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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): NSF Arctic Research Opportunities (NSF Publication 10-503)

1) What is the NSF funding opportunity called?

The opportunity is titled Arctic Research Opportunities and is identified as NSF Publication 10-503.

2) What is the main goal of this funding opportunity?

The program supports research projects focused on the Arctic region that advance understanding of Arctic systems through field-based studies, modeling efforts, and analysis of existing or newly collected data.

3) Which NSF office and division manage this program?

The program is housed within NSF's Office of Polar Programs (OPP), specifically the Division of Arctic Sciences.

4) What kinds of research topics are encouraged under this solicitation?

The solicitation emphasizes an integrated view of Arctic science and encourages projects that explain Arctic physical, biological, geological, chemical, social, and cultural processes, including how these processes work independently and in combination.

5) Does the program support interdisciplinary or integrated Arctic research?

Yes. A key feature is its broad, integrated view of Arctic science, including tightly linked interactions among the ocean, land, atmosphere, ecosystems, and human communities.

6) Are projects related to environmental change or ecosystem function eligible?

Yes. NSF indicates interest in work that contributes to knowledge of Arctic dynamics, including research centered on environmental change and ecosystem function.

7) Does the solicitation include geoscience and cryosphere research?

Yes. The solicitation specifically notes interest in geoscience and cryosphere processes as part of the program scope.

8) Are ocean-atmosphere interactions within the scope of this opportunity?

Yes. The program highlights interest in ocean-atmosphere coupling and related Arctic system interactions.

9) Does NSF support research on human dimensions of Arctic change through this program?

Yes. The solicitation includes the human dimensions of Arctic change, and it highlights interactions involving human communities as part of the integrated Arctic system.

10) Who can submit proposals?

Eligibility was limited to investigators at U.S. organizations. The announcement also notes that additional eligibility clarification appears in the solicitation's "Additional Information on Eligibility" section.

11) What types of activities and methods does the program support?

The opportunity supports Arctic research conducted through field-based studies, modeling, and data analysis using existing datasets or newly collected data.

12) Does the solicitation encourage education, outreach, or workforce development components?

Yes. The solicitation highlights NSF's interest in strengthening the future research workforce and expanding scientific literacy. Proposals that include education and outreach, training opportunities, or efforts to broaden participation in STEM may align well with program goals.

13) Why does NSF mention coordination with other NSF programs?

NSF notes that Arctic research can involve expensive and complex logistics. Program representatives within OPP coordinate with other NSF programs that support Arctic work, which can include joint proposal review, joint funding decisions, and shared support for projects with unusually high logistical costs.

14) Does this solicitation force all Arctic research into one narrow program area?

No. It is described as a navigational guide intended to help investigators identify the most appropriate NSF programs and priority areas for Arctic-related ideas, rather than routing all Arctic work through a single narrow lane.

15) What proposal preparation requirements apply?

Proposal planning must follow NSF's standard requirements, specifically the NSF Grant Proposal Guide, and must also adhere to NSF's Principles for Conduct of Research in the Arctic.

16) Are there special expectations for projects involving Arctic fieldwork?

Yes. For projects involving fieldwork, the solicitation points to detailed instructions in the Proposal Preparation section, including how to request logistics support or ship time, how to work appropriately with Arctic communities, and how to comply with relevant environmental and operational policies.

17) Does the solicitation address engagement with local or Indigenous Arctic communities?

Yes. It states investigators are expected to plan responsibly for field operations and to engage respectfully with local and Indigenous communities where applicable.

18) What compliance considerations are expected for Arctic field operations?

The solicitation indicates investigators should anticipate permitting, environmental compliance, and safety considerations as part of a credible project design.

19) What is the primary funding instrument for this opportunity?

The opportunity was issued as a discretionary program using a cooperative agreement as the primary funding instrument type.

20) How many awards did NSF anticipate making?

NSF anticipated making about 40 awards under this solicitation.

21) What was the estimated total funding amount for the program?

The estimated total program funding level was $16,000,000.

22) What was the expected award size range?

Individual awards were expected to range from a minimum (floor) of $5,000 to a maximum (ceiling) of $1,500,000.

23) Was cost sharing or matching required?

No. The solicitation stated that cost sharing or matching was not required.

24) What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed is 47.078 (Polar Programs).

25) When was the opportunity posted and when were proposals due?

The posting date was November 18, 2009. The full proposal deadline was January 14, 2010.

26) Is this opportunity still open?

No. The opportunity was later archived on August 19, 2010.

27) Who should be contacted for issues with the electronic announcement or access?

For administrative or access issues related to the electronic announcement, the listed support contact was NSF grants.gov support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.