Dear Colleague –

The U.S. National Science Foundation is providing this correspondence to inform organizations, and Authorized Organizational Representatives, of a grace period for enforcement of NSF Important Notice No. 149 (NSF IN-149) for proposals submitted between December 2, 2025 and December 31, 2025.

We have been made aware of challenges for NSF programs with deadlines that fall close to the December 2, 2025 effective date of NSF IN-149. We understand the tight turnaround may make it difficult for some senior/key personnel to submit the updated Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support forms in time. To accommodate these circumstances, NSF is now offering a grace period for enforcement of NSF IN-149.

What you need to know:

• NSF will accept proposals that include the earlier version of the Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending Support form between December 2, 2025 and December 31, 2025.
• Proposals submitted after December 31, 2025 must be fully compliant with NSF IN-149 and will be required to include latest version implemented under this policy.

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,

NSF Office of the Chief of Research Security Strategy and Policy