Research.gov

Research.gov. It is a web-based platform developed by the National Science Foundation to modernize and streamline the administration of federally funded scientific research. The system serves as a central portal for proposal submission, award management, and project reporting for researchers and institutions across the United States. It represents a key component of the federal government's effort to enhance research security, improve user experience, and increase operational efficiency within the scientific enterprise.

Overview

The platform consolidates several legacy systems, most notably FastLane, into a single, unified interface for the research community. Its primary function is to manage the lifecycle of NSF awards, from initial application through final reporting. The system is designed to support the agency's mission to promote the progress of science by reducing administrative burden on principal investigators and sponsored projects offices. It integrates with other federal reporting systems to ensure compliance with policies like the Research Performance Progress Report standard.

History and development

Development was initiated to replace the aging FastLane system, which had been in service since the 1990s. A major milestone was the official launch and mandatory use for proposal submissions announced in February 2018. The transition was part of a broader Digital Accountability and Transparency Act initiative across the federal government of the United States to improve IT management. Subsequent releases have continuously added functionality, guided by feedback from the National Science Board and stakeholder communities like the Council on Governmental Relations.

Features and capabilities

Key features include a fully digital proposal preparation and submission module, which supports the Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending Support documentation requirements. The system provides robust award management tools for financial reporting and project oversight, aligning with Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. It incorporates advanced analytics and reporting dashboards for both agency staff and PIs. Enhanced security protocols, developed in consultation with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, help safeguard sensitive research information.

Participating agencies

While primarily managed by the NSF, the platform is designed for cross-agency use. The United States Department of Defense and the United States Department of Energy are among the key federal partners utilizing its shared services for certain research programs. This interagency collaboration supports initiatives like the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative and the CHIPS and Science Act. The governance involves coordination with the Office of Management and Budget and the Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Related systems and integration

The platform is interoperable with several other critical federal research infrastructure systems. It exchanges data with Grants.gov for funding opportunity dissemination and with the System for Award Management for entity validation. For financial assistance reporting, it is integrated with the DoD-managed Payment Management System. It also feeds information into government-wide portals like USASpending.gov under the mandates of the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act. These integrations aim to create a cohesive digital ecosystem for federal Research and development.

Category:National Science Foundation Category:Science and technology in the United States Category:Government websites