The U.S. National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency that supports science and engineering in all 50 states and U.S. territories. NSF was established in 1950 by Congress to promote the progress of science, advance the national health, prosperity and welfare, and secure the national defense.
The grant program appears to focus on timely submission of applications, emphasizing the importance of adhering to a specific deadline defined as 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization. Without further details, specific goals, guiding principles, or causes supported by the grant cannot be determined.