NSF delays requirements for specific forms

On Friday, NSF announced its decision to delay the requirement to use NSF-approved fillable PDF or SciENcv-generated forms for the biographical sketch and current and pending support sections of NSF proposals until October 1, 2020 [subsequently changed to October 5, 2020 after this email was sent]. However, applicants must continue to complete the biographical sketch and current and pending support sections in accordance with the revised PAPPG requirements (see PAPPG sections II.C.2.f and II.C.2.h).

This delay relates only to the format used to provide the biographical sketch and current and pending support. The broader information required by the revised PAPPG still must be provided.  As a reminder, those requirements are:

1. Current and Pending Support must include “all resources made available to an individual in support of and/or related to all of his/her research efforts, regardless of whether or not they have monetary value.” In addition to the usual current and pending sponsored projects, this includes:

• In-kind contributions (such as office/laboratory space, equipment, supplies, employees, students) that have an associated time commitment.
• Support provided directly to the individual that does not flow through Columbia.
• In-kind contributions intended for use on the project/proposal being proposed must be reported in the Facilities, Equipment and Other Resources section of the application.

2. The Biographical Sketch must include (still limited to two pages):

• A list, in reverse chronological order by start date of all the individual's academic, professional, or institutional appointments, beginning with the current appointment.
• Appointments include any titled academic, professional, or institutional position whether or not remuneration is received, and whether full-time, part-time, or voluntary (including adjunct, visiting, or honorary).

NSF still encourages applicants to use either SciENcv or the PDF-fillable forms and welcomes your feedback at [email protected]. We will let you know of any new information as it becomes available. In the meantime, please reach out to your SPA Project Officer should you have any policy-related questions.