Title: Materials World Network: Cooperative Activity in
        Materials Research between US
        Investigators and their Counterparts Abroad   (MWN)
Date: 08/23/06
Replaced: NSF 05-594



Materials World Network: Cooperative Activity in Materials Research between US
Investigators and their Counterparts Abroad   (MWN)

Program Solicitation
NSF 06-590

Replaces Document(s):
NSF 05-594



[NSF Logo]  National Science Foundation

            Directorate for Mathematical & Physical Sciences
                 Division of Materials Research



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

     November 20, 2006

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.

SUMMARY OF PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

General Information

Program Title:

     Materials World Network: Cooperative Activity in Materials Research
     between US Investigators and their Counterparts Abroad (MWN)

Synopsis of Program:

     Continued progress in fundamental materials and condensed matter
     research is increasingly dependent upon collaborative efforts among
     several different disciplines, as well as closer coordination among
     funding agencies and effective partnerships involving universities,
     industry, and national laboratories. In addition, because of the
     growing interdependence of the world's economies, partnerships are
     important not only at the national level but from an international
     point of view as well. The National Science Foundation is working
     jointly with counterpart national, regional and multinational funding
     organizations worldwide to enhance opportunities for collaborative
     activities in materials research and education between US
     investigators and their colleagues abroad. This solicitation
     describes an activity to foster opportunities for such
     collaborations. It includes joint activities between NSF and funding
     organizations in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and other
     regions.

     Proposals submitted to NSF in response to this solicitation must have
     clear relevance to research supported by the NSF Division of
     Materials Research (DMR), as they will be evaluated within the
     context of programmatic areas within DMR. Proposals not appropriate
     for DMR consideration will be returned without review. NSF will
     accept proposals from US universities and colleges addressing
     collaborations between researchers from the US and participating
     countries or regions. Concurrently, investigators at non-US research
     institutions should submit to the counterpart funding organization in
     their country or region a request for support of their side of the
     collaboration. NSF will consider support of all appropriate research
     costs in the US side of such collaborations, with the expectation
     that funding or research organizations from the appropriate countries
     or regions will consider supporting the costs of the non-US
     participants. Projects proposed to NSF are expected to offer students
     and junior researchers the opportunity to participate in an
     international research and education experience and, more generally,
     for integrating research and training in an international
     environment, and to clearly demonstrate the value added by the
     international collaboration.

Cognizant Program Officer(s):

   * Dr. Carmen Huber, Division of Materials Research, Office of Special
     Programs, telephone: 703-292-4939, fax: 703-292-9036, email:
     chuber@nsf.gov

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

   * 47.049 --- Mathematical and Physical Sciences

Award Information

Anticipated Type of Award:  Standard Grant or Continuing Grant

Estimated Number of Awards:   20 to  40   depending on quality of proposals and
availability of funds

Anticipated Funding Amount:   $2,500,000  to $ 4500000.00   total in FY 2007,
depending on quality of proposals and availability of funds

Eligibility Information

Organization Limit:

     Proposals may only be submitted by the following:

        * Universities and colleges: U.S. universities and two- and
          four-year colleges (including community colleges)

PI Limit:

     An investigator may be Principal Investigator in either (a) a
     proposal submitted in response to this solicitation or, (b) an
     unsolicited proposal submitted to the Division of Materials Research
     within the FY07 DMR submission window (see
     http://www.nsf.gov/materials), but not both.

Limit on Number of Proposals per Organization:

     None Specified

Limit on Number of Proposals per PI:

     An investigator may be Principal Investigator in only one proposal
     submitted in response to this solicitation.

Proposal Preparation and Submission Instructions

A. Proposal Preparation Instructions

   * Letters of Intent: Not Applicable

   * Full Proposals:

        * Full Proposals submitted via FastLane: Grant Proposal Guide (GPG)
          Guidelines apply. 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.

        * 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/)

B. Budgetary Information

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

   * 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):

          November 20, 2006

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

     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 basic properties of materials frequently define the capabilities,
potential, reliability and limitations of technology. Advances in fundamental
materials and condensed matter research enable progress to be made across a
broad range of scientific and engineering disciplines and technological areas
with dramatic impacts on society. Continued progress in materials research is
increasingly dependent upon collaborative efforts among several different
disciplines, as well as closer coordination among funding agencies and
effective partnerships involving universities, industry, and national
laboratories. In addition, because of the growing interdependence of the
world's economies, partnerships are important not only at the national level
but from an international point of view as well.

Over the last decade, the National Science Foundation has co-sponsored a series
of international workshops designed to help stimulate enhanced collaboration
among materials researchers and create networks linking individuals and centers
in participating regions. These workshops have identified possible areas for
mutually beneficial collaborations, and recommended that extensive use be made
of electronic communication, information exchanges, and databases to promote
and facilitate research collaborations and education activities at the
international level. The National Science Foundation is working jointly with
counterpart national, regional and multinational funding organizations
worldwide to enhance opportunities for collaborative activities in materials
research and education between US investigators and their colleagues abroad.

II. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This solicitation describes an activity to foster collaboration in materials
and condensed matter research between investigators in the US and their
counterparts abroad. It includes joint activities between NSF and funding
organizations in Africa, through the US-Africa Materials Collaboration; the
Americas, through the Inter-American Materials Collaboration (CIAM); Asia,
Europe and other countries or regions.

Proposals submitted to NSF in response to this solicitation must have clear
relevance to fundamental materials and condensed matter research supported by
the NSF Division of Materials Research. Projects not having this focus will not
be considered for funding. Proposals will be evaluated within the context of
programmatic areas supported by the NSF Division of Materials Research. For
areas supported by the Division of Materials Research (DMR) see
http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_list.jsp?org=DMR . It is strongly recommended
that you contact the cognizant program officer (Dr. Carmen Huber,
chuber@nsf.gov) to ascertain that the scientific or technical focus of the
proposed research is appropriate for this solicitation. Proposals not
appropriate for consideration by the Division of Materials Research will be
returned without review.

NSF will accept proposals from US universities and colleges addressing
collaborations between researchers from the US and participating countries or
regions. Concurrently, investigators at non-US research institutions should
submit to the counterpart funding organization in their country or region a
request for support of their side of the collaboration. NSF will consider
support of all appropriate research costs in the US side of such
collaborations, with the expectation that funding or research organizations
from the appropriate countries or regions will consider supporting the costs of
the non-US participants. NSF will not accept proposals from investigators at
non-US institutions. Contact information for participating funding
organizations abroad is listed in Section VIII.

Projects proposed to NSF are expected to offer students and junior researchers
the opportunity to participate in an international research and education
experience and, more generally, for integrating research and training in an
international environment. Proposals that include exchange of students and
post-doctoral research associates between the US and abroad are strongly
encouraged, as well as proposals from junior faculty and members of
underrepresented groups in science and engineering.

Proposals addressing materials and condensed matter research areas as described
above are covered by this solicitation. Of special interest to NSF are
proposals including activities that build upon and expand current cyber
infrastructure capabilities, such as remote use of instrumentation, database
creation and use, visualization and virtual experimentation, virtual
networking, etc, to enhance and advance the international collaboration.

Proposals to NSF from individual investigators and small groups of
investigators (3-5 investigators) are welcome. Proposals should be balanced in
terms of intellectual effort and participation in the US and abroad.

III. AWARD INFORMATION

The estimated number of awards is 20 to 40, depending on quality of proposals
and availability of funds. The total anticipated funding amount is $2,500,000
to $4,500,000 in FY 2007. Estimated total funding, number of awards and average
award size/duration are subject to quality of proposals and availability of
funds. Awards may be standard or continuing grants.

IV. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

Organization Limit:

     Proposals may only be submitted by the following:

        * Universities and colleges: U.S. universities and two- and
          four-year colleges (including community colleges)

PI Limit:

     An investigator may be Principal Investigator in either (a) a
     proposal submitted in response to this solicitation or, (b) an
     unsolicited proposal submitted to the Division of Materials Research
     within the FY07 DMR submission window (see
     http://www.nsf.gov/materials), but not both.

Limit on Number of Proposals per Organization:

     None Specified

Limit on Number of Proposals per PI:

     An investigator may be Principal Investigator in only one proposal
     submitted in response to this solicitation.

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: 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.

Requests for additional funding (supplement) by a US Principal Investigator to
an existing NSF award may not be submitted to this competition; such requests
should be made directly through the program where the existing award is
administered.

Proposals from foreign investigators should be submitted to the appropriate
counterpart funding organization in accordance with the guidelines of that
organization. Because application guidelines differ among the participating
organizations, it is not necessary to submit identical proposals to NSF and the
counterpart organization(s). However, whenever the guidelines and evaluation
criteria from NSF and the counterpart organization(s) allow for submission of a
single project description to both organizations, proposers are strongly
encouraged to do so. In such case, the Project Description of the counterpart
proposal (item 1.b below) is redundant and need not be included as a
supplementary document.

The following guidelines, in addition to those in the NSF GPG, should be
followed in preparing the proposal to NSF:

   * The title of the proposal to NSF should begin as: "Materials World
     Network: ... "

   * The Project Summary must address in separate statements the intellectual
     merit and the broader impacts of the proposed activity and, within the
     context of these two statements, the value added by the proposed
     international collaboration.

   * The duration of the project proposed to NSF should match the duration of
     the counterpart project proposed to the other funding organization(s).

   * The proposal to NSF must be accompanied by two additional items entered
     into the "Supplementary Docs" FastLane form. Proposals that do not include
     these two items or do not observe the indicated page limitations will be
     returned without review.

       1. Information clearly identifying the nature and scope of the
          corresponding counterpart proposal must be provided. For each
          counterpart proposal include:

            a. Summary Information: name of the counterpart agency or agencies,
               names and affiliations of principal participants, the
               counterpart project title and identification code (if any), and
               date of proposal submission. Also state the requested funds,
               requested start and termination dates, and provide a technical
               abstract. (Limit: 3 pages).

            b. Project Description of the counterpart proposal including, for
               example, state of knowledge of the field, results from previous
               work, objectives, plan of work, expected outcomes and their
               significance (Limit: 15 pages - this is an upper limit, not a
               required length). NSF strongly encourages submission of a single
               project description to the participating funding organizations
               whenever possible. If the same project description is submitted
               to NSF and the counterpart funding organization(s)  and/or the
               main body of the proposal to NSF already contains a description
               of the counterpart effort, then this item (b) is not necessary.

            c. Biographical sketches or curriculum vitae of the senior project
               personnel, including significant  publications related to the
               proposed project. As for US participants, these must include the
               investigators' thesis and postdoctoral advisors,  thesis
               recipients and postgraduate scholars sponsored, as well as a
               list of collaborators (Limit: 2 pages per individual).

       2. A specific summary of the proposed interaction, including visits
          between the US and their partners abroad,  stating the anticipated
          scientific benefits of the interaction, must be provided. (Limit: 2
          pages).

No additional letters of support or recommendation may be included.

B. Budgetary Information

Cost Sharing:   Cost sharing is not required by NSF in proposals submitted to
the National Science Foundation.

C. Due Dates

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

          November 20, 2006

D. FastLane/Grants.gov Requirements

   * For Proposals Submitted Via FastLane:

     Detailed technical instructions regarding the technical aspects of
     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
     funding opportunity.

     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. Further instructions regarding this
     process are available on the FastLane Website at:
     https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/fastlane.jsp.

   * 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:

     Reviewers will also take into consideration the value added by the
     proposed international collaboration in materials and condensed
     matter research, and the extent to which the collaboration integrates
     research and education and promotes diversity. Preference will be
     given to proposals where the intellectual efforts in the US and
     abroad are balanced and where students and junior researchers
     participate in the international collaboration.

     Representatives from NSF's Division of Materials Research will manage
     the review of proposals on the US side, either in parallel or jointly
     with  participating funding organizations. NSF anticipates that after
     a corresponding evaluation of the counterpart proposal(s) by the
     appropriate counterpart funding organization(s), coordinated support
     will be arranged for successful proposals by the participating
     organizations. Information about proposals will be shared between the
     participating organizations as appropriate. While each side reserves
     the option to fund proposals independently, strong preference will be
     given to proposals with support from both NSF and the counterpart
     organization.

B. Review and Selection Process

Proposals submitted in response to this program solicitation will be reviewed
by Adhoc Review or 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 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 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 (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 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
http://www.nsf.gov/awards/managing/general_conditions.jsp?org=NSF. 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 and other important
information on the administration of NSF awards is contained in the NSF Grant
Policy Manual (GPM) Chapter II, available electronically on the NSF Website at
http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=gpm.

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.

VIII. AGENCY CONTACTS

General inquiries regarding this program should be made to:

   * Dr. Carmen Huber, Division of Materials Research, Office of Special
     Programs, telephone: 703-292-4939, fax: 703-292-9036, email:
     chuber@nsf.gov

For questions related to the use of FastLane, contact:

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

   * Maxine E. Jefferson-Brown, Computer Specialist, 1065 N, telephone: (703)
     292-4918, fax: (703) 292-9035, email: mjeffers@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.

Contacts at other organizations:

Contact information in participating countries or regions is provided for the
convenience of researchers in those countries or regions. Questions from US
investigators should be directed to NSF.

Inter-American Materials Collaboration (CIAM) Contacts:

ARGENTINA      Consejo de Investigaciones Cientficas y Tcnicas (CONICET)
               http://www.conicet.gov.ar/
               Rivadavia 1917, 1033 Buenos Aires
               Dr. Jorge Tezn, Sub Gerente de Fomento Cientfico y Tecnolgico
               Tel.: 54-11-4951-4673, Fax: 54-11-4953-7483,
               jtezon@conicet.gov.ar

 BRAZIL        Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientfico e Tecnolgico
               (CNPq)
               http://www.cnpq.br/
               SEPN 509 &ndash; Quadra 507 &ndash; Bloco B &ndash; Ed. Sede
               70.740-001 &ndash; Brasilia - DF
               Carmen Lucia Borges Negraes, International Cooperation Office
               Tel :  55-(61) 2108-9433, Fax : 55-(61) 2108-9437 / 9442;
               cnegraes@cnpq.br
               Fundao de Amparo  Pesquisa do Estado de So Paulo
               http://www.fapesp.br
               R. Pio XI, 1500 - Alto da Lapa - CEP 05468-901 - So Paulo/SP -
               Brasil
               Prof. Leandro R. Tessler, Universidade Estadual de Campinas
               Tel : 55-19-7885380, Fax : 55-19-7885376 ;
               tessler@ifi.unicamp.br
CANADA         Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)
               http://www.nserc.ca/
               350 Albert Street, Ottawa, Canada K1A 1H5
               Dr. Denis Leclerc, Manager, Policy and International Relations
               Tel : 613-992-3445, Fax : 613- 947-5645, denis.leclerc@nserc.ca

CHILE          Comisin Nacional de Investigacin Cientfica y Tecnolgica
               (CONICYT)
               http://www.conicyt.cl/
               Bernarda Morin 545, Providencia, Santiago de Chile
                Mara Teresa Ramrez, Departamento de Relaciones
               Internacionales
               Tel.: 56-23654404; Fax.: 56-2-2741897; mramirez@conicyt.cl

COLOMBIA       Instituto Colombiano para el Desarrollo de la Ciencia y la
               Tecnologa (COLCIENCIAS)
               http://www.colciencias.gov.co/
               Tranversal 9A Bis No. 132-28, Bogota DC
               Dr. Rafael Maria Guti?rrez, Subdirector de Programas de
               Desarrollo Cientfico y Tecnolgico
               Tel: 57-1-625-8480, Fax: 57-1-625-1788,
               mgutierrez@colciencias.gov.co
MEXICO         Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologa (CONACYT)
               http://www.conacyt.mx/
               Insurgentes Sur 1582, Col. Crdito Constructor, Del. Benito
               Juarez
               Mexico DF 03940
               Lic. Jos Lever Huffmaster, Director de Desarrollo y Cooperacin
               Tel: 52-55-53227700, ext. 6600; Fax:  52 &ndash;55- 53227668
                jlever@conacyt.mx
PERU           Consejo Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnologa e Innovacin Tecnolgica
               http://www.concytec.gob.pe
               Calle del Comercio 197, San Borja, Lima 41, Per.
               Dr. Juan Tarazona Barboza, Director General de Programas
               Tel: 511- 225 1150 ext. 1201, Fax: 511- 2251150 ext. 1205,
               jtarazona@concytec.gob.pe

Africa-USA Materials Collaboration Contacts:

ALGERIA        Ministre de l'enseignement superieur et de la recherche
               scientifique
               129 Chemin Mohamed Gacem El Madania, Algiers, Algeria
               Prof. Houria Rebbah, Directrice
               Tel: (213) 21-27-97-33; drsdt@wissal.dz
               Dr. Charif Merouane
               Tel: (213)21-27-63-24; Fax: (213) 21-27-63-24;
               othdrsdt@yahoo.fr;
EGYPT          Academy for Scientific Research and Technology
               http://www.asrt.sci.eg/
               Prof. Nabil Ghoneim, National Committee for New and Advanced
               Materials
               Tel.: 010 &ndash; 1980067; nmghoneim2005@yahoo.com
 ETHIOPIA       Ethiopian Science and Technology Commission
               Prof. Tsige Gebremariam, Associate Vice President for Research
               and Graduate Programs
               Addis Ababa University
               P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
               Tel: +251-1-239756; Fax: +251-1-231087; Cellular:
               +251-9-242525; tsigegmw@phar.aau.edu.et
KENYA          Kenya National Academy of Sciences
               P.O. Box 39450-00623, Nairobi, Kenya
               Tel: 254-020-3111714; Fax: 254-020-311715
               Prof. Bernard O. Aduda, Dep. of Physics, University of Nairobi
               P.O> Box 30197-00100 GPO Nairobi
               boaduda@uonbi.ac.ke
               Ministre de l&rsquo;Education Nationale, de l'Enseignement
MOROCCO        Suprieur, de la Formation des Cadres et de la Recherche
               Scientifique
               Direction de la Technologie
               Prof. Dr. Khalid Riffi Temsamani, National Coordinator
               Materials Science
               Tel: 00 212 37 706018; Fax: 00 212 37 737222 ;
               temsamani@enssup.gov.ma; krtemsamani@yahoo.fr
NAMIBIA        Ministry of Mines and Energy
               Room 314, 1 Aviation Road, Eros Airport, Windhoek, Namibia
               Dr. Erasmus Shivolo
               Tel : 264 61 2848261 ; Fax : 264 61 2848362 ;
               eshivolo@mme.gov.na
NIGERIA        National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure
               Idu Industrial Area, Idu Abuja, Nigeria
               Prof. Olusegun Adewoye
               Tel:  +234-805-5024934, +234-805-5024943 , +234-803-3127195;
               oadewoye@yahoo.co.uk

RWANDA         Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Scientific
               Research
               Dr. Albert Mutesa
               Direction de la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique
               BP 622, Kigali, Rwanda
               Tel: 25083052; Fax: 25082162; amutesa@mineduc.gov.rw
SENEGAL        Universit Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar
               B.P. 25114 Dakar-Fann, Dakar, Senegal
               Prof. Aboubaker Chedikh Beye
               Coordonateur National des Activits de Recherches en Science,
               Technologies et Ingnieurie des Matriaux
               acbeye@refer.sn
SOUTH AFRICA   National Research Foundation
               www.nrf.ac.za
               P.O. Box 2600, Pretoria, 0001 South Africa
               Dr. Val Munsami, Manager, Science and Technology Agreements
               Fund
               Tel: +27 12 481 4025; Fax: +27 12 481 4044;val@nrf.ac.za
TANZANIA       Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology
               Ali Hassan Mwinyi Road; P.O. Box 4302; Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
               Dr. Yadon Cohi, Director General
               Tel: 255-222-700750; 255-222-775315; 255-748-781644(cell)
               Fax: 255222775314; ykohi@hotmail.com; ykohi@costech.or.tz
               Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education
               Mr. Titus Mteleka, Director for Science and Technology
               Bongoyo Road, House No. 14. Oyester Bay; Dar Es salaam,
               TanzaniaBox 2645, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
               Tel: 255 22 2700443; Mteleka2000@yahoo.com

TUNISIA        Ministry of Scientific Research, Technology and Competences
               Development
               Dr. Hedi Zarrouk
               Tel: 216-71537677; hedi.zarrouk@inrap.mrt.tn
UGANDA         National Council for Science and Technology
               Plot 3/5/7, Nasser Road
               P.O. Box 6884, Kampala, Uganda
               Dr. Dr. Peter Ndemere, Executive Secretary
               Tel: 256-41705500 , 256-41250499; Fax: 256-41-234579;
               incst@starcom.co.ug
ZIMBABWE       Research Council of Zimbabwe
               Delken Complex Block A, Mount Pleasant Business Park
               Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
               Dr. Francis P. Gudyanga, Chairman
               Tel: 263 4 369407/8; Fax: 263 4
               369409;fpgudyanga@zarnet.ac.zw;secretary@rcz.ac.zw

Contacts in Europe:

AUSTRIA          Austrian Science Fund (FWF)
                 http://www.fwf.ac.at/en/index.asp
                 Sensengasse 1 A - 1090 Vienna
                 Dr. Andreas Zumbusch, Scientific Administrator
                 Tel.: +43 1 50 56 740 Ext. 86, zumbusch@fwf.ac.at
 FINLAND         Tekes, Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation
                 http://www.tekes.fi
                 P.O.Box 69, FIN - 00101 Helsinki, Finland
                 Mrs. Sisko Sipila, Chief Technology Adviser
                 Materials Technology
                 Tel. +358 1060 55845, sisko.sipila@tekes.fi
                 Academy of Finland: Research Council for Natural Sciences &
                 Engineering
                 http://www.aka.fi (also http://www.research.fi)
                 P.O. Box 99, FIN - 00501 Helsinki
                 Dr. Jan Bckman , Science Adviser
                 Tel. +358 9 7748 8394, jan.backman@aka.fi
 FRANCE          Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)
                 http://www.cnrs.fr
                 3, rue Michel Ange
                 75794 Paris Cedex 16, France
                 Claire Giraud
                 Deputy Director for the Americas, Office of European and
                 International Relations
                 Tel.  01 44 96 47 05, claire.giraud@cnrs-dir.fr
                 Dr. Michel Lannoo
                 Scientific Director, Mathematical and Physical Sciences
                 Tel. 01 44 96 42 52 michel.lannoo@cnrs-dir.fr
                 Dr. Gilberte Chambaud, Scientific Director, Chemistry
                 Tel. 01 44 96 40 98, sc-Directeur@cnrs-dir.fr
                  Dr. Pierre Guillon, Scientific Director, Engineering
                 Tel : 01 44 96 42 21, pierre.guillon@cnrs-dir.fr
 GERMANY         Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
                 http://www.dfg.de/en/index.html
                 Kennedyallee 40, D-53175 Bonn, Germany
                 Dr. Burkhard Jahnen, Program Director for Materials Science
                 and Engineering
                 Tel +49 2 28/8 85-2487, burkhard.jahnen@dfg.de
                 Other German Organizations
                 Will be coordinated through Dr. Burkhard Jahnen,
                 See above for contact information.
 LUXEMBOURG      Fonds National de la Recherche
                 http://www.fnr.lu
                 6, rue Antoine de Saint-Exupry, P.O. Box 1777
                 L-1017 Luxembourg-Kirchberg
                 Mrs. Christiane Kaell
                 Tel: 00352-261925-34, christiane.kaell@fnr.lu

NORWAY           The Research Council of Norway, Science and Technology
                 Division
                 http://www.forskningsradet.no/english/
                 P.b. 2700
                 St. Hanshaugen
                 0131 Oslo, Norway
                 Dr. Aase Marie Hundere, Senior Adviser
                 Tel.+47-22037305, amh@rcn.no
 SPAIN           Ministry of Education and Science
                 http://www.mec.es/
                 Paseo de la Castellana 160
                 28070 Madrid - SPAIN
                 Dr. Carlos Prieto ; cprieto@icmm.csic.es
                 Dr. Rosa Menndez ;  rosa.menendez@mec.es;
                 rosmenen@incar.csic.es
                 Tel. +34-91-349-4372
SWITZERLAND      Swiss National Science Foundation
                 http://www.snf.ch/default_en.asp
                 Wildhainweg 20
                 P.O. Box 8232
                 3001 Bern, Switzerland
                 Dr. Paul Burkhard, Division II - Mathematics, Natural &
                 Engineering Sciences
                 Tel. 41-31-308 22 22, pburkhard@snf.ch
UKRAINE          State Fund for Fundamental Research
                 http://www.dffd.gov.ua/
                 16 Shevchenko Blvd, Kyuv, 01601, Ukraine
                 Dr. Andrey Ragulya, Deputy Director, Institute for Problems
                 in Materials Science
                 Tel:(+38-044)424-7435;Fax:(+38-044)424-1533;
                 ragulya@materials.kiev.ua
 UNITED          Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
 KINGDOM         http://www.epsrc.ac.uk
                 Polaris House
                 North Star Avenue, Swindon SN2 1ET, U.K.
                 Mr. Andrew Rendell, Associate Programme Manager, Materials
                 Tel. 44-(0)-1793 444260, andy.rendell@epsrc.ac.uk

Contacts in other countries or regions:

AUSTRALIA         Australian Research Council (ARC)
                  http://www.arc.gov.au/arc_home/default.htm
                  GPO Box 2702
                  Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
                  Prof. Margaret Clayton, Executive Director, Linkage
                  International
                  Tel.: 02 6284 6685; margarte.clayton@arc.gov.au
CHINA              National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)
                  http://www.nsfc.gov.cn/
                  83 Shuangqing Road, Haidian District,  Beijing, 100085,
                  China
                  Dr. Li Ming, Director
                  Department of Engineering and Material Sciences
                  Tel.: 86-10-62327100/6844; Fax : 86-10-62327133;
                  lim@mail.nsfc.gov.cn
INDIA             Department of Science and Technology
                  http://dst.gov.in/
                  International Cooperation Division, Dep. of Science and
                  Technology
                  Technology Bhawan
                  New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi &ndash; 110016, India
                  Shri. Y. P. Kumar, Scientist &ndash;G and Head
                  Tel: 91-11-26961912/ 26590430 Fax:
                  91-11-26862418;ypk@nic.in
                  <mailto:ypk@nic.in>;kumaryp@hotmail.com
                  <mailto:kumaryp@hotmail.com>
                  Dr. B.K. Jain; Scientist-G
                  Tel: 91-11-26961583/ 26590413 ; Fax: 91-11-26961583;
                  jainbk@nic.in <mailto:jainbk@nic.in>;
                  bhushankjain@yahoo.com <mailto:bhushankjain@yahoo.com>
ISRAEL            Ministry of Science and Technology
                  www.most.gov.il
                  P.O. Box 49100, 91490 Jerusalem, Israel
                  Dr. Avraham Cohen, Director
                  Materials Research Division
                  Tel. +972-2-5411136; Fax +972-2-5815595;
                  avraham@most.gov.il
RUSSIAN FEDERATIONRussian Foundation for Basic Research
                  http://www.rfbr.ru/
                  32a, Leninsky prospect, 11991, CSWP-1, Moscow, V-334,
                  Russia
                  Dr. Vladimir Khromov, Director, International Relations
                  Department
                  Tel: (095) 938-54-82; Fax: (095) 938-54-56;
                  khromov@rfbr.ru
                  Tel: +65 68266132;  Fax: +65 67798061;
                  jasbir_singh@a-star.edu.sg
TAIWAN            National Science Council
                  http://web.nsc.gov.tw/
                  Prof. Dr. Kwang-Lung Lin, Director General, Department
                  of International Cooperation
                  21F, 106 Ho-Ping E. Rd. Sec. 2, Taipei, Taiwan 10636
                  Tel:  886-2-2737-7558; Fax: 886-2-2737-7607;
                  kllin@nsc.gov.tw

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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