NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG) is a resource from the National Science Foundation that establishes the policies, procedures, and requirements governing the preparation, submission, review, and administration of NSF grant proposals and awards. It covers proposal formatting, budget justification, data management plans, merit review criteria, and post-award reporting obligations.

All researchers and institutions seeking NSF funding must comply with the current PAPPG (NSF 24-1). Eligible applicants vary by program; the guide applies to all NSF directorates and program areas. The document is updated periodically and is the authoritative reference for NSF funding compliance.

Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) (NSF 24-1) | NSF - U.S. National Science Foundation Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) NSF 24-1: Effective for proposals submitted or due on or after May 20, 2024 Important policy updates : NSF has issued supplemental policy notices NSF 26-200 and NSF 26-202 , applying to all financial assistance awarded by the agency on or after Dec. 8, 2025 and Jan.

22, 2026, respectively. The notices supplement the 2024 Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide ( PAPPG 24-1 ) to implement time-sensitive statutes and practices. Additional notices may follow.

In the case of any inconsistency between the coverage contained in the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide and 2 CFR (including 2 CFR part 200), the coverage specified in 2 CFR applies. Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) (NSF 24-1) Share on X (formerly known as Twitter) PAPPG (NSF 24-1) dated January 22, 2024 (PDF, 4. 38 MB) Summary of Changes to the PAPPG A.

About the National Science Foundation The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent Federal agency created by Congress in 1950 to “promote the progress of science; [and] to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare” by supporting research and education in all fields of science and engineering.

From those first days, NSF has had a unique place in the Federal Government: it is responsible for the overall health of science and engineering across all disciplines. In contrast, other Federal agencies support research focused on specific missions such as health or defense. The Foundation also is committed to ensuring the nation’s supply of scientists, engineers, and science and engineering educators.

NSF recognizes the unique lived experiences of individuals from communities that are underrepresented and/or underserved in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and the barriers to inclusion and access to STEM education and careers. NSF highly encourages the leadership, partnership, and contributions in all NSF opportunities of individuals who are members of such communities supported by NSF.

This includes leading and designing STEM research and education proposals for funding; serving as peer reviewers, advisory committee members, and/or committee of visitor members; and serving as NSF leadership, program, and/or administrative staff.

NSF also highly encourages demographically diverse institutions of higher education (IHEs) to lead, partner, and contribute to NSF opportunities on behalf of their research and education communities. NSF expects that all individuals, including those who are members of groups that are underrepresented and/or underserved in STEM, are treated equitably and inclusively in the Foundation’s proposal and award process.

NSF encourages IHEs that enroll, educate, graduate, and employ individuals who are members of groups underrepresented and/or underserved in STEM education programs and careers to lead, partner, and contribute to NSF opportunities, including leading and designing STEM research and education proposals for funding.

Such IHEs include, but may not be limited to, community colleges and two-year institutions, mission-based institutions such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), women’s colleges, and institutions that primarily serve persons with disabilities, as well as institutions defined by enrollment such as Predominantly Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs), Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs).

“Broadening participation in STEM” is the comprehensive phrase used by NSF to refer to the Foundation’s goal of increasing the representation and diversity of individuals, organizations, and geographic regions that contribute to STEM teaching, research, and innovation. To broaden participation in STEM, it is necessary to address issues of equity, inclusion, and access in STEM education, training, and careers.

Whereas all NSF programs might support broadening participation components, some programs primarily focus on supporting broadening participation research and projects. Examples can be found on the NSF Broadening Participation in STEM website. NSF funds research and education in most fields of science and engineering.

It does this through grants and cooperative agreements to approximately 3,000 institutions of higher education, K-12 school systems, for-profit organizations, informal science organizations and other research organizations throughout the U.S. The Foundation accounts for about one-fourth of Federal support to IHEs for basic research.

The Foundation considers proposals [1] submitted by organizations on behalf of individuals or groups for support in most single, multi-, cross-, trans- and inter- disciplinary fields of STEM research and education convergence research.

NSF does not normally support technical assistance, pilot plant efforts, research requiring security classification, the development of products for commercial marketing, or market research for a particular project or invention. Biological research on mechanisms of disease in humans, including on the etiology, diagnosis, or treatment of disease or disorder, is normally not supported.

Biological research to develop animal models of such conditions, or the development or testing of procedures for their treatment, also are not normally eligible for support. However, research with etiology, diagnosis- or treatment-related goals that advances knowledge in engineering, mathematical, physical, computer, or information sciences is eligible for support.

Bioengineering and assistive information technology research to aid persons with disabilities also is eligible. The Foundation operates no laboratories itself but does support National Research Centers, user facilities, certain oceanographic vessels, and Antarctic research stations. See “ Funding ” and “ Awards ” on the NSF website to search using keywords for projects that have been funded and which NSF programs provided the support.

In fiscal year 2024, NSF expects to evaluate over 46,500 proposals through a competitive merit review process and make over 12,900 awards of which about 10,800 are expected to be new research grants and the remainder cooperative agreements.

One of NSF’s flagship programs, the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) helps ensure the vitality and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce; the program awards about 2,500 fellowships each year. Guidance regarding the GRFP program may be found in the program solicitation, as well as in the GRFP Administrative Guide .

The Foundation also supports cooperative research between IHEs and industry, technical research and development on innovations from the small business community, U.S. participation in international scientific and engineering efforts, and educational activities at every academic level.

For example, the Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP) collaborates with all the other NSF directorates to advance critical and emerging technologies addressing societal and economic challenges and opportunities; accelerate the translation of research results from the lab to market and society; and cultivate new education pathways leading to a demographically and experientially diverse skilled technical workforce comprising of researchers, practitioners, technicians, and entrepreneurs from all backgrounds.

TIP accomplishes these objectives by catalyzing strategic partnerships that link IHEs, for-profit organizations, nonprofit organizations, governmental, civil society, and communities of practice to cultivate innovation ecosystems throughout the U.S., growing regional economies, creating the jobs of the future, and enhancing the Nation’s long-term competitiveness.

NSF is structured much like an IHE with divisions/offices for the various disciplines and fields of science and engineering and for STEM education. NSF also uses a variety of management mechanisms to coordinate research in areas that cross traditional disciplinary boundaries. The Foundation is assisted by advisors from the scientific and engineering communities who serve on formal committees or as ad hoc reviewers of proposals.

This advisory system, which focuses on both program directions and specific proposals, involves approximately 50,000 scientists and engineers each year. NSF staff members who are experts in a certain field or area make award recommendations; Principal Investigators (PIs) receive unattributed verbatim copies of peer reviews.

Recipients are wholly responsible for conducting their project activities and preparing the results for publication and/or other forms of dissemination. Thus, the Foundation does not assume responsibility for such findings or their interpretation.

NSF has Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) and Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) capabilities that enable individuals with hearing or speech impairments to communicate with the Foundation about NSF programs, employment, or general information. TDD may be accessed at (703) 292-5090 and (800) 281-8749, FIRS at (800) 877-8339. The NSF Information Center may be reached at (703) 292-5111.

The Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) is comprised of documents relating to the Foundation's proposal and award process for the assistance programs of NSF.

The PAPPG, in conjunction with the applicable standard award conditions incorporated by reference in the award [2] , serve as the Foundation’s implementation of 2 CFR §200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. If the PAPPG and the award conditions are silent on a specific area covered by 2 CFR §200, the requirements specified in 2 CFR §200 must be followed.

The PAPPG has been designed for use by both our proposer and recipient community and NSF staff and consists of two parts: Part I sets forth NSF’s proposal preparation and submission guidelines. The coverage provides guidancefor the preparation and submission of proposals to NSF.

Some NSF programs have program solicitations that modify the general provisions of the PAPPG, and, in such cases, the guidelines provided in the solicitation must be followed. The policy and procedural guidance contained in the NSF Grants. gov Application Guide should be followed when preparing and submitting proposals to NSF via Grants.

gov. Part II of the NSF PAPPG sets forth NSF policies and procedures regarding the award, administration, and monitoring of the Foundation’s awards. Coverage includes the NSF award process, from issuance and administration of an NSF award through closeout. Guidance is provided regarding other award requirements or considerations that either are not universally applicable or do not follow the award cycle.

Part II also implements other Public Laws, Executive Orders (E. O.) and other directives insofar as they apply to awards and is issued pursuant to the authority of Section 11(a) of the NSF Act (42 U.S.C.

§ 1870). When NSF award general terms and conditions or an award notice reference a particular section of the PAPPG, then that section becomes part of the award requirements through incorporation by reference. The PAPPG does not apply to NSF procurement contracts, other arrangements, or other transactions.

For information relating to NSF contracts or other arrangements, consult the guidance maintained by the Division of Acquisition and Cooperative Support (DACs). The System for Award Management (SAM) provides detailed, public descriptions of all Federal assistance listings . SAM replaces the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA), and all CFDA.

gov functionality and data can now be found on SAM. gov . Each assistance listing, however, continues to be associated with a unique five-digit CFDA number.

NSF programs fall under the following listings on the SAM. gov site: 47. 049 -- Mathematical and Physical Sciences 47.

070 -- Computer and Information Science and Engineering 47. 074 -- Biological Sciences 47. 075 -- Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences 47.

076 -- Education and Human Resources 47. 079 -- Office of International Science & Engineering 47. 083 -- Office of Integrative Activities 47.

084 – Technology, Innovation & Partnerships ABR – Accomplishment-Based Renewal ACH – Automated Clearing House (U.S. Treasury) ACM$ – Award Cash Management Service ADPE – Automatic Data Processing Equipment APHIS – Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service AOR – Authorized Organizational Representative BFA – Budget, Finance & Award Management CA – Cooperative Agreement CAFATC – Cooperative Agreement Financial/Administrative Terms and Conditions CAP – Cost Analysis and Pre-award Branch CAPTC – Cooperative Agreement Programmatic Terms and Conditions CEQ – Council on Environmental Quality CFR – Code of Federal Regulations CGI – Continuing Grant Increment CLB – Career-Life Balance CMIA – Cash Management Improvement Act COA – Collaborators and Other Affiliations COI – Conflict of Interest Co-PI – co-Principal Investigator CSA – Cooperative Support Agreement CSB – Cooperative Support Branch DACS – Division of Acquisition and Cooperative Support DAS – Division of Administrative Services DCL – Dear Colleague Letter DFM – Division of Financial Management DGA – Division of Grants and Agreements DHHS – Department of Health and Human Services DIAS – Division of Institution and Award Support DOC – Department of Commerce DoED – Department of Education DUNS – Data Universal Numbering System DURC – Dual Use Research of Concern EAGER – EArly-Concept Grants for Exploratory Research EFT – Electronic Funds Transfer EEO – Equal Employment Opportunity F&A – Facilities & Administrative Costs FAPIIS – Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions FAR – Federal Acquisition Regulation FASED – Facilitation Awards for Scientists and Engineers with Disabilities FDP – Federal Demonstration Partnership FEMA – Federal Emergency Management Agency FFRDC – Federally Funded Research and Development Centers FIRS – Federal Information Relay Service FOIA – Freedom of Information Act FOP – Federally-owned Property FWA – Federal-Wide Assurance GC-1 – Grant General Conditions GOALI – Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry GPO – Government Publishing Office GPO – Government Publishing Office GSA – General Services Administration IACUC – Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee IBC – Institutional Biosafety Committee IHE – Institution of Higher Education IPA – Intergovernmental Personnel Act IRB – Institutional Review Board IRS – Internal Revenue Service ISE – International Science & Engineering LEP – Limited English Proficiency LFO – Large Facilities Office MREFC – Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction Account NASEM – National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine NDAA – National Defense Authorization Act NEPA – National Environmental Policy Act NIH – National Institutes of Health NSB – National Science Board NSF – National Science Foundation OECR – Office of Equity and Civil Rights OGC – Office of the General Counsel OHRP – Office for Human Research Protections OIA – Office of Integrative Activities OLAW – Office for Laboratory Animal Welfare OMB – Office of Management and Budget PAPPG – Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide PAR - Public Access Repository PHS – Public Health Service PI – Principal Investigator PNAG – Prospective New Awardee Guide POR – Project Outcomes Report for the General Public PPOP - Primary Place of Performance ProSPCT – Program Suitability and Proposal Concept Tool R&D Research & Development RAISE – Research Advanced by Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering RAM – Resolution and Advanced Monitoring Branch RAPID – Rapid Response Research RECR – Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research REU – Research Experiences for Undergraduates RIG – Research Infrastructure Guide ROA – Research Opportunity Awards RTC – Research Terms and Conditions RUI – Research in Undergraduate Institutions SAM – System for Award Management SBA – Small Business Administration SBIR – Small Business Innovation Research SPO – Sponsored Projects Office SSN – Social Security Number STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics STTR – Small Business Technology Transfer TDD – Telephonic Device for the Deaf TIP – Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships UEI – Unique Entity Identifier URL – Uniform Resource Locator USDA – U.S. Department of Agriculture VSEE – Visiting Scientist, Engineer, or Educator D.

Definitions & NSF-Recipient Relationships An award means an NSF grant or cooperative agreement.

An Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR)/Authorized Representative means the administrative official who, on behalf of the proposing organization is empowered to make certifications and representations and can commit the organization to the conduct of a project that NSF is being asked to support as well as adhere to various NSF policies and award requirements.

A Grant Agreement means a legal instrument of financial assistance between NSF and a recipient that, consistent with 31 USC §§ 6302, 6304: (1) Is used to enter into a relationship the principal purpose of which is to transfer anything of value from NSF to the recipient to carry out a public purpose authorized by a law of the United States (see 31 USC § 6101(3)); and not to acquire property or services for NSF’s direct benefit or use; (2) Is distinguished from a cooperative agreement in that it does not provide for substantial involvement between NSF and the recipient in carrying out the activity contemplated by the NSF award.

NSF makes the following two types of grants: (a) A Standard Grant means a type of grant in which NSF agrees to provide a specific level of support for a specified period of time with no statement of NSF intent to provide additional future support without submission of another proposal.

(b) A Continuing Grant means a type of grant in which NSF agrees to provide a specific level of support for an initial specified period of time, usually a year, with a statement of intent to provide additional support for the project for additional periods, provided funds are available and the results achieved warrant further support.

A Cooperative Agreement means a legal instrument of financial assistance between NSF and a recipient that, consistent with 31 U.S.C. §§ 6302–6305: (1) Is used to enter into a relationship the principal purpose of which is to transfer anything of value from NSF to the recipient to carry out a public purpose authorized by a law of the United States (see 31 U.S.C.

§ 6101(3)); and not to acquire property or services for NSF’s direct benefit or use; (2) Is distinguished from a grant in that it provides for substantial involvement between NSF and the recipient in carrying out the activity contemplated by the NSF award.

In the case of NSF, grants and cooperative agreements involve the support or stimulation of scientific and engineering research, science and engineering education or other related activities. NSF is authorized to use grants and cooperative agreements for this purpose. Grants, however, are the primary mechanism of NSF support.

A Cost Reimbursement Award means a type of award under which NSF agrees to reimburse the recipient for work performed and/or costs incurred by the recipient up to the total amount specified in the award. Such costs must be allowable in accordance with the applicable cost principles. Accountability is based primarily on technical progress, financial accounting, and fiscal reporting.

Except under certain programs and under special circumstances, NSF awards are normally cost reimbursement type awards. A Fixed Amount Award means a type of award in which NSF provides a specific level of support without regard to actual costs incurred under the award. This type of NSF award reduces some of the administrative burden and recordkeeping requirements for both the recipient and NSF.

Accountability is based primarily on performance and results. See 2 CFR §§ 200. 102(c), 200.

201(b), and 200. 333 for additional information. A Foreign Country of Concern means the People's Republic of China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, the Islamic Republic of Iran, or any other country deemed to be a country of concern as determined by the Secretary of State.

An Institution of Higher Education means an educational institution in any State that: (1) admits as regular students only persons having a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the recognized equivalent of such a certificate, or persons who meet the requirements of 20 U.S.C.

§ 1091(d); (2) is legally authorized within such State to provide a program of education beyond secondary education; (3) provides an educational program for which the institution awards a bachelor's degree or provides not less than a 2-year program that is acceptable for full credit toward such a degree, or awards a degree that is acceptable for admission to a graduate or professional degree program, subject to review and approval by the Secretary of Education; (4) is a public or other nonprofit institution; and (5) is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association, or if not so accredited, is an institution that has been granted preaccreditation status by such an agency or association that has been recognized by the Secretary for the granting of preaccreditation status, and the Secretary has determined that there is satisfactory assurance that the institution will meet the accreditation standards of such an agency or association within a reasonable time (20 U.S.C.

§ 1001(a), via 42 U.S.C. § 18901(13)). A Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program means - A.

Any program, position, or activity that includes compensation in the form of cash, in-kind compensation, including research funding, promised future compensation, complimentary foreign travel, things of non de minimis value, honorific titles, career advancement opportunities, or other types of remuneration or consideration directly provided by a foreign country at any level (national, provincial, or local) or their designee, or an entity based in, funded by, or affiliated with a foreign country, whether or not directly sponsored by the foreign country, to the targeted individual, whether directly or indirectly stated in the arrangement, contract, or other documentation at issue, in exchange for the individual— (i) engaging in the unauthorized transfer of intellectual property, materials, data products, or other nonpublic information owned by a United States entity or developed with a Federal research and development award to the government of a foreign country or an entity based in, funded by, or affiliated with a foreign country regardless of whether that government or entity provided support for the development of the intellectual property, materials, or data products; (ii) being required to recruit trainees or researchers to enroll in such program, position, or activity; (iii) establishing a laboratory or company, accepting a faculty position, or undertaking any other employment or appointment in a foreign country or with an entity based in, funded by, or affiliated with a foreign country if such activities are in violation of the standard terms and conditions of a Federal research and development award; (iv) being unable to terminate the foreign talent recruitment program contract or agreement except in extraordinary circumstances; (v) through funding or effort related to the foreign talent recruitment program, being limited in the capacity to carry out a research and development award, or required to engage in work that would result in substantial overlap or duplication with a Federal research and development award; (vi) being required to apply for and successfully receive funding from the sponsoring foreign government’s funding agencies with the sponsoring foreign organization as the recipient; (vii) being required to omit acknowledgment of the recipient organization with which the individual is affiliated, or the Federal research agency sponsoring the research and development award, contrary to the institutional policies or standard terms and conditions of the Federal research and development award; (viii) being required to not disclose to the Federal research agency or employing organization, the participation of such individual in such program, position, or activity; or (ix) having a conflict of interest or conflict of commitment contrary to the standard terms and conditions of the Federal research and development award.

And (B) A program that is sponsored by— (i) a foreign country of concern or an entity based in a foreign country of concern, whether or not directly sponsored by the foreign country of concern; (ii) an academic institution on the list developed under § 1286(c)(8) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (10 U.S.C.

§ 2358 note; Public Law 115–232); or (iii) a foreign talent recruitment program on the list developed under § 1286(c)(9) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (10 U.S.C. § 2358 note; Public Law 115–232 ).

The following are not considered malign foreign talent recruitment programs unless such activities are funded, organized, or managed by an academic institution or a foreign talent recruitment program on the lists developed under paragraphs (8) and (9) of section 1286(c) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (10 U.S.C.

4001 note; Public Law 115–232): (i) making scholarly presentations and publishing written materials regarding scientific information not otherwise controlled under current law; (ii) participation in international conferences or other inter- national exchanges, research projects or programs that involve open and reciprocal exchange of scientific information, and which are aimed at advancing international scientific understanding and not otherwise controlled under current law; and (iii) advising a foreign student enrolled at an institution of higher education or writing a recommendation for such a student, at such student’s request.

Principal Investigator (PI) – see PAPPG Exhibit II-3, Definitions of Categories of Personnel. For purposes of this document, when used throughout, the term Principal Investigator also includes Project Director and the term co-Principal Investigator also include co-Project Director. A proposal submitted to NSF must include a PI and a maximum of four co-PIs.

Recipient - means an entity that receives an award directly from NSF. The term recipient does not include subrecipients or individuals that are beneficiaries of the award. NSF awards are normally made to organizations rather than to the PI and any co-PIs identified on a proposal.

Categories of eligible proposers may be found in Chapter I.E. 2. NSF-Recipient Relationships a. Grants will be used by NSF when the accomplishment of the project objectives requires minimal NSF involvement during performance of the activities.

Grants establish a relationship between NSF and the recipient in which: (1) NSF agrees to provide up to a specified amount of financial support for the project to be performed under the conditions and requirements of the award. NSF will monitor progress and assure compliance with applicable standards.

(2) The recipient agrees to: perform the project as proposed; the prudent management of the funds provided; and carry out the supported activities in accordance with the provisions of the award. (See Chapter VI. B for the documents that comprise an NSF award.)

b. Cooperative agreements will be used by NSF when the accomplishment of the project objectives requires substantial ongoing Foundation involvement during the project performance period. Substantial agency involvement may be necessary when an activity is technically and/or managerially complex and would require extensive or close coordination between NSF and the recipient.

This, however, does not affect NSF’s right to unilaterally suspend or terminate support for cause or consider termination in accordance with Chapter XII, if it is in the best interest of NSF or the Government. The doctrine of substantial involvement is set forth in the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977 (31 USC §§ 6301-6308).

NSF utilizes two types of cooperative agreements: Standalone Cooperative Agreement (CA) , which consists of a cooperative agreement for a single, unified award where there is no need to provide separate, discrete funding and oversight for the projects or programs under that award.

Master Cooperative Agreement/Cooperative Support Agreement (CA/CSA), which consists of a master or overall agreement having separate and specific awards (CSAs) that are funded individually under the umbrella of the master agreement. CSAs have their own terms and conditions in addition to those of the master agreement.

The scope of CSAs falls within the scope of the master agreement, but each CSA has its own distinct award number and funding based on its approved budget; no funding is attached to the master CA.

Examples of projects suitable for cooperative agreements include: management of research centers, large curriculum projects, multi-user facilities, projects which involve complex subcontracting, construction or operations of major in-house university facilities and major instrumentation development, and projects in which NSF participates with other stakeholder agencies or organizations that have influence over project direction and/or development.

Under a cooperative agreement, the recipient has primary responsibility for the conduct of the project. To the extent that NSF does not reserve responsibility for coordinating or integrating the project activities with other related activities or does not assume a degree of shared responsibility for certain aspects of the project, all such responsibilities remain with the recipient.

While NSF will monitor the cooperative agreement in accordance with the terms and conditions of the award, the Foundation will not assume overall control of a project or unilaterally change or direct the project activities. The cooperative agreement will specify the extent to which NSF will advise, review, approve or otherwise be involved with project activities, as well as NSF’s right to require more clearly defined deliverables.

NSF may provide advice, guidance, or assistance of a technical, management, or coordinating nature and may require that the recipient obtain NSF prior approval of specific decisions, milestones, or project activities.

Substantial involvement is incorporated in key areas of accountability in both financial and programmatic award terms; examples include prior agency approval requirements, type and frequency of project plans, special reporting requirements, and project and recipient reviews that NSF will conduct during the term of the award.

Cooperative agreements for construction are generally funded through a separate appropriation from Congress for Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction (MREFC). NSF maintains the MREFC appropriations in a separate budget account, for major construction projects that successfully undergo a rigorous selection process.

MREFC funds cannot be co-mingled with funds for activities other than construction; therefore, NSF issues a separate award for operations and other activities related to commissioning and management of the facility or major instrument. The recipient is required to maintain an accounting system capable of segregating MREFC and operating costs, and to ensure that such costs are applied accordingly.

Many major facility awards, including those for NSF-supported Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), consist of a cooperative agreement as an umbrella award, establishing the overall basic provisions of the award, and separate cooperative support agreements.

The cooperative support agreements contain specific terms and conditions for construction activities, management and operations, research activities that are co-sponsored by other agencies, and any other focused activities that NSF needs to monitor separately from the overall objectives of the cooperative agreement.

The NSF organizations/offices described below are normally of most direct interest to the NSF proposer and recipient community. Consult the NSF website at: https://new. nsf.

gov/about/directorates-offices for the most current listing of NSF offices/directorates and an organizational chart. 1. National Science Board (NSB) The NSB was established by Congress in 1950, and along with the Director, constitutes the National Science Foundation.

The Board provides oversight for, and establishes the policies of, the agency within the framework of applicable national policies set forth by the President and Congress.

In this capacity, the Board identifies issues that are critical to NSF's future, approves NSF's strategic budget directions, approves annual budget submissions to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), approves major awards and consults on certain programs, analyzes NSF's budget to ensure progress and consistency along the strategic direction set for NSF, and ensures balance between initiatives and core programs.

In addition, the Board serves as an independent body of advisors to both the President and Congress on broad national policy issues and, together