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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - NSF Computational Mathematics (PD 16 1271)

What is the NSF Computational Mathematics grant opportunity (PD 16 1271)?

The NSF Computational Mathematics program (Funding Opportunity Number PD 16 1271) supports research at the intersection of mathematics and computation, especially in scientific areas where computation is a central driver of discovery rather than just a supporting tool.

What kinds of research does this program support?

The program supports work that advances both the mathematical foundations and the practical performance of computational approaches. This includes the analysis, development, and real-world implementation of numerical methods, computational algorithms, and symbolic techniques.

What does it mean that computation must be treated "seriously" in proposals?

Proposals are expected to address computation both theoretically and practically. That generally means projects should introduce or refine computational methods, analyze them rigorously, and demonstrate attention to implementation efficiency and real-world performance considerations such as scalability, accuracy, stability, and computational cost.

Are purely theoretical proposals allowed, or is implementation required?

Based on the program description provided, there is a strong expectation that proposed work includes both rigorous mathematical analysis and attention to practical implementation and performance. The opportunity emphasizes real-world implementation, efficiency, and computational performance considerations.

Does the program fund both numerical and symbolic computation research?

Yes. The scope explicitly includes numerical methods, computational algorithms, and symbolic techniques, as long as the work advances mathematical foundations and computational performance and is treated rigorously and practically.

Do proposals have to include an application area?

Interdisciplinary projects that deploy the developed techniques in meaningful applications are strongly encouraged. The description indicates that team-based efforts are expected to create and analyze new tools and then use them to model, study, and solve important real-world or scientific problems. Single-investigator proposals may also be competitive when focused on innovative methods with strong analysis.

Are single-investigator proposals eligible and competitive?

Yes. The program welcomes single-investigator proposals, particularly when they develop innovative computational methods and provide strong mathematical analysis of those methods.

Are interdisciplinary team proposals encouraged?

Yes. NSF strongly encourages interdisciplinary projects that go beyond method development by deploying the resulting techniques in meaningful applications, showing a clear path from mathematical innovation to implementation and demonstrated impact in an application domain.

What is the primary focus for larger team projects under this program?

For team-based efforts, investigators are expected to create and analyze new mathematical and computational tools and then use those tools to address important scientific or real-world problems. Competitive proposals can show a clear line from method development to implementation to impact.

What aspects of computational performance are emphasized?

The opportunity highlights implementation efficiency and practical performance, including scalability, accuracy, stability, and computational cost.

What is the funding category and CFDA listing for this opportunity?

This is a discretionary grant program within NSF's Science and Technology and other Research and Development category, listed under CFDA 47.049 (Mathematical and Physical Sciences).

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The opportunity states that cost sharing or matching funds are not required.

How much total funding is associated with this program listing?

The estimated total funding associated with the program listing is about $18,000,000.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling listed is $1,200,000.

What is the minimum award amount (award floor)?

The nominal award floor is listed as $1, indicating flexibility in award size depending on project scope and justification.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as unrestricted, meaning proposals may be submitted by any type of applicant entity, subject to any additional eligibility clarifications that may appear in the full program text.

What is the deadline for submitting a proposal?

The source record indicates an annual deadline of December 1 (noted as "December 1 15, annually"). Because the listing includes an archive date, applicants should confirm the current deadline cycle on the NSF program page and solicitation details.

When was this opportunity posted and created?

The record indicates the opportunity was posted and created on August 13, 2015.

What does the archive date mean for applicants?

The archive date in the record is December 31, 2020. This suggests the listing reflects an established NSF program but that applicants should rely on the current NSF program page and solicitation details to confirm whether the opportunity is active, along with current deadlines, submission requirements, and any updated priorities or review criteria.

Where can applicants find the full program description and supporting materials?

The record points to the NSF Program Description for PD 16 1271 as the place to find the complete program description and supporting materials.

What should applicants do if they cannot access the announcement through Grants.gov?

Applicants who have trouble accessing the announcement through Grants.gov are directed to contact NSF's Grants.gov support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.

Who should be contacted for issues related to linking to the funding announcement?

The record includes a note to contact NSF for issues related to linking to the funding announcement.