NSF Issues Revised Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG) (NSF 23-1), effective for proposals submitted or due on or after January 30, 2023

• The primary purpose of a Concept Outline is to ensure that the proposal concept is appropriate for the proposal type/funding opportunity.
• Concept Outlines may be required by specific funding opportunities or may be submitted at any time by prospective PIs seeking early feedback on the general appropriateness and potentially relevant funding opportunities for a project idea prior to developing a full proposal.
• Concept Outlines are submitted either by email to a designated address or via the Program Suitability and Proposal Concept Tool (ProSPCT)
• Additional information:
  • Concept Outlines
  • Other Types of Proposals
  • Program Suitability & Proposal Concept Tool (ProSPCT)

• The NSF fillable forms include a certification from the individual (as required by the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, Section 223) that the information is accurate, current, and complete.
  • Biographical Sketch form
  • Current and Pending Support form
• NSF will require the use of SciENcv for preparing Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending Support documents starting October 2023
• Prior to making a funding recommendation NSF will request updated Current and Pending Support documentation
• Additional information:
  • Certification Requirement for Senior Personnel Specified in the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, Section 223(a)(1) (42 USC 6605(a)(1))
  • Biographical Sketch(es)
  • Current and Pending (Other) Support

• There is a new checkbox on the NSF Cover Sheet: Off-Campus or Off-Site Research.
• If checked, Ohio State must certify that there is a plan in place that addresses how the following types of behavior will be addressed:
  • Abuse of any person, including, but not limited to, harassment, stalking, bullying, or hazing of any kind, whether the behavior is carried out verbally, physically, electronically, or in writing.
  • Conduct that is unwelcome, offensive, indecent, obscene, or disorderly.
• The plan should also identify steps Ohio State will take to nurture an inclusive off-campus or off-site working environment, e.g., trainings; processes to establish shared team definitions of roles, responsibilities, and culture, e.g., codes of conduct; and field support, such as mentor/mentee support mechanisms, regular check-ins, and/or developmental events.
• The plan must be disseminated to individuals participating in the off-campus or off-site research prior to departure.
• The plan is not submitted to NSF with the proposal.
• Additional Information:
  • Safe and Inclusive Working Environments for Off-Campus or Off-Site Research
  • Ohio State-specific information

• Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (RECR) training will be required for faculty and other senior personnel in addition to undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.
• New topics will include mentor and mentorship training.
• This requirement becomes effective for proposals submitted on or after July 31, 2023.
• Additional information:
  • Proposal Certifications Provided by the Organization
  • Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (RECR)

We encourage all investigators to review the comprehensive summary of changes.