NSF Implementation of Recent Executive Orders (original) (raw)

Frequently asked questions

Have the NSF merit review criteria changed?

No, NSF continues to apply the statutorily required Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts review criteria, as well as any solicitation-specific review criteria.

Will funding opportunities that have been recently archived become available again? If so, when?

The community will be notified through normal channels as funding opportunities are made available.

Are there any modifications to the review process as a result of the executive orders?

As per the agency's normal practice, program directors manage the review process. Panelists are expected to focus their discussions on evaluating the merit of the proposals under consideration. The review criteria remain consistent. Guidance on reviews and panel summaries has not changed. Program directors do not comment on activities outside of the purview of the panel. The reviews and panel summaries are advisory to NSF. As has always been the practice at NSF, we will consider this advisory material in conjunction with agency-wide guidance and applicable federal standards when making funding decisions.

Is NSF proceeding with ad-hoc reviews?

Yes. Ad-hoc proposal reviews are taking place.

In light of the recent Executive Order on improving cost efficiencies, will NSF continue to host on-site panels and site visits?

No. Panels and site visits will be virtual until further notice.

How do the Executive Orders affect accessibility for in-person event planning, such as providing sign language interpreters and wheelchair access?

Nothing has changed regarding the allowability of making in-person meetings accessible.

UPDATED: Are we allowed to publish outcomes from our current work (i.e., accomplished before the EOs came out), no matter what the topic area? And if so, do we acknowledge NSF funding in our publication?

Yes. There are no restrictions on the publication of your research results. As always, acknowledgement of NSF support is required.

If my program officer is no longer with NSF, with whom should I work moving forward?

Awards (and proposals) will be reassigned to a different program officer. Institutions and researchers can view program officer information for both proposals and awards in the Proposal Status screen in Research.gov.

Should we start including a written justification for each payment request per the recent executive order on improving cost efficiencies?

Please do not change your payment submission process unless we provide guidance to all ACM$ users through our normal channels.

Can I revise a proposal that has already been submitted to the agency?

Changes in the content of a proposal may be submitted (a) prior to the deadline date; (b) prior to initiation of external peer review when a target date or no-deadline submission mechanism is utilized; and (c) prior to initiation of external peer review in the case of an unsolicited proposal. If you need to fix a technical issue with your proposal after the deadline, you must get approval from the cognizant NSF program officer. If there are major changes (like new research findings, changes in circumstances or if key personnel become unavailable) that could impact your pending proposal review, you should reach out to your program officer to discuss it. Check Chapter III.C and III.D of the PAPPG for more details.

How do the executive orders affect the NSF Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) or submitters from EPSCoR jurisdictions?

NSF EPSCoR continues to operate as described in the program's funding announcements. At this time, awardees should continue activities consistent with the current terms and conditions of their NSF EPSCoR award(s). NSF continues its overall commitment to increase investments in EPSCoR jurisdictions. Submissions from EPSCoR jurisdictions to NSF EPSCoR and other NSF funding opportunities are encouraged.

Am I allowed to hire postdocs and research assistants on my current award? Can I still train students?

Activities are permitted to proceed in accordance with the approved budget and terms and conditions of your award. If you have other questions about your award, please contact the cognizant grants officer listed in the award notice.

What is the status of NSF's advisory committees?

Consistent with the President's February 19, 2025, executive order, Commencing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy, the following federal advisory committees are disestablished as of April 15, 2025:

The following advisory committees are required in statute and will therefore continue to meet and provide advice to the NSF under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA):

Can I submit a supplement request for my active NSF award?

Please consult the program officer for your award before submitting such a request. While you may submit a request, we expect the awarding of supplemental funding will be rare. NSF recognizes there are certain funding opportunities that use supplements as their only mechanism — such as, but not limited to, the Career Life Balance opportunity. If a program officer advises you to submit a request, please follow guidance for the specific type of supplement outlined in the solicitation, Dear Colleague Letter, or PAPPG.

I have noticed that Research.gov is sometimes taken down for maintenance. Does this indicate plans to decommission or restrict the platform?

No. The purpose of the maintenance is to conduct normal security updates, bug fixes, and minor enhancements. This maintenance is planned months in advance. As a prominent IT system handling personal and proprietary research information, Research.gov requires regular maintenance to ensure it continues to effectively meet the needs of the research community and comply with federal IT standards.