NSF developed a new funding mechanism for accelerating development of technology in agency priority areas. Lewis-Burke engaged with the agency repeatedly to help shape the new mechanism and obtain early intelligence. Once a pilot competition was announced, a university client wanted to prepare a broad group of faculty to compete for awards. Lewis-Burke prepared a webinar for interested faculty, which gave them insights into the larger context for the program, key features of the mechanism and how it differed from typical NSF programs, and best practices for success. Ultimately, a faculty group from the university won a $1 million award in the competition and now has the opportunity to obtain additional, much larger awards as part of the program.
