NASA has joined the National Science Foundations (NSF's) Research.gov portal. The site offers great information on federally funded research projects, grants, policies and more.
Government Computer News recently reported that, "NSF intends to create a governmentwide portal that makes grant information more easily accessible to the public as well as the research community..."
Currently, there is no mandate for federal agencies to use Research.gov, but the NSF hopes to attract more agencies with a variety of services.
When I first visited the site, I was impressed with the layout and ease of use. I like the graphics and ability to quickly apply for grants, although that feature takes you to other web portals like grants.gov. There is no doubt in my mind that this is the right direction for federal government. State and local governments, universities, non-profits and others often have a very difficult time knowing where to go for various types of information.
Portals like grants.gov and research.gov show that the feds are moving in the right direction. By the way, the NASA portal is a great website as well - with cool pictures and plenty of fun activites for the kids.
