The U.S. National Science Foundation Office of Award Management is responsible for developing, implementing and issuing proposal and award policy for the agency's programs.
The office is available to assist you with questions involving proposal and award policy-related issues.
Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG)
The PAPPG (NSF 24-1) is effective for proposals submitted or due on or after May 20, 2024.
Implementation of standard 15% indirect cost rate
NSF is updating its policy regarding the reimbursement of indirect costs in federally funded financial assistance.
Resources
Proposal preparation
- Getting Started: An overview of key guidance for preparing a proposal to NSF.
- Proposal Budget: Information on preparing a proposal budget, including the budget justification, indirect costs and federal requirements.
- Senior/Key Personnel Documents: Information on preparing the biographical sketch, current and pending (other) support, collaborators and other affiliations, and synergistic activities documents.
- Data Management and Sharing Plan: Information on NSF's data sharing policy and how to prepare a data management and sharing plan.
- Research Involving Live Vertebrate Animals: Information on proposal and award requirements for projects involving live vertebrate animals.
- Research Involving Human Subjects: Information on proposal and award requirements for projects involving human subjects.
- Submitting Your Proposal: Learn how to submit your proposal electronically through Research.gov or Grants.gov.
Merit review
- How We Make Funding Decisions: Information on how NSF ensures the proposals it receives are reviewed in a fair, competitive, transparent and in-depth manner.
- Volunteer as an NSF Reviewer: Share your time and expertise while learning more about the NSF merit review process and connecting with NSF staff.
Award management
- Getting Started: An overview of key guidance for managing an NSF award.
- Information for Prospective New Awardees: Important information for organizations new to NSF funding.
- Award Terms and Conditions:
- NSF Policy on Brand Standards: Review guidance for recipients of NSF awards regarding the use of the NSF logo and brand.
- Request a Change to Your Award: An overview of the notifications and requests to make to NSF for changes in the scope, time, staff or budget of an NSF award.
- Report Your Progress and Outcomes: An overview of the project reporting requirements for an NSF award.