NSF Convergence Accelerator RFPThe goals of NSF’s convergence accelerator effort are to support and accelerate use-inspired convergence research in areas of national importance within particular topics (tracks). NSF Convergence Accelerator tracks can be related to Industries of the Future (IotF), NSF’s Big Ideas , or other topics, that may not relate directly to an IotF or Big Idea, however, they must have the potential for significant national impact.This solicitation invites proposals for the following Tracks: * Quantum Technology (Track C) * AI-Driven Innovation via Data and Model Sharing (Track D)National Science FoundationNSF_83d82abc-2fff-11e1-a5c5-cc777a64ea2aNSF Convergence AcceleratorThe NSF Convergence Accelerator leverages fundamental research leading to rapid advances that can deliver significant societal impact... The 2020 NSF Convergence Accelerator is a two-phase program. Both phases are described in this solicitation. Phase I awardees receive significant resources to further develop their convergence research ideas and identify crucial partnerships and resources to accelerate their projects, leading to deliverable research prototypes in Phase II.RFP RespondentsProposers must first submit a Phase i preliminary proposal in order to be invited to submit a full Phase I proposal. The information required in the preliminary proposal is described in section V.Quantum Technology ExpertsAI ExpertsInnovation ExpertsSignificant societal impact_e465525a-8a5b-11ea-88bb-15d00f83ea00To support and accelerate use-inspired convergence research in areas of national importance_e465543a-8a5b-11ea-88bb-15d00f83ea00ResearchNational ImpactTeamsDescribe a team or a process to build a team that includes personnel with the appropriate mix of disciplinary and institutional expertise_e4655520-8a5b-11ea-88bb-15d00f83ea00Phase IPhase I proposals must describe a team, or a process to build a team, that includes personnel with the appropriate mix of disciplinary and institutional expertise needed to build a Phase II convergence research effort... Phase I awards are expected to be for up to 9 months and up to $1M each. Only awardees of Phase I grants under this solicitation may submit a Phase II proposal. Phase II proposers must outline a two-year research and development plan in which research transitions to practice through collaboration with end-users.Deliverables & ImpactsDescribe one or more deliverables and how those research outputs could impact society_e46555f2-8a5b-11ea-88bb-15d00f83ea001.1Phase I proposals must describe one or more deliverables and how those research outputs could impact society by the end of Phase II.Deliverable, Plan & DemoDescribe the deliverable and the research plan and team formation efforts that will refine it to a proof-of-concept_e46556ba-8a5b-11ea-88bb-15d00f83ea001.2Phase I proposals should describe the deliverable and the research plan and team formation efforts that will refine it to a proof-of-concept.Training & CollaborationConvene for training and intra- and cross-cohort collaboration_e4655782-8a5b-11ea-88bb-15d00f83ea001.3Phase I will include NSF-organized convenings for training and intra- and cross-cohort collaboration.Deliverables & MetricsDescribe clear deliverables that will be produced in two years of effort and the metrics by which impacts will be assessed_e4655854-8a5b-11ea-88bb-15d00f83ea00Phase IIPhase II proposals must describe clear deliverables that will be produced in two years of effort and the metrics by which impacts will be assessed.StakeholdersInclude appropriate stakeholders_e4655926-8a5b-11ea-88bb-15d00f83ea002.1The Phase II teams must include appropriate stakeholders (e.g., industry, Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs), non-profits, government entities, and others), each with a specific role(s) in facilitating the transition of research outputs into practical uses.Initial FundingFund proposals for one year_e46559f8-8a5b-11ea-88bb-15d00f83ea002.2Successful proposals will be funded initially for one year... Anticipated funding is $30,000,000, pending availability of funds, to support Phase I awards in FY2020. Proposers may request up to $1M for Phase I.AssessementAssess each team's progress during the year_e4655aca-8a5b-11ea-88bb-15d00f83ea002.2.1Each team’s progress will be assessed during the year through approximately six virtual and in-person meetings with NSF program staff.EvaluationEvaluate progress at the end of the first year_e4655b92-8a5b-11ea-88bb-15d00f83ea002.2.2The overall progress will be evaluated at the end of one year, based on a report and presentation that the team will make to a panel of reviewers.Additional FundingProvide second-year funding_e4655c64-8a5b-11ea-88bb-15d00f83ea002.3Teams that show significant progress during the first year, in accordance with the agreed timetable of milestones and deliverables, will receive funding for a second year. Teams should plan on completing the effort within two years; no-cost extensions will be authorized only in extraordinary circumstances... The total amount awarded in future years will depend on the availability of funds and the number of awards advancing to Phase II awards. Phase II proposals may request up to $3,000,000 for year 1 and up to $5,000,000 in total for the two-year Phase II project.2020-05-112020-04-29https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2020/nsf20565/nsf20565.htm#prepOwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net