30. End Module I Congratulations! You have completed Module I of the Budget and Proposal Preparation course. If you are ready, you may launch Module 2 . If you want to return to the training later, you may close this window and launch another module from the Cardinal Curriculum when you’re ready.
Editor's Notes
Welcome to the Proposal and Budget Preparation class, Module 1. My name is Patti McCabe and I will be your online instructor.
Newcomers to proposal preparation are often confused by the extensive use of acronyms and abbreviations. We will discuss and clarify these in the upcoming modules. A Research Administration Glossary can be found on the Webliography web page.
Grants.gov replaces paper applications with electronic forms and is in the process of requiring electronic submission of all federal grant applications. For additional information and details on submitting via Grants.gov at Stanford, please pause the training and launch the website listed on the slide.
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The proposal presents the Principal Investigator’s ideas and methodology to a potential sponsor. It asks for the sponsor's financial support. Unless the proposal contains all the information the sponsor needs to make a decision about the significance of the work, the project may be rejected. Proposals become an official record used by Stanford, sponsors and auditors. It documents what was promised to a sponsor, and what Stanford’s commitment is. Questions about commitments may be asked years after a project is over. A good proposal will contain all the answers!
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Sponsors often specify necessary components of the proposal. If none are specified, Stanford will require three components in order to process the proposal: Proposal Routing Sheet Statement of Work Budget and Budget Justification
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It is essential to obtain a proposal application packet if the sponsor provides one. They can often be found on the web. It is critical to follow the proposal instructions exactly, as a proposal application can be rejected by the sponsor simply because it is not completed properly. Don’t assume anything! Contact OSR or your school based management team for assistance when completing a proposal.
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The Proposal Routing Sheet is a form internal to Stanford. It must accompany a proposal, and contains key information about the proposal including endorsements by the PI and others. The signatures provide assurance that the proposed project will further the teaching and research objectives of the University, and that: Appropriate personnel and facilities are available to carry out the projects All costs are reasonable and allowable All compliance issues have been addressed
Proposals can have many components depending on the requirements of the sponsors. The 12 most common are listed on this slide. We will now go into more detail on each.
Many sponsors have a preprinted face or cover page, and a table of contents. For those that do not, you can prepare one yourself.
Although the abstract appears at the beginning of the proposal, it is usually written last. The abstract frames the proposal, and in many instances determines where it will be sent for review. Since it is a summary of major points, it must be able to stand alone. It is usually limited to 200-400 words.
The program description must justify the “what” and “why” of the project. This component of the proposal should give a concise description of the project, its objectives, results from prior work, and how this project will contribute new knowledge to the field. Many sponsors demand strict adherence to page limitations for the narrative. Keep the reviewer in mind; don’t assume the reader knows what you or the PI are talking about. Do not use jargon. Support the hypothesis. Show how this project relates to the sponsor’s purpose and goals.
Citations for literature cited should be complete.
The budget contains estimated costs for the entire proposal period. Project costs must be allowable, allocable, reasonable and consistent. The budget is generally divided into categories; that is, Total Direct Costs, Modified Total Direct Costs, and Indirect Costs. A separate budget must be included for any portion of the work that is to be subawarded. All expenses should be justified, and a justification is required when proposing clerical and administrative expenses.
A separate description may be required addressing the attributes of the facilities and available equipment that will be used to support the project.
All resources discussed should contain the statement “will be available for the performance of this project at no direct cost to the sponsor”.
Who will work on the project and what will he or she do? What are her qualifications, related background, experience and relevant publications? The vitae of all key personnel who will be involved in carrying out the project should establish competence. Rationale should also be given for any consultants or subawardee’s who will be involved in the work.
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Most sponsors ask for a list of ongoing as well as pending projects and sources of support that key personnel have submitted elsewhere.
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Appendix material includes supporting documents, tables, charts, photographs and/or articles that cannot be included in the narrative. It is best to consult with the potential sponsor, or follow the instructions about appendix material, as some sponsors require prior approval before allowing you to submit the material.
Federal assurances and certifications are required to be signed by the institutional official when submitting proposals.
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This completes Module 1 of the Budget and Proposal Preparation class. If you’re ready, you may launch Module 2. Or, you may take a break and return to the next module later.