Dear Colleague,

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is providing this  correspondence to inform organizations, and Authorized Organizational Representatives, that starting December 2, 2025, the new requirements set forth in NSF Important Notice No. 149 will take effect.

What you need to know:

• Proposals submitted before December 2, 2025, including those submitted during the recent lapse in appropriations, are not subject to those requirements originally set to take effect on October 10, 2025.
• As of December 2, 2025, such new certifications are required at the time of proposal submission within the Cover Sheet, Biographical Sketch, and Current and Pending (Other) Support forms. These include new certifications related to:
• Completion of research security training by all senior/key personnel; and
• An institution of higher education’s status regarding contracts or agreements with any Confucius Institute.
• Organizations are required to provide supporting documentation, including copies of grants, contracts, and agreements, upon request by NSF.
• To assist research organizations and investigators, NSF has published a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) web page summarizing the new requirements, certification procedures, and relevant timelines. Access the FAQs here.

If you have questions regarding these requirements, please contact researchsecurity@nsf.gov for additional guidance.

Best Regards,