NSF fast track proposal system
QUICK INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROJECT PROPOSALS:
- Obtain a Proposal Number from your Site Director
- Download the Microsoft Word template. NOTE. This is a new document.DO NOT USE A PREVIOUS VERSION See FAQ for further details.
- Complete the template. Your proposal can be no longer than 3 pages, including diagrams and pictures. WARNING: It will be automatically rejected if it is longer than three pages and does not contain the categories in the template.
- Save the file in PDF format. There is a pdf writer built-in to the Word program. It is in the File/Print menu. Change the name of the printer to PDFWriter then name the file the same as the project number. i.e.: C02-A14.PDF
- Email the pdf file to your SITE DIRECTOR. The site director will confirm the Proposal Number and forward the proposal via email to Cindy Albright ().
Q: How do I download the NTC Proposal Templates?
A: Click on the template file below. It is a Word2000 file. You may get a "Warning: There is a possible security hazard" dialog box. Be sure "Save it to disk" is selected. (If it opens in your browser, be sure to "File/Save As" from the browser menu bar.) Select desired folder for the save download and click on "Save."
Application Forms
NTC Continuing Project Template for Windows version Word2000
Q: Why must I submit the project in PDF format?
A: The information you submit is used in a number of reports. By standardizing on one system, we will be able to shorten the time to produce the final documents and maintain a higher quality document. You can include diagrams and tables and be certain how they will look. We have restricted the margins and headings to give a consistent look.
Q: What is a "simple" way to fill in the Word Template?
A: First, ask your site director to show you the Final Budget Book submitted to Commerce Feb. 20, 2001. Your proposal will look something like it. Examine the template carefully. Please DO NOT change any of the Heading Styles or fonts. You will notice that the first few fields are red font. Leave them in red. The instructions for each section are in the template. Please erase the instructions and replace with your own words. Do not use Word's automatic footnote feature, but you can type the number in manually. Do NOT use for shared editing!!
Q: How do I create the PDF document?
A: Word2000 has an option under "File/Print" to create a PDF document. The Printer Name box should include an option for PDF or Acrobat. Another option is to print the document and scan it into Adobe Acrobat directly.
Q: Will the Budget Process be different as well?
A: Yes. The format of the budget sheets will be significantly different to accommodate more schools and change the detail process as well. We are working on the new template and it will be available very soon. Each project will receive an email copy of the template and it will be posted here.
Q: Why include an investigator's "field of expertise"?
A: The intent is to record each person's expertise for this project. Examples would be: math modeling, microbiologist, knitting, fiber making, industry contacts. An individual's expertise can and probably should change from project to project. It is shown next to the name and will enable the TAC to quickly see the variety of talent brought to the subject. It is not necessary to "prove" the expertise. The TAC believes your self declaration!!
Q: Where do I get general help for the entire process?
A: Your site director is your best source of guidance. If you want additional information, please do not hesitate to email Joe Cunning, NTC Director. Our objective is to put forward the very best projects. We want you to "look good."
What is FastLane?
Purpose of FastLane
The purpose of FastLane is to experiment with ways to use the World Wide Web to facilitate business transactions and the exchange of information between the National Science Foundation and its client community including researchers, reviewers, research administrators, and others doing business with NSF.
Features of FastLane
Go to FastLane Features
FastLane Features
Below is information about FastLane's available features.
Electronic Business
o Proposal Review
o Panel Review
o Panel Travel/EFT
o Medal of Science
o Graduate Research Fellowships
o Postdoctoral Fellowships
Registered Organization Applications
PI/CO PI Functions
o Proposal Preparation
o Proposal Status
o Project Reports System
o Notifications & Requests
o Continuation Funding Status
Research Administration Functions
o Research Administration
Financial Administration
o Cash Request
o Federal Cash Transactions Report (FCTR)
Related Information
o NSF Award Search
Electronic Business
Proposal Review
Persons reviewing NSF proposals can submit ratings and comments using this application. The reviewer uses a special review PIN (specific to that proposal) to access a template that can be used to "copy and paste" reviewer comments and to record other required information. Go to Proposal Review
Panel Review System
This function allows panelists to prepare and submit the reviews for the group of proposal assigned to their panel. NSF will provide the panelist with the panel ID and panelist password needed to access the system. Panelists may submit each review individually or may save the review (for later revision) and submit all reviews as a group. Go to Panel Review
Panel Travel/EFT
This function allows panelists to submit their travel plans and their electronic funds transfer (EFT/banking information). When travel information is submitted, it is forwarded to Sato (NSF's contracted travel agency) for handling. When the EFT information is submitted, it is transferred to the NSF financial management system for use in making payments to the panelists. NSF will provide the panelist with the panel ID and panelist password needed to access the system. Go to Panel Travel/EFT
Medal of Science
Both nominations for recipients of the Medal of Science and Letters of Support can be created and submitted using this application. Check the application for the deadline. Go to Medal of Science
Graduate Research Fellowships
Persons wishing to apply for NSF Graduate Research Fellowships can use this application to create and submit the required forms. Letters of Reference can also be created and submitted through this application. The deadline for submission is in November. Check the application for the exact date. Go to Graduate Research Fellowships
Postdoctoral Fellowships
Applicants for the various NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship programs use this function to prepare and submit their applications. Requirements and deadlines for the fellowships vary from program to program. Letters of reference and support are supported in this function as well. Go to Postdoctoral Fellowships
Registered Organization Applications:
PI/CO PI Functions
Proposal Preparation
The PI can prepare all required NSF standard proposal forms using this option. FastLane has smart forms capability that pulls in all individual and organizational information available in the NSF database thereby minimizing the amount of information that must be typed in. When the proposal is completed, the PI clicks on the Allow SRO Access button. The Sponsored Research Office (SRO) or equivalent then submits the proposal after putting it through the organization's regular approval process. FastLane provides checks for completeness and other information edits. The forms may be viewed and/or printed prior to submission. Instructions | Go to Proposal Preparation
Proposal Status
This feature provides NSF grant applicants (PIs) with information concerning the receipt and status of the proposals they submit. FastLane provides information about the status of that proposal including the proposal title, the date NSF received the proposal, the NSF program name, and the assigned Program Officer. FastLane also provides dates of final program approval, as well as the identification of overdue reports and other factors that might be delaying the proposal process. Go to Proposal Status
Project Reports System
NSF grants require the submission of a Final Project Report within 90 days of the expiration of the grant. The PI creates and submits the Final Project Report using a report template. Both the project summary and technical information can be prepared with a word processor and then "copied and pasted" into the report. Annual Reports and Intermin Reports are also entered into this system. Go to Project Reports System
Notifications & Requests
The PI can create a number of standard NSF request and notification forms and then forward them to the SRO for submission. Go to Notifications & Requests
Continuation Funding
The PI can check the status of the funding of his/her award. Go to Continuation Funding
Registered Organization Applications:
Research Administration Functions
Research Administration
Using this application the SRO can assign passwords to PIs, create reports concerning the organization's proposals and awards, submit notifications and requests to NSF, and submit proposals, revised proposal budgets, and supplements to NSF. Instructions | Go to Research Administration
Registered Organization Applications:
Financial Administration Functions
Cash Request
FastLane registration does NOT include access to Cash Requests. Using a special PIN, organizations with NSF awards can request cash against specific awards. The whole process is paperless. Organizations interested in accessing Cash Requests should contact Richard Noll of the Division of Financial Management. Phone: 703-292-4458 Email: . Instructions | Go to Cash Request
Federal Cash Transactions Report (FCTR)
Financial Administration offices use the Federal Cash Transaction Report to submit their quarterly reports to NSF. The report is downloaded as a spreadsheet so that it can be worked on "offline." When complete, the report is uploaded back to FastLane and then submitted to NSF. Organizations interested in accessing this function should contact Richard Noll of the Divisional of Financial Management. Phone 703-292-4458 Email: . Go to FCTR
Related Information
NSF Award Search
This feature allows users to query the NSF database by State, Organization, NSF Program, and fiscal year within each category. FastLane also provides lists of recent awards by week. This feature is available to the public. Go to NSF Award Search
Purpose of this Website
This Website is used to conduct NSF business and to disseminate information to the public. New applications and enhancements are tested on the development Website (go to development site). Sixteen colleges and universities (click here to view list) nationwide are assisting NSF in the design and evaluation of FastLane.
FastLane Access
The FastLane home page is available on the Web through the NSF home page (go to home page). Access to the FastLane Test Server is also available at (go to test server). The Test Server has working prototypes of all FastLane features available for your review.
To use FastLane you must have access to an Internet connection and a qualified Web browser. Currently, both Netscape 3.0 and above and Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 support all of FastLane's basic features, but other vendors may provide a qualified browser in the future.
On the FastLane home page is an link labeled About FastLane. This page contains a number of documents that will provide you with information about specific areas of interest. These documents will be updated as needed, so be sure to check there from time to time to be sure you have seen the most recent document on each subject. In preparation for using the FastLane, you are encouraged to access these documents and become familiar with the information and guidance they provide.
Access to most of the features on this Website is restricted to officials and Principal Investigators (PIs) of registered FastLane organizations. With the exception of the NSF Award Search, you may not be able to use the features on this Website unless you are associated with one of these organizations and have been given a PIN. However, the FastLane Development Website (go to development web site), will allow you to simulate most of the FastLane features. Don't change the information on the login screens. Simply click on the login button to use the option. We encourage you to access the FastLane Development Website and to provide us with your reactions and comments.