Antarctic Research Requiring U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) Support for Fieldwork | 25 525

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is this NSF funding opportunity?

This is a discretionary grant opportunity from the National Science Foundation (NSF) offered through the Antarctic Sciences Section (ANT) within the Office of Polar Programs (OPP). It is identified as Funding Opportunity Number 25-525 and CFDA 47.050.

2) What is the main purpose of this opportunity?

The central purpose is to support high-impact, cutting-edge Antarctic research that deepens understanding of how Antarctica and the Southern Ocean interact with, influence, and respond to global Earth systems. The solicitation highlights research that clarifies dynamic linkages among physical, biological, and geochemical processes and connects those linkages to broader global systems in ways that can inform decisions about environmental change.

3) What kinds of projects are especially encouraged?

Projects that use Antarctica as a unique natural observing platform, expand fundamental knowledge of Antarctic environments and biota, and contribute to strengthening the U.S. polar science workforce by building capacity and enhancing diversity are emphasized within the stated purpose and priorities of the opportunity.

4) Is this opportunity intended for any Antarctic-related research?

No. A key feature is that it is intended only for projects that must be done in Antarctica, or are clearly best performed there, and that truly need logistical support from the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) to carry out fieldwork.

5) Do I have to require U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) logistics to apply under this call?

Yes. This opportunity is specifically for research that requires USAP logistical support to conduct Antarctic fieldwork. Projects that do not require USAP logistics are directed to seek other, more appropriate Antarctic Sciences opportunities listed on the Antarctic Sciences web page rather than applying under this specific call.

6) Why are there restrictions on the logistical support that can be requested?

NSF and USAP are in a planned, multi-year effort to maintain and upgrade Antarctic infrastructure. This limits the amount and type of logistical support available for new projects during this period.

7) Can applicants request any USAP logistical resources they think they need?

No. Applicants are expected to follow the program description closely and request only the USAP logistical resources that are explicitly available under this competition. Requests for USAP resources outside that guidance are not allowed.

8) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to specific U.S.-based applicant types described in the opportunity information. These include certain U.S. non-profit, non-academic organizations; accredited U.S. institutions of higher education; and federally recognized Tribal Nations.

9) Are U.S. non-profit, non-academic organizations eligible?

Yes. Proposals may be submitted by U.S. non-profit, non-academic organizations such as independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, and professional societies, as long as they are directly tied to education or research activities.

10) Are colleges and universities eligible?

Yes. Accredited U.S. institutions of higher education are eligible, including both two-year and four-year colleges (including community colleges), provided they have a campus located in the United States and the proposal is submitted on behalf of their faculty.

11) Are federally recognized Tribal Nations eligible to apply?

Yes. Federally recognized Tribal Nations are eligible, defined as American Indian or Alaska Native tribes, bands, nations, pueblos, villages, or communities acknowledged under the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994.

12) What if the proposal involves an international branch campus of a U.S. institution?

If a proposal involves an international branch campus of a U.S. institution of higher education, NSF requires an explanation of the concrete benefit of performing work at the international branch campus and a justification for why the same activities cannot be carried out at the U.S. campus. This applies even when international participation is supported through subawards or consultant arrangements.

13) What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?

The funding instrument is a grant.

14) What is the activity category for awards under this opportunity?

The activity category is science and technology and other research and development.

15) Which agency is managing this opportunity?

The opportunity is managed by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

16) What is the application deadline?

The original closing date listed in the provided information is 2025-06-02.

17) Is the award ceiling provided?

No. The award ceiling is not specified in the provided information. Applicants would need to consult the full solicitation for any limits.

18) Is the expected number of awards provided?

No. The expected award count is not specified in the provided information. Applicants would need to consult the full solicitation for any available details.

19) Are typical award sizes and project duration norms provided here?

No. Typical award sizes, project duration norms, and similar parameters are not included in the provided information. The full solicitation would be the place to confirm these details.

20) Where can applicants find details on which USAP logistical support is allowed under this competition?

The provided information indicates that only certain USAP logistical resources are explicitly available under this competition and that applicants must follow the program description closely. The specific menu of allowable USAP logistical support is not included in the excerpt, so applicants would need to consult the full solicitation for the definitive guidance.

21) If my project is Antarctic-related but does not need USAP logistics, what should I do?

The provided information directs projects that do not require USAP logistical support to look for other, more appropriate Antarctic Sciences opportunities listed on the Antarctic Sciences web page rather than applying under this specific call.