Pathways to Enable Secure Open-Source Ecosystems
Grant Opportunity Analysis
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is offering a federal grant opportunity titled "Pathways to Enable Secure Open-Source Ecosystems" aimed at translating open-source science and engineering research into sustainable ecosystems that address national and societal challenges. The program seeks proposals that focus on establishing and expanding open-source ecosystems, enhancing their safety, security, and privacy, and addressing vulnerabilities to improve resilience against threats. Open-source tools are critical in various fields, including artificial intelligence, healthcare, and national security, making this initiative vital for fostering innovation and collaboration across academia, industry, and government. The estimated total program funding is $40 million, with approximately 60 awards expected, and proposals are due by September 1, 2026. For further information, interested parties can contact NSF grants.gov support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov or visit the additional information link provided in the announcement.
Eligible Applicants
*Who May Submit Proposals: Proposals may only be submitted by the following: -For-profit organizations: U.S.-based commercial organizations, including small businesses, with strong capabilities in scientific or engineering research or education and a passion for innovation. -Non-profit, non-academic organizations: Independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies and similar organizations located in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities. -Other Federal Agencies and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs): Prospective proposers from other Federal Agencies and FFRDCs, including NSF sponsored FFRDCs, must follow the guidance in PAPPG Chapter I.E.2 regarding limitations on eligibility. -State and Local Governments -Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs): Two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the US, acting on behalf of their faculty members. Special Instructions for International Branch Campuses of US IHEs: If the proposal includes funding to be provided to an international branch campus of a US institution of higher education (including through use of sub-awards and consultant arrangements), the proposer must explain the benefit(s) to the project of performance at the international branch campus, and justify why the project activities cannot be performed at the US campus. -Tribal Nations: An American Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, or community that the Secretary of the Interior acknowledges as a federally recognized tribe pursuant to the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994, 25 U.S.C. §§ 5130-5131. *Who May Serve as PI: For Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs): By the submission deadline, any PI, co-PI, or other Senior/Key Personnel must hold either: <ul> <li>a tenured or tenure-track position, or</li> <li>a primary, full-time, paid appointment in a research or teaching position, or</li> <li>a staff leadership role in an Open-Source Program Office or equivalent position</li> </ul> at a U.S.-based campus of an Institution of Higher Education (see above), with exceptions granted for family or medical leave, as determined by the submitting institution. Individuals with primary appointments at overseas branch campuses of U.S. institutions of higher education are not eligible. Researchers from foreign academic institutions who contribute essential expertise to the project may participate as Senior/Key Personnel or collaborators but may not receive NSF support. For all other eligible proposing organizations: The PI must be an employee of the proposing organization who is normally resident in the U.S. and must be acting as an employee of the proposing organization while performing PI responsibilities. The PI may perform the PI responsibilities while temporarily out of the U.S. Individuals withprimaryappointments atnon-U.S. basednon-profit ornon-U.S. basedfor-profit organizations are not eligible.