Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation (EFRI-2024/25) (nsf24508)

Replaces Doc(s):
NSF 21-615

Nationwide Science Basis

Directorate for Engineering
Rising Frontiers and Multidisciplinary Actions

Directorate for Organic Sciences

Directorate for Pc and Info Science and Engineering

Directorate for Mathematical and Bodily Sciences

Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Financial Sciences

Letter of Intent Due Date(s) (required) (due by 5 p.m. submitter’s native time):

January 17, 2024

September 12, 2024

Full Proposal Deadline(s) (due by 5 p.m. submitter’s native time):

February 22, 2024

December 12, 2024

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND REVISION NOTES

Please word that the FY 2024/25 EFRI solicitation differs from earlier EFRI solicitations in not requiring submission of preliminary proposals. Consequently, the deadline for full proposal submission is considerably sooner than for previous solicitations.

Rising Frontiers in Analysis and Innovation (EFRI-2024/25) Biocomputing by way of EnGINeering Organoid Intelligence (BEGIN OI) participates within the NSF-U.S. Binational Science Basis (BSF) lead company alternative. For particulars, please check with NSF 20-094 (or future variations changing it)

Proposals could optionally embrace requests for cloud computing sources by way of an exterior cloud entry entity, https://cloudbank.org, supported by NSF’s Enabling Entry to Cloud Computing Assets for CISE Analysis and Training (Cloud Entry) Program.

Any proposal submitted in response to this solicitation ought 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 frequently 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:

EMERGING FRONTIERS IN RESEARCH AND INNOVATION (EFRI): Biocomputing by way of EnGINeering Organoid Intelligence (BEGIN OI)

Synopsis of Program:

The Rising Frontiers in Analysis and Innovation (EFRI) program of the NSF Directorate for Engineering (ENG) serves a important function in serving to ENG deal with essential rising areas in a well timed method. The EFRI Biocomputing by way of EnGINeering Organoid Intelligence (BEGIN OI) solicitation helps foundational and transformative analysis to advance the design, engineering, and fabrication of organoid methods which are able to processing data dynamically whereas interfacing with non-living methods.

This solicitation can be coordinated with the Directorate for Organic Sciences (BIO), the Directorate for Pc and Info Science and Engineering (CISE), the Directorate for Mathematical and Bodily Sciences, and the Directorate for Social, Behavioral, and Financial Sciences (SBE).

The EFRI program seeks proposals with probably transformative concepts that signify a possibility for a major shift in elementary engineering information with sturdy potential for long run influence on nationwide wants or a grand problem. The proposals should additionally meet the detailed necessities delineated on this solicitation.

INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR: The Rising Frontiers and Multidisciplinary Actions (EFMA) Workplace will host an informational webinar in November 2023 to debate the EFRI FY 2024/25 solicitation and to reply questions. Particulars on the best way to be part of this webinar can be posted on the EFRI web site and Solicitation Web site.

Cognizant Program Officer(s):

Please word that the next data is present on the time of publishing. See program web site for any updates to the factors of contact.

Sohi Rastegar, Workplace Head,
ENG/EFMA,

phone:
(703) 292-8305,

e mail: [email protected]

Alias Smith, ENG/EFMA,

phone:
(703) 292-8367,

e mail: [email protected]

BEGIN OI – Subject Lead, Steven W. Peretti, ENG/CBET,

phone:
(703) 292 7029,

e mail: [email protected]

BEGIN OI – Subject Lead, Svetlana Tatic-Lucic, ENG/ECCS,

phone:
(703) 292-4627,

e mail: [email protected]

Edda Thiels, BIO/IOS,

phone:
(703) 292-8421,

e mail: [email protected]

Kenneth C. Whang, CISE/IIS,

phone:
(703) 292-5149,

e mail: [email protected]

Vishal Sharma, CISE/CNS,

phone:
(703) 292-8950,

e mail: [email protected]

Jordan M. Berg, ENG/CMMI,

phone:
(703) 292-5365,

e mail: [email protected]

Steven M. Zehnder, ENG/CBET,

phone:
(703) 292-7014,

e mail: [email protected]

Krastan B. Blagoev, MPS/PHY,

phone:
(703) 292-4666,

e mail: [email protected]

Jason D. Borenstein, SBE/OAD,

phone:
(703) 292-4207,

e mail: [email protected]

Dwight Kravitz, SBE/BCS,

phone:
(703) 292-4502,

e mail: [email protected]

Relevant Catalog of Federal Home Help (CFDA) Quantity(s):

47.041
— Engineering
47.049
— Mathematical and Bodily Sciences
47.070
— Pc and Info Science and Engineering
47.074
— Organic Sciences
47.075
— Social Behavioral and Financial Sciences

Award Info

Anticipated Kind of Award: Commonplace Grant or Persevering with Grant

Estimated Variety of Awards: 15

(7-8 every in FY24 and FY25; 4-year awards)

Anticipated Funding Quantity: $30,000,000

$15,000,000 per fiscal yr; Pending the provision of funds

Eligibility Info

Who Could Submit Proposals:

Proposals could solely be submitted by the next:

Establishments of Increased Training (IHEs) – Two- and four-year IHEs (together with group faculties) accredited in, and having a campus situated 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 an
worldwide department campus of a US establishment of upper training (together with by way of use of subawards and advisor preparations), the proposer should clarify
the profit(s) to the mission of efficiency on the worldwide department campus, and justify why the mission 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 situated within the U.S. which are straight related to instructional or analysis actions.

Who Could Function PI:

For proposals submitted by Establishments of Increased Training, the lead Principal Investigator (PI) should be full-time, tenured or tenure-track school. For proposals submitted by Non-Revenue, Non-Educational Organizations, the lead PI should meet all the following necessities: (1) the PI has a seamless appointment that’s anticipated to final the 4 years of an EFRI grant; (2) the appointment has substantial analysis tasks; and (3) the proposed mission pertains to the PI’s job tasks in addition to to the mission of the division or group.

A minimal of 1 PI and two co-PIs should take part in every proposal. Both the PI or one of many co-PIs should have a full-time, tenured or tenure-track school appointment inside a Faculty/Division of Engineering.

Restrict on Variety of Proposals per Group:

There aren’t any restrictions or limits.

Restrict on Variety of Proposals per PI or co-PI: 1

People could take part as both PI or co-PI in just one proposal submitted to this solicitation in a single fiscal yr. It’s the duty of the submitting group to make sure that the PI and all co-PIs are collaborating solely in a single proposal as both PI or co-PI and never in any others submitted in response to this solicitation in a single fiscal yr.

If a person is listed as PI or co-PI on a couple of proposal in response to this solicitation in a single fiscal yr, all proposals in extra of the restrict for any individual can be returned with out evaluate within the reverse order obtained, based mostly on the proposal submission time stamp on the Cowl Sheet.

Proposal Preparation and Submission Directions

A. Proposal Preparation Directions

Preliminary Proposal Submission: Not required

B. Budgetary Info

C. Due Dates

Letter of Intent Due Date(s) (required) (due by 5 p.m. submitter’s native time):

January 17, 2024

September 12, 2024

Full Proposal Deadline(s) (due by 5 p.m. submitter’s native time):

February 22, 2024

December 12, 2024

Proposal Evaluate Info Standards

Benefit Evaluate Standards:

Nationwide Science Board accredited standards. Extra benefit evaluate standards apply. Please see the complete textual content of this solicitation for additional data.

Award Administration Info

Award Situations:

Extra award situations apply. Please see the complete textual content of this solicitation for additional data.

Reporting Necessities:

Extra reporting necessities apply. Please see the complete textual content of this solicitation for additional data.

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 Evaluate Procedures

Benefit Evaluate Ideas and Standards
Evaluate and Choice Course of

Award Administration Info

Notification of the Award
Award Situations
Reporting Necessities

Company Contacts
Different Info

I. INTRODUCTION

The Workplace of Rising Frontiers and Multidisciplinary Actions (EFMA) within the Directorate for Engineering gives funding alternatives for interdisciplinary groups of researchers to embark on quickly advancing frontiers of elementary engineering analysis. The Rising Frontiers in Analysis and Innovation program (EFRI), the signature program of the EFMA Workplace, seeks proposals with probably transformative concepts that signify a possibility for a major shift in elementary engineering information with sturdy potential for long-term influence on nationwide wants or a grand problem. For this solicitation, EFRI will contemplate proposals that purpose to analyze rising frontiers in one of many following analysis space: Biocomputing by way of EnGINeering Organoid Intelligence (BEGIN OI). Proposals should meet the detailed necessities delineated on this solicitation.

Biocomputing by way of EnGINeering Organoid Intelligence (BEGIN OI)

Synthetic intelligence and machine studying (AI/ML) applied sciences have gotten a ubiquitous presence in our day by day lives. AI/ML is revolutionizing how we combine data, analyze information, and make selections. More and more highly effective computational capabilities and accumulation of huge volumes of knowledge afford the likelihood for stylish decision-making, however present silicon-based computation could not scale for future societal wants. Regardless of the extraordinary potential of AI/ML applied sciences, they’re at the moment unable to attain the computing capabilities noticed in biology with respect to adaptability, steady studying, and effectivity.

Cells and organs exhibit a excessive diploma of responsive and adaptive conduct to develop and carry out distinct features. From constructing and self-organization to mediating homeostasis, organic elements exhibit responsive capabilities, receiving inputs, processing, and producing outputs with a excessive diploma of constancy, throughput, and vitality effectivity. Current advances in understanding the organic mechanisms concerned in improvement and studying and new computational and engineering instruments lay the inspiration to leverage the potential of cells, tissues, and organoids for organic computing. These biocomputers would obtain numerous and sudden inputs and dynamically reply by way of communications that span a number of spatiotemporal scales and modalities – chemical, optical, mechanical, electrical, and so forth. Harnessing the mechanisms behind complicated organic conduct is important for the event of “sensible” applied sciences that combine customized 3D in vitrobiological methods with engineered sensors and machine interfaces to allow organic computing with superior energy and information effectivity. The target of EFRI Biocomputing by way of EnGINeering Organoid Intelligence (BEGIN OI) is to harness the novel discoveries and developments in organic sciences, engineering, materials sciences, and pc sciences towards designing 3D in vitro organic methods which are able to data processing and actuation. This solicitation is concerned about exploiting the idea of organoid intelligence (OI): the event of organ-like methods that problem-solve, be taught, and adapt.

ENHANCING DIVERSITY IN ENGINEERING – THE BROADENING PARTICIPATION PLAN

The Directorate for Engineering (ENG) promotes range in all points of its applications. Consistent with ENG’s precedence to broaden the participation and inclusion of the complete spectrum of numerous skills in Engineering, the Workplace of Rising Frontiers and Multidisciplinary Actions (EFMA) is addressing the necessity to assist range in all fields of Engineering by requiring all EFRI tasks to incorporate a Broadening Participation Plan as a part of the EFRI 2024/2025 Solicitation. This requirement is not going to solely promote range and inclusion within the human sources engaged within the EFRI program, however will even develop range of thought, concepts, influence and approaches introduced collectively by EFRI analysis groups in defining and fixing essential analysis questions.

The Broadening Participation Plan should be described as a part of the Broader Impacts of the proposal each within the Mission Abstract and within the Mission Description. PIs are inspired to deal with group constructing, revolutionary and inclusive engineering practices, advancing engineering expertise, diversifying pathways to and thru engineering, and addressing the fairness, entry, and inclusion associated to the broader influence of the nationwide and/or societal want or grand problem addressed.

The EFMA Workplace encourages proposers to be artistic within the planning of actions to draw and retain individuals from the complete spectrum of numerous skills to the fields of engineering and engineering analysis when growing their Broadening Participation Plans. The Plan could embrace, however isn’t restricted to, any of the next menu of actions as applicable to your mission and the circumstances of your group(s):

RESEARCH EXPERIENCES FOR UNDERGRADUATES (REU) – A plan to use for complement(s) to have interaction undergraduate researchers, utilizing REU complement(s);
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE AND MENTORING (EFRI-REM) – A plan to use for post-award complement(s) to boost analysis targets by way of broadening the participation of rising researchers on the EFRI analysis groups;
MINORITY-SERVING INSTITUTIONS – Inclusion of school at minority-serving establishments (MSIs) as PI, co_PI, or senior personnel, and/or scholar researchers from MSIs within the analysis mission;
COMMUNITY COLLEGES – Participating school and/or scholar researchers at group faculties within the analysis mission;
RESEARCH EXPERIENCES FOR TEACHERS (RET) – A plan to use for post-award complement(s) to have interaction academics and/or Group Faculty School by way of the RET program;
RESEARCH EXPERIENCES FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS – Offering analysis alternatives for members of the group at the highschool stage;
RESEARCH EXPERIENCES FOR VETERANS – A plan to use for post-award complement(s) to have interaction veterans by way of the Analysis Expertise and Mentoring (REM) or Veterans Analysis Complement (VRS) applications;
EXISTING INSTITUTIONAL PROGRAMS – Enhancing/collaborating with current broadening participation at your own home group and/or close by organizations;
MENTORING – Senior Personnel serving as function fashions and mentors for the rising researcher inhabitants;
Okay-12 OUTREACH – Outreach actions that can curiosity and entice Okay-12 college students to engineering undergraduate applications.

II. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The EFRI Biocomputing by way of EnGINeering Organoid Intelligence (BEGIN OI) solicitation helps foundational and transformative analysis to advance the design, engineering, and fabrication of organoid methods which are able to processing data dynamically whereas interfacing with non-living methods. EFRI BEGIN OI helps a broad interpretation of in vitro organic “clever methods” to incorporate seize of real-world enter, autonomous processing in an engineered organic assemble, and producing an output that drives an engineered system. “Intelligence” and “studying” have distinctive meanings for various communities in biology, cognitive science, pc science, and engineering. The EFRI BEGIN OI solicitation asks investigators to outline the bounds of “intelligence” and “studying” wanted to attain responsive and adaptive organic computing and management in engineered methods. Within the context of this solicitation, the time period “organoid” has broad which means, capturing a spread of designer three-dimensional mobile constructs, microphysiological methods, and engineered tissues. Tasks could leverage organoids consultant of any organ system or a consortium of organoids to attain organic computing. Cells used to assemble organoids needn’t be mammalian, for instance deploying 3D plant cell- or biofilm-based constructs for biocomputing is allowable, and variety of cell sorts is inspired. Using human-derived cells, together with human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), is allowed. Nonetheless, proposals that plan to leverage human embryonic stem cells or pursue human/non-human chimeric methods is not going to be supported and can be returned with out evaluate.

Realizing the imaginative and prescient and targets of this solicitation would require a convergent analysis strategy that engages engineers, biologists, pc scientists, social scientists, ethicists, and others with complementary experience to sort out difficult issues related to engineering sensible methods pushed by organoid intelligence. Integrating social scientists, ethicists, and educators within the interdisciplinary groups can be important for addressing the related moral, authorized, and social implications of utilizing dwelling methods as constructing blocks for bio-enabled computing. Inclusion of applicable experience from the Social, Behavioral, and Financial Sciences inside mission management is required. EFRI BEGIN OI tasks are additionally envisioned as splendid platforms for revolutionary instructional and workforce improvement applications, comparable to curriculum improvement and outreach actions to broaden participation of the complete spectrum of numerous skills in STEM.

Analysis Threads:

To harness the ability of biocomputing, holistic frameworks, pushed by real-world functions, are wanted that mix experimental, theoretical, computational, and engineering approaches whereas contemplating the moral challenges all through the mission life cycle. With that in thoughts, addressing all three of the next Threads is important to creating vital advances in biocomputing and is required of every proposal submitted in response to this solicitation.

Analysis Thread 1: Biocomputing Idea and Modelling

The target of this thread is to plan a method to make use of organoid intelligence in the direction of reaching biocomputing capabilities: theorizing and modeling how 3D, engineered, biology-integrated methods can categorical studying, reminiscence, and sign processing. Incorporation of rules derived from experimental and theoretical research of organic improvement, construction, and performance are anticipated to be the inspiration for the proposed mission. Designing such engineered methods would require new computational fashions that describe the power for storage and retrieval of data in a strong, steady, well timed, and safe vogue, and for processing dynamic inputs and producing adaptive outputs. Likewise, methods to successfully interpret the complicated organic outputs into significant alerts are anticipated. Tasks could incorporate computational approaches, together with AI/ML strategies, that allow novel sign processing, statistical analyses, and computation to translate inputs to the system and interpret organic responses to generate significant outputs.

Analysis Thread 2: Biology-Built-in Tradition Upkeep and {Hardware} Programs

The target of this thread is to bodily understand the proposed biocomputing framework by way of design of customized organoid methods, engineering of platforms for upkeep and sensing, and integration to create organoid-based organic controllers. Groups are inspired to develop organoids with designer bodily architectures that attain past mimicking the construction and performance of mature organs. Upkeep of the 3D organoid inside the platform would require new engineering advances that allow long-term viability, in addition to steady retention of tailor-made organic complexity and desired operate in vitro. Built-in organoid/machine platforms will embody novel {hardware} methods that permit for the sensing of dynamic inputs, monitoring of organoid response, and the supply of output alerts, every of which might span many types of stimuli – chemical, electrical, optical, photonic, mechanical, and so forth. Sensing could also be achieved with dwelling (sensory organoids) or non-living elements.

Analysis Thread 3: Moral, Authorized, and Social Implications (ELSI)

The target of this thread is to analyze ELSI points raised by the proposed analysis mission. Improvement of engineered dwelling methods – particularly within the context of methods able to displaying points of intelligence – is interwoven with moral, authorized, and social implications which are to be acknowledged and addressed inside the proposed mission. Proposals should embrace a plan inside the mission description that describes the mission’s ELSI analysis actions. The plan ought to establish ELSI analysis questions that complement the event in Threads 1 and a couple of. ELSI students should be built-in as lively collaborators inside the analysis staff, serving to form analysis instructions through the lifecycle of the mission.

EFRI BEGIN OI proposals should embrace an moral justification for the proposed mission’s focus and strategy along with addressing Analysis Thread 3. The justification should embrace the rationale for why particular cell line(s) had been chosen for the analysis and the way dangers related to cell line choice can be mitigated.

Significant analysis of efficiency and validation are required for all three Analysis Threads. Groups are required to formulate quantifiable metrics that align with every of the proposed actions. These metrics ought to mirror concerns for benefits and drawbacks of the proposed system for technological functions and situations, in addition to the ELSI implications relating to the mission’s implementation.

Cloud Computing Assets

Proposals could request cloud computing sources to make use of public clouds comparable to Amazon Internet Providers (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Microsoft Azure, and IBM Cloud. Cloud computing sources described in proposals could also be obtained by way of CloudBank (CloudBank.org), an exterior cloud entry entity supported by NSF’s Enabling Entry to Cloud Computing Assets for CISE Analysis and Training (Cloud Entry). Program.

Proposers requesting cloud computing sources by way of CloudBank ought to describe the request in a Supplementary Doc now not than two pages with (a) anticipated annual and complete prices for accessing the specified cloud computing sources, based mostly on pricing at the moment out there from the general public cloud computing suppliers; and (b) a technical description of, and justification for, the requested cloud computing sources. The NSF Funds mustn’t embrace these prices for accessing public cloud computing sources through CloudBank.org. Proposers ought to embrace “CloudAccess” (one phrase with out area) on the finish of the Overview part as a key phrase (earlier than the part on Mental Benefit) of the Mission Abstract web page if incorporating such a request into the proposal. Proposers could contact CloudBank.org (see https://www.cloudbank.org/faq) for session on figuring out the finances estimate for utilizing cloud computing sources.

III. AWARD INFORMATION

The anticipated finances for this program solicitation is $15,000,000 in FY 2024 and $15,000,000 in FY25, pending the provision of funds. Every award can be funded as a Commonplace Grant or Persevering with Grant. The anticipated variety of awards for in every fiscal yr is 7-8 awards. Every mission staff could obtain assist of as much as a complete of $2,000,000 unfold over 4 years. It isn’t anticipated that every one awards will obtain the utmost quantity; the dimensions of awards will rely on the kind of analysis program proposed.

If a proposal includes a number of organizations, it should be submitted as a single proposal with subawards: individually submitted collaborative proposals aren’t permitted.

IV. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

Who Could Submit Proposals:

Proposals could solely be submitted by the next:

Establishments of Increased Training (IHEs) – Two- and four-year IHEs (together with group faculties) accredited in, and having a campus situated 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 an
worldwide department campus of a US establishment of upper training (together with by way of use of subawards and advisor preparations), the proposer should clarify
the profit(s) to the mission of efficiency on the worldwide department campus, and justify why the mission 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 situated within the U.S. which are straight related to instructional or analysis actions.

Who Could Function PI:

For proposals submitted by Establishments of Increased Training, the lead Principal Investigator (PI) should be full-time, tenured or tenure-track school. For proposals submitted by Non-Revenue, Non-Educational Organizations, the lead PI should meet all the following necessities: (1) the PI has a seamless appointment that’s anticipated to final the 4 years of an EFRI grant; (2) the appointment has substantial analysis tasks; and (3) the proposed mission pertains to the PI’s job tasks in addition to to the mission of the division or group.

A minimal of 1 PI and two co-PIs should take part in every proposal. Both the PI or one of many co-PIs should have a full-time, tenured or tenure-track school appointment inside a Faculty/Division of Engineering.

Restrict on Variety of Proposals per Group:

There aren’t any restrictions or limits.

Restrict on Variety of Proposals per PI or co-PI: 1

People could take part as both PI or co-PI in just one proposal submitted to this solicitation in a single fiscal yr. It’s the duty of the submitting group to make sure that the PI and all co-PIs are collaborating solely in a single proposal as both PI or co-PI and never in any others submitted in response to this solicitation in a single fiscal yr.

If a person is listed as PI or co-PI on a couple of proposal in response to this solicitation in a single fiscal yr, all proposals in extra of the restrict for any individual can be returned with out evaluate within the reverse order obtained, based mostly on the proposal submission time stamp on the Cowl Sheet.

Extra Eligibility Data:

As a part of NSF’s curiosity in broadening participation, we encourage proposals from Minority-Serving Establishments (e.g., Traditionally Black Schools and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-Serving Establishments (HSIs), and Tribal Schools and Universities (TCUs).

V. PROPOSAL PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

A. Proposal Preparation Directions

Letters of Intent (required):

A one-page Letter of Intent is required. The letter ought to be submitted through Analysis.gov no later than the date specified on this solicitation. The topic heading of the letter ought to embrace a quick title of the proposal and the identify of the lead group. Every letter should embrace the next:

THE TITLE – Title of the EFRI proposal, preceded by the phrases “EFRI BEGIN OI:” .
THE TEAM – Names, departmental and organizational affiliation, and experience of the Principal Investigator and not less than two co-Principal Investigators.
THE SYNOPSIS (GOALS) – Transient description of the particular targets of the proposal (most of 250 phrases).

These letters of intent aren’t used as pre-approval mechanisms for the submission of full proposals and no suggestions is supplied to the submitters, nevertheless letters of intent are required for all submitted full proposals to this solicitation. The letters of intent aren’t reviewed however are used to evaluate the general response to the solicitation. They assist NSF anticipate evaluate necessities for full proposals. For extra data on letters of intent, please evaluate the PAPPG.

Letter of Intent Preparation Directions:

When submitting a Letter of Intent by way of Analysis.gov in response to this Program Solicitation please word the situations outlined beneath:

Submission by an Approved Organizational Consultant (AOR) is required when submitting Letters of Intent.

A Minimal of two and Most of 4

Different Senior Mission Personnel are permitted

A Minimal of 0 and Most of 4

Different Collaborating Organizations are permitted

Submission of a number of Letters of Intent isn’t permitted

Full Proposal Preparation Directions: Proposers could 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 ought 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 accessible 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 ought to be ready and submitted in accordance with the NSF Grants.gov Software Information: A Information for the Preparation and Submission of NSF Functions through Grants.gov. The entire textual content of the NSF Grants.gov Software Information is accessible 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 Software Information and Software Kinds Package deal, click on on the Apply tab on the Grants.gov web site, then click on on the Apply Step 1: Obtain a Grant Software Package deal and Software 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 Software Information additionally could also be obtained from the NSF Publications Clearinghouse, phone (703) 292-8134 or by e-mail from [email protected].

See PAPPG Chapter II.D.2 for steering on the required sections of a full analysis proposal submitted to NSF. Please word that the proposal preparation directions supplied on this program solicitation could deviate from the PAPPG directions.

Proposal Set-Up: Choose “Put together New Full Proposal” in Analysis.gov. Seek for and choose this solicitation title in Step One of many Full Proposal wizard. Within the proposal particulars part, choose “Single proposal (with or with out subawards). Individually submitted collaborative proposals can be returned with out evaluate.

Title of Proposed Mission: The title for the proposed EFRI mission should start with “EFRI BEGIN OI:”. The title should state clearly and succinctly the foremost rising frontier in analysis and innovation that’s the focus for the mission.

Mission Abstract (one-page restrict): The Mission Abstract consists of an outline, an announcement on the mental benefit of the proposed exercise, and an announcement on the broader impacts of the proposed exercise. Present the next data:

Within the Overview part present the identify of the PI, the lead group, and an inventory of co-PIs and senior personnel along with their organizations. Proposers requesting cloud sources by way of CloudBank.org ought to embrace “CloudAccess” (one phrase with out area) on the finish of the Overview part (earlier than the part on Mental Benefit) of the Mission Abstract web page if incorporating this request into the proposal;
A succinct abstract of the mental benefit of the proposed mission. This could embrace the doubtless transformative nature of the proposed analysis, and the numerous leap or paradigm shift in elementary engineering information; and
Describe the broader impacts of the proposed work, together with the potential long-term influence on a nationwide want and/or grand problem. Embrace a abstract of your Broadening Participation Plan.

Proposals that don’t individually handle within the mission abstract each mental benefit and broader impacts will
be returned with out evaluate.

Mission Description (most 15 pages) should embrace the next subsections:

Mental Benefit: Describe the imaginative and prescient and targets of the proposed analysis, approaches and methodologies to realize the targets, the anticipated outcomes, and the moral, authorized, and social implications of the proposed analysis following the steering supplied within the PAPPG.
Broader Impacts: Please comply with the steering supplied within the PAPPG to arrange the Broader Impacts part. The next solicitation-specific data also needs to be included:

The Broader Impacts part ought to embrace a subsection labeled “Key Anticipated Outcomes” that describes how the proposed mission will result in a major shift in elementary engineering information and can have sturdy long-term potential for vital influence on a nationwide want or a grand problem.
The Broader Impacts part also needs to describe methods wherein training and outreach are built-in inside the analysis program to successfully obtain societal influence. Concisely articulate unifying and integrative points of the proposed analysis in addition to the revolutionary concepts of the analysis.
The Broader Impacts part should embrace a Broadening Participation Plan. The plan should purpose to broaden the participation and inclusion of the complete spectrum of numerous skills in Engineering. For extra data see: Enhancing Range in Engineering on the finish of Introduction, Part I. If wanted, you could embrace extra data, as much as 5 pages, about your Broadening Participation Plan as a Supplementary Doc.

Outcomes from Prior NSF Assist: Please comply with the steering supplied within the PAPPG for reporting outcomes from prior NSF assist.

References Cited: Point out with an asterisk any cited publications that resulted from prior analysis funded by NSF for the PI, or co-PIs.

Funds: Develop a sensible mission finances that’s according to the proposed actions. Present detailed finances justifications individually for the lead group’s finances and for every subawardee finances. Proposed budgets should embrace funds for journey by not less than one PI and not less than one graduate scholar or researcher to attend an annual EFRI grantees’ assembly.

Services, Tools, and Different Assets: Present an outline of obtainable amenities and priorities for his or her use, if relevant. For EFRI tasks requiring extra tools, justify the necessity for these sources within the context of the revolutionary work proposed.

Within the Supplementary Documentation part, embrace the next:

Present an inventory of key personnel (PIs, Co-PIs, and Senior Personnel) concerned (most three pages), together with names of establishments, an outline of what every individual uniquely brings to the mission, and an outline of how their experience can be built-in to foster synergy;
Present an in depth administration plan (most three pages) together with technique of communication, information monitoring, administration of personnel inside the mission group, administration of mental property ensuing from the mission, and timeline of actions;
Mechanisms for sharing the outcomes of the analysis with the scientific group, e.g., publications, web pages, and so forth. (most two pages). The outline ought to be particular and may describe what, how, and when the group would have entry to the outcomes of the mission. That is significantly essential for tasks that can produce tangible analysis instruments and sources;
Proposals that embrace assist for trainees comparable to undergraduate and graduate college students should present a scholar mentoring plan that describes the mentoring actions that can be supplied for such people;
Broadening Participation Plan – Chances are you’ll embrace extra data, as much as 5 pages, concerning the Broadening Participation Plan within the Supplementary Documentation part;
Proposals should embrace a Information Administration Plan (most two pages). The info administration plan should embrace an outline for the administration, dissemination, and archiving of all digital merchandise generated by the proposed work together with information, software program, and digital designs (e.g., fashions for 3D printers). Proposers who really feel that the plan can not match inside the restrict of two pages could present extra element in an extra Supplementary Doc; and
A PowerPoint Slide summarizing the imaginative and prescient of the EFRI proposal. This slide can be used throughout evaluate panel discussions.
Cloud Computing Assets (If requesting cloud computing sources by way of CloudBank.org) embrace an outline of your requests (to not exceed 2 pages) that features: (1) title of the proposal; (2) the full value of computing sources, with yearly breakdown; (3) which public cloud suppliers can be used; and (4) a technical description and justification of the request, together with how the fee was estimated.

The Information Administration Plan ought to describe the administration of digital belongings and mental property rights, together with plans for sharing information, code, digital designs, data, and supplies ensuing from the award. Information and different digital merchandise ought to be recognized, and the next described for every of them:

The forms of information, samples, bodily collections, software program, curriculum supplies, and different supplies to be produced in the middle of the mission;
Metadata to be collected and disseminated with main information;
The requirements for use for information and metadata format and content material;
Insurance policies for entry and sharing together with provisions for applicable safety of privateness, confidentiality, safety, mental property, or different rights or necessities;
Insurance policies and provisions for re-use, re-distribution, and the manufacturing of derivatives;
Launch concerns: Timetable, Constraints, Accountable individual(s), Public repository used;
License to be used (emphasis on open supply licenses comparable to MIT and GPL);
All software program and code should be in a versioned code repository (e.g., GitHub/BitBucket) and launched instantly. Code should be properly documented for others to reuse;
Different digital merchandise together with (however not restricted to) 3D fashions for printing, circuit boards designs, phenotyping information, picture information, and machine studying fashions should be included within the information administration plan;
Letters of dedication (uploaded as supplementary doc(s)) ought to be supplied from databases or inventory facilities that comply with distribute mission outcomes, together with the actions deliberate and funds wanted (if any) for the distribution; and
Within the case of a multi-organizational proposal, the lead group is chargeable for coordinating and managing the mental property ensuing from the award.

PIs ought to seek the advice of with present information standardization procedures as described by public websites comparable to DataONE and comply with the “The Truthful Guiding Ideas for Information Administration and Stewardship” and people articulated in “Finest Practices for Scientific Computing”.

Pre-submission Test Checklist:

No principal investigator (PI) or co-principal investigator (co-PI) is listed as a principal investigator or co-principal investigator on every other EFRI proposal submitted to the EFRI solicitation on this fiscal yr;
The Lead PI or one of many mission co-PIs should be full-time school inside an engineering faculty or division;
If the proposal has a number of organizations, it should not be submitted as a individually submitted collaborative proposal however as a single proposal with subawards;
Proposal has a minimal variety of 3 PI/co-PIs and a most of 5 PI/co-PIs;
Complete finances doesn’t exceed $2,000,000 and is unfold over 4 years;
Broadening Participation Plan: All proposals should describe a plan (each within the Mission Abstract and the Mission Description) that goals to broaden the participation and inclusion of the complete spectrum of numerous skills in Engineering;
Pupil Mentoring Plan: Every proposal that requests funding to assist undergraduate and/or graduate researchers should embrace, as a supplementary doc, an outline of the mentoring actions that can be supplied for such people;
A listing of key personnel concerned (most three pages), with an outline of what every individual uniquely brings to the mission is supplied within the Supplementary Paperwork part; and
A PowerPoint Slide summarizing the imaginative and prescient of the EFRI proposal. This slide can be used throughout evaluate panel discussions.

This guidelines is supplied to assist within the preparation of the proposal. The burden to make sure that the proposal is full and meets all solicitation necessities stays with the Principal Investigator.

B. Budgetary Info

Price Sharing:

Inclusion of voluntary dedicated value sharing is prohibited.

Funds Preparation Directions:

The entire finances of the mission, together with any cloud computing useful resource request from CloudBank.org, could not exceed the finances limits described on this solicitation. The entire value of the cloud computing sources requested from Cloudbank.org shouldn’t be included within the NSF finances, and ought to be specified solely within the related supplementary doc described in Part V.A.

C. Due Dates

Letter of Intent Due Date(s) (required) (due by 5 p.m. submitter’s native time):

January 17, 2024

September 12, 2024

Full Proposal Deadline(s) (due by 5 p.m. submitter’s native time):

February 22, 2024

December 12, 2024

D. Analysis.gov/Grants.gov Necessities

For Proposals Submitted By way of 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 normal technical questions associated to the usage of the Analysis.gov system. Particular questions associated to this program solicitation ought to be referred to the NSF program workers contact(s) listed in Part VIII of this funding alternative.

For Proposals Submitted By way of 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 accessible on the Grants.gov Applicant Assets webpage: https://www.grants.gov/internet/grants/candidates.html. As well as, the NSF Grants.gov Software 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 normal technical questions associated to the usage of Grants.gov. Particular questions associated to this program solicitation ought 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 Approved 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 utility can be transferred to the NSF FastLane system for additional processing.

Proposers that submitted through Analysis.gov could use Analysis.gov to confirm the standing of their submission to NSF. For proposers that submitted through Grants.gov, till an utility has been obtained and validated by NSF, the Approved Organizational Consultant could examine the standing of an utility on Grants.gov. After proposers have obtained an e-mail notification from NSF, Analysis.gov ought to be used to examine the standing of an utility.

VI. NSF PROPOSAL PROCESSING AND REVIEW PROCEDURES

Proposals obtained by NSF are assigned to the suitable NSF program for acknowledgement and, in the event that they meet NSF necessities, for evaluate. 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 exterior 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 evaluate course of. Proposers are invited to recommend names of individuals they consider are particularly properly certified to evaluate the proposal and/or individuals they would like not evaluate the proposal. These strategies could function one supply within the reviewer choice course of on the Program Officer’s discretion. Submission of such names, nevertheless, is non-compulsory. Care is taken to make sure that reviewers haven’t any conflicts of curiosity with the proposal. As well as, Program Officers could receive feedback from web site visits earlier than recommending last motion on proposals. Senior NSF workers additional evaluate suggestions for awards. A flowchart that depicts your entire NSF proposal and award course of (and related timeline) is included in PAPPG Exhibit III-1.

A complete description of the Basis’s benefit evaluate course of is accessible on the NSF web site at: https://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/coverage/merit_review/.

Proposers also needs to concentrate on core methods which are important to the success of NSF’s mission, as articulated in Main the World in Discovery and Innovation, STEM Expertise Improvement 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 evaluate is one half. NSF’s mission is especially well-implemented by way of the combination of analysis and training and broadening participation in NSF applications, tasks, and actions.

One of many strategic aims in assist of NSF’s mission is to foster integration of analysis and training by way of the applications, tasks, and actions it helps at educational 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 economic system. NSF’s contribution to the nationwide innovation ecosystem is to supply cutting-edge analysis below the steering of the Nation’s most artistic scientists and engineers. NSF additionally helps improvement 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 are underrepresented in STEM disciplines, which is crucial to the well being and vitality of science and engineering. NSF is dedicated to this precept of range and deems it central to the applications, tasks, and actions it considers and helps.

A. Benefit Evaluate Ideas and Standards

The Nationwide Science Basis strives to spend money on a strong and numerous portfolio of tasks that creates new information and permits breakthroughs in understanding throughout all areas of science and engineering analysis and training. To establish which tasks to assist, NSF depends on a benefit evaluate course of that comes with consideration of each the technical points of a proposed mission 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 evaluate course of for the collection of tasks.

1. Benefit Evaluate Ideas

These rules are to be given due diligence by PIs and organizations when getting ready proposals and managing tasks, 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 fundamental analysis and training, the next three rules apply:

All NSF tasks ought to be of the best high quality and have the potential to advance, if not rework, the frontiers of data.
NSF tasks, within the mixture, ought to contribute extra broadly to reaching societal targets. These “Broader Impacts” could also be completed by way of the analysis itself, by way of actions which are straight associated to particular analysis tasks, or by way of actions which are supported by, however are complementary to, the mission. The mission actions could also be based mostly on beforehand established and/or revolutionary strategies and approaches, however in both case should be properly justified.
Significant evaluation and analysis of NSF funded tasks ought to be based mostly on applicable metrics, conserving in thoughts the possible correlation between the impact of broader impacts and the sources supplied to implement tasks. If the dimensions of the exercise is restricted, analysis of that exercise in isolation isn’t more likely to be significant. Thus, assessing the effectiveness of those actions could greatest be accomplished at a better, extra aggregated, stage than the person mission.

With respect to the third precept, even when evaluation of Broader Impacts outcomes for explicit tasks is completed at an aggregated stage, PIs are anticipated to be accountable for finishing up the actions described within the funded mission. Thus, particular person tasks ought to embrace 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 evaluate rules present the premise for the benefit evaluate standards, in addition to a context inside which the customers of the standards can higher perceive their intent.

2. Benefit Evaluate Standards

All NSF proposals are evaluated by way of use of the 2 Nationwide Science Board accredited benefit evaluate standards. In some cases, nevertheless, NSF will make use of extra standards as required to focus on the particular aims of sure applications and actions.

The 2 benefit evaluate standards are listed beneath. Each standards are to be given full consideration through the evaluate and decision-making processes; every criterion is important however neither, by itself, is ample. Subsequently, proposers should totally handle each standards. (PAPPG Chapter II.D.2.d(i). comprises extra data to be used by proposers in improvement of the Mission Description part of the proposal). Reviewers are strongly inspired to evaluate the standards, together with PAPPG Chapter II.D.2.d(i), previous to the evaluate of a proposal.

When evaluating NSF proposals, reviewers can be requested to think about what the proposers wish to do, why they wish to do it, how they plan to do it, how they’ll know in the event that they succeed, and what advantages might accrue if the mission is profitable. These points apply each to the technical points of the proposal and the best way wherein the mission could make broader contributions. To that finish, reviewers can be requested to guage 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 profit society and contribute to the achievement of particular, desired societal outcomes.

The next parts ought to be thought of within the evaluate for each standards:

What’s the potential for the proposed exercise to

Advance information and understanding inside its personal area or throughout totally 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, authentic, or probably 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, staff, or group to conduct the proposed actions?
Are there sufficient sources out there to the PI (both on the residence group or by way of collaborations) to hold out the proposed actions?

Broader impacts could also be completed by way of the analysis itself, by way of the actions which are straight associated to particular analysis tasks, or by way of actions which are supported by, however are complementary to, the mission. NSF values the development of scientific information and actions that contribute to achievement of societally related outcomes. Such outcomes embrace, however aren’t restricted to: full participation of ladies, individuals with disabilities, and different underrepresented teams in science, expertise, engineering, and arithmetic (STEM); improved STEM training and educator improvement at any stage; elevated public scientific literacy and public engagement with science and expertise; improved well-being of people in society; improvement of a various, globally aggressive STEM workforce; elevated partnerships between academia, business, and others; improved nationwide safety; elevated financial competitiveness of america; and enhanced infrastructure for analysis and training.

Proposers are reminded that reviewers will even be requested to evaluate the Information Administration Plan and the Postdoctoral Researcher Mentoring Plan, as applicable.

Extra Solicitation Particular Evaluate Standards

Along with the 2 NSF evaluate standards (mental benefit and broader impacts), the next standards can be used within the evaluate of all EFRI proposals.

THREADS – Does the proposal handle ALL three Threads?
TRANSFORMATIVE – Does the proposed analysis signify a possibility for a major leap or paradigm shift in elementary engineering information?
NATIONAL NEED/GRAND CHALLENGE – Is there potential for making vital progress on a present nationwide want or grand problem?
Responsiveness to “Programmatic Concerns” for EFRI-BEGIN OI proposals as delineated in Part II. Program Description.
Broadening Participation Plan – Does the plan actively promote, improve, and improve participation and inclusion of the complete spectrum of numerous skills in Engineering?
Effectiveness of the proposed Administration Plan.
Moral, Authorized, and Social Implications (ELSI) – Does the proposal handle the moral, authorized, and social implications of the proposed analysis?
Pupil Mentoring Plan – Does the proposal current an outline of the mentoring actions that can be supplied for supported undergraduate and graduate college students?

B. Evaluate and Choice Course of

Proposals submitted in response to this program solicitation can be reviewed by Advert hoc Evaluate and/or Panel Evaluate.

In growing suggestions for awards, evaluate panels in addition to NSF workers will contemplate: the relative benefit of the EFRI proposals utilizing the standards listed above, the potential nationwide influence of the proposed exercise, the steadiness of awards amongst scientific fields, geographical distribution, and the mixed potential of the proposals to satisfy the aims of the EFRI Workplace. The EFRI Workplace is not going to usually award a couple of proposal from anybody lead establishment on this competitors.

Reviewers can be requested to guage proposals utilizing two Nationwide Science Board accredited benefit evaluate standards and, if relevant, extra program particular standards. A abstract ranking and accompanying narrative will typically be accomplished and submitted by every reviewer and/or panel. The Program Officer assigned to handle the proposal’s evaluate will contemplate the recommendation of reviewers and can formulate a suggestion.

After scientific, technical and programmatic evaluate and consideration of applicable components, the NSF Program Officer recommends to the cognizant Division Director whether or not the proposal ought to be declined or really useful for award. NSF strives to have the ability to inform proposers whether or not their proposals have been declined or really useful for funding inside six months. Giant or significantly complicated proposals or proposals from new recipients could require extra evaluate 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 suggestion.

After programmatic approval has been obtained, the proposals really useful for funding can be forwarded to the Division of Grants and Agreements or the Division of Acquisition and Cooperative Assist for evaluate of enterprise, monetary, and coverage implications. After an administrative evaluate 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 could make commitments, obligations or awards on behalf of NSF or authorize the expenditure of funds. No dedication on the a part of NSF ought 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 determination has been made, Principal Investigators are supplied suggestions about their proposals. In all instances, opinions are handled as confidential paperwork. Verbatim copies of opinions, excluding the names of the reviewers or any reviewer-identifying data, are despatched to the Principal Investigator/Mission 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 potential by the cognizant NSF Program administering this system. Verbatim copies of opinions, not together with the identification of the reviewer, can be supplied robotically to the Principal Investigator. (See Part VI.B. for added data on the evaluate course of.)

B. Award Situations

An NSF award consists of: (1) the award discover, which incorporates any particular provisions relevant to the award and any numbered amendments thereto; (2) the finances, 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; (4) the relevant award situations, comparable to Grant Basic Situations (GC-1)*; or Analysis Phrases and Situations* and (5) any announcement or different NSF issuance that could be integrated by reference within the award discover. Cooperative agreements are also administered in accordance with NSF Cooperative Settlement Monetary and Administrative Phrases and Situations (CA-FATC) and the relevant Programmatic Phrases and Situations. 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 data on NSF Award Situations and different essential data 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 Govt Order 14005, Guaranteeing the Future is Made in All of America by All of America’s Employees (86 FR 7475), it’s the coverage of the chief department to make use of phrases and situations of Federal monetary help awards to maximise, according to legislation, the usage of items, merchandise, and supplies produced in, and companies supplied in, america.

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 by way of this funding alternative could also be obligated for an award except all iron, metal, manufactured merchandise, and development supplies used within the mission are produced in america. For added data, go to NSF’s Construct America, Purchase America webpage.

Particular Award Situations:

Recipients should embrace within the proposal finances funds for journey by the PI and one graduate scholar or one researcher to attend an annual EFRI grantees’ assembly. Recipients can be required to attend and current their analysis outcomes and plans yearly at an annual EFRI grantees’ convention at some point of their award.

C. Reporting Necessities

For all multi-year grants (together with each commonplace and persevering with grants), the Principal Investigator should submit an annual mission report back to the cognizant Program Officer no later than 90 days previous to the tip of the present finances interval. (Some applications or awards require submission of extra frequent mission experiences). No later than 120 days following expiration of a grant, the PI is also required to submit a last mission report, and a mission outcomes report for most people.

Failure to supply the required annual or last mission experiences, or the mission outcomes report, will delay NSF evaluate 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 study the codecs of the required experiences upfront to guarantee availability of required information.

PIs are required to make use of NSF’s digital project-reporting system, out there by way of Analysis.gov, for preparation and submission of annual and last mission experiences. Such experiences present data on accomplishments, mission contributors (particular person and organizational), publications, and different particular merchandise and impacts of the mission. Submission of the report through Analysis.gov constitutes certification by the PI that the contents of the report are correct and full. The mission outcomes report additionally should 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 mission. This report can be posted on the NSF web site precisely as it’s submitted by the PI.

Extra complete data on NSF Reporting Necessities and different essential data 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.

Extra reporting requirement

EFRI recipients who obtain supplemental funding by way of the Analysis Expertise and Mentoring (REM) Program should focus on the influence of the supplemental funding on rising the participation of underrepresented teams in engineering of their annual and last mission experiences. Gathered quantitative information on race, gender and incapacity are anticipated. Extra information obtained by way of the required analysis also needs to be supplied, together with the influence of mentoring on analysis contributors (RPs), and/or adjustments within the RPs’ ability units, understanding of science/engineering rules, attitudes in the direction of analysis, and profession trajectories on account of their participation in this system. If recipients have obtained sequential REM dietary supplements, longitudinal information ought to be supplied.

Every accomplice group will obtain copies of annual and last experiences submitted by recipients for any awards co-funded by that group after approval by the cognizant NSF program officer.

VIII. AGENCY CONTACTS

Please word that this system contact data 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 ought to be made to: