NSF Seeks Comments on Routine Funding Paperwork Update
Published Date: 6/24/2026
Notice
Summary
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is updating how it collects info about its financial help for research projects. They want your thoughts on the new rules by August 24, 2026, before making changes official for up to three years. This affects researchers and organizations applying for NSF funding and aims to make the process clearer and easier to follow.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Large Time Burden per Proposal
If you submit an NSF proposal, NSF estimates you spend an average of 120 hours preparing each proposal. NSF expects about 43,000 proposals and a total of 5,160,000 public burden hours annually.
High Competition for NSF Awards
If you apply to NSF, note that NSF receives more than 43,000 proposals each year but makes about 8,300 financial assistance awards. That means many applicants will not receive funding.
NSF Guidance Revised for Clarity
NSF is revising its Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide and renaming it the NSF Guidance on Financial Assistance (GFA). The new GFA will use plain language, clarify wording, separate policies from procedures, remove policies no longer relevant, and incorporate mandated statutory, regulatory, and Executive Order changes to make the process clearer for applicants.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20332, Proposal Review Committee Name Changes
The National Science Foundation is changing the names of eight of its proposal review committees to better match their new focus after a recent reorganization. These new names take effect on October 1, 2026, and affect researchers and businesses submitting proposals. No changes to funding or deadlines are mentioned, just clearer committee titles to help everyone know who’s reviewing what.
2026-20339, Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is asking for public feedback on a new information collection plan that affects researchers and organizations working with NSF. They want to make sure the questions they ask are useful and not too time-consuming. You have 30 days to share your thoughts before the plan gets final approval, and this process helps keep paperwork manageable and efficient.
2026-20236, Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request
The National Science Foundation is bringing back a form that helps them track reports of sexual harassment and assault in organizations they fund. They want your thoughts on how to make this process easier and clearer before they get official approval to keep it for up to three years. If you’re involved with NSF-funded groups, this affects you, and comments are due by December 1, 2026.
2026-18351, Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has submitted the following request for revision of the approved collection of research and development data in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This is the second notice for public comment; the first was published in the Federal Register and one comment was received. NSF is forwarding the proposed renewal submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance simultaneously with the publication of this second notice.
2026-17556, Notice of Intent To Reinstate Information Collection
The National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) within the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to request reinstatement of the National Training, Education, and Workforce Survey (NTEWS) (OMB Control Number 3145-0264). In accordance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, NSF is providing an opportunity for public comment on this action. After obtaining and considering public comment, NSF will prepare the submission requesting that Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve clearance of this collection for three years.
2026-17415, Agency Information Collection Activities: Request for Comment Regarding Common Disclosure Forms for the Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to renew this collection. In accordance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are providing opportunity for public comments on this action. After obtaining and considering public comments, NSF will prepare the submission requesting Office of Management and Budget (OMB) clearance of this collection for no longer than 3 years.
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