Accelerating Research through International Network-to-Network Collaborations (AccelNet)

Program Solicitation
NSF 23-619

Replaces Document(s):
NSF 21-511

NSF Logo

National Science Foundation

Office of International Science and Engineering

Office of Integrative Activities

Directorate for Biological Sciences

Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering

Directorate for Engineering

Directorate for Geosciences

Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences

Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences

Directorate for STEM Education

Full Proposal Deadline(s) (due by 5 p.m. submitter's local time):

     December 11, 2023

     September 16, 2024

     Third Monday in September, Annually Thereafter

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND REVISION NOTES

  • Restructuring of award types and budgets
    • Design: $300K for 1-2 years
    • Implementation Phase 1, $1.5M for 3-4 years
    • Implementation Phase 2, $350K for 1-2 years
  • Letters of collaboration are now required for Design Track proposals
  • Eligibility restrictions apply for Implementation Track Phase 2 proposals
  • Solicitation specific proposal preparation instructions and review criteria have changed
  • Annual and final annual report requirements have changed
  • Implementation Track Phase 1 proposals are not eligible for renewal.

Any proposal submitted in response to this solicitation should be submitted in accordance with the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) that is in effect for the relevant due date to which the proposal is being submitted. The NSF PAPPG is regularly revised and it is the responsibility of the proposer to ensure that the proposal meets the requirements specified in this solicitation and the applicable version of the PAPPG. Submitting a proposal prior to a specified deadline does not negate this requirement.

SUMMARY OF PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

General Information

Program Title:

Accelerating Research through International Network-to-Network Collaborations (AccelNet)

Synopsis of Program:

The contemporary research landscape is a collaborative and international enterprise requiring high level coordination among multi-disciplinary, cross-cultural teams. As such, the Accelerating Research through International Network-to-Network Collaborations program (AccelNet) values cooperation over competition. Program goals are to 1) leverage prior NSF support for building research capacity towards activities that launch international research network of networks (NoN) that will lead to an accelerated advancement of an area of science after the award period and 2) recruit and foster a diverse and internationally competent US-based workforce trained in conducting and leading multi-team international collaboration. Any area funded by the National Science Foundation is eligible, particularly those addressing grand research challenges identified within research communities and/or by NSF.

Successful proposals will demonstrate that the proposed activities will: 1) accelerate scientific research at a rate that would not be possible without concerted international cooperation in research planning; 2) make NoN members more competitive for research awards following the period of award; 3) recruit and foster a US-based diverse and internationally competent workforce trained in conducting and leading multi-team international collaboration. Proposals must include detailed plans for collaborative networking activities that will result in a synergy of effort across the entire NoN.

The AccelNet Program has two tracks. The Design Track allows PIs to build on prior NSF research awards by providing time and resources for building capacity across teams to launch a synergistic international NoN. The Implementation Track allows PIs to build on prior research or networking awards, such as AccelNet Design or Research Coordination Networks (RCN) by providing time and resources to implement an international NoN. There are two phases to the Implementation Track. Phase 1 funding is for activities related exclusively to NoN activities and is open to all PIs, including but not limited to prior successful Design Track PIs. Phase 2 funding is for early concept research arising from Phase 1 activities and is only open to Phase 1 PIs who have identified a critical research gap during synergistic networking activities in the first 18-24 months of Phase 1 awards.

Cognizant Program Officer(s):

Please note that the following information is current at the time of publishing. See program website for any updates to the points of contact.

Applicable Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s):

  • 47.041 --- Engineering
  • 47.049 --- Mathematical and Physical Sciences
  • 47.050 --- Geosciences
  • 47.070 --- Computer and Information Science and Engineering
  • 47.074 --- Biological Sciences
  • 47.075 --- Social Behavioral and Economic Sciences
  • 47.076 --- STEM Education
  • 47.079 --- Office of International Science and Engineering
  • 47.083 --- Office of Integrative Activities (OIA)
  • 47.084 --- NSF Technology, Innovation and Partnerships

Award Information

Anticipated Type of Award: Standard Grant or Continuing Grant

Estimated Number of Awards: 10 to 14

Anticipated Funding Amount: $10,000,000

Anticipated Funding Amount: $10 million, pending availability of funds.

Eligibility Information

Who May Submit Proposals:

Proposals may only be submitted by the following:

  • Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) - Two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the US, acting on behalf of their faculty members. Special Instructions for International Branch Campuses of US IHEs: If the proposal includes funding to be provided to an international branch campus of a US institution of higher education (including through use of subawards and consultant arrangements), the proposer must explain the benefit(s) to the project of performance at the international branch campus, and justify why the project activities cannot be performed at the US campus.
  • Non-profit, non-academic organizations: Independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies and similar organizations located in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities.
  • Tribal Governments: The governing body of any Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, or community that the Secretary of the Interior acknowledges to exist as an Indian tribe under the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 479a, et seq.)

Who May Serve as PI:

Restrictions only apply to Implementation Track Phase 2:

Implementation Track Phase 2 proposals may only be submitted by Implementation Track Phase 1 recipients with an active award and can be submitted no earlier than 12 months after the start date of the award. Each Phase 1 team can only receive one Phase 2 award.

Limit on Number of Proposals per Organization:

There are no restrictions or limits.

Limit on Number of Proposals per PI or co-PI: 1

An individual may appear as PI or Co-PI in no more than one proposal submitted in response to this solicitation, whether Design or Implementation.

Proposal Preparation and Submission Instructions

A. Proposal Preparation Instructions

  • Letters of Intent: Not required
  • Preliminary Proposal Submission: Not required
  • Full Proposals:

B. Budgetary Information

  • Cost Sharing Requirements:

    Inclusion of voluntary committed cost sharing is prohibited.

  • Indirect Cost (F&A) Limitations:

    Not Applicable

  • Other Budgetary Limitations:

    Not Applicable

C. Due Dates

  • Full Proposal Deadline(s) (due by 5 p.m. submitter's local time):

         December 11, 2023

         September 16, 2024

         Third Monday in September, Annually Thereafter

Proposal Review Information Criteria

Merit Review Criteria:

National Science Board approved criteria. Additional merit review criteria apply. Please see the full text of this solicitation for further information.

Award Administration Information

Award Conditions:

Standard NSF award conditions apply.

Reporting Requirements:

Additional reporting requirements apply. Please see the full text of this solicitation for further information.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Summary of Program Requirements

  1. Introduction
  2. Program Description
  3. Award Information
  4. Eligibility Information
  5. Proposal Preparation and Submission Instructions
    1. Proposal Preparation Instructions
    2. Budgetary Information
    3. Due Dates
    4. Research.gov/Grants.gov Requirements
  6. NSF Proposal Processing and Review Procedures
    1. Merit Review Principles and Criteria
    2. Review and Selection Process
  7. Award Administration Information
    1. Notification of the Award
    2. Award Conditions
    3. Reporting Requirements
  8. Agency Contacts
  9. Other Information

I. INTRODUCTION

The scientific enterprise is increasingly collaborative and international. Today's research collaborations function as dynamic multi-team systems that impact the growth of global knowledge. Internationally coauthored publications are more highly cited than domestic-only publications and are increasing in number across most research fields. High-impact research is more common in cases where novel combinations of research are brought together and in countries that foster links with foreign researchers to create new communities of excellence. Diversity in research teams also leads to greater innovation. AccelNet facilitates the building of international and diverse networks of networks to create a global research enterprise in grand challenges identified by research communities and/or NSF.

The AccelNet program builds on NSF investments in research networks, research infrastructure, large-scale research facilities, and research centers inside and outside the U.S. By supporting activities that foster strategic international linkages among research networks (as specifically defined below), AccelNet aims to accelerate research in a way that would not be possible without time for a collaborative, cooperative, synergistic effort at an international scale. AccelNet does not support proposals that wish to launch a single new network, expand a single network, expand existing NoNs, expand operations to new areas, or simply build capacity abroad.

Team Science References: Adams (2013) Nature; Coccia and Wang (2016) PNAS; Cooke and Hilton (2015) The National Academies; Fortunato et al. (2018) Science; Uzzi et al. (2013) Science;  Wagner et al. (2015) PLoS ONE; Wagner and Jonkers (2017) Nature;

DEI and Innovation References: Forrester (2020) Nature; Amano et al. (2016) PLOS Biol, Jonsen et al. (2011) Int J Cross Cult Management, Hofstra et al. (2020) PNAS

II. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

A. Overview

The AccelNet program encourages collaboration over competition by soliciting proposals for international networks of networks that aim to 1) accelerate scientific research at a rate that would not be possible without concerted international cooperation in research planning; 2) make NoN members more competitive for research awards following the period of award; 3) recruit and foster a US-based diverse and internationally competent workforce trained in conducting and leading multi-team international collaboration. Any area funded by the National Science Foundation is eligible, particularly those addressing grand research challenges identified within research communities and/or NSF.

An integral part of large-scale international NoNs is building multi-team science. To facilitate the long-term success of awarded projects, the AccelNet program provides training in conducting team science for US-based PIs during the first year of the award. To facilitate workforce development, the AccelNet program provides support for US-based students and early-career researchers to participate in professional development opportunity alongside the AccelNet annual PI meeting.

Proposed international networks of networks may vary in size and maturity, but a minimum of three domestic, foreign, and/or inherently multinational research networks are required — at least one must operate outside the US. AccelNet does not support proposals that wish to launch a single new network, expand a single network, expand existing NoNs, expand operations to new areas, or simply build capacity abroad. In exceptional cases, an established NoN may be eligible if the proposed activities demonstrate new linkages and/or synergies among research networks that alter the scope and direction of the existing NoN to a significant degree.

NoNs must demonstrate synergies across multiple networks that leverage expertise, data, facilities, and/or other resources for mutual benefit across the NoN. Proposed NoNs must exhibit a model of shared NoN governance across the networks. NoN networking activities may be virtual, hybrid, or a combination of both. Examples of NoN activities include, but are not limited to network retreats, NoN workshops, international and interdisciplinary personnel or data exchanges, sharing of unique facilities, working groups, training activities, and development and dissemination of products and practices. Exchanges between domestic networks may be included only if international network members are also traveling to the domestic exchange site.

B. Definitions

Solicitation-Specific Definition of Network: a geographically distributed team of researchers who cooperate on research activities within or across fields to collect and share resources, knowledge, and expertise. Networks cannot be so large that regular and sustained cooperation is not feasible or practical. Members must be from disparate organizations (not labs or groups of researchers within a university or university system) and must engage at scales larger than lab-to-lab collaborations between universities. Large professional networks and organizations are not considered research networks for the purposes of this solicitation, but smaller working research groups within them that cooperate regularly may be. A formally recognized research network will have a network name, website, or similar identification features, but not all networks need be at that stage of maturity (particularly in the Design Track).

Solicitation-Specific Definition of Network of Networks (NoN): a federation of international independent, non-overlapping networks (as described above) that converge on a clearly articulated research theme and set of questions. Networks may include stakeholders from universities, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private industry, so long as the goals are focused on advancing the frontiers of science, engineering, and STEM education. Proposed NoNs should be of a scale and complexity that would not be possible within a single research network, within a single nation, or through the normal modes of NSF research support. Key members in each network (at various career stages) must have clearly defined roles and responsibilities central to generating synergy across networks. Proposals must demonstrate the benefits of participation in the NoN for unfunded networks and the contribution each network makes to the NoN.

C. Funding Tracks

Design Track: PIs can request up to 2 years of planning support and a maximum of $300,000. The Design Track funds activities that build readiness to launch the NoN. Proposals must demonstrate the existence of an emerging NoN that shares a research theme but have yet to identify all possible participating networks, research gaps, and/or potential synergies that will lead to development of a research roadmap. The Design Track should be independent from any planned future application to the Implementation Track, which means they are evaluated based on the merits of the proposed work alone, should not include discussion of future Implementation Track proposals, and cannot include effort for preparation of an Implementation Track proposal. In rare cases, Design Track awards may be renewed but require discussion with the Program Director prior to submission.

Implementation Track Phase 1: PIs can request up to 4 years of support and a maximum of $1.5M. The Implementation track funds activities directed at implementing research planning and long-term sustainability of the NoN. Proposed NoNs at this stage will have (1) identified network partners and the knowledge gaps around which the research roadmap will be developed, (2) planned activities that will create network synergies and demonstrate that network synergies will advance research and innovation at the end of the award period, (3) demonstrated benefit to unfunded network partners to participate, 4) a clear coordination and management plan for team science on an international scale, 5) co-created an organizational structure with collaborative leadership shared across the NoN with key members from each network identified as having clear roles and responsibilities in delivering proposed goals. Implementation Track awards are not eligible for renewal. NoNs should be sustainable, research competitive, or both following the period of the award. AccelNet is not a support mechanism for NoNs, rather it is a short-term intervention to advance science through coordination.

Implementation Track Phase 2: Implementation Phase 1 PIs only can request 1-2 years of research support and a maximum of $350K. Each team can only receive one Phase 2 award. A resubmission may not be considered if there is not sufficient time remaining on an award to complete the proposed work. The proposed research must have arisen organically from Phase 1 activities and not be related to prior or current work of any member unless that work has been significantly modified due to international cooperation and collaboration. The proposed research must have transformative potential but is high risk and would not otherwise fare well in a traditional merit review format because it is too new or untested. The research must be a synergistic activity across at least two networks and be at an international scale. The research and/or results must be mutually beneficial to a majority of partners in the NoN. Examples might be retraining models using newly merged NoN datasets that include variables not previously part of individual member datasets, testing new protocols, methods, or techniques, gathering new data or using instrumentation in novel ways that network synergies have identified as potentially transformative to advancing science. The application of methods or techniques that are widely used in research communities, even if not used by members of the NoN, are not eligible. In some cases, the novel application of methods or techniques from one discipline to a completely new domain of knowledge or set of problems may be eligible if it meets the above criteria.

III. AWARD INFORMATION

Design Track Awards: total budget up to $300,000 for 1-2 years

Implementation Track Phase 1 Awards: total budget up to $1.5 million for 3-4 years

Implementation Track Phase 2 Awards: total budget up to $350,000 for 1-2 years

Subject to the availability of funds

IV. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

Who May Submit Proposals:

Proposals may only be submitted by the following:

  • Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) - Two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the US, acting on behalf of their faculty members. Special Instructions for International Branch Campuses of US IHEs: If the proposal includes funding to be provided to an international branch campus of a US institution of higher education (including through use of subawards and consultant arrangements), the proposer must explain the benefit(s) to the project of performance at the international branch campus, and justify why the project activities cannot be performed at the US campus.
  • Non-profit, non-academic organizations: Independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies and similar organizations located in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities.
  • Tribal Governments: The governing body of any Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, or community that the Secretary of the Interior acknowledges to exist as an Indian tribe under the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 479a, et seq.)

Who May Serve as PI:

Restrictions only apply to Implementation Track Phase 2:

Implementation Track Phase 2 proposals may only be submitted by Implementation Track Phase 1 recipients with an active award and can be submitted no earlier than 12 months after the start date of the award. Each Phase 1 team can only receive one Phase 2 award.

Limit on Number of Proposals per Organization:

There are no restrictions or limits.

Limit on Number of Proposals per PI or co-PI: 1

An individual may appear as PI or Co-PI in no more than one proposal submitted in response to this solicitation, whether Design or Implementation.

Additional Eligibility Info:

Implementation Track Phase 1 proposals are not eligible for renewal.

V. PROPOSAL PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

A. Proposal Preparation Instructions

Full Proposal Preparation Instructions: Proposers may opt to submit proposals in response to this Program Solicitation via Research.gov, or Grants.gov.

  • Full Proposals submitted via Research.gov: Proposals submitted in response to this program solicitation should be prepared and submitted in accordance with the general guidelines contained in the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG). The complete text of the PAPPG is available electronically on the NSF website at: https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg. Paper copies of the PAPPG may be obtained from the NSF Publications Clearinghouse, telephone (703) 292-8134 or by e-mail from nsfpubs@nsf.gov. The Prepare New Proposal setup will prompt you for the program solicitation number.
  • Full proposals submitted via Grants.gov: Proposals submitted in response to this program solicitation via Grants.gov should be prepared and submitted in accordance with the NSF Grants.gov Application Guide: A Guide for the Preparation and Submission of NSF Applications via Grants.gov. The complete text of the NSF Grants.gov Application Guide is available on the Grants.gov website and on the NSF website at: (https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=grantsgovguide). To obtain copies of the Application Guide and Application Forms Package, click on the Apply tab on the Grants.gov site, then click on the Apply Step 1: Download a Grant Application Package and Application Instructions link and enter the funding opportunity number, (the program solicitation number without the NSF prefix) and press the Download Package button. Paper copies of the Grants.gov Application Guide also may be obtained from the NSF Publications Clearinghouse, telephone (703) 292-8134 or by e-mail from nsfpubs@nsf.gov.

See PAPPG Chapter II.D.2 for guidance on the required sections of a full research proposal submitted to NSF. Please note that the proposal preparation instructions provided in this program solicitation may deviate from the PAPPG instructions.

Important information for all tracks:

  • Separately submitted collaborative proposals are not accepted in this solicitation.
  • Check the international cooperative activities box on the Cover Sheet.
  • Indicate country or countries involved on the Cover Sheet.
  • All recipients are required to attend an annual PI meeting and include those costs in their budget (see Budget)

DESIGN TRACK

Title: All titles MUST begin with the following text and punctuation

  1. AccelNet Design: your title with no additional punctuation

Project Summary (maximum 1 page)

  1. Overview: the rationale for the NoN, and proposed networking activities
  2. Intellectual Merit
  3. Broader Impacts

Project Description (maximum 15 pages):

  1. Intellectual Merit: Use this space to explain the science that will be advanced by networking activities
    • Description of research theme/grand challenge and why international engagement and cooperation are required for accelerated advancement
    • Planning goals that will position the team to be able to accelerate science or implement the NoN
  2. Networks
    • Provide information on the scope, level of formality, size, and maturity for three core networks (using the solicitation-specific definition)
    • Information for at least two members from each network and their specific roles and responsibilities in the NoN planning (full name, organizational affiliation, network affiliation)
    • Additional networks that may be recruited to the effort can be listed to demonstrate capacity to launch an inclusive NoN
  3. Synergistic Networking Activities (build flexibility into planning and include creative approaches to international collaboration that either enhance international travel or substitute for it should travel not be possible)
    • Detailed plans for activities that will include (but are not limited to) a combination of the following: identify knowledge gaps the future NoN will address, identify research needs and priorities of members, forge critical operational links, create agreements for collaboration and network membership, foster additional network partnerships and create strategies for future research collaboration across the future NoN
    • Timeline of delivering goals, including preliminary steps
    • Evaluation of success for each goal
  4. Workforce Development (optional for Design Track): If included, must address the following:
    • Describe a detailed recruitment plan that will ensure a diversity of backgrounds in the trainee cohort.
    • Describe a detailed plan for workforce training in conducting and leading multi-team international collaboration that includes mentorship in cross-cultural scientific exchanges, international competency, and team science. If there are additional educational outcomes sought through the various training programs, please provide a detailed description
    • Provide a detailed plan on how partners will interact to achieve educational outcomes and include strategies to overcome the challenges in education variation across international (and national) network
    • If applicable, estimate the number of individuals who will be involved
  5. Broader Impacts: This section should be prepared in accordance with the guidance in the PAPPG, including the required section header labeled "Broader Impacts". This section should not duplicate efforts from the Workforce Development section (if included in Design Track)

Budget

  1. Travel for participants, whether domestic or foreign network members, should be included in the budget.
    • Travel and related costs for network participants to participate in professional development activities may be included as Participant Support Costs, when consistent with PAPPG Chapter II.D.f.(v).
  2. Proposers must budget funds for up to four representatives to attend an annual meeting for recipients at NSF.
  3. No funds may be used to support research by students or faculty.
  4. Full-time graduate research assistant support and/or tuition fees are not allowed.
  5. Funds may not be used to support the expenses of the international scientists and students at their home organization.

Design Solicitation Specific Supplementary Documentation

In addition to all NSF required supplementary documents, the solicitation requires letters of collaboration for Design proposals. Use the format provided in the PAPPG for letters of collaboration.

IMPLEMENTATION TRACK: PHASE 1

Title: All titles MUST begin with the following text and punctuation

  1. AccelNet Implementation Phase 1: your title with no additional punctuation

Project Summary (maximum 1 page)

  1. Overview: the rationale for the NoN and proposed networking activities
  2. Intellectual Merit
  3. Broader Impacts

Project Description (maximum 15 pages):

  1. Results of Prior Support: only for those who received a Design Track award
  2. Intellectual Merit: Use this space to explain the science that will be advanced by networking activities
    • Description of research theme/grand challenge situated in existing member efforts
    • Why international engagement and cooperation are required for accelerated advancement
    • Clearly defined research questions and/or knowledge gaps that will be addressed
      • if conceptual, methodological, and/or technological advances are required to launch competitive research at the end of the award, explain how network members will achieve these goals outside the networking activities
    • How research will be accelerated after the period of award in a way that is not otherwise possible
  3. Networks
    • Provide a graphic demonstrating existing linkages among member networks.
    • Provide information on the scope, level of formality, size, and maturity for up to 10 core networks (using the solicitation-specific definition)
    • Identify key members from each network and their specific roles and responsibilities in coordinating the NoN (full name, organizational affiliation, network affiliation)
    • Describe the key contribution of each network by identifying existing research and educational resources, infrastructure, sites, tools, data, and/or protocols that will be leveraged and recombined to transform and accelerate research after the award ends
    • Demonstrate the benefit in participation for unfunded networks
  4. Synergistic Networking Activities (build flexibility into planning and include creative approaches to international collaboration that either enhance international travel or substitute for it should travel not be possible)
    • Describe the planned activities for creating a research roadmap that will accelerate science at the end of the award period
    • Activities that foster scientific integration and innovative collaboration must be open to members of all participating research networks, rather than benefiting primarily individuals from the submitting organizations or select partners
  5. Workforce Development
    • Describe a detailed recruitment plan that will ensure a diversity of backgrounds in the trainee cohort
    • Describe a detailed plan for workforce training in conducting and leading multi-team international collaboration that includes mentorship in cross-cultural scientific exchanges, international competency, and team science and describe any additional educational outcomes sought through the various training programs
    • Provide a detailed plan on how partners will interact to achieve educational outcomes and include strategies to overcome the challenges in education variation across international (and national) network
    • If applicable, estimate the number of individuals who will be involved
  6. Evaluation
    • Provide a detailed timeline and expected products or outcomes associated with each activity
      • Activities include those directed at building the research roadmap and those directed at professional workforce development
    • Include an annual evaluation plan with specific metrics or products and demonstrate continued alignment of activities with project goals
  7. Long-Term Plan (Renewals are not permitted)
    • Provide a plan for how the NoN will transition from network coordination activities to coordinated research activities over the period of the award
    • Demonstrate that the network of networks will either be completed following the transition to coordinate research activities or be independently sustainable after the award period
  8. Broader Impacts: This section should be prepared in accordance with the guidance in the PAPPG, including the required section header labeled "Broader Impacts". This section should not duplicate efforts from the Workforce Development section.

Budget

  1. Travel for participants, whether domestic or foreign network members, should be included in the budget.
    • Travel and related costs for network participants to participate in professional development activities may be included as Participant Support Costs, when consistent with PAPPG Chapter II.D.f.(v).
    • Funds may be requested to promote in-person collaborative activities that involve travel, such as exchange of students, postdoctoral researchers, or faculty, travel expenses for U.S. students and scientists to conduct networking activities in the international partner's home laboratory, sharing of unique facilities, establishment of a public website, network retreats, and support of workshops uniquely tied to the activities that link networks.
    • Exchanges between domestic networks may be included only if international network members are also traveling to the domestic exchange site.
  2. Proposers must budget funds for up to four representatives to attend an annual meeting for recipients at NSF.
  3. The proposal must provide yearly budgets for the duration of the project. A network of networks is a dynamic entity that has the ability to evolve over time. The budget structure needs to be designed to facilitate such evolution, with appropriate funds for project coordination and administration. The proposed budget should be consistent with the costs for the network of networks' partnership building and the scope of the participants served by the networking and professional development activities. The budget allocation must reflect the intent of the network of networks to be in service to the research community and benefit students and scientists affiliated with organizations beyond the submitting organization(s).
  4. No funds may be used to support research by students or faculty.
  5. Full-time graduate research assistant support and/or tuition fees are not allowed.
  6. Funds may not be used to support the expenses of the international scientists and students at their home organization.

Implementation Phase 1 Solicitation Specific Supplementary Documentation

In addition to all NSF required supplementary documents, AccelNet requires the following solicitation-specific supplementary documents.

Network Coordination and Management Plan (max 4 pages): Implementation Phase 1 projects must provide a supplementary document that describes the management plan for coordinating activities and outlines the personnel and resources involved across the domestic and international networks. This description should include a governance model, plans for internal communication, and specific coordination mechanisms that will enable cross-network integration. Include an organizational chart. For all organizations involved, define the specific roles and responsibilities of the PIs, co-PIs, other Senior Personnel, and paid consultants, and unfunded collaborators who have roles in the leadership, coordination, training, dissemination, and assessment activities.

Letters of Collaboration (maximum of 10 one-page letters): NSF recognizes that networks may need to explain in more detail how the proposed collaboration will meet their needs and goals, particularly with relation to the research focus of the communities they represent. Letters of collaboration from partnering networks may deviate from the PAPPG-specified format to document the nature of the collaboration and must include the signatory's role in the partnering network as well as the network representative's role in the proposed network of networks.

IMPLEMENTATION TRACK: PHASE 2

Title: All titles MUST begin with the following text and punctuation

  1. AccelNet Implementation Phase 2: your title with no additional punctuation

Project Summary (maximum 1 page)

  1. Overview: the rationale for the NoN on the chosen research theme and proposed networking activities
  2. Intellectual Merit
  3. Broader Impacts

Project Description (maximum 10 pages):

  1. Results of Prior Support from Implementation Phase 1: Provide an overview of accomplishments to date on Phase 1 substantive progress towards milestones and goals achieved.
  2. Intellectual Merit
    • Explain clearly and in detail about how the proposed research arose organically from Phase 1 international synergistic activities and confirm it is not overlapping with any prior research, funded or not, or any research in development prior to this award.
    • The expectation is that research funded under this track is untested or very early in development but with high potential to transform science—high risk/high payoff.
      • Address why this work would not normally be funded by existing programs as a follow-up to the AccelNet award.
    • Demonstrate that the proposed research will be mutually beneficial to NoN members and foster future research competitiveness of the individual networks involved and the network effort as a whole.
  3. Broader Impacts: Follow NSF PAPPG guidance, including the required section header labeled "Broader Impacts".

Budget

  1. Travel for participants, whether domestic or foreign network members, should be included in the budget.
    • Travel and related costs for network participants to participate in professional development activities may be included as Participant Support Costs, when consistent with PAPPG Chapter II.D.f.(v).
  2. Full-time graduate research assistant support and/or tuition fees is allowed only for Implementation Track Phase 2.

Implementation Phase 2 Solicitation Specific Supplementary Documentation

There are no additional documents required beyond those required by NSF PAPPG.

B. Budgetary Information

Cost Sharing:

Inclusion of voluntary committed cost sharing is prohibited.

C. Due Dates

  • Full Proposal Deadline(s) (due by 5 p.m. submitter's local time):

         December 11, 2023

         September 16, 2024

         Third Monday in September, Annually Thereafter

D. Research.gov/Grants.gov Requirements

For Proposals Submitted Via Research.gov:

To prepare and submit a proposal via Research.gov, see detailed technical instructions available at: https://www.research.gov/research-portal/appmanager/base/desktop?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=research_node_display&_nodePath=/researchGov/Service/Desktop/ProposalPreparationandSubmission.html. For Research.gov user support, call the Research.gov Help Desk at 1-800-381-1532 or e-mail rgov@nsf.gov. The Research.gov Help Desk answers general technical questions related to the use of the Research.gov system. Specific questions related to this program solicitation should be referred to the NSF program staff contact(s) listed in Section VIII of this funding opportunity.

For Proposals Submitted Via Grants.gov:

Before using Grants.gov for the first time, each organization must register to create an institutional profile. Once registered, the applicant's organization can then apply for any federal grant on the Grants.gov website. Comprehensive information about using Grants.gov is available on the Grants.gov Applicant Resources webpage: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants.html. In addition, the NSF Grants.gov Application Guide (see link in Section V.A) provides instructions regarding the technical preparation of proposals via Grants.gov. For Grants.gov user support, contact the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726 or by email: support@grants.gov. The Grants.gov Contact Center answers general technical questions related to the use of Grants.gov. Specific questions related to this program solicitation should be referred to the NSF program staff contact(s) listed in Section VIII of this solicitation.

Submitting the Proposal: Once all documents have been completed, the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) must submit the application to Grants.gov and verify the desired funding opportunity and agency to which the application is submitted. The AOR must then sign and submit the application to Grants.gov. The completed application will be transferred to Research.gov for further processing.

Proposers that submitted via Research.gov may use Research.gov to verify the status of their submission to NSF. For proposers that submitted via Grants.gov, until an application has been received and validated by NSF, the Authorized Organizational Representative may check the status of an application on Grants.gov. After proposers have received an e-mail notification from NSF, Research.gov should be used to check the status of an application.

VI. NSF PROPOSAL PROCESSING AND REVIEW PROCEDURES

Proposals received by NSF are assigned to the appropriate NSF program for acknowledgement and, if they meet NSF requirements, for review. All proposals are carefully reviewed by a scientist, engineer, or educator serving as an NSF Program Officer, and usually by three to ten other persons outside NSF either as ad hoc reviewers, panelists, or both, who are experts in the particular fields represented by the proposal. These reviewers are selected by Program Officers charged with oversight of the review process. Proposers are invited to suggest names of persons they believe are especially well qualified to review the proposal and/or persons they would prefer not review the proposal. These suggestions may serve as one source in the reviewer selection process at the Program Officer's discretion. Submission of such names, however, is optional. Care is taken to ensure that reviewers have no conflicts of interest with the proposal. In addition, Program Officers may obtain comments from site visits before recommending final action on proposals. Senior NSF staff further review recommendations for awards. A flowchart that depicts the entire NSF proposal and award process (and associated timeline) is included in PAPPG Exhibit III-1.

A comprehensive description of the Foundation's merit review process is available on the NSF website at: https://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/merit_review/.

Proposers should also be aware of core strategies that are essential to the fulfillment of NSF's mission, as articulated in Leading the World in Discovery and Innovation, STEM Talent Development and the Delivery of Benefits from Research - NSF Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years (FY) 2022 - 2026. These strategies are integrated in the program planning and implementation process, of which proposal review is one part. NSF's mission is particularly well-implemented through the integration of research and education and broadening participation in NSF programs, projects, and activities.

One of the strategic objectives in support of NSF's mission is to foster integration of research and education through the programs, projects, and activities it supports at academic and research institutions. These institutions must recruit, train, and prepare a diverse STEM workforce to advance the frontiers of science and participate in the U.S. technology-based economy. NSF's contribution to the national innovation ecosystem is to provide cutting-edge research under the guidance of the Nation's most creative scientists and engineers. NSF also supports development of a strong science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce by investing in building the knowledge that informs improvements in STEM teaching and learning.

NSF's mission calls for the broadening of opportunities and expanding participation of groups, institutions, and geographic regions that are underrepresented in STEM disciplines, which is essential to the health and vitality of science and engineering. NSF is committed to this principle of diversity and deems it central to the programs, projects, and activities it considers and supports.

A. Merit Review Principles and Criteria

The National Science Foundation strives to invest in a robust and diverse portfolio of projects that creates new knowledge and enables breakthroughs in understanding across all areas of science and engineering research and education. To identify which projects to support, NSF relies on a merit review process that incorporates consideration of both the technical aspects of a proposed project and its potential to contribute more broadly to advancing NSF's mission "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense; and for other purposes." NSF makes every effort to conduct a fair, competitive, transparent merit review process for the selection of projects.

1. Merit Review Principles

These principles are to be given due diligence by PIs and organizations when preparing proposals and managing projects, by reviewers when reading and evaluating proposals, and by NSF program staff when determining whether or not to recommend proposals for funding and while overseeing awards. Given that NSF is the primary federal agency charged with nurturing and supporting excellence in basic research and education, the following three principles apply:

  • All NSF projects should be of the highest quality and have the potential to advance, if not transform, the frontiers of knowledge.
  • NSF projects, in the aggregate, should contribute more broadly to achieving societal goals. These "Broader Impacts" may be accomplished through the research itself, through activities that are directly related to specific research projects, or through activities that are supported by, but are complementary to, the project. The project activities may be based on previously established and/or innovative methods and approaches, but in either case must be well justified.
  • Meaningful assessment and evaluation of NSF funded projects should be based on appropriate metrics, keeping in mind the likely correlation between the effect of broader impacts and the resources provided to implement projects. If the size of the activity is limited, evaluation of that activity in isolation is not likely to be meaningful. Thus, assessing the effectiveness of these activities may best be done at a higher, more aggregated, level than the individual project.

With respect to the third principle, even if assessment of Broader Impacts outcomes for particular projects is done at an aggregated level, PIs are expected to be accountable for carrying out the activities described in the funded project. Thus, individual projects should include clearly stated goals, specific descriptions of the activities that the PI intends to do, and a plan in place to document the outputs of those activities.

These three merit review principles provide the basis for the merit review criteria, as well as a context within which the users of the criteria can better understand their intent.

2. Merit Review Criteria

All NSF proposals are evaluated through use of the two National Science Board approved merit review criteria. In some instances, however, NSF will employ additional criteria as required to highlight the specific objectives of certain programs and activities.

The two merit review criteria are listed below. Both criteria are to be given full consideration during the review and decision-making processes; each criterion is necessary but neither, by itself, is sufficient. Therefore, proposers must fully address both criteria. (PAPPG Chapter II.D.2.d(i). contains additional information for use by proposers in development of the Project Description section of the proposal). Reviewers are strongly encouraged to review the criteria, including PAPPG Chapter II.D.2.d(i), prior to the review of a proposal.

When evaluating NSF proposals, reviewers will be asked to consider what the proposers want to do, why they want to do it, how they plan to do it, how they will know if they succeed, and what benefits could accrue if the project is successful. These issues apply both to the technical aspects of the proposal and the way in which the project may make broader contributions. To that end, reviewers will be asked to evaluate all proposals against two criteria:

  • Intellectual Merit: The Intellectual Merit criterion encompasses the potential to advance knowledge; and
  • Broader Impacts: The Broader Impacts criterion encompasses the potential to benefit society and contribute to the achievement of specific, desired societal outcomes.

The following elements should be considered in the review for both criteria:

  1. What is the potential for the proposed activity to
    1. Advance knowledge and understanding within its own field or across different fields (Intellectual Merit); and
    2. Benefit society or advance desired societal outcomes (Broader Impacts)?
  2. To what extent do the proposed activities suggest and explore creative, original, or potentially transformative concepts?
  3. Is the plan for carrying out the proposed activities well-reasoned, well-organized, and based on a sound rationale? Does the plan incorporate a mechanism to assess success?
  4. How well qualified is the individual, team, or organization to conduct the proposed activities?
  5. Are there adequate resources available to the PI (either at the home organization or through collaborations) to carry out the proposed activities?

Broader impacts may be accomplished through the research itself, through the activities that are directly related to specific research projects, or through activities that are supported by, but are complementary to, the project. NSF values the advancement of scientific knowledge and activities that contribute to achievement of societally relevant outcomes. Such outcomes include, but are not limited to: full participation of women, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); improved STEM education and educator development at any level; increased public scientific literacy and public engagement with science and technology; improved well-being of individuals in society; development of a diverse, globally competitive STEM workforce; increased partnerships between academia, industry, and others; improved national security; increased economic competitiveness of the United States; and enhanced infrastructure for research and education.

Proposers are reminded that reviewers will also be asked to review the Data Management Plan and the Postdoctoral Researcher Mentoring Plan, as appropriate.

Additional Solicitation Specific Review Criteria

Reviewers will also be asked to address the following when evaluating proposals:

  • Design Track
    • Assess the strengths and weaknesses of proposed activities to lay the foundation for a viable network of networks.
    • Evaluate the feasibility of the plan to recruit and foster a diverse and internationally competent workforce in multi-team international collaboration by noting any of the following: strengths or unique elements, potential impediments to delivery of the plan, or lack of detail preventing evaluation of the plan.
  • Implementation Track Phase 1
    • Assess the evidence provided that the proposed activities will lead to an advancement of science that would not be possible otherwise by noting strengths, weaknesses, or missing information.
    • Assess the sustainability of the network of networks over the lifetime of the award and beyond or the transition to research activities if the NoN is not sustained. Evaluate how well the management plan has achieved shared governance, well-justified roles of individuals and network members, and strategies to overcome barriers to collaboration.
    • Evaluate the feasibility of the plan to recruit and foster a diverse and internationally competent workforce in multi-team international collaboration by noting any of the following: strengths or unique elements, potential impediments to delivery of the plan, or lack of detail preventing evaluation of the plan.
  • Implementation Track Phase 2
    • Assess the evidence provided that the proposed research arose from network synergies during the Implementation Track 1.
    • Assess the risk in funding this effort and the payoff if the team is successful.
    • Evaluate the strength and sufficiency of the documentation that NoN members will benefit mutually from the proposed research.

B. Review and Selection Process

Proposals submitted in response to this program solicitation will be reviewed by Ad hoc Review and/or Panel Review.

Reviewers will be asked to evaluate proposals using two National Science Board approved merit review criteria and, if applicable, additional program specific criteria. A summary rating and accompanying narrative will generally be completed and submitted by each reviewer and/or panel. The Program Officer assigned to manage the proposal's review will consider the advice of reviewers and will formulate a recommendation.

After scientific, technical and programmatic review and consideration of appropriate factors, the NSF Program Officer recommends to the cognizant Division Director whether the proposal should be declined or recommended for award. NSF strives to be able to tell applicants whether their proposals have been declined or recommended for funding within six months. Large or particularly complex proposals or proposals from new awardees may require additional review and processing time. The time interval begins on the deadline or target date, or receipt date, whichever is later. The interval ends when the Division Director acts upon the Program Officer's recommendation.

After programmatic approval has been obtained, the proposals recommended for funding will be forwarded to the Division of Grants and Agreements or the Division of Acquisition and Cooperative Support for review of business, financial, and policy implications. After an administrative review has occurred, Grants and Agreements Officers perform the processing and issuance of a grant or other agreement. Proposers are cautioned that only a Grants and Agreements Officer may make commitments, obligations or awards on behalf of NSF or authorize the expenditure of funds. No commitment on the part of NSF should be inferred from technical or budgetary discussions with a NSF Program Officer. A Principal Investigator or organization that makes financial or personnel commitments in the absence of a grant or cooperative agreement signed by the NSF Grants and Agreements Officer does so at their own risk.

Once an award or declination decision has been made, Principal Investigators are provided feedback about their proposals. In all cases, reviews are treated as confidential documents. Verbatim copies of reviews, excluding the names of the reviewers or any reviewer-identifying information, are sent to the Principal Investigator/Project Director by the Program Officer. In addition, the proposer will receive an explanation of the decision to award or decline funding.

VII. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

A. Notification of the Award

Notification of the award is made to the submitting organization by an NSF Grants and Agreements Officer. Organizations whose proposals are declined will be advised as promptly as possible by the cognizant NSF Program administering the program. Verbatim copies of reviews, not including the identity of the reviewer, will be provided automatically to the Principal Investigator. (See Section VI.B. for additional information on the review process.)

B. Award Conditions

An NSF award consists of: (1) the award notice, which includes any special provisions applicable to the award and any numbered amendments thereto; (2) the budget, which indicates the amounts, by categories of expense, on which NSF has based its support (or otherwise communicates any specific approvals or disapprovals of proposed expenditures); (3) the proposal referenced in the award notice; (4) the applicable award conditions, such as Grant General Conditions (GC-1)*; or Research Terms and Conditions* and (5) any announcement or other NSF issuance that may be incorporated by reference in the award notice. Cooperative agreements also are administered in accordance with NSF Cooperative Agreement Financial and Administrative Terms and Conditions (CA-FATC) and the applicable Programmatic Terms and Conditions. NSF awards are electronically signed by an NSF Grants and Agreements Officer and transmitted electronically to the organization via e-mail.

*These documents may be accessed electronically on NSF's Website at https://www.nsf.gov/awards/managing/award_conditions.jsp?org=NSF. Paper copies may be obtained from the NSF Publications Clearinghouse, telephone (703) 292-8134 or by e-mail from nsfpubs@nsf.gov.

More comprehensive information on NSF Award Conditions and other important information on the administration of NSF awards is contained in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) Chapter VII, available electronically on the NSF Website at https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg.

Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Build America, Buy America

As expressed in Executive Order 14005, Ensuring the Future is Made in All of America by All of America's Workers (86 FR 7475), it is the policy of the executive branch to use terms and conditions of Federal financial assistance awards to maximize, consistent with law, the use of goods, products, and materials produced in, and services offered in, the United States.

Consistent with the requirements of the Build America, Buy America Act (Pub. L. 117-58, Division G, Title IX, Subtitle A, November 15, 2021), no funding made available through this funding opportunity may be obligated for an award unless all iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in the project are produced in the United States. For additional information, visit NSF's Build America, Buy America webpage.

C. Reporting Requirements

For all multi-year grants (including both standard and continuing grants), the Principal Investigator must submit an annual project report to the cognizant Program Officer no later than 90 days prior to the end of the current budget period. (Some programs or awards require submission of more frequent project reports). No later than 120 days following expiration of a grant, the PI also is required to submit a final project report, and a project outcomes report for the general public.

Failure to provide the required annual or final project reports, or the project outcomes report, will delay NSF review and processing of any future funding increments as well as any pending proposals for all identified PIs and co-PIs on a given award. PIs should examine the formats of the required reports in advance to assure availability of required data.

PIs are required to use NSF's electronic project-reporting system, available through Research.gov, for preparation and submission of annual and final project reports. Such reports provide information on accomplishments, project participants (individual and organizational), publications, and other specific products and impacts of the project. Submission of the report via Research.gov constitutes certification by the PI that the contents of the report are accurate and complete. The project outcomes report also must be prepared and submitted using Research.gov. This report serves as a brief summary, prepared specifically for the public, of the nature and outcomes of the project. This report will be posted on the NSF website exactly as it is submitted by the PI.

More comprehensive information on NSF Reporting Requirements and other important information on the administration of NSF awards is contained in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) Chapter VII, available electronically on the NSF Website at https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg.

Additional Reporting Requirements

AccelNet awards require the following additional reporting requirements. These requirements are currently undergoing the information collection review process and the clearance number will be included with the reporting requirements. For updated information, PIs are encouraged to contact the cognizant NSF Program Officer listed in the award notice.

  • provide information (location traveled to, duration of stay, research/education activity undertaken) for all participants, noting their career stage
  • International collaborators (country, affiliation, title, career stage)
  • International location(s) visited, duration of stay, and research activity undertaken by all participants, noting the career stage of each participant
  • Metrics of success demonstrating progress towards achieving the specific project goals, and the goals of the AccelNet program overall

Recipients will be required to participate in program-level evaluation by which NSF can assess implementation processes and progress toward program level outcomes. NSF, an NSF contractor, or a grantee on behalf of NSF, may periodically conduct program evaluations or special projects that necessitate access to project level staff and data. This activity may occur at any time during the grant period and could occur after the grant has ended. Project-level participation includes responding to inquiries, interviews and other methods of common data collection and/or aggregation across individual grants. In addition, PIs and project-level evaluators will be asked to assist in developing a program evaluation that will mutually benefit the agency and program participants.

VIII. AGENCY CONTACTS

Please note that the program contact information is current at the time of publishing. See program website for any updates to the points of contact.

General inquiries regarding this program should be made to:

For questions related to the use of NSF systems contact:

  • NSF Help Desk: 1-800-381-1532
  • Research.gov Help Desk e-mail: rgov@nsf.gov

For questions relating to Grants.gov contact:

  • Grants.gov Contact Center: If the Authorized Organizational Representatives (AOR) has not received a confirmation message from Grants.gov within 48 hours of submission of application, please contact via telephone: 1-800-518-4726; e-mail: support@grants.gov.

For programmatic inquiries, please email the OISE/AccelNet lead, Dr. Kara C. Hoover (accelnet@nsf.gov). If you are interested in talking to our Directorate partners, please contact Program Directors on our Coordinating Committee listed under contacts.

IX. OTHER INFORMATION

The NSF website provides the most comprehensive source of information on NSF Directorates (including contact information), programs and funding opportunities. Use of this website by potential proposers is strongly encouraged. In addition, "NSF Update" is an information-delivery system designed to keep potential proposers and other interested parties apprised of new NSF funding opportunities and publications, important changes in proposal and award policies and procedures, and upcoming NSF Grants Conferences. Subscribers are informed through e-mail or the user's Web browser each time new publications are issued that match their identified interests. "NSF Update" also is available on NSF's website.

Grants.gov provides an additional electronic capability to search for Federal government-wide grant opportunities. NSF funding opportunities may be accessed via this mechanism. Further information on Grants.gov may be obtained at https://www.grants.gov.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent Federal agency created by the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended (42 USC 1861-75). The Act states the purpose of the NSF is "to promote the progress of science; [and] to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare by supporting research and education in all fields of science and engineering."

NSF funds research and education in most fields of science and engineering. It does this through grants and cooperative agreements to more than 2,000 colleges, universities, K-12 school systems, businesses, informal science organizations and other research organizations throughout the US. The Foundation accounts for about one-fourth of Federal support to academic institutions for basic research.

NSF receives approximately 55,000 proposals each year for research, education and training projects, of which approximately 11,000 are funded. In addition, the Foundation receives several thousand applications for graduate and postdoctoral fellowships. The agency operates no laboratories itself but does support National Research Centers, user facilities, certain oceanographic vessels and Arctic and Antarctic research stations. The Foundation also supports cooperative research between universities and industry, US participation in international scientific and engineering efforts, and educational activities at every academic level.

Facilitation Awards for Scientists and Engineers with Disabilities (FASED) provide funding for special assistance or equipment to enable persons with disabilities to work on NSF-supported projects. See the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide Chapter II.F.7 for instructions regarding preparation of these types of proposals.

The National Science Foundation has Telephonic Device for the Deaf (TDD) and Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) capabilities that enable individuals with hearing impairments to communicate with the Foundation about NSF programs, employment or general information. TDD may be accessed at (703) 292-5090 and (800) 281-8749, FIRS at (800) 877-8339.

The National Science Foundation Information Center may be reached at (703) 292-5111.

The National Science Foundation promotes and advances scientific progress in the United States by competitively awarding grants and cooperative agreements for research and education in the sciences, mathematics, and engineering.

To get the latest information about program deadlines, to download copies of NSF publications, and to access abstracts of awards, visit the NSF Website at https://www.nsf.gov

  • Location:

2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22314
  • For General Information
    (NSF Information Center):

(703) 292-5111
  • TDD (for the hearing-impaired):

(703) 292-5090
  • To Order Publications or Forms:
  

Send an e-mail to:

nsfpubs@nsf.gov

or telephone:

(703) 292-8134
  • To Locate NSF Employees:

(703) 292-5111

PRIVACY ACT AND PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENTS

The information requested on proposal forms and project reports is solicited under the authority of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended. The information on proposal forms will be used in connection with the selection of qualified proposals; and project reports submitted by awardees will be used for program evaluation and reporting within the Executive Branch and to Congress. The information requested may be disclosed to qualified reviewers and staff assistants as part of the proposal review process; to proposer institutions/grantees to provide or obtain data regarding the proposal review process, award decisions, or the administration of awards; to government contractors, experts, volunteers and researchers and educators as necessary to complete assigned work; to other government agencies or other entities needing information regarding applicants or nominees as part of a joint application review process, or in order to coordinate programs or policy; and to another Federal agency, court, or party in a court or Federal administrative proceeding if the government is a party. Information about Principal Investigators may be added to the Reviewer file and used to select potential candidates to serve as peer reviewers or advisory committee members. See System of Record Notices, NSF-50, "Principal Investigator/Proposal File and Associated Records," and NSF-51, "Reviewer/Proposal File and Associated Records." Submission of the information is voluntary. Failure to provide full and complete information, however, may reduce the possibility of receiving an award.

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, an information collection unless it displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The OMB control number for this collection is 3145-0058. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 120 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions. Send comments regarding the burden estimate and any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:

Suzanne H. Plimpton
Reports Clearance Officer
Policy Office, Division of Institution and Award Support
Office of Budget, Finance, and Award Management
National Science Foundation
Alexandria, VA 22314

 

 

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