Discovery Research PreK-12 (DRK-12)

Scientists, engineers, and educators usually initiate proposals that are officially submitted by their employing organization. Before formal submission, the proposal may be discussed with appropriate NSF program staff. Graduate students are not encouraged to submit research proposals but should arrange to serve as research assistants to faculty members. Some NSF divisions accept proposals for Doctoral Dissertation Research Grants when submitted by a faculty member on behalf of the graduate student.

Except where a program solicitation establishes more restrictive eligibility criteria, individuals and organizations in the following categories may submit proposals:

1. Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) - Two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the U.S., acting on behalf of their faculty members. IHEs located outside the U.S. fall under paragraph 6. below.

2. Nonprofit, non-academic organizations - Independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies and similar organizations located in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities.

3. For-profit organizations - U.S. commercial organizations, especially small businesses with strong capabilities in scientific or engineering research or education. An unsolicited proposal from a commercial organization may be funded when the project is of special concern from a national point of view, special resources are available for the work, or the proposed project is especially meritorious. NSF is interested in supporting projects that couple industrial research resources and perspectives with those of IHEs; therefore, it especially welcomes proposals for cooperative projects involving both IHEs and the private commercial sector.

4. State and Local Governments - State educational offices or organizations and local school districts may submit proposals intended to broaden the impact, accelerate the pace, and increase the effectiveness of improvements in science, mathematics and engineering education in both K-12 and post-secondary levels.

5. Unaffiliated Individuals - Unless specifically authorized in an NSF solicitation (e.g., NSF postdoctoral fellowship programs), unaffiliated individuals in the U.S. and unaffiliated U.S. citizens are not eligible to receive direct funding support from NSF.

6. Foreign Organizations - NSF rarely provides direct funding support to foreign organizations. NSF will consider proposals for cooperative projects involving U.S. and foreign organizations, provided support is requested only for the U.S. portion of the collaborative effort.

7. Other Federal agencies - NSF does not normally support research or education activities by scientists, engineers or educators employed by Federal agencies or FFRDCs. Under unusual circumstances, other Federal agencies and FFRDCs may submit proposals directly to NSF. A proposed project is only eligible for support if it meets one or more of the following exceptions, as determined by a cognizant NSF Program Officer:
-- Special Projects. Under exceptional circumstances, research or education projects at other Federal agencies or FFRDCs that can make unique contributions to the needs of researchers elsewhere or to other specific NSF objectives may receive NSF support.
-- National and International Programs. The Foundation may fund research and logistical support activities of other Government agencies or FFRDCs directed at meeting the goals of special national and international research programs for which the Foundation bears special responsibility, such as the U.S. Antarctic Research Program.
-- International Travel Awards. To help ensure appropriate representation or availability of a particular expertise at an international conference, staff researchers of other Federal agencies may receive NSF international travel awards.

Proposers who think a project may meet one of the exceptions listed above must contact a cognizant NSF Program Officer before preparing a proposal for submission.

DRK -12 generally does not fund equipment that is normally found in schools, universities, and research and development organizations, such as computers. Requests for equipment must be accompanied by justification for its importance to the operation of the project.

DRK -12 does not provide scholarships for undergraduate, pre-service, or other students.

Full Proposal Deadline Date: October 6, 2021 (due by 5:00 PM submitter's local time)

NSF requires that organizations registering to use NSF’s electronic systems have a valid and active SAM registration and have a valid DUNS number.

Applicants must apply online via FastLane or Grants.gov.

NSF strives to be able to tell applicants whether their proposals have been declined or recommended for funding within six months.

View this opportunity and relevant application documents on Grants.gov:
https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=326833

Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG): https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/pappg20_1/index.jsp

View the program solicitation online: https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2020/nsf20572/nsf20572.htm