NSFCISE (National Science Foundation Computer And Information Science and Engineering)

What is NSFCISE (National Science Foundation Computer And Information Science and Engineering)?

The National Science Foundation's (NSF) Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) is a critical source of funding and support for research and education in computer science, information science, and engineering. For government contractors, understanding CISE’s mission and funding priorities can unlock opportunities for partnerships, technology transfer, and access to cutting-edge research.

Definition

NSF CISE is one of the eight directorates within the National Science Foundation. It supports a wide range of programs and initiatives aimed at advancing the frontiers of computing and information science. These include basic research, infrastructure development, education, and outreach efforts. The goal is to enable transformative advances in science and engineering through computing and information technology.

For government contractors, CISE's work matters because it often translates into novel technologies, methodologies, and skillsets that can be integrated into their offerings for government clients. CISE-funded research frequently feeds into areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics, and high-performance computing, all of which are critical for many government agencies. Successfully engaging with CISE can provide contractors with a competitive edge and access to a talent pool of highly skilled researchers and engineers.

Key Points

• Research Areas: CISE covers a broad spectrum of research areas, from theoretical computer science to applied engineering and technology.
• Funding Opportunities: CISE releases various solicitations, including Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs), program-specific requests for proposals (RFPs), and Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) / Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
• Partnerships and Collaboration: CISE encourages collaborations between academia, industry, and government, providing potential avenues for contractors to engage with leading researchers and institutions.
• Technology Transfer: Technologies developed through CISE-funded research can be licensed and commercialized, presenting opportunities for contractors to incorporate advanced technologies into their products and services.

Practical Examples

1. AI-powered Cybersecurity: A government contractor specializing in cybersecurity solutions collaborates with a university research group funded by CISE to integrate advanced AI algorithms into their threat detection systems, improving the system's ability to identify and mitigate sophisticated cyberattacks.
2. Data Analytics for Healthcare: A healthcare IT contractor partners with a CISE-funded researcher to develop new data analytics tools that can improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs, leveraging the researcher's expertise in machine learning and big data.
3. High-Performance Computing for Defense: A defense contractor leverages CISE-funded research in high-performance computing to develop more accurate and efficient simulation tools for weapons systems, improving the accuracy of simulations and reducing development time.