USAP Updated Science Planning Process

Planning Phase

The planning phase begins after a proposal has been favorably reviewed and is completed with an Operational Notice. The Operational Notice documents NSF's commitment to USAP logistical resources, including the specific deployment season(s), for the entire science proposal. During this phase, the Principal Investigator (PI) will work with USAP Science Planners on detailed logistics planning.

The Planning Phase's total duration directly relates to the amount of logistical support required and available resources; the approximate timelines are given for each support level below. Level 1 proposals have no fieldwork and, thus no planning.

Note: the Operational Notice represents the logistical commitment for future resources and does not guarantee the award of a grant. Contact the appropriate NSF Office of Polar Programs Section for Antarctic Sciences Program Officer (PO) for questions concerning grant award and funding availability.

Level 2: Sustaining Support

Following the proposal submission, an Operational Notice will be drafted and agreed upon by March between NSF and the PI. An agreed-upon Operational Notice is required to exit the Planning phase and enter the Implementation phase.

Level 3: Elevated Support

Following the proposal submission and based on the level of resources and planning required, an Operational Notice will be drafted and agreed upon by mid-July between NSF and the PI. An agreed-upon Operational Notice is required to exit the Planning phase and enter the Implementation phase.

Level 4: Intermediate Support

Level 4 planning requires the creation of a document titled the Science Logistics Plan (SLP). The SLP is authored by the USAP and written in collaboration with the PI. The SLP documents how USAP will manage complex research projects and includes project goals, milestones, and logistics budgets. It ensures resources are identified, confirmed available, and reserved for this proposal to ensure USAP delivers on future commitments. An approved SLP is required prior to completing the Operational Notice.

SLP development begins in January following the start of the Planning phase. Between January and December, NSF and ASC will work with the PI to complete the SLP. The SLP will influence and support the Operational Notice. The Operational Notice will be finalized in February of year 2 - confirming all major resources are accounted for within the SLP. An agreed-upon Operational Notice is required to exit the Planning phase and enter the Implementation phase.

Level 5: Major Support

Level 5 science proposals require major support and may be awarded via other NSF grant programs (such as the Mid-scale Research Infrastructure solicitation). Level 5 proposals require a PI-authored Project Execution Plan (PEP) in addition to the SLP required for level 4 science proposals. The PI will need to provide NSF and ASC with the PEP and work to integrate management and change control between the two documents. An approved SLP is required prior to completing the Operational Notice.

SLP development begins in January following the start of Phase 3. Between January and December, NSF and ASC will work with the PI to complete the SLP. The PEP and SLP will influence and support the Operational Notice. The Operational Notice will be finalized in February of year 2 - confirming all major resources are accounted for within the SLP. An agreed-upon Operational Notice is required to exit the Planning phase and enter the Implementation phase.

Level 6: MREFC

Level 6 science proposals meet the requirements of Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction (MREFC) and must follow the requirements found in the NSF Research Infrastructure Guide. An SLP is also required prior to completing the Operational Notice. PIs with possible MREFC proposals must contact the appropriate Antarctic Sciences Program Officer to discuss steps and possible timelines.

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