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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): NSF Multi-Messenger Coordination for Windows on the Universe (MMC-WoU)

1) What is the NSF MMC-WoU funding opportunity?

MMC-WoU stands for "Multi-Messenger Coordination for Windows on the Universe." It is a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant opportunity focused on improving how the astrophysics community coordinates follow-up observations of multi-messenger astrophysics (MMA) events.

2) What are multi-messenger astrophysics (MMA) events?

MMA events are astrophysical phenomena observed through more than one type of signal (or "messenger"), such as gravitational waves, neutrinos, and electromagnetic radiation across the spectrum.

3) What problem is MMC-WoU trying to solve?

The community has many powerful ground-based and space-based observatories and a growing ecosystem of software tools (for alert distribution, observation planning, scheduling, and data handling). However, NSF highlights a need to better connect these resources so observers can respond faster, reduce duplication, and use limited telescope time more effectively.

4) What is the main goal of MMC-WoU?

The central goal is to support development of pathways or networks that increase coordination and optimization of follow-up observations during MMA campaigns, making it easier to move from an event alert to a coordinated observing plan.

5) What kinds of activities or outcomes does MMC-WoU emphasize?

The program emphasizes improved collaboration across facilities and teams, stronger interoperability among existing systems, and community-level coordination that improves scientific return from time-sensitive MMA events.

6) Does this program focus on building new standalone tools?

No. Based on the provided description, the emphasis is on harmonizing and connecting resources that already exist, rather than adding more isolated tools.

7) Why is coordination during MMA follow-up observations so important?

MMA events can be time-sensitive, and early, well-planned observations can determine whether the community gets only a partial view or a more complete physical picture of the event. Coordination can also reduce duplicated efforts and help maximize limited telescope time.

8) What type of grant opportunity is this?

This is described as a discretionary grant opportunity in the "Science and Technology and other Research and Development" category.

9) What is the funding opportunity number for MMC-WoU?

The funding opportunity number is 24-542.

10) What CFDA numbers are associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA numbers listed are 47.049 and 47.050.

11) How many awards does NSF expect to make under this solicitation?

NSF anticipates making about five awards.

12) When was this funding opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on February 14, 2024.

13) What was the original proposal submission closing date?

The original closing date for proposal submission was May 13, 2024.

14) Is there a stated maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

An award ceiling is referenced, but the specific maximum dollar amount is not provided in the supplied information.

15) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to specific types of U.S.-based organizations, including: (1) non-profit, non-academic organizations (such as independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies, and similar entities) located in the United States and directly tied to education or research activities; (2) accredited U.S. institutions of higher education (two-year and four-year colleges, including community colleges) with a U.S. campus, with proposals submitted on behalf of faculty members; and (3) federally recognized Tribal Nations (American Indian or Alaska Native tribes, bands, nations, pueblos, villages, or communities recognized under the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994).

16) Are museums or observatories eligible applicants?

Yes. Non-profit, non-academic organizations such as independent museums and observatories located in the United States are explicitly included as eligible types, as long as they are directly tied to education or research activities.

17) Are community colleges eligible?

Yes. Two-year and four-year accredited U.S. institutions of higher education are eligible, including community colleges, as long as they have a U.S. campus and the proposal is submitted on behalf of faculty members.

18) Can federally recognized Tribal Nations apply?

Yes. Federally recognized Tribal Nations are eligible, as defined in the opportunity summary (including tribes, bands, nations, pueblos, villages, or communities acknowledged by the Secretary of the Interior under the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994).

19) What if part of the work or funding involves an international branch campus of a U.S. institution?

If a project includes funding that would flow to an international branch campus of a U.S. institution (including through subawards or consultants), the proposal must clearly explain why the international site benefits the project and why the activities cannot be done at the U.S. campus.

20) What is MMC-WoU ultimately trying to improve for the MMA community?

MMC-WoU is positioned as an infrastructure-and-coordination focused effort to strengthen the "connective tissue" between people, facilities, and software systems, so that when major multi-messenger events occur, the community can respond in a more unified, efficient, and scientifically optimized way.