NSF Refreshes Reporting Rules for Bold Science Grants

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!

2026-04579 — 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!

2026-04577 — 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.

2026-06171 — 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: 2026-04587 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Information Collection Renewal; Submission for OMB Review; General Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements by Savings Associations

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is renewing its paperwork rules for savings associations, making sure banks keep the right records without extra hassle. This update asks for public feedback by April 8, 2026, and aims to keep things clear and efficient for the banks involved. No big cost changes are expected, just a smooth continuation of current reporting duties.

Next: 2026-04590 — National Drinking Water Advisory Council: Request for Nominations

The EPA is looking for awesome people to join the National Drinking Water Advisory Council for three-year terms. If you care about clean water—whether you’re from the public, a local agency, or a water-focused group—now’s your chance to help shape water safety rules. Get your nominations in by April 8, 2026, and make a splash in protecting our drinking water!