Tips for Successful Submission to NSF via Grants.gov

• Allow time for editing after submission. An NSF applicant can make changes using the NSF "Proposal File Update" module in FastLane. Changes will automatically be accepted prior to the deadline date.
• Check for duplicate persons on the SF 424 (R&R) senior/key person form. Applicants should be certain that no name in this section is entered twice.
• Review the NSF checklist form. The NSF application form includes a detailed application checklist that should be reviewed thoroughly to ensure that all required information is submitted.
• Always use the organization's legal name. All references to the organization name should be consistent throughout the application, from the cover page to the other sections listing project/performance site locations.
• Enter the PI or Co-PI's name consistently throughout the application. Names entered differently throughout the application cause confusion, and the system is not able to verify whether it is the same individual.
• Electronic document attachments to the application must be in PDF format using the Adobe Acrobat. Non-Adobe Acrobat users can use the "Convert files to PDF" function on FastLane.