Limited Submissions

A Limited Submission is a funding program for which the sponsor has restricted the number of applications or proposals an institution can submit in response to that program. 

The principal investigator is responsible for notifying Research & Sponsored Programs as soon as possible if a proposal is being developed for any program that limits the number of submissions from the institution.

The submission of more proposals than allowed may result in a disqualification of all proposals, so limited submissions are coordinated through Research & Sponsored Programs. Generally, all campuses are considered a single institution by sponsors (e.g. NSF) unless alternate limitations (“by school,” “by department”) clearly apply. However, some sponsors may consider branch campuses as separate, by definition. It is best to consult early with your Sponsored Programs Coordinator to make a determination.

Standard Limited Submission Procedure

*If the Sponsored Progams Coordinator (SPC) is not notified more than 2 months prior to the sponor deadline and insufficient time is available for an internal competition, then Research & Sponsored Programs will determine submission eligibility based on the date/time of the initial PI email notification of the limited submission to the SPC.

Internal Limited Submission Competition Procedure

If it has been determined that institutional interest will exceed the sponsor cap, then the principal investigator should complete all limited submission competition materials and submit the information to the Director of Research & Sponsored Programs per the internally set deadline (at least 2 months prior to the sponsor deadline). A cross-institutional committee (e.g. research associate deans) will be convened by Research & Sponsored Programs to determine which proposal(s) will be approved for submission to the sponsor; the committee will be chaired by a representative from the Division of Research (or a designee). All applicants will be informed by the Director of Research & Sponsored Programs of the committee’s decision as expeditiously as possible and successful applicants should develop full proposals for submission utilizing normal procedures.

Previously authorized applicants are not automatically authorized to resubmit if an award was not secured from a past submission. Non-awarded PIs must go through the internal review and selection process as if it were a new submission. Within the 2-page pre-proposal outline, potential resubmissions should summarize reviewers’ concerns and how those concerns would be addressed in a resubmitted proposal.

Internal Limited Submission Competition Materials (note page limitations)

Email materials to the Director of Research & Sponsored Programs as a single pdf document by the internal deadline.

See the Forms section for resources to the following:

• Limited submission coversheet
• Brief nomination letter from department chair or equivalent – maximum one page
• Brief pre-proposal outlining proposed research program – maximum two pages
• NSF-formatted biosketch for the PI – maximum five pages
• Resources/facilities statement, including any anticipated internal commitments (e.g. staff, facilities, cost share) – maximum one page
• A copy of prior reviews in the case of a proposal resubmission