| - All NSF proposals, reports, and notification and requests for changes in awards are submitted to NSF via their FastLane system.
- Institutional approval must be obtained prior to submission. Proposals should be routed and post-award modifications should be requested using the usual UMB internal processes. ORD submits the proposals and requests to NSF via FastLane.
I. How to use NSF FastLane - Requirements for Accessing FastLane
- To access proposal preparation as a Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-PI, you have to be listed in NSF's PI database. New PI registration request must be submitted to NSF by ORD.
- Provide the following information to yourORD Contract and Grant Professional:
- First Name, Middle Initial, Last Name, Suffix (e.g., Jr., Sr., III)
Degree Type(s) and Degree Year(s)
E-mail Address
Social Security Number
Business Phone
Department Fax Number
- FastLane Password. ORD will notify the PI when FastLane registration is complete and advise the PI of his/her initial password. The first time new FastLane users log into FastLane, they are prompted to change their Password so that it remains confidential.
- Software Requirements
Netscape Navigator 3.01 or above (except Netscape 6.0) or Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01 or above
Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0 or above (Adobe Reader 4.05 or above is best)
II. Preparing the Proposal in FastLane - All of the NSF Proposal sections found in NSF's Grant Proposal Guide can be prepared using FastLane.
- Specific instructions for use of the FastLane system are available atfastlane.nsf.gov , which is easily accessible from within the FastLane system.
III.Submitting the Proposal
Proposals must be submitted to NSF by ORD. Paper copies and/or cover sheets should not be sent to NSF. - A draft paper copy of the application with the final budget should be routed for internal UMB approval in advance of the deadline date for submission. ORD must have the final internal approvals before the proposal can be submitted electronically to NSF.
- Once the final version of the proposal has been entered into FastLane, the PI must allow ORD access to the FastLane proposal record. This is done in the Proposal Forms Preparation function by selecting the desired proposal and then clicking on the "Allow SRO Access" button. Then the PI/Co-PI selects one of the following access levels:
Selecting the "Go" button to the left of the "Allow SRO to view, edit and submit proposal" sends an e-mail to alert ORD that the FastLane proposal is ready for institutional review and submission. After the PI/Co-PI selects the "Allow SRO Access" button, the PI/Co-PI can still edit the proposal.
IV.Collaborative Proposals - Proposals that include work to be done at another institution as a “subcontractor” can be submitted as one FastLane proposal.
The subcontracting organization's PI should be listed as a Co-PI in the lead institution's FastLane record so that his/her budget and other information can be added into the one FastLane proposal record initiated by the lead institution's PI.
Institutional approval of the budget and work scope from the subcontracting institution's sponsored research office must be provided to ORD as with any other application.
- NSF also allows submission of 2 or more simultaneous FastLane proposals linked as “Collaborative Proposals” (See the NSF Grant Proposal Guide Chapter II, B, for further description) One organization takes the lead but each organization prepares and submits their separate, related proposal via FastLane. There must be good communication between the collaborating organizations. The collaborating organizations should be in contact with the NSF program office so that the NSF program office will know that the proposals coming in are related.
See the FastLane instructions for details of how to prepare and submit collaborative FastLane proposals
- Advise ORD when you route the application that you are participating in an NSF Collaborative proposal.
V. Getting Help with FastLane
Contact yourORD Contract and Grant Professional for assistance.
- Access the on-line FastLane Help information: https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/a1/newstan.htm
FAQs
- Users may also send technical questions about how to use the FastLane system to the NSF FastLane Help Desk using the "Send Comments to NSF" feature on each FastLane screen or by sending an e-mail to fastlane@nsf.gov or calling 1-800-673-6188.
- For questions about how to prepare your proposal, please contact your ORD Contract and Grant Professional or the NSF program office. (NSF Information Center at info@nsf.gov or (703) 292-5111).
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