SUBJECT: Administration of National Science Foundation Grants
SUPERSEDES: GIM 8, Rev/May 2, 1994
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has released a revised Grant Proposal Guide (GPG) 99-2 dated October, 1998. It supersedes the prior version (NSF 98-2) dated October, 1997. A summary of the significant changes and other pertinent information is explained in Appendix A. Also, NSF made several changes to the NSF Grant General Conditions (GC-1) as revised October, 1998 (Appendix B). The GPG and GC-1 are available from Office of Sponsored Programs as well as NSF and may be downloaded from the Web via the NSF or OSP Web site. The NSF Web site is located at http://www.nsf.gov and the OSP Web site is at http://www.washington.edu/research/osp/.
The GPG has been modified to include additional coverage on the NSF FastLane system and other electronic sources of information such as the NSF Web site and the availability of the NSF Custom News Service. Clarification is given that some NSF programs and program announcements may require electronic submission of all or part of a proposal, including unsolicited proposals. Proposers are advised to check the FastLane Web site prior to proposal submission to check whether submission via FastLane is required. Implementation of the NSF electronic Project Reporting System is described. Effective October 1, 1998, Principal Investigators (PIs) are required to use the new reporting format for preparation of annual and final project reports.
Some key points to note when preparing proposals include:
Subcontract budgets must be signed by the subcontract PI and an authorized representative of the organization receiving the award.
For proposals submitted on FastLane, a signed cover sheet must be forwarded to NSF within five working days following proposal submission. For proposals including the participation of a subcontractor, the signed cover sheet must be accompanied by budget pages signed by the authorized representative of the organization receiving the subcontract award.
Chapter II, Instructions for Proposal Preparation has been supplemented with a web address for frequently asked questions.
The name of the PI(s) is required to be submitted on the new NSF Information Form 1225. This form must be submitted for each identified PI and co-PI on the proposal.
The requirement to submit the Results from Prior NSF Support via the new FastLane Project Reporting System is deleted until further notice.
The References Cited section of the proposal should not be used to provide parenthetical information outside of the 15 page project description.
The NSF cover sheet (see Attachment 1) has been revised to:
Changes incorporated in the Grant General Conditions include:
Requests for action requiring University approval such as pre-award costs and no cost extension including a full justification for the proposed action should be transmitted to Office of Sponsored Programs. A no cost extension may be authorized for one time up to 12 months. Requests for such an extension should be forwarded to Office of Sponsored Programs at least three weeks prior to the grant expiration date. Those actions requiring prior approval by NSF should continue to be sent through Office of Sponsored Programs for concurrence. See Article 2 of the Grant General Conditions for those actions requiring NSF prior approval.
Also, when a no-cost extension is requested, both the estimated unexpended balance and the scientific justification to complete the project must be provided in order for OSP to make an informed decision as to the appropriateness of the request.
If outside consultants are used and paid on NSF awards, they may not be compensated more than that of NSF's policy for the limit on their daily rate of pay (see Article 6 of Appendix B).
Finally, when preparing the NSF cover sheet Form 1207, (Attachment) please answer "No" to the two questions under Debt and Debarment Certifications. Office of Sponsored Programs e-mail address is osp@u.washington.edu The NSF cover sheet and budget page (NSF Form 1030, Attachment) should be used for all NSF proposals. NSF forms may be downloaded from the NSF or OSP Web site.
Please note that the PI, per GIM 10, is required to affirm on the University GC-1 form that all investigators or any other person who is responsible for the design, conduct or reporting of research or educational activities funded or proposed for funding, by an external sponsor, have read the University Investigator Significant Financial Interest Disclosure Policy and attest that the proposed project does or does not require the completion of the University Significant Financial Interest Disclosure form. If the answer is affirmative, the Office of Research will review the disclosed interest and such review must reach a conclusion for eliminating or managing any conflict of interest before any expenses are incurred under the award.
Questions may be directed to Office of Sponsored Programs, extension 3-4043.
Office of Sponsored Programs
Assistant Vice Provost for Research
NOTE: "Attachments 1, 2 and Appendix B" can be found in the "Grants Information Memoranda" Manual, "GIM 8" at your nearest Reference Station. Reference Station locations are listed in your Campus Telephone Directory on the inside of the back cover.
