FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We are seeking organizations in the below categories, particularly those non-traditional entities that are new to working with NSF.
- Non-profit entities
- Small businesses
- Large businesses
- Academic organizations
An entity (construed in its broadest sense to include qualified large and small businesses, universities, non-profits, philanthropic organizations, partnerships, joint ventures, and other entity forms) that is not currently performing and has not performed, for at least the three-year period preceding the solicitation of sources by NSF for the procurement or arrangement, under any NSF procurement contract or NSF instrument of financial assistance.
Annual dues have been waived for the period of October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023.
An application with all necessary documentation can be processed in as little as 1-2 business days.
No, international companies are not permitted to join ADC.
The ADC will enable innovative and collaborative evidence building that will help us to better meet the NCSES and NSF missions. It will support and enhance the existing data ecosystem.
Federal statistical agencies and recognized units, other Federal agencies, as well as state and local government agencies can sponsor a project through the ADC.
ADC may help to inform a potential National Secure Data Service in a variety of areas related to evidence building.
No. The intent of “Hub” is to denote the consortium is the place where all stakeholders come together to achieve the ADC vision.
The DataHub is not designed to be a warehouse, so we do not foresee it storing restricted data—we currently plan to leverage existing data infrastructure as it relates to specially protected data. We are also hoping to leverage existing and developing technologies in terms of privacy protection (i.e. secure multi-party computing is one example).
The ADC will partner with organizations that wish to engage. This could mean sponsoring a project through the ADC directly, partnering with another agency on projects through the ADC, or working with us on evidence building through the ADC.
NSF’s Other Arrangement authority offers regulatory relief from some parts of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), which allows the consortium to attract non-traditional and non-traditional-to-NSF organizations, meaning those that cannot (or will not) work with the Government due to FAR regulations.
NSF’s Other Arrangement Authority was used for ADC in order to prioritize relational contracting goals. Relational contracting is a method that emphasizes the need to establish a solid working relationship between the government and its contractor and that will allow the parties to engage in ad hoc specification development and adjustment of expectations throughout the life of the contract. The authority allows for flexibility, the prioritization of relationships, and the ability to reach non-traditional and non-traditional-to-NSF organizations.
No, anyone can view and respond to ADC solicitations. If selected for award, you must join ADC.
No, ADC members conduct the project work. The CMF supports the administrative and contracting functions for ADC projects.