Antarctic Research Not Requiring U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) Field Support

The Antarctic Research Not Requiring U.S. Antarctic Program Field Support program is administered by the National Science Foundation through its Office of Polar Programs within the Directorate for Geosciences. The National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency established to support fundamental research and education across science and engineering disciplines. Through this solicitation, the Antarctic Sciences Section supports research that advances understanding of Antarctic systems without requiring logistical field support from the U.S. Antarctic Program. This distinction enables a broader range of scientific investigations, including those conducted through modeling, laboratory analysis, existing datasets, and remote observations. The primary purpose of this program is to fund cutting-edge research that enhances understanding of Antarctic and Southern Ocean systems and their connections to global environmental processes. Projects are expected to contribute to knowledge of biological, geochemical, physical, and atmospheric systems, as well as their interactions and responses to global change. The program also encourages interdisciplinary approaches, the use of existing data and samples, and the development of new instrumentation or analytical methods. Additionally, the program emphasizes building research capacity and supporting workforce development in polar science fields. Funding supports a wide variety of allowable activities including laboratory-based research, computational modeling, data analysis, workshops, conferences, and research coordination networks. Projects may also include development of scientific instrumentation or cyberinfrastructure that enhances Antarctic research capabilities. However, proposals that require logistical support from the U.S. Antarctic Program are not eligible under this solicitation. There are no cost-sharing requirements, and voluntary committed cost sharing is explicitly prohibited. Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based institutions, including accredited institutions of higher education, nonprofit research organizations, museums, and federally recognized Tribal Nations. There are no restrictions on the number of proposals submitted by an organization or principal investigator, and there are no limitations on who may serve as a principal investigator. This inclusive eligibility framework supports broad participation across academic, nonprofit, and tribal research entities. Applications must be submitted as full proposals through either Research.gov or Grants.gov in accordance with NSF’s Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide. Required components include a project description, budget, data management plan, and supplementary documents such as a Safe and Harassment Free Fieldwork Plan if applicable. Proposals must also include a statement confirming that no U.S. Antarctic Program-supported fieldwork is required. Strict adherence to formatting and submission guidelines is required, and non-compliant proposals may be returned without review. Proposals are evaluated through NSF’s merit review process, which considers both intellectual merit and broader impacts. Reviewers assess the potential of the project to advance knowledge, benefit society, and contribute to NSF’s mission. Additional criteria may apply depending on the nature of the proposal, such as instrumentation development or fieldwork safety planning. Awards are made as standard or continuing grants, and funding decisions typically occur within approximately six months after submission. The program operates on a recurring annual cycle with target submission dates of June 1 and January 15 each year. While proposals may be submitted at any time, adherence to these target dates is encouraged to facilitate coordinated review. The Antarctic Sciences Section anticipates committing approximately $60 million annually across its broader program portfolio, supporting an estimated 50 awards. Applicants may contact Antarctic Science Program Officers via email for guidance during proposal development.

Ensure strong alignment with intellectual merit and broader impacts criteria; emphasize interdisciplinary approaches and use of existing data; strictly follow NSF PAPPG compliance requirements