Customer Satisfaction for NSF-Funded Mid-Scale Research

Customer Satisfaction for NSF-Funded Mid-Scale Research
Questions on Customer Satisfaction for NSF­funded Mid­Scale Research
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Customer Satisfaction for NSF-Funded Mid-Scale Research
Mid­Scale Definition: The definition of 'mid­scale' research varies among the NSF 
directorates that fund research due to differences in each directorate's average award 
size. For the purposes of this survey, mid­scale research projects are defined as 
projects with an annual budget for the entire award within the range identified below. 
These numbers are a rough guide only. 
Note that for collaborative awards, please consider the cumulative annual budget of the 
entire project. 
NSF Directorate
Biological Sciences (BIO)

Approximate "Mid­Scale" Range
$320,000/year ­ $1.3 million/year

Computer & Information Science & Engineering (CISE) $230,000/year ­ $1 million/year
Education & Human Resources (EHR)

$350,000/year ­ $2.8 million/year

Engineering (ENG)

$180,000/year ­ $4 million/year

Geosciences (GEO)

$270,000/year ­ $3 million/year

Mathematics & Physical Sciences (MPS)

$156,000/year ­ $1.6 million/year

Office of Polar Programs (OPP)

$440,000/year ­ $3 million/year

Social, Behavioral, & Economic Sciences (SBE)

$156,000/year ­ $1.2 million/year

Other Areas Not Listed Above

$150,000/year ­ $3 million/year

*1. Your institution classification:
j Doctorate­granting university
k
l
m
n
j Master’s college or university
k
l
m
n
j Baccalaureate college
k
l
m
n

j Other (please specify below):
k
l
m
n

*2. Is your institution a Minority Serving Institution (e.g., Historically Black College and

University, Hispanic Serving Institution, Tribal College or University)?

j Yes
k
l
m
n
j No
k
l
m
n

j Uncertain/no answer
k
l
m
n

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Customer Satisfaction for NSF-Funded Mid-Scale Research

*3. What is your primary position at your institution?

j Professor
k
l
m
n

j Associate professor
k
l
m
n

j Assistant professor
k
l
m
n
j Lecturer
k
l
m
n

j Instructor
k
l
m
n

j Researcher
k
l
m
n

j Vice­president/provost for research or equivalent position
k
l
m
n
j Other administrative position
k
l
m
n
j Other (please specify below):
k
l
m
n

Answer: "Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, Lecturer, Instructor, Researcher, and
Other (please specify below)," Skip to Q11.
All Other Answers Continue to Next Page.
Page 3

Customer Satisfaction for NSF-Funded Mid-Scale Research
Solicited: Proposals submitted to the National Science Foundation (NSF) in response to formal NSF 
solicitations that encourage submission in specific program areas of interest to NSF. They are more 
focused than program announcements, and usually apply for a limited period of time.
Unsolicited: Proposals submitted to NSF that are not in response to a specific, published 
solicitation. These proposals are subject only to NSF's Grant Proposal Guide. If proposals are 
submitted to NSF in response to a core program deadline or program announcement rather than a 
solicitation, they should be considered unsolicited.  
Please consider the research faculty at your institution when answering the following
question(s). 

*4. How satisfied are you currently with the following?
Other 

Very dissatisfied
The existing opportunities for solicited mid­

Somewhat 
dissatisfied

Neutral

Somewhat 
satisfied

Very satisfied

No opinion/Not 
applicable

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
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n

j
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n

j
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n

j
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n

j
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n

j
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n

j
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n

j
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n

j
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n

j
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j
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n

j
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n

j
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j
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n

j
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j
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n

j
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n

j
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n

j
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n

j
k
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n

scale research at NSF
The existing opportunities for unsolicited 
mid­scale research at NSF
The balance between unsolicited and 
solicited mid­scale research opportunities
The balance between the opportunities for 
smaller research awards and the 
opportunities for mid­scale research awards
Optional ­ If you are dissatisfied with the availability and/or balance of mid­scale opportunities, please comment on why you are
dissatisfied below: 
Other 

5

6

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Customer Satisfaction for NSF-Funded Mid-Scale Research

*5. If there is no accompanying NSF budget increase, what is your opinion on shifting

emphasis towards mid­scale research at NSF? In this situation, shifting more funds

towards mid­scale research could mean more funding for larger, more complex projects,
but fewer awards for research overall.
j Strongly oppose
k
l
m
n

j Somewhat oppose
k
l
m
n
j Neutral
k
l
m
n

j Somewhat favor
k
l
m
n
j Strongly favor
k
l
m
n

j No opinion/Not applicable
k
l
m
n

Optional ­ Assuming that there is no accompanying NSF budget increase, what type(s) of funding mechanisms would best facilitate the
research of your faculty? 

5

6

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Customer Satisfaction for NSF-Funded Mid-Scale Research

*6. How satisfied are you with each of the following aspects of NSF’s communication

with the research community regarding mid­scale research opportunities?
Very dissatisfied

Somewhat 
dissatisfied

Neutral

Somewhat 
satisfied

Very satisfied

No opinion/Not 
applicable

Timeliness of information received

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Clarity of the information received

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
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m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

*7. What is the most common way you have heard about NSF mid­scale research

opportunities? (You may select more than one answer)
c NSF email listserv
d
e
f
g
c NSF Website
d
e
f
g

c Direct communication with NSF staff
d
e
f
g

c Professional/scientific society meeting or newsletter
d
e
f
g
c Professional/scientific journal
d
e
f
g

c University sponsored research office
d
e
f
g
c Colleague
d
e
f
g

c Other (please specify below):
d
e
f
g

5
6  

8. Optional ­ Please comment on how NSF could better communicate these mid­scale
research opportunities to you and your faculty:
5

6  

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Customer Satisfaction for NSF-Funded Mid-Scale Research

*9. How satisfied are you with each of the following aspects of NSF’s support of research

infrastructure as it relates to mid­scale research?
Other 

Very dissatisfied

Somewhat 
dissatisfied

Neutral

Somewhat satisfied

Very satisfied

No opinion/Not 
applicable

Equipment

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
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m
n

j
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n

j
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n

j
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n

Facilities

j
k
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m
n

j
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m
n

j
k
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m
n

j
k
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m
n

j
k
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n

j
k
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m
n

Support personnel

j
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l
m
n

j
k
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m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

10. Optional ­ Please comment on types of infrastructure support that would facilitate the
mid­scale research of your faculty:
5

6  

Skip to Q33
Page 7

Customer Satisfaction for NSF-Funded Mid-Scale Research
Mid­Scale Definition: The definition of 'mid­scale' research varies among the NSF 
directorates that fund research due to differences in each directorate's average award 
size. For the purposes of this survey, mid­scale research projects are defined as 
projects with an annual budget for the entire award within the range identified below. 
These numbers are a rough guide only. 
Note that for collaborative awards, please consider the cumulative annual budget of the 
entire project. 
NSF Directorate

Approximate "Mid­Scale" Range

Biological Sciences (BIO)

$320,000/year ­ $1.3 million/year

Computer & Information Science & Engineering (CISE) $230,000/year ­ $1 million/year
Education & Human Resources (EHR)

$350,000/year ­ $2.8 million/year

Engineering (ENG)

$180,000/year ­ $4 million/year

Geosciences (GEO)

$270,000/year ­ $3 million/year

Mathematics & Physical Sciences (MPS)

$156,000/year ­ $1.6 million/year

Office of Polar Programs (OPP)

$440,000/year ­ $3 million/year

Social, Behavioral, & Economic Sciences (SBE)

$156,000/year ­ $1.2 million/year

Other Areas Not Listed Above

$150,000/year ­ $3 million/year

*11. Have you ever submitted a mid­scale research proposal to the National Science

Foundation (NSF)?

j Yes
k
l
m
n

j No, but I am interested in mid­scale research opportunities at NSF
k
l
m
n
j No, and I have no interest in mid­scale research at NSF
k
l
m
n

Answer: "Yes," Continue to Next Page.
Answer: "No, but I am interested in mid-scale research opportunities at NSF," Skip to Q22.
Answer: "No, and I have no interest in mid-scale research at NSF," Skip to Q34.

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Customer Satisfaction for NSF-Funded Mid-Scale Research

*12. Have you ever received funding for mid­scale research at the National Science

Foundation (NSF)?

j Yes
k
l
m
n
j No
k
l
m
n

Answer: "Yes," Skip to Q15.
Answer: "No," Continue to Next Page.

Page 9

Customer Satisfaction for NSF-Funded Mid-Scale Research
Please refer to the following definitions for the next question(s)
Solicited: Proposals submitted to the National Science Foundation (NSF) in response to formal NSF 
solicitations that encourage submission in specific program areas of interest to NSF. They are more 
focused than program announcements, and usually apply for a limited period of time. 
Unsolicited: Proposals submitted to NSF that are not in response to a specific, published 
solicitation. These proposals are subject only to NSF's Grant Proposal Guide. If proposals are 
submitted to NSF in response to a core program deadline or program announcement rather than a 
solicitation, they should be considered unsolicited.  

*13. Was the most recent proposal you submitted to NSF solicited or unsolicited?
j Solicited
k
l
m
n

j Unsolicited
k
l
m
n

*14. For your most recent proposal to NSF, what was your requested annual budget for

the entire proposal? (For collaboratives, please specify the cumulative annual budget for
the entire project)
j Less than $100,000/year
k
l
m
n
j $100­249,000/year
k
l
m
n
j $250­499,000/year
k
l
m
n

j $500­749,000/year
k
l
m
n
j $750­999,000/year
k
l
m
n
j $1­1.9 million/year
k
l
m
n

j $2­5 million/year
k
l
m
n

j $5 million/year or more
k
l
m
n
j Uncertain/no answer
k
l
m
n

Skip to Q23

Page 10

Customer Satisfaction for NSF-Funded Mid-Scale Research
Please refer to the following definitions for the next questions regarding your most recent
mid­scale proposal or award.
Solicited: Proposals submitted to the National Science Foundation (NSF) in response to formal NSF 
solicitations that encourage submission in specific program areas of interest to NSF. They are more 
focused than program announcements, and usually apply for a limited period of time. 
Unsolicited: Proposals submitted to NSF that are not in response to a specific, published 
solicitation. These proposals are subject only to NSF's Grant Proposal Guide. If proposals are 
submitted to NSF in response to a core program deadline or program announcement rather than a 
solicitation, they should be considered unsolicited.  

*15. Was the most recent mid­scale research proposal you submitted to NSF solicited or

unsolicited?
j Solicited
k
l
m
n

j Unsolicited
k
l
m
n

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Customer Satisfaction for NSF-Funded Mid-Scale Research

*16. Which NSF organization(s) reviewed your most recent mid­scale research award?

(You may select more than one)
c Uncertain/no answer
d
e
f
g

c Undergraduate Education EHR/DUE
d
e
f
g

c Biological Sciences BIO
d
e
f
g

c Engineering ENG
d
e
f
g

c Biological Infrastructure BIO/DBI
d
e
f
g

c Environmental Biology BIO/DEB
d
e
f
g
c Frontiers Office BIO/EF
d
e
f
g

c Mathematical Sciences MPS/DMS
d
e
f
g

c Social, Behavioral & Economic
d
e
f
g

ENG/CBET 

Sciences SBE 

c Civil, Mechanical & Manufacturing 
d
e
f
g

Innovation ENG/CMMI 

Systems ENG/ECCS 

BIO/MCB

c Behavioral & Cognitive Sciences 
d
e
f
g
SBE/BCS 

c Electrical, Communications & Cyber 
d
e
f
g

c Molecular & Cellular Biosciences 
d
e
f
g

c Office of Multidisciplinary Activities 
d
e
f
g
SBE/SMA 

c Engineering Education & Centers 
d
e
f
g
ENG/EEC 

c Computer & Information Science &
d
e
f
g
Engineering CISE 

c Industrial Innovation & Partnerships 
d
e
f
g
ENG/IIP 

c Computing & Communication 
d
e
f
g
Foundations CISE/CCF 

c Information & Intelligent Systems 
d
e
f
g

Research & Innovation ENG/EFRI

c Geosciences GEO
d
e
f
g

CISE/IIS

Education & Human Resources EHR

c Human Resource Development 
d
e
f
g

c Office of Integrative Activities OD/OIA
d
e
f
g

c Earth Sciences GEO/EAR
d
e
f
g

c Office of International Science & 
d
e
f
g
Engineering OD/OISE 

c Office of Polar Programs OD/OPP
d
e
f
g

Ocean Sciences GEO/OCE

c National Nanotechnology Coordination 
d
e
f
g

EHR/HRD 

c Research on Learning in Formal & 
d
e
f
g

c Office of Experimental Program To 
d
e
f
g

GEO/AGS 

c
d
e
f
g

c Office of the NSF Director OD
d
e
f
g

Stimulate Competitive Research OIA/EPSCoR 

c Atmospheric & Geospace Sciences 
d
e
f
g

c Social & Economic Sciences SBE/SES
d
e
f
g

c Office of Cyberinfrastructure OD/OCI
d
e
f
g

c Office of Emerging Frontiers in 
d
e
f
g

c Computer & Network Systems CISE/CNS
d
e
f
g

Informal Settings EHR/DRL 

c Physics MPS/PHY
d
e
f
g

Environmental, & Transport Systems 

c Graduate Education EHR/DGE
d
e
f
g

c Chemical, Bioengineering, 
d
e
f
g

c Integrative Organismal Systems BIO/IOS
d
e
f
g

c
d
e
f
g

c Materials Research MPS/DMR
d
e
f
g

c Mathematical & Physical Sciences
d
e
f
g

Office NNCO

MPS 

c Astronomical Sciences MPS/AST
d
e
f
g
c Chemistry MPS/CHE
d
e
f
g

c Other (please specify below)
d
e
f
g

If you selected "other," please explain how NSF reviewed your mid­scale research: 

5
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Customer Satisfaction for NSF-Funded Mid-Scale Research

*17. In what year did/will your most recent mid­scale research award end?
j 2016 or later
k
l
m
n
j 2015
k
l
m
n
j 2014
k
l
m
n
j 2013
k
l
m
n
j 2012
k
l
m
n
j 2011
k
l
m
n
j 2010
k
l
m
n

j 2009
k
l
m
n

j 2008
k
l
m
n

j 2007
k
l
m
n

j 2006
k
l
m
n

j 2005
k
l
m
n

j 2004
k
l
m
n

j 2003
k
l
m
n

j 2002
k
l
m
n

j 2001
k
l
m
n

j 2000
k
l
m
n

j 1990 ­ 1999
k
l
m
n

j Prior to 1990
k
l
m
n

j Uncertain/no answer
k
l
m
n

*18. What was the annual budget for the entire award? (For collaboratives, please specify

the cumulative annual budget for the entire project)
j Less than $100,000/year
k
l
m
n
j $100­249,000/year
k
l
m
n
j $250­499,000/year
k
l
m
n

j $500­749,000/year
k
l
m
n

j $750­999,000/year
k
l
m
n

j $1­1.9 million/year
k
l
m
n

j $2­5 million/year
k
l
m
n

j $5 million/year or more
k
l
m
n

j Uncertain/no answer
k
l
m
n

*19. What was your role on this award?
j Principal investigator
k
l
m
n

j Co­Principal investigator
k
l
m
n

j Other (please specify below):
k
l
m
n

5
6  

*20. How many PIs/Co­PIs were involved in the project (including you)?
j 1
k
l
m
n

j 2
k
l
m
n

j 3
k
l
m
n

j 4
k
l
m
n

j 5 or more
k
l
m
n

*21. Was the project focused on a single discipline or was it multidisciplinary?
j Single discipline
k
l
m
n
j Multidisciplinary
k
l
m
n

j Other (please specify below):
k
l
m
n

5
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Skip to Q23
Page 13

Customer Satisfaction for NSF-Funded Mid-Scale Research

*22. If you considered submitting a mid­scale research proposal to NSF in the past 10

years but did not, which of the following barriers, if any, led you to not submit your
proposal?
Major barrier Minor barrier

Not a barrier Not applicable

NSF program officers or other staff did not welcome proposals of this kind

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

There was a poor match between my idea/proposal and the available NSF 

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

The proposal budget was high

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

The proposal was high risk

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

The administrative requirements of NSF were burdensome

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

The research proposal needed a long award duration than was offered by NSF

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

The research area of the proposal may have be unfamiliar to reviewers due to its 

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

programs/solicitations

novelty
The research proposal needed expensive instrumentation

Optional ­ Please list below any other barriers or comments on why you did not submit your project to NSF: 

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Page 14

Customer Satisfaction for NSF-Funded Mid-Scale Research

*23. If you submitted a mid­scale research proposal to NSF in the past 10 years, what

barriers, if any, did you experience? If you have submitted more than one proposal to NSF
during this period, please answer based on your typical experience.
Major barrier Minor barrier

Not a barrier Not applicable

NSF program officers or other staff did not seem to welcome proposals of this kind

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

There was a poor match between my idea/proposal and the available NSF 

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

The proposal budget was high

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

The proposal was high risk

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

The administrative requirements of NSF were burdensome

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

The research proposal needed a long award duration than was offered by NSF

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

The research area of the proposal may have be unfamiliar to reviewers due to its 

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

programs/solicitations

novelty
The research proposal needed expensive instrumentation
Optional ­ Please list any other barriers you experienced below: 

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Page 15

Customer Satisfaction for NSF-Funded Mid-Scale Research

*24. How satisfied are you with each of the following aspects of NSF’s communication

with the research community regarding mid­scale research opportunities?
Very dissatisfied

Somewhat 
dissatisfied

Neutral

Somewhat 
satisfied

Very satisfied

No opinion/Not 
applicable

Timeliness of information received

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Clarity of the information received

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

*25. What is the most common way you have heard about NSF mid­scale research

opportunities? (You may select more than one answer)
c NSF email listserv
d
e
f
g
c NSF Website
d
e
f
g

c Direct communication with NSF staff
d
e
f
g

c Professional/scientific society meeting or newsletter
d
e
f
g
c Professional/scientific journal
d
e
f
g
c Colleague
d
e
f
g

c University sponsored research office
d
e
f
g
c Other (please specify below):
d
e
f
g

5
6  

26. Optional ­ Please comment on how NSF could better communicate these mid­scale
research opportunities:
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Page 16

Customer Satisfaction for NSF-Funded Mid-Scale Research

*27. In terms of current opportunities for solicited mid­scale research at NSF, what is

your opinion on the balance between flexibility and prescription within the solicitation for
each of the following?
Much too 

Somewhat too 

prescriptive

prescriptive

Scientific/topical scope

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Ability to collaborate

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Broader impacts

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Review criteria

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Education/training

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Reporting requirements

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Budgeting

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

About right

Somewhat too 
flexible

Much too flexible

No opinion/Not 
applicable

Optional ­ Other comments (please specify below): 

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Page 17

Customer Satisfaction for NSF-Funded Mid-Scale Research

*28. How satisfied are you with each of the following aspects of NSF’s support of

research infrastructure as it relates to mid­scale research?
Very dissatisfied

Somewhat 
dissatisfied

Neutral

Somewhat satisfied

Very satisfied

No opinion/Not 
applicable

Equipment

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Facilities

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Support personnel

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

29. Optional ­ Please comment on types of infrastructure support that would facilitate your
mid­scale research:
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Page 18

Customer Satisfaction for NSF-Funded Mid-Scale Research

*30. In the past five years, which of the strategies below have you used in an effort to

obtain funding for mid­scale research?

No answer/Not 

Yes

No

Submitted a single mid­scale proposal to NSF

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Submitted a single mid­scale proposal to a funding organization other than NSF

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Divided a mid­scale project into several smaller proposals and submitted the smaller proposals to one 

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

applicable

NSF program over time
Divided a mid­scale project into several smaller proposals and submitted the smaller proposals to 
more than one NSF program
Divided a mid­scale project into several smaller proposals and submitted to more than one funding 
organization (including NSF)

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Page 19

Customer Satisfaction for NSF-Funded Mid-Scale Research
Please refer to the following definitions for the next question(s)
Solicited: Proposals submitted to the National Science Foundation (NSF) in response to formal NSF 
solicitations that encourage submission in specific program areas of interest to NSF. They are more 
focused than program announcements, and usually apply for a limited period of time. 
Unsolicited: Proposals submitted to NSF that are not in response to a specific, published 
solicitation. These proposals are subject only to NSF's Grant Proposal Guide. If proposals are 
submitted to NSF in response to a core program deadline or program announcement rather than a 
solicitation, they should be considered unsolicited.  

*31. How satisfied are you currently with the following?
Very dissatisfied
The existing opportunities for unsolicited 

Somewhat 
dissatisfied

Neutral

Somewhat 
satisfied

Very satisfied

No opinion/Not 
applicable

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

mid­scale research at NSF
The existing opportunities for solicited mid­
scale research at NSF
The balance between unsolicited and 
solicited mid­scale research opportunities
The balance between the opportunities for 
smaller research awards and the 
opportunities for mid­scale research awards
Optional ­ If you are dissatisfied with the availability and/or balance of mid­scale opportunities, please comment on why you are
dissatisfied below: 

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Customer Satisfaction for NSF-Funded Mid-Scale Research

*32. If there is no accompanying NSF budget increase, what is your opinion on shifting

emphasis towards mid­scale research at NSF within your field? In this situation, shifting
more funds towards mid­scale research could mean more funding for larger, more
complex projects, but fewer awards for research overall.
j Strongly oppose
k
l
m
n

j Somewhat oppose
k
l
m
n
j Neutral
k
l
m
n

j Somewhat favor
k
l
m
n
j Strongly favor
k
l
m
n

j No opinion/Not applicable
k
l
m
n

Optional ­ Assuming that there is no accompanying NSF budget increase, what type(s) of funding mechanisms would best facilitate your
research at NSF? 

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Customer Satisfaction for NSF-Funded Mid-Scale Research
33. Thinking about NSF­funded mid­scale research, how satisfied are you with the
following aspects of your home institution's support?
Very 

Somewhat 

dissatisfied

dissatisfied

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Fostering multi­disciplinary collaborations

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Help with the administration and management of the 

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

j
k
l
m
n

Professional development (e.g., proposal writing training, 

Neutral

Somewhat 
satisfied

Very satisfied

No answer/not 
applicable

leadership training)
Help from your office of sponsored research or other 
administrative organization within your institution
Recognition of contribution to collaborative projects 
during promotion and tenure review

research project
Infrastructure support (e.g., networking capabilities, 
shared equipment)
Provision of appropriate research space

Optional ­ Please comment on what your home institution could do to better facilitate NSF­funded mid­scale research? 

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Customer Satisfaction for NSF-Funded Mid-Scale Research
34. Do you have any further comments about mid­scale research at NSF?
(Response limited to 1600 characters. Please remember to click "Done" when finished,
otherwise you may lose your responses)
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