Antarctic Research Requiring U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) Support for Fieldwork
Can you apply?
This grant is for Antarctic research requiring U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) logistical support. Eligible applicants include U.S. institutions of higher education (2- and 4-year colleges, including community colleges), non-profit non-academic organizations directly associated with research or education (museums, observatories, laboratories), and federally recognized tribal nations.
Fieldwork must take place in Antarctica and must be essential or best performed there. Research should advance understanding of Antarctic systems, global interactions, or Earth processes, or build capacity in polar science. USAP facilities are currently undergoing maintenance, limiting logistical support availability.
International branch campuses of U.S. institutions may participate only if proposers justify the benefit and explain why activities cannot occur at U.S. campuses. All applicants must demonstrate that their research truly requires Antarctic fieldwork.
Program description
Through this solicitation, the Antarctic Sciences Section (ANT) of the Office of Polar Programs (OPP) funds cutting-edge research that requires logistical support from the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP)and:
- Improves understanding of interactions among the Antarctic region and global systems.
- Improves understanding of the dynamic linkages among processes operating in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean and linkages to global Earth systems, which helps inform decision making regarding environmental change.
- Advances fundamental understanding of Earth systems and the biological, geochemical, and physical processes in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean as drivers and responders to changes on a global scale.
- Expands fundamental knowledge of Antarctic systems, biota, and processes.
- Utilizes the unique characteristics of the Antarctic region as a science observing platform.
- Builds capacity and enhances the US workforce for polar-related science.
Antarctic fieldwork is supported only for research that must be performed, or is best performed, in Antarctica.Proposers that do NOTrequire USAP logistical support should consult the Antarctic Sciences web page for current opportunities.
NSF is currently undertaking a planned multiyear program of essential maintenance and upgrade projects, with the goal of ensuring that researchers continue to have access to world-leading Antarctic facilities. The need to support this important work necessarily places some limitations on the logistical support that can currently be provided for new projects. Proposers should comply with the guidance set out below in the Program Description regarding the USAP logistical support that is available. No other USAP resources may be requested.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (federal application form)
- Project Narrative/Proposal
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Current and Pending Support form
- Biographical Sketches of key personnel
- Institutional Endorsement/Letter of Support
- USAP Logistical Support Confirmation
Program contact
- 👤 U.S. National Science Foundation
- 📧 grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
- 📞 703-292-4203
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 47.050 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$640,746,599
-
$399,999,980
-
$220,735,035
-
$100,533,563
-
$82,550,071
-
$74,280,323
-
$73,335,203
-
$68,622,497
-
$64,462,832
-
$63,916,877
Top States by Funding
- TX 4 awards $689.8M
- MA 15 awards $653.0M
- OR 5 awards $452.3M
- CA 12 awards $286.7M
- NY 7 awards $217.5M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 47.050). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,009,920,000 | |
| 2025 | $1,013,630,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $374,350 |
FAQ
What types of organizations can apply?
U.S. institutions of higher education, federally recognized tribal nations, and non-profit research organizations (museums, observatories, labs) can apply. For-profit entities cannot.
Does my research have to be conducted in Antarctica?
Yes. USAP support only funds fieldwork that must be performed or is best performed in Antarctica. Other Antarctic research should use alternative NSF programs.
Can international branch campuses of U.S. colleges participate?
They can be included only if proposers justify clear benefits and explain why work cannot happen at the U.S. campus.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is June 1, 2026. This is a fixed deadline, not rolling.
Will my project get logistics support?
USAP is supporting capacity is limited due to maintenance projects. Check current facility availability before proposing.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Verify your research truly requires Antarctica before proposing. NSF rejects proposals that could be done elsewhere or don't require USAP logistical support.
- Contact USAP early to confirm logistical capacity for your planned fieldwork. Current maintenance limits what support is available.
- Clearly explain how your research advances Antarctic science or informs global environmental decisions. Generic polar research won't be competitive.
- If using an international branch campus, provide specific justification. Vague statements about benefits will weaken your application.
- Document the unique scientific value of conducting work in Antarctica over alternative locations or methods.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing research that does not require Antarctic fieldwork or could be done elsewhere. Failing to contact USAP in advance about logistical availability and current facility limitations. Omitting clear justification for why Antarctica is essential rather than an optional location.
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