The revised version of the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (NSF 09-1) will be applied to all proposals received on or after January 5, 2009. Two important changes relate to the support of postdoctoral researchers and salary support for senior project personnel:

• Postdoctoral Researchers: If funds for postdoctoral researchers are requested, a separate section within the 15-page project description must address how these individuals will be mentored. Proposals without this section will be returned by NSF without review.
• Salary support for senior project personnel: Total NSF salary compensation for senior project personnel is limited to two months of their regular salary in any one year:
  • The limit includes salary compensation received from all NSF-funded awards.
  • The new guide broadens the previous policy away from the concept of “two summer months” and allows senior project personnel to schedule work throughout the year.
  • Any compensation in excess of two months must be specifically justified in the proposal, and if approved by NSF, will be included in the award budget.

All proposals forwarded to Research Administration and Finance (RA&F) for submission to NSF must follow the guidelines contained in the Grant Proposal Guide (GPG) section of this manual. It is important that all proposals conform to the instructions provided in the GPG as NSF may return, without review, proposals that are not consistent with these instructions. The complete copy of the manual can be found on the NSF website at:

NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide

Prior to submitting a proposal to NSF, please thoroughly review the GPG and if you have any questions consult your NSF program manager.

Significant Changes to NSF Guide

Basic Requirements for NSF Proposals

NSF Proposal Preparation Tips for Business Managers