The solicitation says that the review of some ARI-R2 proposals may involve reverse site visits or site visits. What does this mean?
ARI-R2proposals cover a range of different types of facility modernization. They are evaluated using review procedures that are appropriate for the particular type of research facility and level of project complexity. Typically, each proposal will be reviewed by a panel of experts. In the case of larger and/or more complex projects, after receiving the input from the first review panel, NSF may organize a second stage of review that includes a “reverse site visit” in which the PI and an appropriate colleague (for example, a university facilities manager or other university administrator) are invited to NSF to answer questions from the review team. If necessary to determine the merit and assess the risks associated with a proposal for a large, complex project, NSF may include a “site visit” in the review process. In a site visit, a review team visits the site of the proposed research facility and asks questions of the PI and representatives of the proposing organization(s).
