Review Proposal Guidelines
Most funding agencies issue various forms of proposal solicitations, including:
- Request for Proposal (RFP)
- Request for Application (RFA)
- Program Announcement (PA)
- Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA)
- Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)
Whichever a funding agency uses, the solicitation is a proposer’s point of reference for the proposal development process. It is important that the PI and all others involved in the proposal development process read these solicitations early in the proposal process.
The Research Grant Specialist (RGS) and/or the OGC coordinator assigned to your college/division will review and request clarification from the funding agency when there are questions regarding requirement . The RGS or OGC coordinator also assists with questions regarding CSUF or ASC practices related to the sponsor requirements.
Submitting Electronically
As more and more funders use electronic submission systems, it is particularly important for principal investigators and their teams to ensure that all formatting and submission issues are addressed and submissions conform to sponsor requirements. Electronic submission systems are particularly sensitive to submission errors and researchers should read guidelines carefully to avoid submission errors due to formatting problems. If an electronic system flags any errors, the proposal may be rejected automatically without review.
Review the Guidelines
Review the guidelines immediately and identify limited submission requirements early on. Limited submission programs are those for which funding agencies restrict the number of nominations or proposals a university may submit for award consideration. CSUF must internally screen all eligible and interested nominees to determine which will represent the university in the regional, national or international competitions.
Limited Submissions
Limited submission programs are those for which funding agencies restrict the number of nominations or proposals a university may submit for consideration for an award. CSUF, therefore, must internally screen all eligible and interested nominees to determine which will represent the university in the regional, national, or international competitions. The CSUF has a Limited Submission Policy (see Appendix) that describes the policy and process involved in such cases. For any announcement that limits the number of proposals that the institution can submit, it is imperative that the PI contacts the OGC at least sixty (60) days prior to sponsor deadline.
Documents required by the University will be listed for each internal competition. Potential nominees must ensure that they are aware of any additional requirements of the awarding body beyond the University internal competition. In all cases, requirements for internal review will mirror the requirements of the awarding body to reduce duplication or extraneous paperwork. Unless stated otherwise, all required documentation should be submitted by email (preferably as a .pdf file) to the OSP Limited Submission Coordinator by the posted deadline.
It is the responsibility of the researcher and nominating body to ensure that all eligibility guidelines are met prior to submission for internal review.
