National Science Foundation (NSF)

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency  created by Congress in 1950 "To promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense."

Announcements

We are pleased to announce that a revised version of the NSF  Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide  (PAPPG) (NSF 24-1) has been issued.

The new PAPPG will be effective for proposals submitted or due on or after May 20, 2024. Significant changes are summarized below in the PAPPG section.

You are encouraged to review the by-chapter summary of changes provided in the Introduction section of the PAPPG.

NSF conducted a webinar to review the significant changes for our grants community.  Visit the NSF policy outreach website to sign up for notifications about this and other outreach events.

While this version of the PAPPG becomes effective on May 20, 2024, in the interim, the guidelines contained in the current PAPPG (NSF 23-1) continue to apply.

If you have any questions regarding these changes, please contact the DIAS/Policy Office at policy@nsf.gov.

E-systems

RESEARCH.GOV

Research.gov provides grants management for the research community. 

  • Research.gov Overview
  • Instructions within research.gov override the PAPPG
  • Once the application is initiated, the following items on Cover Sheet cannot be changed (a new application must be initiated):
    • Funding Opportunity
    • Directorate/Division/Program
    • Proposal Type (Research, RAPID, etc.)
    • Submission Type (Full Proposal, Renewal, LOI, Preliminary, etc.)
    • Proposal Details (not collaborative, collaborative from one organization, collaborative from multiple organizations)
    • NOTE: There is a workaround to change PI by adding a Co-PI and then removing the original PI.
  • Separately-Submitted Collaborative Proposal:
    • When the non-lead institution submits before the lead institution, a permanent proposal number is not assigned until the lead submits its proposal. Until that time, the application can still be edited.
    • When a non-lead application is linked to the lead application, the applicable items on the Cover Sheet are replaced (Funding Opportunity, Title, etc.)

RESEARCH.GOV

Sponsor Specific Guidance

PAPPG

The  Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG)  contains policies and guidance relating to the Foundation's proposal and award process for the assistance programs of NSF. The PAPPG, in conjunction with NSF's Grant General Conditions, serves as the Foundation's implementation of 2 CFR § 200,  Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.

Help

  • Create a Research.gov account

    Below is a step-by-step video tutorial on how to create a Research.gov account.

    CREATE A RESEARCH.GOV ACCOUNT

  • Request a No-Cost Extension

    Grantee-Approved Extension

    Grantees may authorize a one-time extension of the expiration date of the grant of up to 12 months if additional time beyond the established expiration date is required to assure adequate completion of the original scope of work within the funds already made available. This one-time extension may not be exercised merely for the purpose of using the unliquidated balances. Grantees are not authorized to extend an award that contains a zero balance. The grantee shall notify NSF, providing supporting reasons for the extension and the revised expiration date, at least ten days prior to the expiration date specified in the grant to ensure accuracy of NSF's grant data. All grantee-approved extension notifications must be submitted via the Research.gov system. For grantee-approved extensions, no amendment will be issued.

    **NCE requests must be submitted as a Modification Request through VERA as well as Research.gov.**

    NSF-Approved Extension

    If additional time beyond the awarded period of performance end date is necessary to complete the statement of work, and exceptional circumstances warrant, a formal request must be submitted to NSF via FastLane. The request must be submitted to NSF at least 45 days prior to the expiration date of the grant. The request must explain the need for the extension and include an estimate of the unobligated funds remaining and a plan for their use. As indicated above, that unobligated funds may remain at the expiration of the grant is not in itself sufficient justification for an extension. The plan must adhere to the previously approved objectives of the project. All requests for NSF-approved extensions must be submitted via the Research.gov system. Grantees are not authorized to extend an award that contains a zero balance. NSF program officers are authorized to approve the first no cost extension request on current active awards.

    The first no-cost extension request will be subject to the approval of the cognizant NSF Program Officer. The sponsored projects office and PI will be electronically notified of the disposition of this request by the cognizant NSF Program Officer. The second no-cost extension will continue to be subject to the approval of an NSF Grants and Agreements Officer, and, if approved, will be in the form of an amendment to the grant specifying a new expiration date. Grantees are cautioned not to make new commitments or incur new expenditures after the expiration date in anticipation of a no-cost extension.

    Grantees are not authorized to extend an award that contains a zero balance.

    AWARD AND ADMINISTRATION GUIDE

  • Request a PI Transfer

    For a PI who is retiring, a Change in PI/Co-PI request can be submitted through FastLane by the PI. Additionally, please notify SPA about this change in project personnel.

    For a PI that is transferring institutions, a decision needs to be made if they are willing and able to take their award with them to the new institution. If they would like to take the award with them, a PI Transfer Request must be submitted in NSF's system. If the award will stay at Vanderbilt University, a Change in PI/Co-PI request must be submitted in NSF's system. Contact your SPA Specialist for additional information. Additionally, please notify SPA staff of this change in project personnel.

    PI SEPARATION CHECKLIST - COMING SOON