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Responsible Conduct of Research

NSF Compliance

In addition to the proposal description, budget, and biosketches, federal funding agencies often require supplemental documentation and certifications when applying for funding. In many cases, the requirement and protocol for compliance is idiosyncratic to the funder. This is a list of RCR-related compliance requirements for NSF, including a brief description of the requirement plus the process and timeline for compliance.

Pre-Submission RCR Requirements

These tasks must complete before WVU can submit the proposal to NSF. Some of these products will be submitted with the proposal, others will be internal documents or records that remain on file at WVU per NSF requirements. 

  • Safe and Inclusive Fieldwork (SAIF) Plans
    Proposals for project with off-campus or off-site research activities will need a SAIF plan. For more information and resources on developing a plan see our SAI Plans page.
  • Conflict of Interest disclosure and training.
    This is a requirement for all PIs and Senior Personnel. For more information and resources see WVU's Conflict of Interest Office.
  • Mentoring plan
    Proposals that request funding to support postdoctoral scholars or graduate students must include a mentoring plan.  Previously, a mentoring plan was required only for postdoctoral students; as of May 20, 2024, this requirement was extended to include graduate students. See Crafting a Competitive Proposal for more information.
  • Data management plan
    Proposals must include a document of no more than two pages uploaded under “Data Management and Sharing Plan” in the supplementary documentation section of research.gov. Per CHIPS and Science Act (2022) the requirements for a data management plan will be changing soon. Researchers are encouraged to contact Research Data, Technology, and Services for a consultation to ensure that their data management plan is compliant and their management and storage needs are accurately reflected in their budget. See the NIH New DMS Policy for more information.
  • Ethical and Societal Considerations: According to the CHIPS and Science Act (Section 10343, 2022), the NSF will soon require ethical and societal consideration to be included as part of a proposal and considered during the review and award decision process. Implementation TBD. 

Post-Submission/Award Initiation RCR Requirements

These tasks must complete before NSF will transfer the funds to WVU, or, in some cases, after NSF has transferred the funds to WVU but before WVU will release the funds to the PI. Some of these products will be submitted to NSF, others will be internal documents or records that remain on file at WVU per NSF requirements.