Title: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Regarding 
        NSF Cross-Directorate Initiative: Cyber-Enabled 
	Discovery and Innovation (CDI) NSF 07-603
 Date: 10/23/07



 Cyber-enabled Discovery and Innovation (CDI)

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


   1. Why are Letters of Intent required?

      Letters of Intent (LoI) help NSF prepare for the review
      process; i.e., identify panelists, and plan panels.
      Especially in the case of a multi-disciplinary
      solicitation such as CDI, assembling panels with the
      right combination of expertise is crucial.

   2. Can I submit a preliminary proposal even if I do not submit a
      Letter of Intent?

      No. Letters of Intent are mandatory in order to be able
      to submit a preliminary proposal to CDI. Each preliminary
      proposal MUST refer to a Letter of Intent ID, issued by
      the NSF upon receiving the Letter of Intent.

   3. Are Letters of Intent binding?

      It is okay not to submit a preliminary proposal, even if
      you have submitted a Letter of Intent. Only one
      preliminary proposal may refer to a Letter of Intent ID.
      Although changes may occur, you are strongly encouraged
      to give the best possible information on your planned
      proposal in the Letter of Intent.

   4. Can I participate in multiple LoIs as PI or Co-PI or senior
      personnel?

      Yes, you can be part of at most two letters of intent as
      stated in the solicitation. The same limit applies to
      preliminary proposals and full proposals.

   5. Can all types of proposals contribute to all CDI themes?

      Yes, all types of projects can contribute to one or more
      CDI themes.

   6. Can federal research laboratories be part of research teams?

      Yes, federal research laboratories can be part of
      research teams; however they cannot be supported by NSF
      funds unless they meet one of the exceptions. We refer to
      and follow the NSF's Grant Proposal Guide, Chapter 1,
      section E.

   7. Is summer "support" the same as summer salary?

      The meaning of summer support in the solicitation means
      roughly one month of summer salary for the investigator.

   8. Regarding the estimated number of awards, is it anticipated
      that a total of 30 awards will be made during the life of the
      competition or for the first year?

      The estimated number of awards, 30, is for FY 2008 only.