Many NSF programs accept proposals at any time. Unless otherwise stated in a program announcement, proposals must be received by the specified date. The deadline date will be waived only in extenuating circumstances. Inquiry about submission may also be made to the appropriate program. In addition, proposers should be aware that the NSF Division of Grants and Agreements generally makes awards to academic institutions within 30 days after the program division makes its recommendation.
Every effort is made to reach a decision and inform the proposer promptly.
Until an award is made, NSF is not responsible for any costs incurred by the proposing organization. Some NSF programs may require electronic submission of all or part of a proposal, including unsolicited proposals. Please check the FastLane Web site prior to proposal submission for a listing of programs and program announcements that require submission via FastLane. Unless otherwise specified by a program or in a program announcement, proposals may continue to be submitted in paper form. A proposal needs to be submitted only once to NSF, even if review by multiple programs is envisioned by the proposer.