Developing Successful Developing Successful Grant ProposalsGrant Proposals

Department of Botany and MicrobiologyDepartment of Botany and Microbiology12 April 201012 April 2010

Outline of Topics to be AddressedOutline of Topics to be Addressed

Ideas – the foundationIdeas – the foundation

TimingTiming

Understanding the landscapeUnderstanding the landscape

Learning what’s out there – finding fundingLearning what’s out there – finding funding

Developing the proposal itselfDeveloping the proposal itself– Common mistakesCommon mistakes– Selecting the right type of proposal for your ideaSelecting the right type of proposal for your idea– StepsSteps– ContentContent– Peer reviewPeer review

Summary of important tips to rememberSummary of important tips to remember

It All Begins with YOUR IdeaIt All Begins with YOUR IdeaDescribing it is key – sounds simple! Describing it is key – sounds simple! – One of the most difficult aspects of a proposalOne of the most difficult aspects of a proposal– Don’t be afraid to “promote” yourself and the idea Don’t be afraid to “promote” yourself and the idea as appropriateas appropriate

Understand and be able to express the context, and often the Understand and be able to express the context, and often the practical valuepractical value– Requires critical analysis of previous work, funding source priorities Requires critical analysis of previous work, funding source priorities

(more later), direction(s) of the field(s)(more later), direction(s) of the field(s)

Assess and describe methodologies to be usedAssess and describe methodologies to be used– Must know institutional resourcesMust know institutional resources– Sometimes very hypothesis-drivenSometimes very hypothesis-driven

Anticipate potential for success, even outcomesAnticipate potential for success, even outcomes

Seek constructive criticism from peers – this is CRITICALSeek constructive criticism from peers – this is CRITICAL

Continue to refine – nurture like you do a paper!Continue to refine – nurture like you do a paper!

Timing Can be ImportantTiming Can be Important

Is now the right time to bring the idea forward?Is now the right time to bring the idea forward?

Intrinsic aspectIntrinsic aspect– Is the idea sufficiently developedIs the idea sufficiently developed– Do you have necessary initial results? (Important today!)Do you have necessary initial results? (Important today!)

Extrinsic aspectExtrinsic aspect– Have agencies been funding similar work? Check previous Have agencies been funding similar work? Check previous

awards to the extent possible)awards to the extent possible)Computer Retrieval of Information on Scientific Projects Computer Retrieval of Information on Scientific Projects (http://crisp.cit.nih.gov)(http://crisp.cit.nih.gov)

NSF (http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/index.jsp) NSF (http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/index.jsp)

Community of Science (http://fundedresearch.cos.com)Community of Science (http://fundedresearch.cos.com)

DoEd (see next slide)DoEd (see next slide)

– Are the requisite data and other resources available?Are the requisite data and other resources available?

http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/

Before You Look For Funding, Before You Look For Funding, Understand the LandscapeUnderstand the Landscape

Funding agencies (DoEd, NSF, NOAA, FAA, Funding agencies (DoEd, NSF, NOAA, FAA, DoD, DoE, NASA, EPA) + private industry + DoD, DoE, NASA, EPA) + private industry + foundationsfoundations– Different procedures for proposals/reviews, different Different procedures for proposals/reviews, different

philosophiesphilosophies– Visit their web sites to learn more – do the necessary Visit their web sites to learn more – do the necessary

homework! Plus talk to your peers!!homework! Plus talk to your peers!!– Federal FY starts October (FY09 started Oct ‘08); Federal FY starts October (FY09 started Oct ‘08);

Federal agencies often receive their budgets several Federal agencies often receive their budgets several months into the fiscal year!months into the fiscal year!

– Keep track of the process (can do so via OU)Keep track of the process (can do so via OU)

Research TopicsResearch TopicsWidely varying – function of agencyWidely varying – function of agencyBased uponBased upon– Community input (workshops)Community input (workshops)– National needsNational needs– Science and engineering opportunities (latest hot topics, e.g., Science and engineering opportunities (latest hot topics, e.g.,

nanotechnology)nanotechnology)– Politics or agency head likes and dislikesPolitics or agency head likes and dislikes

FY09 Interagency PrioritiesFY09 Interagency Priorities– Homeland Security and National DefenseHomeland Security and National Defense– Energy and Climate Change TechnologyEnergy and Climate Change Technology– Advanced Networking and Information TechnologyAdvanced Networking and Information Technology– National Nanotechnology InitiativeNational Nanotechnology Initiative– Understanding Complex Biological SystemsUnderstanding Complex Biological Systems– EnvironmentEnvironment– Next Generation Air Transportation SystemNext Generation Air Transportation System– Science of Science PolicyScience of Science Policy

Tackle Problems at the Boundaries While Tackle Problems at the Boundaries While Maintaining Strength in DisciplinesMaintaining Strength in Disciplines

Economics Policy

Technologyand

Engineering

PhysicalScience

Social andBehavioralSciences

Learning What’s Out ThereLearning What’s Out There

Learning What’s Out ThereLearning What’s Out ThereOU Research Information ServicesOU Research Information Services– Provides funding and other announcements via emailProvides funding and other announcements via email– All of you should be receiving these automaticallyAll of you should be receiving these automatically– Will do customized opportunity searches too!Will do customized opportunity searches too!

Contact Amanda Hale at Contact Amanda Hale at amandahale@ou.edu– Especially important for foundation fundingEspecially important for foundation funding

Learning What’s Out ThereLearning What’s Out There By the time a solicitation hits the street, you’re already By the time a solicitation hits the street, you’re already

behind unless you anticipated it!behind unless you anticipated it!– We’re working harder to mine “intelligence” from agencies to We’re working harder to mine “intelligence” from agencies to

anticipate solicitationsanticipate solicitations– We’ll also be asking faculty for 2 years of “look ahead”We’ll also be asking faculty for 2 years of “look ahead”

Must have awareness by engaging with funding agencies, Must have awareness by engaging with funding agencies, monitoring activities in your disciplinemonitoring activities in your discipline

Volunteer for review panels (no cost to you or OU) to better Volunteer for review panels (no cost to you or OU) to better understand the decision processunderstand the decision process

Visit agencies (costs can be split among college, Visit agencies (costs can be split among college, department, VPR office)department, VPR office)

Participate in advisory committees (no cost to you or OU) Participate in advisory committees (no cost to you or OU) and professional societiesand professional societies

Consider temporary assignment as an agency program Consider temporary assignment as an agency program officerofficer

By the time a solicitation hits the street, you’re already By the time a solicitation hits the street, you’re already behind unless you anticipated it!behind unless you anticipated it!– We’re working harder to mine “intelligence” from agencies to We’re working harder to mine “intelligence” from agencies to

anticipate solicitationsanticipate solicitations– We’ll also be asking faculty for 2 years of “look ahead”We’ll also be asking faculty for 2 years of “look ahead”

Must have awareness by engaging with funding agencies, Must have awareness by engaging with funding agencies, monitoring activities in your disciplinemonitoring activities in your discipline

Volunteer for review panels (no cost to you or OU) to better Volunteer for review panels (no cost to you or OU) to better understand the decision processunderstand the decision process

Visit agencies (costs can be split among college, Visit agencies (costs can be split among college, department, VPR office)department, VPR office)

Participate in advisory committees (no cost to you or OU) Participate in advisory committees (no cost to you or OU) and professional societiesand professional societies

Consider temporary assignment as an agency program Consider temporary assignment as an agency program officerofficer

Learning What’s Out ThereLearning What’s Out There

We should be We should be drivingdriving the national agenda, not just waiting for opportunities to arrive the national agenda, not just waiting for opportunities to arrive

Driving the Research AgendaDriving the Research AgendaWith all that bureaucracy, do you really have a role?With all that bureaucracy, do you really have a role?Yes!!!Yes!!!– ServeServe on NSF advisory committees, which plan priorities for on NSF advisory committees, which plan priorities for

the directorates, and similar committees in other organizationsthe directorates, and similar committees in other organizationsThe US Department of Education alone has a dozen and a half FACA The US Department of Education alone has a dozen and a half FACA committees at http://www.ed.gov/about/bdscomm/list/com.htmlcommittees at http://www.ed.gov/about/bdscomm/list/com.html

– ServeServe in national organizations, such as professional societies, in national organizations, such as professional societies, which have a strong voice, especially in educationwhich have a strong voice, especially in education

– Lead Lead workshops on key topics to help define priorities for workshops on key topics to help define priorities for research congruent with your interestsresearch congruent with your interests

– Serve Serve in agency program manager rotator positionsin agency program manager rotator positions– VisitVisit the Hill (in coordination with OU leadership, e.g., Danny the Hill (in coordination with OU leadership, e.g., Danny

Hilliard, and with adequate preparation)Hilliard, and with adequate preparation)

Developing the Developing the ProposalProposal

http://research.ou.eduhttp://research.ou.edu

Office of the VP for ResearchOffice of the VP for ResearchNorman Campus Norman Campus

http://research.ou.edu/proposal/overview.html

Agency Websites for Agency Websites for Proposal Preparation: NSF (A very Proposal Preparation: NSF (A very

good site for developing any proposal)good site for developing any proposal)

PI Tips Sheet for Proposal PreparationPI Tips Sheet for Proposal Preparation– https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/a0/about/pitips.htmhttps://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/a0/about/pitips.htm

Grant Proposal GuideGrant Proposal Guide– http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?gpghttp://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?gpg

Instructions for Preparing and Submitting a Instructions for Preparing and Submitting a Standard NSF ProposalStandard NSF Proposal– https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/a1/newstan.htmhttps://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/a1/newstan.htm

FAQs: NSF FastLane Proposal PreparationFAQs: NSF FastLane Proposal Preparation– https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/a0/about/a1faq.htmhttps://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/a0/about/a1faq.htm

Before we get into the Weeds: Before we get into the Weeds: Common Mistakes/WeaknessesCommon Mistakes/Weaknesses

Absence of a solid idea and acceptable approachAbsence of a solid idea and acceptable approach

Goals and objectives not clear or too broad and unachievableGoals and objectives not clear or too broad and unachievable

Too heavy on acronyms and jargon – many proposals are reviewed Too heavy on acronyms and jargon – many proposals are reviewed by experts from many disciplinesby experts from many disciplines

Lack of sufficient time commitmentLack of sufficient time commitment

Lack of enthusiasm and boldness – selling the ideaLack of enthusiasm and boldness – selling the idea

Work not placed in context: significance and impact not obviousWork not placed in context: significance and impact not obvious

Too much work proposed for the level of funding Too much work proposed for the level of funding requested/representedrequested/represented

Weak risk mitigation strategies (no Plan B)Weak risk mitigation strategies (no Plan B)

Resources not availableResources not available

For NSF proposals, broader impacts are weakFor NSF proposals, broader impacts are weak

Important DefinitionsImportant DefinitionsProposalProposal documents what you seek to accomplish documents what you seek to accomplish

GrantGrant is the “award” made when a proposal is funded (you don’t is the “award” made when a proposal is funded (you don’t write a grant!)write a grant!)

Principal InvestigatorPrincipal Investigator: THE manager/director and the one : THE manager/director and the one LEGALLY responsible!LEGALLY responsible!– Co-Principal Investigators: Now deemed by OMB to be equals to the PICo-Principal Investigators: Now deemed by OMB to be equals to the PI– Co-Investigators: Collaborating scientistsCo-Investigators: Collaborating scientists– Students usually not allowed to be a PI/Co-PIStudents usually not allowed to be a PI/Co-PI– Others sometimes need permissionOthers sometimes need permission

Awardee institution Awardee institution – the funding becomes State funding once it – the funding becomes State funding once it hits OUhits OU

Sub-contractsSub-contracts – mechanism to provide funding to pr receive – mechanism to provide funding to pr receive funding from collaboratorsfunding from collaborators

Numerous Types of ProposalsNumerous Types of ProposalsUnsolicitedUnsolicited– No deadlines for submissionNo deadlines for submission– Any topic is possibleAny topic is possible– Budgets can be large or smallBudgets can be large or small

SolicitedSolicited– Special program announcements/topicsSpecial program announcements/topics– For NSF, these are determined by the communityFor NSF, these are determined by the community– TONS of these out there (centers, facilities, etc)TONS of these out there (centers, facilities, etc)– Often fierce competition; interdisciplinaryOften fierce competition; interdisciplinary

SpecialSpecial– SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research)SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research)– STTR (Small Technology Transfer Research)STTR (Small Technology Transfer Research)– BAA (Broad Agency Announcements)BAA (Broad Agency Announcements)– EPSCoR (NSF, DOD, NIH, NASA, DOE, EPA, USDA)EPSCoR (NSF, DOD, NIH, NASA, DOE, EPA, USDA)

Source: NSF Impact of Proposal Award Management Mechanisms (IPAMM), 2007

Should you submit an “unsolicited” proposal or wait for a particular solicitation?

Source: NSF Impact of Proposal Award Management Mechanisms (IPAMM), 2007

Should you submit an “unsolicited” proposal or wait for a particular solicitation?

Which is Right for You?Which is Right for You?

Standard “individual investigator” research grantStandard “individual investigator” research grantEquipment grantEquipment grantCollaborative grantCollaborative grantCenter grantCenter grantGrants for conferences, symposia, workshopsGrants for conferences, symposia, workshopsInternational research and travel grantsInternational research and travel grantsDissertation grantsDissertation grantsFellowshipsFellowshipsGraduate Student FellowshipsGraduate Student FellowshipsOthers…Others…

Identify and Make Contact With Identify and Make Contact With the Potential Funding Sourcethe Potential Funding Source

Identify the appropriate agency or foundationIdentify the appropriate agency or foundation– Where does your idea best fit?Where does your idea best fit?– How do you know (next slide) How do you know (next slide)

Be aware of agency prioritiesBe aware of agency priorities– CyberCyber-Enabled Discovery-Enabled Discovery– Bio-Neuro TechnologyBio-Neuro Technology– Dynamics of Water Processes in Dynamics of Water Processes in EnvironmentEnvironment– CyberCyber-Enabled Learning-Enabled Learning– Effects of Effects of ClimateClimate Change on Change on DisruptiveDisruptive Events Events– Science and Engineering Beyond Science and Engineering Beyond Moore’s LawMoore’s Law

Develop Relationships with Develop Relationships with Program PersonnelProgram Personnel

This is EXTREMELY importantThis is EXTREMELY importantThe point isn’t to “get in good” with an agency The point isn’t to “get in good” with an agency officialofficialThe program officer’s function is to help you be The program officer’s function is to help you be successfulsuccessfulGet to know their programs, help them get to know Get to know their programs, help them get to know your work and where it fitsyour work and where it fitsOU supports travel for doing so (should also get to OU supports travel for doing so (should also get to know the agency by serving on review panels, etc)know the agency by serving on review panels, etc)Example from the EIP Program…Example from the EIP Program…

Special Opportunities for New Special Opportunities for New Ideas and InvestigatorsIdeas and Investigators

NSF RAPID – for rapidly responding, e.g., NSF RAPID – for rapidly responding, e.g., hurricaneshurricanesNSF EAGER – early idea explorationNSF EAGER – early idea explorationNSF CAREER – pre-tenure facultyNSF CAREER – pre-tenure facultyNIH Pioneer and New Innovator NIH Pioneer and New Innovator

Again, program officers can help direct you to Again, program officers can help direct you to appropriate opportunitiesappropriate opportunities

New Center for Research New Center for Research Program Development and Program Development and

EnrichmentEnrichmentWill begin operation 1 July 2010Will begin operation 1 July 2010Led by an outstanding new hire – Dr. Alicia Led by an outstanding new hire – Dr. Alicia Knoedler from Penn StateKnoedler from Penn StateMulti-faceted in its mission – works one-on-one Multi-faceted in its mission – works one-on-one with faculty to help, not just directwith faculty to help, not just directProposal content, management plans, education Proposal content, management plans, education and outreach, diversity, “Criterion 2,” pre-and outreach, diversity, “Criterion 2,” pre-submission reviews, agency linkages, centers, submission reviews, agency linkages, centers, interdisciplinary work, etc.interdisciplinary work, etc.Located on 2Located on 2ndnd floor of 3 Partners Place floor of 3 Partners Place

Steps in Preparing ProposalsSteps in Preparing Proposals

Notify OU by submitting an infosheet Notify OU by submitting an infosheet – This triggers a substantial internal process and assigns to This triggers a substantial internal process and assigns to

you a Proposal Development Specialistyou a Proposal Development Specialist

Submit early documentation to the funding sourceSubmit early documentation to the funding source– Letter of intent (usually brief, often required by solicitation to Letter of intent (usually brief, often required by solicitation to

determine conflicts of interest and potential response rate)determine conflicts of interest and potential response rate)– Formal pre-proposalFormal pre-proposal

Often required by solicitation and can be substantial, e.g., 15 pagesOften required by solicitation and can be substantial, e.g., 15 pages

Used to determine which efforts will be allowed to submit full proposalUsed to determine which efforts will be allowed to submit full proposal

– Informal letter of intent (e.g., NSF)Informal letter of intent (e.g., NSF)

Informal Letter of IntentInformal Letter of Intent

Steps in Preparing ProposalsSteps in Preparing Proposals

Prepare and submit full proposalPrepare and submit full proposal– Agency guidelines are readily availableAgency guidelines are readily available– Follow all guidelines TO THE LETTER!Follow all guidelines TO THE LETTER!– Deadlines and formats (e.g., page limits) are CRITICALDeadlines and formats (e.g., page limits) are CRITICAL

Almost all proposals now submitted electronicallyAlmost all proposals now submitted electronically

Grants.gov eventually (?) will become the single Grants.gov eventually (?) will become the single point of submissionpoint of submission

OU proposal specialists are certified in research OU proposal specialists are certified in research administration – they have the answers or can find administration – they have the answers or can find them!them!

Project DescriptionProject DescriptionMust be compelling and show enthusiasm (not “just the facts Must be compelling and show enthusiasm (not “just the facts ma’am”ma’am”

The first paragraph should grab the reviewer and make them The first paragraph should grab the reviewer and make them want to read morewant to read more

Clarity makes the reviewer’s job much easierClarity makes the reviewer’s job much easier– Don’t make them didDon’t make them did– If you don’t include it, they’ll assume you didn’t consider it!If you don’t include it, they’ll assume you didn’t consider it!

Follow guidelines TO THE LETTERFollow guidelines TO THE LETTER

A hastily-assembled proposal is a turn-off to reviewers and A hastily-assembled proposal is a turn-off to reviewers and conveys lack of seriousnessconveys lack of seriousness

Project DescriptionProject Description

Lay out the projectLay out the project– Motivations and previous research: set the stage and Motivations and previous research: set the stage and

convince the reviewer that this work is important and convince the reviewer that this work is important and relevantrelevant

– Goals and objectives: be very specific about what Goals and objectives: be very specific about what you propose to do, even in the form of hypothesesyou propose to do, even in the form of hypotheses

– Lay out the research methods, tools and techniques Lay out the research methods, tools and techniques and even specific experiments as appropriateand even specific experiments as appropriate

Absence of specificity in this area often results in rejectionAbsence of specificity in this area often results in rejection

– Describe data sources, validation and verificationDescribe data sources, validation and verification– Go to IRB for human subjects researchGo to IRB for human subjects research

Goals and ObjectivesGoals and Objectives

GoalsGoals– Long-range benefitsLong-range benefits– Broadly definedBroadly defined– Ultimate outcomeUltimate outcome

ObjectivesObjectives– S S pecificpecific– I I mmediatemmediate– M M easurableeasurable– P P ractical ractical – L L ogicalogical– E E valuablevaluable

Project DescriptionProject Description

Describe partnerships or collaborations, if applicable Describe partnerships or collaborations, if applicable and show org charts (e.g., for centers)and show org charts (e.g., for centers)

For long-distance collaborations, discuss For long-distance collaborations, discuss communication mechanismscommunication mechanisms

Describe how results will be shared/disseminatedDescribe how results will be shared/disseminated

Discuss advisory mechanisms as appropriateDiscuss advisory mechanisms as appropriate

Now must include mentoring of post docs, certification Now must include mentoring of post docs, certification for Responsible Conduct of Research (still pending)for Responsible Conduct of Research (still pending)

Describe broader impacts (NSF)Describe broader impacts (NSF)

TimelinesTimelines

Provides a chronological overview Provides a chronological overview including major milestonesincluding major milestones– Indicates organization and forethoughtIndicates organization and forethought

Lists activities and phases and estimates Lists activities and phases and estimates of time to completionof time to completion– Although discovery can’t be scheduled, good Although discovery can’t be scheduled, good

organization is essentialorganization is essential

BudgetBudget

Very critical part - OU Proposal Services provides Very critical part - OU Proposal Services provides a lot of help (e.g., current salaries, verification)a lot of help (e.g., current salaries, verification)

Very specific contentVery specific content– Salaries and wages (senior investigators, post-docs, Salaries and wages (senior investigators, post-docs,

students, students, technical support stafftechnical support staff))Number of months (tied to level of effort)Number of months (tied to level of effort)

Faculty can have academic release Faculty can have academic release

Faculty can cost-share part of their 9-month State salaryFaculty can cost-share part of their 9-month State salary

– Fringe benefitsFringe benefitsHealth and retirement for professionals, studentsHealth and retirement for professionals, students

BudgetBudget– EquipmentEquipment

Must be specific about model and purposeMust be specific about model and purpose

Indirect costIndirect cost

– TravelTravelMust be specific about location, duration, purposeMust be specific about location, duration, purpose

OU has standard rates for hotel, mealsOU has standard rates for hotel, meals

– Other costsOther costsMaterials and supplies (paper, pens, software, disks)Materials and supplies (paper, pens, software, disks)

Publication (page charges; usually $120/page)Publication (page charges; usually $120/page)

Computer servicesComputer services

Other: local and long-distance telephone, Other: local and long-distance telephone, tuitiontuition

Cost sharingCost sharing

BudgetBudget– Indirect costs (IDC)Indirect costs (IDC)

A portion of the total grant costs go to the institution for A portion of the total grant costs go to the institution for lights, heating & A/C, office space, etc. lights, heating & A/C, office space, etc.

It is a real cost the University must meet in order to support It is a real cost the University must meet in order to support the researchthe research

Current OU cost is 500% (i.e., 0.50 x rest of budget)Current OU cost is 500% (i.e., 0.50 x rest of budget)

Our rates are competitive - some places (MIT) are > 100%. Our rates are competitive - some places (MIT) are > 100%. Some private companies (DC area) are 200+%Some private companies (DC area) are 200+%

– Sponsored research incentive (SRI)Sponsored research incentive (SRI)A portion of the IDC is returned to the unit that generated it A portion of the IDC is returned to the unit that generated it to seed new research activitiesto seed new research activities

Unit receives 18% of the 50% of the IDC Unit receives 18% of the 50% of the IDC expendedexpended

Peer ReviewPeer Review

Ask colleagues to review your proposal before Ask colleagues to review your proposal before submissionsubmission– New proposal center will do this or you can just New proposal center will do this or you can just

contact me until it’s up and runningcontact me until it’s up and running

Include someone who is not familiar with your Include someone who is not familiar with your projectprojectActual peer review is mostly panels and Actual peer review is mostly panels and anonymous mail reviewsanonymous mail reviewsPeer and especially panel review tends to be Peer and especially panel review tends to be conservative, especially in tight budget timesconservative, especially in tight budget timesIf you’ve not served as a peer reviewer, If you’ve not served as a peer reviewer, volunteer TODAY!!volunteer TODAY!!

NSF Review CriteriaNSF Review Criteria

Criterion #1 – Intellectual MeritCriterion #1 – Intellectual MeritHow important is the proposed activity to advancing How important is the proposed activity to advancing knowledge and understanding within its own field or knowledge and understanding within its own field or across different fields? How well qualified is the across different fields? How well qualified is the proposer (individual or team) to conduct the project? proposer (individual or team) to conduct the project? (If appropriate, the reviewer will comment on the (If appropriate, the reviewer will comment on the quality of prior work.) To what extent does the quality of prior work.) To what extent does the proposed activity suggest and explore creative and proposed activity suggest and explore creative and original concepts? How well conceived and organized original concepts? How well conceived and organized is the proposed activity? Is there sufficient access to is the proposed activity? Is there sufficient access to resources? resources?

NSF Review CriteriaNSF Review Criteria

Criterion #2 – Broader ImpactsCriterion #2 – Broader ImpactsHow well does the activity advance discovery and How well does the activity advance discovery and understanding while promoting teaching, training, and understanding while promoting teaching, training, and learning? How well does the proposed activity learning? How well does the proposed activity broaden the participation of underrepresented groups broaden the participation of underrepresented groups (e.g., gender, ethnicity, disability, geographic, etc.)? (e.g., gender, ethnicity, disability, geographic, etc.)? To what extent will it enhance the infrastructure for To what extent will it enhance the infrastructure for research and education, such as facilities, research and education, such as facilities, instrumentation, networks, and partnerships? Will the instrumentation, networks, and partnerships? Will the results be disseminated broadly to enhance scientific results be disseminated broadly to enhance scientific and technological understanding? What may be the and technological understanding? What may be the benefits of the proposed activity to society? benefits of the proposed activity to society?

Peer ReviewPeer ReviewReviews can be brutal – but they’re ALWAYS valuable!Reviews can be brutal – but they’re ALWAYS valuable!

Very few proposals are funded on the first attemptVery few proposals are funded on the first attempt

Carefully consider reviewer comments because they usually Carefully consider reviewer comments because they usually lead to improvements (you’ll usually receive lead to improvements (you’ll usually receive ver batimver batim comments as well as summaries but reviewers remain comments as well as summaries but reviewers remain anonymous)anonymous)

Ask colleagues to help you interpret reviews and ALWAYS feel Ask colleagues to help you interpret reviews and ALWAYS feel free to dialog with the program officerfree to dialog with the program officer

Refer in re-submissions to prior reviews and how you Refer in re-submissions to prior reviews and how you addressed their suggestions because panel composition addressed their suggestions because panel composition frequently changesfrequently changes

Often you can tell agency who you want to NOT review your Often you can tell agency who you want to NOT review your proposalproposal

AwardsAwards

First step after receiving the award is to First step after receiving the award is to turn the proposal (your strategy) into a turn the proposal (your strategy) into a work plan (your tactics)work plan (your tactics)

Meeting reporting requirements are criticalMeeting reporting requirements are critical

NSF will not release funds if reporting is NSF will not release funds if reporting is delinquentdelinquent

Acknowledge sponsor in publicationsAcknowledge sponsor in publications

Typical Success RatesTypical Success Rates

Depends upon the agency, program withinDepends upon the agency, program within

NSF-wide average is about 26%NSF-wide average is about 26%

Major programs (centers, large dollar solicitations) usually Major programs (centers, large dollar solicitations) usually below 10% -- a real turn off!below 10% -- a real turn off!

NSF trying to extend grant duration (currently 3 years) and NSF trying to extend grant duration (currently 3 years) and increase sizeincrease size

Can resubmit – often with good outcomes if you follow Can resubmit – often with good outcomes if you follow reviewer advicereviewer advice

Some programs limit number of proposals per institution, or Some programs limit number of proposals per institution, or require approval of a pre-proposal prior to full submissionrequire approval of a pre-proposal prior to full submission

Source: NSF Impact of Proposal Award Management Mechanisms (IPAMM), 2007

Summary TipsSummary TipsDon’t wait until the last minuteDon’t wait until the last minutePrepare the pathway by talking with program officersPrepare the pathway by talking with program officersPlace your work in context and make the value Place your work in context and make the value proposition clearproposition clearAvoid jargon, especially for efforts that involve Avoid jargon, especially for efforts that involve multiple disciplinesmultiple disciplinesDevelop a clear research plan with goals, objectivesDevelop a clear research plan with goals, objectivesShow some early results Show some early results Anticipate outcomes and speak to potential impacts Anticipate outcomes and speak to potential impacts and extensibilityand extensibility

Summary TipsSummary TipsMajor issues todayMajor issues today– Diversity enhancementDiversity enhancement– Workforce developmentWorkforce development– Engaging undergraduatesEngaging undergraduates– K-12 and STEM learningK-12 and STEM learning

If your program has a major education or outreach If your program has a major education or outreach component, make sure you address the issues component, make sure you address the issues head onhead on– You needn’t reinvent the wheel – leverage existing You needn’t reinvent the wheel – leverage existing

resources, such as the K20Centerresources, such as the K20Center

Don’t be afraid to sell your work – think of what Don’t be afraid to sell your work – think of what differentiates it from that of others/competitorsdifferentiates it from that of others/competitors

Research CompetitivenessResearch Competitiveness – Big thinking, – Big thinking, competitive proposals; programmatic competitive proposals; programmatic excellence; another major Federal agency excellence; another major Federal agency presence; undergraduate researchpresence; undergraduate research

Research EngagementResearch Engagement – Major push on – Major push on DoD research and development; new DoD research and development; new translational programs with industry; translational programs with industry; interdisciplinary research; alignment with interdisciplinary research; alignment with State agenciesState agencies

Research CultureResearch Culture – New incentives and – New incentives and rewards for creativity and bold, rewards for creativity and bold, transformative thinking; directed resources; transformative thinking; directed resources; higher expectations for ourselves and higher expectations for ourselves and greater accountability; benchmarking and greater accountability; benchmarking and comparisons against peerscomparisons against peers

6363

Transforming Research

Competitiveness

Transforming ResearchCulture

Transforming Research

Engagement

Nation’s ForemostPublic

ComprehensiveResearch

University of Our Size

Goal: To be the Nation’s foremost public, comprehensive research

university of our size

Further DiscussionFurther Discussion