New & Upcoming COI Validation Enhancements in eAward and eProposal
To support University and sponsor conflict of interest (COI) requirements, several COI validation enhancements are being implemented in eAward and eProposal.
Phase 1: eAward Preliminary Transactions
- New Preliminary and Extend Preliminary transactions will undergo COI validation before routing to OSP.
- If COI requirements are outstanding, the transaction will remain in Pending PI Validation or Pending COI status.
- OSP will not receive the transaction until all required COI activities have been completed.
Phase 2: DOE Proposal-Stage COI Validation
In response to new U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) conflict-of-interest requirements that become effective August 17, 2026. OSP is also implementing proposal-stage COI validation for applicable DOE proposals. The new DOE requirements establish conflict of interest and conflict of commitment requirements for organizations applying for or receiving DOE financial assistance awards.
The proposal process will leverage the University's existing COI validation framework and is intended to ensure that required COI reviews and certifications are completed before proposals advance through the approval process.
Impacts currently under review include:
- Requiring COI validation for applicable DOE proposals before they can move into OSP review.
- Preventing proposal integration until all required approvals and COI activities have been completed.
- Providing COI status visibility and audit tracking within eProposal
Additional details, implementation timelines, and user guidance will be communicated as the August 17 implementation date approaches.