• Start a proposal by making a comprehensive checklist, and you’ll stay sane and on track to complete your proposal submission process. #ForSanity’sSake #ChecklistsAreYourFriend

Make a checklist to stay sane during your proposal submission process.  Your first step with developing a proposal (once you’ve confirmed a good fit) is to rake through the RFP AND the submission guidelines (which may be one or even two additional massive documents!) to glean a list of all the required proposal elements: forms, budget documents, letters, etc., all supplemental to your core narrative.  Create yourself a list or a chart with each element, which team member is responsible for it, page numbers allowed and font required, available resources, and interim deadlines for each piece.  Available resources may include templates from the EHHD/ORD and from MSU/OSP (e.g. facilities descriptions), or guidance that may come directly from the funder (e.g. specific biosketch formats), from MSU/Library (e.g. what needs to go into a “data sharing plan”) or MSU/Extended University (suggestions for ways to ensure your NSF proposal evidences “broader impact”).  A good checklist will keep you on track to ensure by deadline you have EVERYTHING in place.

 

  • Smooth your proposal submission pathway by attending to college and campus submission requirements and processes. #KnowledgeIsPower

Smooth your submission pathway by attending to college and campus submission requirements and processes.  The college (EHHD) requires an internal “Letter of Intent” (you’ll find the latest iteration at EHHD Letter of Intent Form), ideally 3-4 weeks ahead of your submission deadline.  This gives you a chance to work out details (e.g. salary plans, match requirements, new staff hiring etc.) with your department head and the dean in advance of final budget or project plan commitments.  It gives these decision-makers advance knowledge before they’re asked to sign off on your “electronic Proposal Clearance Form” which is required by the Office of Sponsored Programs.  Usually OSP submits your federal proposal for you (by government rule), and for that they need a fully approved ePCF, so this is NOT something to short-circuit!  Your ePCF should start circulating for signatures at least 3-5 days ahead of deadline, and OSP’s stated requirements are that you provide your final proposal ready for submission 3 days ahead of deadline as well.  They have certainly been known to accommodate more last-minute proposals, but then you’re risking potential roadblocks either in the signature queue, or the submission website/software, or OSP or agency rules you weren’t previously aware of.  Don’t get caught out!