What key aspect should be included in an NSF proposal budget?

In an NSF proposal budget, including justification for all expenses requested is essential because it demonstrates to the review panel the rationale behind each cost. This justification provides clarity on how the funds will contribute to the project's objectives, ensuring that all proposed expenses are necessary and reasonable. By detailing why specific costs are needed, the proposal can effectively convey the project's value and feasibility, aligning with the NSF's commitment to funding research that is both impactful and well-planned.

The inclusion of a detailed history of the researcher's past funding, while potentially informative, does not directly pertain to the proposed budget for the new project. Similarly, a random estimation of expected costs undermines the precision expected in federal funding proposals, as it could lead to budget overruns or insufficient funding for crucial aspects of the research. Lastly, future funding expectations can provide context, but they are not integral to the budget itself; rather, they form part of the broader narrative of sustainability and project's long-term vision, which is typically addressed elsewhere in the proposal.