Safety, Security, and Privacy of Open-Source Ecosystems

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is seeking proposals for its "Safety, Security, and Privacy for Open-Source Ecosystems" (Safe-OSE) program. This program aims to address significant safety, security, and privacy vulnerabilities, both technical and socio-technical, in open-source products and ecosystems. Eligible applicants include open-source ecosystems, including those not originally funded by NSF's Pathways to Enable Open-Source Ecosystems (POSE) program. The goal is to catalyze meaningful improvements in the safety, security, and privacy of the targeted open-source ecosystems. Proposals will be evaluated based on the proposed efforts to enhance the safety, security, and privacy characteristics of the open-source product and its supply chain, as well as the ecosystem's capabilities for managing current and future risks, attacks, breaches, and responses. The deadline for proposals is April 22, 2025.

Funding for this opportunity is expected to range from approximately $200,000 to over $1 million per award, typically spanning 2-5 year project periods. The work is expected to be performed at the applicants' facilities nationwide, which may include universities, research institutions, and other organizations.