Services and Administration

Finding the right match between funding source and proposed project is an important step in the proposal process. The Office of Sponsored Programs has a variety of resources to assist faculty and staff in identifying funding sources.  

Find funding with COS Funding Opportunities:  search the world’s most comprehensive funding resource, with more than 22,000 records representing nearly 400,000 opportunities, worth over $33 billion. 

Identify experts and collaborators with COS Expertise: search among 500,000 profiles of researchers from 1,600 institutions throughout the world. Discover who’s doing what — current research activity, funding received, publications, patents, new positions and more. 

Promote your research with a COS Profile: showcase your research and expertise among researchers and scholars from universities, corporations and nonprofits in more than 170 countries. Use convenient tools to keep your CV updated and accessible. 

•  Publications and Sponsor Announcements – OSP will request foundation, governmental agency, and corporation guidelines and annual reports when necessary. With the advent of the Internet, most professional entities post their funding guidelines on their Website. 
•  Attendance at Technical Assistance Workshops/Seminars – OSP will attend technical assistance (TA) workshops and seminars to gain a better understanding of a program’s purpose and funding criteria.

Undergraduate Funding Opportunities (under construction)
The Undergraduate Funding Opportunity booklet lists scholarships, internships, and research opportunities for undergraduate students. Compiled and maintained by the office’s student intern, this valuable instrument outlines various sources of funding opportunities.

Proposal Development/Review/Submission
Grant Officers assist researchers, project and program directors with proposal development by clarifying sponsors’ submission procedures and interpreting College policies related to sponsored activities. Individuals are encouraged to consult with the OSP staff at any time during proposal development. Assistance provided at an early stage can help avoid problems that might result in a sponsor’s rejection of a proposal or resolve issues that could delay acceptance of an award. It is particularly important to notify OSP at an early date when responding to detailed proposal solicitations.

Given the complexity of some solicitations it is not possible to anticipate every question that can arise during proposal preparation. What certifications are required? How should subcontracts be costed? What is “off-campus?” Is approval needed from an institutional review committee? Can sponsored funds be used for facility renovations?

Typical OSP input to the proposal development process includes:

• Proposal editing; 
• Budget preparation and proper costing; 
• Providing logistical support for items such as space and personnel; 
• Assisting the investigator in complying with any relevant special reviews; 
• Coordinating documentation for subcontracts and/or consultants; 
• Preparing certifications and representations for signature; 
• Coordinating department chair/unit/Center director signature(s) 

Negotiation with Funding Agencies
OSP reviews all award terms and conditions, in conjunction with the principal investigator to fully understand the technical aspects of the project. Award terms relating to cost principles, payment, property, intellectual property, legal issues, etc. are reviewed by OSP in concert with other individuals (e.g., Legal Counsel, Business Office – Special Projects.)