Title: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for GEO Opportunities for Leadership in Diversity (GOLD) NSF 16-516 | NSF - National Science Foundation Date: 09/02/2016 NSF 16-037 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for GEO Opportunities for Leadership in Diversity (GOLD) NSF 16-516 1. Do I need to include a well-formulated project idea in the Preliminary Proposal? A: No, the purpose of an Ideas Lab is to bring together diverse expertise so as to collaboratively develop innovative new ideas related to the topic under discussion. Preliminary Proposals are applications that will be used for the selection of the Ideas Lab workshop participants. The project description in the Preliminary Proposals should consist of 2 pages addressing: professional background, expertise relevant to the topic of the Ideas Lab, and answers to specific questions on desired skills and aptitudes for participating in the Ideas Lab workshop. 2. Who should apply to be a participant of the GOLD Ideas Lab? I do not work at a university, may I still submit a preliminary proposal? A: Individuals eligible to apply for funding from NSF as defined in the Grant Proposal Guide, Chapter I, Section E ([1]http://nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/pappguide/nsf15001/gpg_index.jsp ) are welcome to apply. It is also possible for more than one individual from an eligible organization to apply. However, each individual must submit a Preliminary Proposal. 3. Can I submit a full proposal if I did not attend an Ideas Lab workshop? A: No, the Principal Investigators must have participated in the Ideas Lab workshop and have been invited to submit a full proposal. 4. If I am invited to submit a full proposal after the Ideas Lab, am I allowed to change the project focus from what was discussed originally during the Ideas Lab? A: The scientific themes/objectives of the proposed project must be congruent with the ideas presented during the Ideas Lab workshop; any significant changes in project scope or resources from those presented at the Ideas Lab must be thoroughly justified in the proposal. 5. Will the teams in the full proposals consist of only participants in the GOLD Ideas Lab workshop? A: No, the teams in the full proposals may be augmented with individuals that have expertise not available during the Ideas Lab workshop. However, these individuals cannot be the PI of a full proposal. 6. Should I submit a Preliminary Proposal if I want to be a Mentor for the GOLD Ideas Lab? A: No. The Mentors have already been selected by NSF. 7. How soon after I submit a Preliminary Proposal will I be notified about whether I have been selected as a participant in the GOLD Ideas Lab workshop? A: Applicants will be notified approximately 6 weeks prior to the Ideas Lab workshop. The Ideas Lab workshop will take place on March 20-24, 2016. 8. I have worked in faculty development programs, but I have never worked with the Geosciences community, should I submit a Preliminary Proposal? A: Yes, applications to participate in the GOLD Ideas Lab are invited from experts with a broad array of knowledge in the geosciences, broadening participation research, social psychology, institutional change in academia, professional development, and facilitation. 9. What happens if the PI changes institutions between participating in the Ideas Lab and the submission of a full proposal? A: The PI may submit the full proposal from the new institution. 10. There are a few of us at my institution who are interested in the GOLD Ideas Lab. Should we apply as a team? A: No. Only applications from individuals will be accepted. Teams will be assembled during the Ideas Lab to bring together different backgrounds to promote innovative thinking. It is unlikely that more than one application from a university will be accepted. References 1. http://nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/pappguide/nsf15001/gpg_index.jsp