Submitting a Proposal:Best Practices

By: Anu SinghScience Assistant

asingh@nsf.gov703-292-7141

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 fastlane@nsf.gov or call 1-800-673-6188.