December 20, 2010

Reminder: Changes for NSF Proposals Submitted or Due On or After January 18

The new National Science Foundation Proposal and Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) (NSF 11-1) goes into effect for proposals submitted, or due, on or after January 18, 2011. The significant changes to the PAPPG include 1) a requirement that all proposals submitted to NSF contain an up to two-page Data Management Plan as a Supplementary Document and 2) implementation of the National Science Board’s recommendations regarding cost sharing. A complete list of significant changes accompanies the PAPPG.

Please note that because January 15 is a Saturday, and Monday, January 17 is a Federal holiday, per Grant Proposal Guide Chapter I.F, the due dates are extended to the following business day. Therefore, proposals submitted in response to funding opportunities whose deadline dates fall after close of business on January 14, will be due January 18, and will be subject to the requirements set forth in NSF 11-1. This includes the requirement to submit a Data Management Plan as a supplementary document.

FastLane will begin automated compliance checking for the data management plan starting January 15, 2011, and proposals (including unsolicited proposals) that do not comply with the requirement will be prevented from submission.

We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the new PAPP Guide, and visit the NSF Policy Office web site for additional information. NSF has developed a suite of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on topics such as general proposal preparation and award administration, Project Outcomes Reports, Responsible Conduct of Research, Data Management Plans and Cost Sharing. The Policy Office updates these FAQs as new questions are raised, to keep the community aware of emerging issues, so please visit the NSF site often to access the latest information on NSF policies and procedures.

If you have any questions regarding these changes, please contact the NSF Policy Office on (703) 292-8243 or by e-mail to policy@nsf.gov, or your SPO research administrator.


Data Management Plan Resource:
California Digital Library Data Management Guidelines
CDL press release: Online data management planning tool tames data and meets researchers’ funding requirements


October 7, 2010 Research Advocate article: NSF Revises Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide, Effective January 18