TITLE:  Handbook for Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences (AGS) Postdoctoral
        Research Fellows (nsf14097)
DATE:   7/28/2014


   NSF 14-097

Handbook for Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences (AGS) Postdoctoral Research
Fellows

   IMPORTANT

   This document summarizes the terms and conditions for your National
   Science Foundation Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences Postdoctoral
   Research Fellowship (AGS-PRF) and provides general information for use
   during your tenure. Read it carefully and refer to it whenever you
   have a question about your Fellowship.

   Address all correspondence to:

     AGS-PRF
     Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences (AGS)
     National Science Foundation
     Room 775
     4201 Wilson Boulevard
     Arlington, VA 22230

   You may also contact the program via [1]agsprf@nsf.gov and FAX (703)
   292-9022.

   As a recipient of NSF funds, you are responsible for fulfilling the
   academic and fiscal obligations of your award.

   Failure on the part of a Fellow to observe all the terms and
   conditions of a Fellowship award constitutes sufficient grounds for
   its revocation by the Foundation.

   1. INTRODUCTION

   Your National Science Foundation Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences
   Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (AGS-PRF) has been awarded by the
   National Science Foundation in recognition of your accomplishments to
   date, and with the hope that your Fellowship experience will enhance
   your development as a scientist and enable you to further contribute
   to the scientific and educational efforts of the United States. Upon
   acceptance of an award under this program, the Foundation will issue
   an award notice based on the information submitted in your Fellowship
   application.

   2. FELLOWSHIP INSTITUTION

   A Fellow must, by law, affiliate with an appropriate institution
   during the entire Fellowship Tenure as described in the AGS-PRF
   Program Announcement [2]NSF 14-509, and is responsible for making all
   arrangements for such affiliation with the Fellowship Institution. A
   clear relationship should be established with the chosen institution
   before beginning tenure, thus assuring both the Fellow and the
   Foundation that it will be possible to carry out the program for which
   the Fellowship was awarded.

   If it becomes necessary or desirable to seek affiliation with an
   institution other than the one listed in the application, the Fellow
   must request in writing permission from the Foundation, stating the
   reasons for the proposed change and explaining the appropriateness of
   the new institution for the proposed plan for research and education
   ([3]See Section 5 of this document for more details).
   This must be done before final arrangements with the new institution
   are completed. A fellow may not enter on tenure until the National
   Science Foundation approves all changes, including the new sponsoring
   scientist.

   3. SPONSORING SCIENTIST

   Each Postdoctoral Fellow will arrange for a staff member at the
   Fellowship Institution(s) to serve as sponsoring scientist. Usually
   this individual will be a professor or staff scientist with whom you
   will be working closely in your Fellowship program. It is hoped that
   this advisor will assist in the planning and initiation of your
   program of research, and will advise and mentor you as described in
   the institution's Letter of Commitment submitted as part of your
   proposal. The sponsoring scientist will be the institutional
   representative responsible for your activities during tenure.

   Starting and Termination Certificates used in connection with the
   Fellowship should be signed by the sponsoring scientist, or if absent,
   by an appropriate official of the institution.

   Any questions relating to your status at the Fellowship Institution(s)
   which the sponsoring scientist cannot answer should be referred for
   resolution to other appropriate officials within the Fellowship
   Institution(s), such as a department chair, dean of the graduate
   school, or a designated institutional representative. As with the host
   organization, a change in sponsoring scientist requires an email
   request to and approval from the cognizant NSF Program Officer.

   4. ENTRANCE UPON TENURE

   A Postdoctoral Fellow must begin Fellowship activities within 12
   months of receiving the award. Any awardee unable to begin tenure
   within this specified time period is expected to decline the
   Fellowship. This declination will not prejudice any future
   application.

   Before a Fellow may enter upon tenure of a Postdoctoral Fellowship,
   NSF must have on record the date (month and year) on which the Ph.D.
   was awarded. If the Ph.D. is not awarded prior to the starting date of
   tenure, the awardee must submit evidence that all the requirements for
   the degree have been completed. A certification form for this purpose
   will be provided by the cognizant NSF Program Officer.

   A set of starting materials, including a Fellowship Starting
   Certificate, NSF Form 349 (06/2009) and Fellowship Termination
   Certificate, NSF Form 453 (06/2009) will be made available to you
   after issuance of the award notice.

   Fellowship tenure starts on the date a Fellow begins Fellowship
   activities (must be the first day of the month; e.g., January 1) and
   terminates on the date Fellowship activities are completed at the
   Fellowship Institution, as indicated on the Starting and Termination
   Certificates. Both the Starting and the Termination Certificates must
   be signed by the sponsoring scientist or by an appropriate official of
   the institution. This is a requirement which the Foundation must ask
   Fellows to fulfill in order to comply with governmental accounting
   regulations. If a Fellow interrupts tenure or affiliates with more
   than one institution, Starting and Termination Certificates are
   required for each portion of tenure. Stipend payments will not be
   authorized until a Starting Certificate has been received by the
   Foundation.

   5. PROGRAM CHANGES

   Any major change in the program of research or education from that
   proposed at the time of application, and any change in tenure, or in
   the institution(s) with which a Fellow is associated, must be
   requested in writing and receive the prior written approval of the
   National Science Foundation. Before completion of the first year of
   Fellowship tenure, changes in the Fellowship Institution will be
   approved only under unusual circumstances. Since the likely impact of
   both the sponsoring scientist and the Fellowship Institution on the
   professional development of the Fellow was an important factor in the
   proposal evaluation process, the selection of these, especially for
   the first year of Fellowship tenure, will normally be viewed as a
   commitment on the part of the applicant to fulfill the plan for
   research and education as outlined in the original application.
   Although it is expected that each Fellow will carry out the program as
   approved at the time of application, minor changes may be made at the
   discretion of the Fellow and with concurrence of the scientific
   advisor. However, any major changes must be outlined and justified in
   full in writing so that a determination may be made by the Foundation
   as to whether the new program falls within the intent of the award.

   6. STIPENDS

    A. Amount: The stipend will be paid at a monthly rate which totals
       $58,000 for each calendar year of the 2-year fellowship.
    
    B. Payments: Stipend payments will be authorized after submission of
       a properly completed Fellowship Starting Certificate, NSF Form 349
       (06/2009), and a completed FastStart Direct Deposit Form 1379
       (06/2009). Instructions for submission of these forms are provided
       below.

      1. Fellowship Starting Certificate, NSF Form 349 (06/2009). The
         fellow must complete and submit to the cognizant Program Officer
         the Fellowship Starting Certificate, NSF Form 349. This form will
         serve as the authority to begin your stipend payments and will
         provide the Fellow's statement of tenure information. The form is
         countersigned by your sponsoring scientist or other appropriate
         official at your Institution.
    
      2. FastStart Direct Deposit Form, NSF Form 1379 (06/2009). In order
         to receive payments from the Fellowship, the Fellow must complete
         the FastStart Direct Deposit Form, NSF Form 1379.
         
	 The form must be signed and submitted directly to the NSF Division
         of Financial Management (DFM) by: fax (703) 292-9006 or mail to:

           National Science Foundation
           DFM Accounts Payable Section
           4201 Wilson Blvd., Stafford II, Rm. 605
           Arlington, Virginia 22230
       
	 The Fellow should insert the name of the cognizant Program Officer
         at the top of the form. The Fellow's home address should be
         provided, as well as the name of their bank located in the United
         States. The Fellow's signature is required as it certifies the
         accuracy of the information contained on the form and states that
         the individual has read the Privacy Act Statement.
         
	 No funds will be released to the fellow without submission of this
         information.
    
      3. The first stipend will be paid as soon as possible after the
         completed forms are received by the Foundation. Although every
         effort will be made to process the first payment immediately upon
         receipt of the Starting Certificate and the FastStart Direct
         Deposit Form, it may not be received until five to seven weeks
         after the start of the Fellowship tenure. It will therefore be
         necessary for the Fellow to make full financial provision for this
         interim period. Fellows are encouraged to make arrangements for
         accounts prior to the start of their fellowship tenure, so that
         initial processing may proceed without delay. In addition, Fellows
         are advised to use the same account for the entire period of their
         fellowship tenure, as any changes may involve significant delays
         in the processing of stipends.
		 
      4. Any changes or interruptions in stipend payment or any other
         miscellaneous actions should be requested and described on the
         Fellowship Action Form, NSF Form 383 (06/2009), also made
         available with the starting materials.

     Delayed or Lost Stipend Payment

   If an anticipated stipend or other Fellowship payment is not received
   on time, the Fellow should notify the cognizant NSF Program Officer
   immediately. If the payment in question has posted for payment but was
   not received, inquiry should be made at the Fellow's bank to see if
   the payment can be traced. If it is still missing after a week, the
   Fellow should write the Foundation via electronic mail or at the
   address given on page one of this booklet requesting that the payment
   be stopped and that a replacement be processed. The Foundation will
   forward the appropriate fiscal information to the Treasury Department.
   In addition, an official of the bank should also write the Foundation
   stating that the bank did not receive the stipend payment. Such
   replacement payments usually require at least two months for
   processing. If the stipend is paid in the meantime, the Foundation
   should be notified immediately.

   7. OTHER ALLOWANCES

   The annual fellowship allowance of $28,000 is paid as a lump sum to
   the Fellow at the beginning of the first and second years of the
   Fellowship to support Fellowship activities such as:
   
     * expenses directly related to the conduct of the proposed research
       and broadening participation activities, including but not limited
       to materials and supplies, use or purchase of equipment, computing
       resources, publication charges, subscription fees, and travel.
	   
     * expenses in support of fringe benefits, including health insurance
       provided through either a group plan offered by the host
       organization or an individual plan secured by the Fellow, dental
       and/or vision insurance, disability insurance, retirement,
       dependent care, and moving expenses.

   NSF considers it appropriate for the fellow's host organization, at
   the organization's discretion, to make facilities and benefits
   available. If costs are assessed to the fellow, funds from the
   fellowship allowance may be utilized for this purpose. In such cases,
   the fellow would pay the benefits to the host organization. NSF cannot
   pay the organization directly, and is not responsible for any charges
   incurred by or on behalf of the fellow.

   If a fellowship is terminated early, the fellow must return unused
   fellowship allowance funds to NSF. Generally, the fellow would return
   a prorated portion of the allowance. As an example, if the fellowship
   were terminated after 6 months, $14,000 of the $28,000 annual
   allowance would be returned. However, exceptions for such things as
   equipment purchases may be considered, and should be discussed with
   the cognizant NSF program officer.

   8. PROJECT REPORTS

    A. Interim Reports
       
       Fellows are required to submit an interim report electronically 3
       months after start of the first year of the fellowship, via the
       Project Report System in [5]Research.gov. The purpose of this
       report is to determine if the project is developing as proposed.
       If significant changes in the project occur, formal notifications
       should be submitted via Fastlane. The NSF Fastlane system may be
       accessed at [6]https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/fastlane.jsp. See
       Section 5, Program Changes, for additional information.
   
    B. Annual Reports

      1. Submission Requirement. Fellows are required to submit annual
         project reports electronically via the Project Report System in
         Research.gov.
   
      2. Content of Annual Project Reports. The content requirements for
         annual project reports are specified in the Research.gov system
         and may be supplemented in the award document.
   
      3. Timing of Annual Project Reports. Unless otherwise specified in
         the award, annual project reports shall be submitted at least 90
         days prior to the end of each 12-month award period. It should be
         noted that the final annual report serves as the project's final
         report and must be submitted in accordance with section C below.
         Continued funding for the second and third years of the Fellowship
         will be contingent on the approval of annual project reports, and
         it is the Fellow's responsibility to ensure that annual reports
         are submitted in a timely fashion so that stipend payments are not
         interrupted.

     Final Project Reports
	 
      1. Submission Requirement. Unless otherwise specified in the award,
         the Fellow shall submit a Final Project Report within 90 days
         following the expiration date of the award via the Project Report
         System in [7]Research.gov.
		 
      2. In addition, at the end of the Fellowship tenure period, Fellows
         must submit (by fax or email) to the cognizant NSF Program Officer
         the Fellowship Termination Certificate and Grant Fiscal Report,
         NSF Form 453 (06/2009).
		 
      3. The Foundation would be pleased to receive an account of the
         Fellow's progress at any time, especially if there are
         particularly significant developments during a given Fellowship
         year.

       Project Outcomes Report for the General Public

   Within 90 days following expiration of the grant, a project outcomes
   report for the general public must be submitted electronically via
   Research.gov. On the Research.gov homepage, click on "How do I Login?"
   and then see "How can I submit my Project Outcomes Report" on the
   right side of the screen. The fellow's project outcomes report will be
   posted in the Research Spending and Results section of the
   [20]Research.gov website exactly as it is submitted and will be
   accompanied by the following disclaimer:

     This Project Outcomes Report for the General Public is displayed
     verbatim as submitted by the Principal Investigator (PI) for this
     award. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations
     expressed in this Report are those of the PI and do not necessarily
     reflect the views of the National Science Foundation; NSF has not
     approved or endorsed its content.

   Fellows are to ensure that the report does not contain any
   confidential, proprietary business information; unpublished
   conclusions or data that might compromise the ability to publish
   results in the research literature; or invention disclosures that
   might adversely affect the patent rights or those of the organization,
   in a subject invention under the award. Reports are not to contain any
   private personally identifiable information such as home contact
   information, individual demographic data or individually identifiable
   information collected from human research participants.

   9. CHANGE OF ADDRESS

   A change in postal and/or electronic mail address should be reported
   promptly to the Foundation via electronic mail or in writing at the
   address on the first page of this booklet. Fellows are also expected
   to maintain updated contact information in Fastlane at
   [8]http://www.fastlane.nsf.gov, both as the Principal Investigator
   and Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) on the fellowship
   award. Award amendments will be mailed electronically to the AOR email
   address on file in Fastlane.

   10. FOREIGN TRAVEL

   All travel to be reimbursed from Federal funds must be by U.S. flag
   carriers, except as noted in C. below. No exceptions can be made to
   these regulations. Due to the complexity of the travel requirements,
   Fellows are encouraged to consult with the Fellowship Institution's
   Sponsored Projects Office or equivalent regarding any travel issues.
    
	A. Policy

    1. Expenses for transportation, lodging, subsistence and related
       items incurred by project personnel and by outside consultants
       employed on the project, (see AAG Chapter V.B.4) who are on travel
       status on business related to an NSF-supported project are
       allowable as prescribed in the governing OMB cost principles. The
       requirements for prior approval detailed in the governing OMB cost
       principles are waived. 
	   
    2. Except as provided in the governing OMB cost principles, the
       difference between economy airfare and a higher-class airfare is
       unallowable. A train, bus or other surface carrier may be used in
       lieu of, or as a supplement to, air travel at the lowest
       first-class rate by the transportation facility used. If such
       travel, however, could have been performed by air, the allowance
       will not normally exceed that for jet economy airfare.
	   
    3. Support for the foreign travel of an investigator's dependents is
       allowable only under the conditions identified in AAG Chapter
       V.B.4.

     Use of U.S.-Flag Air Carriers
	 
    1. In accordance with the Fly America Act (49 USC 40118), any air
       transportation to, from, between, or within a country other than
       the U.S. of persons or property, the expense of which will be
       assisted by NSF funding, must be performed by or under a
       code-sharing arrangement with a U.S.-flag air carrier if service
       provided by such a carrier is available (see Comptroller General
       Decision B-240956, dated September 25, 1991). Tickets (or
       documentation for electronic tickets) must identify the U.S. flag
       air carrier's designator code and flight number.
	   
    2. U.S.-flag air carrier: For the purposes of this requirement,
       U.S.-flag air carrier service is considered available even though:

       a. comparable or a different kind of service can be provided at less
          cost by a foreign-flag air carrier;
     
       b. foreign-flag air carrier service is preferred by, or is more
          convenient for, NSF or traveler; or
      
       c. service by a foreign-flag air carrier can be paid for in excess
          foreign currency.

   The following rules apply unless their application would result in
   the first or last leg of travel from or to the U.S. being performed by
   a foreign-flag air carrier:
   
      a. a U.S.-flag air carrier shall be used to destination or, in the
         absence of direct or through service, to the farthest interchange
         point on a usually traveled route.
		 
      b. if a U.S.-flag air carrier does not serve an origin or interchange
         point, a foreign-flag air carrier shall be used only to the
         nearest interchange point on a usually traveled route to connect
         with a U.S. flag air carrier.

     Use of Foreign-Flag Air Carriers

   There are certain circumstances under which use of a foreign-flag air
   carrier is permissible. These circumstances are outlined below:
    
	1. Airline "Open Skies" Agreements
	
       A foreign flag air carrier may be used if the transportation is
       provided under an air transportation agreement between the United
       States and a foreign government, which the Department of
       Transportation has determined meets the requirements of the Fly
       America Act. For information on "open skies" agreements in which
       the United States has entered, please refer to the GSA website at
       [9]http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/130191.

       Note on U.S./European Union Open Skies Agreement: In 2007, the
       U.S. entered into an "Open Skies" Agreement with the European
       Union ("EU"). This agreement was modified in June 2010. The
       current Agreement gives European Community airlines (airlines of
       Member States) the right to transport passengers and cargo on
       flights funded by the U.S. government, when the transportation is
       between: (1) any two points outside the United States; or (2) a
       point in the United States and any point outside the United States
       that the EU airline is authorized to serve under the "Open Skies"
       Agreement.
	   
       As of 2011, two significant changes have been made to the U.S. /EU
       Open Skies Agreement. First, EU airlines are now granted the right
       to transport civilian agency-funded passengers who are NOT
       eligible to travel on GSA Airline City Pair Contract fares (e.g.,
       grantees) between a point in the United States and a point outside
       the United States even if there is a GSA Airline City Pair
       Contract fare in effect between the origin and destination points.
       An individual, however, who is traveling on a route for which
       there is a City Pair Contract fare in effect, and who is eligible
       for such a fare (e.g., Federal employee), will be required to fly
       on a U.S. carrier, absent another applicable exception.

       Second, under the amended Agreement, EU airlines are now
       authorized to transport passengers between points in the United
       States and points outside the EU if the EU airline is authorized
       to serve the route under the Agreement. This includes flights that
       originate, arrive, or stop in the EU. Prior to this change, EU
       airlines were limited to flying passengers between points in the
       U.S. and points in the EU.
	   
    2. Involuntary Rerouting  
	
       Travel on a foreign-flag carrier is permitted if a U.S.-flag air
       carrier involuntarily reroutes the traveler via a foreign-flag air
       carrier, notwithstanding the availability of alternative U.S.-flag
       air carrier service. 
	   
    3. Travel To and From the U.S on non-European Community Airlines
       Use of a non-European Community foreign-flag air carrier is
       permissible if the airport abroad is:
	   
         a. the traveler's origin or destination airport, and use of
            U.S.-flag air carrier service would extend the time in a
            travel status by at least 24 hours more than travel by a
            foreign-flag air carrier; or
         
	 b. an interchange point, and use of U.S.-flag air carrier
            service would increase the number of aircraft changes the
            traveler must make outside of the U.S. by two or more, would
            require the traveler to wait four hours or more to make
            connections at that point, or would extend the time in a
            travel status by at least six hours more than travel by a
            foreign-flag air carrier.
			
    4. Travel Between Points Outside the U.S
	
       Use of a non-European foreign-flag air carrier is permissible if:
	   
         a. travel by a foreign-flag air carrier would eliminate two or
            more aircraft changes en route;
			
         b. travel by a U.S.-flag air carrier would require a connecting
            time of four hours or more at an overseas interchange point;
            or
			
         c. the travel is not part of the trip to or from the U.S., and
            use of a U.S.-flag air carrier would extend the time in a
            travel status by at least six hours more than travel by a
            foreign-flag air carrier.

     Short Distance Travel

   For all short distance travel, regardless of origin and destination,
   use of a foreign-flag air carrier is permissible if the elapsed travel
   time on a scheduled flight from origin to destination airport by a
   foreign-flag air carrier is three hours or less and service by a
   U.S.-flag air carrier would double the travel time.

     Charter Flights

   Because of the risk of catastrophic loss, NSF does not encourage the
   use of charter flights as a means of mass transportation for groups of
   scientists and engineers nor does it make arrangements for purchase of
   charter flight airline tickets.

     Projects in a Foreign Country
	 
    1. For awards that include activities requiring permits from
       appropriate Federal, state, or local government authorities, the
       grantee should obtain any required permits prior to undertaking
       the proposed activities.
	   
    2. The grantee must comply with the laws and regulations of any
       foreign country in which research is to be conducted. Areas of
       potential concern include: (1) requirements for advance approval
       to conduct research or surveys; (2) special arrangements for the
       participation of foreign scientists and engineers; and (3) special
       visas for persons engaged in research or studies.
	   
       NSF does not assume responsibility for grantee compliance with the
       laws and regulations of the country in which the work is to be
       conducted.
	   
    3. The grantee also should assure that activities carried on outside
       the U.S. are coordinated as necessary with appropriate U.S. and
       foreign government authorities and that necessary licenses,
       permits or approvals are obtained prior to undertaking the
       proposed activities.

     Passports and Visas

   Visa costs are generally allowable expenses that may be charged on an
   NSF award; however NSF assumes no responsibility for securing
   passports or visas required by any person because of participation in
   an NSF-supported project. For restrictions concerning directly
   charging visa costs to an NSF award, see GPG II.C.2.g(vi)(f).

   It should be noted that some countries that normally do not require
   visas for tourists do require special visas for scientists and
   engineers engaged in research or studies.

   11. ADDITIONAL FELLOWSHIP PROVISIONS

    A. Length of Tenure
	
       The AGS Postdoctoral Research Fellowships are awarded for periods
       up to 2 years, subject to satisfactory progress on the research
       and educational programs proposed. The tenure of a Fellowship may
       be interrupted only with the approval of the Foundation.
       Interruptions less than 3 months need prior approval of the
       program officer. Under exceptional circumstances and with strong
       justification, an interruption longer than 3 months may be
       approved by the program officer with written justification. The
       combined interruptions may total no more than 12 months. The total
       elapsed time of the Fellowship must not exceed 36 months.
       The Fellowship is subject to termination if the Fellow
       discontinues his/her research and educational activities for any
       reason prior to the end of Fellowship tenure. If a Fellow does not
       conform to the administrative requirements of the Fellowship
       Institution, NSF reserves the right to withhold all stipend
       payments, pending a full explanation.
	   
    B. Paid Leave
	
       Within the fellowship period, one month per year of fellowship
       duration may be used for paid leave, including parental or family
       leave. The paid leave cannot be used to increase the level of NSF
       support beyond the duration of the fellowship. NSF enables
       career-life balance through a variety of mechanisms. For more
       information, please see
       [10]http://www.nsf.gov/career-life-balance/.

       Furthermore, the NSF allows such paid leave to be cited as a
       justification to request a no-cost extension to extend the time
       for completion of award activities beyond the initial duration of
       twenty-four months. However, no additional funds will be allowed
       to supplement the Fellowship award beyond the total salary support
       of twenty-four months.
	   
    C. Extension of Tenure
	
       Requests for additional funds will not be granted. If, however,
       additional time beyond the established expiration date of the
       award is required by the Fellow to assure adequate completion of
       the original scope of work within the funds already made
       available, a formal request must be submitted to NSF via Fastlane
       at: [11]http://www.fastlane.nsf.gov. The request must be submitted
       to NSF at least 45 days prior to the expiration date of the
       grant. The request must explain the need for the extension and
       include an estimate of the unobligated funds remaining and a plan
       for their use. The plan must adhere to the previously approved
       objectives of the project, and as noted above, the total duration
       of the award may not exceed 36 months. Before requesting a No-Cost
       Extension, note that Fellows may not receive additional
       compensation while on active Fellowship tenure ([25]see Section
       11. K below).
	   
    D. Rights to Inventions or Writings
	 
       NSF claims no rights to any inventions or writings that may result
       from its fellowship awards. However, Fellows should be aware that
       NSF, other Federal agencies, or private parties may acquire such
       rights through other grant support. Fellows at foreign
       institutions should be aware that specific provisions regarding
       allocations of intellectual property rights apply to particular
       countries, and Fellows should be cognizant of any such provisions
       before commencing work.
	   
    E. Publications
	
       Fellows are responsible for assuring that an acknowledgment of NSF
       support:
	   
         1. is made in any publication (including World Wide Web pages)
            of any material based on or developed from the
            fellowship-supported research, in the following terms:

     This material is based upon work supported by the National Science
     Foundation under Award No. (NSF award number).
	 
         2. is orally acknowledged during all news media interviews,
            including popular media such as radio, television and news
            magazines.
			
       Fellows are responsible for assuring that every publication of
       material (including World Wide Web pages) based on or developed
       under this award, except scientific articles or papers appearing
       in scientific, technical or professional journals, contain the
       following disclaimer:

         Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations
         expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not
         necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
	 
       Fellows are responsible for assuring that the cognizant NSF
       Program Officer is provided access to, either electronically or in
       paper form, a copy of every publication of material based on or
       developed under this award, clearly labeled with the award number
       and other appropriate identifying information, promptly after
       publication.
	   
    F. Liability
	
       NSF cannot assume any liability for accidents, illnesses or claims
       arising out of any work supported by the Fellow's award or for
       unauthorized use of patented or copyrighted materials. The Fellow
       is advised to take such steps as may be deemed necessary to insure
       or protect themselves and their property.
	   
    G. Sharing of Findings, Data and Other Research Products
	
       Fellows are expected to agree to complete and open sharing of data
       and material in an expeditious manner. Fellows are responsible for
       compliance with the following NSF guidelines on sharing of
       findings, data, and other research products:
	   
       NSF expects significant findings from research and education
       activities it supports to be promptly submitted for publication,
       with authorship that accurately reflects the contributions of
       those involved. It expects Fellows to share with other
       researchers, at no more than incremental cost and within a
       reasonable time, the primary data, samples, physical collections
       and other supporting materials created or gathered in the course
       of the work. It also encourages Fellows to share software and
       inventions or otherwise make them or their products widely
       available and usable.
	   
       Adjustments and, where essential, exceptions may be allowed to
       safeguard the rights of individuals and subjects, the validity of
       results, or the integrity of collections or to accommodate
       legitimate interests of NSF-supported Fellows.
	   
    H. Government Permits and Activities Abroad
	
         1. For awards that include activities requiring permits from
            appropriate Federal, state, or local government authorities,
            the Fellow should obtain any required permits prior to
            undertaking the proposed activities.
			
         2. The Fellow must comply with the laws and regulations of any
            foreign country in which research is to be conducted. Areas
            of potential concern include: (1) requirements for advance
            approval to conduct research or surveys; (2) special
            arrangements for the participation of foreign scientists and
            engineers; and (3) special visas for persons engaged in
            research or studies. NSF does not assume responsibility for
            the Fellow's compliance with the laws and regulations of the
            country in which the work is to be conducted.
			
         3. The Fellow also should assure that activities carried on
            outside the U.S. are coordinated as necessary with
            appropriate U.S and foreign government authorities and that
            necessary licenses, permits or approvals are obtained prior
            to undertaking the proposed activities.
			
    I. Referrals to the NSF Office of the Inspector General
	
       The NSF Inspector General is responsible for investigating all
       allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse, as well as allegations of
       research misconduct in connection with NSF programs and
       operations. The fellow shall promptly refer to the NSF Inspector
       General ([12]oig@nsf.gov; [13]http://www.nsf.gov/oig or 1-800-428-2189)
       any allegations or credible evidence of research misconduct or
       criminal or civil violation of laws pertaining to
       misappropriation, fraud, conflict of interest, bribery, gratuity,
       or similar misconduct involving NSF funds.
	   
    J. Income Taxes
	
       No income tax will be withheld from any stipend and the stipend
       may be considered taxable income. Provision therefore must be made
       by the Fellow for payment of any tax, domestic or foreign, when
       due.
	   
       Fellows may find it helpful to consult the US Internal Revenue
       Service (IRS) Tax Topic 421: Scholarship and Fellowship Grants and
       Publication 970: Tax Benefits for Education. These are available
       at [14]http://www.irs.gov. Specific questions regarding the
       taxation of Fellowship funding and personal tax liability should
       be referred to the IRS. As such, NSF will not respond to questions
       regarding tax issues.
	   
       Fellows are not in any sense employees of the National Science
       Foundation. Therefore, no funds will be deducted from the
       stipends; no Social Security taxes will be paid by the Foundation;
       no W-2 or 1099 forms will be issued; and provision must be made by
       the Fellow for the filing of any necessary estimate of taxes due
       and for payment of all income taxes which may become due. A
       statement of funds received (including special allowance) will be
       issued by the Division of Financial Management of the Foundation
       upon written request of the Fellow.
	   
       The Foundation is unable to supply information concerning the
       income tax or other tax provisions of any foreign country.
       Inquiries should be directed to the authorities in the appropriate
       countries.
	   
    K. Supplementary Activities
	
       During the tenure of the Fellowship the Fellows are expected to
       devote full time to the program of scientific research and
       educational activities outlined in their proposal, for which the
       award was granted. A Fellow may not engage in activities for
       compensation (except for brief military obligations) or receive
       another Fellowship or similar award while pursuing Fellowship
       activities without prior approval of the Foundation. Such approval
       may be granted only under exceptional circumstances.
	   
    L. Federal and/or Armed Forces Employees
	
       If, during any part of a Fellowship tenure a Fellow will be a
       member of the Armed Forces or on leave from a position in the
       Federal Service, a statement must be filed from a cognizant
       official of the Government organization involved specifying (1)
       the funds, if any, that will be made available to the Fellow
       during tenure and the purpose for which they will be provided, and
       (2) the funds, if any, that will be made available to the
       Fellowship Institution on the Fellow's behalf. The Foundation and
       the Fellow's organization must reach a mutually satisfactory
       agreement regarding the Fellow's support during tenure before any
       funds can be provided under the Fellowship.
	   
    M. Medical Insurance
	
       No medical or hospitalization program for use in the event of
       illness or accident involving a Fellow (or dependents) during
       tenure is provided by the National Science Foundation. Medical or
       hospital fees may be paid from the annual fellowship allowance.
       In the absence of medical and hospital insurance by the
       institution, it is recommended the Fellows continue during tenure
       any medical insurance programs with which they are affiliated, or
       if they are not members of any such program, make arrangements to
       join a medical program which gives a reasonable amount of
       protection.
	   
    N. Future Employment
	
       The award and acceptance of a Postdoctoral Fellowship does not
       obligate a Fellow, the National Science Foundation, or the United
       States Government with regard to future employment or future
       service of any kind.
	   
    O. Military Status
	
       Brief interruption of a Fellowship for duly authorized military
       service or training will be permitted with prior Foundation
       approval. Requests for such interruptions of tenure should be
       directed to the Foundation in writing as soon as plans are final.
       Interruptions of less than 4 days need no approval.
	   
       In the case of a longer interruption resulting from active
       military service or from certain activities in lieu of service
       with the regular U.S. Armed Forces, provision can be made for
       reservations of a Fellowship (or the balance of it), and
       reinstatement of the unused portion at a later date. In such cases
       Fellows should notify the Foundation immediately in writing of
       their plans, and request further instructions.
	   
    P. Veterans' Benefits
	
       As a result of the enactment of P.L. 91-219, effective March 26,
       1970, educational benefits payments from the Veterans
       Administration may now be received concurrently with and
       supplementary to Fellowship payments from the National Science
       Foundation.
	   
    Q. Special Considerations
	
       A number of situations frequently encountered in the conduct of
       research require special information and supporting documentation
       before starting tenure. Among these are the following, some
       mandated by Federal law:
	   
         1. research which has an actual and/or potential impact on the
            environment;
			
         2. research at a registered historic or cultural property;

         3. research involving the use of in vitro generated recombinant
            DNA molecules;
			
         4. research involving the use of human subjects, hazardous
            materials, vertebrate animals, or endangered species.
			
       Fellows must provide information on the status of any special
       permissions, clearances or provision related to the above items
       before beginning tenure. Assessment of environmental impact will
       be required when appropriate. Specific guidance on the need for
       such additional documentation may be obtained from the Fellowship
       Institution's Research Administration Office or the NSF Award &
       Administration Guide.

   12. TERMINATION OF FELLOWSHIP

   A Fellowship Termination Certificate, NSF Form 453 (6/2009), will be
   made available in the materials sent with the award notice. This
   certificate must be signed by an appropriate official at the
   Fellowship Institution, and should show the date the Fellow actually
   completed Fellowship activities; the Fellowship will be considered to
   have terminated as of that date. When a Fellow affiliates with more
   than one institution, a Termination Certificate is required from each
   institution. Submission of this certificate is necessary to comply
   with governmental accounting procedures. In the event the certificate
   is not submitted the Fellow may be requested to return to the
   Foundation all Fellowship funds which were received during Fellowship
   tenure.

   13. ASSOCIATED FORMS AND DOCUMENTS

   The following forms are referred to in this Handbook. These forms
   should be completed and mailed at the appropriate time in the tenure
   of the Fellowship; see Handbook for details. Mail to NSF at the
   address given at the beginning of this document; return by e-mail is
   preferred.
   
     * Certification of PhD Receipt
     * [16]Fellowship Starting Certificate, NSF Form 349 (06/2009)
     * [17]FastStart Direct Deposit Form, NSF Form 1379 (06/2009)
     * [18]Fellowship Action Form, NSF Form 383 (06/2009)
     * [19]Fellowship Termination Certificate, NSF Form 453 (06/2009)

References

   1. mailto:agsprf@nsf.gov
   2. http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf14509
   3. http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2014/nsf14097/nsf14097.htm#section5
   4. http://www.research.gov/
   5. https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/fastlane.jsp
   6. http://www.research.gov/
   7. http://www.research.gov/
   8. http://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/
   9. http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/103191
  10. http://www.nsf.gov/career-life-balance/
  11. http://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/
  12. http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2014/nsf14097/nsf14097.htm#section11K
  13. mailto:oig@nsf.gov
  14. http://www.nsf.gov/oig
  15. http://www.irs.gov/
  16. http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=fellowstartcertfm349
  17. http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=faststartfm1379
  18. http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=fellowactionfm383
  19. http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=fellowtermfm453