Although this is welcomed it is not required. Steve Griffin added that institutional commitment will be expected by the NSF and will certainly be looked on more favourably by reviewers. Evaluating the bids The NSF will not fund projects without a partner matching funds. These projects can last for one, two or three years. There must be genuinely one project, i.e. one plan and set of milestones.
Individual institutions are free to submit as many bids as they wish.
The evaluation of bids will be a joint process with both US and UK partners. Decisions will be made at a single meeting with a joint selection panel making the recommendation. The selection panel will seek a speedy endorsement from CEI, although the mechanics of the process are not yet certain and may depend on the number of bids.