Frequently Asked Questions: Partnerships for Innovation: Accelerating Innovation Research - Technology Translation (PFI:AIR-TT)

Can the results derived from the NSF GK-12 program be used as lineage to apply for an AIR-TT grant?

No. The GK-12 program provides educational opportunities for graduate students. Expected outcomes include improved communication, teaching and team building skills for the fellows; professional development opportunities for K-12 teachers; enriched learning for K-12 students; and strengthened partnerships between institutions of higher education and local school districts. Because the GK-12 program is not an NSF research program, it does not qualify for the lineage requirement of the AIR-TT program.

The prior funding that supported the research upon which my proposal would be based was from a co-sponsored program (NSF and another outside agency). The proposal was submitted through NSF FastLane and was evaluated against all other proposals submitted, using the NSF merit review system, and was selected for an award. Ultimately the funds came through the other agency that was the co-sponsor. May I submit a proposal to PFI: AIR-TT?

Yes.

What is meant by "Other Professional" in the requirement that there must be at least one co-PI, Senior Personnel or Other Professional with explicit business experience?

"Other Professional with explicit business experience" is taken to mean any person who plans to actively participate on the grant, such as a subawardee, a consultant, or a collaborator, with explicit business experience. This individual does not have to be listed on the budget, but his/her role should be clearly defined in the Project Description.

I have long-term entrepreneurial/business experience. Do I need a "co-PI, Senior Personnel or Other Professional with explicit business experience" on this proposal?

Yes. There must be someone else, in addition to the PI, who would be working on the grant who has explicit business experience.

If I submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) for the fall window of the solicitation but do not submit a full proposal for the fall window, am I still eligible to submit an LOI and proposal to the spring window?

Yes.

The funding that has supported my initial research came from an NSF-funded center such as an I/UCRC, ERC or STC. However, I am not listed as a PI or co-PI on the NSF center grant although I am considered a faculty member of the Center. Am I eligible to apply to AIR-TT?

Yes, but you need to show in the proposal how the proposed AIR-TT research work is derived from the previously accomplished Center-funded research, and that you are a faculty member funded through the Center.

I was the PI for a subcontract from an NSF Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grantee for work on an NSF-funded SBIR/STTR project. Is this acceptable lineage?

No.

I have submitted an LOI to the program. Do I need permission from NSF to submit the full proposal? Will NSF contact me to give me feedback on my LOI?

No to both questions. The LOI is simply a notification to NSF that you intend to submit a full proposal. It is required that you submit an LOI by the due date in order to be eligible to submit a full proposal, but once you have submitted the LOI, it is entirely up to you whether or not you submit a full proposal.