Information for first-time awardees

Explore key resources you must review when you are being considered for a new award from NSF.

Award terms and conditions

When you receive an award notice from NSF, it will specifically identify certain conditions that are applicable to and become part of your award.

Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide

Part II of the PAPPG covers the NSF award process. When your award notice's conditions reference a particular section of the guide, that section becomes part of the award.

2 CFR 200 ("Uniform Guidance")

If your award terms and conditions and the PAPPG are silent on or conflict with a specific area covered by 2 CFR 200, you must follow the requirements specified in 2 CFR 200.

Participant support cost resources

View requirements and tips for your organization's participant support cost practices.

Post-award financial frequently asked questions

View resources and frequently asked questions about award payments and post-award financial policies and procedures.

Professional service costs resources

View requirements and tips for your organization's professional services practices.

Recording project-related indirect cost recovery charges

Learn how to properly account for indirect cost recovery charges on NSF awards.

Subrecipient monitoring resources

View requirements and tips for your organization's subrecipient management practices.

Travel cost resources

View requirements and tips for your organization's travel cost practices.

As a part of its oversight and monitoring of its funding portfolio, NSF may choose to undertake one or more of the following reviews to assess your organization's ability to administer your NSF award.

Accounting system reviews

These reviews, which typically happen as part of a site visit, will verify your accounting system's ability to manage federal funds in accordance with applicable regulations, as well as award terms and conditions.

Audit resolution

Learn about NSF's audit resolution process.

Desk reviews

This review will determine whether your organization has established award management policies, procedures and practices sufficient to manage NSF funds compliantly.

Site visits

This review will assess your organization's capacity for award administration and its compliance with federal financial and administrative regulations and NSF agreement provisions.

SBIR/STTR Phase II administrative/financial reviews

These reviews are performed when an NSF program official is considering recommending a Phase II SBIR/STTR proposal for funding. They evaluate an organization's ability to effectively and efficiently manage a federal award.

Find information on notifications and requests you must make for changes in the scope, time, staff or budget of your NSF award. Request a change.

See requirements for reporting progress, outcomes and significant discoveries for your NSF award. Report your progress.

Learn about requirements for acknowledging NSF support and using the NSF logo. NSF Policy on Brand Standards.

Find out who you should contact if you have administrative questions about your NSF award. Find who to contact.