Feds to Railroads: Maybe Look Before You Push Trains Backward
Published Date: 12/12/2025
Notice
Summary
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is asking for public feedback on a form used by innovators applying to their I-Corps program. This form helps NSF understand new ideas before full proposals are submitted. Comments are open for 30 days, and this process won’t cost anyone money but aims to make the application smoother and clearer.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Pre-submission Moves To Web Form
If you apply to the NSF I-Corps Teams Program, the Pre-submission Executive Summary must now be submitted in a single secure, web-based form instead of as an emailed two-page attachment. NSF says the web form replaces varying email formats and is used to route your project to the right Program Director.
Form Requires Specific Project Details
The web-based Executive Summary form collects specific information: team member composition and roles, brief qualifications, Principal Investigator connection to the team, relevant NSF award lineage, core technology description, potential commercial application, and the current commercialization plan. If the team participated in a local or regional I-Corps Hub, Node, or Site training, the form also asks for that senior member's contact, date of participation, and location.
Estimated Time Burden For Applicants
NSF estimates the form will take 1 hour per response and expects about 1,500 annual respondents, for an annual total burden of 1,500 hours. NSF also states the process will not cost anyone money.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-06210 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request; NSF Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program Phase I, NSF Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program Phase I, and NSF SBIR/STTR Fast-Track Pilot Pre-Submission Project Pitch Form
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is asking for public feedback on a form used by small businesses applying for their SBIR and STTR Phase I programs and the Fast-Track Pilot. This form helps NSF gather project ideas before official submissions, aiming to make the process smoother and clearer. If you’re a small business innovator, now’s the time to weigh in—comments are open for 30 days and could shape how you pitch your next big idea!
2026-05205 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request
The National Science Foundation wants to keep using its forms for biology postdoc fellowship applications and recommendations for three more years. They’re asking the public to share thoughts within 30 days, but no changes or extra costs are planned. If you’re applying or helping applicants, this is your chance to speak up!
2026-04588 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request; Grantee Reporting Requirements for the Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation Program
The National Science Foundation is renewing and updating the reporting rules for researchers funded by the Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation program. This affects scientists who get grants to explore bold, new engineering ideas. Comments on these changes are open until May 8, 2026, and the updated rules will stay in place for up to three years, helping keep the program fresh and focused without adding extra costs.
2026-04577 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request; Grantee Reporting Requirements for Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers (MRSECs)
The National Science Foundation wants to keep collecting reports from Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers (MRSECs) for another 3 years. This affects MRSEC grantees who help advance materials science through research and education. They’re asking for public comments by May 8, 2026, to make sure the reporting process stays smooth and useful without adding extra costs or delays.
2026-04579 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request; Survey of Graduate Students and Postdoctorates in Science and Engineering
The National Science Foundation wants to keep running its Survey of Graduate Students and Postdoctorates in Science and Engineering for three more years. This survey helps gather important info about students and researchers in science fields. If you have thoughts, you can share them by May 8, 2026—no cost or big changes, just a smooth renewal to keep the data flowing!
2026-06171 — Sunshine Act Meetings
The National Science Board’s Committee on Strategy will hold a closed video meeting on April 3, 2026, to discuss the NSF’s budget for fiscal year 2028. This affects anyone interested in how federal science funding is planned and spent. No new costs or timing changes are announced, but it’s a key step in shaping future science investments.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-22671 — Membership of National Science Foundation's Senior Executive Service Performance Review Board
The National Science Foundation just announced the new team members of its Senior Executive Service Performance Review Board. This group reviews top leaders' work to keep things running smoothly. No changes in money or timing, but it’s a key update for NSF’s leadership checks and balances.
Next: 2025-22675 — National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases; Notice of Meeting
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases is holding a virtual meeting on January 27, 2026, to discuss research updates and review grant applications. Anyone interested can watch the open session online, but the grant review part is private to protect sensitive info. This meeting affects researchers and organizations seeking funding and helps decide which projects get support.
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in