The Standard Application Process (SAP) application enables you to apply for access to one or more confidential data assets in the federal statistical system (FSS).
Each SAP application is reviewed according to standard criteria established in the SAP Policy issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in December of 2022. These criteria ensure that each agency is using the same foundational principles when they decide whether to approve an application.
The SAP portal is managed by the SAP Program Management Office (PMO) through the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES). Learn more about the application process by visiting the SAP homepage.
Before you begin
Before you begin to fill out your application, there are a few things that are helpful to know:
- Feel free to explore the dataset catalog to identify resources that will be useful to you. You can add datasets later but may find the application process easier to navigate by identifying what you'll need in advance.
- It’s important to think through the aspects of your project, consider how the dataset for which you apply will be used, and which members of your research team will need access.
- If you are requesting more than one dataset, please ensure that they can both be accessed in the same physical or virtual location. If requesting data from more than one agency, please ensure that these data may be accessed together (note that some data assets may be offered via the same modality but may not be used together because of the policies governing one or more of the assets). We encourage you to reach out to the data providing agencies prior to submitting a multi-agency application.
- If you don't have all the information needed, you can still get started, save your work, and finish up later.
About the application
The application is divided into pages, enabling you to navigate and enter similar types of information at the same time. You can use the Save and Continue button at the bottom of each page to work through pages in order or use the navigator on the left sidebar to skip to specific pages.
When you're done, go to the application review page to check the information you're about to submit for review. Use the action buttons at the bottom of the application review page to submit it for consideration. Agency reviewers will let you know through the portal if they have questions, concerns, or need additional clarification from you.
If your application is approved, agencies will contact you regarding additional required steps.
Ready to start? Click the Start Your Application button at the bottom of this page.
Information Transparency
In order to ensure transparency in the process, information about the number of applications received, the data requested, and application determinations will be made available on sap.nsf.gov. Additionally, project title, abstract, and researcher names will be made public for approved projects in accordance with the standards for transparency requirement of the Evidence Act (§3583(a)(6)).
While browsing the SAP Data Catalog, you might encounter questions not addressed by the metadata, including inquiries about data linkages, access procedures, or application expectations. For detailed questions about agency-specific data programs or products, please contact the relevant agency directly using the contact details provided on the Contact page. If you require technical support for the website or application system, such as assistance with file uploads or application submissions, please email XXXXXXXXXXX.