Freedom of Information Act

Policies

This page outlines how to request U.S. National Science Foundation records in accordance with the "Freedom of Information Act" (FOIA) and the "Privacy Act of 1974."

NSF's policy is to provide the maximum amount of information possible, in accordance with restrictions imposed by FOIA and the "Privacy Act" to anyone who requests information, without unnecessary expense or delay.

On this page

NSF public records

You can access many of NSF's records and information without having to submit a FOIA request.

  • Funding Search: View funding publications, including current and archived solicitations, program descriptions, announcements and Dear Colleague Letters.
  • Award Search: View award abstracts for all NSF awards made since 1989. Information about older awards may be available; contact the appropriate NSF directorate or NSF's FOIA Officer for more information.
  • NSF News: View recent NSF press releases. If you are looking for historic press releases or text of speeches, contact NSF's Office of Legislative and Public Affairs at media@nsf.gov.
  • NSF by the Numbers: View information on NSF awards, NSF-funded institutions, funding rates, proposals evaluated and obligations by Fiscal Year.
  • Online Document System: View agency reports and policy documents.
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FOIA Electronic Reading Room

Access NSF's frequently requested documents under FOIA.

View the documents

Make a FOIA request

FOIA applies only to existing agency records. It does not require agencies to create records or to answer questions. However, NSF will attempt, in all cases, to provide the information requested. The NSF FOIA regulations describe the agency's policies in detail.

Copies of awarded proposals are available upon request. Personal and proprietary information will be removed from the proposal documents before they are released.

You may be charged a fee. Fees may include search, review and duplication, depending on the identity of the requestor. You will not be charged if applicable fees are less than $25.

Questions? You can email foia@nsf.gov or call (703) 292-8060.

Submit a FOIA request online:

Submit an NSF FOIA request
Submit an Office of Inspector General FOIA request

Other ways to submit a FOIA request:

You may also submit your request to us via mail, email or fax following the instructions below.

Make a "Privacy Act" request

If you wish to make a "Privacy Act" request for personal information about yourself, NSF's privacy regulations describe the agency's policies in detail. In brief, you will need to provide a description of the records you are requesting and verify your identity. Requests can be made in person (appointment required) or by mail. 

In-person "Privacy Act" request
"Privacy Act" requests can be made in person at NSF headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. To schedule an appointment, please send an email to foia@nsf.gov. You will be asked for proof of identity during your in-person appointment.

In writing "Privacy Act" request
"Privacy Act" requests submitted in writing must be notarized and then mailed or delivered to NSF. You must download and complete this form to provide identity verification. NSF will not accept this form by email.

Requests by mail can be sent to:
U.S. National Science Foundation
Attn: Privacy Act Officer
2415 Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria, Virginia 22314

If you have questions, you can call NSF's Privacy Act Officer at (703) 292-8060.

FOIA Electronic Reading Room

NSF's frequently requested information under FOIA and the agency's FOIA logs are included below.

FOIA reports

NSF's required FOIA reports can be found below.

Additional resources

NSF resources

Federal resources

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