Office of Acquisition and Agreements Management

Grants Management Division

SF-424 Research & Related (R&R) Application Package Guidance

Form Expiration 12/31/2022

Revised October 2020

Version 2.0
Contents

1.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 About NIST .................................................................................................................................1

1.2 Introduction to the SF-424 R&R Guidance.................................................................................1

1.3 Administrative and Policy Requirements...................................................................................2

1.3.1 Uniform Guidance.......................................................................................................2

1.3.2 Department of Commerce Standard Terms and Conditions ......................................2

1.3.3 Use of NIST Intellectual Property................................................................................2

1.3.4 Research Activities Involving Human Subject, Human Tissue, Data or Recordings 

Involving Human Subjects Including Software Testing ............................................................3

1.3.5 Research Applications Involving Live Vertebrate Animals..........................................3

1.3.6 Mandatory Disclosures ...............................................................................................3

1.3.7 Conflicts of Interest.....................................................................................................3

1.3.8 Lobbying Restrictions..................................................................................................4

1.3.9 Certification of Agreement .........................................................................................4

1.4 Compliance Requirements.........................................................................................................4

1.5 Definitions and Acronyms..........................................................................................................4

2.0 Registering and Applying through Grants.Gov ............................................................................ 4

2.1 Registration................................................................................................................................5

2.2 Application Process....................................................................................................................6

2.2.1 Notice of Funding Opportunity ...................................................................................6

2.2.2 Complete the Grant Application Package...................................................................6

2.2.3 Submit the Completed Application Package...............................................................6

2.3 Tracking the Status of an Application ........................................................................................6

3.0 Completing the SF 424 R&R Application Package ........................................................................ 7

3.1 Completing the SF-424 R&R.......................................................................................................8

3.2 Completing the SF-424 R&R (Total Fed + Non-Fed) Budget ....................................................17

3.3 Completing the SF-424 R&R Other Project Information, If Applicable....................................26

3.4 Attachments.............................................................................................................................29

3.4.1. Project Summary & Project Narrative.......................................................................29

3.4.2. Attachments..............................................................................................................29

3.5 Narrative and Attachment Formatting ....................................................................................29

3.6 Application Due Dates..............................................................................................................29

3.7 Correcting Mistakes.................................................................................................................29

3.8 Withdrawing an Application ....................................................................................................30

4.0 NIST Application and Review Process ....................................................................................... 30
4.1 Application Processing.............................................................................................................30

4.2 Competitive Review .................................................................................................................30

4.3 Award Notification...................................................................................................................30

5.0 Additional Resources................................................................................................................ 31
1

1.0 Introduction

1.1 About NIST

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) was founded in 1901 as the National Bureau 

of Standards and is now part of the U.S. Department of Commerce. NIST is one of the nation's oldest 

physical science laboratories. Congress established the agency to remove a major challenge to U.S. 

industrial competitiveness at the time—a second-rate measurement infrastructure that lagged behind

the capabilities of the United Kingdom, Germany, and other economic rivals.

From the smart electric power grid and electronic health records to atomic clocks, advanced 

nanomaterials, and computer chips, innumerable products and services rely in some way on technology, 

measurement, and standards provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Today, NIST measurements support the smallest of technologies to the largest and most complex of 

human-made creations—from nanoscale devices so tiny that tens of thousands can fit on the end of a 

single human hair up to earthquake-resistant skyscrapers and global communication networks.1

NIST is a unique Federal agency. Its mission is broad—to promote U.S. innovation and industrial 

competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance 

economic security and improve our quality of life.

An essential part of NIST's work is to anticipate the future. Fast-moving sectors such as 

nanotechnology, quantum information science, homeland security, information technology, 

and advanced manufacturing need sophisticated technical support systems to flourish and 

grow. NIST provides that support by continually improving the U.S. measurement system, 

developing new technologies, fostering standards, and providing both the business and 

technical evaluation tools needed to produce quality products and organizations.2

1.2 Introduction to the SF-424 R&R Guidance

The purpose of this document is to provide instructions to organizations interested in preparing an

application in response to a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), formerly known as the Federal 

Funding Opportunity (FFO), using the Application for Federal Assistance SF-424 Research and Related 

(R&R) application package. The SF-424 R&R is typically used for research and training awards. Use of the 

SF-424 R&R will be specified in the particular NOFO; when so specified the SF-424 R&R and R&R FedNonFed budget replaces use of the SF-424, SF-424A. A complete application to NIST will include a 

combination of R&R components and other standard components listed in the particular NOFO (e.g. CD511, SF-424B); applicant organizations should not use any forms (e.g. SF-424A) or sample forms from 

other NOFOs. Applicants must use the specific version of R&R forms contained in the application 

package to ensure proper system-to-system transfer of the application. The applicant organization must 

submit their application electronically through Grants.gov. 

1 About NIST, viewed February 8, 2017, https://www.nist.gov/about-nist

2 Work with NIST, viewed February 8, 2017, https://www.nist.gov/about-nist/work-nist
2

This guide is intended to be a concise source of information on NIST’s use of the SF-424 R&R application 

package and will be updated periodically. Any information or requirements contained in a specific NOFO 

or program policy supersede the guidance provided in this document. This document does not replace 

the NIST OAAM Financial Assistance Reference Guide: Essential Tips for your NIST Award. This guide is 

not intended to be used as guidance for NOFO’s requiring the use of the SF-424 Non-Construction 

application.

1.3 Administrative and Policy Requirements

This is not intended to be a full list of all required administrative and national policy requirements. 

Please refer to the specific NOFO for all requirements being certified to in the specific application 

package.

1.3.1 Uniform Guidance

2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for 

Federal Awards (the Uniform Guidance), applies to all financial assistance awards issued by the 

Department of Commerce, as codified at 2 CFR § 1327.101. Successful applicants will be required to 

comply with the requirements set forth therein and are encouraged to become familiar with the 

Uniform Guidance in advance of receiving Federal financial assistance. 

1.3.2 Department of Commerce Standard Terms and Conditions

The Department of Commerce Financial Assistance Standard Terms and Conditions, as periodically 

amended and incorporated into each award, will apply to all NIST issued awards, unless specifically 

indicated otherwise in the NOFO.

1.3.3 Use of NIST Intellectual Property

If the applicant anticipates using any NIST-owned intellectual property to carry out the work proposed, 

the applicant should identify such intellectual property. This information will be used to ensure that no 

NIST employee involved in the development of the intellectual property will participate in the review 

process for that competition. In addition, if the applicant intends to use NIST-owned intellectual 

property, the applicant must comply with all statutes and regulations governing the licensing of Federal 

Government patents and inventions, described in 35 U.S.C. §§ 200-212, 37 CFR Part 401, 2 CFR § 

200.315, and in Section C.03 of the Department of Commerce Financial Assistance Standard Terms and 

Conditions issued April 30, 2019. Questions about these requirements may be directed to the Chief 

Counsel for NIST, nistcounsel@nist.gov. 

Any use of NIST-owned intellectual property by an applicant is at the sole discretion of NIST and will be 

negotiated on a case-by-case basis if a project is deemed meritorious. The applicant should indicate 

within the statement of work whether it already has a license to use such intellectual property or 

whether it intends to seek one.

If any inventions made in whole or in part by a NIST employee arise in the course of an award made 

pursuant to this NOFO, the United States government may retain its ownership rights in any such 

invention. Licensing or other disposition of NIST's rights in such inventions will be determined solely by 

NIST, and include the possibility of NIST putting the intellectual property into the public domain.
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1.3.4 Research Activities Involving Human Subject, Human Tissue, Data or Recordings Involving 

Human Subjects Including Software Testing

Any application that includes research activities involving human subjects, human tissue/cells, or data or 

recordings from or about human subjects, must satisfy the requirements of the Common Rule for the 

Protection of Human Subjects (“Common Rule”), codified for the Department of Commerce at 15 CFR 

Part 27. Research activities involving human subjects who fall within one or more of the classes of 

vulnerable subjects found in 45 CFR Part 46, Subparts B, C and D must satisfy the requirements of the 

applicable subpart(s). In addition, any such application that includes research activities on these subjects 

must be in compliance with all applicable statutory requirements imposed upon the Department of 

Health and Human Services (DHHS) and other Federal agencies, all regulations, policies and guidance 

adopted by DHHS, the Food and Drug Administration, and other Federal agencies on these topics, and all 

Executive Orders and Presidential statements of policy on applicable topics. Refer to the NOFO for 

additional information on applications containing Human Subjects.

1.3.5 Research Applications Involving Live Vertebrate Animals

Any application that includes research activities involving live vertebrate animals, that are being cared 

for, euthanized, or used by participants in the application to accomplish research goals, teaching, or 

testing, must meet the requirements of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) (7 U.S.C. § 2131 et seq.), and the 

AWA final rules (9 CFR Parts 1, 2, and 3), and if appropriate, the Good Laboratory Practice for NonClinical Laboratory Studies (21 CFR Part 58). In addition, such applications should be in compliance with 

the “U.S. Government Principles for Utilization and Care of Vertebrate Animals Used in Testing, 

Research, and Training.” The Principles and guidance on these Principles are available in the National 

Research Council's “Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals,'' which can be obtained from 

National Academy Press, 500 5th Street, N.W., Department 285, Washington, DC 20055, or as a free PDF 

online at http://www.nap.edu/catalog/12910/guide-for-the-care-and-use-of-laboratory-animals-eighth. 

Refer to the NOFO for additional information on applications containing live vertebrate animals.

1.3.6 Mandatory Disclosures

In accordance with 2 CFR § 200.113, the applicant organization, and all successful applicants (nonFederal entities) must disclose, in writing, to NIST all violations of Federal criminal law involving fraud, 

bribery or gratuity violations potentially affecting the Federal award. In addition, if the applicant 

organization or non-Federal entity receive Federal awards (currently active grants, cooperative 

agreements and procurement awards) greater than $10,000,000 for any period of time during the 

period of performance of an award/project, the organization is required to maintain current information 

disclosed in the System for Award Management, SAM.gov, any information about criminal, civil and 

administrative proceedings and/or affirm that there is no new information to provide.

1.3.7 Conflicts of Interest

In accordance with 2 CFR § 200.112, NIST requires each successful applicant to maintain an appropriate 

written and enforceable policy regarding Conflict of Interest, and to disclose in writing any potential 

conflict of interest to NIST or the pass-through entity as defined in 2 CFR § 200.74. Further, for those 

awards containing DOC Standard Terms & Conditions, Section F.01, the non-Federal entity must 

maintain written standards of conduct to establish safeguards to prohibit an interested party from using 

their positions for a purpose that constitutes or presents the appearance of personal or organizational 

conflict of interest, or personal gain in the administration of an award. 
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1.3.8 Lobbying Restrictions

Applicants should be familiar with the restrictions and certifications required regarding lobbying. See 2 

CFR § 200.450, as well as the form CD-511, Certification Regarding Lobbying, for additional information.

1.3.9 Certification of Agreement

The signature of the Authorized Organizational Representative on the application (effectuated by 

clicking the “I agree” in Box 17 of the SF-424 R&R Application Form) serves as the required certification 

of compliance for the applicant organization regarding the administrative and national policy 

requirements.

1.4 Compliance Requirements

Compliance Requirements

Recipient Entity Type Administrative 

Requirements

Cost Principles Audit Requirements

State, Local & Tribal 

Governments

2 CFR 200, Uniform 

Guidance

2 CFR 200, Subpart E 2 CFR 200, Subpar F

Colleges & 

Universities

Non-Profits

Hospitals 2 CFR 200, Appendix 

IX

For-Profits 2 CFR 200, Subpart E 

or 48 CFR Section 

31.2, as specified in 

award documentation

Foreign/International As stated above for 

each entity type or as 

specified in award

1.5 Definitions and Acronyms

Definitions and acronyms in 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart A, Acronyms and Definitions, apply within this 

Guide unless specifically defined herein.

2.0 Registering and Applying through Grants.Gov

The SF-424 R&R and R&R Fed-NonFed Budget may be found on the Grants.gov website; images of the 

form are attached in Appendix A for reference purposes only. Applicants should always refer to 

Grants.gov for the current version of all required forms. NIST requires that all applications utilizing the 

SF-424 R&R be submitted electronically through Grants.gov. 
5

Applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Grants.gov Online Help feature. 

Compliance with the registration and submission requirements for Grants.gov is solely the applicant 

organization’s responsibility. 

Registration for Grants.gov is a multi-step process that can take from several days to several weeks to 

complete. Not having an active or validated Grants.gov account will result in an inability to apply for

financial assistance from NIST. Applicant organizations are encouraged to check the status of their 

Grants.gov account to ensure it is active and the Authorized Organizational Representative is approved 

and able to obtain access. Organizations only need one Grants.gov account; a separate account for each 

Federal agency to which the organization may apply is not required. 

2.1 Registration

The Grants.gov registration requires information from three sources:

• Dun and Bradstreet

• System for Award Management (SAM.gov)

• Grants.gov (e.g. authorization of user roles)

Information in these three systems must be accurate and consistent to successfully register in 

Grants.gov. Additionally, information in SAM.gov must be updated annually. Failure to maintain an 

active and valid SAM.gov registration may result in suspension of your Grants.gov, and other Federal 

system(s), accounts. For comprehensive instructions for registering as an applicant in Grants.gov, please 

refer to the information at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html. 

The basic steps for Grants.gov registration are as follows:

Step 1: Obtain a Data Universal Number System Number (DUNS)

 For more information, contact Dun & Bradstreet.

Step 2: Register with the System for Award Management (SAM.gov)

 For more information, please visit https://www.sam.gov.

Note: Initial registration in SAM.gov can take several weeks or longer. Additionally, annual 

updates take at least one business day to transfer into Grants.gov. Applicant organizations are 

encouraged to be mindful of these timelines when considering a NOFO deadline; not having an 

active Grants.gov account is not grounds for an application extension or waiver of electronic 

submission.

Step 3: Create a username and password in Grants.gov

This account will be created for use by the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR); only 

an AOR is authorized to submit an application on behalf of an applicant organization.

Step 4: AOR Authorization

The E-Biz Point of Contact, identified in SAM.gov, is responsible for authorizing and assigning 

Grants.gov roles to all applicants within their organization. Authorization and assignment of 

roles provides applicants access to organization Workspaces and the ability to submit 

applications on behalf of the organization.

The Grants.gov Call Center and Support Desk is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, excluding 

Federal holidays, to assist in this registration process.
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2.2 Application Process

2.2.1 Notice of Funding Opportunity

Grants.gov provides a central, combined platform for applying for Federal financial assistance. Once the 

desired NOFO has been located on Grants.gov, select the NOFO and download the application package 

and instructions. These documents are typically posted in both a compressed .zip file and a full Adobe 

Reader format. 

2.2.2 Complete the Grant Application Package

Complete the application using the instructions contained in this Guide and the NOFO, which is built into 

the grant application package. The application package allows users to complete the application offline, 

save it and upload it at a later date. For assistance with program guidance related questions, contact the 

Program Point of Contact listed in the Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) portion, typically Section VII,

of the NOFO. For assistance with budget or other administrative related questions, contact the Grants 

Management Division contacts in Section VII of the NOFO. Applicant organizations are reminded to 

review all requirements of each specific NOFO, including specific document requests, attestations, page 

limitations, funding and cost-share requirements and other program specifications.

2.2.3 Submit the Completed Application Package

First, review the application summary within Grants.gov to ensure the application is being uploaded to 

the intended NOFO. Applications submitted in response to the wrong NOFO will be rejected during the 

administrative review as “not responsive” and not reviewed further. Second, once the applicant 

organization has completed all required forms and attached all required documents, select the “Check 

Package for Errors” button and make necessary corrections.

Once the AOR has logged in and uploaded the application package, a confirmation screen should appear 

providing a tracking number in the form of GRANT##### (number generated by Grants.gov to assist 

applicants track applications submitted). The applicant organization should record this number and 

provide it as reference in any future communications regarding the submitted application.

Once the application has been received by Grants.gov, an automatically generated email will be sent to 

the AOR named in block 19 of the SF-424 R&R. This first email is indicating that Grants.gov has received, 

but not validated, the submission.

2.3 Tracking the Status of an Application

The AOR will receive multiple email notifications throughout the application process:

1. The first email will confirm the receipt of Application by Grants.gov

2. The second email will either confirm validation of the submitted application package or rejection 

due to errors

3. The third email will notify the applicant organization when the submission has been successfully 

transferred to NIST.

Once the application has been received by NIST, the Grants Management Division will assign application 

packages to the cognizant program office on a rolling basis for all applications received by the 

application deadline and notify the contact for the program office. The Grants.gov tracking number 

provided by the system at initial upload will remain the tracking number for internal NIST purposes. If at 
7

any time the applicant organization must contact NIST in reference to an application, this number 

should be referenced.

3.0 Completing the SF 424 R&R Application Package

Refer to the NOFO and application package for all required forms and optional forms considered under 

the NOFO. Most commonly, the following forms will be required:

1. SF-424 R&R Application Form, Detailed Instructions in Section 3.1 of this Guide

2. CD-511, instruction on form

3. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL), instructions embedded in form

4. Assurances for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424B), instructions embedded in form

5. SF-424 R&R Fed-NonFed Budget, Detailed Instructions in Section 3.2 of this Guide.

Optional Forms may include:

a. Program-specific forms

b. Research and Related Other Project Information, detailed instructions in Section 3.3 of this 

Guide

c. Project/Performance Site Location(s), detailed instructions at Grants.gov.

d. Attachments, instructions in Section 3.4 of this Guide
8

3.1 COMPLETING THE SF 424 R&R

SF-424 R&R Form Block Instructions

Required for Submittal

Y = Always

X = Per instructions

within this guidance

N = Not Required

Block 1--Type of Submission - Select One Box Only 

Pre-application The pre-application option is not used by NIST, unless specifically noted in the NOFO.

Y

Application

The application option is used to submit a request for financial support in accordance with a 

NOFO issued by NIST specifying the use of the Research and Related set of forms.

Changed/Corrected 

Application

Check only if you are submitting the same application again to correct system validation 

errors or problems in assembly of the application. Do not use this box to denote a 

resubmission or amended application. That will be indicated in the Type of Application, field 

8. Submission of a Changed/Corrected application replaces the previous submission and 

removes it from consideration.

Block 2--Date Submitted and Applicant Identifier

Date Submitted Leave Blank - this field will auto-populate upon application submission N

Applicant Identifier Leave Blank - this field will auto-populate upon application submission N

Block 3--Date Received by State and State Application Identifier

Date Received by State Leave this field blank. N

State Application Identifier Leave this field blank. N

Block 4--Identifiers and Tracking ID

a. Federal Identifier

New Applications without Pre-Application: Leave field blank

New Applications with Pre-Application previously submitted – Required: Enter the NISTassigned pre-application identifier. Contact the Grants Officer listed in the NOFO if you are 

unsure of this number.

Resubmission, Renewal and Revision Applications – Required: Enter the Federal Identifier of 

the previously assigned application or current award number (e.g. 00ABCD00Z123).

X

b. Agency Routing Identifier Leave this field blank. N
9

c. Previous Grants.gov 

Tracking ID

Submission is a Changed/Corrected Application (Box 1) - Required: Enter the Grants.gov 

Tracking ID assigned to the original submission. This number will be in the form 

“GRANT87654321.”

All other submissions: Leave field blank

X

Block 5--Applicant Information

General Information

These fields capture information on the Applicant Organization, not a specific individual. If 

multiple organizations are submitting the application, the information captured must reflect 

the Lead Organization. Required fields are indicated below.

Organizational DUNS Enter the DUNS or DUNS+4. The same DUNS should be used in Grants.gov, the System for 

Award Management, Grants Management Information System (GMIS) and this application. Y

Legal Name Enter legal name of applicant organization Y

Department Enter the department, laboratory or equivalent within the organization, if applicable N

Division Enter the primary division, office, or subdivision within the organization, if applicable N

Street1 Enter the primary street address for the applicant organization Y

Street2 Enter the second level street address for the applicant organization N

City Enter the city for the address of the applicant organization Y

County/Parish Enter the county or parish for the applicant organization N

State

Applicant Organization's Country is United States or United States Territories - Required:

Enter the state for the address of the organization. 

All Other Applicants: Leave this field blank

X

Province

Applicant Organization's Country is Canada - Required: Entry Canadian Province for the 

address of the organization

All Other Applicants: Leave this field blank

X

Country Select the country for the address of the applicant organization. Y

Zip/Postal Code 

Applicant Organization's Address in the United States - Required: Enter the Zip + 4 (9-digit) 

United States Postal Code

All Other Applicants: Enter the applicant organization's postal code for its address reported 

above

X

Person to be contacted on matters involving this application: This is typically an administrative contact and not the Principal 

Investigator. This individual will be the person notified if additional information is needed and of award determination.

Prefix Select or enter the appropriate prefix for the person to be contacted on matters related to 

this application, if applicable N
10

First Name Enter the first name of the person to be contacted on matters related to this application Y

Middle Name Enter the middle name, if applicable, of the person to be contacted on matters related to this 

application N

Last Name Enter the last name (surname or family name) of the person to be contacted on matters 

related to this application Y

Suffix Select or enter the suffix for the person to be contacted on matters related to this 

application, if applicable N

Position/Title Enter the position or title for the person to be contacted on matters related to this 

application N

Street1 Enter the primary street address for the person to be contacted on matters related to this 

application Y

Street2 Enter the second level street address for the person to be contacted on matters related to 

this application N

City Enter the city for the address of the person to be contacted on matters related to this 

application Y

County/Parish Enter the county or parish for the address of the person to be contacted on matters related 

to this application N

State

Country is United States or United States Territories - Required: Enter the state for the 

address of the person to be contacted on matters related to this application. 

All Other Applicants: Leave this field blank

X

Province

Country is Canada - Required: Entry Canadian Province for the address of the person to be 

contacted on matters related to this application. 

All Other Applicants: Leave this field blank

X

Country Select the country for the address of the person to be contacted on matters related to this 

application. 

Y

Zip/Postal Code 

Address in the United States - Enter the Zip + 4 (9-digit) United States Postal Code

All Other Applicants: Enter the applicant organization's postal code for its address reported 

above

Y

Phone Number Enter the daytime phone number for the person to be contacted on matters related to this 

application Y

Fax Number Enter the fax number for the person to be contacted on matters related to this application N
11

Email Enter the email address for the person to be contacted on matters related to this application. 

Only one email address may be entered. N

Block 6--Employer Identification (EIN) or (TIN) 

EIN or TIN

Applicant Organization in United States: Enter the full employer or taxpayer identification 

number (EIN) or (TIN) as assigned by the Internal Revenue Service for the applicant 

organization.

All Other Applicants: Enter 44-4444444

Y

Block 7--Type of Applicant 

Type of Applicant Select appropriate entity type from the drop-down menu in the first field. If the applicant 

type is not specified, select "Other (Specify)" and complete the field below. Y

Other (Specify) Specify only if "Other (Specify)" selected on drop down menu in the first field. X

Small Business Organization 

Type

If "Small Business" has been selected in the first field of Block 7, check if appropriate:

Women Owned: a business that is at least 51% woman or women owned and who also 

control and operate it. 

Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: a business that has been approved by the Small 

Business Administration pursuant to section 8(a) of the Small Business Act, 15 U.S.C. § 637(a).

X

Block 8--Type of Application 

General Information Select the type of application based on the definitions below. Select only one application type. 

New Select New if the application is being submitted for the first time.

Y

Resubmission Select Resubmission when submitting a revised (altered or corrected) or amended 

application. 

Renewal

Select Renewal if requested additional funding for a period subsequent to that provided for 

in a current award; renewal applications are competed against other applications as new, 

unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Continuation Select Continuation only if the NOFO, or other NIST guidance, specifies use of this field.

Revision

Select this option if submitting application for supplemental funding to an existing award for 

use during the existing period of performance. Supplemental funding may include either 1) 

additional funding to meet increased costs, within scope of the approved project, but were 

unforeseen at award, or 2) an increase in support for expansion or revision to the project's 

scope of work. All supplemental funding requests require review and evaluation.

If revision, mark appropriate 

box(es):

If a revision, enter appropriate letter(s). More than one may be selected. If "Other" is 

selected, specify in text box in E. X
12

A. Increase award

B. Decrease award

C. Increase duration

D. Decrease duration

E. Other (specify)

Is this application being 

submitted to other agencies?

Select "Yes" if one or more primary component of your application is contained in a similar, 

or substantially identical application to another Federal agency. All others check "No" Y

What other agencies?

Required if answered "Yes" to previous field. Identify agencies if same application is 

submitted to other agencies. X

Block 9--Name of Federal Agency

General Information Leave Blank - this field will auto-populate upon application submission N

Block 10--Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number

Number Leave Blank - this field will auto-populate upon application submission N

Title Leave Blank - this field will auto-populate upon application submission N

Block 11--Descriptive Title of Applicant's Project 

General Information Enter a brief descriptive title of the project for which you are seeking assistance. 

New Applications

Titles must be unique to each application submitted. If an organization is submitting multiple 

applications under one NOFO or substantially similar applications to multiple Federal 

agencies, a unique title must be assigned to each application.

Y

Resubmission or 

Renewal Applications

The title for a resubmission or renewal application should be the same as the original, or 

most previous, application. If the scope of work has been drastically changed, a new title may 

be assigned but is not required.

Revision Applications The title for a revision application must be identical to the original submission.

Block 12--Proposed Project - Required

Start date Enter the proposed start date of the project; this is an estimate. Y

End date Enter the proposed end date of the project; this is an estimate and must not cause the period

of performance to exceed any restrictions established by the NOFO. Y

Block 13--Congressional District of Applicant - Required
13

Congressional District Enter the Congressional district in this format: 2 characters, State abbreviation - 3 characters

district number. To find your Congressional district, go to 

http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/ and search using your USPS ZIP + 4. 

Y

States and US 

Territories

Enter the state abbreviation followed by the corresponding congressional district (e.g. CA012, MD-002). If multiple Congressional districts in a state are affected, enter "all" for the 

district number, for example, MD-all.

Jurisdictions with No 

Representative

Enter state abbreviation followed by 099 (e.g. PR-099)

Jurisdictions with 

Nonvoting Delegate

Enter state abbreviation followed by 098 (e.g. DC-098)

Outside of the US and 

Territories Enter 00-000

Block 14--Project Director/Principal Investigator Contact Information

General Information

The Project Director/Principal Investigator is the individual responsible for the overall

scientific/technical direction of the project. If there are multiple PIs, the individual listed here 

should be the first individual listed in the R&R Senior/Key Person Profile. See the SF-424 R&R 

Senior/Key Personnel Profile Instructions for additional information for projects with multiple 

PIs.

Prefix Select or enter the appropriate prefix for the PI, if applicable N

First Name Enter the first name of the PI Y

Middle Name Enter the middle name, if applicable, of the PI N

Last Name Enter the last name (surname or family name) of the PI Y

Suffix Select or enter the suffix for the PI, if applicable N

Position/Title Enter the position or title for the PI N

Organization Name Enter legal name of organization Y

Department Enter the department, laboratory or equivalent within the organization of the PI, if applicable N

Division Enter the primary division, office, or subdivision within the organization of the PI, if applicable N

Street1 Enter the primary street address for the PI Y

Street2 Enter the second level street address for the PI N

City Enter the city for the address of the PI Y

County/Parish Enter the county or parish for the address of the PI N
14

State

Country is United States or United States Territories - Required: Enter the state for the 

address of the PI

All Other Applicants: Leave this field blank

X

Province Country is Canada - Required: Enter Canadian Province for the address of the PI

All Other Applicants: Leave this field blank X

Country Select the country for the address of the PI Y

Zip/Postal Code 

Address in the United States: Enter the Zip + 4 (9-digit) United States Postal Code

All Other Applicants: Enter the applicant organization's postal code for its address reported 

above

Y

Phone Number Enter the daytime phone number for the PI Y

Fax Number Enter the fax number for the PI N

Email Enter the email address for the PI Y

Block 15--Estimated Project Funding

a. Total Federal Funds 

Requested

Enter the total Federal funds, including direct and indirect costs, being requested for the full 

project period Y

b. Total Non-Federal Funds Enter the total non-Federal funds, if cost sharing is required in the NOFO. This amount should 

represent the total non-Federal funds for the full project period. If cost sharing is not 

required by the NOFO, enter "0"

Y

c. Total Federal & Non-Federal 

Funds

Enter the total of the above two lines (Total Federal Funds Requested + Total Non-Federal 

Funds) Y

d. Estimated Program Income Enter the estimated program income for the proposed project, if applicable. If no program 

income is anticipated, enter "0" Y

Block 16--Is Application Subject to Review by State Executive Order 12372 Process?

a. YES Select Yes only if the NOFO, or other instruction, indicates that the preapplication or 

application was made available to the state pursuant to EO 12372.

Y

b. NO Select NO if the program is not covered by EO 12372 or was not selected for review. (Most 

applications will select NO)

Block 17--Certification and Agreement
15

Certification The applicant organization is required to verify its eligibility and its conformance with the 

most current guidelines and assurances required by the NOFO (e.g. Lobbying, Federal Debt, 

Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion) as stated in the certification in 

this Block 17.

Y

Block 18--SF-LLL (Disclosure of Lobbying Activities) or other Explanatory Documentation

SF-LLL or Other

Attach the SF-LLL, or other explanatory document, as indicated in the NOFO

X Additionally, if the applicant organization is not able to certify to the statement(s) in Block 17, 

an explanation may be attached in this section.

Block 19--Authorized 

Representative 

General The Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) is the individual with authority to sign 

the application. X

Prefix Select or enter the appropriate prefix for the AOR, if applicable N

First Name Enter the first name of the AOR Y

Middle Name Enter the middle name, if applicable, of the AOR N

Last Name Enter the last name (surname or family name) of the AOR Y

Suffix Select or enter the suffix for the AOR, if applicable N

Position/Title Enter the position or title for the AOR N

Organization Enter legal name of organization Y

Department Enter the department, laboratory or equivalent within the organization of the AOR, if 

applicable N

Division Enter the primary division, office, or subdivision within the organization of the AOR, if 

applicable

N

Street1 Enter the primary street address for the AOR Y

Street2 Enter the second level street address for the AOR N

City Enter the city for the address of the AOR Y

County/Parish Enter the county or parish for the address of the AOR N
16

State Country is United States or United States Territories - Required: Enter the state for the 

address of the AOR

All Other Applicants: Leave this field blank

X

Province Country is Canada - Required: Enter Canadian Province for the address of the AOR

All Other Applicants: Leave this field blank X

Country Select the country for the address of the AOR Y

Zip/Postal Code Address in the United States: Enter the Zip + 4 (9-digit) United States Postal Code

All Other Applicants: Enter the AOR's postal code for its address reported above Y

Phone Number Enter the daytime phone number for the AOR Y

Fax Number Enter the fax number for the AOR N

Email Enter the email address for the AOR Y

Signature of Authorized 

Representative

Leave this field blank.

N

Date Signed Leave this field blank. N

Block 20--Pre-application

Pre-Application Attachment Only upload documents to this field if instructed by the NOFO. X

Block 21--Cover Letter 

Attachment

Cover Letter Attachment Refer to the NOFO for specific requirements of the cover letter. X
17

3.2 COMPLETING THE SF-424 R&R (Total Fed + Non-Fed) BUDGET

SF-424 R&R Fed + Non-Fed

Budget Form Field Instructions

Required for Submittal

Y = Always

X = Per instructions

within this guidance

N = Not Required

General Information The Total Project or Program Costs are the total allowable costs to execute the project, 

inclusive of Federal funds requested and cost sharing by the recipient organization. 

There is no universal rule for classifying certain costs and either direct or indirect (refer 

to 2 CFR 200, Subpart E). It is the responsibility of successful applicants to be familiar 

with, and comply with, the correct set of cost principles for the entity type. Further, the 

NOFO may contain additional categories of unallowable, limited or restricted expenses. 

Organizational DUNS

If this field does not pre-populate from the SF-424 R&R Application Form, enter the 

DUNS or DUNS+4. The same DUNS should be used in Grants.gov, the System for Award 

Management, Grants Management Information System (GMIS) and this application. 

Y

Budget Type

Check the appropriate box:

Project: The budget being requested is for the primary applicant organization

Subaward: The budget being requested is for subaward. A separate budget is required 

for each entity that would receive funds in the award, including sub-recipients and subcontractors.

Y

Enter Name of Organization If this field does not pre-populate from the SF-424 R&R Application Form, enter the 

legal name of the applicant organization. Y

Start Date

If this field does not pre-populate from the SF-424 R&R Application Form, enter the 

proposed start date of the budget period; this date will be updated for each Budget 

Period.

Y

End Date

If this field does not pre-populate from the SF-424 R&R Application Form, enter the 

required end date for the Budget Period; this date will be updated for each budget

period.

Y

Budget Period

This field represents the budget period being requested. A separate detailed R&R 

Budget must be completed for each budget period during the proposed award (e.g. 

annual basis). To add additional budget periods (e.g. year 2), click “Add Period” 

y
18

embedded at the end of the form. To toggle between added budget periods, select the 

"Next Period" or “Previous Period” buttons. 

A. Senior/Key Person

General Information Complete a separate block for each senior/key person associated with the project for 

the particular budget period from the applicant organization (or subaward 

organization). The first Senior/Key Person block must match the Principal Investigator 

reported in the SF 424 R&R Application Form. 

Prefix Select or enter the appropriate prefix for the senior/key person, if applicable N

First Name Enter the first name of the senior/key person Y

Middle Name Enter the middle name, if applicable, of the senior/key person N

Last Name Enter the last name (surname or family name) of the senior/key person Y

Suffix Select or enter the suffix for the senior/key person, if applicable N

Project Role

Enter the position title or project role for the senior/key person. The first (#1) 

senior/key person listed must match the Principal Investigator reported on the SF 424 

R&R Application Form.

Y

Base Salary Enter the annual compensation paid by the applicant organization to the employee Y

Months

Identify the number of months the senior/key person will devote to the project using 

the applicant organization's preferred method of months (Calendar, Academic, 

Summary) for this budget period. Use either calendar months OR a combination of 

academic and summer months. The number of months indicated will assist NIST in 

determining the level of effort by each senior/key person. Measurable level of effort is 

required for each senior/key person identified. If the applicant organization reports 

level of effort using academic/summer months but does not use a traditional 9-month 

academic calendar, please include a description of the academic year in the Budget 

Justification narrative. If there is no discernible difference in the level of effort between 

academic and summer months, it is the applicant organization's discretion in the 

preferred reporting (calendar v. academic/summer). For example, 10% of a 12-month 

calendar year equals 1.2 (CY) person months (12 x 0.10 = 1.2). Likewise, 25% of a 9-

month academic year appointment equals 2.25 (AY) person months (9 x 0.25= 2.25)

or 35% of a 3-month summer term appointment equals 1.05 (SM) person months (3 x 

0.35= 1.05)

Y
19

Requested Salary Enter the total salary requested for the senior/key person for this budget period Y

Fringe Benefits Enter the total fringe benefits requested for the senior/key person for this budget 

period, if applicable Y

Total Salary & Fringe Benefits This field will automatically calculate N

Federal Dollars

Enter the total amount of Federal funding requested for the total salary and fringe 

benefits for the senior/key person for the budget period. If no cost share is required, 

this field will typically equal the previous, auto-calculated box

Y

Non-Federal Dollars

Enter the total amount of non-Federal funding (cost share) that will support the 

senior/key person's total requested salary and fringe benefits. Y

Additional Senior Key Persons 

If the applicant organization is proposing more senior/key persons than the form allows 

(8 senior/key persons), upload an attachment outlining all required information for 

each additional senior/key person. Additionally, include the sum of the total salary and 

fringe benefits, and corresponding Federal and non-Federal shares of the total, for all 

additional senior/key persons not listed within the first 8 fields.

X

Total Senior/Key Person These fields will automatically calculate N

B. Other Personnel

General Information The Other Personnel section captures additional roles that are integral and directly 

related the project. Data is captured and requested at the project role level, and not the 

individual level for Other Personnel. Individuals accounted for in Section B may not be 

included in the applicant organization's indirect cost pool.

Number of Personnel

For each project role category (see below for additional options), enter the number of 

personnel proposed. Do not include personnel who are included as part of the 

applicant organization's indirect costs or already proposed under Section A, Senior/Key 

Personnel. Personnel accounted for in this section should be integral to and specifically 

identifiable with the project and supported in the Budget Narrative.

X

Project Role

List any additional project roles (e.g. engineer, IT, etc) in the fields provided. There is 

not an option to upload additional project roles, therefore if the applicant organization 

proposes more than the six (6) free form fields provided, project roles must be 

combined, and further explanation should be included in the Budget Narrative. 

X
20

Months

Identify the number of months for each project role category that will be devoted to 

the project using the applicant organization's preferred method of months (Calendar, 

Academic, Summer) for this budget period. Use either calendar months OR a 

combination of academic and summer months. If the applicant organization reports 

level of effort using academic/summer months but does not use a traditional 9-month 

academic calendar, please include a description of the academic year in the Budget 

Narrative.

X

Requested Salary Enter the total salary requested for each project role category for this budget period X

Fringe Benefits Enter the total fringe benefits requested for each project role category for this budget 

period, if applicable X

Total Salary & Fringe Benefits This field will automatically calculate X

Federal Dollars

Enter the total amount of Federal funding requested for the total salary and fringe 

benefits for each project role category for the budget period. If no cost share is 

required, this field will typically equal the previous, auto-calculated box

X

Non-Federal Dollars

Enter the total amount of non-Federal funding (cost share) that will support for each 

project role category's total requested salary and fringe benefits. The Federal Dollars 

(previous field) and the Non-Federal Dollars must total to equal the "Total Salary & 

Fringe Benefits" field.

X

Total Number of Other 

Personnel This field will automatically calculate N

Total Other Personnel This field will automatically calculate N

Total Salary, Wages and Fringe 

Benefits These fields will automatically calculate N

C. Equipment Description

General Information This section captures the applicant organization's request for funding for specific 

equipment. Per 2 CFR 200.33, Equipment is defined as tangible personal property 

having a useful life of more than one year and a per-unit acquisition cost of $5,000 (or 

lesser value if established by the applicant organization). List each equipment item 

separately and provide justification in the Budget Narrative. All fields are required for 

each line item of equipment proposed.

Equipment Item Enter the specific type of equipment item being requested X

Federal Dollars Enter the amount of Federal dollars requested for each item, inclusive of shipping, 

maintenance agreements or other expense directly related to property X
21

Non-Federal Dollars Enter the amount of non-Federal dollars proposed (cost share) for each equipment 

item, inclusive of shipping, maintenance agreements or other expense directly related 

to property

X

Total Federal + Non-Federal This field will automatically calculate N

Total Funds Requested in 

Attachment

Enter the total sum of Federal and Non-Federal shares for all additional equipment 

items requested in the "Additional Equipment" attachment (see below). The total 

Federal + Non-Federal dollars will calculate automatically.

X

Total Equipment These fields will automatically calculate N

Additional Equipment 

(Attachment)

If the applicant organization is proposing more equipment line items that allowed (10), 

upload an attachment containing all information required for each additional line item 

of equipment requested.

X

D. Travel

General Information This section captures the applicant organization's request for funding for travel related 

to executing the proposed project. All fields are required if requesting travel.

Domestic Travel Costs Domestic travel includes destinations in the United States, United States territories, 

Canada and Mexico. X

Foreign Travel Costs Foreign travel includes any destinations outside of the United States, United States 

territories, Canada and Mexico. X

Federal Dollars Enter the amount of Federal dollars requested for both domestic and foreign travel in 

the respective fields. X

Non-Federal Dollars Enter the amount of non-Federal dollars proposed (cost share) for both domestic and 

foreign travel in the respective fields. X

Total Federal + Non-Federal This field will automatically calculate N

Total Travel Costs These fields will automatically calculate N

E. Participant/Trainee Support Costs

General Information This section captures the applicant organization's request for funding participant and/or 

trainee support costs. This section should only be completed if so stated in the NOFO. 

Commonly utilized forms of participant/trainee support are included in items 1-4 on the 

form. The applicant organization may use the free-form "Other" field for any support 

costs that do not fall within the pre-defined fields. 

Number of 

Participants/Trainees

Enter the total number of proposed participants/trainees served by the funds 

requested as part of the project. X
22

Federal Dollars

Enter the amount of Federal dollars requested for Participant/Trainee Support Costs in 

the respective fields. X

Non-Federal Dollars

Enter the amount of non-Federal dollars proposed (cost share) for Participant/Trainee 

Support Costs in the respective fields. X

Total Federal + Non-Federal This field will automatically calculate N

Total Participant/Trainee 

Support Costs

These fields will automatically calculate

N

F. Other Direct Costs

General Information This section captures the applicant organization's other direct costs associated with the 

execution of the proposed program. Refer to the NOFO for any restrictions or additional 

information for specific other direct cost line item categories. Each field is required for 

every line item under which funds are requested for the program.

Materials and Supplies Enter the total funds requested for materials and supplies. Further, in the budget 

narrative, the applicant organization should itemize general categories (e.g. chemicals, 

laboratory supplies, animal costs). Materials and Supplies typically does not include 

general office supplies.

X

Publication Costs Enter the total funds requested for publication costs. This may include expenses related 

to documenting, preparing, publishing or otherwise making information, reports, data 

and other works created under the project available to the public.

X

Consultant Services Enter the total funds requested for all consultant services. Additionally, the applicant 

organization should provide individual consultant detail in the Budget Narrative (e.g. 

consultant name/organization, services performed, time commitment, estimated costs 

per consultant)

X

ADP/Computer Services Enter the total funds requested for ADP/Computer Services. X

Subawards/Consortium/Contra

ctual

Enter the total funds requested for all subawards, contracts or consortium. This line 

item should include both direct and indirect costs associated with subawards and 

contracts. Individual line item detail should be included in the budget narrative.

X

Equip/Facility Rental/User Fees Enter the total funds requested for equipment and/or facility rental user fees. For any 

items that are exceptionally high for the specific item, provide detail and justification in 

the budget narrative. 

X

Alternations and Renovations List the total funds requested for alterations and/or renovations required to execute 

the proposed project. Further, the applicant organization must itemize and justify each X
23

category of the costs included in this line item (e.g. repairs, painting, installation etc) in 

the budget narrative.

Other (Blank) Fields Enter any additional "Other Direct Cost" categories, and requested funding, that are 

not predefined on the form. If the applicant organization has more than three (3) 

additional other direct cost categories, categories should be consolidated to the 

greatest extent possible. In all cases, the budget narrative must sufficient outline and 

justify all additional other direct cost line items.

X

Federal Dollars

Enter the amount of Federal dollars requested for Other Direct Costs in the 

corresponding line item field. X

Non-Federal Dollars

Enter the amount of non-Federal dollars proposed (cost share) for Other Direct Costs in 

the corresponding line item field. X

Total Federal + Non-Federal This field will automatically calculate N

Total Other Direct Costs These fields will automatically calculate N

G. Direct Costs

General Information This section will automatically calculate all direct costs requested in Section A thru F.

Total Direct Costs These fields will automatically calculate N

H. Indirect Costs

General Information Indirect Costs, commonly referred to as Facilities & Administrative Costs, are defined as 

costs incurred by the applicant organization that cannot otherwise be directly assigned 

or attributed to a specific project. Refer to the NOFO for any approved limitations 

regarding indirect cost rates for specific programs. For additional information on 

negotiating indirect cost rate agreements, or eligibility requirements of utilizing the de 

minimis rate, refer to the following: 

2 CFR 200.414, Indirect F&A Costs

2 CFR 200 Appendix III, Indirect (F&A) Costs Identification and Assignment, and Rate 

Determination for Institutions of Higher Education

2 CFR 200 Appendix IV, Indirect (F&A) Costs Identification and Assignment, and Rate 

Determination for Nonprofit Organizations

Indirect Cost Type Enter the type of the indirect cost. If more than one rate or base is involved, list each 

separately using items 1-4 of Section H. If the applicant organization intends to 

negotiate an indirect rate, state such in the block, providing the proposed rate in the 

budget narrative.

X
24

Indirect Cost Rate Enter the most recent established indirect cost rate(s) established with the cognizant 

Federal agency. This field should be entered as a percentage (e.g. 32.7) X

Indirect Cost Base Enter the amount of the base for each indirect cost type provided. X

Federal Dollars Enter the amount of Federal dollars requested for each indirect cost type provided. X

Non-Federal Dollars Enter the amount of non-Federal dollars proposed (cost share) for each indirect cost 

type provided. X

Total Federal + Non-Federal This field will automatically calculate N

Total Indirect Costs These fields will automatically calculate N

Cognizant Agency Enter the name of the Cognizant Federal agency responsible for negotiating the 

applicant organization's indirect rate(s), including the name and phone number of the 

point of contact with the cognizant agency. 

X

I. Total Direct and Indirect Costs

General Information This section will automatically calculate the sum of direct and indirect costs (Section G +

Section H) for the proposed budget period. Applicant Organizations are encouraged to 

review the NOFO for any funding limitations.

Total Direct and Indirect Costs These fields will automatically calculate N

J. Fee

General Information This section captures the fee associated with the proposed project. Refer to the NOFO 

for allowability and restrictions for Fee.

Fee Enter the total fee requested for the budget period, if applicable. X

K. Total Costs and Fee

General Information This section will automatically calculate the sum of total direct and indirect costs and 

fee (Section I + Section J) for the proposed budget period. Refer to the NOFO for any 

funding limitations.

Total Costs and Fee These fields will automatically calculate N

L. Budget Justification 
25

General Information The Budget Justification or Budget Narrative must be uploaded as an attachment. The 

Budget Narrative provides additional information requested in each budget category 

identified within the SF 424 R&R and any additional information the applicant 

organization wishes to include for consideration. Refer to the instructions above for 

those specific categories and line items requiring justification and further explanation or 

detail. The budget justification should include any significant increase or decrease 

between proposed budget periods. Refer to the NOFO for additional requirements of the 

budget justification

Budget Justification 

(Attachment) Upload the attached budget narrative. N

Cumulative Budget

General Information This page will automatically calculate the Federal, non-Federal and total requests for 

each line item.

Cumulative Budget These fields will automatically calculate N
26

3.3 COMPLETING THE SF-424 R&R OTHER PROJECT INFORMATION, IF APPLICABLE

SF-424 R&R Other Project 

Information Form Instructions

Required for Submittal

Y = Always

X = Per instructions within 

this guidance

N = Not Required

Human Subjects

1. Are Human Subjects Involved?

If activities involving human subjects are planned at any time during the proposed 

project period, check "Yes", even if the proposed project is exempt from 

regulations for the Protection of Human Subjects, or if activities involving human 

subjects are anticipated but not definitive. NIST retains the final word on 

determining whether a project potentially involves human subjects research.

All others, check "No." Proceed to following questions if "Yes"

Y

1a. Is the Project Exempt 

from Federal 

Regulation?

Select “Yes” if all elements of the proposed research project meet the criteria of 

the exemption.

All others, select “No.” X

If 1a is Yes, select the appropriate exemption number.

If 1a is No, is the IRB review pending? Yes or No

IRB Approval Date Enter the most recent IRB approval date. If IRB approval is pending, leave this field 

blank. Y (if applicable)

Human Subjects Assurance 

Number

Enter the approved Federal-Wide Assurance number. Only enter the 8-digit 

number. Enter "None" if the applicant organization does not have an approved

Federal-Wide Assurance number on file. 

Y (if applicable)

Vertebrate Animals

2. Are vertebrate animals used? If activities involving vertebrate animals are planned at any time during the 

proposed project period, check "Yes," otherwise check "No”. Refer to Appendix A 

of this Guide for additional information and resource on vertebrate animal 

regulation and requirements. If "Yes" is selected, complete the following 

questions under 2a.

Y

2a. Is the IACUC review 

Pending?

Select "Yes" if an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee review is pending 

or has not been initiated. Otherwise, select "No" X
27

IACUC Approval Date Enter the most recent IACUC approval date. If IACUC is pending, leave this field 

blank. Y (if applicable)

Animal Welfare 

Assurance Number

Enter the Federally approved assurance number. Enter "None" if the applicant 

organization does not have an approved Federally approved animal welfare 

assurance number.

Y (if applicable)

Proprietary/Privileged Information

3. Is proprietary/privileged 

information included in the 

application?

Patents, patentable ideas, trade secrets or other privileged or confidential 

commercial or financial information should be included in applications only when 

necessary and required for understanding of the proposed project.

Y

Environmental Impact

4a. Does this project have an 

actual or potential impact -

positive or negative - on the 

environment?

If the applicant organization anticipated that the proposed project will have an 

actual or potential environmental impact, check "Yes." Y

4b. If Yes, please explain Provide an explanation of the actual or potential environmental impact the 

proposed project will have. Y (if applicable)

4c. If this project has an actual or 

potential impact on the 

environment, has an exemption 

been authorized or an 

environmental assessment or 

environmental impact statement 

been performed?

Answer "Yes" or "No" as applicable. An answer is required if the answer to 4a is 

"Yes" Y (if applicable)

4d. If Yes, please explain Provide additional detail on the environmental assessment or impact statement. Y (if applicable)

Research Performance Site

5. Is the research performance 

site designated, or eligible to be 

designated, as a historic place?

Answer "Yes" or "No" as applicable. 

Y

5a. If Yes, please explain Provide an explanation if the answer to 5 is "Yes" Y (if applicable)

International Collaborations
28

6. Does this project involve 

activities outside of the United 

States or partnerships with 

international collaboration? Answer "yes" or "no" as applicable. [FOR GMD - ARE THERE ADDITIONAL 

REQUIREMENTS/JUSTIFICATIONS FOR FOREIGN INVOLVEMENT?]

Y

6a. If yes, identify countries If the answer to 6 is "Yes" the applicant organization must identify the countries 

which international cooperation is planned/anticipated Y (if applicable)

6b. Optional Explanation Enter an explanation regarding the involvement with outside entities. N

Project Summary/Abstract

7. Project Summary/Abstract Upload the project summary/abstract here. See Section 3.4 below for the content 

of the project summary/abstract. Y (if applicable)

Project Narrative

8. Project Narrative Upload the project narrative here. See Section 3.4 below for the content of the 

project narrative. Y

Bibliography & References Cited

9. Bibliography & References 

Cited

Unless otherwise noted in the NOFO, this information is required to be submitted 

utilizing a standard scholar format.

Y (if applicable)

Facilities & Other Resources

10. Facilities and Other 

Resources

If addressed in the NOFO, this attachment describes how the scientific 

environment where the research will be performed contributes to the probability 

of success, including unique features of the environment. If multiple sites are 

proposed, include a description for each site.

Y (if applicable)

Equipment

11. Equipment If addressed in the NOFO, this attachment should contain major equipment 

already available for the project, including location and capabilities. Y (if applicable)

Other Attachments

12. Other Attachments

Refer to the NOFO for specific requirements or additional/optional attachments 

that may be included in the application. See Section 3.4 below for additional 

information on uploading other attachments.

Y (if applicable)
29

3.4 Attachments

3.4.1. Project Summary & Project Narrative

Project Summary: Provides a summary of the application. The abstract should be clear, 

concise and not make reference to other aspects or sections of the application. The 

applicant organization should refer to the NOFO for additional information that is required 

to be included in the abstract/project summary for a specific program when applicable. The 

project summary/abstract is field seven (7) on the Other Project Information form (Section 

3.3 above).

Project Narrative: This attachment provides the comprehensive description and framework 

of all aspects of the proposed project. The narrative should be well organized and concise, 

yet provide enough detail for reviewers to thoroughly understand the proposed project. The 

applicant organization should refer to the NOFO for additional information required to be 

included in the project narrative. Additionally, the NOFO will provide any specific page 

limitations. The narrative is field eight (8) on the Other Project Information from (Section 3.3 

above).

3.4.2. Attachments

The NOFO will provide information on any additional required or optional attachments. Any 

additional attachments should be viewed as stand alone, supplemental documents and not 

used as continuation of the project narrative, budget justification or other required 

documents. Likewise, the applicant organization should not include attachments outside of 

what is prescribed in the NOFO or upload organizational brochures, promotional materials, 

films etc. Refer to the Grants.gov FAQ page for additional information on attachment 

formatting. 

3.5 Narrative and Attachment Formatting 

Unless specified in the NOFO, NIST does not require a standardized format for submitting 

attachments. However, applicant organizations should adhere to general professional document 

formatting The NOFO will provide any detail on page limitations for the entire application or 

specific sections. If page limitations are included in the NOFO, it will state which sections are 

subject to limitation. In the event that an application exceeds the maximum allowable pages, 

reviewers will only review through the maximum pages allowed; additional pages will not be 

considered in evaluation. Additionally, please note that Grants.gov limits attachment names to 

50 characters. 

3.6 Application Due Dates

Applications are due at 11:59 P.M. Eastern Standard Time on the date listed in the NOFO, unless 

another time is indicated in the NOFO. Applications are considered once submitted and 

validated by Grants.gov. Applications submitted after the due date and time will not be

reviewed, and therefore not considered for funding.

3.7 Correcting Mistakes

If, for any reason, an application is submitted more than once prior to the application due date, 

NIST will only consider the last submitted application package received and validated by 
30

Grants.gov prior to the application due date and time. If the applicant organization must submit 

a corrected application package, Box 1 of the SF-424 R&R Application Form should indicate 

“Changed/Corrected Application” and the original Grants.gov tracking number indicated in the 

application. Only corrections received by the deadline established in the NOFO will be 

considered.

3.8 Withdrawing an Application

If an applicant organization wishes to, for any reason, withdraw a submitted application from 

consideration at any time prior to award notification, the AOR must submit a notice of 

withdrawal to the programmatic and technical contact and grant rules and regulations contact

listed in Section VII of the NOFO.

4.0 NIST Application and Review Process

4.1 Application Processing

NIST will review each application received by the deadline for eligibility, responsiveness, 

completeness and conformity with the requirements of the NOFO. This review will include 

compliance with any specifications in the NOFO, including without limitation, budgetary 

considerations, cost-share and other grant management compliance factors. Applications that 

pass the initial responsive/compliance check will be reviewed and rated by a panel based on 

criteria established in the NOFO.

All incomplete, late, ineligible or otherwise non-compliant or non-responsive applications will 

not be considered for funding. Applicant organizations that do not pass initial consideration will 

be notified by the program office.

4.2 Competitive Review

Refer to the NOFO for specific evaluation and review criteria, including panel format, for each 

program.

4.3 Award Notification

The Notice of Award and/or CD-450 is the official, legal document issued to an applicant 

organization that indicates award and funding has been made. Until such notification is 

received, any pre-award costs are at the non-Federal entity’s discretion (refer to 2 CFR § 

200.308 and 2 CFR § 200.458). NIST may allow certain pre-award costs as approved in the 

official award documentation. The award documentation will specify the period of performance. 

Unsuccessful applicant organizations will be notified by the cognizant NIST program office for 

the NOFO.
31

5.0 Additional Resources 

Regulation

2 CFR Part 200: Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for 

Federal Awards

Search and Apply for Open Funding Opportunities

Grants.gov

Award Terms and Conditions

Department of Commerce Policy (all NIST awards)

Federal-Wide Research Terms and Conditions (per NOFO)

NIST Grants Management Resources

NIST Office of Acquisition and Agreements Management

GMD Financial Assistance Reference Guide

NIST Current Funding Opportunities

Federal-Wide Systems and Resources

System for Award Management (SAM.gov)

Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System

Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act Subaward Reporting System

USA Spending

Dun and Bradstreet

Small Business Innovation Research