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Gravitational Physics (NSF) - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the name of this NSF funding opportunity?

The funding opportunity is titled Gravitational Physics.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number?

The Funding Opportunity Number listed is PD 06 1244.

Which NSF category does this opportunity fall under?

It is listed in the Science and Technology and other Research and Development category.

What is the CFDA number associated with this program?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 47.049, within Mathematical and Physical Sciences.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as unrestricted, meaning any type of entity may apply, subject to any clarifications that may appear in the official NSF program text.

Does the program require cost sharing or matching funds?

No. The opportunity states that cost sharing/matching is not required.

What research areas does the Gravitational Physics program focus on?

The program focuses on gravitational physics in regimes where gravity is extremely strong and where classical and quantum effects become central scientific questions. Emphasized areas include strong-field gravity, gravitational radiation, and quantum gravity.

What types of astrophysical systems are specifically highlighted?

The description highlights systems and phenomena such as black holes, neutron stars, compact binary systems, and gravitational dynamics relevant to high-energy and early-universe phenomena.

Is theoretical research within scope?

Yes. The program emphasizes theoretical work on strong-field gravity and its connections to astrophysics and cosmology.

Are computational and simulation-based proposals relevant to this program?

Yes. The opportunity highlights the importance of computer simulations of strong gravitational fields, reflecting reliance on numerical relativity and related computational approaches to model systems that cannot be solved analytically.

Does the program support work related to gravitational waves?

Yes. A major theme is gravitational radiation, including the modeling and interpretation of gravitational-wave signals, and computational/theoretical work relevant to gravitational-wave sources.

Is quantum gravity research considered within scope?

Yes. The program includes efforts aimed at constructing a quantum theory of gravity, emphasizing foundational work to reconcile general relativity with quantum mechanics.

How is this program connected to LIGO?

A distinctive feature of the program is its connection to major national infrastructure in gravitational-wave science. It is described as responsible for overseeing management related to the construction, commissioning, and operation of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO).

Does the program only fund LIGO construction and operations?

The description indicates the framing includes support beyond core infrastructure management. It suggests support for scientific research and for activities that help enable and sustain the broader gravitational-wave ecosystem, including support for LIGO users and other experimental investigations in gravitational physics and closely related areas.

What kinds of projects might fit, based on the description provided?

Based on the program description, proposals may span theory, computation, instrumentation, methods development, and experimental efforts that complement or leverage LIGO-related capabilities, particularly in strong-field gravity and gravitational radiation contexts.

When are proposals due?

The opportunity reflects an annual proposal cycle anchored around the last Wednesday in September, with full proposal target dates described as occurring annually thereafter on that schedule.

What closing dates are shown in the listing?

The listing shows a historical original closing date of September 30, 2009 and a then-current closing date of September 29, 2010, along with the note that target dates occur annually on the last Wednesday in September.

The listing shows expected awards and estimated total funding as 0. What does that mean?

The public listing displays expected awards and estimated total funding as "0", which may be an artifact of how some older opportunities were recorded in aggregated databases rather than a definitive statement about whether awards were made. Applicants are directed (by implication in the listing) to rely on the official NSF program description and current solicitation guidance for accurate expectations about budgets, award counts, and priorities.

Where can applicants find the official, authoritative program guidance?

The listing references an Additional Information link labeled "NSF Program Description 06 1244". That program description is where the fuller, authoritative guidance would normally be found, including scope, submission instructions, and any program-specific requirements.

Who should be contacted for technical issues accessing the announcement?

For access and technical issues, the contact provided is NSF Grants.gov support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.

Is the program described as discretionary?

Yes. The opportunity is described as a discretionary grant program.

Does the information provided specify submission instructions or required proposal components?

No. The details provided here do not include submission mechanics or required proposal sections; the listing points applicants to the NSF Program Description 06 1244 for detailed submission instructions and program-specific requirements.