NSF encourages interdisciplinary and convergent approaches to research and education, as well as activities with the potential to lead to transformative discoveries. Learn about NSF-funded research, find funding opportunities and see tips for preparing and submitting proposals.
Proposal Preparation and Submission
See the NSF Pre-Award and Post-Award Disclosure for guidance on the disclosure of activities and support in the submission and award management of a sponsored project.
Reporting Requirements
Post-award reporting requirements can vary both by award as well as timeline. Additional information can be found on NSFs About Project Reports website. A Project Report Frequently Asked Questions guide pertaining to project reporting is also available.
Closeout
Award closeout is the process by which NSF determines that all applicable administrative actions and all required work of the award have been completed. For additional information on no cost extensions, post closeout adjustments and final disbursements, see the NSF Proposal Award Policies and Procedures Guide, Part II: Award Administration.
If the recipient does not submit all required reports within one year of the period of performance end date, NSF must report the recipient’s material failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the award with the OMB-designated integrity and performance system (currently FAPIIS). NSF may also pursue other enforcement actions.
In the event a final audit has not been performed prior to the closeout of the award, NSF reserves the right to recover funds after fully considering the recommendations on disallowed costs resulting from the final audit.
Mandatory SciENcv Implementation
Science Experts Network Curriculum Vitae (SciENcv) is an electronic system that helps researchers assemble the professional information needed for participation in federally funded research. SciENcv gathers and compiles information on expertise, employment, education and professional accomplishments.
Researchers can use SciENcv to create and maintain biosketches that are submitted with grant applications and annual reports. SciENcv allows researchers to describe and highlight their scientific contributions in their own words. It is a centralized location for information commonly requested in biographical sketches and current/pending documents and has the ability to pull data from NIH eRA Commons, NSF and ORCID accounts.
NSF issued requirements for the submission of proposals in response to compliance with the National Security Presidential Memorandum 33 (NSPM 33), which identified the need to strengthen protections of federally funded research from foreign interference.
NSF’s implementation of this policy has led to the required standardization of the biographical sketch and the current and pending documents via use of SciENcv.
Effective for all proposals submitted on or after October 23, 2023, the use of SciENcv to create and manage biographical sketch information in proposals will be required. It is recommended to begin this process well before a proposal due date, especially if you intend on delegating access or there is a large portfolio of information to add for the current & pending support document. The University of Texas Libraries has online SciENcv resources and subject librarians to guide researchers in the creation of these documents.