The National Science Foundation (NSF) provided an overview of recent updates to its Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) during a Council on Governmental Relations virtual meeting on June 11, 2020, presented by Jean Feldman, Head of the NSF Policy Office. Key topics included the staged implementation of PAPPG (NSF 20-1), particularly new requirements for biographical sketches and current & pending support sections, with mandatory use of NSF-approved formats effective October 5, 2020, and other changes effective June 1, 2020. Policy clarifications require detailed reporting of professional appointments and external support, and new FAQs are in development to guide applicants further. Adjustments to document formats, such as increased entry fields and removal of identifying requirements, reflect community feedback.
Additionally, the NSF detailed its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, referencing issued guidance, deadline flexibility, and implementation of administrative flexibilities in line with OMB memoranda M-20-17 and M-20-20 to accommodate disruptions for researchers, awardees, and grantees. The NSF also highlighted ongoing outreach efforts through webinars and conferences to keep stakeholders informed. Looking forward, NSF plans enhancements in disclosure requirements, particularly concerning post-award support and international collaborations. The agency emphasized continued communication and encouraged early engagement with their policy staff for clarification and support.
