1. How do I apply to get CISE funding for my research and education?

Review the CISE funding opportunities at
http://www.cise.nsf.gov/funding/index.cfm

2. Am I required to use FastLane to prepare and submit my proposal to CISE?

All proposals to NSF must be submitted electronically via the NSF FastLane system. For proposers who cannot submit electronically, an exception may be approved in advance of submission of the paper proposal in accordance with GPG Chapter II.A.

3. How will my proposal be evaluated?

All NSF proposals are evaluated through use of the two National Science Board approved merit review criteria. In some instances, however, NSF will employ additional criteria to highlight the specific objectives of certain programs and activities. For more information on the NSF Merit Review criteria, see GPG Chapter III.A. For more information on additional criteria, review the specific program solicitation you are interested in applying for.

4. What are the guidelines concerning collaborative proposals?

A collaborative proposal is one in which investigators from two or more organizations wish to collaborate on a unified research project. Collaborative proposals may be submitted to NSF in one of two methods: as a single proposal, in which a single award is being requested (with subawards administered by the lead organization); or by simultaneous submission of proposals from different organizations, with each organization requesting a separate award. In either case, the lead organizations proposal should contain all of the requisite sections as a single package to be provided to reviewers. All collaborative proposals should clearly describe the roles to be played by the other organizations, specify the managerial arrangements, and explain the advantages of the multi-organizational effort within the project description. PIs are strongly encouraged to contact the cognizant NSF Program Officer prior to submission of a collaborative proposal.

5. What happens if a program announcement/solicitation deadline falls on a weekend or Federal holiday?

If the deadline falls on a weekend, it will be extended to the following Monday; if the date falls on a holiday, it will be extended to the following business day.

6. What is the difference between deadlines, target dates and submission windows?

Unless otherwise stated in a program announcement or solicitation, proposals must be received by the specified date (and time, where indicated). Deadlines are dates after which proposals will not be accepted for review by NSF. The deadline date will be waived only in extenuating circumstances. Proposals received after a target date will be reviewed although they may miss a particular panel or committee meeting. Submission windows are designated periods of time during which proposals will be accepted for review by NSF.

7. Can I submit a previously declined proposal?

A declined proposal may be resubmitted, but only after it has undergone substantial revision. Resubmissions that have not clearly taken into account the major comments or concerns resulting from the prior NSF review may be returned without further review. Revised proposals are subject to NSF´s standard merit review process as are new proposals.

8. Are there any special requirements for proposals that involve the use of human subjects?

Projects involving research with human subjects must ensure that subjects are protected from research risks in conformance with the relevant Federal policy known as the Common Rule (Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects, 45 CFR 690). All projects involving human subjects either must have approval from the organization´s Institutional Review Board (IRB) before issuance of an NSF award, or affirm that the IRB has declared the research exempt from continued oversight, in accordance with the applicable subsection of section 101(b) of the Common Rule. The box for Human Subjects must be checked on the proposal Cover Sheet with the IRB approval date (if available) or exemption subsection from the Common Rule identified in the space provided. If IRB approval has not been obtained prior to submission, the proposer should indicate Pending in the space provided for the approval date.

9. What is the Cyber Security Research and Development Act?

The Cyber Security Research and Development Act (15 U.S.C.A. 7401-7411) authorizes funding for computer and network security research and development programs, amongst other things. The Act contains grant eligibility requirements which include compliance with recordkeeping and reporting associated with certain immigration laws. This includes the requirement that universities participate in the new Student Exchange Visitor Information System, which provides tracking, monitoring, and access to accurate and current information on nonimmigrant students and exchange visas. The Homeland Security and State Departments will monitor institutions' compliance with these requirements. In addition, financial assistance provided under the Act may not be used to support any alien from a country that is a state sponsor of international terrorism unless that individual has a visa permitting him or her to enter and remain in the United States.

10. Where do I get information about the Information Technology Research Program (ITR)?

Please view the ITR website at: http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/itr/