NSF FAQs
Please visit Updates on NSF Priorities for information provided by NSF.
NSF Indirect Cost Policy FAQs
- NSF Policy Notice: Implementation of Standard 15% Indirect Cost Rate
- Stay (pause) on NSF 15% IDC Rate implementation through June 13th
5/19/2025 Update: While NSF pauses implementation of the 15%IDC cap, UW will submit proposals to NSF opportunities using UW’s current negotiated rates.
Q1: Will OSP submit proposals to funding opportunities with hard or immediate deadlines that include NSF’s new 15% indirect cost rate cap?
A1: OSP will not submit a proposal responding to a funding opportunity issued May 5th or later, or any funding opportunity that incorporates the NSF IDC cap policy. This is true even if the budget is built using UW’s current negotiated rates and even if it has a more immediate deadline.
Q2: Our PI is responding to an NSF opportunity that does not contain the new NSF IDC cap. Should we proceed?
A2: NSF has introduced uncertainty on the application of the IDC policy, no matter when the opportunity was posted and even for those open to apply “anytime.”
It is up to the PI and collaborators whether they want to invest the time knowing there is litigation pending. If a court decision is made prior to submission, that decision may influence whether we submit.
If we do not submit based on that court decision outcome (i.e. decision not in our favor and need to appeal), it would mean a lot of work on the part of the PI and collaborators for naught. A decision in favor of Institutes of Higher Education (IHEs) would mean we’d most likely proceed with submission, depending on the decision.
Q3: If we prepare a proposal and send it to OSP is OSP going to provide a review or are reviews on hold as well?
A3: If OSP were to receive proposals to NSF, we will not be reviewing unless we know there is a submission path in alignment with University policy.