Multi-Messenger Coordination for Windows on the Universe | 24 542

Opportunity Information: Apply for 24 542

The National Science Foundation (NSF) opportunity titled "Multi-Messenger Coordination for Windows on the Universe" (MMC-WoU) focuses on improving how the astrophysics community coordinates follow-up observations of multi-messenger astrophysics (MMA) events. MMA events are phenomena that are detected through more than one type of signal or "messenger," such as gravitational waves, neutrinos, and electromagnetic radiation across the spectrum. Over the past several years, the community has built an impressive collection of ground-based and space-based observatories capable of rapidly identifying electromagnetic counterparts to these events and then tracking how those signals change over time. Alongside the hardware, there is also a growing ecosystem of software tools used for alert distribution, observation planning, scheduling, and data handling. NSF is highlighting that, despite the strength of these individual resources, there is a clear need to better connect them so that observers can respond faster, reduce duplication, and use limited telescope time more effectively.

The central goal of MMC-WoU is to support the development of pathways or networks that increase the coordination and optimization of follow-up observations during MMA campaigns. In practical terms, this means enabling smoother collaboration across facilities and teams, improving interoperability among existing systems, and making it easier for users to move from an event alert to a coordinated observing plan. The program is aimed at harmonizing resources that already exist, rather than simply adding more isolated tools. Projects supported under this program are expected to strengthen community-level coordination, help observers and facilities work together more seamlessly, and ultimately improve the scientific return from time-sensitive events where early, well-planned observations can make the difference between a partial and a complete physical picture.

This is a discretionary grant opportunity in the Science and Technology and other Research and Development category. The funding opportunity number is 24-542, and the CFDA numbers listed are 47.049 and 47.050. NSF anticipates making about five awards under this solicitation. The opportunity was created on February 14, 2024, and the original closing date for proposal submission was May 13, 2024. An award ceiling is referenced, but the specific maximum dollar amount is not provided in the supplied source text.

Eligibility is limited to specific types of U.S.-based organizations. Proposals may be submitted by non-profit, non-academic organizations such as independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies, and similar entities located in the United States that are directly tied to education or research activities. U.S. institutions of higher education are also eligible, including two-year and four-year colleges (community colleges included), as long as they are accredited and have a U.S. campus; proposals are submitted on behalf of faculty members. If a project includes funding that would flow to an international branch campus of a U.S. institution (including via subawards or consultants), the proposal must clearly explain why work at that international site benefits the project and why the activities cannot be done at the U.S. campus. Federally recognized Tribal Nations are also eligible, defined as American Indian or Alaska Native tribes, bands, nations, pueblos, villages, or communities acknowledged by the Secretary of the Interior under the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994.

Overall, MMC-WoU is positioned as an infrastructure-and-coordination focused program for the MMA community, aimed at improving how people, facilities, and software systems connect during rapid-response observing campaigns. The emphasis is on building or strengthening the connective tissue between existing observational capabilities and operational tools so that when the next major multi-messenger event occurs, the community can respond in a more unified, efficient, and scientifically optimized way.

• The National Science Foundation in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Multi-Messenger Coordination for Windows on the Universe" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 47.049, 47.050.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-02-14.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-05-13. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 5 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

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