Roles and Responsibilities: Proposal Development
Developing a proposal for external, federal funding typically follows the format described below. Proposal development may be in response to a sponsor's Request for Proposals (RFP) or open Program Announcement (PA).
Principal Investigator (PI)
• Responsible for developing the proposal's scientific and program-specific language. The proposal is written by the PI(s), as they are expert in their research or program area. The Office of Sponsored Research (OSR) is happy to provide assistance in the writing process.
• Should be familiar with the program announcement and/or sponsor's proposal guidelines which describe submission rules, eligibility, instructions and deadlines. PIs and the College must meet sponsor requirements. Proposals that do not conform to guidelines (including format) are commonly rejected without review.
• Must be familiar with institutional approval rules and processes that dictate how proposals may be submitted from the College to any external sponsor. A completed CMC Federal Grants Proposal Review Form (PRF) is required before a proposal can be submitted.
• Typically serves as lead coordinator of internal and external collaborations and requirements for proposal submission. Should be cognizant of sponsor and College rules regarding submission.
Office of Sponsored Research (OSR)
• Supports the proposal development process as prompted by the PI. OSR commonly provides proposal editing assistance, can seek sponsor clarification of rules and requirements, and may assist in the writing process. The office may also help to develop and coordinate internal and external collaborations and will help arrange calls or other correspondence with program officers at the sponsoring agency.
• Assists in the development of proposal budgets and acquires Institutional approval for the budget.
• Responsible for maintaining access to electronic proposal submission systems such as grants.gov and NSF Fastlane. OSR is required by the sponsor to submit a proposal on behalf of the College.
• Ensures that proposal requirements of the College, such as financial information or letters of support, are met. The office also supports PIs in other aspects of the process, as requested.