Nationwide Science Basis
Directorate for Geosciences Division of Ocean Sciences
Full Proposal Goal Date(s):
January 16, 2024
IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND REVISION NOTES
Notice that this solicitation differs from NSF 19-602 primarily as a separate solicitation for Ship Operations, eradicating Oceanographic Oceanographic Services and Tools Help and Ship Acquisition and Improve (SAU) and Different Facility Actions (OFA).
Funding increments can be negotiated yearly with requests submitted to NSF although the Annual Report course of within the award system. See Part VII.C, Reporting Necessities, for extra info.
Any proposal submitted in response to this solicitation needs to be submitted in accordance with the NSF Proposal & Award Insurance policies & Procedures Information (PAPPG) that’s in impact for the related due date to which the proposal is being submitted. The NSF PAPPG is commonly revised and it’s the duty of the proposer to make sure that the proposal meets the necessities specified on this solicitation and the relevant model of the PAPPG. Submitting a proposal previous to a specified deadline doesn’t negate this requirement.
SUMMARY OF PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Basic Info
Program Title:
Ship Operations of the U.S. Educational Analysis Fleet (ARF) Vessels
Synopsis of Program:
The NSF Ship Operations Program gives assist for prices related to the operation and upkeep of vessels within the U.S. Educational Analysis Fleet (ARF). Allowable prices embody salaries and associated bills of crew members and marine operations workers; acquisition of minor or expendable gear; upkeep, overhauls, and repairs of the vessels; insurance coverage; and direct working prices akin to gasoline, meals, provides, journey, and pilot and agent charges. Shore-side amenities and assist prices are supplied solely to the extent that they relate on to ship operations. Ship Operations assist requests have to be instantly attributable to NSF-sponsored science.
Cognizant Program Officer(s):
Please notice that the next info is present on the time of publishing. See program web site for any updates to the factors of contact.
Relevant Catalog of Federal Home Help (CFDA) Quantity(s):
Award Info
Anticipated Sort of Award: Cooperative Settlement
Estimated Variety of Awards: 18
Awards can be made within the type of a five-year Cooperative Settlement.
Anticipated Funding Quantity: $5,000 to $50,000,000
The utmost funding threshold contains annual proposed quantities for Ship Operations. Quantities for every anticipated award are topic to the supply of funds.
Eligibility Info
Who Could Submit Proposals:
Proposals might solely be submitted by the next:
Establishments of Increased Schooling (IHEs) – Two- and four-year IHEs (together with group schools) accredited in, and having a campus positioned within the US, performing on behalf of their school members. Particular Directions for Worldwide Department Campuses of US IHEs: If the proposal contains funding to be supplied to a world department campus of a US establishment of upper schooling (together with via use of subawards and guide preparations), the proposer should clarify the profit(s) to the undertaking of efficiency on the worldwide department campus, and justify why the undertaking actions can’t be carried out on the US campus.
Non-profit, non-academic organizations: Unbiased museums, observatories, analysis laboratories, skilled societies and comparable organizations positioned within the U.S. which can be instantly related to instructional or analysis actions.
Who Could Function PI:
There are not any restrictions or limits.
Restrict on Variety of Proposals per Group:
There are not any restrictions or limits.
Restrict on Variety of Proposals per PI or co-PI:
There are not any restrictions or limits.
Proposal Preparation and Submission Directions
A. Proposal Preparation Directions
Letters of Intent: Not required
Preliminary Proposal Submission: Not required
Full Proposals:
B. Budgetary Info
Value Sharing Necessities:
Inclusion of voluntary dedicated price sharing is prohibited.
Oblique Value (F&A) Limitations:
Not Relevant
Different Budgetary Limitations:
Different budgetary limitations apply. Please see the total textual content of this solicitation for additional info.
C. Due Dates
Proposal Assessment Info Standards
Benefit Assessment Standards:
Nationwide Science Board accredited standards. Further benefit overview standards apply. Please see the total textual content of this solicitation for additional info.
Award Administration Info
Award Circumstances:
Further award circumstances apply. Please see the total textual content of this solicitation for additional info.
Reporting Necessities:
Further reporting necessities apply. Please see the total textual content of this solicitation for additional info.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract of Program Necessities
Introduction
Program Description
Award Info
Eligibility Info
Proposal Preparation and Submission Directions
Proposal Preparation Directions
Budgetary Info
Due Dates
Analysis.gov/Grants.gov Necessities
NSF Proposal Processing and Assessment Procedures
Benefit Assessment Ideas and Standards
Assessment and Choice Course of
Award Administration Info
Notification of the Award
Award Circumstances
Reporting Necessities
Company Contacts
Different Info
I. INTRODUCTION
The Division of Ocean Sciences (OCE) helps analysis actions and assets, and schooling to advance perceive of all features of the worldwide oceans and ocean basins, together with their interactions with individuals and the built-in Earth system. These actions present information vital to addressing lots of our nation’s most urgent challenges involving earth processes. OCE helps and promotes collaboration and facilitates growth of a various scientific and academic group, together with worldwide efforts. The Division works with the U.S. ocean sciences group to direct funding in direction of advancing the frontiers of information, creating the following technology of researchers, and enhancing the general public’s understanding of ocean sciences. The Division represents this group within the Federal context, coordinates with different Federal companies and with worldwide companions on analysis funding and oceanographic amenities administration, and participates in growth of coverage via nationwide and worldwide boards and packages.
Ship Operation awards are made for the operation of open ocean, coastal, near-shore and Nice Lakes platforms, used for analysis and academic packages which can be designated College-Nationwide Oceanographic Laboratory Methods (UNOLS) operators and vessels within the U.S. Educational Analysis Fleet (ARF). Most of those amenities additionally obtain partial assist from different Federal companies, state and native governments and personal sources. The first goal of those awards is to make sure the supply of applicable amenities for NSF-funded investigators and educators. Particular person project-based amenities and instrumentation, restricted to 1, or a small group of investigators, are supported via applicable analysis packages.
Science Imperatives
Vessels within the ARF present at-sea laboratories essential to successfully and safely assist oceanographic scientists, post-doctoral students, graduate and undergraduate college students in addition to engineers, technicians, and academics as they pursue basic questions in marine science. The vessels assist NSF peer-reviewed sea-going awards which have requested use of the vessels inside the ARF. These mental endeavors broaden understanding, and spur new questions, concerning the largest and most influential setting on the floor of the planet. The ARF and different associated amenities are instrumental in accumulating knowledge from observations and bodily samples which can be vital in advancing understanding of how dynamic and pure processes work and have an effect on the environment. The information collected and archived from previous ARF cruises have led to the identification of latest vitality assets and discovery of life in excessive environments at and under the ocean flooring and have enabled the seek for marine organisms with the potential to deal with human illness. At-sea sampling and observing has allowed researchers to:
Higher perceive, mannequin, and predict the responses of marine populations to lengthy and short-term modifications in ocean circumstances
Extra totally perceive the bodily state of the earth with regard to seismic exercise and its results on human populations; and
Uncover modifications in deep ocean circulation and warmth distribution across the planet resulting in a greater understanding of causes and penalties of local weather change
Oceanographic expeditions are additionally an extension of college school rooms and persistently present extraordinary instructional experiences. Voyages expose members to new concepts, educate basic scientific ideas via statement and apply, and lift questions that stimulate new fascinated about how the oceans work. An elevated consciousness of the necessity to carry this science into the classroom and to the general public has resulted within the growth of latest avenues to share these scientific findings. The web is now routinely and successfully bringing energetic science to school rooms with real-time photographs, knowledge and two-way communication between at-sea scientists and college students in faculties throughout the nation. These efforts have prolonged the sea-going expertise from a handful of members to hundreds of scholars throughout the nation, in addition to to most people. Scientists on tutorial analysis vessels use these alternatives to current their knowledge via web-based approaches both at their residence establishments or via websites maintained by group organizations.
II. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The target of this solicitation is to offer analysis vessel assist for oceanographic analysis primarily funded by NSF.
Any proposal submitted to NSF requesting assist for analysis ship time should embody a UNOLS Ship-time & Marine Tools Request Type (SME). The SME serves a number of functions:
Identifies sea-going subject work initiatives requiring analysis vessel assist.
Allows OCE to foretell and plan for vessel utilization.
Assists ship operators and program managers in making ready ship schedules and cruise logistics.
The ship time request type might be obtained from the UNOLS website online (https://www.mfp.us). Any investigator who wants help in requesting ship time ought to contact the UNOLS Workplace at [email protected].
Ship Operations gives assist for precise prices of operation and upkeep of analysis vessels that present vital assist for NSF-funded researchers. Allowable prices embody salaries and associated bills of crew members and marine operations workers; acquisition of minor or expendable gear; upkeep, overhaul and repairs of vessels; insurance coverage, and direct working prices akin to gasoline, meals, provides; journey; and pilot and agent charges. Shore facility prices are supplied solely to the extent that they relate on to the ship operation. Budgets needs to be ready in accordance with customary definitions of working days, sea days, load/unloading, upkeep days, and days out of service as outlined on the UNOLS web site. Help for shipboard technicians, instrumentation and shipboard scientific assist gear have to be sought instantly via the Oceanographic Technical Companies, Oceanographic Instrumentation and Shipboard Scientific Help Tools Packages, respectively.
III. AWARD INFORMATION
A number of cooperative agreements (CAs) are anticipated to be made underneath this solicitation based mostly on annual operational necessities in assist of federally funded science.
IV. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
Who Could Submit Proposals:
Proposals might solely be submitted by the next:
Establishments of Increased Schooling (IHEs) – Two- and four-year IHEs (together with group schools) accredited in, and having a campus positioned within the US, performing on behalf of their school members. Particular Directions for Worldwide Department Campuses of US IHEs: If the proposal contains funding to be supplied to a world department campus of a US establishment of upper schooling (together with via use of subawards and guide preparations), the proposer should clarify the profit(s) to the undertaking of efficiency on the worldwide department campus, and justify why the undertaking actions can’t be carried out on the US campus.
Non-profit, non-academic organizations: Unbiased museums, observatories, analysis laboratories, skilled societies and comparable organizations positioned within the U.S. which can be instantly related to instructional or analysis actions.
Who Could Function PI:
There are not any restrictions or limits.
Restrict on Variety of Proposals per Group:
There are not any restrictions or limits.
Restrict on Variety of Proposals per PI or co-PI:
There are not any restrictions or limits.
Further Eligibility Information:
OCE assist for vessels within the ARF is distributed all through the U.S. at numerous establishments suitably positioned and geographically positioned to hold out operations in assist of ocean science analysis and schooling. Ship operator establishments might embody schools and universities, non-profit analysis establishments, and associations of faculties and universities. To qualify for an award from this solicitation, an establishment should have a considerable in-house ocean science analysis program and should show the potential to function the vessel(s) successfully and economically with procedures to assist certified researchers from different components of the oceanographic group. The ship operator have to be a UNOLS working establishment and be a part of the U.S. ARF. Often this program will assist single cruises on non-ARF vessel, nevertheless that is accomplished via the funded science program and doesn’t necessitate a proposal. Acceptable high quality management, security, shared-use instrumentation entry and technical assist procedures have to be supplied. A concurrent Ship Operations Program award is required to qualify for Oceanographic Technical Companies assist.
V. PROPOSAL PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
A. Proposal Preparation Directions
Full Proposal Preparation Directions: Proposers might decide to submit proposals in response to this Program Solicitation through Analysis.gov or Grants.gov.
Full Proposals submitted through Analysis.gov: Proposals submitted in response to this program solicitation needs to be ready and submitted in accordance with the overall tips contained within the NSF Proposal and Award Insurance policies and Procedures Information (PAPPG). The entire textual content of the PAPPG is offered electronically on the NSF web site at: https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg. Paper copies of the PAPPG could also be obtained from the NSF Publications Clearinghouse, phone (703) 292-8134 or by e-mail from [email protected]. The Put together New Proposal setup will immediate you for this system solicitation quantity.
Full proposals submitted through Grants.gov: Proposals submitted in response to this program solicitation through Grants.gov needs to be ready and submitted in accordance with the NSF Grants.gov Utility Information: A Information for the Preparation and Submission of NSF Functions through Grants.gov. The entire textual content of the NSF Grants.gov Utility Information is offered on the Grants.gov web site and on the NSF web site at: (https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=grantsgovguide). To acquire copies of the Utility Information and Utility Varieties Package deal, click on on the Apply tab on the Grants.gov website, then click on on the Apply Step 1: Obtain a Grant Utility Package deal and Utility Directions hyperlink and enter the funding alternative quantity, (this system solicitation quantity with out the NSF prefix) and press the Obtain Package deal button. Paper copies of the Grants.gov Utility Information additionally could also be obtained from the NSF Publications Clearinghouse, phone (703) 292-8134 or by e-mail from [email protected].
In figuring out which technique to make the most of within the digital preparation and submission of the proposal, please notice the next:
Collaborative Proposals. All collaborative proposals submitted as separate submissions from a number of organizations have to be submitted through Analysis.gov. PAPPG Chapter II.E.3 gives further info on collaborative proposals.
See PAPPG Chapter II.D.2 for steering on the required sections of a full analysis proposal submitted to NSF. Please notice that the proposal preparation directions supplied on this program solicitation might deviate from the PAPPG directions.
A separate proposal submission can be required for the operation of every ship operated by an establishment. Along with the format and tables (https://www.nsf.gov/geo/oce/packages/ips/index.jsp), every proposal shall embody:
Cowl Sheet
TITLE OF PROPOSED PROJECT: “Establishment/Vessel Identify Ship Operations – CY 20XX – 20XY”
NSF ORGANIZATION UNIT: OCE – Ship Operations
FUND CODE: 5411
Challenge Description
Part 1: Description of Vessel
Part 2: Listing of NSF Tasks Requesting Ship Time in Subsequent CY
Part 3: Ship Working Schedules with Cruise Tracks for present and upcoming CY 12 months (i.e. present 12 months based mostly heading in the right direction date)
Part 4: Personnel, High quality of Service and Coaching Information
Part 5: Desk 1, Ship Time Prices per Challenge (based mostly heading in the right direction date)
Desk 1 A: Previous CY
Desk 1 B: Present CY
Desk 1 C: Subsequent CY
Part 6: Detailed 4 12 months Ship Working Funds (by calendar 12 months and based mostly heading in the right direction date)
Miscellaneous Information: Working, Dwelling Port, At Sea, Upkeep and Out of Service Days
Part 7: Funds, Insurance coverage and Inspection Dialogue (by calendar 12 months)
Part 8: Technical Benefit of the Proposed Work (by calendar 12 months)
Part 9: Broader Impacts
Part 10: Description of Variety, Fairness, Inclusion, and Accessibility Efforts, On-board Insurance policies for Civility at Sea, and Prevention of Harassment
Part 11: Cumulative Abstract Funds (by calendar 12 months)
Further Info (embody in Different Supplementary Paperwork part of the proposal)
Proof of Insurance coverage Certificates
Ship Inspection Abstract Response
Main Overhaul Stabilization Account (MOSA) desk, the annual abstract, and all MOSA correspondences with NSF involving requests for MOSA concurrence/approvals.
Broadening Participation Functionality (2 pages max): As required by the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 (P.L. 117-167, part 10324; 42 USC 19013), organizations searching for a cooperative settlement for the administration of the operations and upkeep of an NSF main facility should show prior expertise and present capabilities in, or have a plan for using greatest practices in, broadening participation in science and engineering. In 2 pages or much less, proposers ought to handle this requirement, together with info akin to general technique, context of actions, supposed inhabitants(s), and evaluation method and/or end result(s).
Annual Institutional buy of ship days and technical assist for the needs of analysis, schooling and/or outreach is extremely inspired on the Ship Ops proposals.
B. Budgetary Info
Value Sharing:
Inclusion of voluntary dedicated price sharing is prohibited.
Different Budgetary Limitations:
Every proposing group should submit documentation to assist the fee estimate, per part 4.2.4.3 of the NSF Analysis Infrastructure Information (RIG). The ship operations proposal format and tables (https://www.nsf.gov/geo/oce/packages/ips/index.jsp) will fulfill submitting an activities-based Work Breakdown Construction (WBS) and the textual content of the proposal will fulfill submitting a Value Estimating Plan (CEP), Value Mannequin, WBS Dictionary, and Foundation of Estimate (BOE). If requested, deliverables-based work packages could also be included for main upgrades or different vital acquisitions. Every recognized aspect of price have to be traceable to every NSF funds class. To be deemed cheap, the estimate should meet the necessities said within the Authorities Accountability Workplace (GAO) Value Estimating and Evaluation Information (GAO-20-195G) and a couple of CFR Half 200 of the OMB Uniform Steering, Subpart E, Value Ideas. The proposal should describe the escalation elements used and articulate the assumptions made to change the extent of effort or science assist capabilities if there’s a must offset escalation.
Identified prices ensuing from routine operational dangers as understood by the proposing group could also be included within the BOE as allowances or addressed via the sensitivity and threat/uncertainty evaluation (see Part 4.2.2.3 of the RIG). If related to the fee estimate, the next needs to be summarized within the Challenge Description and supported within the proposal or supplementary paperwork: (1) key assumptions, sensitivities, dangers, uncertainties, or different components driving estimated prices, scope, and schedule, (2) the related potential impacts to science, and (3) plans for easy methods to routinely reassess price drivers and precise prices and make changes not less than yearly.
The proposal should establish all staffing and budgetary info vital to explain how the group will fulfill the expectations in Part I, Introduction, and Part II, Program Description, of this solicitation. Requested funds quantities for every year of the proposal ought to mirror the extent thought of essential to carry out the NSF-funded actions described within the proposal.
C. Due Dates
D. Analysis.gov/Grants.gov Necessities
For Proposals Submitted Through Analysis.gov:
To organize and submit a proposal through Analysis.gov, see detailed technical directions out there at: https://www.analysis.gov/research-portal/appmanager/base/desktop?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=research_node_display&_nodePath=/researchGov/Service/Desktop/ProposalPreparationandSubmission.html. For Analysis.gov person assist, name the Analysis.gov Assist Desk at 1-800-673-6188 or e-mail [email protected]. The Analysis.gov Assist Desk solutions basic technical questions associated to using the Analysis.gov system. Particular questions associated to this program solicitation needs to be referred to the NSF program workers contact(s) listed in Part VIII of this funding alternative.
For Proposals Submitted Through Grants.gov:
Earlier than utilizing Grants.gov for the primary time, every group should register to create an institutional profile. As soon as registered, the applicant’s group can then apply for any federal grant on the Grants.gov web site. Complete details about utilizing Grants.gov is offered on the Grants.gov Applicant Sources webpage: https://www.grants.gov/internet/grants/candidates.html. As well as, the NSF Grants.gov Utility Information (see hyperlink in Part V.A) gives directions relating to the technical preparation of proposals through Grants.gov. For Grants.gov person assist, contact the Grants.gov Contact Heart at 1-800-518-4726 or by e mail: [email protected]. The Grants.gov Contact Heart solutions basic technical questions associated to using Grants.gov. Particular questions associated to this program solicitation needs to be referred to the NSF program workers contact(s) listed in Part VIII of this solicitation.
Submitting the Proposal: As soon as all paperwork have been accomplished, the Licensed Organizational Consultant (AOR) should submit the appliance to Grants.gov and confirm the specified funding alternative and company to which the appliance is submitted. The AOR should then signal and submit the appliance to Grants.gov. The finished software can be transferred to Analysis.gov for additional processing.
Proposers that submitted through Analysis.gov might use Analysis.gov to confirm the standing of their submission to NSF. For proposers that submitted through Grants.gov, till an software has been acquired and validated by NSF, the Licensed Organizational Consultant might examine the standing of an software on Grants.gov. After proposers have acquired an e-mail notification from NSF, Analysis.gov needs to be used to examine the standing of an software.
VI. NSF PROPOSAL PROCESSING AND REVIEW PROCEDURES
Proposals acquired by NSF are assigned to the suitable NSF program for acknowledgement and, in the event that they meet NSF necessities, for overview. All proposals are rigorously reviewed by a scientist, engineer, or educator serving as an NSF Program Officer, and normally by three to 10 different individuals outdoors NSF both as advert hoc reviewers, panelists, or each, who’re consultants within the explicit fields represented by the proposal. These reviewers are chosen by Program Officers charged with oversight of the overview course of. Proposers are invited to recommend names of individuals they consider are particularly properly certified to overview the proposal and/or individuals they would favor not overview the proposal. These ideas might function one supply within the reviewer choice course of on the Program Officer’s discretion. Submission of such names, nevertheless, is non-obligatory. Care is taken to make sure that reviewers haven’t any conflicts of curiosity with the proposal. As well as, Program Officers might acquire feedback from website visits earlier than recommending remaining motion on proposals. Senior NSF workers additional overview suggestions for awards. A flowchart that depicts all the NSF proposal and award course of (and related timeline) is included in PAPPG Exhibit III-1.
A complete description of the Basis’s benefit overview course of is offered on the NSF web site at: https://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/coverage/merit_review/.
Proposers must also pay attention to core methods which can be important to the success of NSF’s mission, as articulated in Main the World in Discovery and Innovation, STEM Expertise Growth and the Supply of Advantages from Analysis – NSF Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years (FY) 2022 – 2026. These methods are built-in in this system planning and implementation course of, of which proposal overview is one half. NSF’s mission is especially well-implemented via the combination of analysis and schooling and broadening participation in NSF packages, initiatives, and actions.
One of many strategic goals in assist of NSF’s mission is to foster integration of analysis and schooling via the packages, initiatives, and actions it helps at tutorial and analysis establishments. These establishments should recruit, practice, and put together a various STEM workforce to advance the frontiers of science and take part within the U.S. technology-based financial system. NSF’s contribution to the nationwide innovation ecosystem is to offer cutting-edge analysis underneath the steering of the Nation’s most artistic scientists and engineers. NSF additionally helps growth of a powerful science, expertise, engineering, and arithmetic (STEM) workforce by investing in constructing the information that informs enhancements in STEM educating and studying.
NSF’s mission requires the broadening of alternatives and increasing participation of teams, establishments, and geographic areas which can be underrepresented in STEM disciplines, which is important to the well being and vitality of science and engineering. NSF is dedicated to this precept of variety and deems it central to the packages, initiatives, and actions it considers and helps.
A. Benefit Assessment Ideas and Standards
The Nationwide Science Basis strives to spend money on a strong and various portfolio of initiatives that creates new information and allows breakthroughs in understanding throughout all areas of science and engineering analysis and schooling. To establish which initiatives to assist, NSF depends on a benefit overview course of that comes with consideration of each the technical features of a proposed undertaking and its potential to contribute extra broadly to advancing NSF’s mission “to advertise the progress of science; to advance the nationwide well being, prosperity, and welfare; to safe the nationwide protection; and for different functions.” NSF makes each effort to conduct a good, aggressive, clear benefit overview course of for the collection of initiatives.
1. Benefit Assessment Ideas
These ideas are to be given due diligence by PIs and organizations when making ready proposals and managing initiatives, by reviewers when studying and evaluating proposals, and by NSF program workers when figuring out whether or not or to not suggest proposals for funding and whereas overseeing awards. On condition that NSF is the first federal company charged with nurturing and supporting excellence in primary analysis and schooling, the next three ideas apply:
All NSF initiatives needs to be of the very best high quality and have the potential to advance, if not remodel, the frontiers of information.
NSF initiatives, within the combination, ought to contribute extra broadly to attaining societal targets. These “Broader Impacts” could also be achieved via the analysis itself, via actions which can be instantly associated to particular analysis initiatives, or via actions which can be supported by, however are complementary to, the undertaking. The undertaking actions could also be based mostly on beforehand established and/or revolutionary strategies and approaches, however in both case have to be properly justified.
Significant evaluation and analysis of NSF funded initiatives needs to be based mostly on applicable metrics, holding in thoughts the possible correlation between the impact of broader impacts and the assets supplied to implement initiatives. If the dimensions of the exercise is restricted, analysis of that exercise in isolation isn’t prone to be significant. Thus, assessing the effectiveness of those actions might greatest be accomplished at the next, extra aggregated, stage than the person undertaking.
With respect to the third precept, even when evaluation of Broader Impacts outcomes for explicit initiatives is finished at an aggregated stage, PIs are anticipated to be accountable for finishing up the actions described within the funded undertaking. Thus, particular person initiatives ought to embody clearly said targets, particular descriptions of the actions that the PI intends to do, and a plan in place to doc the outputs of these actions.
These three benefit overview ideas present the premise for the benefit overview standards, in addition to a context inside which the customers of the factors can higher perceive their intent.
2. Benefit Assessment Standards
All NSF proposals are evaluated via use of the 2 Nationwide Science Board accredited benefit overview standards. In some cases, nevertheless, NSF will make use of further standards as required to focus on the precise goals of sure packages and actions.
The 2 benefit overview standards are listed under. Each standards are to be given full consideration throughout the overview and decision-making processes; every criterion is important however neither, by itself, is enough. Subsequently, proposers should totally handle each standards. (PAPPG Chapter II.D.2.d(i). accommodates further info to be used by proposers in growth of the Challenge Description part of the proposal). Reviewers are strongly inspired to overview the factors, together with PAPPG Chapter II.D.2.d(i), previous to the overview of a proposal.
When evaluating NSF proposals, reviewers can be requested to think about what the proposers need to do, why they need to do it, how they plan to do it, how they may know in the event that they succeed, and what advantages might accrue if the undertaking is profitable. These points apply each to the technical features of the proposal and the way in which by which the undertaking might make broader contributions. To that finish, reviewers can be requested to judge all proposals in opposition to two standards:
Mental Benefit: The Mental Benefit criterion encompasses the potential to advance information; and
Broader Impacts: The Broader Impacts criterion encompasses the potential to learn society and contribute to the achievement of particular, desired societal outcomes.
The next components needs to be thought of within the overview for each standards:
What’s the potential for the proposed exercise to
Advance information and understanding inside its personal subject or throughout completely different fields (Mental Benefit); and
Profit society or advance desired societal outcomes (Broader Impacts)?
To what extent do the proposed actions recommend and discover artistic, unique, or doubtlessly transformative ideas?
Is the plan for finishing up the proposed actions well-reasoned, well-organized, and based mostly on a sound rationale? Does the plan incorporate a mechanism to evaluate success?
How properly certified is the person, crew, or group to conduct the proposed actions?
Are there satisfactory assets out there to the PI (both on the residence group or via collaborations) to hold out the proposed actions?
Broader impacts could also be achieved via the analysis itself, via the actions which can be instantly associated to particular analysis initiatives, or via actions which can be supported by, however are complementary to, the undertaking. NSF values the development of scientific information and actions that contribute to achievement of societally related outcomes. Such outcomes embody, however will not be restricted to: full participation of ladies, individuals with disabilities, and different underrepresented teams in science, expertise, engineering, and arithmetic (STEM); improved STEM schooling and educator growth at any stage; elevated public scientific literacy and public engagement with science and expertise; improved well-being of people in society; growth of a various, globally aggressive STEM workforce; elevated partnerships between academia, business, and others; improved nationwide safety; elevated financial competitiveness of the US; and enhanced infrastructure for analysis and schooling.
Proposers are reminded that reviewers will even be requested to overview the Information Administration Plan and the Postdoctoral Researcher Mentoring Plan, as applicable.
Further Solicitation Particular Assessment Standards
Along with the usual benefit overview standards, the principle standards (of equal weight) used within the analysis of ship operation proposals are:
The quantity of scientific utilization of the ship, notably by NSF-supported investigators;
The logistic, managerial and high quality management functionality of the proposing establishment as evidenced by ship inspections and operator follow-up actions, evaluation of post-cruise assessments, company website visits and different related mechanisms;
The configuration, capabilities, and working prices of the vessel(s); and
That Proposals are viable (i.e., prices are well-documented, complete, correct and credible per GAO Value Information standards).
Reviewers can be requested to touch upon the extent to which the Broadening Participation Functionality assertion addresses the group’s expertise and capabilities in broadening participation in science and engineering, contemplating the group’s technique, actions, inhabitants(s) on which these actions focus and evaluation method and/or outcomes.
B. Assessment and Choice Course of
Proposals submitted in response to this program solicitation can be reviewed by Advert hoc Assessment and/or Panel Assessment, Inner NSF Assessment, Website Go to Assessment, Reverse Website Assessment, or Value, Schedule, & Administration Assessment.
Previous to remaining award of full proposals, some initiatives could also be evaluated through a Value, Schedule, and Administration Assessment, usually involving a reverse website go to with specialist reviewers, as a prerequisite to the awarding of funds.
Reviewers can be requested to judge proposals utilizing two Nationwide Science Board accredited benefit overview standards and, if relevant, further program particular standards. A abstract ranking and accompanying narrative will usually be accomplished and submitted by every reviewer and/or panel. The Program Officer assigned to handle the proposal’s overview will contemplate the recommendation of reviewers and can formulate a advice.
After scientific, technical and programmatic overview and consideration of applicable elements, the NSF Program Officer recommends to the cognizant Division Director whether or not the proposal needs to be declined or really helpful for award. NSF strives to have the ability to inform candidates whether or not their proposals have been declined or really helpful for funding inside six months. Giant or notably complicated proposals or proposals from new awardees might require further overview and processing time. The time interval begins on the deadline or goal date, or receipt date, whichever is later. The interval ends when the Division Director acts upon the Program Officer’s advice.
After programmatic approval has been obtained, the proposals really helpful for funding can be forwarded to the Division of Grants and Agreements or the Division of Acquisition and Cooperative Help for overview of enterprise, monetary, and coverage implications. After an administrative overview has occurred, Grants and Agreements Officers carry out the processing and issuance of a grant or different settlement. Proposers are cautioned that solely a Grants and Agreements Officer might make commitments, obligations or awards on behalf of NSF or authorize the expenditure of funds. No dedication on the a part of NSF needs to be inferred from technical or budgetary discussions with a NSF Program Officer. A Principal Investigator or group that makes monetary or personnel commitments within the absence of a grant or cooperative settlement signed by the NSF Grants and Agreements Officer does so at their very own threat.
As soon as an award or declination choice has been made, Principal Investigators are supplied suggestions about their proposals. In all circumstances, opinions are handled as confidential paperwork. Verbatim copies of opinions, excluding the names of the reviewers or any reviewer-identifying info, are despatched to the Principal Investigator/Challenge Director by the Program Officer. As well as, the proposer will obtain an evidence of the choice to award or decline funding.
VII. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION
A. Notification of the Award
Notification of the award is made to the submitting group by an NSF Grants and Agreements Officer. Organizations whose proposals are declined can be suggested as promptly as attainable by the cognizant NSF Program administering this system. Verbatim copies of opinions, not together with the id of the reviewer, can be supplied routinely to the Principal Investigator. (See Part VI.B. for extra info on the overview course of.)
B. Award Circumstances
An NSF Cooperative Settlement consists of: (1) the award discover, which incorporates any particular provisions relevant to the award and any numbered amendments thereto; (2) the funds, which signifies the quantities, by classes of expense, on which NSF has based mostly its assist (or in any other case communicates any particular approvals or disapprovals of proposed expenditures); (3) the proposal referenced within the award discover; and (4) any announcement or different NSF issuance that could be included by reference within the award discover. Cooperative agreements are administered in accordance with NSF Cooperative Settlement Monetary and Administrative Phrases and Circumstances (CA-FATC), the Cooperative Settlement Modifications and Supplemental Monetary & Administrative Phrases and Circumstances for Main Multi-Consumer Analysis Facility Tasks and Federally Funded Analysis and Growth Facilities, and the relevant Programmatic Phrases and Circumstances. NSF awards are electronically signed by an NSF Grants and Agreements Officer and transmitted electronically to the group through e-mail.
*These paperwork could also be accessed electronically on NSF’s Web site at https://www.nsf.gov/awards/managing/award_conditions.jsp?org=NSF. Paper copies could also be obtained from the NSF Publications Clearinghouse, phone (703) 292-8134 or by e-mail from [email protected].
Extra complete info on NSF Award Circumstances and different essential info on the administration of NSF awards is contained within the NSF Proposal & Award Insurance policies & Procedures Information (PAPPG) Chapter VII, out there electronically on the NSF Web site at https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg.
Administrative and Nationwide Coverage Necessities
Construct America, Purchase America
As expressed in Government Order 14005, Guaranteeing the Future is Made in All of America by All of America’s Staff (86 FR 7475), it’s the coverage of the manager department to make use of phrases and circumstances of Federal monetary help awards to maximise, per regulation, using items, merchandise, and supplies produced in, and providers provided in, the US.
In line with the necessities of the Construct America, Purchase America Act (Pub. L. 117-58, Division G, Title IX, Subtitle A, November 15, 2021), no funding made out there via this funding alternative could also be obligated for an award until all iron, metal, manufactured merchandise, and development supplies used within the undertaking are produced in the US. For extra info, go to NSF’s Construct America, Purchase America webpage.
Particular Award Circumstances:
TBD – Programmatic Phrases and Circumstances
TBD – Monetary and Administrative Phrases and Circumstances
C. Reporting Necessities
For all multi-year cooperative agreements, the Principal Investigator should submit an annual undertaking report back to the cognizant Program Officer no later than 90 days previous to the top of the present funds interval. (Some packages or awards require submission of extra frequent undertaking stories). No later than 120 days following expiration of a grant, the PI is also required to submit a remaining undertaking report, and a undertaking outcomes report for most people.
Failure to offer the required annual or remaining undertaking stories, or the undertaking outcomes report, will delay NSF overview and processing of any future funding increments in addition to any pending proposals for all recognized PIs and co-PIs on a given award. PIs ought to look at the codecs of the required stories upfront to guarantee availability of required knowledge.
PIs are required to make use of NSF’s digital project-reporting system, out there via Analysis.gov, for preparation and submission of annual and remaining undertaking stories. Such stories present info on accomplishments, undertaking members (particular person and organizational), publications, and different particular merchandise and impacts of the undertaking. Submission of the report through Analysis.gov constitutes certification by the PI that the contents of the report are correct and full. The undertaking outcomes report additionally have to be ready and submitted utilizing Analysis.gov. This report serves as a quick abstract, ready particularly for the general public, of the character and outcomes of the undertaking. This report can be posted on the NSF web site precisely as it’s submitted by the PI.
Extra complete info on NSF Reporting Necessities and different essential info on the administration of NSF awards is contained within the NSF Proposal & Award Insurance policies & Procedures Information (PAPPG) Chapter VII, out there electronically on the NSF Web site at https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg.
For awards issued to current Main Services you should additionally observe any reporting necessities within the Analysis Infrastructure Information.
With a view to negotiate budgets yearly after the primary 12 months, annual stories are required to be submitted in years 2-5. .They need to comprise the knowledge essential to doc prices for the earlier 12 months and negotiate the budgets for the following 12 months. An Annual Challenge Report ought to embody sections 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9 (see https://www.nsf.gov/geo/oce/packages/ips/index.jsp). An inspection report with updates shall be included. The Annual Challenge Report shall additionally embody the written abstract of its IT safety program as described within the Article of the CA-FATC-Modifications and Supplemental Monetary and Administrative Phrases and Circumstances for Main Multi-user Analysis Facility Tasks entitled “Info Safety.” Though the award relies on the variety of ship days and that info isn’t recognized past the present 12 months, the unique proposal ought to comprise a 5-year funds. This needs to be an estimate based mostly on present 12 months schedules.
VIII. AGENCY CONTACTS
Please notice that this system contact info is present on the time of publishing. See program web site for any updates to the factors of contact.
Basic inquiries relating to this program needs to be made to:
For questions associated to using NSF programs contact:
NSF Assist Desk: 1-800-673-6188
Analysis.gov Assist Desk e-mail: [email protected]
For questions regarding Grants.gov contact:
Grants.gov Contact Heart: If the Licensed Organizational Representatives (AOR) has not acquired a affirmation message from Grants.gov inside 48 hours of submission of software, please contact through phone: 1-800-518-4726; e-mail: [email protected].
IX. OTHER INFORMATION
The NSF web site gives probably the most complete supply of data on NSF Directorates (together with contact info), packages and funding alternatives. Use of this web site by potential proposers is strongly inspired. As well as, “NSF Replace” is an information-delivery system designed to maintain potential proposers and different events apprised of latest NSF funding alternatives and publications, essential modifications in proposal and award insurance policies and procedures, and upcoming NSF Grants Conferences. Subscribers are knowledgeable via e-mail or the person’s Net browser every time new publications are issued that match their recognized pursuits. “NSF Replace” additionally is offered on NSF’s web site.
Grants.gov gives an extra digital functionality to seek for Federal government-wide grant alternatives. NSF funding alternatives could also be accessed through this mechanism. Additional info on Grants.gov could also be obtained at https://www.grants.gov.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
The Nationwide Science Basis (NSF) is an impartial Federal company created by the Nationwide Science Basis Act of 1950, as amended (42 USC 1861-75). The Act states the aim of the NSF is “to advertise the progress of science; [and] to advance the nationwide well being, prosperity, and welfare by supporting analysis and schooling in all fields of science and engineering.”
NSF funds analysis and schooling in most fields of science and engineering. It does this via grants and cooperative agreements to greater than 2,000 schools, universities, Okay-12 college programs, companies, casual science organizations and different analysis organizations all through the US. The Basis accounts for about one-fourth of Federal assist to tutorial establishments for primary analysis.
NSF receives roughly 55,000 proposals every year for analysis, schooling and coaching initiatives, of which roughly 11,000 are funded. As well as, the Basis receives a number of thousand functions for graduate and postdoctoral fellowships. The company operates no laboratories itself however does assist Nationwide Analysis Facilities, person amenities, sure oceanographic vessels and Arctic and Antarctic analysis stations. The Basis additionally helps cooperative analysis between universities and business, US participation in worldwide scientific and engineering efforts, and academic actions at each tutorial stage.
Facilitation Awards for Scientists and Engineers with Disabilities (FASED) present funding for particular help or gear to allow individuals with disabilities to work on NSF-supported initiatives. See the NSF Proposal & Award Insurance policies & Procedures Information Chapter II.F.7 for directions relating to preparation of a majority of these proposals.
The Nationwide Science Basis has Telephonic Gadget for the Deaf (TDD) and Federal Info Relay Service (FIRS) capabilities that allow people with listening to impairments to speak with the Basis about NSF packages, employment or basic info. TDD could also be accessed at (703) 292-5090 and (800) 281-8749, FIRS at (800) 877-8339.
The Nationwide Science Basis Info Heart could also be reached at (703) 292-5111.
The Nationwide Science Basis promotes and advances scientific progress in the US by competitively awarding grants and cooperative agreements for analysis and schooling within the sciences, arithmetic, and engineering.
To get the newest details about program deadlines, to obtain copies of NSF publications, and to entry abstracts of awards, go to the NSF Web site at https://www.nsf.gov
2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22314
For Basic Info(NSF Info Heart):
(703) 292-5111
TDD (for the hearing-impaired):
(703) 292-5090
To Order Publications or Varieties:
Ship an e-mail to:
or phone:
(703) 292-8134
(703) 292-5111
PRIVACY ACT AND PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENTS
The data requested on proposal kinds and undertaking stories is solicited underneath the authority of the Nationwide Science Basis Act of 1950, as amended. The data on proposal kinds can be utilized in reference to the collection of certified proposals; and undertaking stories submitted by awardees can be used for program analysis and reporting inside the Government Department and to Congress. The data requested could also be disclosed to certified reviewers and workers assistants as a part of the proposal overview course of; to proposer establishments/grantees to offer or acquire knowledge relating to the proposal overview course of, award choices, or the administration of awards; to authorities contractors, consultants, volunteers and researchers and educators as vital to finish assigned work; to different authorities companies or different entities needing info relating to candidates or nominees as a part of a joint software overview course of, or in an effort to coordinate packages or coverage; and to a different Federal company, courtroom, or get together in a courtroom or Federal administrative continuing if the federal government is a celebration. Details about Principal Investigators could also be added to the Reviewer file and used to pick potential candidates to function peer reviewers or advisory committee members. See System of File Notices, NSF-50, “Principal Investigator/Proposal File and Related Data,” and NSF-51, “Reviewer/Proposal File and Related Data.” Submission of the knowledge is voluntary. Failure to offer full and full info, nevertheless, might cut back the opportunity of receiving an award.
An company might not conduct or sponsor, and an individual isn’t required to answer, an info assortment until it shows a legitimate Workplace of Administration and Funds (OMB) management quantity. The OMB management quantity for this assortment is 3145-0058. Public reporting burden for this assortment of data is estimated to common 120 hours per response, together with the time for reviewing directions. Ship feedback relating to the burden estimate and every other side of this assortment of data, together with ideas for decreasing this burden, to:
Suzanne H. Plimpton
Studies Clearance Officer
Coverage Workplace, Division of Establishment and Award Help
Workplace of Funds, Finance, and Award Administration
Nationwide Science Basis
Alexandria, VA 22314
