The NSF funds research and education in science and engineering, through grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements. The Foundation accounts for about 20 percent of federal support to academic institutions for basic research. (MORE)

The Policy Office, in the Division of Institution and Award Support, provides general policy guidance for proposers and for awardees. The Policy Office page includes NSF regulations, other Federal regulations, notices of important policies and other information for proposers and awardees.

For case-specific help with policy and procedural questions related to an award you have received, please contact your Sponsored Programs Office, the NSF grants official identified in your award letter, or NSF's Division of Grants and Agreements (703-292-8210). Assistance with using FastLane can be requested via email (fastlane@nsf.gov).

Grant and Agreement Conditions

The Grant and Agreement Conditions page covers topics such as awardee responsibilities, Federal requirements, pre-award costs, no-cost extensions, significant project changes, travel, allowable costs, project reports, final report requirements, and more.

Outreach Programs

The NSF conducts outreach on proposal preparation and award adminstration, through Regional Grant Conferences, and FastLane outreach activities.

Federal Demonstration Partnership (FDP)

The NSF is a participant in the Federal Demonstration Partnership, testing innovative approaches to streamline processes and systems for Federally supported research and education.

Honorary Awards

The NSF administers several honorary awards, including the President's National Medal of Science, the nation's highest scientific honor.

Presidential Awards

The NSF administers several Presidential Awards programs, including the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) program, the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) program, and the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM) program.