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Submitting a Proposal:
Best Practices
By: Anu Singh
Science Assistant
703-292-7141
Best Practices in Proposal Preparation
Start with a Good Idea!Start with a Good Idea!The best proposals have a highThe best proposals have a high
“WOW”“WOW” factorfactoror have aor have a “HIGH IMPACT”“HIGH IMPACT” in the field.in the field.
Talk to a Program Director
PD’s can assist in program identification
Best Practices in Proposal Preparation
Follow the Rules! •Grant Proposal Guide – GPG
http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=gpg
Allow Plenty of Time
Examine previous awards in your area.“Awards”Hyperlink from NSF homepage
Typical Components of an NSF Proposal
Cover SheetTable of ContentsProject SummaryProject DescriptionReferences Cited
Proposal Supporting Documents
Biographical SketchesProposal BudgetBudget JustificationCurrent and Pending SupportFacilities, Equipment & Other
ResourcesSupplementary Documentation
Best Practices: Cover Sheet
Cover Sheet•NSF Unit Organization
•PI and Co-PI’s Information
Table of Contents – Done Automatically
Best Practices: Project Summary
Introduction/OverviewIntellectual MeritBroader Impact
Best Practices Project Description:
Appearance MattersMust address:
• Results from prior NSF funding (Required)
• Intellectual Merit and Broader Impact• Brief response to reviewer comments
(recommended)
Best Practices Project Description:
Results from prior NSF funding • Basic findings, training, outcomes, publications
Organization• Clearly apparent Aims/Goals/Hypotheses• Separate sections for both Merit Criteria
Integration• Intellectual Merit• Broader Impacts
Aims/Goals/Hypothesis•New insights
•Rationale
•Inter-relationships between aims
•Timeline
Best Practices: Project Description - Intellectual Merit
What if it doesn’t work?
Anticipate criticisms
Provide backup plans
Include alternative hypotheses.
Best Practices: Project Description - Intellectual Merit
Methodology
•Competence
•Collaborations
•Experimental System
Best Practices: Project Description - Intellectual Merit
Don’t Forget Broader Impacts!
•High impact
•Education/Outreach are important
•Your record
•Your plan
•Your budget
http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/gpg/broaderimpacts.pdf
Best Practices: Project Description – Broader Impacts
Best Practices: References
Provide current background information
Cite literature accurately
Best Practices: Biographical Sketches:
Maximum length: 2 pagesMaximum publications: 10Synergistic activities Mentors and MenteesCollaborators and Other Affiliations
Best Practices: Proposal Budget
Amounts• Reasonable for work – Realistic• In-line with program guidelines
Eligible costs• Personnel (PI, Co-PIs, Senior Personnel, Techs,
Post-docs, Graduate and Undergraduate students)
• Equipment • Travel – Consider student support• Participant Support• Supplies – Varies depending upon discipline• Other Direct Costs (including sub awards,
consultant services, computer services, publication costs)
Best Practices: Budget Justification
Well justified - Needs established
Done line by line basis
Best Practices: List of Suggested Reviewers
Well qualified reviewers Program Director discretionPotentially disqualifying conflicts
include:Organization with which reviewer
has/seeks business relationshipInstitution at which reviewer is
enrolled or serves as visiting scientist
Best Practices: Supplementary Documents
Letters of support or collaboration RUI Impact Statement (certification) Limit these to minimum necessary.
• Avoid introducing addition informational content (Not allowed)
Font size must satisfy all GPG requirements.
Follow page limit. Fill out all forms honestly and
accurately. Spell check and grammar check. Double check AFTER FastLane
upload.Poorly Written or Organized ProposalsDO NOT
Review Well Even with Excellent Science!
Best Practices: General Notes
Submitting the Proposal:
The Sponsored Research Office (SRO) or equivalent submits the proposal to NSF electronically.
The Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) is required to electronically sign the proposal.
Questions or Concerns??
NSF website:http://www.nsf.gov/funding/preparing
GPG hyperlink: http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=gpg
Contact the Program DirectorProcedure questions: Contact the
Fastlane Help Desk by sending an e-mail to [email protected] or call 1-800-673-6188.
