Steps in Proposal Preparation

Refer to the linked flowchart for a schematic depiction of the proposal preparation steps.

Concept (College and University Recognition)

The Principal Investigator (PI) develops the proposal concept following the criteria outlined by the funding agency.

Request (Guidelines and Budget Justification)

PI develops preliminary budget and provides either a) funding agency guidelines or b) web information for downloading of agency guidelines. 

The updated DSR Fact Sheet (May 2007) provides helpful tips on the following items:  

• Fringe benefit rates
• Salary rate information (reorganized into a section of its own entitled “Salary Rate Limitations”)
• New Indirect Cost Rates and Rate Agreement posted

• New USF Research Foundation Address

The DSR Fact Sheet: http://www.research.usf.edu/sr/dsrfs.htm.

Guidelines and Budget Review

PI forwards funding agency guidelines (or applicable web download) to the Research Proposal Services office.  Research Proposal Services personnel at USF St. Petersburg are located in KRC 3113, and will help prepare the final budget for submission to the sponsor.

Research Proposal Services Contacts:

Review & Certification

PI submits proposal and Proposal Review and Certification ("Internal") Form to Department Chair and/or College Dean for signature.

College Contact Personnel for Proposal Review & Certification:

College Dean Review

PI submits proposal and Proposal Review and Certification ("Internal") Form to Department Chair and/or College Dean for signature.

College Contact Personnel for Proposal Review & Certification:

Research & Graduate Studies Review and Approval

If the requested funding is less than $1 million:

The proposal and Proposal Review and Certification ("Internal") Form are forwarded to the Regional Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies' Authorization.

Contact:

If the requested funding is more than $1 million:

Regional Chancellor Review and Approval

The proposal and Proposal Review and Certification form are forwarded first to the Regional Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Community Partnerships and then to the Regional Chancellor's Office.

Contact:

.

Submission to Sponsoring Agency

The approved proposal and Proposal Review and Certification form are forwarded to the Research Proposal Services Office. The proposal is submitted either by mail or electronically as required.  PI's do not submit proposals directly to sponsoring agency.