Nationwide Science Basis
Directorate for Engineering
Rising Frontiers and Multidisciplinary Actions
Full Proposal Deadline(s) (due by 5 p.m. submitter’s native time):
February 15, 2024
IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND REVISION NOTES
Potential PIs enthusiastic about submitting TRAILBLAZER proposal should contact the Workplace of Rising Frontiers and Multidisciplinary Actions (EFMA) through the Program Suitability and Proposal Idea Instrument (ProSPCT) webform at https://suitability.nsf.gov/s/ by November ninth, 2023. Confer with Part V. Proposal Preparation and Submission Directions for additional particulars.
Any proposal submitted in response to this solicitation must 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 often 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 Data
Program Title:
NSF Trailblazer Engineering Impression Award (Trailblazer)
Synopsis of Program:
The NSF Trailblazer Engineering Impression Award (TRAILBLAZER) program helps particular person engineers and scientists who suggest novel analysis initiatives with the potential to innovatively and creatively tackle main societal challenges, advance US management, and catalyze the convergence of engineering and science domains. The TRAILBLAZER program emphasizes the qualities of the investigator that illustrate they will conceive of and assist transformative analysis initiatives and make main contributions towards fixing important analysis issues. TRAILBLAZER will assist engineers and scientists with glorious data of innovation and creativity with profitable outcomes to pursue new analysis instructions.
All funded TRAILBLAZER initiatives will type an NSF TRAILBLAZER cohort and investigators will likely be required to attend an annual PI assembly and could also be invited to different actions.
INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR: The Rising Frontiers and Multidisciplinary Actions (EFMA) Workplace will host an informational webinar in October 2023 to debate the TRAILBLAZER program and reply questions concerning the FY 2024 solicitation. Particulars on easy methods to be part of this webinar will likely be posted on the Directorate for Engineering and EFMA Web sites.
Cognizant Program Officer(s):
Please be aware that the next data 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 Data
Anticipated Kind of Award: Customary Grant or Persevering with Grant
Estimated Variety of Awards: 5
The anticipated price range for this program solicitation is $15,000,000 in FY 2024, pending the provision of funds. Every award will likely be funded as a Customary Grant or Persevering with Grant. The Program anticipates making a minimal of 5 awards. Every undertaking could obtain assist of as much as a complete of $3,000,000 over three years.
Anticipated Funding Quantity: $15,000,000
Pending the provision of funds
Eligibility Data
Who Could Submit Proposals:
Proposals could solely be submitted by the next:
Non-profit, non-academic organizations: Unbiased museums, observatories, analysis laboratories, skilled societies and related organizations positioned within the U.S. which can be straight related to instructional or analysis actions.
Establishments of Increased Schooling (IHEs) – Two- and four-year IHEs (together with group schools) accredited in, and having a campus positioned within the US, appearing on behalf of their college members.
Who Could Function PI:
The PI should maintain a tenured or tenure-eligible college appointment on the Affiliate or Full Professor rank or equal at a corporation that’s eligible to submit as described underneath “Who Could Submit Proposals.” Moreover, the PI should have an appointment in an Engineering College or Faculty and/or have earned an Engineering Doctorate diploma. If the proposal is submitted by a non-profit, non-academic group, the PI should meet the next necessities: (1) the PI has a seamless appointment that’s anticipated to final the three years of a TRAILBLAZER award; and (2) the appointment has substantial analysis tasks.
Solely single PI TRAILBLAZER proposals will likely be accepted in response to this solicitation. Collaborative proposals as described in PAPPG Chapter II.E.3.a. and II.E.3.b should not allowed. Any proposal submitted, or as separate submissions from a number of organizations, will likely be returned with out overview.
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
An eligible Principal Investigator could submit just one TRAILBLAZER proposal in response to this solicitation. If a person is listed as PI multiple proposal submitted in response to this solicitation, all proposals submitted after the primary one will likely be returned with out overview. No co-PIs are permitted.
Proposal Preparation and Submission Directions
A. Proposal Preparation Directions
Letters of Intent: Not required
Preliminary Proposal Submission: Not required
B. Budgetary Data
C. Due Dates
Full Proposal Deadline(s) (due by 5 p.m. submitter’s native time):
February 15, 2024
Proposal Overview Data Standards
Benefit Overview Standards:
Nationwide Science Board permitted standards. Further advantage overview standards apply. Please see the complete textual content of this solicitation for additional data.
Award Administration Data
Award Situations:
Further award situations apply. Please see the complete textual content of this solicitation for additional data.
Reporting Necessities:
Customary NSF reporting necessities apply.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract of Program Necessities
Introduction
Program Description
Award Data
Eligibility Data
Proposal Preparation and Submission Directions
Proposal Preparation Directions
Budgetary Data
Due Dates
Analysis.gov/Grants.gov Necessities
NSF Proposal Processing and Overview Procedures
Benefit Overview Rules and Standards
Overview and Choice Course of
Award Administration Data
Notification of the Award
Award Situations
Reporting Necessities
Company Contacts
Different Data
I. INTRODUCTION
The Rising Frontiers and Multidisciplinary Actions (EFMA) Workplace within the Directorate for Engineering offers funding alternatives for researchers to advance the frontiers of basic engineering analysis. The EFMA workplace helps the Rising Frontiers in Analysis and Innovation (EFRI) program, which offers vital, strategic assist of basic discovery on the main edges of engineering analysis and training. The EFRI program invests in analysis groups that present a excessive potential to contribute to new areas of basic or utilized analysis, catalyze improvement of latest industries or capabilities that improve the management place for the nation, and/or make important progress in direction of addressing a nationwide want or grand problem.
The NSF Trailblazer Engineering Impression Award (TRAILBLAZER) program will advance the EFRI program by supporting particular person progressive and inventive engineers to conduct analysis in rising engineering frontiers, not restricted to the subjects at the moment and beforehand supported by the EFRI program. For this system to assist the absolute best researchers and analysis initiatives, people that meet the PI eligibility standards from various backgrounds and from the complete spectrum of eligible establishments in all geographic areas are strongly inspired to undergo this solicitation.
The TRAILBLAZER program will assist particular person engineers and scientists that reveal a capability for analysis excellence and creativity to undertake novel analysis initiatives which have the potential to innovatively tackle main societal problem(s), advance US management, and/or catalyze the convergence of engineering and science domains. TRAILBLAZER PIs are anticipated to convene and lead an efficient crew to conduct the proposed analysis actions. These groups are developed after the award and never on the time of proposal submission. The proposed initiatives are anticipated to generate novel options to grand problem(s), basic new insights, and/or pioneering technological advances. Proposed initiatives could contain exceptionally progressive approaches and/or radically unconventional hypotheses. TRAILBLAZER is just not supposed to increase a present analysis program into the proposed space of analysis. Initiatives which can be extensions of ongoing or earlier analysis should not eligible.
II. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The TRAILBLAZER program helps particular person engineering researchers to undertake initiatives which have the potential to deal with new areas of basic analysis associated to grand challenges and/or nationwide wants, advance US world management, and/or catalyze the convergence of engineering and science domains. The TRAILBLAZER program emphasizes the qualities of the investigator which illustrate they will design and lead probably transformative analysis initiatives and make main contributions towards fixing important analysis issues. The principal investigator should have a monitor document of success and influence in an space of engineering analysis. The proposed initiatives ought to concentrate on daring, progressive, and probably dangerous approaches to deal with issues which will appear intractable. The proposed analysis should maintain potential for transformative outcomes, tackle a nationwide want or grand problem, and supply a transparent management function for Engineering.
Analysis subjects of curiosity must be related to the broad mission of NSF. TRAILBLAZER will think about proposals from researchers who suggest initiatives which have the potential for unusually broad influence in engineering analysis and training, that stimulate improvement of rising applied sciences, that think about novel investigative instruments, and that notice the convergence of engineering and science domains.
The TRAILBLAZER proposal doesn’t require an in depth experimental plan or preliminary knowledge. Overview of the proposal will concentrate on the investigator’s historical past of being a inventive and progressive researcher and the suitability of the proposed undertaking for the TRAILBLAZER program.
III. AWARD INFORMATION
The anticipated price range for this program solicitation is $15,000,000 in FY 2024, pending the provision of funds. Every award will likely be funded as a Customary Grant or Persevering with Grant. The Program anticipates making a minimal of 5 awards. Every undertaking could obtain assist of as much as a complete of $3,000,000 over three years.
IV. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
Who Could Submit Proposals:
Proposals could solely be submitted by the next:
Non-profit, non-academic organizations: Unbiased museums, observatories, analysis laboratories, skilled societies and related organizations positioned within the U.S. which can be straight related to instructional or analysis actions.
Establishments of Increased Schooling (IHEs) – Two- and four-year IHEs (together with group schools) accredited in, and having a campus positioned within the US, appearing on behalf of their college members.
Who Could Function PI:
The PI should maintain a tenured or tenure-eligible college appointment on the Affiliate or Full Professor rank or equal at a corporation that’s eligible to submit as described underneath “Who Could Submit Proposals.” Moreover, the PI should have an appointment in an Engineering College or Faculty and/or have earned an Engineering Doctorate diploma. If the proposal is submitted by a non-profit, non-academic group, the PI should meet the next necessities: (1) the PI has a seamless appointment that’s anticipated to final the three years of a TRAILBLAZER award; and (2) the appointment has substantial analysis tasks.
Solely single PI TRAILBLAZER proposals will likely be accepted in response to this solicitation. Collaborative proposals, as described in PAPPG Chapter II.E.3.a. and II.E.3.b should not allowed. Any proposal submitted data-contrast=”none”>, or as separate submissions from a number of organizations, will likely be returned with out overview.
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
An eligible Principal Investigator could submit just one TRAILBLAZER proposal in response to this solicitation. If a person is listed as PI multiple proposal submitted in response to this solicitation, all proposals submitted after the primary one will likely be returned with out overview. No co-PIs are permitted.
V. PROPOSAL PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
A. Proposal Preparation Directions
Full Proposal Preparation Directions: Proposers could choose 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 must be ready and submitted in accordance with the final pointers 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 must be ready and submitted in accordance with the NSF Grants.gov Utility Information: A Information for the Preparation and Submission of NSF Purposes through Grants.gov. The entire textual content of the NSF Grants.gov Utility 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 Utility Information and Utility Kinds Bundle, click on on the Apply tab on the Grants.gov web site, then click on on the Apply Step 1: Obtain a Grant Utility Bundle and Utility Directions hyperlink and enter the funding alternative quantity, (this system solicitation quantity with out the NSF prefix) and press the Obtain Bundle 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].
See PAPPG Chapter II.D.2 for steering on the required sections of a full analysis proposal submitted to NSF. Please be aware that the proposal preparation directions offered on this program solicitation could deviate from the PAPPG directions.
Idea Define Directions
Every potential Principal Investigator (PI) enthusiastic about submitting a TRAILBLAZER proposal should contact the Workplace of Rising Frontiers and Multidisciplinary Actions (EFMA) through the Program Suitability and Proposal Idea Instrument (ProSPCT) webform at https://suitability.nsf.gov/s/ by November ninth, 2023. To get began, customers are required to offer their Login.gov credentials after which full and submit the Idea Define type. The Idea Define offers NSF with abstract data:
PI normal data;
Analysis Venture Key phrases;
Idea Define Narrative textual content field (6,000 character depend restrict): Present a story describing the proof of the PI’s eligibility, historical past of analysis excellence, temporary abstract of the proposed undertaking, and outline of undertaking’s suitability to the TRAILBLAZER program. TRAILBALZER program suitability consists of undertaking is just not an extension of previous or present analysis, undertaking exhibits potential progressive and transformative impacts, and the proposed analysis is extra suited to the TRAILBLAZER program relatively than an NSF core program;
Within the Match to Proposed Proposal Kind textual content field enter “N/A”
Idea Outlines will likely be evaluated internally by NSF Program Administrators for programmatic responsiveness and suitability to the TRAILBLAZER program, as described above. Potential PIs will obtain an electronic mail from the cognizant NSF program officer that specifies whether or not a full proposal could also be submitted. The e-mail confirming approval to submit a TRAILBLAZER proposal should be uploaded by the possible PI as a Supplementary Doc as a element of proposal submission. Full proposals submitted with out the requisite “Program Officer Concurrence E mail” supplementary doc will likely be returned with out overview.
Full Proposal Directions
The next directions complement or deviate from the steering within the PAPPG.
Solely single PI TRAILBLAZER proposals will likely be accepted in response to this solicitation. Collaborative proposals, as described in PAPPG Chapter II.E.3.a. and II.E.3.b, should not allowed. Any proposal submitted with subawards, or as separate submissions from a number of organizations, will likely be returned with out overview.
Title of Proposed Venture: The title for the proposed TRAILBLAZER undertaking should start with “TRAILBLAZER “. The title should state clearly and succinctly the analysis and innovation that’s the focus for the undertaking.
Venture Abstract (one-page restrict):
Within the mental advantage part embrace a abstract of proof of investigator-led progressive actions, the character of the proposed analysis, and the numerous leap or paradigm shift in basic engineering information; and
Within the broader impacts part, embrace the potential long-term influence on a grand problem. Embrace a abstract of the Broadening Participation Plan.
Venture Description (most 15 pages) should embrace the subsections listed beneath. Please see directions beneath for offering Outcomes from Prior NSF Assist as a Supplementary Doc.
Mental Benefit:
Proof of Analysis Excellence and Innovation: Present proof for the PI’s capability for analysis excellence, creativity, and impactful improvements (i.e., an inclination to query paradigms; a willingness to work with mental uncertainties; persistence within the face of failure; skill to work collaboratively and convergently throughout various disciplines; demonstrated skill to assist inter- and/or multidisciplinary groups).
Analysis Method and Analysis Plan: Describe how the proposed analysis displays a basic new perception, and whether or not it includes the event of progressive and inventive approaches and/or the posing of radically unconventional hypotheses; these shouldn’t be logical extensions or scale-up of ongoing or prior analysis efforts. Describe the imaginative and prescient and objectives of the proposed analysis, approaches, and methodologies to realize the objectives, the anticipated outcomes, and the moral, authorized, and social implications of the proposed analysis, as acceptable. The TRAILBLAZER program doesn’t request preliminary knowledge or detailed experimental plans; nonetheless, reviewers should nonetheless be capable of verify a transparent sense of the general analysis to be pursued in a strong and rigorous method.
TRAILBLAZER Suitability: Describe how the deliberate analysis satisfies the acknowledged TRAILBLAZER objectives (i.e., tackle a nationwide want or grand problem, advance US management; reveal convergence of engineering and science domains; present progressive and transformative impacts). Describe why the proposed analysis is suited to the TRAILBLAZER program relatively than an NSF core program.
Distinction from Present and Earlier Analysis: Present an outline of how this new space of analysis is distinct from different work of the PI. TRAILBLAZER is just not supposed to increase the PI’s earlier or present analysis into the proposed space of analysis. Initiatives which can be extensions of the PI’s ongoing or earlier analysis should not eligible underneath this program.
Administration plan: Describe how a robust and efficient crew will likely be convened and led by the PI to conduct the proposed analysis, together with crew member experience, crew improvement, technique of communication, administration of personnel throughout the undertaking group, administration of mental property ensuing from the undertaking, and timeline of actions. Whereas potential crew members could also be named, letters of assist and crew member Biographical Sketches should not permitted.
Broader Impacts: Please observe the steering offered within the PAPPG to arrange the Broader Impacts part. As a reminder, this should be a separate part labeled “Broader Impacts.” The next solicitation-specific data also needs to be included:
The Broader Impacts part ought to focus on how the proposed undertaking will result in a big shift in basic engineering information and could have sturdy long-term potential for important influence on a grand problem.
The Broader Impacts part also needs to describe methods by which training, outreach, and group engagement are built-in throughout the analysis program to successfully obtain societal influence.
The Directorate for Engineering (ENG) promotes variety in all features of its applications. In line with ENG’s precedence to broaden the participation and inclusion of the complete spectrum of various skills in engineering, the Workplace of Rising Frontiers and Multidisciplinary Actions (EFMA) is addressing the necessity to assist variety in all fields of engineering by requiring all TRAILBLAZER initiatives to incorporate a Broadening Participation Planas a part of the TRAILBLAZER 2024 Solicitation. This requirement is not going to solely promote variety and inclusion within the human assets engaged in TRAILBLAZER initiatives however will even increase variety of thought, concepts, influence, and approaches to outline and clear up necessary questions in TRAILBLAZER analysis. The Broadening Participation Plan should be described as a part of Broader Impacts of the proposal each within the Venture Abstract and within the Venture Description. The PI is inspired to concentrate on group constructing, progressive and inclusive engineering practices, advancing engineering expertise, diversifying pathways to and thru engineering, and addressing the fairness, entry, and inclusion concerns. The EFMA Workplace encourages proposers to be inventive within the planning of actions to draw and retain individuals from the complete spectrum of various skills to the fields of engineering and engineering analysis when growing their Broadening Participation Plans.
References Cited: Point out with an asterisk any cited publications that resulted from prior analysis funded by NSF for the PI.
Funds: A price range and a price range justification are required. Funds could also be requested for personnel, provides, tools, and different allowable prices. If a proposal is to be beneficial for an award, the NSF TRAILBLAZER Program Administrators will negotiate a extra detailed price range with the PI previous to award advice. As a result of a big dedication of PI time is anticipated, PIs could request greater than two months of wage assist. TRAILBLAZER PIs could commit greater than 2 particular person months per yr, as much as six months of wage assist in a given yr. In step with PAPPG Chapter II.D.2 relating to NSF’s Senior Personnel Salaries & Wages Coverage, compensation for the PI in extra of two months should be disclosed within the proposal price range, justified within the price range justification, and particularly permitted by NSF within the award discover price range.
Services, Tools, and Different Sources: Present an outline of accessible services and priorities for his or her use, if relevant. For TRAILBLAZER initiatives requiring extra tools, justify the necessity for these assets within the proposed analysis.
Within the Supplementary Documentation part, embrace the next:
Unattributed Venture Abstract: PI’s should present an unattributed model of the proposal Venture Abstract, which does NOT comprise references to the PI’s identify, id, or the PI’s establishment.
PO Concurrence electronic mail: Add the Idea Define PO Concurrence electronic mail that signifies PO permission to submit a full proposal.
Outcomes from Prior NSF Assist (most 5 pages): Please observe the steering offered within the PAPPG for reporting outcomes from prior NSF assist. Notice that this data doesn’t have to be included within the Venture Description of the proposal.
Mechanisms for sharing the outcomes of the analysis with the scientific group, e.g., publications, web pages, and many others. (most two pages). The outline must be particular and may describe what, how, and when the group could have entry to the outcomes of the undertaking. That is significantly necessary for initiatives that may produce tangible analysis instruments and assets.
Division Head Letter: A signed letter from the PI’s division head (or equal), or rapid supervisor if PI is Division Head, certifying the PI’s eligibility should be uploaded as a supplementary doc and comprise solely the textual content offered beneath:
“This letter certifies that the PI is a full-time tenured or tenure-eligible Affiliate or Full Professor, or equal at a corporation that’s eligible to submit as described underneath “Who Could Submit Proposals.” Moreover, the PI has an appointment in an Engineering College or Faculty and/or has earned an Engineering Doctorate diploma and is eligible to take part within the TRAILBLAZER solicitation as described underneath “Who Could Submit Proposals”.”
The Knowledge Administration Plan ought to describe the administration of digital property and mental property rights, together with plans for sharing knowledge, code, digital designs, data, and supplies ensuing from the award. Knowledge and different digital merchandise must be recognized, and the next described for every of them:
The kinds of knowledge, samples, bodily collections, software program, curriculum supplies, and different supplies to be produced in the midst of the undertaking;
Metadata to be collected and disseminated with major knowledge;
The requirements for use for knowledge and metadata format and content material;
Insurance policies for entry and sharing together with provisions for acceptable 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 particular person(s), Public repository used;
License to be used (emphasis on open supply licenses corresponding 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 knowledge, picture knowledge, and machine studying fashions should be included within the knowledge administration plan;
Letters of dedication (uploaded as supplementary doc(s)) must be offered from databases or inventory facilities that comply with distribute undertaking outcomes, together with the actions deliberate and funds wanted (if any) for the distribution; and
Pre-submission Examine Listing:
The PI should be full-time tenured or tenure-eligible Affiliate or Full Professor, or equal, inside an engineering school, college, or division and/or have earned an Engineering Doctorate diploma;
Whole price range doesn’t exceed $3,000,000 and is unfold over 3 years;
Broadening Participation Plan: All proposals should describe a plan (each within the Venture Abstract and the Venture Description) for selling participation of the complete spectrum of various skills in engineering;
Unattributed Venture Abstract: An unattributed model of the proposal Venture Abstract, which does NOT comprise references to the PI’s identify, id, or to the PI’s establishment, is included as a supplementary doc;
PO Concurrence electronic mail: Idea Define PO Concurrence electronic mail that signifies PO permission to submit a full proposal is included as a supplementary doc;
Mechanisms for sharing the outcomes of the analysis with the scientific group, e.g., publications, web pages, and many others. (most two pages), is included as a supplementary doc;
Division Head Letter: A signed letter from the PI’s division head (or equal), or rapid supervisor if PI is Division Head, certifying the PI’s eligibility is included as a supplementary doc.
This guidelines is offered 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 Data
Price Sharing:
Inclusion of voluntary dedicated value sharing is prohibited.
C. Due Dates
Full Proposal Deadline(s) (due by 5 p.m. submitter’s native time):
February 15, 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 obtainable 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 1-800-381-1532 or e-mail [email protected]. The Analysis.gov Assist Desk solutions normal technical questions associated to using the Analysis.gov system. Particular questions associated to this program solicitation must 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 Sources webpage: https://www.grants.gov/net/grants/candidates.html. As well as, the NSF Grants.gov Utility Information (see hyperlink in Part V.A) offers directions relating to the technical preparation of proposals through Grants.gov. For Grants.gov person assist, contact the Grants.gov Contact Middle at 1-800-518-4726 or by electronic mail: [email protected]. The Grants.gov Contact Middle solutions normal technical questions associated to using Grants.gov. Particular questions associated to this program solicitation must 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 utility will likely be transferred to Analysis.gov for additional processing.
The NSF Grants.gov Proposal Processing in Analysis.gov informational web page offers submission steering to candidates and hyperlinks to useful assets together with the NSF Grants.gov Utility Information, Grants.gov Proposal Processing in Analysis.gov how-to information, and Grants.gov Submitted Proposals Ceaselessly Requested Questions. Grants.gov proposals should go all NSF pre-check and post-check validations in an effort to be accepted by Analysis.gov at NSF.
When submitting through Grants.gov, NSF strongly recommends candidates provoke proposal submission at the very least 5 enterprise days upfront of a deadline to permit enough time to deal with NSF compliance errors and resubmissions by 5:00 p.m. submitting group’s native time on the deadline. Please be aware that some errors can’t be corrected in Grants.gov. As soon as a proposal passes pre-checks however fails any post-check, an applicant can solely right and submit the in-progress proposal in Analysis.gov.
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 acquired and validated by NSF, the Licensed Organizational Consultant could test the standing of an utility on Grants.gov. After proposers have acquired an e-mail notification from NSF, Analysis.gov must be used to test the standing of an utility.
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 often by three to 10 different individuals outdoors NSF both as advert hoc reviewers, panelists, or each, who’re consultants within the specific 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 like not overview the proposal. These strategies could function one supply within the reviewer choice course of on the Program Officer’s discretion. Submission of such names, nonetheless, is elective. Care is taken to make sure that reviewers don’t have any conflicts of curiosity with the proposal. As well as, Program Officers could get hold of feedback from web site visits earlier than recommending last motion on proposals. Senior NSF workers additional overview suggestions for awards. A flowchart that depicts the complete NSF proposal and award course of (and related timeline) is included in PAPPG Exhibit III-1.
A complete description of the Basis’s advantage overview course of is accessible on the NSF web site at: https://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/coverage/merit_review/.
Proposers also needs to 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 training and broadening participation in NSF applications, initiatives, and actions.
One of many strategic goals in assist of NSF’s mission is to foster integration of analysis and training via the applications, initiatives, and actions it helps at tutorial and analysis establishments. These establishments should recruit, prepare, 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 inventive scientists and engineers. NSF additionally helps improvement of a robust science, know-how, 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 crucial to the well being and vitality of science and engineering. NSF is dedicated to this precept of variety and deems it central to the applications, initiatives, and actions it considers and helps.
A. Benefit Overview Rules and Standards
The Nationwide Science Basis strives to put money into a strong and various portfolio of initiatives that creates new information and permits breakthroughs in understanding throughout all areas of science and engineering analysis and training. To determine which initiatives to assist, NSF depends on a advantage 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 advantage overview course of for the choice of initiatives.
1. Benefit Overview Rules
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 fundamental analysis and training, the next three ideas apply:
All NSF initiatives must be of the best high quality and have the potential to advance, if not remodel, the frontiers of information.
NSF initiatives, within the mixture, ought to contribute extra broadly to attaining societal objectives. These “Broader Impacts” could also be achieved via the analysis itself, via actions which can be straight 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 primarily based on beforehand established and/or progressive strategies and approaches, however in both case should be properly justified.
Significant evaluation and analysis of NSF funded initiatives must be primarily based on acceptable metrics, holding in thoughts the possible correlation between the impact of broader impacts and the assets offered to implement initiatives. If the scale of the exercise is proscribed, analysis of that exercise in isolation is just not prone to be significant. Thus, assessing the effectiveness of those actions could greatest be performed at the next, extra aggregated, degree than the person undertaking.
With respect to the third precept, even when evaluation of Broader Impacts outcomes for specific initiatives is completed at an aggregated degree, PIs are anticipated to be accountable for finishing up the actions described within the funded undertaking. Thus, particular person initiatives ought to embrace clearly acknowledged objectives, 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 advantage overview ideas present the premise for the advantage overview standards, in addition to a context inside which the customers of the standards can higher perceive their intent.
2. Benefit Overview Standards
All NSF proposals are evaluated via use of the 2 Nationwide Science Board permitted advantage overview standards. In some cases, nonetheless, NSF will make use of extra standards as required to focus on the precise goals of sure applications and actions.
The 2 advantage overview standards are listed beneath. Each standards are to be given full consideration through the overview and decision-making processes; every criterion is critical however neither, by itself, is adequate. Due to this fact, proposers should totally tackle each standards. (PAPPG Chapter II.D.2.d(i). incorporates extra data to be used by proposers in improvement of the Venture Description part of the proposal). Reviewers are strongly inspired to overview the standards, together with PAPPG Chapter II.D.2.d(i), previous to the overview of a proposal.
When evaluating NSF proposals, reviewers will likely 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 undertaking is profitable. These points apply each to the technical features of the proposal and the best way by which the undertaking could make broader contributions. To that finish, reviewers will likely be requested to judge all proposals towards 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 must 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 discipline 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 inventive, unique, or probably transformative ideas?
Is the plan for finishing up the proposed actions well-reasoned, well-organized, and primarily based 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 enough assets obtainable to the PI (both on the dwelling 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 straight 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 embrace, however should not restricted to: full participation of ladies, individuals with disabilities, and different underrepresented teams in science, know-how, engineering, and arithmetic (STEM); improved STEM training and educator improvement at any degree; elevated public scientific literacy and public engagement with science and know-how; 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 the US; and enhanced infrastructure for analysis and training.
Proposers are reminded that reviewers will even be requested to overview the Knowledge Administration Plan and the Postdoctoral Researcher Mentoring Plan, as acceptable.
Further Solicitation Particular Overview Standards
Along with the 2 NSF overview standards (mental advantage and broader impacts), the next standards will likely be used within the overview of all TRAILBLAZER proposals.
Investigator – To what extent does the investigator present sturdy proof of creativity and impactful improvements?
Management – To what extent does the investigator present proof of their established skill to steer and describe how they’ll type and lead a crew acceptable for the proposed undertaking?
TRANSFORMATIVE – To what extent does the proposed analysis symbolize a possibility for a big leap or paradigm shift in basic engineering and/or science information?
Nationwide Want or GRAND CHALLENGE – To what extent does the proposed analysis have the potential to make important progress on a nationwide want or grand problem?
Broadening Participation Plan – To what extent does the plan actively promote, improve, and improve the participation of the complete spectrum of various skills within the discipline of engineering?
Administration Plan – To what extent does the plan describe how a robust and efficient crew will likely be convened and led by the PI to conduct the proposed analysis?
B. Overview and Choice Course of
Proposals submitted in response to this program solicitation will likely be reviewed by Advert hoc Overview and/or Panel Overview, or Interview.
Primarily based on advert hoc and Panel Overview, the TRAILBLAZER Program will invite chosen PIs for Panel interviews prior to creating award suggestions. TRAILBLAZER anticipates extending invites for interviews in April 2024, and holding interviews in late April to early Could 2024.
The overview standards for the Interview Panel will likely be similar to these utilized to the written proposal, as described above. Candidates will likely be evaluated when it comes to their effectiveness at demonstrating proof of previous analysis improvements and creativity, the transformative nature of the proposed undertaking, the suitability for the TRAILBLAZER Program, the plan to broaden participation in engineering.
The Nationwide Science Basis will notify every PI of the schedule and site for his or her interview presentation and supply additional particulars as they develop into obtainable. Displays ought to adjust to these directions and any extra directions that NSF could present previous to the interview.
Every interview will comprise the next actions:
The PI could have the chance to current their proposed undertaking to the Panel utilizing digital presentation instruments.
The Panel will ask questions of the PI following their presentation.
The PI will likely be directed to offer NSF with an digital copy of their presentation one week upfront of their presentation.
People with disabilities who want affordable lodging as a part of the Blue Ribbon Panel course of could contact the Workplace of Fairness and Civil Rights’ (OECR) Incapacity Program Supervisor (DPM) at [email protected]. For additional data, see the Proposal & Award Insurance policies & Procedures Information, Part II.A.2.
Reviewers will likely be requested to judge proposals utilizing two Nationwide Science Board permitted advantage overview 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 overview will think about the recommendation of reviewers and can formulate a advice.
After scientific, technical and programmatic overview and consideration of acceptable elements, the NSF Program Officer recommends to the cognizant Division Director whether or not the proposal must be declined or beneficial for award. NSF strives to have the ability to inform proposers whether or not their proposals have been declined or beneficial for funding inside six months. Massive or significantly complicated proposals or proposals from new recipients could require extra 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 beneficial for funding will likely be forwarded to the Division of Grants and Agreements or the Division of Acquisition and Cooperative Assist 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 could make commitments, obligations or awards on behalf of NSF or authorize the expenditure of funds. No dedication on the a part of NSF must 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 offered suggestions about their proposals. In all circumstances, evaluations are handled as confidential paperwork. Verbatim copies of evaluations, excluding the names of the reviewers or any reviewer-identifying data, are despatched to the Principal Investigator/Venture Director by the Program Officer. As well as, the proposer will obtain a proof 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 will likely be suggested as promptly as potential by the cognizant NSF Program administering this system. Verbatim copies of evaluations, not together with the id of the reviewer, will likely be offered robotically to the Principal Investigator. (See Part VI.B. for added data on the overview 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 price range, which signifies the quantities, by classes of expense, on which NSF has primarily based 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, corresponding to Grant Basic Situations (GC-1)*; or Analysis Phrases and Situations* and (5) any announcement or different NSF issuance which may 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 necessary data on the administration of NSF awards is contained within the NSF Proposal & Award Insurance policies & Procedures Information (PAPPG) Chapter VII, obtainable 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, Making certain 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, in step with legislation, using items, merchandise, and supplies produced in, and companies supplied in, the US.
In step 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 obtainable via this funding alternative could also be obligated for an award until all iron, metal, manufactured merchandise, and building supplies used within the undertaking are produced in the US. For added data, go to NSF’s Construct America, Purchase America webpage.
Particular Award Situations:
All funded TRAILBLAZER initiatives will type an NSF TRAILBLAZER cohort and investigators will likely be required to attend an annual PI assembly and could also be invited to different actions.
C. Reporting Necessities
For all multi-year grants (together with each customary and persevering with grants), the Principal Investigator should submit an annual undertaking report back to the cognizant Program Officer no later than 90 days previous to the tip of the present price range interval. (Some applications or awards require submission of extra frequent undertaking studies). No later than 120 days following expiration of a grant, the PI is also required to submit a last undertaking report, and a undertaking outcomes report for most of the people.
Failure to offer the required annual or last undertaking studies, 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 study the codecs of the required studies upfront to guarantee availability of required knowledge.
PIs are required to make use of NSF’s digital project-reporting system, obtainable via Analysis.gov, for preparation and submission of annual and last undertaking studies. Such studies present data on accomplishments, undertaking individuals (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 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 undertaking. This report will likely be posted on the NSF web site precisely as it’s submitted by the PI.
Extra complete data on NSF Reporting Necessities and different necessary data on the administration of NSF awards is contained within the NSF Proposal & Award Insurance policies & Procedures Information (PAPPG) Chapter VII, obtainable electronically on the NSF Web site at https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg.
VIII. AGENCY CONTACTS
Please be aware 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 must be made to:
For questions associated to using NSF programs contact:
NSF Assist Desk: 1-800-381-1532
For questions regarding Grants.gov contact:
Grants.gov Contact Middle: If the Licensed Organizational Representatives (AOR) has not acquired a affirmation message from Grants.gov inside 48 hours of submission of utility, please contact through phone: 1-800-518-4726; e-mail: [email protected].
IX. OTHER INFORMATION
The NSF web site offers probably the most complete supply of knowledge on NSF Directorates (together with contact data), applications 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, necessary 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 accessible on NSF’s web site.
Grants.gov offers a further digital functionality to seek for Federal government-wide grant alternatives. NSF funding alternatives could also be accessed through this mechanism. Additional data 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 training in all fields of science and engineering.”
NSF funds analysis and training 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 fundamental analysis.
NSF receives roughly 55,000 proposals every year for analysis, training 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 services, 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 degree.
Facilitation Awards for Scientists and Engineers with Disabilities (FASED) present funding for particular help or tools 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 System for the Deaf (TDD) and Federal Data Relay Service (FIRS) capabilities that allow people with listening to impairments to speak with the Basis about NSF applications, employment or normal data. TDD could also be accessed at (703) 292-5090 and (800) 281-8749, FIRS at (800) 877-8339.
The Nationwide Science Basis Data Middle 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 training within the sciences, arithmetic, and engineering.
To get the most recent 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 Data
(NSF Data Middle):
(703) 292-5111
TDD (for the hearing-impaired):
(703) 292-5090
To Order Publications or Kinds:
Ship an e-mail to:
or phone:
(703) 292-8134
(703) 292-5111
PRIVACY ACT AND PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENTS
The knowledge requested on proposal varieties and undertaking studies is solicited underneath the authority of the Nationwide Science Basis Act of 1950, as amended. The knowledge on proposal varieties will likely be utilized in reference to the choice of certified proposals; and undertaking studies submitted by proposers will likely be used for program analysis and reporting throughout the Govt Department and to Congress. The knowledge 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 get hold of knowledge relating to the proposal overview course of, award selections, 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 data relating to proposers or nominees as a part of a joint utility overview course of, or in an effort to coordinate applications or coverage; and to a different Federal company, court docket, or celebration in a court docket 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 Report Notices, NSF-50, “Principal Investigator/Proposal File and Related Data,” and NSF-51, “Reviewer/Proposal File and Related Data.” Submission of the data is voluntary. Failure to offer full and full data, nonetheless, could cut back the potential for receiving an award.
An company could not conduct or sponsor, and an individual is just not required to answer, an data assortment until it shows a sound 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 knowledge 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 facet of this assortment of knowledge, together with strategies for decreasing this burden, to:
Suzanne H. Plimpton
Experiences Clearance Officer
Coverage Workplace, Division of Establishment and Award Assist
Workplace of Funds, Finance, and Award Administration
Nationwide Science Basis
Alexandria, VA 22314
