Many researchers report that they are intimidated by the thought of calling a program officer (PO) to discuss their project proposal because they don’t how to initiate the conversation or what questions to ask. Program officers in the Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB) recommend that principal investigators start by conducting background research on their project idea and send a one-page summary (see pp 10-13) before scheduling a call with a PO. An early conversation can help a researcher identify the most appropriate program and PO for a proposal. Below are some considerations for each step.

Some items you may wish to research before a phone call:

• The current research portfolio of the program
• Abstracts of funded projects related to yours
• Award size, duration, and limitations of the solicitation
• Any program specific requirements of the solicitation

A one-page summary should include: (be prepared to discuss these topics in depth during a phone call)

• Your questions and specific aims
• The big picture of your research area and knowledge gaps you are addressing
• Key preliminary data and rationale
• Overall intellectual merits and broader impacts
• Any visuals that may be helpful

Possible topics and questions to bring up in a phone call:
Program fit:

• Does my project fit this program?
• What other programs or solicitations may be appropriate for my project?

Broader impacts:

• Do my broader impacts fit NSF expectations?
• What is the difference between broader impacts and broadening participation?
• Do broader impacts and intellectual merits need to be integrated? Are mine sufficiently integrated?
• Should I structure broader impacts and intellectual merit plans in the same way?

Specifics of proposal preparation:

• Are my preliminary data in line with what the program expects?
• To what extent should I describe results from prior support?
• What kinds of equipment costs can be requested?
• How much salary can I ask for myself, postdoc, or graduate student?
• Do I have to include undergraduates in participant support costs?
• What is the best way to fund a collaboration?
• Can I submit the same proposal to another funding agency?
• How long does the review process take?
• Can I be funded by the same NSF program for two different projects?
• What kinds of direct costs are allowable in budget line G6 Other?

NSF’s review process:

• When is a good time to submit a proposal, given that there is no deadline?
• Will the reviewers be experts in my field?
• When should I expect a decision?
• What are my options if my proposal is declined?
• Will my declined proposal be evaluated by the same reviewers in the next round?

Did you know?

MCB holds virtual office hours on topics specific to the MCB research community once each month. Visit this page to register for upcoming events and to access past presentations. For more information on working with Program Officers, read this NSF 101 post on NSF’s Science Matters blog.