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NSF Notice No. 126 September 11, 2000
"In September 1998, NSF issued Important Notice 123, Working Toward a Paperless Proposal and Award System. Important Notice 123 describes NSF's vision for the future in electronic business and outlines the schedule for implementation. As stipulated in this Notice, effective October 1, 2000, ALL specified transactions with NSF, (including proposal submission) must be accomplished electronically via use of the NSF FastLane system. Proposals submitted after October 1 that respond to standing or existing announcements or solicitations must comply with the FastLane requirements, even if the document specified a paper option. NSF's efforts in this area are consistent with recent legislation that directs the entire Federal Government to move in the direction of paperless proposal/grant processes, e.g., Public Law 106-107, Federal Financial Assistance Management Improvement Act of 1999."
Steps for Accessing and Using FastLane
Step 1. If you do not already have one, obtain an NSF password from your "Sponsored Research Office" (SRO) representative, in your Dean's Office: (Obtaining a Password)
Step 2. Preparer MUST have Adobe Acrobat Reader and Distiller in order to create and print PDF documents in FastLane. See NSF's PDF instructions for assistance:
https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/documents/pdf_create/pdfcreate_01.jsp
Step 3. Open Netscape or other web browser and go to the FastLane home page https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/fastlane.htm
Step 4. Log in using the Proposals, Awards, Status link
in the Navy menu bar in the upper left hand corner of the page.
Step 5. For "Proposal Preparation", refer to NSF's on line instructions https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/a0/about/10steps.htm as a tool, or contact your "Sponsored Research Office" (SRO) representative for assistance.
Principal Investigator (PI) Responsibilities:
- Begin early!! It still makes a difference because of possible system delays.
- PI can initiate the proposal process or can contact their proposal administrator to have him/her begin the process.
- Initiate the cover sheet, and then "Allow SRO Access" to "view/edit" so that the SRO may assist you with questions or problems that may arise as you work on your proposal. Remember that when you are completely done with the proposal you need to go back and "Allow SRO Access" to "view/edit/submit" so that the SRO can now submit your proposal to NSF.
- Route transmittal form, budget, and NSF cover/certification pages through campus for proper approvals. (Check with your Chair and/or Dean's Office to see what other documents will be required to obtain necessary signature approval).
Dean's Office SRO Responsibilities:
- Review and approve all budgets.
- Check that all required sections have been completed and are ready for submission.
- Once all administration signatures (including their signature) have been obtained, the SRO will submit the electronic proposal prepared by the PI/Co-PI(s) via FastLane.
Other Useful NSF FastLane Tips & Links:
When preparing other FastLane documents such as Project Reports, Revised Budgets, Supplemental Requests, Notifications and Requests, and many more, make sure that all of the necessary institutional approvals and processes have been met before submitting to NSF. Again, contact your SRO for questions or assistance.
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