Proposal Preparation and Deadlines

Researchers and scholars may submit funding proposals to external sponsors, as Principal Investigators (PIs), if they meet the eligibility requirements described in the PI Eligibility Guide.

The internal endorsement process is how the university reviews, approves, and documents proposals for external funding before submitting them to a sponsor. We use the RAPSS FP function for this purpose, which serves as the official university record for all sponsored project submissions.

A RAPSS FP is mandatory for all submissions to external agencies, even if the Principal Investigator (PI) can submit directly to the sponsor themselves. This includes new proposals, competitive renewals, supplements, revisions, pre-applications, letters of intent (LOI), and clinical trials.  Please note that while pre-applications must be processed in RAPSS, they do not require Department endorsement. Please review the Letters of Intent, White Papers, Concept Papers, and Pre-Proposals procedure.

All RAPPS FPs must receive electronic endorsement from their Chair, Center Director, and Dean (or designee) prior to proposal submission. The RAPSS endorsement(s) confirms:

• The PI’s qualifications and authority to conduct the proposed work
• Availability of necessary facilities and effort from the department and school
• Commitment to project and budgetary oversight and cost sharing, if applicable.

The fully approved RAPSS Funding Proposal confirms that your project aligns with university, college, and department policies. It creates a binding agreement between your department and Research and Sponsored Programs.

Research Administration Handbook

• Who Can Apply as Principal Investigator (PI)
• Letters of Intent, White Papers, Concept Papers, and Pre-Proposals
• Sponsored Project Review and Approval Process

Open | Research Administration Handbook

Resource Library

• PI Eligibility Guide
• Common Proposal Elements
• Institutional Information (Quick Facts)
• 5/2 Day Deadline Service Level Availability
• 5/2 Day Deadline Checklist
• General Proposal Submission Process

Open | Resource Library

Other

• RAPSS+ Quick Reference Guides