Title: Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing Foresights: Defining the Critical Needs
       of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Community (nsf15565)
Date:  04/21/2015

Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing Foresights: Defining the Critical Needs
of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Community

[1]Program Solicitation
NSF 15-565

   NSF Logo

   National Science Foundation
   Directorate for Engineering
   NIST logo [x.gif]

   National Institute of Standards and Technology

   Full Proposal Deadline(s) (due by 5 p.m. proposer's local time):

        July 20, 2015

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND REVISION NOTES

   Any proposal submitted in response to this solicitation should be
   submitted in accordance with the revised NSF Proposal & Award Policies
   & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) (NSF 15-1), which is effective for proposals
   submitted, or due, on or after December 26, 2014. The PAPPG is
   consistent with, and, implements the new Uniform Administrative
   Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal
   Awards (Uniform Guidance) (2 CFR � 200).

SUMMARY OF PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

General Information

   Program Title:

     Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing Foresights
     Defining the Critical Needs of the Advanced Manufacturing Research
     Community

   Synopsis of Program:

     Accelerating U.S Advanced Manufacturing
     ([2]http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/microsites/ostp/PC
     AST/amp20_report_final.pdf), the October 2104 report to the
     President produced by the Steering Committee of the Advanced
     Manufacturing Partnership 2.0 (AMP 2.0) for the President's Council
     of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), calls for the
     creation of a technology-focused consortium to provide coordinated
     private-sector input on national advanced manufacturing technology
     research and development priorities. This solicitation is to
     establish the Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing Foresights (the
     "Consortium") to implement that recommendation. The consortium will
     inform and promote regular and sustained communication and research
     coordination across the public and private sectors, provide federal
     decision-makers with timely access to top university and industry
     experts, and respond quickly to requests from federal
     decision-makers for detailed input on nascent opportunities and
     priorities in manufacturing. These activities will improve the
     coordination of federal advanced manufacturing technology and
     research and development strategies. The Consortium will cooperate
     with the Advanced Manufacturing National Program Office (AMNPO) of
     NIST, the President's National Science and Technology Council
     (NSTC), and the U.S. Government Agencies that support advanced
     manufacturing to help provide the timely information needed to
     achieve that coordination. NSF is the program lead and is solely
     responsible for administration of the solicitation and the resulting
     award. NIST, acting on behalf of the Advanced Manufacturing National
     Program Office, is the program co-sponsor with NSF and provides
     financial and administrative support to NSF.

   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.
     * Bruce Kramer,NSF, 545.01, telephone: (703) 292-5348, email:
       [3]bkramer@nsf.gov

     * Michael F. Molnar,NIST, telephone: (301) 869-1150, email:
       [4]mike.molnar@nist.gov

   Applicable Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s):
     * 47.041 --- Engineering

Award Information

   Anticipated Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement

   Estimated Number of Awards: 1

   Anticipated Funding Amount: $3,000,000 to $6,000,000

   for 36 months, subject to the availability of funds.

Eligibility Information

   Who May Submit Proposals:

     Proposals may only be submitted by the following:
     * A Consortium proposal must be submitted by an existing organization
       that is a consortium or that represents a consortium, with a stake
       in basic research and education in advanced manufacturing. Such an
       organization may submit only one Consortium proposal. The
       consortium is expected to be broad-based, with membership that
       includes institutions of higher education with strong research
       track records in advanced manufacturing and other private and
       public sector organizations, including industry. The submitting
       organization must be a legal entity eligible to receive federal
       funding.

   Who May Serve as PI:

     There are no restrictions or limits.

   Limit on Number of Proposals per Organization: 1

     An organization may submit only one Consortium proposal.

   Limit on Number of Proposals per PI or Co-PI: 1

     An individual may appear as a PI, co-PI, Senior Personnel or
     Consultant on no more than one Consortium proposal.

Proposal Preparation and Submission Instructions

   A. Proposal Preparation Instructions
     * Letters of Intent: Not required

     * Preliminary Proposal Submission: Not required

     * 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:
            [5]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:
            [6]http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=grants
            govguide)

   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):
            July 20, 2015

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

     [7]Summary of Program Requirements

    I. [8]Introduction
   II. [9]Program Description
   III. [10]Award Information
   IV. [11]Eligibility Information
    V. [12]Proposal Preparation and Submission Instructions
         A. [13]Proposal Preparation Instructions
         B. [14]Budgetary Information
         C. [15]Due Dates
         D. [16]FastLane/Grants.gov Requirements
   VI. [17]NSF Proposal Processing and Review Procedures
         A. [18]Merit Review Principles and Criteria
         B. [19]Review and Selection Process
   VII. [20]Award Administration Information
         A. [21]Notification of the Award
         B. [22]Award Conditions
         C. [23]Reporting Requirements
   VIII. [24]Agency Contacts
   IX. [25]Other Information

I. INTRODUCTION

   The June 2011 report of the President's Council of Advisors on Science
   and Technology (PCAST), Report to the President on Ensuring American
   Leadership in Advanced Manufacturing defines advanced manufacturing as
   follows:

   Advanced manufacturing is a family of activities that (a) depend on the
   use and coordination of information, automation, computation, software,
   sensing, and networking, and/or (b) make use of cutting edge materials
   and emerging capabilities enabled by the physical and biological
   sciences, for example nanotechnology, chemistry, and biology. It
   involves both new ways to manufacture existing products, and the
   manufacture of new products emerging from new advanced technologies.

   Recommendation #2 of Accelerating U.S Advanced Manufacturing, the
   October 2104 report to the President produced by the Steering Committee
   of the Advanced Manufacturing Partnership 2.0 (AMP 2.0) for PCAST,
   calls for the creation of an Advanced Manufacturing Advisory Consortium
   to provide coordinated private-sector input on national advanced
   manufacturing technology research and development priorities. The
   report stresses the importance of effective communication and research
   coordination between the public and private sectors and access to top
   industry technologists to federal efforts to advance U.S. strengths in
   pre-competitive manufacturing.   It recommends that a continuous
   mechanism for research coordination across the public and private
   sectors, with expert input from industry and academia, be established
   to provide detailed, coordinated input on nascent opportunities and
   priorities in manufacturing that can shape national U.S. technology
   priorities and investments at all stages of technology development. It
   is intended that the Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing Foresights
   will both coordinate with and serve the Advanced Manufacturing National
   Program Office (AMNPO) of NIST, the President's National Science and
   Technology Council (NSTC), and key federal research and development
   agencies by providing information for formulating and feedback on the
   federal government's advanced manufacturing research and development
   priorities, thereby helping to advance the linkage of strategies for
   advanced manufacturing to an overall R&D strategy.

II. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

   The National Science Foundation (NSF), with support from the National
   Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is calling for the
   advanced manufacturing research community to unite in the establishment
   of the Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing Foresights (the
   "Consortium"). NSF is the program lead and is solely responsible for
   administration of the solicitation and the resulting award. NIST,
   acting on behalf of the Advanced Manufacturing National Program Office,
   is the program co-sponsor with NSF and provides financial and
   administrative support to NSF. The Consortium will:
     * Embrace all fields of advanced manufacturing, including emerging
       areas and areas overlapping with other disciplines.
     * Serve as a catalyst and enabler for and give a voice to the
       national advanced manufacturing research community in shaping the
       future of advanced manufacturing.
     * Consider issues, challenges and opportunities facing U.S. advanced
       manufacturing, and source novel and unanticipated perspectives on
       technology priorities that can inform both the broad advanced
       manufacturing community and agency work.
     * Provide a resource for rapid response expert advice to help inform
       cross-cutting federal research and development initiatives in
       advanced manufacturing. It is anticipated that these responses
       might be provided within from several days for simple informational
       items to several months for more complex issues.
     * Serve as an intermediary for the Administration in soliciting the
       input of the broader manufacturing community and supply chains on
       technology strategies.

   In fulfilling its roles, the Consortium will:
     * Enable the advanced manufacturing community to communicate to a
       broad audience the myriad ways in which advances in manufacturing
       will create a brighter future and encourage the alignment of
       advanced manufacturing research with pressing national priorities
       and national challenges.

     * Facilitate the generation of visions for advanced manufacturing
       research and education and communicate them to a wide range of
       stakeholders.

     * Provide flexible mechanisms that allow single or multiple federal
       agencies to sponsor and participate in studies of specific agency
       interest.

     * Respond to federal agency requests and identify key technology
       challenges facing the private sector.

     * Convene experts from U.S. industry and academia to consider issues,
       challenges, and opportunities in advanced manufacturing.

     * Form focus teams to "deep dive" into particular technology areas.

     * Engage experts from the private sector (industry and academia),
       with the support of and participation from federal agency
       leadership.

     * Provide input to the federal government and engage with advisory
       committees and groups consistent with law and regulations, as
       appropriate for a body that is not chartered under the Federal
       Advisory Committee Act (FACA).

   The Consortium may also be tasked with organizing and conducting
   activities that incorporate community outreach, such as advanced
   manufacturing national summits or regional workshops. It is expected
   that Consortium activities will employ, leverage or be co-located with
   events of other study groups, regional/national trade associations, or
   professional societies when it is efficient to do so. Activities can
   also be undertaken in cooperation with Manufacturing Innovation
   Institutes, to provide focused industry expertise from and visibility
   to the Institutes.

   The following items are outside the Consortium's scope:
     * Assessment of U.S. policy with respect to manufacturing. Such
       policy recommendations must be rendered by a FACA-compliant
       advisory committee.
     * Coordination of federal agency programs. Such coordination will be
       provided within the structure of the National Science and
       Technology Council.
     * Funds from this award may not be used for lobbying activities.

   Financial support provided under this solicitation is for the base
   operations of the Consortium only and will be provided by NSF and NIST.
   While this solicitation will be fully responsive to the mechanisms and
   structures proposed to implement the desired roles of the Consortium,
   base support is expected to provide, at a minimum, for:
     * Establishment and maintenance of a standing committee that will
       meet at least two times per year and whose members can be called
       upon for advice and to support the recruitment, guidance, and
       oversight of rapid response studies.
     * Seed funding for accepting and developing responses to inquiries
       from federal agencies, offices, councils or working groups.
     * The conduct of activities for which the requested response time
       frame does not allow for the identification of funding sources in
       advance.
     * Operational support, staff and related expenses for management of
       logistics and the recruitment of experts.

   The Consortium will be expected to secure funding for individual
   studies from interested U. S. Government Agencies, either single or
   multiple agencies. NSF and NIST will coordinate oversight of the
   studies with the participation of other interested agencies.

   The awardee must maintain and will publish up-to-date accomplishments
   and activities on a dedicated Consortium website.

III. AWARD INFORMATION

   Anticipated Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement
   Estimated Number of Awards: 1
   Anticipated Funding Amount: $3,000,000 to $6,000,000 for 36 months,
   subject to the availability of funds.

IV. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

   Who May Submit Proposals:

     Proposals may only be submitted by the following:
     * A Consortium proposal must be submitted by an existing organization
       that is a consortium or that represents a consortium, with a stake
       in basic research and education in advanced manufacturing. Such an
       organization may submit only one Consortium proposal. The
       consortium is expected to be broad-based, with membership that
       includes institutions of higher education with strong research
       track records in advanced manufacturing and other private and
       public sector organizations, including industry. The submitting
       organization must be a legal entity eligible to receive federal
       funding.

   Who May Serve as PI:

     There are no restrictions or limits.

   Limit on Number of Proposals per Organization: 1

     An organization may submit only one Consortium proposal.

   Limit on Number of Proposals per PI or Co-PI: 1

     An individual may appear as a PI, co-PI, Senior Personnel or
     Consultant on no more than one Consortium proposal.

   Additional Eligibility Info:

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:
       [26]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
       [27]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:
       ([28]http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=grantsgov
       guide). 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 [29]nsfpubs@nsf.gov.

   See Chapter II.C.2 of the [30]GPG for guidance on the required sections
   of a full research proposal submitted to NSF. Please note that the
   proposal preparation instructions provided in this program solicitation
   may deviate from the GPG instructions.

   For this solicitation, the following supplementary guidance is
   provided:

   Proposers are encouraged to engage the broadest range of stakeholders,
   including members representing academic,industrial, and other types of
   organizations.

   Project Description

   The Project Description section must not exceed 15 pages and must
   conform with the requirements of the NSF Grant Program Guide, NSF 15-1:
   [31]http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=gpg. The
   Consortium Management Plan and Organizational Structure and Project
   Staffing sections described below are included in the Project
   Description and are included in the 15-page limitation.

   Consortium Management Plan: Provide a detailed Consortium management
   plan, including schedule and milestones, to establish the Consortium as
   an effective community proxy for the advanced manufacturing research
   community. Describe the activities the Consortium will undertake to
   identify and secure funding for promising advanced
   manufacturing-related studies to enable large-scale, systems-level
   research in advanced manufacturing and provide plans for education,
   workforce development, and outreach activities.

   Organizational Structure and Project Staffing: Describe the broad-based
   membership of the consortium, developed to ensure that the broad
   research interests of the advanced manufacturing community, including
   academe, government and industry, are represented. Discuss the
   administrative and organizational structure of the Consortium,
   including any necessary advisory, administrative and expert support
   activities, and the Consortium's relationship to the proposing
   organization. Describe the experience of the submitting institution in
   managing projects of a similar nature. Describe the relevant
   qualifications of the PI, Co-PI, and other senior personnel. Describe
   the roles of subawardees (if any) and consultants (if any).

   Supplementary Document: Provide, as a supplementary document, a table
   that describes the following for each member of the management team,
   including all subawardees and consultants: name, administrative
   position/project title, activities assigned, and responsibilities for
   achievement of key milestones and outcomes. This table does not count
   towards the 15-page limitation.

B. Budgetary Information

   Cost Sharing: Inclusion of voluntary committed cost sharing is
   prohibited

C. Due Dates

     * Full Proposal Deadline(s) (due by 5 p.m. proposer's local time):
       July 20, 2015

D. FastLane/Grants.gov Requirements

   For Proposals Submitted Via FastLane:

     To prepare and submit a proposal via FastLane, see detailed
     technical instructions available at:
     [32]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
     [33]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.

   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: [34]http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants.html. In
     addition, the NSF Grants.gov Application Guide (see link in Section
     V.A) provides instructions regarding the technical 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:
     [35]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.

   Proposers that submitted via FastLane are strongly encouraged to use
   FastLane to verify the status of their submission to NSF. For proposers
   that submitted via Grants.gov, until an application has been received
   and validated by NSF, the Authorized Organizational Representative may
   check the status of an application on Grants.gov. After proposers have
   received an e-mail notification from NSF, Research.gov should be used
   to check the status of an application.

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 [36]Exhibit III-1.

   A comprehensive description of the Foundation's merit review process is
   available on the NSF website at:
   [37]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 [38]Investing in
   Science, Engineering, and Education for the Nation's Future: NSF
   Strategic Plan for 2014-2018. 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 strategic objectives 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 must recruit, train, and prepare a
   diverse STEM workforce to advance the frontiers of science and
   participate in the U.S. technology-based economy. NSF's contribution to
   the national innovation ecosystem is to provide cutting-edge research
   under the guidance of the Nation's most creative scientists and
   engineers. NSF also supports development of a strong science,
   technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce by investing
   in building the knowledge that informs improvements in STEM teaching
   and learning.

   NSF's mission calls for the broadening of 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.
   ([39]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 [40]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

   Reviewers will be asked to comment explicitly on the issues discussed
   below, in the context of each proposal's Intellectual Merit and Broader
   Impacts.
     * How well does the submitting organization represent the broad
       advanced manufacturing research community, particularly the
       academic and industrial communities?
     * Is the organization and management structure sufficient to meet the
       project goals? Does the submitting organization have experience
       with similar types of projects? How qualified are the PI(s) and
       other named personnel to meet the project goals? Are the milestones
       and associated activities appropriate?
     * Does the proposal present a comprehensive and timely approach to
       gathering and providing critical information and insights on
       advanced manufacturing? Are the milestones and associated
       activities appropriate?
     * How well does the proposing team understand current U. S.
       Government advanced manufacturing research, educational and
       workforce development activities and priorities? Does the plan
       adequately incorporate those activities and priorities and include
       effective mechanisms for obtaining input from and consulting with
       the community?

    B. Review and Selection Process

   Proposals submitted in response to this program solicitation will be
   reviewed by Ad hoc Review and/or Panel Review, or Reverse Site Review.

   The review process will employ a panel and may also employ ad hoc
   reviews and/or reverse site visits if they are needed to obtain
   additional information.

   Reviewers will be asked to evaluate proposals using two National
   Science Board approved merit review criteria and, if applicable,
   additional program specific criteria. A summary rating and accompanying
   narrative will be completed and submitted by each reviewer. ;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 strives to be able to tell applicants
   whether their proposals have been declined or recommended for funding
   within six months. Large or particularly complex proposals or proposals
   from new awardees may require additional review and processing time.
   The time interval begins on the deadline or target date, or receipt
   date, whichever is later. The interval ends when the Division Director
   acts upon the Program Officer's recommendation.

   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.
   After an administrative review has occurred, Grants and Agreements
   Officers perform 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.

   Once an award or declination decision has been made, Principal
   Investigators are provided feedback about their proposals. In all
   cases, reviews are treated as confidential documents. Verbatim copies
   of reviews, excluding the names of the reviewers or any
   reviewer-identifying information, 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.

  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 notice, 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 notice; (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 notice. 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
   [41]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 [42]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
   [43]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
   [44]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:
     * Bruce Kramer, NSF, 545.01, telephone: (703) 292-5348, email:
       [45]bkramer@nsf.gov

     * Michael F. Molnar, NIST, telephone: (301) 869-1150, email:
       [46]mike.molnar@nist.gov

   For questions related to the use of FastLane, contact:
     * FastLane Help Desk, telephone: 1-800-673-6188; e-mail:
       [47]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:
       [48]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, "NSF Update" 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 [49]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. "NSF
   Update" also is available on NSF's website at
   [50]https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USNSF/subscriber/new?topic_
   id=USNSF_179.

   Grants.gov provides an additional electronic capability to search for
   Federal government-wide grant opportunities. NSF funding opportunities
   may be accessed via this mechanism. Further information on Grants.gov
   may be obtained at [51]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 [52]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:                [57]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,
   [54]NSF-50, "Principal Investigator/Proposal File and Associated
   Records," 69 Federal Register 26410 (May 12, 2004), and [55]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

   [56]Policies and Important Links

   |
   [57]Privacy | [58]FOIA | [59]Help | [60]Contact NSF | [61]Contact Web
   Master | [62]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
   [63]Text Only
  
References

   1. http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2015/nsf15565/nsf15565.htm#toc
   2. http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/microsites/ostp/PCAST
      /amp20_report_final.pdf
   3. mailto:bkramer@nsf.gov
   4. mailto:mike.molnar@nist.gov
   5. http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=gpg
   6. http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=grantsgovguide
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  16. http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2015/nsf15565/nsf15565.htm#fastlane
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  22. http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2015/nsf15565/nsf15565.htm#grantcond
  23. http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2015/nsf15565/nsf15565.htm#reportreq
  24. http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2015/nsf15565/nsf15565.htm#cont
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  31. http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=gpg
  32. https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/a1/newstan.htm
  33. mailto:fastlane@nsf.gov
  34. http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants.html
  35. mailto:support@grants.gov
  36. http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/pappguide/nsf14001/gpg_3ex1.pdf
  37. http://nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/merit_review/
  38. http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2014/nsf14043/nsf14043.pdf
  39. http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/pappguide/nsf15001/gpg_2.jsp#IIC2di
  40. http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/pappguide/nsf15001/gpg_2.jsp#IIC2di
  41. http://www.nsf.gov/awards/managing/award_conditions.jsp?org=NSF
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  45. mailto:bkramer@nsf.gov
  46. mailto:mike.molnar@nist.gov
  47. mailto:fastlane@nsf.gov
  48. mailto:support@grants.gov
  49. http://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/outreach.jsp
  50. https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USNSF/subscriber/new?
      topic_id=USNSF_179
  51. http://www.grants.gov/
  52. http://www.nsf.gov/
  53. mailto:nsfpubs@nsf.gov
  54. http://www.nsf.gov/policies/SOR_PA_NSF-50_Principal_Investigator_
      Proposal_File.pdf
  55. http://www.nsf.gov/policies/SOR_PA_NSF-51_Reviewer_Proposal_File.pdf
  56. http://www.nsf.gov/policies
  57. http://www.nsf.gov/policies/privacy.jsp
  58. http://www.nsf.gov/policies/foia.jsp
  59. http://www.nsf.gov/help/
  60. http://www.nsf.gov/help/contact.jsp
  61. mailto:webmaster@nsf.gov
  62. http://www.nsf.gov/help/sitemap.jsp
  63. http://transcoder.usablenet.com/tt/referrer