NSF has implemented Multifactor Authentication (MFA) for Research.gov to enhance security and safeguard NSF’s IT systems, user accounts, and personal and scientific data.
The NSF MFA guidance includes the following requirements:
- Faculty must personally log in to "create" the proposal before they can delegate access to an Institute administrator as an Other Authorized User (OAU) role in Research.gov.
- Once the NSF proposal is ready for review and submission, faculty must again personally log in to grant access to an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR). This will allow the designated RAS Contract Administrator (CA) to review the proposal.
MIT strictly adheres to NSF guidance and requirements in line with Institute research security and expects all faculty and staff to follow this procedure. The NSF changes went into effect October 27, 2024. Typically, NSF is one of the earliest government agencies to implement new requirements; we anticipate other federal agencies may implement similar requirements relating to security of access in the future.