Subject : NSF Young Investigator  Award.

Regarding the question of when to actually start spneding money based
on the 90 day pre-award condition, we ALWAYS require cmmitment from
the NSF Grants Officer as to the Start Date . We do this via phone
contact with the grants officer.....(.if one doesn't know the start
date , then when  is 90 days earlier ? ). Iron clad rule number 2 is
NEVER rely on the Program Officers assertions, promises etc. on
start date.
Absent a commitment from the Grants officer....no start of spending
at the campus is authorized ....period.( one of our few rules with no
exceptions)

Victor Medina
University of Maryland, College Park