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[lollipop_guild]

I have a question regarding the NSF Career Award. My proposal was recommended for funding earlier this year. I haven't had final notification, however. I'm started to "freak out" about maybe it not being funded (budget issues or other 'worst cast scenario').

Should I relax a little given that I've been recommended for funding? It still says "pending" on Fastlane. I"m trying to play it cool. However, I don't want to get excited and not have it funded. Thanks for any feedback!

[mleok]

Congratulations, you'll be fine. NSF is quite conservative about recommending things for funding when the budget is tight, so as to avoid situations when they have to pull the plug.

[psyc2011]

This is helpful information for me as well.

[lollipop_guild]

Thanks! I'll try and relax!!

[lurkingfear]

Mine was recommended in November and the status didn't change until sometime in January, just before the account at my uni was setup. When exactly did they call you? Did they ask you to respond to any concerns the panel raised? If so, it will take the program manager a while to deal with your response.

Also, it will depend on when your proposed start date is. If it's not until April, then you go to the bottom of the 'to do' list for the program manager. If it's March 1, I wouldn't be surprised if it takes until Feb 29 for it to be sorted out. Program managers are busy people, but in my experience they are on top of deadlines. But like many of us, they often wait until the last possible minute to deal with things.

[lollipop_guild]

Thanks.  I was asked to whether I could reduce my budget (which I did) as well as prepare the abstract, etc. The grant should start beginning of summer. So, there's time!