In daily life, we constantly judge ourselves and others about everything from intellectual merit to athletic prowess. (sciencedaily.com)
The reference letter should provide details explaining the nature of the relationship to the applicant, comments on the applicant's potential and prior research experiences, statements about the applicant's academic potential and prior research experiences, statements about the applicant's proposed research, and any other information to enable review panels to evaluate the application according to the NSF Merit Review Criteria of Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts. (nsfgrfp.org)
Furthermore, your own career development — including tenure — is a legitimate «broader impact,» which NSF is charged with considering, alongside intellectual merit, as they evaluate your proposal. (sciencemag.org)