NSF-NIST Interaction in Basic and Applied Scientific Research in BIO, ENG MPS

The National Science Foundation (NSF), in partnership with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is offering supplemental funding to facilitate scientific collaborations between NSF-supported researchers and NIST scientists. This funding opportunity is outlined in the Dear Colleague Letter NSF 11-066 and is intended to enhance basic and applied scientific research within the disciplines of Biological Sciences (BIO), Engineering (ENG), and Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS). The overarching objective is to leverage the measurement science expertise and sophisticated instrumentation available at NIST laboratories and user facilities to support and extend the work of active NSF awardees. NIST is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Commerce and has a longstanding mission to promote innovation and industrial competitiveness through the advancement of measurement science, standards, and technology. Its laboratories and centers, such as the Engineering Laboratory, Information Technology Laboratory, Material Measurement Laboratory, Physical Measurement Laboratory, Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology, and the Center for Neutron Research, offer highly specialized resources that support cutting-edge research. Collaborating with NIST allows NSF-supported investigators and their research teams to integrate advanced measurement systems into their projects, expanding the scope and depth of their investigations. The funding provided through this opportunity comes in the form of supplemental awards to existing NSF-funded projects. Eligible applicants include principal investigators (PIs), co-PIs, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate or undergraduate students currently supported under NSF awards from the designated divisions within the BIO, ENG, or MPS Directorates. The supplements may be used only for travel and per diem costs related to research activities conducted at NIST. Notably, NSF will not fund NIST employees, and indirect costs must comply with the applicant's federally negotiated rate. Each supplement may not exceed $25,000. Applicants must consult their NSF Program Director before preparing a supplement request to discuss alignment with program priorities. The request should include a description of the proposed collaboration, including justification, expected scientific or engineering outcomes, budget, and the nature of the engagement with NIST. Details such as the names and contact information of NIST collaborators and the measurement tools involved must also be provided. These requests are submitted via the NSF FastLane Award and Reporting module and must include reference to this Dear Colleague Letter (NSF 11-066). The proposal review process typically involves internal evaluation by NSF program staff. However, if the total supplemental request exceeds 20% of the original award, external peer review is required. Once the Program Director makes a funding recommendation, the proposal proceeds to the Division of Grants and Agreements for financial and policy compliance checks. Only an NSF Grants and Agreements Officer can authorize the award of supplemental funds. There is no fixed submission deadline; applications are accepted on a rolling basis and may be submitted at any time. The current closing date listed is February 18, 2026, with supplemental requests continuing to be accepted as long as the parent NSF award is active. This program is ongoing and historically recurring, having been revised from previous versions to include a broader array of participating divisions and updated collaboration procedures with NIST. Interested applicants are encouraged to plan ahead and coordinate with both NSF and NIST to ensure successful alignment of research goals and logistical feasibility.