Office for Research Advancement

Solicitation: 23-553

Letter of Intent Due to Research Office: 02/24/2023

Agency Full Proposal Deadline Date:  May 10, 2023 (2-year track only)

Institutional Limit: 2

Additional Eligibility Info:

Proposals may only be submitted by the following: US IHEs with associates degree programs in engineering or engineering technology located and accredited in the U.S. are eligible to apply. Two-year engineering technology programs that have articulation agreements with four-year engineering programs are also eligible. For submissions to the Two-Year track, two-year colleges must collaborate with one or more four-year institutions that they currently transfer students to. Partnerships are encouraged with local two-year colleges to ensure that the impacts of departmental changes on two-year colleges (and especially the two-to-four year pathway through engineering) are properly considered.

The general guidance for the preparation of letters of intent to the Research Office:

COVER SHEET (1 page)

• Solicitation Name and Descriptive Title
• Project Summary:  3 or 4 sentences or bullet points that provide an overview of the objective of your proposed research, how you plan to do it, and the expected outcome.
• Unique Aspects:  3 or 4 sentences or bullet points that highlight how your research/approach is different/better.
• Key PI/co-PIs:  5 or 6 sentences or bullet points that highlight team expertise as it relates to the project.
• Budget:  Example:  The total cost of the project is anticipated to be $ X, with $ Y being requested from the NSF.  NSF funds will be used for: $ A for personnel; $ B for operations, and $ C for broader impacts/subcontracts etc. 
• Justification for NSF support: One paragraph explaining why this research fits with the RFP and strategic goals of NSF. 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION (1 - 3 pages)

• Problem statement - Clear and concise statement of 1) research question(s) and how the project will address the research question(s); 2) what technical barriers need to be overcome to perform the research, and 3) how the proposed research can lead to the advancement of research/knowledge in this area.
• Conceptual framework:  Conceptual framework describing, for example, how the synthesis of various project components, approaches, and participant expertise are linked together to address the problem of interest.  Graphics may be used.
• Proposed activities: Describe the project to be undertaken and provide the technical specifications of the research activities and timelines that will be undertaken.
• Expected results: Describe the outcome you anticipate from the research. (Remember your initial motivation for wanting to do this!)
• Peer Groups: Who else is doing something similar, why their discoveries are useful for you, and what discriminates you.
• Broader Impact/Metrics for Success: What metrics are the most appropriate for evaluating the success of the proposed project (e.g., peer-reviewed papers, policy-directed efforts, databases, models, development of new resources, etc.)? If successful, who would most likely use the knowledge or tools developed?

Suggested Reviewers: (1 page) Optional – but as you write envision who might be a reviewer of your proposal or the Program Officer.

• Reviewer 1: Area of expertise
• Name
• Title
• Contact
• State why you think this person would be a good reviewer.

Submit your Notice of Intent to the: 

SMARTSHEET FORM

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