Procedure Library

OSP Business Practices - Proposal Preparation

Purpose

Clarify proposal application support services and expectations.

Applicability

Principal Investigators (PIs) and department administrators working on proposals, ideally, at least 4-6 weeks prior to the deadline and who would like proposal preparation assistance in advance of OSP review.

Proposal Preparation:

1. Upon request, OSP can provide assistance by:
   1. Analyzing the solicitation;
   2. Explaining standard proposal components and providing templates, if available;
   3. Explaining electronic submission requirements and creating user accounts;
   4. Completing and/or coordinating the representations and certifications;
   5. Providing templates for commitment letters;
   6. Explaining required subcontract documentation;
   7. Reviewing and explaining any exceptional or problematic terms and develop exception letters, if needed;
   8. Explaining additional approval processes, if needed;
   9. Implementing the review and signature process.

Pre-Award Proposal Preparation Support:

1. Proposal preparation assistance can be requested through the VPR's Pre-Award Office (subject to availability and limitations).  Services include all those listed above as well as the following:
   
   1. Budget preparation;
   2. Gathering institutional resources necessary for the proposal (i.e. education outreach plans, data management plans, technology access plans, etc.)
   3. Prepare agency application forms;
   4. Assemble the proposal and review the text for narrative consistency;
   5. Facilitate editorial review through the writing center, as requested and available; and
   6. Facilitate pre-submission peer or consultant review of the technical aspects of the proposal (provided the application is otherwise complete 3 weeks prior to the due date).

Related Policies and Procedures

• Procedure Library > OSP Business Practices - Communication
• Procedure Library > OSP Business Practices - Proposal Review & Submission
• Grant Life Cycle > Submit Your Proposal > Understand Submission Processes