Processing a Proposal
- Schedule an initial meeting with your OSP development staff to work on your proposal and budget. Provide basic information to begin processing the System Tracking and External Projects (STEP) form (e.g., funding agency, program solicitation, project title, project dates). This form summarizes the application's administrative information and specifies the nature of any University commitment to the activity (see number 5). OSP's deadline policy (PDF, updated 12/15/08) states that proposals submitted less than ten (10) business days prior to the published sponsor deadline will not be reviewed without the approval of the PI's department chair.
- Begin to line up institutional project commitments, where necessary. Begin process to obtain special University clearances (see Federal Regulations & University Policies: Compliance and Assurance Regulations). Consult with development staff about the required clearances. All cost share commitments must be reflected on the STEP form and must receive approval by the appropriate divisional representatives prior to the submission of the proposal.
- Finalize budget, proposal and STEP form at least 5 working days before the submission deadline.
- The STEP form is routed to obtain signatures. The following items are routed with the STEP form: budget, budget justification, project narrative, sponsor guidelines, agency forms requiring institutional signature, signed consortium letters/budgets for subcontractors (as applicable), tuition cost share request form (as applicable), and support letters for third party cost share (as applicable). The final signature on the STEP form is by the authorized official for the University, the Director of Sponsored Projects.
- OSP submits the proposal or returns it to the PI for submission.
- View further information regarding the award/denial process.