Formal Methods in the Field

The Formal Methods in the Field (FMitF) Program, administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF), is designed to foster collaboration between researchers in formal methods and those in various fields of computer and information science and engineering (CISE). The program encourages the application of formal methods—logical and mathematical approaches for system design, specification, modeling, verification, and analysis—across diverse computing and engineering domains to improve correctness, reliability, and performance.

The program is open to proposals in three tracks: (1) Track I - Research Proposals, which require collaboration between formal methods experts and domain experts to develop new theories and methodologies with provable guarantees; (2) Track II - Transition to Practice (TTP) Proposals, which focus on developing and deploying robust formal methods research tools to facilitate usability and accessibility for a wider audience, particularly in operational environments; and (3) Track III - Education Proposals, which aim to develop and disseminate educational materials to increase accessibility to formal methods, particularly in institutions that lack strong formal methods curricula.

Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education (IHEs) such as accredited two-year and four-year colleges and universities in the United States, as well as nonprofit, non-academic organizations like independent museums, observatories, research labs, and professional societies associated with educational or research activities. Each Track I proposal must have at least one investigator focusing on formal methods and one focusing on an application area within computer and information science and engineering.

The funding for this program totals approximately $10,500,000, with an estimated 18 awards distributed as follows: nine Track I research awards (up to $1,000,000 each for up to four years), seven Track II TTP awards (up to $150,000 each for up to two years), and two Track III education awards (up to $250,000 each for up to three years). Cost-sharing is not required.

The proposal submission process follows NSF's guidelines, with applications accepted via Research.gov or Grants.gov. Proposals must be prepared according to the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG). Submission deadlines fall on the third Tuesday in February each year (e.g., February 20, 2024; February 18, 2025; February 17, 2026).

Proposals are reviewed using NSF’s merit review criteria, which assess Intellectual Merit (potential to advance knowledge) and Broader Impacts (benefit to society). Additional review criteria apply depending on the track. For example, Track I proposals must demonstrate fundamental contributions to both formal methods and the target field, while Track II proposals must outline a transition plan and identify an early adopter user base.

For further inquiries, applicants can contact NSF program directors Pavithra Prabhakar (pprabhak@nsf.gov, 703-292-8910), Alhussein A. Abouzeid (aabouzei@nsf.gov, 703-292-8950), and others listed in the solicitation. More information is available on NSF’s website.