NSF Wants More Student Science Surveys—Again

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!

2026-04577 — 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.

2026-04588 — 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.

2026-06171 — 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.

2026-06015 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request; Grantee Reporting Requirements for the Industry-University Cooperative Research Centers (IUCRC) Program

The National Science Foundation wants to keep collecting reports from groups in the Industry-University Cooperative Research Centers (IUCRC) program, which helps universities and companies work together on cool research. They’re asking for public feedback by May 26, 2026, before renewing these reporting rules for up to three more years. This keeps the research flowing smoothly without adding extra costs or delays for the teams involved.

Previous: 2026-04578 — Responding to FDA Form 483 Observations at the Conclusion of a Drug CGMP Inspection: Draft Guidance for Industry; Availability

The FDA just dropped a draft guide to help drug makers, both here and abroad, respond when they get a Form 483 after a drug safety inspection. This guide shows how to handle those inspection notes about manufacturing practices to keep everything safe and smooth. Companies have until May 8, 2026, to send in their feedback before the FDA finalizes the guide—so now’s the time to speak up and avoid costly mix-ups later!

Next: 2026-04581 — OneRD Annual Notice of Guarantee Fee Rates, Periodic Retention Fee Rates, Loan Guarantee Percentage and Fee for Issuance of the Loan Note Guarantee Prior to Construction Completion for Fiscal Year 2026

Starting October 1, 2025, the USDA’s Rural Development agencies are updating the fees and loan guarantee percentages for their loan programs that help rural businesses, housing, utilities, and energy projects. If you’re applying for these loans in fiscal year 2026, expect new rates for guarantee fees, retention fees, and issuance fees before construction finishes. These changes keep the programs running smoothly and support rural communities with fair costs.