US Federal Funding Agencies – Glossary of Terms

Below is a glossary of the terms used by the US Federal Funding Agencies. Please use the links below to navigate this page:

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | L | M | N | O | P | R | S | T | U | W

A

Accession Number: Related to electronic submission of applications, the Accession number is the Agency tracking number provided for the application after Agency validations. Used by NIH

Accomplishment-Based Renewal: a renewal proposal appropriate only for an investigator who has made significant contributions, over a number of years, in the area of research addressed by the proposal. Supporting evidence must be provided. Used by NSF

Ad Hoc Committees: Merit review committees which may not exceed one year in duration and are appropriately used when a standing committee is not feasible, or when certain conditions prevail, e.g., small number of applications, program of limited duration, on-site or off-site review of program is conducted, applications solicited to meet specific program objectives, etc. Used by DOE

Administrative Expenses: Expenses incurred for the support of activities relevant to the award of grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements and expenses incurred for general administration of the scientific programs and activities of the National Institutes of Health. Used by NIH

Administrative I/C: The NIH Institute or Center (I/C) to which the Center for Scientific Review (CSR) routes grant applications for a funding decision. An Institute or Center may request to change this assignment if the application is more suited to another I/C - also referred to as a “primary assignment.” Used by NIH – see also Budget Authorization

Administrative Supplement: Monies added to a grant without peer review to pay for items within the scope of an award but unforeseen when a grant application was submitted. Used by NIH

Agreement Officer: A government employee (usually a Contracting Officer or Grant Officer) who has been delegated the authority to negotiate, award, or administer the cooperative agreement. Used by NASA

Allocation Plan: Funding breakdown within a particular program. Usually a table dividing funding within a program between the different recipients. The funding breakdown is decided by a program committee or formula. Used by NOAA

Amendment: At NASA, a change to an open solicitation; the original solicitation document is never modified but referenced in amendments. At NOAA, an amendment is a formal change to the award agreement (i.e., involves time, money, recipient organization) made by NOAA/GMD. Used by NOAA, NASA

Amendment (amended or revised applications): Resubmission of an unfunded application revised in response to a prior review. Used by NIH

Announcement of Opportunity (AO): One of two types of Broad Agency Announcement to solicit proposals for basic and applied research. Used by NASA - see also NASA Research Announcement (NRA)

Announcement-only Solicitation: An announcement only solicitation is one in which proposals and awards will be supported by another agency or organization outside of the NSPIRES system. They are listed on the system for information purposes and proposal submission information is contained within the announcement documents. Used by NASA

Appeal: A procedure for contesting the peer review of a grant application. Used by NIH, NSF – see also Rebuttal, Reconsideration Process

Application: A request submitted for financial support of a project or activity. May also be referred to as a proposal. At a minimum, it should include a statement of work and a line item budget, plus other federally required forms. Used by ALL AGENCIES

Appropriation: Law authorizing Federal Agencies to obligate funds and make payments from the treasury for specified purposes. Appropriations are in annual acts and permanent law. Used by ALL AGENCIES

Approval Memo: A memo originated by the Project Officer and concurred by the immediate supervisor which denotes work plan and Federal funding approval. Used by EPA

Approval Official: An EPA official delegated the authority to approve or reject applications for assistance and the technical/programmatic terms and conditions of proposed assistance projects. Used by EPA - see also Decision Official

Approved budget: The budget and any revision that has been approved in writing (by the Federal Agency in question) to carry out a proposed project. Used by DOE, NIH

ASAP: Automated Standard Application for Payment (ASAP), is the system grantees use to draw down funds electronically. It is operated by the Department of the Treasury. Used by NOAA

Assistance Agreement (Award): The legal instrument used to transfer of money, property, services or other things of value from the Federal government to a recipient to accomplish a public purpose of support or stimulation. In the case of NSF, assistance awards involve the support or stimulation of scientific and engineering research, science and engineering education or other related activities. NSF is authorized to use grants or cooperative agreements for this purpose. Used by NSF, NIH, DOE, EPA - see also Award

Availability of Funds: Monies specifically allotted to an award program and accessible from the funding agency. For an award to be made, Authorizing Official must certify that funds are available. Used by NOAA

Award: Financial assistance that provides support or stimulation to accomplish a public purpose. Awards include grants and other agreements in the form of money or property in lieu of money by the Federal Government to an eligible recipient. Used by EPA, NSF, NIH, DOE, NOAA, NASA - see also Assistance Agreement, Cooperative Agreement, Grant, Grant Agreement

Award Official: The EPA official with the authority to execute assistance agreements and to take other actions authorized by EPA Orders. Used by EPA

Awarding Office: The NIH I/C responsible for the award, administration, and monitoring of particular grants. Used by NIH

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B

Basic and applied research: Basic and applied research and that part of development not related to the development of specific systems or products. The primary aim of research is scientific study and experimentation directed toward advancing the state of the art or increasing knowledge of understanding rather than focusing on a specific system or product. Used by DOE

Bilateral Agreement: A general science agreement between the U.S. and a foreign country. Grant applications from institutions in these countries that have been recommended for approval by the scientific review group are given special funding consideration by Council. Used by NIH

Blackout Period: The 48-hour period immediately following final approval of a funded award, designed to give Congressional offices the opportunity to announce funding of the award to their constituents. Used by NOAA

Bridge Awards: Provides one year of funding so investigators can continue research while re-applying for a grant, or enables new investigators to gather preliminary data to improve their applications. Investigators do not apply for Bridge Awards, but are selected from grants at the pay-line margin (i.e., funding cut-off). Used by NIH

Budget: A detailed projection of the resources required for the project. Used by EPA

Budget: The applicant’s financial expenditure plan for carrying out the proposed project. The budget shall include any cost sharing which is required by statute, rule or the award. Used by DOE

Budget Appropriation: The yearly amount given to a Government Agency by Congress. Used by ALL AGENCIES

Budget Authorization: The NIH Institute or Center assigned by the Center for Scientific Review (CSR) to decide whether to fund a grant application. Used by NIH – see also Administrative I/C

Budget Narrative: A detailed line item budget in addition to and which expands upon the general budgetary information contained in the SF-424A or SF-424C. It explains who will perform what work, their time commitment and salary rates, fringe benefit rates and calculations, detailed explanations concerning travel (i.e., number of travelers, days of travel, per diem rate, hotel/flight cost, and purpose of travel), supplies, equipment, contractual, and indirect cost items. Used by NOAA

Budget Period: The interval of time specified in the award, into which a project is divided for budgeting and funding purposes. Used by DOE, NOAA, NIH

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C

Cage Code: A Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code is a five character code created by the Central Contractor Registry (CCR) and Used by organizations applying for DOD and NASA awards. Organizations must have a separate CAGE Code for each physical location or separate division at the same physical location. Used by NASA

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA): The Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance, a comprehensive list of all Federal funding authorities and programs that provide assistance. For each authority or program there is a description and a list of Points of Contact. To access the CFDA go to www.cfda.gov on the Web. Used by ALL AGENCIES

Center for Scientific Review (CSR): The NIH component responsible for the receipt and referral of applications to the PHS, as well as the initial review for scientific merit of most applications submitted to the NIH. Used by NIH

Center Grants: Center grants are awarded to institutions on behalf of program directors and groups of collaborating investigators. They support long-term, multi-disciplinary programs of research and development. Used by NIH

Central Contractor Registration (CCR) Database: The main vendor database for the U.S. Federal Government. Grant-applicant institutions need to register with the CCR to apply for a grant through Grants.gov. The CCR stores organizational information, allowing Grants.gov to verify the organization's identity and to pre-fill organizational information on its grant application. Institutions must have a DUNS number to register in the CCR. Used by ALL AGENCIES

Close Date: The date when proposals will no longer be accepted for a given solicitation. This is, by default, the proposal due date. Used by NASA

Closeout: The process to officially conclude a grant, by which a Federal awarding agency determines that all financial assistance award requirements and applicable administrative actions have been completed by the recipient and federal awarding agency. Used by EPA, NOAA, NIH, NASA

Closeout Memo: The Project Officer’s memo which documents their review of the recipient’s Financial Status Report against their performance; states that performance has been completed, and identifies the disposition of any remaining Federal funds. Used by EPA

Cognizant Agency: The Federal agency responsible for reviewing, negotiating, and approving cost allocation plans or indirect cost proposals on behalf of all Federal agencies. Used by EPA

Co-Investigator: An individual involved with the PI in the scientific development or execution of a project. The co-investigator (collaborator) may be employed by, or be affiliated with, the applicant/grantee organization or another organization participating in the project under a consortium agreement. A co-investigator typically devotes a specified percentage of time to the project and is considered “key personnel.” Used by NIH

Commitment: The official reservation of funds and authorization to incur obligations, or a formal action to reserve funds for a specific purpose in the future (e.g., a grant/cooperative agreement). Used by EPA

Competing Applications: Either new or re-competing applications that must undergo initial peer review. Used by NIH

Competing Continuation: An application requiring competitive peer review and Institute/Center action to continue beyond the current competitive segment. Used by NIH

Competing Renewal: Used by NIH – see also Renewal

Competing Research Project Grant: An application for a Research Project Grant requiring competitive peer review. Also, a number of obligations which serve as an input for determining success rates. Used by NIH

Competition: A policy and procedure in which individuals or organizations submit application(s) in response to an announcement by the EPA that funding is available for a particular project or type of project. Used by EPA

Competitive Range: A contracting term denoting a group of proposals considered acceptable by the initial peer review group which are potential candidates for an award. Used by NIH

Competitive Segment: The initial project period recommended for support (in general, up to 5 years) or each extension of a project period resulting from a competing continuation award. Used by NIH

Concept: The earliest planning stage of an initiative [request for applications (RFA), request for proposals (RFP), or program announcement (PA)]. Concepts are brought before the Advisory Council for concept clearance. Not all concepts cleared by Council are published as initiatives depending on the availability of funds. Used by NIH

Congressional Earmark: Assistance agreements awarded in response to direction from Congress or a Congressional Committee as reflected in appropriation or authorizing legislation or applicable legislative history. Used by ALL AGENCIES – see also Earmark

Consortium Agreement: A formalized agreement whereby a research project is carried out by the grantee and one or more other organizations that are separate legal entities. Under the agreement, the grantee must perform a substantive role in the conduct of the planned research and not merely serve as a conduit of funds to another party or parties. Used by NIH

Consultant: An individual hired by the recipient to provide professional advice or expertise required to complete authorized project activity. These individuals are not normally employees of the organization receiving the services. Used by NOAA, NIH, DOE, NSF

Continuation: An extension of an assistance agreement for an additional funding/budget period for a project the agency initially agreed to fund for a definite number of years. Used by EPA

Continuation Award: An award for a second or subsequent budget period within an approved project period. Used by EPA, DOE - see also Renewal

Continuation Progress Reports (Informal): After issuance of an initial award and if future support is recommended, recipients must submit a satisfactory progress report in order to receive continuation awards for the remainder of the project period. Used by DOE

Continuing Environmental Program: A state/interstate/local environmental agency pollution control program which will not be completed within a definable time period. Used by EPA

Continuing Grant: a type of grant in which the funding agency agrees to provide a specific level of support for an initial specified period of time, usually a year, with a statement of intent to provide additional support for the project for additional periods, provided funds are available and the results achieved warrant further support. Used by NSF

Continuing Resolution: Legislation enacted by Congress to provide budget authority for Federal agencies and/or specific activities to continue in operation until the regular appropriations are enacted. Used by ALL AGENCIES

Contract: award instrument reflecting a binding legal procurement relationship between a recipient and sub-recipient, or between such contractor and subcontractor, whenever the principal purpose of the relationship is the acquisition by purchase, lease, or barter, of property or services. Used by NOAA, NIH, EPA, NSF

Contracting Officer: An official authorized to execute awards on behalf of the funding agency and who is responsible for the business management and non-program aspects of the financial assistance process. Used by DOE

Cooperative Agreement: A legal instrument reflecting a relationship between the funding agency and the recipient where the purpose is to provide Federal funds to the recipient and the funding agency has “substantial involvement” in carrying out the project activities. Substantial agency involvement may be necessary when an activity is technically and/or managerially complex and requires extensive or close coordination between the funding agency and the awardee. Examples of projects which might be suitable for cooperative agreements if there will be substantial agency involvement are: research centers, large curriculum projects, multi-user facilities, projects which involve complex subcontracting, construction or operations of major in-house university facilities and major instrumentation development. Used by NSF, NOAA, EPA, DOE, NASA

Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs): A legal agreement between government laboratories and nonfederal parties in which both participants provide personnel, services, facilities, equipment, or other resources for the conduct of specified R&D. Used by DOE, NIH, NSF, EPA, NOAA, NASA

Cost Reimbursement Award: A type of grant under which NSF agrees to reimburse the grantee for work performed and/or costs incurred by the grantee up to the total amount specified in the grant. Such costs must be allowable in accordance with the applicable cost principles. Used by NSF

Cost sharing: Contributions toward the non-Federal portion of the total award costs; may include in-kind or cash. Depending on the source and nature of the requirement, terms such as matching and cost participation may also be used to denote cost sharing. Used by DOE, NOAA

Cost-shared contracts/Sub-contracts: Collaboration, through procurement, of mutual benefit to industry and to government. Used by DOE

Council Round: At the NIH, there are at least three, and sometimes four, council rounds each fiscal year: October, January, May, and sometimes August. Application receipt dates, initial review dates, and council review dates all fall within one of these council rounds. Incoming grant applications all are assigned to a council round. Used by NIH

Countersigned Award: a Financial Assistance Award which has been signed by both the NOAA Grants Officer, and subsequently by the recipient - Used by NOAA

Critique: An overall evaluation of a grant application prepared by a reviewer before an initial peer review meeting and presented to a Scientific Review Group at the meeting. Used by NIH

Cross Discipline Solicitation: A Cross Discipline solicitation has participation by two or more NASA Organizations at any level in the hierarchy. The organization initiating the cross discipline solicitation is the sponsor and adds the participating organization(s) as appropriate. Used by NASA

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D

Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS): The DUNS number is a unique nine-digit number assigned by Dun and Bradstreet Information Services. It is recognized as the universal standard for identifying and keeping track of more than 92 million businesses worldwide. Grants.gov requires a DUNS number for registration. Used by ALL AGENCIES

Date of Completion: The date on which all work under an award is completed or the date on the award document, or any supplement or amendment thereto, on which Federal sponsorship ends. Used by EPA

Deadline Date: Dates after which proposals will not be accepted for review by NSF. Used by NSF

Dear Colleague Letter: Intended to provide general information to the community, clarify or amend an existing policy or document, or inform the NSF proposer community about upcoming opportunities or special competitions for supplements to existing awards. In addition, they are often used to draw attention to an impending change in NSF policies or programs. Used by NSF

Debarment: A long-term exclusion of an organization or individual from participation in government programs. In most instances, the organization or individual is ineligible to apply for or receive financial assistance awards. Used by ALL AGENCIES

Decision Official: Used by EPA – see also Approval Official

Declination: A PI whose proposal for support has been declined will receive information and an explanation of the reason(s) for declination along with copies of the reviews considered in making the decision. Used by NSF, DOE, NASA – see also Rejection

Deferred: Refers to the delay in the review of an application by a scientific review group, usually to the next review cycle, due to insufficient information. Used by NIH

Department of Energy (DOE): a federal agency, whose overarching mission is to advance the national, economic, and energy security of the United States; to promote scientific and technological innovation in support of that mission; and to ensure the environmental cleanup of the national nuclear weapons complex. The Department's strategic goals to achieve the mission are designed to deliver results along five strategic themes: 1) Energy Security, 2) Nuclear Security, 3) Scientific Discovery and Innovation, 4) Environmental Responsibility and 5) Management Excellence. http://www.energy.gov/

Direct Costs: Costs that can be specifically associated with an activity or item under an award (e.g., travel, salary, equipment). Used by ALL AGENCIES

Disallowed Costs: Those charges to an award that the Federal awarding agency determines to be unallowable, in accordance with the applicable Federal cost principles or other terms and conditions contained in the award. Used by EPA

Discretionary Grant: An award made at the discretion of a Federal agency, subject to conditions specified by the authorizing legislation. Typically, a discretionary grant involves the funding agency establishing program requirements through a Federal Register Notice. Used by NOAA

Division Director: Responsible for long-range planning, contributing to the NSF’s strategic goals and objectives; providing stewardship for budgetary and other resources; and overseeing merit review of proposals and the award process, if his/her Division is part of a Program Directorate. Used by NSF

Division of Acquisition and Cooperative Support (DACS): Provides acquisition and cooperative agreement award support for NSF. The Contracts Branch is responsible for planning, solicitation, negotiation, award and administration of research and research support contracts for NSF. The Cooperative Support Office (CSO) is responsible for planning, solicitation, negotiation, award and administration of cooperative agreements for FFRDCs, major research facilities and various science, technology, engineering and education center programs. Used by NSF

Division of Extramural Activities Support (DEAS): Provides centralized support activities for grants management, program and peer review activities. Before the advent of DEAS, these activities were carried out by extramural staff located at individual Institutes and Centers. Used by NIH

Division of Grants and Agreements (DGA): Provides stewardship of the federal funding awarded by NSF and is responsible for business, financial, and administrative assistance across the continuum of awards from pre-award through closeout. Only an NSF Grants and Agreements Officer has the delegated authority to approve grants, cooperative agreements or other assistance awards that will obligate NSF funds for expenditure by the awardee for proposed project activities. Used by NSF

Division of Institution and Award Support (DIAS): Responsible for the development and implementation of proposal and award policies & procedures, clearance of NSF proposal-generating documents, risk assessment and post-award monitoring activities, cost analysis and award support, audit resolution, electronic award and systems administration, and outreach to the external community. Used by NSF

Dual Assignments: Applications simultaneously assigned to two Institutes, Centers, or Divisions. The primary Institute has complete responsibility for administering and funding the application; the secondary assumes this responsibility only if the primary is unable or unwilling to support it. Used by NIH

Dual Review System: Peer review process Used by NIH. The first level of review provides a judgment of scientific merit. The second level of review (usually conducted by an ICD's advisory Council) assesses the quality of the first review, sets program priorities, and makes funding recommendations. Used by NIH

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E

Early-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER): Funding mechanism to support exploratory work in its early stages on untested, but potentially transformative research ideas or approaches. May be considered especially “high risk-high payoff” in that it, e.g., involves radically different approaches, applies new expertise or engages novel disciplinary or interdisciplinary perspectives. Used by NSF

Earmark: A requirement by Congress that a Federal Agency spend a specified amount of money for a stated purpose (e.g. to establish a centers program or conduct a clinical trial). Used by ALL AGENCIES – see also Congressional Earmark

Edison: NIH's electronic invention reporting system. Used by NIH

Education/training: Support for education or related activities for an individual or organization that will enhance education levels and skills in particular scientific or technical areas of interest to DOE. Used by DOE

Electronic Research Administration (eRA): The NIH's infrastructure for conducting interactive electronic transactions for the receipt, review, monitoring, and administration of NIH grant awards to biomedical and behavioral investigators worldwide. Registration is required. Used by NIH

Encourage / Discourage Decisions: Used when the NSF decision made on a preliminary proposal is advisory only. Submitters of both favorably and unfavorably reviewed preliminary proposals are eligible to submit full proposals. Used by NSF

E/PO Solicitation: An E/PO solicitation is for Education and Public Outreach services. Response to this solicitation is limited to only those who have been awarded a prior research solicitation, since the work to be performed under this E/PO work will augment the research. Used by NASA

Equipment: An article of nonexpendable, tangible, personal property having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost which exceeds the capitalization level established by the organization for financial purposes or $5,000. Used by NOAA

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for leading US efforts in environmental science, research, education and assessment. Their mission is to protect human health and the environment. The EPA implements Congressional environmental laws by writing and enforcing regulations, and by setting national standards which states enforce through their own regulations. Almost half of the EPA annual budget of around $9-10 billion goes into grants & fellowships given to state environmental programs, non-profits, educational institutions and others, to help them achieve their mission. http://www.epa.gov/

Expiration Date: The date signifying the end of the current budget period, after which the grantee is not authorized to obligate grant funds regardless of the ending date of the project period or "completion date." Used by NIH

Extension: An amendment of an award which would otherwise expire, to provide additional time and, if appropriate, additional funds for completion of project activities. Used by DOE

Extramural Awards: Funds provided by the NIH to researchers and organizations outside the NIH. Used by NIH

Extramural Research: Research supported by NIH through a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement. Used by NIH

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F

Facilities and Administrative Costs (F&A): Costs that are incurred by a grantee for common or joint objectives and cannot be identified specifically with a particular project or program. Used by NIH – see also Indirect Costs

FastLane System: Uses Internet/Web technology to facilitate the way NSF does business with the research, education, and related communities. The NSF FastLane System may be used for proposal preparation, file update, submission and status checking, project reporting, and post-award administrative activities (https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov). Used by NSF

Federal Funding Opportunity (FFO): the document explaining how a competitive applicant should apply for financial assistance. The Federal Program Officer creates the FFO in Grants Online, and it is posted on Grants.gov. Used by NOAA, NSF

Federal Program Officer (FPO): the individual in the awarding agency responsible for the technical, scientific, or substantive program requirements of the award program. Used by NOAA, NSF

Federal Technology Transfer Act (FTTA): Authorizes Government Agencies to enter into Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) with private companies. Used by ALL AGENCIES – see Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs)

Field Readers: A merit review mechanism utilized by the Office of Science whereby individuals are sent grant applications for review and comment. Field readers may also be used as an adjunct review committee. Used by DOE

Final Proposal Revision (FPR): After completion of negotiations, offerors are asked to submit a final proposal revision which documents all cost and technical agreements reached during negotiations. Used by NIH

Final Reports: A final report summarizing the entire project must be submitted by the recipient within 90 days after the final project period ends or the award is terminated. Satisfactory completion of an award will be contingent upon the receipt of this report. Used by DOE

Financial Assistance (Award): The official document which authorizes the transfer of money or property to a recipient or sub-recipient to accomplish a public purpose of support or stimulation through grants or cooperative agreements and sub-awards. In DOE, it does not include direct loans, loan guarantees, price guarantees, purchase agreements, Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs), or any other type of financial incentive instrument. Used by DOE, NOAA, NIH

Financial Awards: Competitive grants for energy-related research and development, innovations and inventions. Used by DOE

Fiscal Year: The annual period established for Government accounting purposes. A Fiscal Year begins on October 1 and ends September 30 of the following year. Example: FY2008 – Started October 1, 2007 and ended September 30, 2008. Used by ALL AGENCIES

Fixed Amount Award: A type of grant used in certain programs and situations under which NSF agrees to provide a specific level of support without regard to actual costs incurred under the project. Used by NSF

Foreign Component: The performance of any significant scientific element or segment of a project outside of the United States, either by the grantee or by a researcher employed by a foreign organization, whether or not grant funds are expended. Used by NIH

Formal Amendment: A written modification of an assistance agreement signed by both the Award Official and the authorized representative of the recipient. Used by EPA

Full-Time Appointment: The number of days per week and/or months per year representing full-time effort at the applicant/grantee organization, as specified in organizational policy. The organization's policy must be applied consistently regardless of the source of support. Used by NIH

Funding Authority: The statutory legislation that specifically authorizes the funding agency to make financial assistance awards for specified purposes; all awards must have an appropriate funding authority. Used by NOAA

Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA): A document which requests the submission of applications for financial assistance and which describes program objectives, recipient and project eligibility requirements, desired performance activity, evaluation criteria, award terms and conditions, and other relevant information about the financial assistance opportunity. Used by DOE, NIH, NASA – see also Notice of Availability, Solicitation, NASA Research Announcement (NRA)

Future Funding: Applicants may be asked to list expected resources of continuing funding after the conclusion of the project; a list of other sources and amounts of funding obtained for the project may also be required. Used by EPA

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G

Grant: a type of assistance award and a legal instrument which permits an executive agency of the US Federal government to transfer money, property, services or other things of value to a grantee when no substantial involvement is anticipated between the agency and the recipient during the performance of the contemplated activity. Used by ALL AGENCIES - see also Assistance Agreement, Award, Cooperative Agreement, Grant Agreement

Grant Agreement: An assistance agreement that does not substantially involve EPA in the project and where the recipient has the authority and capability to complete all elements of the program (does not include fellowships). Used by EPA - see also Assistance Agreement

Grant Application: A written request for financial assistance. Used by DOE

Grantee (Awardee): The organization, individual, or other entity that receives a grant and assumes legal and financial responsibility and accountability both for the awarded funds and for the performance of the grant-supported activity. NSF grants are normally made to organizations rather than to individual Principal Investigator / Project Director(s). Used by NSF, EPA, NIH - see also Recipient

Grants Competition Advocate (GCA): The senior official responsible for administering and overseeing implementation of, and compliance with the requirements of the EPA Policy for Competition of Assistance Agreements. Used by EPA

Grants Competition Disputes Decision Official (GCDDO): An individual(s) who was not involved in the assistance agreement competition and is from outside of the Program Office conducting the competition, designated to resolve assistance agreement competition-related disputes. Used by EPA

Grants-funding Divisions: Offices for the various disciplines and fields of science and engineering and for science, math, engineering and technology education. Used by NSF

Grants.gov: A single Government-wide portal for finding and applying for US Federal grants online (http://www.grants.gov). DOE requires all grant applications to be submitted through Grants.gov. Used by NSF, EPA, DOE, NOAA, NIH

Grants Management Office (GMO): The Headquarters and Regional units responsible for all business management aspects associated with the review and negotiation of applications, the award of assistance agreements, and the post award monitoring and administration of funded projects through audit resolution and final close out. Used by EPA

Grants Management Officer (GMO): An NIH official responsible for the business management aspects of grants and cooperative agreements, including review, negotiation, award, and administration, and for the interpretation of grants administration policies and provisions. Only GMOs are authorized to obligate NIH to the expenditure of funds and permit changes to approved projects on behalf of NIH. Used by NIH

Grants Management Specialist (GMS): The individual who works in support of the Grants (Management) Officer. At NOAA, the GMS staff is responsible for working with the Federal Program Officer and applicant to process an award and ensure that the administrative requirements of the award are met and that the official file is up-to-date. At NIH, the GMS staff oversees the business and other non-programmatic aspects of one or more grants and/or cooperative agreements, including evaluating grant applications for administrative content and compliance with regulations, and negotiating grants. Used by NOAA, NIH

Grants Officer: The Chief of NOAA’s Grants Management Division (GMD) who signs Financial Assistance Awards as well as other official documents emanating from the GMD. Used by NOAA, NASA

Grants Online: NOAA’s web-based system to award and track grants, but NOT to draw down funds (see ASAP). Used by NOAA

Grants Specialist: The official designated in an assistance agreement as the federal agency’s administrative contact with the recipient. The grants specialist provides “cradle to grave” administrative guidance to recipients and Project Officers; reviews and approves the administrative portion of the application; prepares the assistance agreement; evaluates effectiveness/compliance with administrative conditions, performs post award management activities and closes out assistance agreements. Used by EPA

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H

High Risk / High Impact (HR/HI): A category of applications identified by a scientific review group as having a high degree of uncertainty in approach but also a high potential for impact. NIH tracks how many of these applications are identified and funded. Used by NIH

High Risk Recipient: A recipient found to be out of compliance with award terms and conditions. Funding agencies designate a recipient as such until such time as the recipient demonstrates it has overcome problems that precluded it from complying with award terms and conditions. Used by NOAA

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I

Informal Amendment: Proposed project change which does not substantially alter the objective or scope of the project. Used by EPA

Indirect Costs: Costs that are incurred for common or joint objectives which, therefore, cannot be identified specifically with a particular project. Commonly known as overhead, or the costs for basic operational functions (e.g., lights, rent, water, insurance). Used by ALL AGENCIES – see also Facilities and Administrative Costs (F&A)

Initiative: A request for applications (RFA), request for proposals (RFP), or program announcement (PA) stating the Institute or Center's interest in receiving research applications in a given area because of a programmatic need or scientific opportunity. RFAs and RFPs generally have monies set aside to fund the applications responding to them; program announcements generally do not. Used by NIH

In-Kind Contribution: The value of a non-cash contribution to meet a recipient’s cost sharing requirements. An in kind contribution may consist of charges for real property and equipment or the value of goods and services directly benefitting the EPA funded project. Used by EPA

In-Kind Cost Share: A recipient fulfilling its cost share obligations by a contribution of resources other than cash. Examples of in-kind cost-share include the use of the recipient=s equipment or, alternatively, staff time paid for by private sources. Used by NOAA

Institute / Center (I/C): The NIH organizational component responsible for a particular program or set of activities. Used by NIH

Interactive Research Project Grant (IRPG): An award made to two or more investigators funded independently as grantees but brought together as a collaborative group receiving additional support for collaborative work, shared resources, or the exchange of ideas. Used by NIH

Interagency Agreement: Formal agreement among government agencies to collaborate on and fund research. Used by ALL AGENCIES

Intramural Research: Research conducted by, or in support of, employees of the NIH. Used by NIH

Introduction of the Organization: A description of an applicant’s organization and its past, present and projected operations; should be used to build credibility for the proposer’s organization. Used by EPA

Investigator-Initiated Research: Research funded as a result of an investigator, on his or her own, submitting a research application - also known as unsolicited research or Unsolicited Proposals. Used by NIH

Invite/Not Invite Decisions: Used when the NSF decision made on a preliminary proposal is final, affecting the PI’s eligibility to submit a full proposal. Used by NSF

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L

Lead Agency Official: Assistant Administrator, Regional Administrator or for purposes of the Office of the Administrator, the Deputy Chief of Staff or equivalent official, responsible for an assistance agreement or program. Used by EPA

Letter of Intent: Some program solicitations require or request submission of a letter of intent (LOI) in advance of submission of a full proposal. A LOI is not binding, and helps program staff to gauge the size and range of the competition, enabling earlier selection and better management of reviewers and panelists. In addition, the information contained in a LOI is used to help avoid potential conflicts of interest in the review process. Used by NSF

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M

Match (or Matching) Funds: The portion of allowable project costs that a recipient is required to contribute to a federally funded project (sometimes determined by statute). The match may include in-kind as well as cash contributions – also known as “cost sharing.” Used by EPA, NOAA, NIH

Mechanism: Extramural research awards are divided into three main funding mechanisms: grants, cooperative agreements and contracts. A funding mechanism is the type of funded application or transaction used at the NIH. Programs are areas within the funding mechanisms – also known as “award mechanism,” or financial assistance mechanism,” or “support mechanism.” Used by NIH

Merit Review: Overall process for the selection of projects for funding by the NSF. All NSF proposals are evaluated through use of two National Science Board approved merit review criteria: 1) intellectual merit and 2) broader impacts of the proposed activity. Peer reviewers are asked to address only those considerations that are relevant to the proposal being considered and for which the reviewer is qualified to make judgments. Used by NSF – see also Peer Review

Merit Review System: The process an application undergoes to determine eligibility and scientific/technical importance based on Office of Science stated evaluation criteria. Used by DOE – see also Peer Review

Monitoring: A process whereby the programmatic and business management performance aspects of a grant are reviewed by assessing information gathered from various required reports, audits, site visits, and other sources. Used by NIH

Multiple Principal Investigator Awards: Individual research awards in which more than one Principal Investigator (PI) is identified by the applicant or institution. Used by NIH

Multi-Proposal Solicitation: Often referred to as Proposal I, Proposal II Solicitations, these solicitations invite discrete proposals (which can vary in structure) with different due dates. Used by NASA

Multi-year Awards: Awards made for periods that exceed one year. Frequently, an award is made for three years, but funding is provided on annual basis, or a continuation of funding is made available in subsequent years. Multi-year awards may not exceed five years. Used by NOAA

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N

NASA Research Announcement (NRA): One of two types of Broad Agency Announcement to solicit proposals for basic and applied research - Used by NASA – see also Announcement of Opportunity (AO)

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA): NASA is an independent US Federal Agency, whose mission is to pioneer the future of space exploration, scientific discovery and aeronautics research. NASA funds basic and applied research in many areas in addition to aeronautics. These areas include (but are not limited to) astronomy, ITC, physics and astrophysics, microgravity research, materials, biology and biotechnology, environmental sciences, engineering and robotics, and human health and psychology. http://www.nasa.gov/

National Institutes of Health (NIH): A Federal agency whose mission is to improve the health of the people of the United States. NIH is a part of the Public Health Service, which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.nih.gov/

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): A Bureau of the Department of Commerce, NOAA is the US federal agency responsible for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, fisheries management and supporting marine commerce. Its mission to “understand and predict changes in the Earth’s environment and conserve and manage marine and coastal resources to meet US economic, social and environmental needs,” is centered on four mission goal areas: 1) Ecosystems, 2) Climate, 3) Weather and Water, and 4) Commerce and Transportation. NOAA manages a multidisciplinary science program to support its mission, which focuses on research with a high relevance to society, e.g., air quality, drought, ocean acidification, hurricanes and climate. http://www.noaa.gov/

National Science Board: Provides oversight for, and establishes the policies of, NSF within the framework of applicable national policies set forth by the President and the Congress. The Board identifies issues that are critical to NSF’s future; approves NSF’s strategic budget directions along with annual budget submissions, new programs & major awards; analyzes NSF’s budget to ensure progress and consistency along the strategic direction set for NSF, and ensures balance between initiatives and core programs. The Board also serves as an independent body of advisors to both the President and Congress on broad national policy issues and, together with the Director, recommends and encourages the pursuit of national policies related to science and engineering research and education. The Board is composed of 24 members appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Used by NSF

National Science Foundation (NSF): The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent, US, federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense…" NSF is the funding source for approximately 20% of all federally supported basic research conducted by America’s colleges and universities, and is responsible for the overall health of science and engineering across all disciplines. http://www.nsf.gov/

Negotiation: The process of give and take by assistance Project Officers and applicants to agree on work plans and funds available to carry out the work plan activities. Used by EPA

NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts: The official publication for NIH’s medical and behavioral research grants policies, guidelines and funding opportunities. Used by NIH

Non-Competing Continuation: A year of continued support for a funded grant. Progress reports for continued support do not undergo peer review but are administratively reviewed by the Institute/Center and receive an award based on prior award commitments. Used by NIH

Non-Competing Grant: An ongoing grant whose award is contingent on the completion of a progress report as the condition for the release of money for the following year. Used by NIH

Noncompetitive Award: This term refers to a selection of a grantee or subcontractor without full and open competition. Only under certain, select circumstances are noncompetitive awards permitted. Selection processes that do not solicit competition require the Federal funding agency (if a grant) to justify why the award was made on a noncompetitive basis. Used by NOAA

Nondiscretionary Award: A financial assistance award, authorized by a statute that specifically names the intended recipient or that specifically limits the eligibility to a particular class of organizations. Used by NOAA

Notice of Availability: Used by DOE - see Funding Opportunity Announcement

Notice of Financial Assistance Award (NFAA): Issued by the DOE and signed by the Contracting Officer, serves as notification of an award. No commitment of funds may be made until the NFAA has been received by the applicant. Used by DOE

Not Recommended for Further Consideration (NRFC): A judgment made by a scientific review group for applications when the merit of the proposed research is not significant and substantial enough to warrant a further review. The study section does not recommend funding; the application cannot be funded by an Institute. Used by NIH

NSPIRES: the web interface that most scientists use to submit proposals to the NASA Science Mission Directorate. Used by NASA

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O

Obligations: Transactions that will require payment sometime in the future. For award purposes, some agencies consider funds to be obligated when an award is signed, while others require posting to agency accounts. Used by ALL AGENCIES

Offeror: A contracting term denoting an applicant responding to a Request for Proposal (RFP). Used by NIH

Office of Inspector General (OIG): An independent oversight office that reports directly to Congress and other interested parties, e.g., the National Science Board. It is responsible for conducting audits, reviews, and investigations of the programs of federal agencies, and organizations that receive agency funding. OIG also evaluates allegations of research misconduct, such as plagiarism or the falsification or fabrication of data, involving researchers who request or receive federal funding. Used by ALL AGENCIES

Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Executive Branch office assisting the U.S. president in preparing the Federal budget, evaluating agency programs and policies, and setting funding priorities. In setting policy, OMB issues Government-wide policy directives, called circulars that apply to grants. Used by ALL AGENCIES

Office of Science Grants and Contracts Division (GCD): Serves as the principal acquisition, financial assistance (grants and cooperative agreements) and contract/grant management advisor to the Director of Science. Used by DOE

Office of the General Counsel (OGC): Acts as legal advisor and advocate for NSF, providing legal advice and assistance on all aspects of NSF’s programs, policies, and operations, as well as areas affecting science and technology more broadly. Advice is provided in a wide variety of areas, including: contracts and grants; intellectual property; ethics and conflicts of interest; and the Freedom of Information Act. Used by NSF

Open competition: A competition open to all potentially eligible applicants identified under the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) program description number that applies to the announcement and competition. Open competition is the EPA’s preferred method of competition for all assistance agreements and is required when the estimated total amount of funding expected to be awarded under an announcement exceeds $100,000. Used by EPA

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P

Parent Announcement: Funding opportunity announcement enabling applicants to submit an electronic investigator-initiated grant application for a single grant mechanism. Used by NIH

Payline: A percentile-based funding cutoff point determined at the beginning of the fiscal year by balancing the projected number of applications coming to an NIH Institute with the amount of funds available. Used by NIH

Peer Review: the evaluation of a product by experts in that field who were not involved in that product's development, is a critical tool Used by EPA to ensure that only high-quality, sound science is released and/or Used by the Agency. Used by EPA, NOAA, NASA, NIH – see also Merit Review

Peer Reviewer: A Peer Reviewer is an expert in a scientific discipline, and, as such, may be asked to review one or more proposals and submit an evaluation. The reviewer may additionally be asked to meet with other reviewers in a panel to discuss evaluations of each proposal and make recommendations to NASA as to which proposal(s) should be selected for award. Used by NASA, EPA

Percentile: Represents the relative position or rank of each priority score (along a 100.0 percentile band) among the scores assigned by a particular study section. Used by NIH

Performing Organization: The place where the project work is to be performed, if other than where the grant award is made - Used by NSF

Personnel Exchange Programs: Government or laboratory staff can work in industry facilities, and industry personnel can work in government facilities, to enhance technical capacities and support research. Used by DOE

Phased Solicitation: A phased solicitation requests proposals be submitted in stages. There is a review after each phase. These are sometimes referred to as Step 1 and Step 2 proposals, or as pre-proposals and proposals. Phase I proposals are reviewed first, then the PIs are encouraged or discouraged to submit Phase II proposals. Used by NASA

Pre-application: An optional vehicle that constitutes a potential applicant's intent to submit a formal grant application. At NIH, it is used to determine the applicant’s eligibility, how well the project can compete with other applications, and eliminate proposals for which there is little or no chance of funding. At DOE, a pre-application allows the potential applicant to receive a response from the cognizant Office of Science program office regarding the suitability of the proposed research project to SC's interests. Used by DOE, NIH

Preliminary Proposal: Some NSF program solicitations require or request submission of a preliminary proposal in advance of submission of a full proposal. The predominant reasons for requiring a preliminary proposal are to reduce unnecessary effort for the proposer(s) and to increase the overall quality of the full submission. Used by NSF

Principal Investigator (PI): The lead individual and technical contact, responsible for the scientific or technical direction of the project. If more than one, the first one listed will have primary responsibility for the project and the submission of reports. All others listed are considered co-PI/PD, and share in the responsibility of the scientific or technical direction of the project. The term "Principal Investigator" generally is used in research projects, while the term "Project Director" generally is used in science and engineering education and other projects. Used by NSF, EPA (see Project Manager), DOE, NOAA, NIH, NASA

Prior Approval: This term refers to the requirement that recipients request in writing from the funding agency authorization to make certain changes to the award agreement. Such changes include extending the length of the award, changes to the budget and the statement of work. Used by NOAA, NIH

Priority Score: A numerical rating of an application reflecting the scientific merit of the proposed research relative to stated evaluation criteria. Used by NIH

Problem Statement: A key element of the proposal, used to describe the problem to be overcome using the grant funding; sometimes known as a “needs assessment.” Used by EPA

Program: A coherent assembly of plans, project activities, and supporting resources contained within an administrative framework, the purpose of which is to implement an organization’s mission or some specific program-related aspect of that mission. Used by ALL AGENCIES

Program Announcement: One of the primary mechanisms to communicate opportunities for research and education support, as well as to generate proposals in stated scientific areas. At NSF, the term refers to formal NSF publications that announce NSF programs. Used by NSF, NIH

Program Description: A mechanism used to generate proposals. Includes broad, general descriptions of programs and activities in NSF Directorates/Offices and Divisions. Program descriptions are often posted on Directorate/Division websites to encourage the submission of proposals in specific program areas of interest to NSF. Used by NSF

Program Divisions/Offices: Responsible for the scientific, technical and programmatic review and evaluation of proposals, and for recommending which proposals are declined or awarded. Used by NSF

Program Income: Money that is generated by an award funded activity or product. For example, if a manual is produced with award funding and is sold to the public during the project period, all monies derived from the sale of the manual must be declared to the funding agency as program income. Used by NOAA

Program Officer: Conducts merit review of proposals and recommends which projects should be supported by the NSF. They are considered subject matter experts and they often provide technical and programmatic advice. Used by NSF, NASA

Program Official: The official responsible for the programmatic, scientific, and/or technical aspects of a grant. Used by NIH

Program Solicitation: A mechanism used to generate proposals. Refers to formal NSF publications that encourage the submission of proposals in specific program areas of interest to NSF. They generally are more focused than program announcements, and normally apply for a limited period of time. Competition among proposals is more precisely defined than with program announcements, and proposals received compete directly with each other for NSF funding. Used by NSF

Project: Activities described in a grant application. Used by DOE

Project Director (PD): Used by NSF - see Principal Investigator (PI)

Project Evaluation: Applicants develop the evaluation criteria to evaluate progress towards project goals. Used by EPA

Project Grants: The funding, for fixed or known periods, of specific projects or the delivery of specific services or products, without liability for damages for failure to perform. Project grants include fellowships, scholarships, research grants, training grants, traineeships, experimental and demonstration grants, evaluation grants, planning grants, technical assistance grants, survey grants, construction grants, and unsolicited contractual agreements. Used by EPA

Project Manager: The researcher, business officer, or other person authorized and designated by the recipient to serve as its principal contact with EPA. Used by EPA - see also Principal Investigator

Project Manager: Responsible for reviewing grant applications for technical/scientific merit and program policy factors. Also submit applications to qualified reviewers for evaluation. Used by DOE

Project Methods or Design: An outline of the tasks that will be accomplished with the available resources; often structured as a timeline. Used by EPA

Project Narrative: Used by EPA - see Work plan/Work program

Project Objectives: A description of the specific, measurable goals of the project, including an explanation of the expected results and benefits of each objective. It should list the specific criteria of the grant program and then describe how the proposal meets each criterion. Used by EPA

Project Officer (PO): At EPA, this is the official designated in the assistance agreement as EPA's program contact with the recipient. Project Officers are responsible for monitoring the programmatic aspects of the project and must have completed a PO training class and be certified. At NIH, the PO is an Institute staff member who coordinates the substantive aspects of a contract from planning the request for proposal to oversight. Used by EPA, NIH

Project Period: The official, approved time period, during which the federal agency expects to provide financial assistance. A project period may consist of one or more budget periods and may be extended in certain circumstances. Used by DOE, NOAA, NIH, EPA

Project Summary: Used by NSF – see also Proposal Summary

Proposal: Description of a potential research, education or training project, submitted by organizations on behalf of individuals or groups for support in most fields of research; used interchangeably with the word ‘application.’ Used by ALL AGENCIES

Proposal Summary: Appears at the beginning of the proposal and outlines the project; it can take the form of a cover letter or a separate page and consist of no more than two or three paragraphs. Used by EPA, NASA – see also Project Summary

Proprietary or Privileged Information: Patentable ideas, trade secrets, privileged or confidential commercial or financial information included in a proposal only when such information is necessary to convey an understanding of the proposed project. Such information is clearly marked in the proposal as ‘proprietary or confidential’ with an accompanying statement. Used by ALL AGENCIES

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R

R&D Consortia: Arrangements involving multiple federal and nonfederal parties working together for a common R&D objective. Funding for R&D consortia may be shared. Used by DOE

Rebuttal: Procedure for contesting the peer review of a grant application. Used by NIH – see also Appeal, Reconsideration Process

Recipient: The organization, individual or other entity which receives an award from a federal agency and is financially accountable for the use of any federal funds or property provided for the performance of the project, and is legally responsible for carrying out the terms and conditions of the award. Used by DOE, NOAA, EPA, NIH, NASA - see also Grantee

Recommended: Designation given by a study section advising that an application be funded; the application gets a priority score and summary statement. Roughly the top half of applications being reviewed are recommended for funding. Used by NIH

Re-Competing: A grant whose term (e.g., four years) is over, and for which the applicant is again seeking support. Used by NIH

Reconsideration Process: An applicant whose proposal has been declined may ask the cognizant NSF Program Officer or the cognizant Division Director for information over and above the explanatory materials received with the declination notice. If the PI/PD is not satisfied that the proposal was fairly handled and reasonably reviewed, he/she may request reconsideration by the responsible Assistant Director (AD) or Office Head. An organization (or an unaffiliated PI/PD) still not satisfied after reconsideration by the responsible AD/Office Head may request further reconsideration by the Deputy Director of the NSF. The decision made by the Deputy Director is final. Used by NSF– see also Appeal, Rebuttal

Rejection: Proposals not resulting in an award. A notification letter, citing the reason(s) for the proposal’s lack of success, is sent to the individual who made the submission. Used by NASA – see also Declination

Renewal: An extension for an additional funding/budget period for a project having no projected completion date, but for which Federal support must be renewed each year. Used by EPA, NSF, NASA – see also Renewal Award, Competing Renewal

Renewal Award: Used by DOE - see also Renewal

Renewal Progress Report: A description of the results of work accomplished through the date of a renewal application. Renewal applications are typically submitted to the Project Officer no later than six months prior to the scheduled expiration of the project period. Used by DOE

Renewal Proposal: A request for additional funding for a support period subsequent to that provided by a standard or continuing grant. Used by NSF

RePORT Expenditures and Results (RePORTER) Query Tool: A searchable biomedical database of federally-supported proposed research conducted at universities, hospitals, and other research institutions. Used by NIH

Request for Applications (RFA): Used by EPA, NOAA, NIH – see also Requests for Proposals (RFP)

Request for Initial Proposals (RFIP): An announcement that informs the public or appropriate eligible applicants of an assistance agreement competition typically consisting of: (1) the submission of initial applications/proposals that are reviewed and evaluated and results in the determination by the Agency of which initial applications /proposals merit further consideration; (2) the submission of final applications /proposals by the applicants whose initial applications/proposals merited further consideration; (3) the review and evaluation of the final applications /proposals; and (4) the selection of applicants to receive awards after the review and evaluation of the final applications/proposals. Used by EPA

Request for Proposals (RFP): An announcement that informs the public or appropriate eligible applicants of an assistance agreement competition (often to meet specific program purposes), and invites the submission of detailed applications / proposals that are reviewed & evaluated, and upon which selection decisions are made. Used by ALL AGENCIES - see Requests for Applications (RFA)

Research Grants: Extramural awards made for Other Research Grants, Research Centers, Research Projects, and SBIR/STTRs. Used by ALL AGENCIES

Research Project Grant (RPG): Supports discrete, specified, circumscribed projects to be performed by named investigators in areas representing their specific interest and competencies. Used by NIH

Research Supplement: Monies adding funds to an existing grant to support and promote diversity, people with disabilities, and people returning to work from family responsibilities. Used by NIH

Review Cycle: Refers to the Center for Scientific Review's thrice yearly initial peer review cycle, from the receipt of applications to the date of the review. Used by NIH

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S

Scientific Review Group (SRG): The first level of a two-stage peer review system. These legislatively mandated panels of subject matter experts are established according to scientific discipline or medical specialty. Their primary function is the review and rating of research grant applications for scientific and technical merit. They make recommendations for the appropriate level of support and duration of award. Used by NIH

Scientific Review Officer (SRO): A Federal scientist who presides over a scientific review group and is responsible for coordinating and reporting the review of each application assigned to it. The SRO serves as an intermediary between the applicant and reviewers and prepares summary statements for all applications reviewed. Used by NIH

Selected: A proposal status indicating the proposal has been selected for consideration of an award. Used by NASA

Selecting Official: Person within the Office of Science authorized to select applications for award, based upon merit review, the importance and relevance of the proposed project to the Office of Science missions and funding availability. Cost reasonableness and realism will also be considered to the extent appropriate. Used by DOE

Signing Official (SO): an individual with institutional authority to legally bind the institution in grants administration matters - the individual fulfilling this role may have any number of titles in the grantee organization - Used by NIH

Simplified Competition: A competition among a number of the potentially eligible applicants that apply to a funding announcement; simplified competition may be permitted when the estimated total amount of funding expected to be awarded under an announcement does not exceed $100,000, which is the “simplified competition threshold.” Used by EPA

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR): A program designed to support small business concerns conducting innovative research/research & development with potential for commercialization. Used by ALL AGENCIES

Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR): A program designed to support cooperative research/research & development with potential for commercialization, through a formal cooperative effort between a small business and a U.S. research institution. Used by ALL AGENCIES

Sole Source Award: Used by NOAA - see also Noncompetitive Award

Solicitation: Used by ALL AGENCIES - see Funding Opportunity Announcement

Special Purpose Equipment: Equipment used only for research, medical, or other technical activities. Used by DOE

Special Reports: A report from the award recipient to the DOE Project Officer detailing the following events: 1) problems, delays or adverse conditions which will materially affect the ability to attain project objectives or goals, 2) favorable developments or events that have an impact on the science or cost of the overall project. Used by DOE

Standard Grant: A type of grant in which NSF agrees to provide a specific level of support for a specified period of time with no statement of NSF intent to provide additional future support without submission of another proposal. Used by NSF

Standing Committees: A merit review mechanism utilized by the Office of Science when required by legislation or when certain conditions prevail, e.g., number of applications is sufficient to justify the use of a committee, sufficient availability and willingness of persons with the required expertise to meet at regular intervals, or the legislative authority for the particular program extends for more than one year. Used by DOE

Statement of Work (SOW): In a contract proposal, the detailed description of the work to be performed under the contract. Used by NIH

Streamlined Review (formerly Triage): In the peer review process, applications judged by a study section to be in the lower half of the applications evaluated in a given review round. These applications are generally not reviewed during the study section meeting, but returned to the applicant with the assigned reviewers' written comments. Used by NIH

Study Section: see Scientific Review Group (SRG) Used by NIH

Sub-award: Sub-awards are awards of financial assistance made by the primary grantee to eligible sub-recipients for the purpose of providing support or stimulation to accomplish a public purpose. This includes financial assistance when provided by any legal agreement, whether it is referred to as a contract or a grant. Used by ALL AGENCIES

Sub-grant: An award of financial assistance in the form of money, or property in lieu of money, made under a grant by a grantee to an eligible subgrantee. Used by ALL AGENCIES

Sub-grantee: The government or other legal entity to which a subgrant is awarded and which is accountable to the grantee for the use of the funds provided. Used by ALL AGENCIES

Submission Window: Designated periods of time during which proposals will be accepted for review. Used by NSF

Sub-recipient: The legal entity to which a subaward is made and which is accountable to the recipient for the use of the funds provided. The term may include foreign or international organizations (such as agencies of the United Nations) at the discretion of the Federal awarding agency. Used by ALL AGENCIES

Success Rate: Indicates the percentage of reviewed RPG applications receiving funding computed on a fiscal year basis. It is determined by dividing the number of competing applications funded by the sum of the total number of competing applications reviewed and the number of funded carryovers. Used by NIH, NSF, DOE

Summary Statement: A combination of the reviewers' written comments and the Scientific Review Officer’s summary of the members' discussion during the study section (peer review) meeting. It includes the recommendations of the study section, a recommended budget, and administrative notes of special considerations. Used by NIH

Supplement: A request for additional funds either for the current operating year or for any future year recommended previously. Used by NIH, NSF

Suspension: An action which temporarily suspends Federal sponsorship of an award, pending corrective action by the recipient or a decision to terminate the grant. All activities under the award must cease, and no costs may be incurred by the recipient during the suspension period. Used by ALL AGENCIES

Synergistic Activities: A list of up to five examples that demonstrate the broader impact of the PI’s professional and scholarly activities that focus on the integration and transfer of knowledge as well as its creation. Used by NSF

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T

Target Date: Dates after which proposals will still be accepted, although they may miss a particular panel or committee meeting. Used by NSF

Targeted Research: Research funded as a result of an Institute set-aside of dollars for a specific scientific area. Institutes solicit applications using research initiatives (RFAs for grants, RFPs for contracts). Targeted research applications are reviewed by chartered peer review committees within Institutes. Used by NIH

Technical Assistance to Small Business: DOE laboratory / facility personnel undertake a response to an inquiry from an individual or organization seeking to further the knowledge, solve a specific problem or improve a process or product. Used by DOE

Technical Monitor: Scientists or experts on a particular subject. The Technical Monitor advises the Federal Program Officer with respect to performance reports, project problems, and accomplishments. Used by NOAA, NASA, DOE

Technical Officer: The official of the cognizant office responsible for monitoring the technical aspects of the work under a cooperative agreement. Used by NASA

Technical Review: The process whereby the merit of a grant application is examined against established evaluation criteria, which define elements key to the successful implementation of the project. Used by NOAA

Technology Partnerships: DOE’s technology transfer and related technology partnering activities are directed towards facilitating the efficient and expeditious development, transfer, and exploitation of federally developed technology for the public benefit and to enhance the accomplishment of DOE missions. Used by DOE

Termination: Cancellation of Federal sponsorship, in whole or in part, of an award at any time prior to the award end date. Used by NOAA, NIH, NSF, DOE

Terms and Conditions (standard): The rights and obligations of the awarding party and the recipient or sub-recipient set forth in statute, regulation, program rules, or otherwise set forth or incorporated by reference in the award or sub-award document. Used by ALL AGENCIES

Traditional Renewal: A proposal developed as fully as though the proposer were applying for the first time. It covers all information required in a proposal for a new project, as well as results from the prior work. Used by NSF

Translational Research: Translational research includes two areas of translation. One is the process of applying discoveries generated during research in the laboratory, and in preclinical studies, to the development of trials and studies in humans. The second area of translation concerns research aimed at enhancing the adoption of best practices in the community. Cost-effectiveness of prevention and treatment strategies is also an important part of translational science. Used by NIH, NSF, DOE

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U

Unscored: In the Center for Scientific Review peer review process, applications judged by a study section to be noncompetitive are generally in the lower half of the applications to be reviewed. These applications are not given a priority score, although they are reviewed and applicants receive a summary statement. Used by NIH

Unsolicited Proposal: A written proposal submitted to an agency by the applicant, but not in response to a specific notice requesting grant proposals; also known as “Unsolicited Research.” Used by ALL AGENCIES

User Facility Agreements: Arrangements permitting private parties to conduct research and development at a laboratory. For proprietary R&D, the laboratory is paid for the full cost. If the work will be published, cost can be adjusted. Intellectual property rights usually belong to the user. Used by DOE

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W

Withdraw: Action taken by an organization that withdraws a submitted proposal from consideration. If a proposal is withdrawn prior to a solicitation's close date, it will be returned to the organizations workspace and it may be edited and resubmitted. Used by NASA

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