FAQs for IODP Program Solicitation
Frequently Asked Questions regarding NSF
03-586:
U.S. Science Support Program Associated with the
Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (USSSP-IODP)
The following Questions and Answers have been prepared to assist proposers
responding to the U.S. Science Support Program Associated with the
Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (USSSP-IODP) Program Solicitation
(NSF 03-586). [See https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2003/nsf03586/nsf03586.htm.]
- Q. Is the anticipated funding level of $15M a target or a limit?
A. The $15M amount given in the Solicitation is a limit.
- Q.
What is the expected start date of the Cooperative Agreement with the
successful awardee?
A. Given the November 3, 2003 proposal deadline and
the length of the anticipated NSF review process, start dates could be
in winter or spring
of 2004. Events
prior to the award include review, selection, negotiation of the Cooperative
Agreement, and approval of the Program Plan.
- Q. How many Legs of nonriser
drilling should be proposed in the FY 04-06 period and how
should these be distributed among the three years?
A. The exact number is still uncertain; however, with
new developments, these numbers should become clearer year to year. Proposers
may conservatively
assume a total of 12 Legs of non-riser drilling, distributed in a logical
manner given available information and constraints.
- Q. How many
US participants should be considered per cruise per platform?
A. Six to ten, as appropriate for each platform, and
given that the US and Japan will be equal partners.
- Q. Does NSF envision
any significant changes in the extent of post
cruise science and publication activities
or with the responsibilities of the Project/Program Director
in the new Program?
A. Although the details have not all been worked out, the NSF does
not envision the need for significant changes to existing models.
NOTE: NSF's Division of Ocean Sciences
(GEO/OCE) has an Ocean Drilling Program that funds activities related
to ocean drilling. In an attempt
to lessen confusion between NSF's own Ocean Drilling Program,
and the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program, the current USSSP-IODP solicitation
uses the word "project" [rather than "program"] in
connection with the Awardee. Other than that, the words "project" and "project
director" in the current solicitation are comparable to the words "program" and "program
director" in the previous solicitation.
- Q. Should proposers consider mission-specific platform
expeditions and expeditions on the riser vessel Chikyu in
the first three years of
IODP and, if so, how many?
A. Proposers are encouraged to consider such missions to the extent that they
seem justified based on available knowledge and information.
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