Science and Technology Centers Solicitation

Science and Technology Centers: Integrative Partnerships
(STC)
Discovery and Innovation to Address Vexing Scientific and Societal Challenges

PROGRAM SOLICITATION
NSF 22-521
REPLACES DOCUMENT(S):
NSF 19-567
National Science Foundation
Office of Integrative Activities
Directorate for Biological Sciences
Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering
Directorate for Education and Human Resources
Directorate for Engineering
Directorate for Geosciences
Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences
Preliminary Proposal Due Date(s) (required) (due by 5 p.m. submitter's local time):
     February 01, 2022
Full Proposal Deadline(s) (due by 5 p.m. submitter's local time):
     August 29, 2022

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND REVISION NOTES
Clarification of preliminary proposal solicitation-specific review criteria. Requirement that the proposers submit the list of all participants and participating
organizations via email.
Any proposal submitted in response to this solicitation should be submitted in accordance with the revised NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide
(PAPPG) (NSF 22-1), which is effective for proposals submitted, or due, on or after October 4, 2021.

SUMMARY OF PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
General Information
Program Title:
Science and Technology Centers: Integrative Partnerships
Synopsis of Program:
The Science and Technology Centers (STC): Integrative Partnerships program supports exceptionally innovative, complex research and
education projects that require large-scale, long-term awards. STCs focus on creating new scientific paradigms, establishing entirely new
scientific disciplines and developing transformative technologies which have the potential for broad scientific or societal impact. STCs conduct
world-class research through partnerships among institutions of higher education, national laboratories, industrial organizations, other public or
private entities, and via international collaborations, as appropriate. They provide a means to undertake potentially groundbreaking
investigations at the interfaces of disciplines and/or highly innovative approaches within disciplines. STCs may involve any area of science and
engineering that NSF supports. STC investments support the NSF vision of creating and exploiting new concepts in science and engineering
and providing global leadership in research and education.
Centers provide a rich environment for encouraging future scientists, engineers, and educators to take risks in pursuing discoveries and new

1

knowledge. STCs foster excellence in education by integrating education and research, and by creating bonds between learning and inquiry
so that discovery and creativity fully support the learning process.
NSF expects STCs to both involve individuals who are members of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in science and
engineering at all levels within the Center (faculty, staff, students, and postdoctoral researchers) as well as be a leader in broadening
participation in STEM. Individuals who may be underrepresented in STEM include those who identify as women, persons with disabilities,
Blacks and African Americans, Hispanics and Latinos, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Other Pacific Islanders. The
terms for these racial and ethnic populations are derived from the US government's guidance for federal statistics and administrative reporting
(OMB Statistical Policy Directive No. 15, Race and Ethnic Standards for Federal Statistics and Administrative Reporting). Although these
social identities are listed separately, they do not exist in isolation from each other and the intersection of one of more of these social identities
may need to be considered when designing plans for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the STC Center. Centers may use either proven, or
innovative mechanisms based on the relevant literature, to address issues such as recruitment, retention, success, and career progression of
all individuals in the Center.
Centers must undertake activities that facilitate knowledge transfer, i.e., the exchange of scientific and technical information with the objective
of disseminating and utilizing knowledge broadly in multiple sectors. Examples of knowledge transfer include technology transfer, providing
key information to public policy-makers, or dissemination of knowledge from one field of science to another.
Cognizant Program Officer(s):
Please note that the following information is current at the time of publishing. See program website for any updates to the points of contact.
Dragana Brzakovic,
telephone:
(703)292-5033,
email: [email protected]
Applicable Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s):
47.041
--- Engineering
47.049
--- Mathematical and Physical Sciences
47.050
--- Geosciences
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 and Engineering
47.083
--- Office of Integrative Activities (OIA)

Award Information
Anticipated Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement
Estimated Number of Awards: up to 5
Centers. Each award will be made as a cooperative agreement to the lead institution, with an initial commitment for five years of support and a possibility of
continuation for five additional years. Number of awards is approximate and subject to availability of funds in FY2023.
Anticipated Funding Amount: $30,000,000
Up to $30,000,000 annually, subject to the appropriation of funds.

Eligibility Information
Who May Submit Proposals:
Proposals may only be submitted by the following:
Preliminary proposals and invited full proposals may only be submitted by domestic (United States) institutions of higher education
that are located in the United States, its territories or possessions, and have doctoral degree-granting research and education
programs in any area of research supported by NSF. The lead institution is expected to develop partnerships or arrangements with
other universities, colleges, or other institutions, such as national laboratories, research museums, private sector research
laboratories, state and local government laboratories, and international organizations as appropriate to enable the Center to attain its
strategic goals.
Who May Serve as PI:
The PI must be a full-time faculty member at an institution of higher education and have an established record of leading research teams.
Limit on Number of Proposals per Organization: 3
A single organization may submit a maximum of three preliminary proposals as the lead institution. Full proposals are to be submitted only
when invited by NSF. There is no limit on the number of proposals in which an organization participates as a partner institution. The STC
program will not support more than one Center from any one lead institution in this competition.
Limit on Number of Proposals per PI or co-PI: 1
A PI or co-PI on one proposal in this competition may not be a participant in another STC proposal under review in the same competition. If a
proposal is declined at any stage of the review process, a PI or co-PI on the declined proposal may then participate in another STC proposal.
This eligibility constraint will be strictly enforced. In the event that an individual exceeds this limit, proposals will be accepted based on the

2

earliest date and time of proposal submission (i.e., the first compliant proposal received will be accepted and the others will be returned
without review).

Proposal Preparation and Submission Instructions
A. Proposal Preparation Instructions
Letters of Intent: Not required
Preliminary Proposals: Submission of Preliminary Proposals is required. Please see the full text of this solicitation for further information.
Full Proposals:
Full Proposals submitted via FastLane: NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG) guidelines apply. The complete
text of the PAPPG is available electronically on the NSF website at: https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg.
Full Proposals submitted via Grants.gov: NSF Grants.gov Application Guide: A Guide for the Preparation and Submission of NSF Applications
via Grants.gov guidelines apply (Note: The NSF Grants.gov Application Guide is available on the Grants.gov website and on the NSF website
at: https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=grantsgovguide).
B. Budgetary Information
Cost Sharing Requirements:
Inclusion of voluntary committed cost sharing is prohibited.
Indirect Cost (F&A) Limitations:
Not applicable.
Other Budgetary Limitations:
Not Applicable
C. Due Dates
Preliminary Proposal Due Date(s) (required) (due by 5 p.m. submitter's local time):
     February 01, 2022
Full Proposal Deadline(s) (due by 5 p.m. submitter's local time):
     August 29, 2022

Proposal Review Information Criteria
Merit Review Criteria:
National Science Board approved criteria. Additional merit review criteria apply. Please see the full text of this solicitation for further information.

Award Administration Information
Award Conditions:
Additional award conditions apply. Please see the full text of this solicitation for further information.
Reporting Requirements:
Additional reporting requirements apply. Please see the full text of this solicitation for further information.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Summary of Program Requirements
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.

Introduction
Program Description
Award Information
Eligibility Information
Proposal Preparation and Submission Instructions
A. Proposal Preparation Instructions
B. Budgetary Information
C. Due Dates

3

D. FastLane/Grants.gov Requirements
VI. NSF Proposal Processing and Review Procedures
A. Merit Review Principles and Criteria
B. Review and Selection Process
VII. Award Administration Information
A. Notification of the Award
B. Award Conditions
C. Reporting Requirements
VIII. Agency Contacts
IX. Other Information

I. INTRODUCTION
The Science and Technology Centers: Integrative Partnerships — Concept
The Science and Technology Centers (STC): Integrative Partnerships-Discovery and Innovation to Address Vexing Scientific and Societal Challenges program
supports exceptionally innovative, complex research and education projects that require large-scale, long-term awards. STCs focus on creating new scientific
paradigms, establishing entirely new scientific disciplines, and developing transformative technologies that have the potential for broad scientific or societal
impact. STCs conduct world-class research through partnerships among institutions of higher education, national laboratories, industrial organizations, other
public and private entities, and via international collaborations, as appropriate.
The STC program supports potentially groundbreaking investigations at the interfaces of disciplines or highly innovative approaches within disciplines. When
appropriate teams are encouraged to embrace convergence to achieve deep integration across disciplines and sectors. STCs may involve any area of science
and engineering that NSF supports. STCs exploit opportunities in science, engineering and technology where the complexity of the research agenda requires
the duration, scope, scale, flexibility, and facilities that center support can provide. They help enable U.S. leadership in research in a world in which discovery,
learning, and innovation enterprises are increasingly interconnected and increasingly global. Centers offer the science and engineering community a venue for
developing effective mechanisms to integrate scientific and technological research and education activities; to explore better and more effective ways to educate
students; to broaden participation of underrepresented groups and underresourced institutions; and to ensure the timely transfer of research and education
advances made in service to society. STC partner organizations work together with the lead institution as an integrated whole to achieve the shared research,
education, broadening participation, and knowledge-transfer goals of the Center. The STC program seeks to ensure a diverse portfolio of centers including
diversity among types of institutions leading centers and diversity amongst center directors.

II. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
A. Objectives of the STC Program are to:
Support potentially groundbreaking investigations at the interfaces of disciplines or highly innovative approaches within disciplines;
Support research and education of the highest quality, in a center-based environment, where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts;
Exploit opportunities in science, education, engineering and/or technology where the complexity of the research agenda requires the advantages of
scope, scale, flexibility, duration, equipment, and facilities that a Center can provide;
Support the creation of new scientific paradigms, establishment of new scientific disciplines, and development of transformative technologies;
Foster science and engineering in service to society;
Engage and develop the Nation's intellectual talent, including groups underrepresented in the sciences, mathematics and engineering, in the conduct of
research and education activities;
Increase the participation of minority-serving institutions in center-scale science and engineering research;
Promote organizational connections and linkages within and between campuses, K-12 educational institutions, and the world beyond (e.g., state, local,
Federal agencies, national labs, industry, international collaborations), capitalizing upon cyberinfrastructure and modern communication technologies to
facilitate these linkages;
Focus on integrative learning and discovery and the preparation of U.S. students for a broad set of career paths; and
Support research collaborations that energize the Nation's economic competitiveness, sustain its global leadership in science and engineering, expand
the geography of innovation, and improve the quality of life for everyone.
B. Characteristics of Science and Technology Centers
The lead institution accepts overall management and budgetary responsibility for the proposed Center and is responsible for oversight of subawards to partner
institutions. The partners comprising an STC share a common research vision and work on developing sustainable collaborations while jointly pursuing highly
innovative research pathways to address deep scientific questions or pressing societal needs. They capitalize on the latest scientific and technological
developments to seek ways to develop groundbreaking, sometimes risky approaches, to address what seem to be intractable problems. They work towards
developing and maintaining a flexible and agile research plan to accommodate change as the research proceeds, new challenges and opportunities arise, and
the global landscape of science evolves.
STCs may vary in size and exhibit diverse forms of organization, collaboration, and operation suited to their individual needs. Not every partner must support
every aspect of the Center's activity, but all of the expected features of a Center must be accomplished via the integrated portfolio of the partners' activities.
Partnerships may include multi-organizational collaborations or arrangements with other universities/colleges, national laboratories, research museums, private
sector research laboratories, industrial organizations, state and local government laboratories, and international collaborations. NSF encourages, but does not
require, STCs to include international dimensions (e.g., collaboration with foreign research partners and international research experiences for students) to
enhance research and promote a diverse, internationally competitive science and engineering workforce.
The STC program seeks to support education activities directed toward the development of a diverse, globally engaged workforce of scientists, engineers, and
citizens, well-prepared for a broad set of career paths. The education goals of an STC may address the needs of students participating in the Center's research
activities or students in broader fields of research represented by the STC activities. STCs are encouraged to focus their education efforts on specific programs

4

that are appropriately integrated into the research activities of the Center rather than attempting to be comprehensive. Education programs and activities should
be developed in the context of current education research and be monitored through a formal evaluation effort.
NSF expects STCs to demonstrate leadership in the involvement of groups traditionally underrepresented in science and engineering, at all levels (faculty,
students, and postdoctoral researchers) within the Center. STCs are encouraged to form substantive and long-term partnerships and collaborations among
various types of institutions, in particular with institutions that serve diverse populations of students and have diverse faculty in STEM. STC partnerships are
expected to include minority-serving institutions. Ideally, all academic partners will contribute to the research education and broadening participation components
of the STC. Increasing the participation and inclusion of a diverse U.S. citizenry in STEM is essential to the health and vitality of science and engineering.
STCs foster knowledge transfer that involves the exchange of scientific and technical information between the Center and external stakeholders who can then
apply and utilize the knowledge to create further advances. Examples of knowledge transfer include, but are not limited to, providing key information to support
policy-making decisions and establishing spinoff companies, license agreements or other technology transfer arrangements to support innovation. Knowledge
transfer can be facilitated in a variety of ways, including but not limited to formal partnerships established through membership agreements, visiting
research/teaching positions for industrial scientists at the STC, external use of industrial or university facilities, student internships in industry or public policy
arenas, student mentoring by industrial or other partners, innovative use of cyberinfrastructure, informal science education, and/or other mechanisms.
C. Leadership, Management, and Oversight of STCs
One of the partner institutions acts as the lead institution and accepts overall management and budgetary responsibility for the proposed Center. The Center
Director must provide the leadership to develop and lead a diverse team to fulfill the vision of the Center. It is expected that the Center Director will have
experience in leading research teams and excellent verbal and written communication skills. S/he is responsible for the management, staffing, and resource
allocation of the Center, and for serving as the liaison between the Center and the national network of STC Directors. The Center Director must ensure that the
STC develops the ability to communicate effectively with NSF and the other STCs electronically, including web-based distribution of information and
videoconferencing capability. Key members of the Center management team must possess appropriate management experience and qualifications to administer
their components of the Center. The Center team must develop a management plan to share responsibilities appropriately.
STC Directors participate in the National Network of STC Directors. This group is charged with addressing common goals, problems, and opportunities, and
facilitating personnel and resource exchanges as well as ensuring linkages and cooperation among STCs. Typical functions of this Network include: facilitating
interactions to address research, education, and management issues and opportunities that transcend individual Center capabilities; planning joint
implementation strategies, workshops, and other forums; developing and sharing best practices; and arranging for documents, web-sites or other forms of
engagement to enhance public understanding of the importance of science, engineering, technology and education advances in service to society.
Each Center will establish, maintain, and convene at least annually an External Advisory Committee (EAC). The function of the EAC is to provide guidance,
advice, and direction for all of a Center's activities, consistent with its vision, goals, and objectives. The EAC must include members who are able to assess each
aspect of the project including management, research, education, broadening participation, and knowledge transfer. EAC membership is subject to NSF
approval and must include representatives from those sectors served by the Center (e.g., institutions of higher education, industry, state and local agencies,
national laboratories). The EAC must include members from groups that are underrepresented in science and engineering. Individuals with a financial,
institutional, or collaborative connection to the Center may not serve as members of the EAC.
D. Summary of STC Features
Each STC must:
Be focused on exceptionally innovative, complex research and education projects that require large-scale, long-term funding;
Be based at an institution of higher education which assumes responsibility for oversight of subawards to all other partner institutions;
Be directed by a faculty member with experience in leading research teams;
Demonstrate institutional commitment to achieving strategic goals that are shared by the lead and other partnering institutions;
Establish multi-institutional collaborations or linkages with other universities/colleges, national laboratories, research museums, private sector research
laboratories, state and local government organizations, and international collaborations, as appropriate;
Develop a management plan that integrates the research, education, broadening participation, and knowledge transfer activities across all partners and
affiliates;
Incorporate diverse teams at all organizational levels of the Center that include members of groups underrepresented in STEM;
Provide research and education opportunities for U.S. students, postdoctoral researchers and faculty that will result in outcomes consonant with the
Center's goals;
Facilitate knowledge transfer through significant intellectual exchange among various types of institutions and organizations (e.g., nonprofit
organizations; national laboratories; industry; Federal, state, and local governments); and,
Establish and convene at least annually an External Advisory Committee to provide guidance, advice, and oversight.
E. Timeline for this FY 2021 to FY 2023 STC competition:
Preliminary proposals due February 1, 2022
Invited list informed, end of May 2022
Invited full proposals due August 29, 2022
Notification of invitation for site visit, late November 2022
Site visits, January 2023
Anticipated start date of awards, September 1, 2023

III. AWARD INFORMATION
Up to a total of $30 million may be available, pending the availability of funds, for first-year support of newly funded Centers beginning in FY 2023. NSF expects
to make up to 5 awards, contingent on availability of funds and receipt of competitive proposals. Each award will be made as a cooperative agreement to the
lead institution, with an initial commitment for five years of support and a possibility of continuation for five additional years. The amount of NSF’s investment in
each Center will depend upon the needs, plans, and opportunities offered by the Center, as well as the availability of NSF funds. Oversight of each individual
STC is the responsibility of the appropriate NSF directorate in coordination with the Office of Integrative Activities (OIA).

5

Support for each year of the cooperative agreement of a funded STC will be contingent upon a satisfactory annual review of the Center’s progress and future
plans, with an emphasis on the quality of the research, education, broadening participation and knowledge transfer activities. In the fourth year of operation, the
STC may submit a continuation proposal for five additional years of NSF support. During the subsequent annual review, the STC’s achievements and future
plans will be evaluated comprehensively to determine if the STC is meeting its goals and objectives as well as the goals and objectives of the STC Program.
This in-depth review will consist of an ad hoc and/or panel review of the continuation proposal and a formal on-site review, involving external reviewers who will
produce a written report to NSF. Centers successful in passing the fourth-year review will be continued for another five years, commencing at the beginning of
the sixth year. The cooperative agreement will include a two-year phase-out period for years nine and ten. Centers that pass the fourth-year review will continue
to be reviewed by NSF every 12 months. Centers that do not pass the fourth-year review will be phased-out over a one-year period at a reduced level of
support. The NSF may support an STC for a maximum of ten years.

IV. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
Who May Submit Proposals:
Proposals may only be submitted by the following:
Preliminary proposals and invited full proposals may only be submitted by domestic (United States) institutions of higher education
that are located in the United States, its territories or possessions, and have doctoral degree-granting research and education
programs in any area of research supported by NSF. The lead institution is expected to develop partnerships or arrangements with
other universities, colleges, or other institutions, such as national laboratories, research museums, private sector research
laboratories, state and local government laboratories, and international organizations as appropriate to enable the Center to attain its
strategic goals.
Who May Serve as PI:
The PI must be a full-time faculty member at an institution of higher education and have an established record of leading research teams.
Limit on Number of Proposals per Organization: 3
A single organization may submit a maximum of three preliminary proposals as the lead institution. Full proposals are to be submitted only
when invited by NSF. There is no limit on the number of proposals in which an organization participates as a partner institution. The STC
program will not support more than one Center from any one lead institution in this competition.
Limit on Number of Proposals per PI or co-PI: 1
A PI or co-PI on one proposal in this competition may not be a participant in another STC proposal under review in the same competition. If a
proposal is declined at any stage of the review process, a PI or co-PI on the declined proposal may then participate in another STC proposal.
This eligibility constraint will be strictly enforced. In the event that an individual exceeds this limit, proposals will be accepted based on the
earliest date and time of proposal submission (i.e., the first compliant proposal received will be accepted and the others will be returned
without review).
Additional Eligibility Info:
Proposed STC annual budgets may range up to $6.0M per year of NSF support. Full proposals outside this range will be returned without
review. Each preliminary and invited full proposal must demonstrate institutional commitment in the area proposed. Inclusion of voluntary
committed cost sharing is prohibited.
Past directors of STCs may participate in this open competition only if the proposed research and education topics or themes are substantially
different from those they pursued with prior NSF Center support. The proposal must focus on a different research topic. New proposals that
simply extend the methods and intent of a past STC to a slightly larger scope or a new geographic area will be returned without review.
The STC Program complements the Engineering Research Centers (ERCs), the Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers
(MRSECs), Centers of Chemical Innovation (CCIs), National Artificial Intelligence Research Institutes, and other NSF programs that support
group research and education activities. Teams that aspire to develop center proposals in the future are encouraged to consider applying to
Growing Convergence Research program to crystalize their vision and develop team integration. STCs may involve any area of science and
engineering that NSF supports. Participation in a Center does not preclude individuals from receiving NSF support for their individual research
in complementary areas.

V. PROPOSAL PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
A. Proposal Preparation Instructions
Preliminary Proposals (required): Preliminary proposals are required and must be submitted via the NSF FastLane system, even if full proposals will be
submitted via Grants.gov.
When preparing a preliminary proposal for this competition, proposers are advised to consult the Program Description for general information pertinent to the
STC program and the Proposal Review Information found in section VI of this solicitation for information on specific questions that reviewers of preliminary
proposals will be asked to address. Required components of the preliminary proposal are given below. Strict adherence to page limitations given in this
document is required. Proposers should review the most current NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) for specific information on

6

format for the required sections. The complete text of the PAPPG is available electronically on the NSF website at:
https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg. Proposers are also encouraged to access the STC web site for information about program
webinars and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ's) relevant to this competition: https://www.nsf.gov/od/oia/programs/stc/index.jsp.
Preliminary Proposal Contents
The preliminary proposal must consist of the following elements:
(1) Cover Sheet. For planning purposes, September 1, 2023 should be shown as the start date. The proposed Center Director must be shown as the Principal
Investigator.
(2) Project Summary. (1 page maximum) Provide a description of the proposed STC, addressing separately the intellectual merit and broader impacts of the
Center. The summary should be informative to those working in the same or related field(s), and understandable to a broad audience within the scientific
domain.
At the end of the Overview section of the Project Summary, indicate up to three NSF divisions that are the most relevant for your center research activities. They
should be listed in order of priority, i.e., the first listed should be the most relevant. Also include up to three keywords that pertain to your research topics, again
listed in order of priority.
(3) Table of Contents. A Table of Contents is automatically generated for the proposal by the FastLane system. The proposer cannot edit this form.
(4) Project Description (12 pages maximum). Results from Prior NSF Support should not be included. Links to URLs may not be used. Include the following
sections:
4a. Center Rationale - Articulate your vision for the proposed Center that clearly outlines the grand challenge(s) being addressed, the breakthroughs being
sought, the potential impacts, and intended legacies of the center. Explain the unique opportunities that an integrated STC will provide and describe what will be
achieved in the center mode that could not be achieved with other NSF funding mechanisms including other NSF centers programs. Address the timeliness of
the proposed center (why is this the right time for the center and why is this an important area for a research investment at this time).
4b. Center Plan - Provide an overview of your research plan, in the context of national and global landscapes of relevant scientific fields, with sufficient detail to
allow the assessment of the scientific merit and to justify the necessity for the center mode of operation. Delineate what you anticipate will be the major
accomplishments over the first five years of the Center’s existence. Include a description of what you perceive will be the major challenges and bottlenecks in
achieving these accomplishments and explain why.
4c. Team Description -Describe the role and assets each participating organization brings to the center. Briefly describe the role that each team member will
have in addressing the center’s goals. Highlight the unique assets and strengths, including the diversity of experiences and perspectives, of the proposing team
compared to other groups working in related areas.
4d. Integration strategies - Describe how the proposed research areas/themes integrate with each other to realize the Center's research vision. Describe the
focus of the education, broadening participation, and knowledge transfer activities. Outline how the integration of research, education, and knowledge transfer, in
a center-level activity, will advance the proposed research. Identify specific activities and mechanisms that will enable cross-organizational and cross-sector
integration of the team. Address the specific roles and responsibilities of the PI, co-PIs, and other Senior Personnel in leading the center and developing a
center culture.
4e. Institutional Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion - Using no more than one paragraph, describe indicators of institutional commitment to promoting
diversity and inclusion within the participating institutions. For example, if one or more institutional members of the collaboration have a SEA Change Institutional
Award (https://seachange.aaas.org/), the level of the award(s) could be provided; if an institution has or had an ADVANCE Institutional Transformation grant
(https://beta.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/advance-organizational-change-gender-equity-stem-academic-professions-advance), its impact could be summarized;
if nothing similar applies, other institution-wide activities sponsored by the leadership of the institution could be described,
(5) References Cited (2-page limit). See NSF PAPPG instructions for format.
(6) Biographical Sketches. Biographical Sketches are required for the Center Director and all faculty and staff members whose research, education, knowledge
transfer, or broadening participation activities will be supported by the Center. See PAPPG for guidelines and details.
(7) Supplementary Documents (to be entered in the Supplementary Documents section of FastLane). A list of Partner organizations and Project Personnel as
described below is required. This information provides NSF and reviewers with a comprehensive list of personnel and organizations involved in the STC.
a. List of all project personnel, organized alphabetically, who have a role in the management, research, education, broadening participation, and
knowledge transfer components of the Center. Use the following format: last name, first name, institution/organization.
b. List of all institutions and organizations with which project personnel are affiliated. Designate for each an appropriate category: Institution of Higher
Education, National Laboratory, Federal Government, Industry, Non-Governmental Organization, State/Local Government, or International
organization.
Information to be submitted to NSF via the FastLane Single Copy Documents Section.
Optional
List of suggested reviewers or reviewers not to include (with a brief explanation or justification for why the reviewer should be excluded);
Proprietary or privileged information (if applicable).
Required
Collaborators & Other Affiliations Information: Information regarding collaborators and other affiliations (COA) must be separately provided for each individual
identified in list 7(a). The COA information must be uploaded using the NSF COA template into the Single Copy Documents section as described in the PAPPG
and the Collaborators and Other Affiliations Information website (https://nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/coa.jsp). The accuracy of this section is very important to the
integrity of the STC review process. Please be accurate and complete with the entries.
No other items or appendices are to be included. Information pertaining to "Current and Pending Support" and "Facilities, Equipment and Other Resources" is
not required for preliminary proposals and should not be included. Indicate "N/A" in FastLane, as needed. Preliminary proposals containing items other than

7

those required above will be returned without review.
Required Information to be submitted to NSF via email.
In addition to their submission in the supplementary documents section of the proposal, the proposer is required to send items 7(a) and 7(b)--lists of all
personnel and participating organizations--in form of an excel two tab spreadsheet via email to [email protected]. These lists must be sent immediately after the
proposal is submitted. The email subject line should be principal investigator's last name followed by the proposal number. The excel spreadsheet should be
named the same (principal investigator's last name followed by the proposal number).
Full Proposal Preparation Instructions: Proposers may opt to submit proposals in response to this Program Solicitation via Grants.gov or via the NSF
FastLane system.
Full proposals submitted via FastLane: Proposals submitted in response to this program solicitation should be prepared and submitted in accordance
with the general guidelines contained in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG). The complete text of the PAPPG is
available electronically on the NSF website at: https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg. Paper copies of the PAPPG may be
obtained from the NSF Publications Clearinghouse, telephone (703) 292-8134 or by e-mail from [email protected]. Proposers are reminded to identify
this program solicitation number in the program solicitation block on the NSF Cover Sheet For Proposal to the National Science Foundation.
Compliance with this requirement is critical to determining the relevant proposal processing guidelines. Failure to submit this information may delay
processing.
Full proposals submitted via Grants.gov: Proposals submitted in response to this program solicitation via Grants.gov should be prepared and submitted
in accordance with the NSF Grants.gov Application Guide: A Guide for the Preparation and Submission of NSF Applications via Grants.gov. The
complete text of the NSF Grants.gov Application Guide is available on the Grants.gov website and on the NSF website at:
(https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=grantsgovguide). To obtain copies of the Application Guide and Application Forms Package,
click on the Apply tab on the Grants.gov site, then click on the Apply Step 1: Download a Grant Application Package and Application Instructions link
and enter the funding opportunity number, (the program solicitation number without the NSF prefix) and press the Download Package button. Paper
copies of the Grants.gov Application Guide also may be obtained from the NSF Publications Clearinghouse, telephone (703) 292-8134 or by e-mail
from [email protected].
See PAPPG Chapter II.C.2 for guidance on the required sections of a full research proposal submitted to NSF. Please note that the proposal preparation
instructions provided in this program solicitation may deviate from the PAPPG instructions.
Important Instructions: Full proposals will be accepted only if invited by NSF. Due to the complexity of the proposals being submitted, use of FastLane to
prepare and submit invited full proposals is strongly encouraged. When preparing a full proposal for this competition, proposers are advised to review the
Program Description and the Proposal Review Information found in this solicitation for general information pertinent to this program.
As a multi-institution STC, the proposal must be submitted as a single, integrated proposal by the lead institution, with proposed subawards to the other partner
institutions. Separate proposals from each partner will not be accepted.
The full proposal should provide much more detail than the preliminary proposal and describe plans for implementation and assessment. Descriptions should be
clear and concise. Every effort should be made to update information that was provided in the preliminary proposal and to fully address issues raised in the
preliminary proposal review. Full proposals should be comparable in scope and effort to that which was presented in the preliminary proposal. Required proposal
components and additions to or differences from the NSF PAPPG are given below.
Full Proposal Contents
Required Sections of the Full Proposal
The full proposal must include only the main documents and supplementary documents described in Sections 1-14, below.
(1) Cover Sheet. For planning purposes, September 1, 2023 should be shown as the start date. The full proposal must show the proposed Center Director as
the Principal Investigator. Include the preliminary proposal number and follow instructions provided in NSF's electronic systems and the PAPPG.
(2) Project Summary (1 page limit). Both NSF merit review criteria (intellectual merit and broader impacts) must be addressed in separate statements (see the
PAPPG for additional instructions). The summary should be informative to persons working in the same or related fields, and understandable to a broad
audience within the scientific domain. Provide a clear and concise description of the Center including mission and vision. Describe the multidisciplinary or
disciplinary research focus, goals for education and broadening participation, and the knowledge transfer strategy of the Center. Articulate the potential legacy
and national and global impact of the Center if funded.
(3) Table of Contents. A Table of Contents is automatically generated for the proposal by the system. The proposer cannot edit this form.
(4) Project Description. The Project Description must contain only Sections (4.a) through (4.g) described below and cannot exceed 25 pages including tables
and illustrations. The broader impacts resulting from the proposed project must be addressed and described as an integral part of the narrative.
(4.a) Problem Description and Rationale for Center Approach: Describe the grand challenge that engendered the proposal and the importance of specific
aspects of this grand challenge that you aspire to solve. Include timeliness of addressing this problem.
Explain the unique opportunities that an integrated center will provide and describe what will be achieved in the center mode that could not be achieved with
group or individual support. Discuss why the STC program is particularly suited to support this effort. Discuss the long-term strategic goals of an integrated
center. Describe the potential legacy and national and global impact of the proposed Center.
(4.b) Description of the Research Objectives of the Center: State the overall vision and long-range research goals of the integrated center. Describe the
proposed research areas/themes and how they integrate with each other to realize the Center's research vision. Provide 5-year timelines for the activities.
Indicate the specific role of each partner organization or participant in each research topic/goal area. Provide a research plan with sufficient detail to allow
assessment of the scientific merit and to justify the necessity for the center mode of operation.
Indicate the potential impact or expected significance the Center's research will have on the Nation's scientific and/or technological base. Include a description of
current research activities and, if the proposed Center research is closely related to ongoing research at an existing Center (e.g., an STC, ERC, MRSEC, CCI or
national laboratory), explain how the research activities of the proposed Center complement as well as differ from those of the existing Center(s). Explain how
the proposed research relates to other state and national research capabilities as well as international programs in the proposed fields of research.

8

(4.c) Description of the Education and Human Resource Development Objectives of the Center: Present an education plan that describes how the Center will
integrate research and education. Education programs and activities should be evidence-based practices developed in the context of current education research
and be monitored through a formal evaluation effort led by competent, independent evaluators.
Describe plans for the mentoring and professional development of students involved in Center activities. Describe plans for attracting and retaining high-quality
students. Describe the process by which the education and human resource development goals will be established, used to guide the formal evaluation
approaches, and modified during the award period, if needed. Name the lead organizations and key individuals involved with individual components, and explain
the potential contributions and role of each in the education activity. Describe all proposed activities in sufficient detail to allow assessment of their intrinsic merit,
potential effectiveness, and their anticipated contribution toward a highly competent and globally engaged technical and instructional workforce and educated
citizenry.
(4.d) Description of the Broadening Participation Objectives of the Center: Describe the broadening participation objectives and outline strategies for achieving
them. Describe plans for increasing diversity through the participation of women, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities in all organizational
levels of Center activities. Cite the relevant literature on effective practices to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion in STEM. Describe the contribution/role of
partner institutions in the broadening participation plans, indicate the role of students and faculty and how they will be integrated into Center activities, and
explain how mentoring and other best practices will be used to provide a supportive environment for all project participants. Describe how the climate within the
Center, across all participating groups, will be periodically assessed. Explain how progress will be measured and how strategies will be adapted, if necessary.
Describe the proposed activities in sufficient detail to allow assessment of their intrinsic merit and potential effectiveness.
(4.e) Description of the Knowledge Transfer Objectives of the Center: Knowledge transfer involves the exchange of scientific and technical information between
the Center and external non-academic stakeholders (such as industrial partners or public policy-makers) with the objective of applying that knowledge. State the
specific goals for knowledge transfer and the expected impact of the activities. Linkages should involve significant intellectual exchange and could involve, for
example, mechanisms such as internships or novel use of cyberinfrastructure to enhance connections.
(4.f) Description of the Management Plan for the Research, Education, Broadening Participation, and Knowledge Transfer Activities of the Center: Present a
management plan for the integrated Center including a diagram to explain the organizational relationships and reporting structure among the key areas of
responsibility. Identify key members of the Center Management Team and explain their specific roles and areas of responsibility. The Center Director must have
the appropriate experience to lead a diverse team to fulfill the vision of the Center. Key members of the Center Management Team must have experience and
qualifications to administer their component of the Center. Identify responsibilities of each organization in the partnership. Explain the role of each key
participant/component and explain the approach for integrating and managing all partners. Describe the processes to be used to prioritize Center activities; to
select and integrate research projects with one another and with other Center activities; to allocate funds and equipment across Center activities and among
partners; and to select a replacement for the Center Director if needed. Although an External Advisory Committee is required for all Centers, potential members
should not be approached or identified unless the Center is funded.
(4.g) 4e. Institutional Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion - Using no more than one paragraph, describe indicators of institutional commitment to promoting
diversity and inclusion within the participating institutions. For example, if one or more institutional members of the collaboration have a SEA Change Institutional
Award (https://seachange.aaas.org/), the level of the award(s) could be provided; if an institution has or had an ADVANCE Institutional Transformation grant
(https://beta.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/advance-organizational-change-gender-equity-stem-academic-professions-advance), its impact could be summarized;
if nothing similar applies, other institution-wide activities sponsored by the leadership of the institution could be described.
(5) Facilities, Equipment and Other Resources (1 page limit). Provide a synopsis of institutional resources that will be available to the Center (dedicated space,
access to facilities and instrumentation, faculty and staff positions, including plans to make cluster hires if appropriate, access to programs that assist with
curriculum development or broadening participation, or other institutional programs that could provide support to the STC). In order for NSF, and its reviewers, to
assess the scope of a proposed project, all resources (including those from partner organizations) available to the project, must be described in this section.
Note that inclusion of voluntary committed cost sharing is prohibited. The description should be narrative in nature and must not include any quantifiable financial
information.
(6) Budget and Budget Justification. Provide a budget for each of the five years. FastLane or Grants.gov will automatically provide a cumulative budget. The
proposed budget should be consistent with the needs and complexity of the proposed activity. The budget and budget justification should reflect start-up
activities at the commencement of the Center activities. Funds allocated for research, education, broadening participation, and knowledge transfer areas must
be discernible. Funds also should be included for attendance at yearly or more frequent cross-Center meetings.
Submit a separate budget and budget justification (2 page limit) for each participating organization in cases where a subaward exceeds $100,000 per year.
Identify items of equipment costing more than $5,000. Full justification for the latter is required. Individual graduate students may not be supported for a period in
excess of five years.
NSF will not provide salary support for scientists, engineers, or educators employed by Federal agencies or Federally Funded Research and Development
Centers that are not sponsored by NSF. For participants at foreign organizations, NSF will consider support only for the U.S. portion of the collaborative projects
involving U.S. and foreign organizations.
(7) References Cited. Section not to exceed five pages.
(8) Biographical Sketches. Biographical sketches are required for all key participants (Center Director, Managing Director, Education Coordinator, Diversity
Coordinator, Knowledge Transfer Coordinator, Research Coordinator, Research Group Leaders, and any faculty and staff members whose research, education,
knowledge transfer, or broadening participation efforts will be supported by the Center). All biographical sketches should follow PAPPG guidelines.
(9) Current and Pending Support. Provide current and pending support information for each individual designated as Senior Personnel in accordance with the
guidance in PAPPG Chapter II.C.2. For proposals that are selected for site visits, updated current and pending support information will be required for all Senior
Personnel.
Special Information and Required Supplementary Documents (Sections 10-14):
Required information to be entered in the Supplementary Documents section in FastLane. For Grants.gov users, supplementary documents should be attached
in Field 11 of the R&R Other Project Information Form.
(10 a.) Partner Organizations and (10 b.) Project Personnel. The list of Partner Organizations and Project Personnel that were required in the preliminary
proposal must be updated to reflect any changes occurring since the time of preliminary proposal submission.
(11) Ethics Plan (1 page limit). Provide a clear statement of the proposed Center's policies on ethics training, responsible conduct of research, and intellectual

9

property rights. Discussion should address the nature of the research, methodologies used, ownership of research and ideas, and roles and responsibilities
regarding intellectual property. A program of training in ethics and responsible conduct of research within the cross-disciplinary and multi-organizational context
of the Center, for all Center and subawardee staff, including faculty, visiting faculty, industrial fellows, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate and undergraduate
students is required. Training topics should include the nature of the research, methodologies used, ownership of research and ideas, and roles and
responsibilities regarding intellectual property, and civil treatment of colleagues. If a proposal is selected for a site visit, a more detailed description of the lead
institution's official policy will be required.
(12) Shared Experimental Facilities (2 page limit). Where appropriate, describe the shared facilities to be established, including specific major research
instrumentation, and plans for the development of new instrumentation. Distinguish between existing facilities/instrumentation (and their location) and any that
will be developed by the Center.
The following elements should be addressed in this section:
maintenance and operation of STC-related facilities, including assurance of organizational commitments/support;
mechanisms to deal with potential risk;
availability of sufficient infrastructure and technical expertise to ensure effective usage of any major instruments;
availability of appropriate technical expertise to design and construct new instruments if proposed; and provisions for user fees and plans for ensuring
shared access by all partners and outside users.
(13) Data Management Plan (2 page limit). This document should describe how the proposal conforms to NSF policy on the dissemination and sharing of
research results, which provides that investigators are expected to share with other researchers, at no more than incremental cost and within a reasonable
amount of time, the primary data, samples, physical collections, software, curriculum materials, and other supporting materials created or gathered in the course
of work under NSF grants. The following items should be included in this subsection:
the types of data, samples, physical collections, software, curriculum materials, and other materials to be produced in the course of the project;
the standards to be used for data and metadata format and content (where existing standards are absent or deemed inadequate, this should be
documented along with any proposed solutions or remedies);
policies for access and sharing including provisions for appropriate protection of privacy, confidentiality, security, intellectual property, or other rights or
requirements;
policies and provisions for re-use, re-distribution, and the production of derivatives; and
plans for archiving data, samples, and other research products, and for preservation of access.
(14) Postdoctoral Researcher Mentoring Plan (1 page limit). Each proposal that requests funding to support postdoctoral researchers must include, as a
supplementary document, a description of the mentoring activities that will be provided for such individuals. The mentoring plan must describe the mentoring that
will be provided to all postdoctoral researchers supported by the project, irrespective of whether they reside at the submitting organization or any subawardee
organization. Proposers are advised that the mentoring plan may not be used to circumvent the Project Description page limitation. See PAPPG for further
guidance.
Information to be submitted to NSF via the FastLane Single Copy Documents Section. If submitting via Grants.gov, complete the information and attach as
a PDF file (see Field 6, Additional Single Copy Documents, on the NSF Grant Application Cover Page).
Optional
List of suggested reviewers or reviewers not to include (with a brief explanation or justification for why the reviewer should be excluded);
Identification of proprietary or privileged information (if applicable).
Required
Collaborators & Other Affiliations Information: Information regarding collaborators and other affiliations (COA) must be separately provided for each individual
identified in list (10 b). The COA information must be uploaded using the NSF COA template into the Single Copy Documents as described in the PAPPG and
the Collaborators and Other Affiliations Information website (https://nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/coa.jsp). The accuracy of this section is very important to the integrity
of the STC review process. Please be accurate and complete with the entries.
Full proposals containing items other than those described above will be returned without review.

B. Budgetary Information
Cost Sharing:
Inclusion of voluntary committed cost sharing is prohibited.
Indirect Cost (F&A) Limitations: Not applicable.
Budget Preparation Instructions:
Proposed STC annual budgets may range up to $6 million per year of NSF support. Full proposals above this range will be ineligible and will not be reviewed or
considered for support. The core budget for the Center is expected to include support for all research, education, broadening participation, and knowledge
transfer activities including, if proposed, those for undergraduate students and for teachers. Inclusion of voluntary committed cost sharing is prohibited.
The following information applies only for those STC proposals that are relevant to the Office of Polar Programs in the Geosciences Directorate:
The Office of Polar Programs (OPP) strongly encourages STC proposals related to all aspects of polar research supported by the Foundation. For proposals
requiring access to the polar regions or polar logistical support, investigators must contact appropriate OPP program managers for guidance regarding
information needed to assess logistical support requirements for their submission. This should be done during proposal development.
For proposals requiring access to the Arctic, contact Pat Haggerty ([email protected]). For proposals requiring access to the Antarctic continent, contact Jessie
Crain ([email protected]). For proposals requesting U.S. Antarctic Program vessel access to the Antarctic Peninsula and/or Southern Ocean contact Tim
McGovern ([email protected]). For proposals requesting Arctic Program vessel access contact Frank Rack ([email protected]). Additional information on field

10

work requirements can be found in the OPP Arctic Research Opportunities (https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5521) and Antarctic Research
(https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5519) solicitations.

C. Due Dates
Preliminary Proposal Due Date(s) (required) (due by 5 p.m. submitter's local time):
     February 01, 2022
Full Proposal Deadline(s) (due by 5 p.m. submitter's local time):
     August 29, 2022

D. FastLane/Grants.gov Requirements
For Proposals Submitted Via FastLane:
To prepare and submit a proposal via FastLane, see detailed technical instructions available at: https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/a1/newstan.htm.
For FastLane user support, call the NSF Help Desk at 1-800-673-6188 or e-mail [email protected]. The NSF Help Desk answers general
technical questions related to the use of the FastLane and Research.gov systems. Specific questions related to this program solicitation
should be referred to the NSF program staff contact(s) listed in Section VIII of this funding opportunity.
For Proposals Submitted Via Grants.gov:
Before using Grants.gov for the first time, each organization must register to create an institutional profile. Once registered, the applicant's
organization can then apply for any federal grant on the Grants.gov website. Comprehensive information about using Grants.gov is available
on the Grants.gov Applicant Resources webpage: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants.html. In addition, the NSF Grants.gov
Application Guide (see link in Section V.A) provides instructions regarding the technical preparation of proposals via Grants.gov. For
Grants.gov user support, contact the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726 or by email: [email protected]. The Grants.gov Contact
Center answers general technical questions related to the use of Grants.gov. Specific questions related to this program solicitation should be
referred to the NSF program staff contact(s) listed in Section VIII of this solicitation.
Submitting the Proposal: Once all documents have been completed, the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) must submit the
application to Grants.gov and verify the desired funding opportunity and agency to which the application is submitted. The AOR must then sign
and submit the application to Grants.gov. The completed application will be transferred to the NSF FastLane system for further processing.
Proposers that submitted via FastLane may use Research.gov to verify the status of their submission to NSF. For proposers that submitted via Grants.gov, until
an application has been received and validated by NSF, the Authorized Organizational Representative may check the status of an application on Grants.gov.
After proposers have received an e-mail notification from NSF, Research.gov should be used to check the status of an application.

VI. NSF PROPOSAL PROCESSING AND REVIEW PROCEDURES
Proposals received by NSF are assigned to the appropriate NSF program for acknowledgement and, if they meet NSF requirements, for review. All proposals
are carefully reviewed by a scientist, engineer, or educator serving as an NSF Program Officer, and usually by three to ten other persons outside NSF either as
ad hoc reviewers, panelists, or both, who are experts in the particular fields represented by the proposal. These reviewers are selected by Program Officers
charged with oversight of the review process. Proposers are invited to suggest names of persons they believe are especially well qualified to review the proposal
and/or persons they would prefer not review the proposal. These suggestions may serve as one source in the reviewer selection process at the Program
Officer's discretion. Submission of such names, however, is optional. Care is taken to ensure that reviewers have no conflicts of interest with the proposal. In
addition, Program Officers may obtain comments from site visits before recommending final action on proposals. Senior NSF staff further review
recommendations for awards. A flowchart that depicts the entire NSF proposal and award process (and associated timeline) is included in PAPPG Exhibit III-1.
A comprehensive description of the Foundation's merit review process is available on the NSF website at: https://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/merit_review/.
Proposers should also be aware of core strategies that are essential to the fulfillment of NSF's mission, as articulated in Building the Future: Investing in
Discovery and Innovation - NSF Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years (FY) 2018 – 2022. These strategies are integrated in the program planning and implementation
process, of which proposal review is one part. NSF's mission is particularly well-implemented through the integration of research and education and broadening
participation in NSF programs, projects, and activities.
One of the strategic objectives in support of NSF's mission is to foster integration of research and education through the programs, projects, and activities it
supports at academic and research institutions. These institutions must recruit, train, and prepare a diverse STEM workforce to advance the frontiers of science
and participate in the U.S. technology-based economy. NSF's contribution to the national innovation ecosystem is to provide cutting-edge research under the
guidance of the Nation's most creative scientists and engineers. NSF also supports development of a strong science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
(STEM) workforce by investing in building the knowledge that informs improvements in STEM teaching and learning.
NSF's mission calls for the broadening of opportunities and expanding participation of groups, institutions, and geographic regions that are underrepresented in
STEM disciplines, which is essential to the health and vitality of science and engineering. NSF is committed to this principle of diversity and deems it central to
the programs, projects, and activities it considers and supports.

A. Merit Review Principles and Criteria

11

The National Science Foundation strives to invest in a robust and diverse portfolio of projects that creates new knowledge and enables breakthroughs in
understanding across all areas of science and engineering research and education. To identify which projects to support, NSF relies on a merit review process
that incorporates consideration of both the technical aspects of a proposed project and its potential to contribute more broadly to advancing NSF's mission "to
promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense; and for other purposes." NSF makes
every effort to conduct a fair, competitive, transparent merit review process for the selection of projects.
1. Merit Review Principles
These principles are to be given due diligence by PIs and organizations when preparing proposals and managing projects, by reviewers when reading and
evaluating proposals, and by NSF program staff when determining whether or not to recommend proposals for funding and while overseeing awards. Given that
NSF is the primary federal agency charged with nurturing and supporting excellence in basic research and education, the following three principles apply:
All NSF projects should be of the highest quality and have the potential to advance, if not transform, the frontiers of knowledge.
NSF projects, in the aggregate, should contribute more broadly to achieving societal goals. These "Broader Impacts" may be accomplished through the
research itself, through activities that are directly related to specific research projects, or through activities that are supported by, but are
complementary to, the project. The project activities may be based on previously established and/or innovative methods and approaches, but in either
case must be well justified.
Meaningful assessment and evaluation of NSF funded projects should be based on appropriate metrics, keeping in mind the likely correlation between
the effect of broader impacts and the resources provided to implement projects. If the size of the activity is limited, evaluation of that activity in isolation
is not likely to be meaningful. Thus, assessing the effectiveness of these activities may best be done at a higher, more aggregated, level than the
individual project.
With respect to the third principle, even if assessment of Broader Impacts outcomes for particular projects is done at an aggregated level, PIs are expected to be
accountable for carrying out the activities described in the funded project. Thus, individual projects should include clearly stated goals, specific descriptions of
the activities that the PI intends to do, and a plan in place to document the outputs of those activities.
These three merit review principles provide the basis for the merit review criteria, as well as a context within which the users of the criteria can better understand
their intent.
2. Merit Review Criteria
All NSF proposals are evaluated through use of the two National Science Board approved merit review criteria. In some instances, however, NSF will employ
additional criteria as required to highlight the specific objectives of certain programs and activities.
The two merit review criteria are listed below. Both criteria are to be given full consideration during the review and decision-making processes; each criterion
is necessary but neither, by itself, is sufficient. Therefore, proposers must fully address both criteria. (PAPPG Chapter II.C.2.d(i). contains additional information
for use by proposers in development of the Project Description section of the proposal). Reviewers are strongly encouraged to review the criteria, including
PAPPG Chapter II.C.2.d(i), prior to the review of a proposal.
When evaluating NSF proposals, reviewers will be asked to consider what the proposers want to do, why they want to do it, how they plan to do it, how they will
know if they succeed, and what benefits could accrue if the project is successful. These issues apply both to the technical aspects of the proposal and the way in
which the project may make broader contributions. To that end, reviewers will be asked to evaluate all proposals against two criteria:
Intellectual Merit: The Intellectual Merit criterion encompasses the potential to advance knowledge; and
Broader Impacts: The Broader Impacts criterion encompasses the potential to benefit society and contribute to the achievement of specific, desired
societal outcomes.
The following elements should be considered in the review for both criteria:
1. What is the potential for the proposed activity to
a. Advance knowledge and understanding within its own field or across different fields (Intellectual Merit); and
b. Benefit society or advance desired societal outcomes (Broader Impacts)?
2. To what extent do the proposed activities suggest and explore creative, original, or potentially transformative concepts?
3. Is the plan for carrying out the proposed activities well-reasoned, well-organized, and based on a sound rationale? Does the plan incorporate a
mechanism to assess success?
4. How well qualified is the individual, team, or organization to conduct the proposed activities?
5. Are there adequate resources available to the PI (either at the home organization or through collaborations) to carry out the proposed activities?
Broader impacts may be accomplished through the research itself, through the activities that are directly related to specific research projects, or through
activities that are supported by, but are complementary to, the project. NSF values the advancement of scientific knowledge and activities that contribute to
achievement of societally relevant outcomes. Such outcomes include, but are not limited to: full participation of women, persons with disabilities, and other
underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); improved STEM education and educator development at any level;
increased public scientific literacy and public engagement with science and technology; improved well-being of individuals in society; development of a diverse,
globally competitive STEM workforce; increased partnerships between academia, industry, and others; improved national security; increased economic
competitiveness of the United States; and enhanced infrastructure for research and education.
Proposers are reminded that reviewers will also be asked to review the Data Management Plan and the Postdoctoral Researcher Mentoring Plan, as
appropriate.
Additional Solicitation Specific Review Criteria
Preliminary proposals, full proposals, and site visits will be reviewed using the above criteria. When considering the intellectual merit and broader impacts
criteria, reviewers will also be asked to address the following STC-specific questions during the various stages of the competition:
(1) Preliminary Proposals. Reviewers will be asked to consider the vision and potential impact of the research proposed, along with the need for the center
funding mechanism. Reviewers will be asked to evaluate and comment on the following:
Rationale for an STC, including questions: Is the vision for the project compelling and would such a center have potential to transform our foundational
scientific understanding? If so, is an STC the appropriate vehicle? Why is an STC investment warranted at this time? Are the anticipated scientific and
societal legacies substantive?

12

Research plan, including questions: Are the plans for research appropriately ambitious for an STC? Does the preliminary proposal make a case for the
feasibility of significant progress over the next five years? Are technical challenges and potential bottlenecks addressed in the research plan?
Partnerships and Participants, including questions: Is the team of partner organizations and personnel assembled for the proposed Center appropriate,
essential and consistent with the solicitation? Is the role of each participant clear? Does the partnership have unique strengths?
Integration Strategies, including questions: Are the leadership and management strategies promoting a Center culture? Do the education, knowledge
transfer and broadening participation plans support the goals of the Center?
(2) Full Proposals. In addition to the review criteria that will be addressed in reviewing preliminary proposals, reviewers will be asked to consider the integrative
nature of the proposed Center. Questions to be considered include:
Are the research, education, knowledge transfer, and broadening participation efforts strategically embedded and integrated in the proposed Center?
Are the partner organizations and participants meaningfully integrated into a diverse Center that is more than just the sum of the parts?
Does the proposal include a vision and plan for leadership in broadening the participation of underrepresented groups and underresourced institutions
and does it articulate a credible commitment to broadening participation as a means of achieving its overall goals?
Are the educational activities innovative and do they contribute to the unifying mission of the proposed Center?
Does the proposal include a promising plan to promote the transfer of knowledge through the meaningful exchange of scientific and technical
information with external stakeholders such as industrial partners, public policy-makers, or international organizations?
Does the proposed Center management have the vision, experience, and capacity to manage a complex, multi­faceted, and innovative enterprise that
integrates research, education, broadening participation, and knowledge transfer?
Are the institutional and other commitments appropriate to carry out the proposed research?
(3) Site Visits. The full scope of questions applicable for prior stages in the competition will be within the purview of the site visit team. The site visit team will give
special consideration to the management and budget of the proposed STC and any outstanding issues that were raised during the review process.
Is the budget appropriate for the scale, scope, and complexity of the proposed Center's activities?
Does the proposed Center management demonstrate the vision, experience, and capacity to manage a complex, multi­faceted, and innovative
enterprise that integrates research, education, broadening participation, and knowledge transfer?
Is the proposed management plan likely to be effective? Are there appropriate mechanisms to identify and support emerging opportunities and
terminate mature or ineffective activities across all of the proposed Center's areas or themes? Are there appropriate mechanisms to enable and
manage high-risk, high-reward and/or potentially transformative efforts across all activities in the proposed Center? Will the management approach
ensure a Center culture that fosters exploring emerging research directions that are scientifically risky?
Is the role of the External Advisory Committee clearly and appropriately defined?
Is there an adequate succession plan for the leadership of the Center?
Are intellectual property issues adequately addressed?

B. Review and Selection Process
Proposals submitted in response to this program solicitation will be reviewed by Ad hoc Review and/or Panel Review, or Site Visit Review.
Preliminary proposals will be reviewed by multidisciplinary panels
Full proposals will undergo ad hoc review followed by panel review
Proposals recommended by the panel will be site visited and then the full documentation for site visited proposals will be reviewed by a summary panel.
Reviewers will be asked to evaluate proposals using two National Science Board approved merit review criteria and, if applicable, additional program specific
criteria. A summary rating and accompanying narrative will generally be completed and submitted by each reviewer and/or panel. The Program Officer assigned
to manage the proposal's review will consider the advice of reviewers and will formulate a recommendation.
After scientific, technical and programmatic review and consideration of appropriate factors, the NSF Program Officer recommends to the cognizant Division
Director whether the proposal should be declined or recommended for award. NSF strives to be able to tell applicants whether their proposals have been
declined or recommended for funding within six months. Large or particularly complex proposals or proposals from new awardees may require additional review
and processing time. The time interval begins on the deadline or target date, or receipt date, whichever is later. The interval ends when the Division Director acts
upon the Program Officer's recommendation.
After programmatic approval has been obtained, the proposals recommended for funding will be forwarded to the Division of Grants and Agreements for review
of business, financial, and policy implications. After an administrative review has occurred, Grants and Agreements Officers perform the processing and
issuance of a grant or other agreement. Proposers are cautioned that only a Grants and Agreements Officer may make commitments, obligations or awards on
behalf of NSF or authorize the expenditure of funds. No commitment on the part of NSF should be inferred from technical or budgetary discussions with a NSF
Program Officer. A Principal Investigator or organization that makes financial or personnel commitments in the absence of a grant or cooperative agreement
signed by the NSF Grants and Agreements Officer does so at their own risk.
Once an award or declination decision has been made, Principal Investigators are provided feedback about their proposals. In all cases, reviews are treated as
confidential documents. Verbatim copies of reviews, excluding the names of the reviewers or any reviewer-identifying information, are sent to the Principal
Investigator/Project Director by the Program Officer. In addition, the proposer will receive an explanation of the decision to award or decline funding.

VII. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

A. Notification of the Award
Notification of the award is made to the submitting organization by a Grants Officer in the Division of Grants and Agreements. Organizations whose proposals
are declined will be advised as promptly as possible by the cognizant NSF Program administering the program. Verbatim copies of reviews, not including the

13

identity of the reviewer, will be provided automatically to the Principal Investigator. (See Section VI.B. for additional information on the review process.)

B. Award Conditions
An NSF award consists of: (1) the award letter, which includes any special provisions applicable to the award and any numbered amendments thereto; (2) the
budget, which indicates the amounts, by categories of expense, on which NSF has based its support (or otherwise communicates any specific approvals or
disapprovals of proposed expenditures); (3) the proposal referenced in the award letter; (4) the applicable award conditions, such as Grant General Conditions
(GC-1); * or Research Terms and Conditions * and (5) any announcement or other NSF issuance that may be incorporated by reference in the award letter.
Cooperative agreements also are administered in accordance with NSF Cooperative Agreement Financial and Administrative Terms and Conditions (CA-FATC)
and the applicable Programmatic Terms and Conditions. NSF awards are electronically signed by an NSF Grants and Agreements Officer and transmitted
electronically to the organization via e-mail.
*These documents may be accessed electronically on NSF's Website at https://www.nsf.gov/awards/managing/award_conditions.jsp?org=NSF. Paper copies
may be obtained from the NSF Publications Clearinghouse, telephone (703) 292-8134 or by e-mail from [email protected].
More comprehensive information on NSF Award Conditions and other important information on the administration of NSF awards is contained in the NSF Award
& Administration Guide (AAG) Chapter II, available electronically on the NSF Website at https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=aag.
Special Award Conditions:
STC awards are made in the form of cooperative agreements. The STC cooperative agreements will have an extensive section of Special Conditions relating to
the period of performance, statement of work, awardee responsibilities, NSF responsibilities, joint NSF-awardee responsibilities, funding and funding schedule,
reporting requirements, key personnel, and other conditions. NSF has responsibility for providing general oversight and monitoring of STCs to help assure
effective performance and administration, as well as facilitating any coordination among the STCs as necessary to further the objectives of the STC program.
Within the first 90 days of the Award, a retreat of the Center's key personnel to address strategic planning of the STC will be required.
Any cooperative agreement awarded in response to this solicitation will contain the following term and condition:
Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols
a. This clause implements Section 3(b) of Executive Order 14042, Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, dated September
9, 2021 (published in the Federal Register on September 14, 2021, 86 FR 50985). Note that the Department of Labor has included “cooperative
agreements” within the definition of “contract-like instrument” in its rule referenced at Section 2(e) of this Executive Order, which provides:
For purposes of this order, the term “contract or contract-like instrument” shall have the meaning set forth in the Department of Labor’s proposed rule,
“Increasing the Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors, ” 86 Fed. Reg. 38816, 38887 (July 22, 2021). If the Department of Labor issues a final rule
relating to that proposed rule, that term shall have the meaning set forth in that final rule.
b. The awardee must comply with all guidance, including guidance conveyed through Frequently Asked Questions, as amended during the performance
of this award, for awardee workplace locations published by the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force (Task Force Guidance) at
https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/
c. Subawards. The awardee must include the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (c), in subawards at any tier that exceed the simplified
acquisition threshold, as defined in Federal Acquisition Regulation 2.101 on the date of subaward, and are for services, including construction,
performed in whole or in part within the United States or its outlying areas. That threshold is presently $250,000.
d. Definition. As used in this clause United States or its outlying areas means—
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

The fifty States;
The District of Columbia;
The commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands;
The territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the United States Virgin Islands; and
The minor outlying islands of Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Palmyra
Atoll, and Wake Atoll.

C. Reporting Requirements
For all multi-year grants (including both standard and continuing grants), the Principal Investigator must submit an annual project report to the cognizant
Program Officer no later than 90 days prior to the end of the current budget period. (Some programs or awards require submission of more frequent project
reports). No later than 120 days following expiration of a grant, the PI also is required to submit a final project report, and a project outcomes report for the
general public.
Failure to provide the required annual or final project reports, or the project outcomes report, will delay NSF review and processing of any future funding
increments as well as any pending proposals for all identified PIs and co-PIs on a given award. PIs should examine the formats of the required reports in
advance to assure availability of required data.
PIs are required to use NSF's electronic project-reporting system, available through Research.gov, for preparation and submission of annual and final project
reports. Such reports provide information on accomplishments, project participants (individual and organizational), publications, and other specific products and
impacts of the project. Submission of the report via Research.gov constitutes certification by the PI that the contents of the report are accurate and complete.
The project outcomes report also must be prepared and submitted using Research.gov. This report serves as a brief summary, prepared specifically for the
public, of the nature and outcomes of the project. This report will be posted on the NSF website exactly as it is submitted by the PI.
More comprehensive information on NSF Reporting Requirements and other important information on the administration of NSF awards is contained in the NSF
Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) Chapter VII, available electronically on the NSF Website at
https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg.

14

Centers awarded a cooperative agreement will be required to submit annual reports on progress and plans, which will be used as a basis for performance
review and determining the level of continued funding. To support this review and the management of a Center, STCs will also be required to develop a set of
management and performance indicators for submission annually to NSF via an NSF evaluation technical assistance contractor. Part of this reporting may take
the form of a database that will be owned by the institution and eventually made available to an evaluation contractor. This database will capture specific
information to demonstrate progress towards achieving the goals of the program. Such reporting requirements may be included in the cooperative agreement
which is binding between the institution of higher education and the NSF.

VIII. AGENCY CONTACTS
Please note that the program contact information is current at the time of publishing. See program website for any updates to the points of contact.
General inquiries regarding this program should be made to:
Dragana Brzakovic,
telephone:
(703)292-5033,
email: [email protected]
For questions related to the use of FastLane or Research.gov, contact:
FastLane and Research.gov Help Desk: 1-800-673-6188
FastLane Help Desk e-mail: [email protected].
Research.gov Help Desk e-mail: [email protected]
For questions relating to Grants.gov contact:
Grants.gov Contact Center: If the Authorized Organizational Representatives (AOR) has not received a confirmation message from Grants.gov within
48 hours of submission of application, please contact via telephone: 1-800-518-4726; e-mail: [email protected].
For general questions or more information, contact [email protected].

IX. OTHER INFORMATION
The NSF website provides the most comprehensive source of information on NSF Directorates (including contact information), programs and funding
opportunities. Use of this website by potential proposers is strongly encouraged. In addition, "NSF Update" is an information-delivery system designed to keep
potential proposers and other interested parties apprised of new NSF funding opportunities and publications, important changes in proposal and award policies
and procedures, and upcoming NSF Grants Conferences. Subscribers are informed through e-mail or the user's Web browser each time new publications are
issued that match their identified interests. "NSF Update" also is available on NSF's website.
Grants.gov provides an additional electronic capability to search for Federal government-wide grant opportunities. NSF funding opportunities may be accessed
via this mechanism. Further information on Grants.gov may be obtained at https://www.grants.gov.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent Federal agency created by the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended (42 USC
1861-75). The Act states the purpose of the NSF is "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."
NSF funds research and education in most fields of science and engineering. It does this through grants and cooperative agreements to more than 2,000
colleges, universities, K-12 school systems, businesses, informal science organizations and other research organizations throughout the US. The Foundation
accounts for about one-fourth of Federal support to academic institutions for basic research.
NSF receives approximately 55,000 proposals each year for research, education and training projects, of which approximately 11,000 are funded. In addition,
the Foundation receives several thousand applications for graduate and postdoctoral fellowships. The agency operates no laboratories itself but does support
National Research Centers, user facilities, certain oceanographic vessels and Arctic and Antarctic research stations. The Foundation also supports cooperative
research between universities and industry, US participation in international scientific and engineering efforts, and educational activities at every academic level.
Facilitation Awards for Scientists and Engineers with Disabilities (FASED) provide funding for special assistance or equipment to enable persons with disabilities
to work on NSF-supported projects. See the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide Chapter II.E.6 for instructions regarding preparation of these
types of proposals.
The National Science Foundation has Telephonic Device for the Deaf (TDD) and Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) capabilities that enable individuals
with hearing impairments to communicate with the Foundation about NSF programs, employment or general information. TDD may be accessed at (703) 2925090 and (800) 281-8749, FIRS at (800) 877-8339.
The National Science Foundation Information Center may be reached at (703) 292-5111.
The National Science Foundation promotes and advances scientific progress in the United States by competitively awarding

15

grants and cooperative agreements for research and education in the sciences, mathematics, and engineering.
To get the latest information about program deadlines, to download copies of NSF publications, and to access abstracts of awards,
visit the NSF Website at https://www.nsf.gov
Location:

2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22314

For General Information
(NSF Information Center):

(703) 292-5111

TDD (for the hearing-impaired):

(703) 292-5090

To Order Publications or Forms:
Send an e-mail to:

[email protected]

or telephone:

(703) 292-8143

To Locate NSF Employees:

(703) 292-5111

PRIVACY ACT AND PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENTS
The information requested on proposal forms and project reports is solicited under the authority of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended.
The information on proposal forms will be used in connection with the selection of qualified proposals; and project reports submitted by awardees will be used for
program evaluation and reporting within the Executive Branch and to Congress. The information requested may be disclosed to qualified reviewers and staff
assistants as part of the proposal review process; to proposer institutions/grantees to provide or obtain data regarding the proposal review process, award
decisions, or the administration of awards; to government contractors, experts, volunteers and researchers and educators as necessary to complete assigned
work; to other government agencies or other entities needing information regarding applicants or nominees as part of a joint application review process, or in
order to coordinate programs or policy; and to another Federal agency, court, or party in a court or Federal administrative proceeding if the government is a
party. Information about Principal Investigators may be added to the Reviewer file and used to select potential candidates to serve as peer reviewers or advisory
committee members. See System of Record Notices, NSF-50, "Principal Investigator/Proposal File and Associated Records," and NSF-51, "Reviewer/Proposal
File and Associated Records.” Submission of the information is voluntary. Failure to provide full and complete information, however, may reduce the possibility of
receiving an award.
An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, an information collection unless it displays a valid Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) control number. The OMB control number for this collection is 3145-0058. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to
average 120 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions. Send comments regarding the burden estimate and any other aspect of this
collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
Suzanne H. Plimpton
Reports Clearance Officer
Policy Office, Division of Institution and Award Support
Office of Budget, Finance, and Award Management
National Science Foundation
Alexandria, VA 22314
Policies and Important Links
|
Privacy

|

FOIA

|

Help

|

Contact NSF

National Science Foundation, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22314, USA
Tel: (703) 292-5111, FIRS: (800) 877-8339 | TDD: (703) 292-5090 or (800) 281-8749

16

|

Contact Web Master

|

SiteMap

Text Only