Research Data Management

Proposals submitted or due on or after January 18, 2011 must include a supplementary document of no more than two pages labeled “Data Management Plan”. This supplementary document should describe how the proposal will conform to NSF policy on the dissemination and sharing of research results. See Grant Proposal Guide (GPG) Chapter II.C.2.j for full policy implementation.

NSF states that, "if a specific program solicitation provides guidance on preparation of data management plans, such guidance must be followed". If guidance specific to the program is not provided, then the requirements established in a Grant Proposal Guide, Chapter II.C.2.j apply.

Various directorates within NSF have supplementary requirements, as follows:

The Mathematical and Physical Sciences Directorate (MPS) is divided into a series of divisions:

In case you have any questions about the above, consider referring to the following:

You may further wish to consult the application guide provided on the Grants.gov website:

Included in the above is the following:

Important note to applicants: Each application must include a supplementary document of no more than two pages labeled "Data Management Plan" in the attachment name. This supplement should describe how the proposal will conform to NSF policy on the dissemination and sharing of research results (see AAG Chapter VI.D.4), and may include:

1. the types of data, samples, physical collections, software, curriculum materials, and other materials to be produced in the course of the project;
2. the standards to be used for data and metadata format and content (where existing standards are absent or deemed inadequate, this should be documented along with any proposed solutions or remedies);
3. policies for access and sharing including provisions for appropriate protection of privacy, confidentiality, security, intellectual property, or other rights or requirements;
4. policies and provisions for re-use, re-distribution, and the production of derivatives.

The data management plan should facilitate such sharing, and the plan will be considered as part of the overall merit of the grant.