TIER 1 Submission Guidelines

This year’s TIER 1 proposal application is based on the NABC method from the Experiential Innovation Program. The application has been organized into the four NABC categories, budget narrative, and Mentored Award plan (if applicable).

The NABC Method:

1. NEED: What important problem are you attempting to solve? What challenges or limitations have prevented the problem from being solved to date? The unmet need represents a gap in current knowledge and is something that a sponsor wants to fund.
2. APPROACH: How will the team conduct research that addresses the identified need? What makes the proposed approach unique? This section of the proposal should explain how specific contributions of each member of the team will be integrated to lead to new knowledge development and/or solutions to priority challenges. The approach should identify strategies to deliver solutions to key stakeholders.
3. BENEFITS/COSTS:  What is the value of the proposed solution to the identified need? Provide clear rationale for funding the project. Describe benefits of the proposed project in terms of societal benefits and/or contribution to scientific understanding.
4. COMPETITION:  Are there other ways the need could be satisfied? What makes this team uniquely well qualified to address the need? Include direct competitors as well as those that can fulfill the need in other ways.