UL Lafayette: ORSP:

Office of Research and Sponsored Programs

Proposal Preparation

UL Lafayette Facts · LaSMARTS/LaGENIUS · Grant Proposal Writing Resources · Proposal Preparation

UL Lafayette Proposal Submission and Review Process

Internal Proposal Approval Forms and Instructions for Principal Investigators

University policy mandates that all proposals and applications for funding go through a process of review and approval prior to submission to any funding authority. This also holds true for pre-proposals committing university resources. The President is the official representative of the University and only he can commit the University to contractual obligations involving funded research or any other sponsored program.

The University expects that proposals will be reviewed substantively and academically within departments and colleges/schools. It is expected that research projects proposed will meet the standards of rigorous peer review within respective disciplines. The University review process, beyond the departmental or college level, is more concerned with the feasibility and appropriateness of projects given University priorities and pursuant to granting agency guidelines, as well as commitments of space, equipment, personnel and funding expected of the University.

Investigators may feel free to contact potential funders for information and advice about program guidelines, requirements and deadlines, etc. but must always be aware that all commitments must be approved in advance through the official University channels of review. In order to insure that each proposal is reviewed properly and completely, proposals should be submitted to the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) at least three (3) working days prior to the funding agency deadline for the proposal (See also University Policy on Late Submittal of Proposals to the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs ). Proposals are presented to the President only after being fully reviewed by the appropriate academic Departmental and Dean’s Office, the ORSP, the Academic Affairs Office, and the Business and Finance Office.

The grant proposal review process begins with completion of the Internal Approval Form. All proposals must have this form completed and signed in the appropriate spaces by Principal and Co-Principal Investigators and by Departmental Chairs/Administrative Heads and College Deans prior to submission to the ORSP. The form contains information relevant to review decisions and submittal instructions

Principal Investigators should specify the percent of academic year salary to be paid by the granting agency, the percent of academic year time now released to research to be devoted to the proposed project, and the percent of academic year time requested to be released for this proposal. The form has a place to list summer salary requests and University/College/Department commitments.

The form allows specification of Human Subjects Involved in Research, Non-Human Animal Involvement, Radiation Involvement and Biohazards Involvement.

The signatures on this form signify that the Principal Investigators are eligible for the funding, and compliant with and willing to abide with all relevant laws, regulations and policies as listed on the form. Signatures by University officials signify that the signers are familiar with the proposal, believe that it is within, and does not compromise, the stated purpose of the University, and are satisfied with and are responsible for all commitments (space/personnel/ financial/etc.) in the proposal as they relate to their areas of responsibility.

Other important items for consideration, are the University Fringe Benefit Rate and the Indirect (Overhead) Cost Rate. The University Fringe Benefit rate is 36.13% for all full-time (employed at least 75% time) faculty/staff included in the project. Fringe benefits are not included for graduate or undergraduate students, or part-time employees or subcontractors for most grant proposals.

The University's federally negotiated indirect cost rate is 43% Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC) for on campus programs and 26% MTDC for off campus programs. The university provides Louisiana state agencies with a reduced indirect rate of 25% MTDC. Some federal programs and non-federal funding agencies may have other requirements or limitations on funding indirect costs. In those cases the University may include these costs as an in-kind contribution. The ORSP can help Principal Investigators determine appropriate indirect cost rates.

If investigators have questions about these cost rates or about the process of preparation and submittal of proposals, they should consult with the staff at the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. The ORSP also has numerous resources for research into funding sources and tools for project development and proposal preparation. Many of these can be found on this web site on the Funding Resources page. If investigators don't find the tools needed on this web site please contact the ORSP staff at ORSP@louisiana.edu

Document last revised Tuesday, July 8, 2008 9:40 AM