Some sponsors require additional compliance and controls related to national security when language is not explicitly included in a proposal for fundamental research.*
While it’s ultimately the decision of the PI on whether or not to add this language, OSP strongly recommends including the language below on any proposals with DOD, DOE or Prime DOD Contractor sponsors; it does not hurt to include in all Fundamental Research Proposal Narratives. This will significantly speed up the contracting process if/when awarded and has the potential to avoid (1) prohibiting certain people from working on the project and/or (2) incurring significant information technology costs that may not have been included in the proposal budget.
Recommended Language: “The research described in Boise State University’s proposal is Fundamental Research as described in National Security Decision Directive 189, dated September 21, 1985, and the USD (AT&L) memoranda on Fundamental Research, dated May 24, 2010, and on Contracted Fundamental Research, dated June 26, 2008.”
*Fundamental research means basic and applied research in science and engineering, the results of which ordinarily are published and shared broadly within the scientific community, as distinguished from proprietary research and from industrial development, design, production, and product utilization, the results of which ordinarily are restricted for proprietary or national security reasons.” [National Security Decision Directive (NSDD) 189, National Policy on the Transfer of Scientific, Technical, and Engineering Information (September 21, 1985)]