This document has been archived and replaced by NSF 15-512
(http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf15512).
Title: CISE-MPS Interdisciplimary Faculty Program in Quantum Information
Science(nsf12540)
Date: 09/03/13
CISE-MPS Interdisciplinary Faculty Program in Quantum Information Science
[1]Program Solicitation
NSF 12-540
NSF Logo
National Science Foundation
Directorate for Mathematical & Physical Sciences
Division of Physics
Division of Mathematical Sciences
Division of Materials Research
Division of Chemistry
Directorate for Computer & Information Science & Engineering
Division of Computing and Communication Foundations
Full Proposal Deadline(s) (due by 5 p.m. proposer's local time):
June 01, 2012
December 04, 2012
June 03, 2013
December 03, 2013
IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND REVISION NOTES
A revised version of the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures
Guide (PAPPG), [2]NSF 13-1, was issued on October 4, 2012 and is
effective for proposals submitted, or due, on or after January 14,
2013. Please be advised that the guidelines contained in [3]NSF 13-1
apply to proposals submitted in response to this funding opportunity.
Please be aware that significant changes have been made to the PAPPG
to implement revised merit review criteria based on the National
Science Board (NSB) report, [4]National Science Foundation's Merit
Review Criteria: Review and Revisions. While the two merit review
criteria remain unchanged (Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts),
guidance has been provided to clarify and improve the function of the
criteria. Changes will affect the project summary and project
description sections of proposals. Annual and final reports also will
be affected.
A by-chapter summary of this and other significant changes is provided
at the beginning of both the [5]Grant Proposal Guide and the [6]Award
& Administration Guide.
Please note that this program solicitation may contain supplemental
proposal preparation guidance and/or guidance that deviates from the
guidelines established in the [7]Grant Proposal Guide.
SUMMARY OF PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
General Information
Program Title:
CISE-MPS Interdisciplinary Faculty Program in Quantum Information
Science
Synopsis of Program:
The CISE-MPS Interdisciplinary Faculty Program in Quantum
Information Science is designed to promote research in the area of
Quantum Information Science (QIS) by providing resources to allow
QIS researchers and researchers from the CISE or MPS disciplines to
actively engage in joint research efforts, addressing problems at
the interface between the mathematical and physical sciences and
computer and information sciences through long-term visits by
faculty to a host institution.
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.
* C. Denise Caldwell, MPS, MPS/PHY, telephone: (703) 292-7371,
email: [8]dcaldwel@nsf.gov
* Dmitry Maslov, CISE, CISE/CCF, telephone: (703) 292-8910, email:
[9]dmaslov@nsf.gov
* Almadena Y. Chtchelkanova, CISE, CISE/CCF, telephone: (703)
292-8910, email: [10]achtchel@nsf.gov
* John H. Cozzens, CISE, CISE/CCF, telephone: (703) 292-8910, email:
[11]jcozzens@nsf.gov
* Evelyn Goldfield, MPS, MPS/CHE, telephone: (703) 292-2173, email:
[12]egoldfie@nsf.gov
* Daryl W. Hess, MPS, MPS/DMR, telephone: (703) 292-4942, email:
[13]dhess@nsf.gov
* Edward Taylor, MPS, MPS/DMS, telephone: (703) 292-4872, email:
[14]etaylor@nsf.gov
* Ann Orel, MPS, MPS/PHY, telephone: (703) 292-2163, email:
[15]aorel@nsf.gov
Applicable Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s):
* 47.049 --- Mathematical and Physical Sciences
* 47.070 --- Computer and Information Science and Engineering
Award Information
Anticipated Type of Award: Standard Grant
Estimated Number of Awards: 12 to 16 NSF anticipates making three to
four awards for each deadline.
Anticipated Funding Amount: $4,000,000 subject to the availability of
funds. Awards are limited in size to a maximum of $250,000.
Eligibility Information
Organization Limit:
The categories of proposers eligible to submit proposals to the
National Science Foundation are identified in the Grant Proposal
Guide, Chapter I, Section E.
PI Limit:
The scholar must be in a tenured faculty position at the associate
or full professor level in his or her US home institution and must
be prepared to spend a minimum of one contiguous semester with the
host's group. Scholar and host must be from substantially different
environments, such that the collaborative activity represents a
broadening of experience and a bone fide change in the research
direction. Scholar and host must also be from different
institutions, so that the interaction with the host research group
represents a full immersion and not a part-time activity.
Limit on Number of Proposals per Organization:
None Specified
Limit on Number of Proposals per PI: 1
Proposal Preparation and Submission Instructions
A. Proposal Preparation Instructions
* Letters of Intent: Not Applicable
* Preliminary Proposal Submission: Not Applicable
* Full Proposals:
+ Full Proposals submitted via FastLane: NSF Proposal and Award
Policies and Procedures Guide, Part I: Grant Proposal Guide
(GPG) Guidelines apply. The complete text of the GPG is
available electronically on the NSF website at:
[16]http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=gpg.
+ 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:
[17]http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=gran
tsgovguide)
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
* Full Proposal Deadline(s) (due by 5 p.m. proposer's local time):
June 01, 2012
December 04, 2012
June 03, 2013
December 03, 2013
Proposal Review Information Criteria
Merit Review Criteria: National Science Board approved criteria.
Additional merit review considerations apply. Please see the full text
of this solicitation for further information.
Award Administration Information
Award Conditions: Standard NSF award conditions apply.
Reporting Requirements: Standard NSF reporting requirements apply.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
[18]Summary of Program Requirements
I. [19]Introduction
II. [20]Program Description
III. [21]Award Information
IV. [22]Eligibility Information
V. [23]Proposal Preparation and Submission Instructions
A. [24]Proposal Preparation Instructions
B. [25]Budgetary Information
C. [26]Due Dates
D. [27]FastLane/Grants.gov Requirements
VI. [28]NSF Proposal Processing and Review Procedures
A. [29]Merit Review Principles and Criteria
B. [30]Review and Selection Process
VII. [31]Award Administration Information
A. [32]Notification of the Award
B. [33]Award Conditions
C. [34]Reporting Requirements
VIII. [35]Agency Contacts
IX. [36]Other Information
I. INTRODUCTION
Quantum Information Science joins two outstanding scientific
breakthroughs in the 20^th century, quantum mechanics and information
science. In January 2009 the United States National Science and
Technology Council issued a report "A Federal Vision for Quantum
Information Science," which recommended that "The United States ...
create a scientific foundation for controlling, manipulating, and
exploiting the behavior of quantum matter, and for identifying the
physical, mathematical, and computational capabilities and limitations
of quantum information processing systems in order to build a
knowledge base for this 21st century technology." The report is
available at
[37]http://www.nist.gov/pml/div684/upload/FederalVisionQIS.pdf.
In response to this recommendation the Directorate for Computer and
Information Science and Engineering (CISE) and the Directorate for
Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) announce the CISE-MPS
Interdisciplinary Faculty Program in Quantum Information Science for
the promotion of research in the area of Quantum Information Science
(QIS), addressing problems at the interface between the mathematical
and physical sciences and computer and information sciences. The
program will provide resources to allow QIS researchers and
researchers from the CISE or MPS disciplines to actively engage in
joint research efforts through long-term visits by faculty to a host
institution.
II. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The goal of the CISE-MPS Interdisciplinary Faculty Program in Quantum
Information Science is to bring together QIS researchers and
researchers from the CISE or MPS disciplines to:
1) Address cross-disciplinary research questions in QIS that explore
the power of quantum computation and its impact on computer science,
advance knowledge on the fundamental limits of quantum computation and
systems, and explore advances in physical realization of quantum
systems, as well as
2) Increase the number of US researchers actively working in QIS and
train the future generation of QIS scientists.
The awards provide support for faculty with demonstrated success in
MPS or CISE research fields to actively engage in new
interdisciplinary research with QIS scientists.
The PI (referred to as the scholar) must be in a tenured faculty
position in his or her US home institution and must be prepared to
spend a minimum of one contiguous semester with the host's group.
Scholar and host must be from substantially different intellectual
backgrounds, such that the collaborative activity represents a
broadening of experience and a bone fide change in the scholar's
research direction. Scholar and host must also be based in different
institutions, so that the interaction with the host research group
represents a full immersion and not a part-time activity. Requests
from scholars wishing to visit well-established research groups and
centers in Quantum Information Science are particularly welcome.
Upon successful completion of the project, the NSF will entertain a
request for supplemental funding up to $50,000 per award, not to
exceed 20% of the value of the original award, to allow the scholar to
support a graduate student upon returning to the home institution and
initiating research in QIS or continuing a collaboration with the host
institution.
Awardees (scholar and at least one representative from the host
institution) are expected to attend a PI meeting.
While the primary intent of the program is to foster connections
between scientists within the US, proposals from scholars to visit
institutions with outstanding QIS activities abroad will also be
considered. In such cases the application should include as part of
the Project Description what the host institution will provide and a
plan of how the activity will foster the development of QIS research
and education within the US.
III. AWARD INFORMATION
Anticipated Type of Award: Standard Grant
Estimated Number of Awards: 12 to 16 NSF anticipates making three to
four awards for each deadline.
Anticipated Funding Amount: $4,000,000, subject to the availability of
funds
Awards are limited in size to a maximum of $250,000
IV. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
Organization Limit:
The categories of proposers eligible to submit proposals to the
National Science Foundation are identified in the Grant Proposal
Guide, Chapter I, Section E.
PI Limit:
The scholar must be in a tenured faculty position at the associate
or full professor level in his or her US home institution and must
be prepared to spend a minimum of one contiguous semester with the
host's group. Scholar and host must be from substantially different
environments, such that the collaborative activity represents a
broadening of experience and a bone fide change in the research
direction. Scholar and host must also be from different
institutions, so that the interaction with the host research group
represents a full immersion and not a part-time activity.
Limit on Number of Proposals per Organization:
None Specified
Limit on Number of Proposals per PI: 1
V. PROPOSAL PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
A. Proposal Preparation Instructions
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 Grant Proposal Guide (GPG). The complete text of the GPG
is available electronically on the NSF website at:
[38]http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=gpg.
Paper copies of the GPG may be obtained from the NSF Publications
Clearinghouse, telephone (703) 292-7827 or by e-mail from
[39]nsfpubs@nsf.gov. 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:
([40]http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=grantsgo
vguide). 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) 292-7827 or by e-mail
from [41]nsfpubs@nsf.gov.
In determining which method to utilize in the electronic preparation
and submission of the proposal, please note the following:
Collaborative Proposals. All collaborative proposals submitted as
separate submissions from multiple organizations must be submitted via
the NSF FastLane system. Chapter II, Section D.4 of the Grant Proposal
Guide provides additional information on collaborative proposals.
Important Proposal Preparation Information: FastLane will check for
required sections of the full proposal, in accordance with Grant
Proposal Guide (GPG) instructions described in Chapter II.C.2. The GPG
requires submission of: Project Summary; Project Description;
References Cited; Biographical Sketch(es); Budget; Budget
Justification; Current and Pending Support; Facilities, Equipment &
Other Resources; Data Management Plan; and Postdoctoral Mentoring
Plan, if applicable. If a required section is missing, FastLane will
not accept the proposal.
Please note that the proposal preparation instructions provided in
this program solicitation may deviate from the GPG instructions. If
the solicitation instructions do not require a GPG-required section to
be included in the proposal, insert text or upload a document in that
section of the proposal that states, "Not Applicable for this Program
Solicitation." Doing so will enable FastLane to accept your proposal.
Collaborative proposals with the lead proposal submitted by the
scholar's home institution will be the preferred method of applying to
the program for two institutions located in the US. The scholar's
institution requests salary and travel support for the scholar and the
host's institution requests materials, supplies, and other allowable
expenses for the host. Supplemental awards to the host institution
submitted in conjunction with the proposal will be considered on a
case by case basis. In the case of a request to visit a foreign
institution, only a proposal from the scholar's home institution is
required, with a subcontract budget to the host institution.
The project description for the proposal should not be more than ten
pages in length and should include the following:
1) A discussion of the research project on which the two investigators
will collaborate.
2) A clear statement of how the collaboration will address research
questions in QIS in a cross-disciplinary approach and explore the
power of quantum computation and its impact on computing, the
fundamental limits of quantum systems, and advances in physical
realization of quantum systems.
3) A statement of prior accomplishments in the fields relevant to the
project for both scholar and host.
4) A discussion of the impact of the collaboration on the research
directions and educational and outreach activities of both parties.
Please note that per guidance in the GPG, the Project Description must
contain, as a separate section within the narrative, a discussion of
the broader impacts of the proposed activities. You can decide where
to include this section within the Project Description.
A letter of invitation from the host, as well as a statement of
commitment on the part of the host to make the necessary facilities
available for the project, should be included in the Supplementary
Documents section.
Biographical information from both the scholar and the host should be
included within the Biographical Sketch section.
B. Budgetary Information
Cost Sharing: Inclusion of voluntary committed cost sharing is
prohibited
Budget Preparation Instructions:
Awards are limited in size to a maximum of $250,000. Allowable costs
include:
* up to 50% of the academic year salary for the scholar relocating
for one academic year. In addition, two months of summer salary
may be requested if the scholar remains over the summer;
* up to 25% of the academic year salary for the scholar relocating
for one academic semester or a minimum of four contiguous months.
In addition, two months of summer salary may be requested if the
scholar remains over the summer;
* travel expenses for the scholar, including conferences and related
meetings, to include the PI meeting;
* S&E for expenses at host institution up to $5,000;
* materials and supplies essential to the implementation of the
project.
C. Due Dates
* Full Proposal Deadline(s) (due by 5 p.m. proposer's local time):
June 01, 2012
December 04, 2012
June 03, 2013
December 03, 2013
Proposals are due on the first due date and then every six months
thereafter for two years.
D. FastLane/Grants.gov Requirements
* For Proposals Submitted Via FastLane:
Detailed technical instructions regarding the technical aspects of
preparation and submission via FastLane are available at:
[42]https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/a1/newstan.htm. For FastLane user
support, call the FastLane Help Desk at 1-800-673-6188 or e-mail
[43]fastlane@nsf.gov. The FastLane Help Desk answers general
technical questions related to the use of the FastLane system.
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.
Submission of Electronically Signed Cover Sheets. The Authorized
Organizational Representative (AOR) must electronically sign the
proposal Cover Sheet to submit the required proposal
certifications (see Chapter II, Section C of the Grant Proposal
Guide for a listing of the certifications). The AOR must provide
the required electronic certifications within five working days
following the electronic submission of the proposal. Further
instructions regarding this process are available on the FastLane
Website at: [44]https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/fastlane.jsp.
* 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: [45]http://www07.grants.gov/applicants/app_help_reso.jsp.
In addition, the NSF Grants.gov Application Guide provides
additional technical guidance regarding 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:
[46]support@grants.gov. 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.
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 the GPG as
[47]Exhibit III-1.
A comprehensive description of the Foundation's merit review process
is available on the NSF website at:
[48]http://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 [49]Empowering
the Nation Through Discovery and Innovation: NSF Strategic Plan for
Fiscal Years (FY) 2011-2016. 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 core strategies 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 provide abundant opportunities where individuals
may concurrently assume responsibilities as researchers, educators,
and students, and where all can engage in joint efforts that infuse
education with the excitement of discovery and enrich research through
the variety of learning perspectives.
Another core strategy in support of NSF's mission is broadening
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
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.
([50]GPG 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 [51]GPG 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 underrepresented minorities 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
Proposals will be evaluated by interdisciplinary experts in both the
mathematical and physical sciences and computer science who will
provide the needed interdisciplinary expertise. Awards will be made
based on the potential of the proposed work for advancing the
connection between the two disciplines in Quantum Information Science,
for addressing the need for the development of human capital in
Quantum Information Science, as well as on the scientific and
educational merit of the activity.
B. Review and Selection Process
Proposals submitted in response to this program solicitation will be
reviewed by ad hoc and/or panel review.
Proposals will be reviewed by either ad hoc review or a combination of
ad hoc and panel review, depending on the number of proposals
received.
Reviewers will be asked to formulate a recommendation to either
support or decline each proposal. 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 is striving to be able to tell applicants
whether their proposals have been declined or recommended for funding
within six months. The time interval begins on the deadline or target
date, or receipt date, whichever is later. The interval ends when the
Division Director accepts the Program Officer's recommendation.
A summary rating and accompanying narrative will be completed and
submitted by each reviewer. In all cases, reviews are treated as
confidential documents. Verbatim copies of reviews, excluding the
names of the reviewers, 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.
In all cases, 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 and 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.
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 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
[52]http://www.nsf.gov/awards/managing/award_conditions.jsp?org=NSF.
Paper copies may be obtained from the NSF Publications Clearinghouse,
telephone (703) 292-7827 or by e-mail from [53]nsfpubs@nsf.gov.
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
[54]http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=aag.
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 at least 90 days prior to the
end of the current budget period. (Some programs or awards require
submission of more frequent project reports). Within 90 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 Award & Administration Guide (AAG) Chapter II, available
electronically on the NSF Website at
[55]http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=aag.
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:
* C. Denise Caldwell, MPS, MPS/PHY, telephone: (703) 292-7371,
email: [56]dcaldwel@nsf.gov
* Dmitry Maslov, CISE, CISE/CCF, telephone: (703) 292-8910, email:
[57]dmaslov@nsf.gov
* Almadena Y. Chtchelkanova, CISE, CISE/CCF, telephone: (703)
292-8910, email: [58]achtchel@nsf.gov
* John H. Cozzens, CISE, CISE/CCF, telephone: (703) 292-8910, email:
[59]jcozzens@nsf.gov
* Evelyn Goldfield, MPS, MPS/CHE, telephone: (703) 292-2173, email:
[60]egoldfie@nsf.gov
* Daryl W. Hess, MPS, MPS/DMR, telephone: (703) 292-4942, email:
[61]dhess@nsf.gov
* Edward Taylor, MPS, MPS/DMS, telephone: (703) 292-4872, email:
[62]etaylor@nsf.gov
* Ann Orel, MPS, MPS/PHY, telephone: (703) 292-2163, email:
[63]aorel@nsf.gov
For questions related to the use of FastLane, contact:
* FastLane Help Desk, telephone: 1-800-673-6188; e-mail:
[64]fastlane@nsf.gov.
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:
[65]support@grants.gov.
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, "My NSF" 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 [66]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. "My NSF" also is available on
NSF's website at [67]http://www.nsf.gov/mynsf/.
Grants.gov provides an additional electronic capability to search for
Federal government-wide grant opportunities. NSF funding opportunities
may be accessed via this new mechanism. Further information on
Grants.gov may be obtained at [68]http://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
provide funding for special assistance or equipment to enable persons
with disabilities to work on NSF-supported projects. See Grant
Proposal Guide Chapter II, Section D.2 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) 292-5090 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 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 [69]http://www.nsf.gov
* Location: 4201 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22230
* 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: [70]nsfpubs@nsf.gov
or telephone: (703) 292-7827
* 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 Systems
of Records, [71]NSF-50, "Principal Investigator/Proposal File and
Associated Records," 69 Federal Register 26410 (May 12, 2004), and
[72]NSF-51, "Reviewer/Proposal File and Associated Records," 69
Federal Register 26410 (May 12, 2004). 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
Office of the General Counsel
National Science Foundation
Arlington, VA 22230
[73]Policies and Important Links
|
[74]Privacy | [75]FOIA | [76]Help | [77]Contact NSF | [78]Contact Web
Master | [79]SiteMap
National Science Foundation
The National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington,
Virginia 22230, USA
Tel: (703) 292-5111, FIRS: (800) 877-8339 | TDD: (800) 281-8749
Last Updated:
11/07/06
[80]Text Only
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4. http://www.nsf.gov/nsb/publications/2011/meritreviewcriteria.pdf
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6. http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/pappguide/nsf13001/aag_sigchanges.jsp
7. http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/pappguide/nsf13001/gpg_index.jsp
8. mailto:dcaldwel@nsf.gov
9. mailto:dmaslov@nsf.gov
10. mailto:achtchel@nsf.gov
11. mailto:jcozzens@nsf.gov
12. mailto:egoldfie@nsf.gov
13. mailto:dhess@nsf.gov
14. mailto:etaylor@nsf.gov
15. mailto:aorel@nsf.gov
16. http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=gpg
17. http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=grantsgovguide
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22. http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2012/nsf12540/nsf12540.htm#elig
23. http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2012/nsf12540/nsf12540.htm#prep
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26. http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2012/nsf12540/nsf12540.htm#dates
27. http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2012/nsf12540/nsf12540.htm#fastlane
28. http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2012/nsf12540/nsf12540.htm#review
29. http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2012/nsf12540/nsf12540.htm#reviewcrit
30. http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2012/nsf12540/nsf12540.htm#reviewprot
31. http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2012/nsf12540/nsf12540.htm#awardadmin
32. http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2012/nsf12540/nsf12540.htm#awardnotify
33. http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2012/nsf12540/nsf12540.htm#grantcond
34. http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2012/nsf12540/nsf12540.htm#reportreq
35. http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2012/nsf12540/nsf12540.htm#cont
36. http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2012/nsf12540/nsf12540.htm#othpgm
37. http://www.nist.gov/pml/div684/upload/FederalVisionQIS.pdf
38. http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=gpg
39. mailto:nsfpubs@nsf.gov
40. http://www.nsf.gov/publications/
pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=grantsgovguide
41. mailto:nsfpubs@nsf.gov
42. https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/a1/newstan.htm
43. mailto:fastlane@nsf.gov
44. https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/fastlane.jsp
45. http://www07.grants.gov/applicants/app_help_reso.jsp
46. mailto:support@grants.gov
47. http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/pappguide/nsf13001/gpg_3ex1.pdf
48. http://nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/merit_review/
49. http://www.nsf.gov/news/strategicplan/nsfstrategicplan_2011_2016.pdf
50. http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/pappguide/nsf13001/gpg_2.jsp#IIC2di
51. http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/pappguide/nsf13001/gpg_2.jsp#IIC2di
52. http://www.nsf.gov/awards/managing/award_conditions.jsp?org=NSF
53. mailto:nsfpubs@nsf.gov
54. http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=aag
55. http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=aag
56. mailto:dcaldwel@nsf.gov
57. mailto:dmaslov@nsf.gov
58. mailto:achtchel@nsf.gov
59. mailto:jcozzens@nsf.gov
60. mailto:egoldfie@nsf.gov
61. mailto:dhess@nsf.gov
62. mailto:etaylor@nsf.gov
63. mailto:aorel@nsf.gov
64. mailto:fastlane@nsf.gov
65. mailto:support@grants.gov
66. http://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/outreach.jsp
67. http://www.nsf.gov/mynsf/
68. http://www.grants.gov/
69. http://www.nsf.gov/
70. mailto:nsfpubs@nsf.gov
71. http://www.nsf.gov/policies/
SOR_PA_NSF-50_Principal_Investigator_Proposal_File.pdf
72. http://www.nsf.gov/policies/
SOR_PA_NSF-51_Reviewer_Proposal_File.pdf
73. http://www.nsf.gov/policies
74. http://www.nsf.gov/policies/privacy.jsp
75. http://www.nsf.gov/policies/foia.jsp
76. http://www.nsf.gov/help/
77. http://www.nsf.gov/help/contact.jsp
78. mailto:webmaster@nsf.gov
79. http://www.nsf.gov/help/sitemap.jsp
80. http://transcoder.usablenet.com/tt/referrer