Pathways to Enable Secure Open-Source Ecosystems (PESOSE)

Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Solicitation Title: Pathways to Enable Secure Open-Source Ecosystems (PESOSE)
Event Type: Multiple Deadlines
Funding Amount: $300,000- $1,500,000 (see Other Information)
Sponsor Deadline: Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Solicitation Link: https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/pesose-pathways-enable-secure-open-source-ecosystems
Solicitation Number: NSF 26-506

Overview

The Pathways to Enable Secure Open-Source Ecosystems (PESOSE) program supports the translation of open-source science and engineering-focused research products into safe and sustainable ecosystems that address national and societal challenges. Open-source tools such as software, hardware, machine learning models, languages, and data platforms are designed to be shared as they are publicly-accessible and modifiable. These tools spark innovation in critical fields as varied as artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing, banking, healthcare, research, education, next-gen manufacturing, mobility, and National security (including cybersecurity).

PESOSE supports the creation of managing organizations for these ecosystems, ensuring strong governance, distributed development, and broad user communities across academia, industry, and government. PESOSE also supports enhancements to the safety, security, and privacy of Open-Source Ecosystems (OSE) by addressing significant vulnerabilities, both technical and socio-technical, to improve the resistance of the ecosystem against threats.

This solicitation seeks three types of proposals, allowing teams to propose specific activities to: 1) scope and plan the establishment of an OSE, 2) establish and expand a sustainable OSE based on a robust, promising open-source product that meets an emergent societal or national need, and 3) improve the safety, security, and privacy of an existing OSE and its products.

Solicitation Limitations:

Limit on Number of Proposals per Organization: There are no restrictions or limits.
Limit on Number of Proposals per PI or co-PI: There are no restrictions or limits.

Other Information:

Full Proposal Deadline(s) (due by 5 p.m. submitting organization's local time):

September 01, 2026
First Tuesday in September, Annually Thereafter
March 02, 2027
First Tuesday in March, Annually Thereafter

Track 1: maximum $300,000 per award, approximately 30 awards

Track 2: maximum $1,500,000 per award, approximately 10 awards

Track 3: maximum $1,500,000 per award, approximately 10 awards

Estimated Number of Awards: 40 to 60

Letters of Intent: Not required
Cost Sharing Requirements: Inclusion of voluntary committed cost sharing is prohibited.
Indirect Cost (F&A) Limitations: Not Applicable.

RODA ID: 3005