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NSF Data Management Plan Guidance

5 Tips for DMP preparation:

  1. Check to see if the NSF Directorate, Division or Program to which you are applying provides guidance on the preparation of DMPs. Some NSF units, for example the Division of Ocean Sciences and some of the focused programs supported by this Division, are very specific about locations where data and other research products (metadata, samples, physical collections, curricula) are to be deposited. http://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/dmp.jsp
  2. If the NSF unit to which you are applying does not provide specific guidance on DMPs, PIs should try to address the five topics listed in Chapter 2 of the NSF Grant Proposal Guide: 
    1. Types of data, samples, and other materials to be produced in the course of the project.
    2. Standards to be used for data and metadata format and content.
    3. Policies for providing access and enabling sharing.
    4. Provisions for re-use, re-distribution, and the production of derivatives.

    5. Plans for archiving and preserving access to data and materials.

    More detailed guidance regarding these five topics. 

  3. Consult campus experts in data management, storage, and curation early in the proposal development process. Those who may be able to assist. 
  4. Work with your business office to include in your proposal budget costs associated with implementation of your DMP.
  5. Refer to OCGA's guidance on the NSF Data Management Plan, in particular the suggested standard language to include in two sections of the DMP: #3 and #4 of the five topics NSF recommends be addressed in the DMP.