Safe and Inclusive Fieldwork Plans

A SAIF Plan is a project-specific two-page supplementary document that will be reviewed under NSF's Broader Impacts merit review criterion. Only certain BIO or GEO solicitations require a SAIF Plan, and this requirement applies only to proposals with off-campus or off-site research.

The four components of the SAIF Plan are specified in each solicitation (please read them in their entirety) and include:

1. A description of the field setting and unique challenges for the team.
2. Steps that will be taken to nurture an inclusive off-campus or off-site working environment.
3. Communication processes.
4. Organizational mechanisms for reporting, responding to, and resolving issues of harassment, should they arise.

The following solicitations issued by BIO and GEO require the inclusion of the two-page SAIF Plan as a supplementary document. Proposers are only required to submit a SAIF Plan if they are proposing off-campus or off-site research. Additional solicitations may require a SAIF Plan in the future, so before you submit a proposal, please carefully read the solicitation to determine whether a SAIF Plan is required.

See Chapter VII.B.6 of the PAPPG for information on requirements for SAIF Plans for award recipients who rebudget funds to support off-campus or off-site research and for supplemental requests that include off-campus or off-site.

NSF has posted some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding the preparation and submission of SAIF Plans under the pilot being run by BIO and GEO.

A PDF version of the FAQs is also available.

The FAQ webpage provides information on the following topics:

• Eligibility criteria: Information on who is eligible to apply for funding, including criteria related to institutions, individuals and project types.
• Application process: Details on how to apply for funding, including instructions on submitting proposals, deadlines and required documentation.
• Proposal preparation: Guidance on preparing proposals, including formatting requirements, page limits and content expectations.
• Review process: Explanation of how proposals are evaluated, including information on review criteria, panel composition and review timelines.
• Budget and funding: Information on budgeting for proposed projects, allowable expenses and any funding restrictions.
• Reporting and compliance: Requirements for reporting on funded projects, compliance with regulations and policies and expectations for project outcomes.
• Contact information: Points of contact for additional questions or clarification on the funding opportunity.

The PAPPG details additional information on NSF's policies regarding fostering safe and harassment-free environments.

• Chapter II.E.9 – Safe and Inclusive Working Environments for Off-Campus or Off-Site Research.
• Chapter VII.B.6 – Postaward Additions of Off-Site or Off-Campus Research.
• Chapter XI.A.1.g – NSF Policy on Sexual Harassment, Other Forms of Harassment, or Sexual Assault.

Additionally, program directors have hosted several events to provide information to and answer questions from the community about the pilot. Recordings, transcripts and slides can be found on the following event pages:

• Safe and Inclusive Working Environments Requirements Virtual Office Hour (Feb. 7, 2023).
• Virtual Office Hour on Safe and Inclusive Fieldwork (SAIF) plans and other changes to proposal submissions (Nov. 13, 2023).