Preparing NSF Proposals with Harassment Award Terms
NSF is committed to ensuring a culture free from sexual assault and harassment. The following types of NSF proposals require additional documentation and special procedures to support a safe and harassment-free working environment.
Off-Campus Research
For any proposal that includes off-campus or off-site research, NSF requires the AOR to certify at the time of proposal submission that the PI has a plan in place for that specific proposal to ensure a safe and harassment-free working environment..
UTC defines “off-campus research” as the collection of data, information, or samples taking place in a building or geographic area that is NOT owned by UT, any of UT’s subsidiaries, or by any named partner for a specific project. Per NSF, projects that only analyze existing data do not meet the definition of “off-campus research”, regardless of where the analysis takes place. UTC does not consider online data collection to be off-campus research.
The PI is responsible for determining whether off-campus research will take place. ORSP has provided a decision tool below as a guide:
If the project will include off-campus research, the PI must prepare a 2-page Plan for Safe and Harassment-free Working Environments and submit it to ORSP for review and approval BEFORE the proposal is submitted to NSF. The approved SAI Plan will be uploaded to Cayuse for internal records. The PI will be expected to implement the plan if the proposal is funded.
A template that aligns with NSF requirements is provided below:
NSF-Funded Conferences
NSF accepts proposals to host conferences, symposia, or workshops submitted in response to the PAPPG, a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL), and select solicitations. Except where otherwise directed, conference proposals should be submitted at least a year in advance of the scheduled date. Selection of participants must be fair and must include opportunities for the participation of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities. See NSF Special Conditions Administration of NSF Conference or Group Travel Award Grant Conditions (FL 26) for more details.
In addition to the items requested in the specific solicitation, DCL, or PAPPG, PIs must prepare a code of conduct that addresses sexual harassment, other forms of harassment, and sexual assault, and that includes clear and accessible means of reporting violations of the policy or code-of-conduct. The code of conduct must be submitted to ORSP for review and approval BEFORE the proposal is submitted to NSF. The PI will be expected to distribute the document to all participants prior to and during the event if the proposal is funded.
These terms currently only apply to proposals submitted solely for the purpose of planning and hosting an NSF-funded conference (those submitted as a “conference” proposal type in research.gov). However, ORI does require that the PI of any NSF funded project that includes a workshop, seminar or conference prepare and disseminate a compliant participant code of conduct using the template below.
A template for the Code of Conduct that aligns with NSF requirements is provided below:
Group Travel Proposals
A travel proposal is a special type of proposal to NSF in response to the PAPPG that is strictly to support domestic and/or international travel for participation in one or more scientific and engineering meetings. A group travel proposal is encouraged as the primary means of support for travel. See NSF Special Conditions Administration of NSF Conference or Group Travel Award Grant Conditions (FL 26) for more details.
In addition to the items requested in the PAPPG, the PI must secure from the meeting organizer a written policy or code-of-conduct that addresses sexual harassment, other forms of harassment, and sexual assault, and that includes clear and accessible means of reporting violations of the policy or code-of-conduct. The code of conduct must be submitted to ORSP for review and approval BEFORE the proposal is submitted to NSF. All participating personnel will be expected to abide by the Code of Conduct, if the group travel proposal is funded.