Cyber Physical Systems | Apply Online

Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) Grant (NSF 12-520) - FAQs

1) What is this NSF funding opportunity?

This is the National Science Foundation (NSF) Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) solicitation (NSF 12-520). It supports research and education to build the core science and engineering foundations needed to design cyber-physical systems that people can rely on with high confidence.

2) What does NSF mean by "cyber-physical systems" (CPS)?

NSF describes CPS as engineered systems where computation (software, algorithms, networks, control) and physical processes (machines, infrastructure, sensors, humans, environments) are tightly integrated and mutually dependent.

3) Why is NSF investing in CPS now?

The solicitation highlights that CPS are becoming increasingly distributed, networked, and coordinated, which raises expectations for capability, adaptability, resilience, safety, security, and usability. NSF also emphasizes that existing systems engineering and analysis methods are not mature enough to predict or manage the complexity, interdependence, and emergent behaviors seen in large-scale CPS.

4) What types of problems is the CPS program trying to address?

The program is motivated by gaps in current tools and methods for understanding and managing CPS behavior, especially where small disturbances can cascade into widespread failures. The solicitation uses the electric power grid as an example of an ad hoc, highly interconnected system where deep interdependencies and emergent behaviors can be difficult to model and predict with traditional approaches.

5) What is the overall goal of the CPS program?

The program goal is to develop cross-cutting, fundamental principles and methods that apply across many CPS domains, rather than creating narrow, one-off solutions tied to a single sector.

6) What kinds of research outputs does NSF want to see?

NSF is looking for work that advances CPS as a field through rigorous systems engineering concepts, along with enabling methods, tools, and reusable hardware/software components. The solicitation also values validation of ideas through prototypes and testbeds to help research transition into engineering practice.

7) Are prototypes and testbeds required?

The solicitation places value on validating resulting ideas through prototypes and testbeds so the research does not remain purely theoretical. It does not state in the provided text that prototypes/testbeds are mandatory for every project, but they are clearly encouraged as part of moving research into practice.

8) What application areas does NSF mention for CPS?

Examples cited include smart electric grids, smart transportation, smart buildings, smart medical technologies, next-generation air traffic management, and advanced manufacturing.

9) Is this program focused on one sector (like energy or transportation) or multiple domains?

Multiple domains. A central emphasis is on cross-cutting foundations and methods that can apply across many CPS application areas, not just one domain.

10) Does the program include an education/community-building component?

Yes. The solicitation describes goals that include fostering a CPS research and education community and accelerating transfer of CPS science and technology into real-world deployment.

11) What project categories are available under this solicitation?

NSF organizes submissions into three categories: Breakthrough, Synergy, and Frontiers. These categories differ by scope, ambition, and team structure.

12) What is a Breakthrough project and how much funding can it request?

Breakthrough projects aim to deliver a major leap in fundamental CPS science, engineering, and/or technology with the potential to reshape the field. They can request up to $750,000 total for up to 3 years.

13) What is a Synergy project and how much funding can it request?

Synergy projects focus on innovation at the intersection of multiple disciplines, with a clearly defined goal that requires an integrated, cross-disciplinary approach. They can request $750,001 to $2,000,000 total for 3 to 4 years.

14) What is a Frontiers project and how much funding can it request?

Frontiers projects address critical CPS challenges that are too large to be effectively solved by a collection of smaller efforts. They can request $1,200,000 to $10,000,000 total for 4 to 5 years.

15) Why does the Frontiers budget guidance overlap with Synergy?

NSF notes that the difference between Frontiers and Synergy is driven more by scope and objectives than by dollars alone, which is why the budget ranges can overlap.

16) What is the estimated total funding and number of awards?

The opportunity summary lists an estimated $31.5 million in total funding and an expected 30 awards.

17) What are the listed award floor and award ceiling?

The opportunity summary lists an award floor of $300,000 and an award ceiling of $5,000,000.

18) The program description mentions up to $10,000,000 for Frontiers, but the summary ceiling says $5,000,000. Which should applicants follow?

In the provided information, the opportunity summary shows a $5,000,000 ceiling, while the category-specific guidance indicates Frontiers requests may be as high as $10,000,000. The solicitation notes this can happen because general listing fields and category-specific guidance may differ. Applicants are directed to NSF Publication 12-520 for full details.

19) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The provided information states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.

20) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include accredited US-based universities and colleges (including community colleges) acting on behalf of faculty. Certain US-based non-profit, non-academic organizations are also eligible, including independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies, and similar organizations associated with educational or research activities.

21) What type of grant is this (administratively)?

It is described as a discretionary grant opportunity in the science and technology / research and development category.

22) When are proposals due?

The solicitation uses submission windows, with proposals due by 5 p.m. local time for the proposer on the listed dates.

23) When was the opportunity posted and what closing date is shown?

The opportunity was posted December 19, 2011. The original closing date listed is January 22, 2013, and the text indicates additional windows for subsequent cycles.

24) Does NSF coordinate CPS funding with other agencies?

Yes. NSF notes that the CPS program cooperates with other government agencies when research aligns with their mission needs.

25) How will applicants learn about co-funding opportunities or special-interest topics?

The solicitation indicates that related co-funding or special-interest topics may be announced through Dear Colleague Letters as they become available.

26) Where should applicants look for official instructions and submission help?

For full details, NSF points applicants to NSF Publication 12-520. For access and submission issues, NSF directs applicants to standard NSF/Grants.gov support channels.

27) What is meant by "cross-disciplinary" in this solicitation?

The solicitation specifically highlights Synergy projects as requiring an integrated, cross-disciplinary approach, where innovation arises at the intersection of multiple disciplines to achieve a clearly defined goal.

28) What distinguishes Frontiers projects from a set of smaller projects?

Frontiers projects are intended for CPS challenges that are too large to be effectively solved by a collection of smaller efforts, implying an integrated effort aligned to a broader set of objectives.

29) Does the solicitation prioritize theory, practice, or both?

Both. The solicitation emphasizes rigorous systems engineering concepts and foundational methods, while also valuing prototypes and testbeds so results can transition into engineering practice.

30) What kinds of emerging areas are mentioned as drivers for rethinking CPS design and operation?

The text mentions renewable energy integration, wireless health technologies, advanced manufacturing, smart materials, and electrified vehicles as areas creating a timely opening to rethink how CPS are conceptualized, designed, verified, and operated.