NSF Seeks Comments on Science Center Reporting Rules
Published Date: 4/11/2025
Notice
Summary
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is asking for public feedback on renewing its reporting rules for Science and Technology Centers (STC) grantees. These rules help NSF track progress on cool science projects funded through integrative partnerships. If you’re involved with these centers, now’s the time to share your thoughts—comments are open for 30 days, and this process keeps funding and reporting smooth and clear.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
Annual reports required to keep funding
Centers funded under the Science and Technology Centers (STC): Integrative Partnerships program must submit annual reports on progress and plans. NSF will use those reports as the basis for performance review and for determining the level of continued funding.
Estimated 100-hour reporting burden per center
NSF estimates the reporting burden is 100 hours per center and there are twelve centers for a total of 1,200 hours. The estimate applies to each center's annual report.
Required management and performance indicators
Each STC must develop and submit a set of management and performance indicators annually to NSF via an evaluation technical assistance contractor. Indicators may include characteristics of personnel and students; sources of financial and in-kind support; expenditures; industry participation; research, education and knowledge transfer activities; patents and publications; and degrees granted.
Institution-owned database shared with evaluator
Part of STC reporting will be a database that is owned by the institution and that will eventually be made available to an NSF evaluation contractor. The database will capture information to demonstrate progress toward program goals.
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Key Dates
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