Below are the National Science Foundation (NSF) formatting guidelines as outlined in the newest Proposals& Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) for proposals submitted on or after January 29, 2018. The full PAPPG can be found at:
https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf18001
In the last few months, during administrative reviews, we have noticed documents that are not following these formatting guidelines. This has become increasingly important as NSF have implemented automated format checks at initial proposal compliance review. Please be advised that non-compliance could result in your proposal being returned without review.
Some common issues deal with 1) the number of lines per vertical inch, 2) margin size, and 3) font type and size. In particular, we have noticed these issues with files that originate in LaTeX and Google Docs. Please double check your formatting settings.
Be sure to review the guidelines carefully, and do not hesitate to reach out to your pre-award contact with any questions.
Format of the Proposal
Prior to submission, it is strongly recommended that proposers conduct an administrative review to ensure that proposals comply with the guidelines established in Part I of the PAPPG or the NSF Grants.gov Application Guide. The Proposal Preparation Checklist (Exhibit II-1) may be used to assist in this review. The checklist is not intended to be an all-inclusive repetition of the required proposal contents and associated proposal preparation guidelines. It is, however, meant to highlight certain critical items so they will not be overlooked when the proposal is prepared.
- Proposal Pagination Instructions
Proposers are advised that FastLane does not automatically paginate a proposal. Each section of the proposal that is uploaded as a file must be individually paginated prior to being uploaded to the electronic system.
- Proposal Margin and Spacing Requirements
The proposal must conform to the following requirements:
a. Use one of the following typefaces identified below:
- Arial9, Courier New, or Palatino Linotype at a font size of 10 points or larger;
- Times New Roman at a font size of 11 points or larger; or
- Computer Modern family of fonts at a font size of 11 points or larger.
A font size of less than 10 points may be used for mathematical formulas or equations, figures, table or diagram captions and when using a Symbol font to insert Greek letters or special characters. PIs are cautioned, however, that the text must still be readable.
b. No more than six lines of text within a vertical space of one inch.
c. Margins, in all directions, must be at least an inch.
These requirements apply to all uploaded sections of a proposal, including supplementary documentation.
- Page Formatting
Proposers are strongly encouraged to use only a standard, single-column format for the text.
The guidelines specified above establish the minimum type size requirements; however, PIs are advised that readability is of paramount importance and should take precedence in selection of an appropriate font for use in the proposal. Small type size makes it difficult for reviewers to read the proposal; consequently, the use of small type not in compliance with the above guidelines may be grounds for NSF to return the proposal without review. Adherence to type size and line spacing requirements also is necessary to ensure that no proposer will have an unfair advantage, by using smaller type or line spacing to provide more text in the proposal.
(National Science Foundation Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide, 18-1)