The National Science Foundation (NSF) has issued new guidance on the implementation of NSF Important Notice No. 149 (IN-149), which mandates updated formats for Biographical Sketches and Current and Pending (Other) Support. NSF recognizes that the policy’s effective date of December 2, 2025 falls close to a number of program deadlines, creating challenges for senior and key personnel who may not be able to update their documents in time. In response, NSF is offering a temporary grace period to support applicants during this transition.
Grace Period Details
Between December 2, 2025 and December 31, 2025, NSF will accept proposals that include the earlier versions of the Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending Support forms. This accommodation is intended to provide flexibility for applicants facing tight deadlines and limited turnaround time to gather updated information from project personnel.
Post-Grace Period Requirements
Beginning January 1, 2026, all NSF proposals must fully comply with NSF IN-149. This means applicants will be required to use the latest versions of the Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support forms as defined under the new policy. Submissions that do not meet these updated requirements will not be considered compliant.
Additional Resources
To support research organizations and investigators, NSF has published a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) webpage summarizing the new requirements, certification procedures, and associated timelines. The FAQs provide detailed guidance for navigating IN-149 updates and ensuring proposal readiness.
Questions?
Please reach out to your DCG Officer if you have any questions.