Facilities for research in Antarctica include three year-round research stations with scientific equipment and laboratories, helicopters, ski-equipped airplanes, surface vehicles, a wide array of additional research facilities and temporary (usually summer) camps, and two research ships. These facilities are operated by NSF's Section for Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics (703-292-8032) through several support contracts and through agreement with other Federal agencies.

Some useful links that generally describe U.S. Antarctic Program facilities are

• U.S. Antarctic Program (NSF Fact Sheet)
• About the U.S. Antarctic Program
• USAP Science Support

The material in this document supplements the information in the Antarctic Research solicitation and is provided to assist proposers in developing their proposals for Antarctic research.  Additional information can be found on USAP.gov on the Information for Proposers pages.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• SECTION I.
  • SCIENCE SUPPORT RESOURCES
    • Automated data collection
    • Research ships
      • Underway measurements
      • UNOLS ships
        
        
  • SAMPLES FOR RESEARCH
    
    
  • DATA FOR RESEARCH AND DATA CURATION
    
    
• SECTION II.
  • ANTARCTIC CONSERVATION ACT (ACA) OF 1978
    • Taking native mammals or birds
    • Entering designated special areas
    • Introducing species
    • Introducing substances designated as pollutants
    • Discharging designated pollutants
    • Import into and export from the USA
    • Other Requirements
    • Applying to NSF for a permit
    • Other permits
      
      
• SECTION III.
  • ANTARCTIC OR SOUTHERN OCEAN PROPOSALS INVOLVING FIELDWORK
    • Logistical Requirements and Field Plan
    • Deployment of Scientific Instruments and Equipment
    • Electromagnetic Spectrum Management
    • Information Security Management
    • Safety and Health
    • Underwater diving
    • Radioactive materials and waste
    • Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA)

Proposal Preparation Information for download or printing (PDF file, 296 kB)

You must have Adobe® Acrobat® Reader® to view PDF files. To obtain a free copy go to the NSF plug-in page (https://www.nsf.gov/help/plugins.jsp) and click the Adobe Reader link.

To request a paper copy contact David Friscic, Office of Polar Programs , (703) 292-8014, or e-mail dfriscic@nsf.gov for additional information.

Last updated: 01/28/2015