2022 NSF Policy Updates

2022 NSF PAPPG (22-1)

A revised version of the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) (NSF 22-1) is effective for proposals submitted, or due, on or after
October 4, 2021.

Go to PAPPG

Quick Links

Significant Changes Include:

New Table: NSF Pre-award and Post-award Disclosures Relating to the Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending Support

A table entitled, NSF Pre-award and Post-award Disclosures Relating to the Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending Support, has been developed to provide helpful reference information regarding pre-award and post-award disclosure information in the biographical sketch and current and pending support proposal sections. The table identifies where these disclosures must be provided in proposals as well as in project reports.

Go to table

PI Document Updates

Biosketch Updates

2022 Changes

  • NSF-approved biographical sketch formats were updated to incorporate revisions in the 2022 PAPPG. New templates be used for proposals submitted or due on or after October 4, 2021.
    • See the NSF Biosketch Website for the most current PDF template.
    • SciENcv documents created using the previous version (i.e., NSF 20-1) prior to October 4th are automatically converted in SciENcv to the current version after October 4th.
  • Page limit increased to 3 pages.
  • One may use “et al.” in the author list to make room for publications in Biosketch PDF template.
  • Synergistic Activities – CLARIFICATION
    • Should be specific, single activities and not include multiple examples or paragraphs to further describe the activity.
    • Acceptable: “Proposal reviewer for four federal agencies” OR “Proposal reviewer for NSF” and “Proposal reviewer for DOE” (separate items)
    • Unacceptable: “Proposal reviewer for NSF, DOE, NASA and DOD”

Reminder: Must use an NSF-approved format:

Resources:

Current & Pending Support Updates

2022 Changes:

  • NSF-approved current & pending support formats were updated to incorporate revisions in the 2022 PAPPG. New templates be used for proposals submitted or due on or after October 4, 2021.
    • See the NSF Current & Pending Support website for the most current PDF template.
    • SciENcv documents created using the previous version (i.e., NSF 20-1) prior to October 4th are automatically converted in SciENcv to the current version after October 4th.
  • Objectives and overlap with other projects must be provided.
  • New language addresses the purpose of current & pending support documents in the merit review process.
  • Guidelines have been updated to include information about the NSF Pre-award and Post-award Disclosures Relating to the Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending Support.
  • Removal of Blank Pages from the Current and Pending Support Fillable PDF: Research.gov, FastLane, and Grants.gov will remove any pages which do not contain data entered by users (i.e., blank pages) from the NSF-approved current and pending support fillable PDF.
    • The trimming service only applies to the NSF-approved current and pending support fillable PDF and not to any other uploaded PDFs. Current and pending support PDFs generated in SciENcv do not include blank pages.
  • Biographical sketches and current and pending support information also must be uploaded with Change of Principal Investigator (PI) and Add/Change co-PI requests in FastLane.

Reminder: Must use an NSF-approved format:

Resources

Reporting Appointments

Federal sponsors are applying more scrutiny to appointments listed by senior personnel in standard PI documents.
NSF appointments defined:
“Appointments include any titled academic, professional, or institutional position whether or not remuneration is received, and whether full-time, part-time, or voluntary (including adjunct, visiting, or honorary). With regard to professional appointments, senior personnel must identify all current domestic and foreign professional appointments outside of the individual’s academic, professional, or institutional appointments at the proposing organization.”
NSF PAPPG Ch.II.C.2.f.i.b.

Other Significant Changes

Proposal Types in Research.gov
  • Planning proposals must now be submitted via Research.gov.
  • Research.gov now accepts the following formats and proposal types.
    • Letters of Intent
    • Full Proposals
      • for the following proposal types: Research, Planning, RAPID, EAGER, GOALI, Ideas Lab, FASED, Conference, Equipment, Travel
    • Preliminary Proposals
      • for Ideas Lab only
    • Renewal Proposals
    • Accomplishment Based Renewal Proposals
  • View the Research.gov Submission Capabilities website for more information about proposals and documents processed through Research.gov.
Career Life-Balance (CLB) Supplement Requests

Career-Life Balance (CLB) Supplemental Funding Requests, has been added as a new “Other Proposal Type”. In recognition of the challenges faced by primary caregivers and those with families, NSF is offering supplemental funding to STEM PIs at all career levels. For more on CLB Supplements visit PAPPG Ch.II.E.8.

Travel Proposal Requirement Update

In Travel proposals, Authorized Organizational Representatives must certify that prior to the proposer’s participation in the meeting for which NSF travel support is being requested, the proposer will assure that the meeting organizer has a written policy or code-of-conduct addressing harassment.

See WU OSRS language about certifying the WU Discrimination & Harrassment Policy.

Grant Closeout

PAPPG Chapter VII.D.5 incorporates new requirements specified in 2 CFR §200.344(i). If a grantee does not submit all required reports within one year of the period of performance end date, NSF must report the grantee’s material failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the award with the OMB-designated integrity and performance system.