362)
- Facilities, Equipment and Other Resources (NSF Form 1363)
For each of the forms identified above, NSF has not established new requirements for information submission. Rather, these forms have been developed to simplify the proposal preparation, submission and review process by developing standardized formats for submission of the various proposal sections. In addition, while NSF requires the use of formats (NSF Forms 1360, 1361 and 1363 are the exceptions), use of the forms themselves is not mandatory.
Revises the NSF Form 1207, Cover Sheet for Proposal to the National Science Foundation, by adding blocks to indicate proposals from "Beginning Investigators" and for "Group Proposals" and "Small Grants for Exploratory Research." The NSF Form 1207 has also been modified to clarify the block on the form regarding where the project is to be performed.
Improves proposal organization by establishing a modified arrangement for submission of required documentation. This should help simplify preparation, review and processing of proposals, as the information by sections will be more clearly recognized and identified.
To emphasize consistency in proposal preparation requirements, includes a new section entitled, "Conformance with Instructions for Proposal Preparation." Guidance on deviation from NSF proposal requirements is included in this section as well as explicit instructions for placement of any deviation authorization in an appropriate place in the proposal.
Limits the Project Description section (unless modified by program announcement/solicitation or approved in advance by the applicable NSF Assistant Director) to 15 pages, including text as well as visual materials. The exception in the previous version of the GRESE presented difficulties in defining visual materials, counting pages and keeping overall proposal length limited.
Eliminates appendices (unless modified by program announcement/solicitation or approved in advance by the applicable NSF Assistant Director).
Includes new coverage for cost-sharing to clarify NSF policy and requirements regarding cost-sharing. The NSF Form 1030, Summary Budget Page, has also been modified to include a specific line M for proposers to enter cost-sharing amounts. The GPG clarifies that when NSF awards or award budgets include cost- sharing amounts, they are a condition of the award and subject to audit.
Modifies the method for indicating the level of effort devoted by the Principal Investigator. The amount of time devoted to the project must now only be expressed in terms of "person-months devoted to the project." The NSF Form 1236, Current and Pending Support, also has been modified to accommodate this change.
Includes new language as a reminder that the NSF Grants Officer is the only individual authorized to obligate and commit Federal funds.
Includes various editorial and updating changes, consistent with other changes in NSF programs, organization, and procedures.

The GPG will be effective for all proposals submitted on or after Monday, April 4, 1994. Proposals submitted prior to April 4, 1994, may continue to use forms contained in the GRESE (NSF Publication 92-89) or the forms contained in the new GPG (NSF 94- 2). After April 4, 1994, all versions of the GRESE and its forms should be discarded. The NSF Grant Policy Manual will be revised to reflect these changes.

Any questions, comments, or suggestions regarding these changes, the GPG, or NSF proposal and award policies and procedures may be directed to the Policy Office, Division of Contracts, Policy & Oversight via electronic mail at policy @nsf.gov (Internet) or policy@nsf (BITNET), telephone (703) 306-1243, or (fax) (703) 306-0280.

NSF 94-2
Replaces NSF 92-89