Division of Atmospheric Sciences

Lower Atmospheric Observing Facilities (LAOF)

Description

The National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Atmospheric Sciences (ATM), Lower Atmospheric Observing Facilities (LAOF) Program consists of planning, budgeting, coordination, and oversight of multi-user national facilities that are sponsored by NSF for the geosciences research community. Program Management resides within ATM in the UCAR and Lower Atmospheric Facilities Oversight Section (ULAFOS) which provides a single point for coordination.

Geosciences research often requires specialized facilities, instrumentation and field support services to carry out scientific field work that is needed to understand the complex, interdependent geophysical processes, often covering remote areas of the globe. Making platforms and instrumentation available to support scientific experiments depends upon adequate acquisition, operation, maintenance, upgrading and replacement of these facilities. Also these platforms and instruments may collect large and sometimes unique data sets that must be validated, archived and made available to the research community. Likewise both pre- and post-planning for scientific field programs (e.g., experimental design, operational plans, logistical support) in which NSF sponsored facilities are deployed is an important element of the overall program.

Due Dates

Proposals must be submitted by the following date(s):

None Specified.

Primary Program Contact

James R. Huning
Facilities Coordinator
Rm. 775 S
Phone: (703) 292-8521,
Email: jhuning@nsf.gov

Eligibility Information

Standard eligibility criteria as defined in the Grant Proposal Guide apply to this program. There are no additional limitations.

Award Information

Estimated program budget, number of awards and average award size/duration are subject to the availability of funds.

Proposal Preparation Instructions

• Full proposals: Standard Preparation Guidelines
  • Standard GPG Guidelines apply.

Budgetary Information

This program adheres to the budget definition and preparation instructions described in the Grant Proposal Guide and has no additional requirements or limitations.

Cost Sharing is not required.

Proposal Review Information

• Merit Review Criteria: National Science Board approved criteria apply.

Award Administration Information

• Award Conditions: Standard NSF award conditions apply.
• Reporting Requirements: Standard NSF reporting requirements apply.

Program Description Number: PD 04-1529