Reviewing the Request for Proposal
The PI and Department should carefully review the Request for Proposal (RFP) or opportunity announcement and immediately notify the respective ORPA Administrator. When examining the sponsor guidelines, the PI and Department should consider the following questions:
- Is the PI eligible to apply?
- Is this a limited submission that would require an internal University competition? If yes, contact ORPA.
- What is the deadline date and time?
- External deadline: The RFP will clearly specify the sponsor’s deadline, mode of submission (paper, electronic), letter of intent or pre-proposal requirement, or limited submission requirement for an internal competition.
- Internal deadline: ORPA requires the PI and Department to submit the full and final proposal to ORPA no less than five business days prior to the sponsor’s deadline in order to allow sufficient time to review, modify, and submit all proposals. Additional time may be required when cost-sharing is required, multiple PIs, centers/programs/departments are involved, or any other unique circumstances may be involved in the project.
- Does the sponsor publish a general guide for proposal submission (see federal agency proposal guidelines)? Or, does the RFP include specific instructions beyond the general guide?
- Are there special forms or letters required?
- Are there formatting requirements or page limitations?
- Does it involve research utilizing animal subjects, human subjects, or biosafety hazards?
- Are there special terms and conditions?
- Are there limitations on publication or involvement of foreign nationals?
- Is the work to be performed subject to export control restrictions?
- Is there an international component?
- Who is responsible for submitting the final, approved proposal according to the RFP (PI or ORPA)? ORPA submits most electronic submissions, while PIs may submit paper or e-mail proposal copies.
Each RFP details the requirements for a particular submission, so it is important to review each RFP carefully for every proposal submission. It is important to note that the RFP requirements may change from year to year.
