Proposal QuickStart Frequently Asked Questions

Review the limited submission guidelines and follow the instructions. The outlined process will first assess interest and past awards and then institute an internal competition, if needed, before the PI can undertake proposal preparation with Research and Sponsored Programs. Be sure that you have been given permission to proceed with the full proposal before planning a submission.

If you have exercised due diligence in searching for limited submission language and do not find it, then assume that you can proceed. This language is generally found under eligibility and limitations sections. Your sponsored program coordinator will also review the opportunity for submission limitations after you complete the Proposal QuickStart Survey.

Research and Sponsored Programs is responsible for submitting all proposals for grants and contracts for research and other scholarly activities or service or instruction to public agencies (federal, state, or local government); private, nonprofit research organizations; and industries. Research and Sponsored Programs is responsible for ensuring compliance with all university, state, and federal regulations surrounding sponsored grants and contracts.

Research and Sponsored Programs assists investigators in preparing and submitting all proposals. All proposals submitted on behalf of faculty, administrators, staff or students must be processed through Research and Sponsored Programs. Principal investigators (PIs) or program directors (PDs) may not apply for or receive funding directly from sponsors without University approval except for those fellowships awarded directly to individuals.

Yes. Once you have a solid idea of your project, team (or most of your team) and funding source, then you should complete the proposal quickstart survey to get the process moving forward. You can always make revisions if your plans change, but it is very important to start this process early to ensure enough time for completion of budgetary and regulatory requirements. The goal is to quickly move you through internal approval so that you have significant dedicated time to focus on your project description before the submission deadline. If you are still unsure, contact your research advocate or sponsored program coordinator for guidance.

Yes. The Sponsored Program Coordinator will use your initial information to provide you with guidance, but if something changes then you should immediately notify your sponsored program coordinator. If there are numerous changes, then the sponsored program coordinator may ask you to resubmit the survey to ensure accurate records. Note: the survey is uploaded to your proposal file.

You should complete the survey as early as possible, but two months before the deadline is a good standard benchmark. Once you have a solid idea of your project, team (or most of your team) and funding source, then you should complete the Proposal QuickStart survey to get the process moving forward. You can always make revisions if your plans change, but it is very important to start this process early to ensure enough time for completion of budgetary and regulatory requirements. The goal is to quickly move you through internal approval so that you have significant dedicated time to focus on your project description before the submission deadline. If you are still unsure, contact your research advocate or sponsored program coordinator for guidance.

Yes. You can enter and exit the survey to view without triggering a response. However, many fields are required so you will be prompted to enter information to proceed. No information is sent to Research & Sponsored Programs unless you “Submit” a survey. You can also preview the types of questions that will be in the survey by viewing the Proposal QuickStart Summary.

Yes. You can enter and exit the survey as needed and your responses will be saved until you submit the survey.

When you submit the Proposal QuickStart survey, you will automatically be emailed a copy of your input. This can sometimes take 1-2 hours, as the system often batches tasks. If you do not receive the information, please check your SPAM folder. Your Sponsored Program Coordinator will also have a copy of this information.

No, it is not necessary for you to initiate a proposal. After the sponsored program coordinator receives the information, he/she will initiate your proposal in the electronic system and contact you with proposal ID information.

No. Sponsored program coordinators will initiate a proposal for you after receiving your QuickStart information. If you attempt to initiate the proposal yourself, it will result in a duplication in the systems and delay processing.

Research and Sponsored Programs and Research Integrity will use the electronic system for proposal, compliance and award management, but PIs will not be asked to directly navigate in the system at this time. Instead, you will receive direct links for activities that are completed within the system (e.g. certification, approvals, training).

Proposal preparation time can vary widely, from a few weeks to a year (for very complex projects). You should assess both your preparation timeline and additional items that may be beyond your control (e.g. budget information from another institution, letters of collaboration, co-PI certifications/training, legal issues). In general, the more complex the project, the more time it takes. However, a minimum timeline is generally two months. If you find yourself on a compressed timeline (e.g. funding opportunity announced less than two months from submission deadline), then alert your sponsored program coordinator immediately so that the office can work to accommodate your request.

The timeline from submission to award notification (and award start) can vary dramatically, depending upon the granting agency. It is not unusual for federal programs to have an 8-12 month lag between submission and project start dates (if awarded). Some agencies and foundations include timing estimates in their calls for funding. You should set a reasonable start date that aligns with your project goals, knowing that the agency may ask for a date modification.