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Working with NSF

Sponsor-specific resources related to working with the National Science Foundation (NSF)

Examples of U-M Sponsored Projects with NSF

National Science Foundation

NSF Proposal Checklist

Tips on Working with NSF

In working with NSF,  use Research. gov. Fastlane, a predecessor to Grants.gov, has been phased out. Read more about the transition to Research.gov.

Most other federal sponsors use Grants.gov for their proposals.

  • ORSP advises against using Grants.gov for proposals to NSF
    • Corrections need to be made in FastLane
    • FastLane validations not applied in Grants.gov - 
  • New users are able to register directly through Research.govExisting users in FastLane will be migrated to the new system through a simple, one-time operation when signing in to FastLane or Research.gov.

NSF PAPPGCover art page of new NSF PAPPG

The National Science Foundation's (NSF) new PAPPG (Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide), effective for proposals with off-campus or off-site work due on or after January 30, 2023. Significant changes are detailed in this announcement.

Safe and Inclusive Work Environments

U-M Plan Template

ORSP has developed a Safe and Inclusive Work Environment Plan Template for such projects.

  • For NSF BIO and GEO Directorates: Several solicitations from BIO and GEO now require the submission of this plan, which will be considered as part of the Broader Impacts criteria during the review process. 
  • For other NSF DirectoratesThe PI and project team need not submit the plan to NSF for review in the proposal, but they must create the plan

Also see the Safe & Inclusive Working Environment web page.

NSF Public Access PlanNSF Public Access Plan 2.0

NSF Public Access Policy 2.0 - Ensuring Open, Immediate and Equitable Access to National Science Foundation Funded Research.  Updated February 2023.