Saturday, August 15, 2026

NSF - public comment, APS feedback opportunity

In case you weren't aware, in addition to the OMB proposed rule changes which just concluded their public comment period, the NSF has put forward proposed changes in their proposal procedures for public comment, and the last day for feedback is August 24.  The proposal and award policies and procedures guide (PAPPG) is to be replaced with the revised document called the "Guide for Financial Assistance" (GFA).

The proposed revised document is here: https://www.regulations.gov/document/NSF-2026-OTR-0001-0003 

The place to file a comment is here: https://www.regulations.gov/docket/NSF-2026-OTR-0001/document?withinCommentPeriod=true

The place read already-filed comments is here: https://www.regulations.gov/docket/NSF-2026-OTR-0001/comments

The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology has a brief summary of the proposed changes here.  There are a number of (IMO) problematic issues with the would-be revisions, not the least of which is they presumptively assume that the OMB changes are going into effect, including the very controversial ones that would allow termination of awards at any time, for any reason (including not aligning with presidential priorities), with no appeal.  It's a good idea to be aware of what's being proposed and to take advantage of the opportunity to provide feedback.  

Update:  The APS has also put together a guide to the proposed changes.

Speaking of feedback, the American Physical Society is doing a broad survey (beyond just physicists) asking for input about up to three things that people think the NSF does well and up to three things that the NSF should do differently.  It's open to everyone, and the response spaces are brief (500 char ea.). Again, if this is something that matters to you, I encourage you to contribute - it's quick.  

1 comment:

  1. Anonymous4:55 PM

    I've now seen how the NSF review process is running after we got recommended for an award. We got only two reviews that were fine but not at a level that would have typically gotten funding. There was also no panel review. I'm left thinking that the decision was primarily political, because there wasn't a compelling reason we should have gotten this grant.

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