I am very upset and need some feedback.  In NSF solicitation 93-131, they
 state "Target date for Full Proposals (Young Scholars) is May 15."  Even
 though this is a target date (and I assumed that a postmark of May 16
 would naturally be accepted) I called last week to ensure that my
 assumption was coprrect--a postmark of May 16 would be accepted in this
 round.  Both program officers were busy but the receptionist assured me
 that the proposal would be accepted since May 15 fell on Sunday. ---My
 first mistake:  I took her word for it!

 I found out today that both the program officer and the associate program
 officer state that this is a deadline date (not a target date), and not
 only a deadline date, but a receipt date.  They are accepting proposals
 which are RECEIVED by May 16 since the 15th fell on Sunday.  They both
 told us that we can still mail the proposal in today (postmark May 16),
 but it may not be reviewed.

 Another issue:  the NSF Bulletin lists the Yound Scholars as a May 15
 DEADLINE DATE, but the 93-131 lists it as a TARGET DATE.

 I have always been told that unless otherwise stated, deadline dates
 are postmarks at NSF, and that Sunday deadlines move to Monday.

 Does anyone else have any experience with this at NSF?  I have a very
 upset faculty member who spent his whole weekend finalizing a proposal
 which may not be accpeted by NSF.

  Beth Seaton
  Western Illinois University