Research Security and Integrity Information Sharing Analysis Organization (RSI-ISAO)
NSF, through the Office of the Chief of Research Security Strategy and Policy (OCRSSP), seeks to establish an independent Research Security and Integrity Information Sharing Analysis Organization (RSI-ISAO) to empower the U.S. research community (institutions of higher education (IHEs), non-profit research institutions, and small and medium-sized for-profit organizations) to address foreign government interference, support security-informed decision-making, and serve as a conduit that connects research community stakeholders with one another and with U.S. government (USG) agencies via NSF.
We invite proposals that articulate a vision and actionable plan for the RSI-ISAO that would build the capacity of the research community to make risk-informed decisions and create a trusted partnership between USG research-awarding agencies and the research communities they serve. We invite proposers to identify strategic objectives to accomplish this vision consistent with the requirements set out in Section 10338 of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-167), enacted on August 9, 2022 (CHIPS and Science Act).
The RSI-ISAO's principal duties include:
Serving as a clearinghouse for information;
Developing a set of standard risk assessment frameworks and best practices;
Providing timely reports on research security risks;
Providing training and support;
Enabling standardized information gathering;
Supporting analysis of patterns of risk and identification; and
Taking other appropriate steps to enhance research security.
These duties can be categorized using the following three functional domains in research security: (1) tools & training, (2) community engagement & inquiries, and (3) data analysis & reporting.
Informed by stakeholder engagement and statutory requirements, NSF has determined that the RSI-ISAO will:
Provide uniform quality of service to all members of the research community;
Respond to specific requests for assistance from research organizations, and from individual researchers through their organization or affiliated entity;
Handle unclassified information only; including publicly available information and declassified intelligence from USG agencies; and
Perform analyses and publish reports, based on information provided by USG agencies, research organizations, and the private sector, for the benefit of research stakeholders.
The RSI-ISAO will not:
Issue formal opinions, recommendations, or decisions to the research community;
Assume liability for the use of its products and services or the consequences arising from this use;
Issue policy;
Hold or analyze classified information; or
Conduct investigations.
Program guidelines
Award information
The first year of funding will be up to $9,500,000 and will be committed upon award. Subsequent funding for years two through five, may be at least $10,000,000 per year, pending availability of appropriated funds, and subject to a satisfactory annual review of accomplishments relative to specified goals.
Estimated number of awards: 1
Estimated number of awards description
A single cooperative agreement will be awarded in fiscal year (FY) 2024, using FY 2023 funds, with an option of four additional years.
Proposals may only be submitted by certain types of organizations. Please see solicitation for details.
Limit on number of proposals per organization: 1
Limit on number of proposals per organization description
An entity may serve as the lead organization on no more than one proposal.
If an organization exceeds these limits, any proposal submitted in response to this solicitation from this organization after the first proposal is received at NSF will be returned without review.
An entity can be involved as a non-lead organization on an unlimited number of proposals in response to this solicitation.
If the proposal involves more than one organization, a single proposal with subawards administered by the lead organization (PAPPG Chapter II.E.3.a) must be submitted; separate submissions as described in PAPPG Chapter II.E.3.b are not accepted and will be returned without review. The requirement of a single submission is meant to facilitate effective coordination among participating organizations and to avoid difficulties that can ensue in large projects when individuals change organizations and/or cease to fulfill project responsibilities.
Proposals may only be submitted by certain types of PIs. Please see solicitation for details.
Limit on number of proposals per PI or Co-PI: 1
Limit on number of proposals per PI or co-PI description
An individual may serve as PI or co-PI on no more than one proposal but may serve as Senior Personnel on an unlimited number of proposals submitted in response to this solicitation.
If an individual exceeds these limits, any proposal submitted to this solicitation with this individual listed as PI or co-PI after the first proposal is received at NSF will be returned without review.
Review full program guidelines and learn how to submit a proposal in the latest solicitation.
