Proposal Summary Form (PSF) Updates, New Required NSF HERD Survey Data Fields and Limited Submission Opportunity
Sponsored Programs has released an updated Proposal Summary Form (PSF).
NSF HERD Survey Reporting
As part of Boston University’s ongoing efforts to improve the accuracy and efficiency of NSF Higher Education Research & Development (HERD) Survey reporting, two new required fields have been added to the Proposal Summary Form (PSF):
- NSF Research Type
- NSF Category Code
These fields support BU’s NSF HERD Survey reporting requirements and are now required for all proposals submitted through the PSF. Collecting this information at the proposal stage will improve data quality, reduce the need for follow-up outreach, and streamline institutional reporting processes.
To assist with completing these fields, the PSF includes links to:
For proposals that are not research-related, users should select “Not Applicable” for both fields. Please note that “Not Applicable” cannot be selected for NSF Research Type or NSF Category Code if “Research” or “Research Training” is selected as the Activity Type in the Application Information section.
Principal Investigators, departmental administrators, and proposal preparers should review these new fields carefully and ensure they are completed accurately prior to submission. Accurate classification at the time of proposal submission helps support university-wide research reporting and minimizes delays associated with post-submission data validation.
Questions regarding NSF Research Type or NSF Category Code classifications may be directed to the Strategic Financial Initiatives team. Please contact Julia Leone or Tommy Nunez. Additional information about the NSF HERD Survey is available on the NSF HERD Survey Information page.
Limited Submission Opportunity
A Limited Submission Opportunity check box has been added to the PSF to better track Limited Submission Opportunities. All Limited Submission Opportunities are required to include approval from the Office of Research as part of the application. Questions regarding Limited Submission Opportunities may be directed to your Pre-Award Officer.