Title: Geoscience Education (GeoEd)
Date: 08/19/05
Replaced: NSF 04-598



Geoscience Education   (GeoEd)

Program Solicitation
NSF 05-609

Replaces Document(s):
NSF 04-598



[NSF Logo]  National Science Foundation

            Directorate for Geosciences
                 Division of Atmospheric Sciences
                 Division of Earth Sciences
                 Division of Ocean Sciences



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

     November 17, 2005

     November 15, 2007

REVISION NOTES

In furtherance of the President's Management Agenda, in Fiscal Year 2006, NSF has
identified programs that will offer proposers the option to utilize Grants.gov to
prepare and submit proposals, or will require that proposers utilize Grants.gov to
prepare and submit proposals. Grants.gov provides a single Government-wide portal for
finding and applying for Federal grants online.

In response to this program solicitation, proposers may opt to submit proposals via
Grants.gov or via the NSF FastLane system. In determining which method to utilize in
the electronic preparation and submission of the proposal, please note the following:

Collaborative Proposals. All collaborative proposals submitted as separate submissions
from multiple organizations must be submitted via the NSF FastLane system. Chapter II,
Section D.3 of the Grant Proposal Guide provides additional information on
collaborative proposals.

Changes to the Previous Solicitation

   * The Geoscience Education (GeoEd) program will now consider proposals submitted
     under one of two tracks.

        * Track 1 Pilot Projects: Proposals should describe a plan to initiate or
          pilot highly innovative geoscience education activities. The maximum award
          size for Track 1 projects is $150,000 (total) for a maximum duration of two
          years.

        * Track 2 Integrative Collaborations: Proposals should describe a plan to
          develop an integrative collaboration with one or more existing Louis Stokes
          Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP), Alliances for Graduate
          Education and the Professorate (AGEP), or Centers of Research Excellence in
          Science and Technology (CREST) projects. Documentation of collaboration with
          an ongoing LSAMP, AGEP, or CREST project must be included with Track 2
          proposals. The maximum award size for Track 2 projects is $500,000 (total)
          for a maximum duration of four years.

   * An individual may be a Principal Investigator or co-Principal Investigator on
     only one proposal submitted per competition (regardless of Track) to the GeoEd
     Program. Proposals may be submitted for consideration under only one of the two
     Tracks described in this solicitation.

   * Proposals to the GeoEd Program will now be solicited every other year.

   * Proposal Preparation Instructions have been revised and clarified.

   * The total anticipated funding amount is $1.5 million per year for Track 1 and
     $1.0 million per year for Track 2.

SUMMARY OF PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

General Information

Program Title:

     Geoscience Education (GeoEd)

Synopsis of Program:

     The goals of the Geoscience Education (GeoEd) Program are to:

        * improve the quality of geoscience education at all educational levels;
        * increase the number and competency of Earth and Space Science teachers
          at K-12 levels;
        * demonstrate the relevance of the geosciences by identifying and
          promoting traditional and non-traditional career opportunities in the
          field;
        * increase the number of students enrolling in geoscience courses and
          degree programs at all educational levels;
        * increase the number of students drawn from groups underrepresented in
          science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields in
          geoscience courses and degree programs; and
        * increase the public&rsquo;s understanding of geoscience-related issues.

     The GeoEd Program considers proposals submitted under one of the two tracks
     described in this solicitation.

     Track 1 Pilot Projects: Proposals should describe a plan to initiate or
     pilot innovative geoscience education activities. Track 1 projects should
     integrate research and education. Proposals for projects that will make use
     of current geoscience research results and/or methods are sought, as are
     proposals that will promote the geosciences and geoscience careers as highly
     relevant to modern society. Projects that are informed by the results of
     current education-related research or will conduct new educational research
     within a geoscience education venue will be considered under this
     solicitation. Awards are intended to provide start-up or proof-of-concept
     funding to enable projects to reach a level of maturity that will allow them
     to compete for longer-term funding from other sources or become
     self-sustaining. All proposed projects should have strong evaluation and
     dissemination plans.

     Projects designed to recruit and retain students during the critical
     transition from high-school to college are highly appropriate for
     consideration by the GeoEd Program.

     Track 2 Integrative Collaborations: Proposals should describe a plan to
     integrate geoscience research and education activities into existing Louis
     Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP), Alliances for Graduate
     Education and the Professoriate (AGEP), and/or Centers of Research
     Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST) projects. Track 2 proposals
     must provide documentation of collaboration between the proposed GeoEd
     project and the associated LSAMP, AGEP, and/or CREST project(s).

     The LSAMP program supports sustained and comprehensive projects designed to
     increase the number of students from populations underrepresented in
     science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) that earn doctoral
     degrees.

     The specific objectives of the AGEP program are to (1) develop and implement
     innovative models for recruiting, mentoring, and retaining minority students
     in STEM doctoral programs; and (2) develop effective strategies for
     identifying and supporting underrepresented minorities who want to pursue
     academic careers.

     The CREST program provides substantial support for research at
     minority-serving institutions across the United States. The main goal of
     CREST and its awardees is to build the research competitiveness of
     minority-serving institutions while increasing the recruitment and retention
     of individuals from diverse backgrounds in STEM fields.

Cognizant Program Officer(s):

   * Jill L. Karsten, Program Director for Diversity and Education, 705 N, telephone:
     (703) 292-7718, fax: (703) 292-9042, email: jkarsten@nsf.gov

Applicable Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s):

   * 47.050 --- Geosciences

Award Information

Anticipated Type of Award: Standard Grant or Continuing Grant or Other Grant Standard
or Continuing Grants or Supplements

Estimated Number of Awards: 45 (Of the awards, 40 are anticipated under Track 1 and
five are anticipated under Track 2.)

Anticipated Funding Amount:   $5,000,000   (It is anticipated that $3 million will be
available to support Track 1 proposals and $2 million will be available to support
Track 2 proposals submitted for consideration during the FY 2006 and FY 2008
competitions.)

Eligibility Information

Organization Limit:

     None Specified

PI Limit:

     An individual may be Principal Investigator or co-Principal Investigator on
     only one proposal submitted per competition to the GeoEd Program, regardless
     of whether the proposal is submitted under Track 1 or Track 2.

Limit on Number of Proposals per Organization:

     An organization (e.g., a university or museum) may be the lead organization
     on only one Track 2 proposal submitted per competition.

Limit on Number of Proposals per PI:

     None Specified

Proposal Preparation and Submission Instructions

A. Proposal Preparation Instructions

   * Letters of Intent: Not Applicable

   * Full proposals submitted via FastLane:

        * Grant Proposal Guide (GPG) Guidelines apply

   * 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:
          http://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/docs/grantsgovguide.pdf/) To obtain
          copies of the Application Guide and Application Forms Package: click on the
          Apply tab on the Grants.gov website, 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.

B. Budgetary Information

   * Cost Sharing Requirements: Cost Sharing is not required by NSF.

   * Indirect Cost (F&A) Limitations:  Not Applicable

   * Other Budgetary Limitations: Other budgetary limitations apply. Please see the
     full text of this solicitation for further information.

C. Due Dates

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

          November 17, 2005

          November 15, 2007

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: Additional award conditions apply. Please see the full text of this
solicitation for further information.

Reporting Requirements: Additional reporting requirements apply. Please see the full
text of this solicitation for further information.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

     Summary of Program Requirements

  I. Introduction

 II. Program Description

III. Award Information

 IV. Eligibility Information

  V. Proposal Preparation and Submission Instructions
       A. Proposal Preparation Instructions
       B. Budgetary Information
       C. Due Dates
       D. FastLane/Grants.gov Requirements

 VI. NSF Proposal Processing and Review Procedures
       A. NSF Merit Review Criteria
       B. Review and Selection Process

VII. Award Administration Information
       A. Notification of the Award
       B. Award Conditions
       C. Reporting Requirements

VIII.Agency Contacts

 IX. Other Information

I. INTRODUCTION

The goals of the Geoscience Education (GeoEd) Program are to:

   * improve the quality of geoscience education at all educational levels;
   * increase the number and competency of Earth and Space Science teachers at K-12
     levels;
   * demonstrate the relevance of geoscience by identifying and promoting traditional
     and non-traditional career opportunities in the field;
   * increase the number of students enrolling in geoscience courses and degree
     programs at all educational levels;
   * increase the number of students drawn from groups underrepresented in science,
     technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields in geoscience courses and
     degree programs; and
   * increase the public&rsquo;s understanding of geoscience-related issues.

The comprehensive scope of the GeoEd Program is in accordance with recommendations
made in the report of the Geoscience Education Working Group (GEWG), "Geoscience
Education: A Recommended Strategy", (NSF 97-171). The report is available at
http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/1997/nsf97171/nsf97171.htm. The GEWG recognized that
geoscience educators need to explicitly address the question: "What are we educating
students for?" and update courses, curricula, and other geoscience-related educational
activities accordingly. Geoscience educators need to identify the types of careers
that are being filled by geoscientists and promote those career options to students
and their families. The geoscience curricula at all educational levels should prepare
students to be productive and valued members of the STEM workforce.

The structure of the GeoEd Program also conforms to recommendations made by the second
Geoscience Education Working Group (GEWG II), a subcommitte of the Advisory Committee
to the NSF Directorate for Geosciences (GEO). In their report "Geoscience Education
and Diversity: Vision for the Future and Strategies for Success" the GEWG II provided
recommendations about how the geoscience community and GEO can best promote future
improvements in geoscience education. The GEWG II recognized that modern scholarship
in geoscience education encompasses both geoscience-oriented and education-oriented
research. The GEWG II recommended that GEO support efforts that will integrate basic
geoscience research with education in ways that take into account current developments
in cognitive science. Information about multiple ways in which research on learning
can be used to improve geoscience education can be found in the report "Bringing
Research on Learning to the Geosciences" (available at:
http://dlesecommunity.carleton.edu/research_on_learning/workshop02/). The GEWG II
further specified that evaluation should be a key component of all GeoEd projects.

II. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Geoscience Education (GeoEd) program considers proposals that are submitted under
one of two tracks (Track 1 Pilot Projects and Track 2 Integrative Collaborations).
Although the two tracks are designed to accommodate proposals with different goals,
all proposals considered by the GeoEd program should focus on improving the quality of
geoscience education. Proposals for projects that will make use of current geoscience
research results and/or methods are sought, as are proposals that will promote the
geosciences and geoscience careers as highly relevant to modern society.

Effective geoscience educators communicate technically sound information in ways that
engage and stimulate learners. Because an understanding of both geoscience content and
education theory are needed to develop high-quality geoscience education materials and
methods, successful GeoEd project teams (PI, coPIs, and Other Senior Personnel)
commonly include representatives of both the geoscience and education communities.
Clearly, implementation of innovative pedagogical strategies within the geoscience
education arena can lead to both improved educational outcomes and new avenues for
educational research that will result in further improvements in geoscience education
in the future.

Desirable attributes of projects funded by the GeoEd Program include:

   * an Earth System Science approach;
   * a focus on the fundamental concepts that unify the geosciences;
   * an emphasis on processes rather than facts;
   * mathematical rigor designed to build and demonstrate the application of
     quantitative skills;
   * incorporation of concepts from the other basic sciences;
   * alignment of education activities with workforce needs, including problem-solving
     and critical-thinking skills;
   * opportunities for participants to work in culturally diverse teams, and
   * the use of data and the scientific method.

Criteria for identifying potentially successful projects include:

   * the inclusion of data and a rationale that indicate need and identify the
     specific audience to be targeted;
   * enumeration of goals and objectives that are few in number, but clearly stated;
   * identification of quantitative or qualitative measures that will be used to
     determine the project's effectiveness at attaining it's goals and objectives;
   * use of timelines and benchmarks that are tied to the project&rsquo;s objectives;
   * plans for dissemination of project results.

Successful GeoEd projects have demonstrable lasting impact by:

   * improving the quality of geoscience education for a large number of individuals;
   * increasing the number of students enrolled in geoscience courses and degree
     programs;
   * increasing participation in the geosciences by members of groups underrepresented
     in STEM fields; and/or
   * serving as a model that can be replicated at other sites or with different types
     of participants.

Proposals submitted to this program should be grounded in one or more of the
scientific disciplines funded by the Directorate for Geosciences (GEO) at NSF. These
are identified on the GEO home page at http://www.nsf.gov/home/geo/. The term
"geosciences" as used in this program solicitation refers collectively to those
disciplines supported by GEO.

An individual may be Principal Investigator or co-Principal Investigator on only one
proposal submitted per competition to the GeoEd Program.

Proposals that demonstrate collaboration with professional societies are encouraged.
Letters providing evidence of commitment to the project by participating institutions,
organizations, and/or industrial partners, may be included in the Supplementary
Documents section of the proposal. These documents should describe how the proposed
activities would support the mission and goals of all participating entities.

Track 1 Pilot Projects: Track 1 of the GeoEd program considers proposals to initiate
or pilot highly innovative geoscience education activities. Projects should integrate
geoscience research with education. Projects that are informed by the results of
current education-related research or that will conduct new educational research
within a geoscience education venue appropriate for submission under Track 1 of the
GeoEd program.

Proposals to the GeoEd Program may target any formal or informal educational level or
venue. Proposals should not request funding for activities typically supported by
basic research grants. Awards may be made to supplement active research grants when
the specified supplemental activity will make a substantive contribution to geoscience
education. Proposals should not request funding to support activities that would be
viewed by reviewers as part of an educator's normal responsibilities.

Proposals to develop or improve the quality of geoscience-oriented pre-service teacher
training and in-service professional development programs are encouraged. Proposals to
develop or strengthen introductory-level geoscience courses at the community college,
four-year college, or university level are similarly encouraged. Proposals that build
bridges between high schools, two-year colleges, and four-year colleges or
universities to recruit and retain students during the critical transition from
high-school to college are particularly sought.

Many projects funded under this solicitation are based-on high-risk new approaches.
Other projects are designed to test the effectiveness of new projects that are modeled
after existing programs or approaches that have been successful at improving education
in other disciplines, at other sites, or with other types of participants.

Track 1 awards are intended to provide start-up or proof-of-concept funding that will
enable projects to reach a level of maturity that will allow them to compete for
longer-term funding from other sources, or become self-sustaining. Proposals should
include a discussion of plans for, and potential sources of, follow-on funding if such
will be required. If the project described in the Track 1 proposal is part of a larger
plan to improve geoscience education, the proposal should clearly describe how the
proposed project fits in with the overall plan.

Track 2 Integrative Collaborations: Projects that promote active linkages and
collaborations among geoscience researchers and education professionals are encouraged
for submission under Track 2 of the GeoEd program. Track 2 proposals should include
geoscience content and promote the geoscience disciplines within the framwork of
existing Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP), Alliances for
Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP), or CREST projects.

LSAMP projects utilize sustained and comprehensive approaches to facilitate
achievement of the long-term goal of increasing the number of students who earn
doctorates in STEM fields, particularly those from populations underrepresented in
STEM fields.

The AGEP program is designed to increase significantly the number of domestic students
receiving doctoral degrees in the sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics
(STEM), with special emphasis on populations that are underrepresented in these fields
(i.e., African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native
Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders). AGEP projects are particularly focused on
increasing the number of minorities who enter the professoriate in STEM disciplines.
Specific objectives of the AGEP program are to: (1) develop and implement innovative
models for recruiting, mentoring, and retaining minority students in STEM doctoral
programs; and (2) develop effective strategies for identifying and supporting
underrepresented minorities who want to pursue academic careers.

Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST) program provides a
substantial source of Federal support for research at minority-serving institutions
across the United States. By facilitating research projects in science, technology,
engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines with multi-year, multi-million dollar
cooperative agreements, the main goal of CREST and its awardees is to build the
research competitiveness of minority-serving institutions while increasing the
recruitment and retention of individuals from diverse backgrounds in STEM study and
STEM-based careers.

Documentation of collaboration with an ongoing LSAMP, AGEP, or CREST project must be
included with Track 2 proposals.

III. AWARD INFORMATION

It is anticipated that $5.0 million will be made available to support this competition
during FY 2006 and FY 2008. Of that amount, $3.0 million will be made available to
support Track 1 proposals and $2.0 million will be made available to support Track 2
proposals.

It is anticipated that approximately 45 awards will be made in FY 2006 and FY2008.
Forty of the awards per competition are anticipated to be made to Track 1 proposals
and five are anticipated to be made to Track 2 proposals.

The maximum amount that can be requested by a Track 1 proposal is $150,000, but the
average award size is anticipated to be on the order of $75,000. The maximum amount
that can be requested by a Track 2 proposal is $500,000, but the average award size is
anticipated to be on the order of $400,000.

Track 1 projects can have a maximum duration of two years. Track 2 projects can have a
maximum duration of four years.

IV. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

Organization Limit:

     None Specified

PI Limit:

     An individual may be Principal Investigator or co-Principal Investigator on
     only one proposal submitted per competition to the GeoEd Program, regardless
     of whether the proposal is submitted under Track 1 or Track 2.

Limit on Number of Proposals per Organization:

     An organization (e.g., a university or museum) may be the lead organization
     on only one Track 2 proposal submitted per competition.

Limit on Number of Proposals per PI:

     None Specified

Additional Eligibility Info:

     The categories of proposers identified in the Grant Proposal Guide are
     eligible to submit proposals under this program solicitation.

     An individual may be Principal Investigator or co-Principal Investigator on
     no more than one proposal submitted per competition to the GeoEd Program,
     regardless of whether a proposal is submitted under Track 1 or Track 2.

     An organization (e.g. university or museum) may be the lead organization on
     only one Track 2 proposal per competition.

V. PROPOSAL PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

A. Proposal Preparation Instructions

Full Proposal 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:
     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 pubs@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: (http://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/docs/grantsgovguide.pdf). 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 pubs@nsf.gov.

In determining which method to utilize in the electronic preparation and submission of
the proposal, please note the following:

Collaborative Proposals. All collaborative proposals submitted as separate submissions
from multiple organizations must be submitted via the NSF FastLane system.  Chapter
II, Section D.3 of the Grant Proposal Guide provides additional information on
collaborative proposals.

Proposals submitted should include the following information that supplements the GPG
and the Grants.gov Application Guide, and, unless otherwise noted, applies to both
types of submissions:

  1. The Project Description section of the proposal should include the following:

        * A description of prior efforts of the Principal and co-Principal
          Investigators in the field of geoscience education. Such efforts might
          include: 1) integration of contemporary geoscience research results,
          techniques, and/or data into educational experiences; 2) contributing to the
          literature on geoscience teaching and learning; 3) developing or
          implementing plans to increase interest in the geosciences among pre-college
          students or the general public; 4) reforming geoscience courses or
          curriculum; and/or 5) applying the results of education research within
          geoscience education venues.

        * A clear description of the activities to be undertaken, and the ways in
          which funds will be used to support those activities.

        * A brief discussion of how the project is aligned with the long-term goals of
          all participating entities. Projects are expected to have potentially broad
          impacts that may lead to innovative intellectual developments and/or
          partnerships.

        * A plan for making the project self-sustaining or obtaining follow-on funding
          for the project if necessary.

        * A plan to evaluate the effectiveness of the project's activities. Evaluation
          plans should be appropriate for the scope of project. Because GeoEd projects
          are typically exploratory and short-term in nature, the evaluation plans do
          not necessarily include the use of external evaluators. All evaluations
          should however be conducted by an evaluator with some independence from the
          project. Project evaluations should provide credible evidence about the
          extent to which the project has achieved its goals and objectives. The
          evaluation should inform the PI about the effectiveness of the project, and
          should provide information that can be used in subsequent proposals or
          projects to increase the likelihood of future success. Awardees should plan
          to include the results of the project evaluation with their final project
          report. The following references may be helpful in designing an evaluation
          plan.

             * The User-Friendly Handbook for Project Evaluation, Directorate for
               Education and Human Resources, National Science Foundation
               (http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2002/nsf02057/start.htm).

             * User Friendly Handbook for Mixed Method Evaluation (NSF 97-153)
               (http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf97153).

             * Online Evaluation Resource Library (http://oerl.sri.com).

             * Field-tested Learning Assessment Guide (FLAG)
               (http://www.wcer.wisc.edu/nise/CL1/flag).

             * Evaluation Handbook, W.K. Kellogg Foundation
               (http://www.wkkf.org/Programming/ResourceOverview.aspx?CID=281&ID=770).

             * Shavelson, R. J. and Towne, L., eds., 2002, Scientific Research in
               Education: National Research Council, 188 p.

             * Wiggins, G.P. and McTighe, J., 2000, Understanding by Design: Prentice
               Hall, 201 pp.

             * Wiske, M. S., 1998, Teaching for Understanding: Linking Research with
               Practice: Jossey-Bass, 379 p.

        * A plan to disseminate information about the project, including aspects that
          are found to be effective and ineffective.

The Supplementary Documents section of the proposal should contain the following:

   * Letters that describe how the proposed activities will support the long-term
     goals of all participating entities must be included in the "Supplementary Docs"
     section of the proposal. Track 2 proposals should include evidence of
     collaboration with an ongoing LSAMP, AGEP, or CREST project.

B. Budgetary Information

Cost Sharing: Cost sharing is not required by NSF in proposals submitted under this
Program Solicitation.

Other Budgetary Limitations:  It is important to assess the effectiveness of ongoing
and newly developed programs. Awardees should plan to include the results of an
evaluation with their final project report. Methods to assess program effectiveness
must be included in program description. The proposal budget should include funds to
support the evaluation component of the project.

C. Due Dates

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

          November 17, 2005

          November 15, 2007

D. FastLane/Grants.gov Requirements

   * For Proposals Submitted Via FastLane:

     Detailed technical instructions for proposal preparation and submission via
     FastLane are available at: 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 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 solicitation.

     Submission of Electronically Signed Cover Sheets. The Authorized
     Organizational Representative (AOR) must electronically sign the proposal
     Cover Sheet to submit the required proposal certifications (see Chapter II,
     Section C of the Grant Proposal Guide for a listing of the certifications).
     The AOR must provide the required electronic certifications within five
     working days following the electronic submission of the proposal. Proposers
     are no longer required to provide a paper copy of the signed Proposal Cover
     Sheet to NSF. Further instructions regarding this process are available on
     the FastLane Website at: http://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/

   * 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.
     The Grants.gov's Grant Community User Guide is a comprehensive reference
     document that provides technical information about Grants.gov. Proposers can
     download the User Guide as a Microsoft Word document or as a PDF document.
     The Grants.gov User Guide is available at:
     http://www.grants.gov/CustomerSupport. In addition, the NSF Grants.gov
     Application Guide provides additional technical guidance regarding
     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:
     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.

VI. NSF PROPOSAL PROCESSING AND REVIEW PROCEDURES

Proposals received by NSF are assigned to the appropriate NSF program and, if they
meet NSF proposal preparation 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 who are experts in the particular
fields represented by the proposal. These reviewers are selected by Program Officers
charged with the 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 with the proposer.

A. NSF Merit Review Criteria

All NSF proposals are evaluated through use of the two National Science Board
(NSB)-approved merit review criteria: intellectual merit and the broader impacts of
the proposed effort. In some instances, however, NSF will employ additional criteria
as required to highlight the specific objectives of certain programs and activities.

The two NSB-approved merit review criteria are listed below. The criteria include
considerations that help define them. These considerations are suggestions and not all
will apply to any given proposal. While proposers must address both merit review
criteria, reviewers will be asked to address only those considerations that are
relevant to the proposal being considered and for which the reviewer is qualified to
make judgements.

     What is the intellectual merit of the proposed activity?
     How important is the proposed activity to advancing knowledge and
     understanding within its own field or across different fields? How well
     qualified is the proposer (individual or team) to conduct the project? (If
     appropriate, the reviewer will comment on the quality of the prior work.) To
     what extent does the proposed activity suggest and explore creative and
     original concepts? How well conceived and organized is the proposed
     activity? Is there sufficient access to resources?

     What are the broader impacts of the proposed activity?
     How well does the activity advance discovery and understanding while
     promoting teaching, training, and learning? How well does the proposed
     activity broaden the participation of underrepresented groups (e.g., gender,
     ethnicity, disability, geographic, etc.)? To what extent will it enhance the
     infrastructure for research and education, such as facilities,
     instrumentation, networks, and partnerships? Will the results be
     disseminated broadly to enhance scientific and technological understanding?
     What may be the benefits of the proposed activity to society?

NSF staff will give careful consideration to the following in making funding
decisions:

     Integration of Research and Education
     One of the principal strategies in support of NSF's goals is to foster
     integration of research and education through the programs, projects, and
     activities it supports at academic and research institutions. These
     institutions provide abundant opportunities where individuals may
     concurrently assume responsibilities as researchers, educators, and students
     and where all can engage in joint efforts that infuse education with the
     excitement of discovery and enrich research through the diversity of
     learning perspectives.

     Integrating Diversity into NSF Programs, Projects, and Activities
     Broadening opportunities and enabling the participation of all citizens --
     women and men, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities --
     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.

     Additional Review Criteria:

     Is the project designed so that the funds provided through a GeoEd award
     will be catalytic and enable the project to reach a level of maturity that
     will allow it to compete successfully for longer-term funding from other
     sources or become self-sustaining?

     Will this project potentially serve as a model for other geoscience
     education efforts?

     Is there evidence that the project is aligned with the mission and goals of
     participating entities?

     If this project is part of a larger effort to improve geoscience education,
     is the vision for the larger framework compelling, and will the proposed
     project contribute to the success of the larger effort?

B. Review and Selection Process

Proposals submitted in response to this program solicitation will be reviewed by Panel
Review.

Reviewers will be asked to formulate a recommendation to either support or decline
each proposal. 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 is striving to be able
to tell applicants whether their proposals have been declined or recommended for
funding within six months. The time interval begins on the date of receipt.  The
interval ends when the Division Director accepts the Program Officer's recommendation.

A summary rating and accompanying narrative will be completed and submitted by each
reviewer. In all cases, reviews are treated as confidential documents. Verbatim copies
of reviews, excluding the names of the reviewers, 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.

In all cases, 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 and 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.

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 Division
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.A. for additional information on the review process.)

B. Award Conditions

An NSF award consists of: (1) the award letter, 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 letter; (4) the applicable
award conditions, such as Grant General Conditions (NSF-GC-1); * or Federal
Demonstration Partnership (FDP) Terms and Conditions * and (5) any announcement or
other NSF issuance that may be incorporated by reference in the award letter.
Cooperative agreement awards also are administered in accordance with NSF Cooperative
Agreement Terms and Conditions (CA-1). Electronic mail notification is the preferred
way to transmit NSF awards to organizations that have electronic mail capabilities and
have requested such notification from the Division of Grants and Agreements.

*These documents may be accessed electronically on NSF's Website at
http://www.nsf.gov/home/grants/grants_gac.htm. Paper copies may be obtained from the
NSF Publications Clearinghouse, telephone (703) 292-7827 or by e-mail from
pubs@nsf.gov.

More comprehensive information on NSF Award Conditions is contained in the NSF Grant
Policy Manual (GPM) Chapter II, available electronically on the NSF Website at
http://www.nsf.gov/cgi-bin/getpub?gpm. The GPM is also for sale through the
Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office (GPO), Washington, DC 20402.
The telephone number at GPO for subscription information is (202) 512-1800. The GPM
may be ordered through the GPO Website at http://www.gpo.gov.

Special Award Conditions:

Important award conditions apply to awards that involve pilot testing and evaluating
materials. Proposers should see Section 711 of the GPM. Additional award conditions
may apply to projects involving commercial distribution or commercial publication of
developed materials (see Sections 730-753 of the GPM). Projects that involve human
subjects research should obtain approval for the project from their institution's or
organization's Institutional Review Board. (Chapter II, Section D.6 of the Grant
Proposal Guide provides additional information on proposals involving research with
human subjects.) Human subjects research is subject to applicable federal regulations.

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 before the end of the current budget period. (Some programs
or awards require more frequent project reports). Within 90 days after expiration of a
grant, the PI also is required to submit a final project report.

Failure to provide the required annual or final project reports will delay NSF review
and processing of any future funding increments as well as any pending proposals for
that PI. 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
FastLane, for preparation and submission of annual and final project reports.  Such
reports provide information on activities and findings, project participants
(individual and organizational) publications; and, other specific products and
contributions.  PIs will not be required to re-enter information previously provided,
either with a proposal or in earlier updates using the electronic system.  Submission
of the report via FastLane constitutes certification by the PI that the contents of
the report are accurate and complete.

It is important to assess the effectiveness of ongoing and newly developed programs.
Awardees should plan to include the results of an evaluation with their final project
report. Methods to assess program effectiveness must be included in program
description. The proposal budget should include funds to support the evaluation
component of the project.

VIII. AGENCY CONTACTS

General inquiries regarding this program should be made to:

   * Jill L. Karsten, Program Director for Diversity and Education, 705 N, telephone:
     (703) 292-7718, fax: (703) 292-9042, email: jkarsten@nsf.gov

For questions related to the use of FastLane, contact:

   * FastLane Help Desk, telephone: 1-800-673-6188; e-mail: fastlane@nsf.gov.

   * Brian E. Dawson, 705 N, telephone: (703) 292-4727, fax: (703) 292-9042, email:
     bdawson@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:
     support@grants.gov.

For questions related to Grants.gov contact:

   * Grants.gov Contact Center: If the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR)
     has not received a confirmation message from Grants.gov within 48 hours of
     submission of the application, please contact via telephone: 1-800-518-4726;
     e-mail: 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, MyNSF
(formerly the Custom News Service)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 Regional 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. MyNSF also is available on NSF's Website at
http://www.nsf.gov/mynsf/.

Grants.gov provides an additional electronic capability to search for Federal
government-wide grant opportunities. NSF funding opportunities may be accessed via
this new mechanism. Further information on Grants.gov may be obtained at
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 40,000 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 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 http://www.nsf.gov

              * Location:                      4201 Wilson Blvd. Arlington,
                                               VA 22230
              * For General Information        (703) 292-5111
                (NSF Information Center):
              * TDD (for the hearing-impaired):(703) 292-5090

              * To Order Publications or Forms:

                    Send an e-mail to:         pubs@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, NSF-50, "Principal
Investigator/Proposal File and Associated Records," 69 Federal Register 26410 (May 12,
2004), and 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
Division of Administrative Services
National Science Foundation
Arlington, VA 22230




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