TITLE:  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Hazard SEES 2014/2015 
        Competition (nsf14093)
DATE:   7/22/2014


   NSF 14-093

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Hazard SEES 2014/2015 Competition

    1. What is meant by interdisciplinary Hazards SEES research?
	
       Proposals are expected to document that the proposed research is
       truly interdisciplinary and that the respective components are
       fully integrated and necessary for the successful execution of the
       proposed project. Plans for integration of the respective research
       components must be clearly outlined in the proposal. In order to
       ensure an interdisciplinary approach to solving sustainability
       problems, proposals must incorporate science from three or more
       intellectually distinct disciplines that in aggregate represent
       scientific areas supported by three or more of the participating
       NSF Directorates, which are:
          + Directorate for Geosciences;
          + Directorate for Engineering;
          + Directorate for Social, Behavioral, Economic Sciences;
          + Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences; and
          + Directorate for Computer and Information Science and
            Engineering
       
	   A proposal that only integrates social psychology, economics, and
       computer science, for example, would not be suitable for this
       competition because the research only spans science supported by
       two directorates; social psychology and economics are both
       supported by the Directorate for Social, Behavioral, Economic
       Sciences. Similarly, a proposal that only integrates seismology,
       tsunami wave dynamics, and coastal engineering would not satisfy
       the requirements of this solicitation, because the Directorate for
       Geosciences supports research into both seismology and tsunami
       wave dynamics. An additional discipline, such as mathematics, that
       is supported by a third directorate would need to be added in
       order for this project to be suitable for the Hazard SEES
       competition. You are welcome to include more than three
       disciplinary dimensions in your proposals. You may also
       incorporate science from other disciplines not supported by the
       participating directorates as well (see question 2). The
       appropriateness of the research teams disciplinary composition and
       expertise will also be a factor in the merit review of the
       proposal as described in the NSF Merit Review Criteria section in
       the Hazards SEES solicitation.
	   
    2. My project involves biological research. Would this project be
       appropriate for the Hazards SEES solicitation?
	   
       It depends. The biological sciences are not one of the distinct
       disciplinary areas described in this solicitation (except for
       marine systems which are included under ocean sciences in the
       Geosciences directorate). However, a biological or ecological
       component may fit into the research if appropriate to answer the
       overarching research questions. If you include a biological
       science, your proposal must still also incorporate science from
       three of the directorate-level discipline areas listed above (see
       question 1). The key is to craft a compelling argument that is in
       the full spirit of the solicitation.
	   
    3. Can I obtain a waiver of the page limitation for the project
       description if my project is large and complex, or if my project
       is a large collaboration among multiple institutions?
	   
       No. All proposals must adhere to the page limit given in the
       solicitation.
	   
    4. Do all proposals require a Data Management Plan? Do all proposals
       require a Management and Integration Plan as well?
	   
       Yes, all Hazards SEES proposals require both. The proposal must
       include a section that describes data and model sharing plans
       (Data Management Plan) in the Supplementary Documents section of
       the proposal as described in the NSF Grant Proposal Guide and in
       the Proposal Preparation Instructions section of the Hazard SEES
       solicitation. If you anticipate that your proposed project would
       not generate data or samples that require management and/or
       sharing, please state that in your Data Management Plan (but note
       that this statement will be subject to peer review). The proposal
       must also include, in the Supplementary Documents section of the
       proposal, a Management and Integration Plan, which is also
       described in the Proposal Preparation Instructions section of the
       Hazard SEES solicitation. The Management and Integration Plan
       differs significantly from the Data Management Plan, as discussed
       in the solicitation. The quality and appropriateness of the
       Management and Integration Plan is an important review criterion
       for Hazards SEES proposals as outlined in the NSF Merit Review
       Criteria section of the Hazards SEES solicitation.
	   
    5. Can a researcher be involved in more than one Hazards SEES
       proposal?
	   
       An individual can appear in the budget (including subaward
       budgets) for only one proposal. An individual can be involved in
       multiple proposals as an unfunded collaborator.
	   
    6. The solicitation uses a lot of terms such as vulnerability,
       resilience, hazards, and disasters. Would you please define these?
	   
       Definitions of these terms can be found in 2009 UNISDR Terminology
       on Disaster Risk Reduction published by the United Nations
       International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR), Geneva,
       Switzerland
       ([1]http://www.unisdr.org/files/7817_UNISDRTerminologyEnglish.pdf).
         
		  + Disaster: A serious disruption of the functioning of a
            community or a society involving widespread human, material,
            economic or environmental losses and impacts, which exceeds
            the ability of the affected community or society to cope
            using its own resources.
          
		  + Hazard: A dangerous phenomenon, substance, human activity or
            condition that may cause loss of life, injury or other health
            impacts, property damage, loss of livelihoods and services,
            social and economic disruption, or environmental damage.
          
		  + Natural hazard: Natural process or phenomenon that may cause
            loss of life, injury or other health impacts, property
            damage, loss of livelihoods and services, social and economic
            disruption, or environmental damage.
         
		  + Resilience: The ability of a system, community or society
            exposed to hazards to resist, absorb, accommodate to and
            recover from the effects of a hazard in a timely and
            efficient manner, including through the preservation and
            restoration of its essential basic structures and functions.
         
		  + Vulnerability: The characteristics and circumstances of a
            community, system or asset that make it susceptible to the
            damaging effects of a hazard.
			
    7. What is the difference between natural hazards, technological
       hazards, and technological hazards linked to natural phenomena?
	   
       The focus of the Hazards SEES program is natural hazards and
       technological hazards linked to natural phenomena, and their
       interactions. Such interactions are reciprocal. First,
       technological hazards originating in human activity may
       significantly impact natural systems. The Deepwater Horizon Oil
       Spill in 2010 is an example of technological hazard linked to
       natural phenomena. Human error led to the release of oil into the
       Gulf of Mexico, which damaged the oceanic and coastal ecosystems
       upon which many coastal towns and industries depend. Second,
       natural hazards, such as earthquakes and hurricanes, may
       precipitate technological disasters. The earthquake and tsunami
       that impacted the nuclear plant in Fukishima, Japan in 2011 is an
       example. However, many technological hazards are entirely
       contained within the social and technological realm (e.g.,
       financial system meltdowns), and absent some significant impact on
       natural phenomena, such hazards are beyond the purview of the
       Hazards SEES program. Hazards originating from war, acts of
       terrorism, and other malicious human activity (e.g., criminal
       acts, sabotage) are also beyond the scope of Hazards SEES. In
       order to be suitable for the Hazards SEES program, proposals must
       address hazards related to at least one natural phenomenon.
	   
    8. Which natural hazards are of interest to the Hazards SEES program?
	
       The U.S. National Science and Technology Council Subcommittee on
       Disaster Reduction (SDR) publication [2]Grand Challenges for
       Disaster Reduction includes a set of Implementation Plans for
       various natural hazards, which provide further definitions and
       descriptions of these hazards. Research projects that would fit
       within the scope of Hazards SEES include, but are not limited to,
       those related to these hazards:
        
		  + Coastal Inundation
            ([3]http://www.sdr.gov/docs/185820_Coastal_FINAL.pdf)
       
	      + Drought
            ([4]http://www.sdr.gov/docs/185820_Drought_FINAL.pdf)
        
		  + Earthquake
            ([5]http://www.sdr.gov/docs/185820_Earthquake_FINAL.pdf)
         
		  + Flood ([6]http://www.sdr.gov/docs/185820_Flood_FINAL.pdf)
        
		  + Heat Wave
            ([7]http://www.sdr.gov/docs/185820_Heatwave_FINAL.pdf)
         
		  + Hurricane
            ([8]http://www.sdr.gov/docs/185820_Hurricane_FINAL.pdf)
        
		  + Landslide and Debris Flow
            ([9]http://www.sdr.gov/docs/185820_Landslide_FINAL.pdf)
        
		  + Space Weather
            ([10]http://www.sdr.gov/docs/185820_Space_FINAL.pdf)
        
		  + Tornado
            ([11]http://www.sdr.gov/docs/185820_Tornado_FINAL.pdf)
        
		  + Tsunami
            ([12]http://www.sdr.gov/docs/185820_Tsunami_FINAL.pdf)
         
		  + Volcano
            ([13]http://www.sdr.gov/docs/185820_Volcano_FINAL.pdf)
       
	      + Wildland Fire
            ([14]http://www.sdr.gov/docs/185820_Wildfire_FINAL.pdf)
         
		  + Winter Storm
            ([15]http://www.sdr.gov/docs/185820_Winter_FINAL.pdf)
			
    9. Can a Hazards SEES project involve international research? Can a
       project have international collaborators?
	   
       Hazards SEES projects can involve international research. Hazards
       and disasters research has natural linkages with international
       partners thus international collaborations are encouraged where
       appropriate. International collaborators, however, must seek
       support from their respective funding organizations, and not NSF.
       Funding guidelines for involving international collaborators (see
       Budgetary Information section of the Hazards SEES solicitation)
       allow only the following expenses to be included in the NSF
       budget: 1) Travel expenses for U.S. scientists and students
       participating in exchange visits integral to the project; 2)
       Limited project-related expenses for international partners to
       engage in research activities while in the United States as
       project participants; 3) Project-related expenses for U.S.
       participants to engage in research activities while abroad.
	   
   10. How do I decide if my proposal should be submitted to Hazards SEES
       or another SEES (or SEES-like) program, such as Coastal SEES or
       the Dynamics of Coupled Natural and Human Systems?
	   
       The overarching goal of Hazards SEES is to catalyze
       well-integrated interdisciplinary research efforts in
       hazards-related science and engineering in order to improve the
       understanding of natural hazards and technological hazards linked
       to natural phenomena, mitigate their effects, and to better
       prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. It is up to
       the PI to make a compelling case for their project and how well it
       fits the particular goals of any NSF solicitation. Please read the
       program solicitations carefully in order to select an appropriate
       program for any given project.
	   
   11. How I should handle NSF facility costs in the proposal?
   
       NSF facilities are often in high demand and allocation decisions
       are made well in advance of facility usage. Proposers should
       consult facility managers and relevant NSF program officers to
       discuss options for requesting the use of a facility as far in
       advance of the proposal submission date as possible. In general,
       proposers will have to adhere to the established scheduling
       guidelines of the individual NSF facility.
	   
       As stated in the main text of the solicitation, projects that are
       requesting NSF computational facilities and/or observational
       platforms and facilities must include a copy of their request for
       facility support among the supplementary documents. The document
       must include a cost estimate for the use of the facility, which
       should be based upon consultation with the facility manager. When
       preparing your proposal, do not include these costs in the
       standard NSF budget form. Costs for NSF facilities would be
       allocated separately if your proposal is supported. However,
       please remember that the facility costs will count against the
       $3,000,000 cap for proposal budgets. For example, if you are
       planning on submitting a proposal that includes a facility cost of
       $500,000, your proposal budget should be no larger than
       $2,500,000.
	   
   12. Are PIs from NCAR permitted to submit proposals to Hazards SEES?
   
       PIs from the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), an
       NSF-sponsored FFRDC, are permitted to submit proposals to Hazards
       SEES subject to certain conditions: (1) NCAR's participation must
       be consistent with the NCAR mission of enabling or fostering
       focused new community research; (2); participation is expected to
       be in partnership with non-FFRDC organizations; and (3) funding
       requested by NCAR must be consistent with the Atmospheric and
       Geospace Sciences (AGS) divisions guidelines to NCAR for proposal
       submissions (for guidelines consult the AGS website
       [16]http://www.nsf.gov/div/index.jsp?org=AGS).
	   
   13. Can PIs from a Federal lab (FFRDC) submit a proposal to Hazards
       SEES?
	   
       Proposals from non-NSF-sponsored FFRDC's will not be accepted in
       the Hazards SEES program. However, investigators from
       non-NSF-sponsored FFRDC's may participate as unfunded
       collaborators in a Hazards SEES proposal.
	   
   14. I would like to include undergraduate students in my project. How
       do I incorporate a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)
       supplement request within my proposal?
	   
       Incorporation of an REU supplement request within a proposal is an
       effective mechanism to integrate undergraduate educational
       activities into a research project. The Research Experiences for
       Undergraduates (REU) solicitation ([17]NSF 13-542) describes this
       mechanism in detail. The REU solicitation notes that support for
       undergraduate students involved in carrying out research under NSF
       awards should be included as part of the research proposal itself
       instead of as a post-award supplement to the research proposal.
       Consult the REU solicitation for further details.
	   
   15. I won't be able to prepare a proposal this year. Can I count on
       Hazards SEES having another competition next year?
	   
       No.
	   
   16. The solicitation requires a list of project personnel, a list of
       collaborators and individuals with conflicts of interest, and a
       spreadsheet that lists participating individuals and persons with
       whom they may have a conflict of interest. These seem redundant.
       Why are they all necessary?
	   
       These lists do provide overlapping information, but unfortunately,
       technical limitations on systems used to manage and process
       proposals make it infeasible for a single document to serve all
       intended uses of these documents. In particular, there is no way
       to submit a spreadsheet via FastLane, and we need the spreadsheet
       in order to effectively manage conflicts of interest during this
       complex competition.
	   
   17. How do we fill out the spreadsheet giving the List of
       Participating Individuals?
	   
       The spreadsheet must be filled out as plain text, in CSV format.
       The submitted file may not contain any additional formatting such
       as carriage returns, splitting items across multiple cells, extra
       spaces/columns, etc. Any such change will interfere with our
       automated handling of these files.
	   
       The following is an example of a CSV file for a project with three
       PIs, two of whom have four conflicts of interest and one of whom
       has three. One of the conflicts is common between two of the PIs.
       Given the following information:
	   
          + Proposal ID Number: 1512345
          + PI: Joan Doe from University of State
          + Conflict: George Jones from University of X
          + Conflict: Fred Bloggs from College of Y
          + Conflict: Jane Public from City of Place
          + Conflict: Mario Rossi from Company A
		  
   18. Co-PI: Jean Dupont from College of B
          + Conflict: Julius Caesar from University of XYZ
          + Conflict: Timothy N. Chanter from ABC University
          + Conflict: John Donne from Company B
          + Conflict: Jane Eyre from Quadrinity College
 
   19. Co-PI: W. Jack Smith from MTX Tech
          + Conflict: Mario Rossi from Company A
          + Conflict: Tom Anderson from CC University
          + Conflict: Hans Gauss from JKL Technical College
      
	   The lines in the CSV file providing the conflicts information
       should read as follows:
	   
       COI_List>,1512345,Doe,Joan,University of State,Jones,George,
	   University of X
	   
       COI_List>,1512345,Doe,Joan,University of State,Bloggs,Fred,
	   College of Y
	   
       COI_List>,1512345,Doe,Joan,University of State,Public,Jane,
	   City of Place
	   
       COI_List>,1512345,Doe,Joan,University of State,Rossi,Mario,
	   Company A
	   
       COI_List>,1512345,Dupont,Jean,College of B,Caesar,Julius,
	   University of XYZ
	   
       COI_List>,1512345,Dupont,Jean,College of B,Chanter,Timothy N.,
	   ABC University
	   
       COI_List>,1512345,Dupont,Jean,College of B,Donne,John,Company B
	   
       COI_List>,1512345,Dupont,Jean,College of B,Eyre,Jane,Quadrinity
       College
	   
       COI_List>,1512345,Smith,W. Jack,MTX Tech,Rossi,Mario,Company A
	   
       COI_List>,1512345,Smith,W. Jack,MTX Tech,Anderson,Tom,
	   CC University
	   
       COI_List>,1512345,Smith,W. Jack,MTX Tech,Gauss,Hans,JKL 
	   Technical College

References

  1. http://www.unisdr.org/files/7817_UNISDRTerminologyEnglish.pdf
  2. http://www.sdr.gov/grandchallenges.html
  3. http://www.sdr.gov/docs/185820_Coastal_FINAL.pdf
  4. http://www.sdr.gov/docs/185820_Drought_FINAL.pdf
  5. http://www.sdr.gov/docs/185820_Earthquake_FINAL.pdf
  6. http://www.sdr.gov/docs/185820_Flood_FINAL.pdf
  7. http://www.sdr.gov/docs/185820_Heatwave_FINAL.pdf
  8. http://www.sdr.gov/docs/185820_Hurricane_FINAL.pdf
  9. http://www.sdr.gov/docs/185820_Landslide_FINAL.pdf
  10. http://www.sdr.gov/docs/185820_Space_FINAL.pdf
  11. http://www.sdr.gov/docs/185820_Tornado_FINAL.pdf
  12. http://www.sdr.gov/docs/185820_Tsunami_FINAL.pdf
  13. http://www.sdr.gov/docs/185820_Volcano_FINAL.pdf
  14. http://www.sdr.gov/docs/185820_Wildfire_FINAL.pdf
  15. http://www.sdr.gov/docs/185820_Winter_FINAL.pdf
  16. http://www.nsf.gov/div/index.jsp?org=ags
  17. http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf13542