The National Science Foundation (NSF) is using an electronic text comparison system to find duplicate proposals as part of their compliance checks before proposals are reviewed. If the system finds substantial similarities it will likely result in the proposal being returned to the PI without review. This includes all of the following scenarios:
- A proposal that duplicates (or is substantially similar) to one already under consideration from the same submitter
- A proposal that was previously declined and that has not been substantially revised in response to reviewers’ comments
- A CAREER proposal that duplicates (or is substantially similar) to a research proposal already under consideration or previously funded by NSF from the same submitter
In some cases a project may be of relevance to two programs. For example, applying the same conceptual framework and research model, but addressing different audiences. In such cases, OCG strongly encourages investigators to contact program staff in all of the relevant programs at NSF where co-review or co-funding is being considered or proposed. This will ensure both that the submission is properly formatted, and also that the appropriate NSF staff are aware of the request beforehand and can intervene to prevent a proposal from being returned without review.
NSF policies about duplicate proposals can be found in the Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) Chapter 1 Section G.2. and Chapter IV Section B.
Contact your Proposal Analyst for additional information and assistance.