What We Do

Lifecycle of a Grant at UNCG

The OSP assists Principal Investigators (PIs) and Project Directors (PDs) through the application process, before and after an award. We are responsible for processing all research and training proposals to federal, state and local governmental agencies, as well as to voluntary health agencies. In addition, we assist in submission of proposals to private foundations and industries in coordination with the Development Office and the University Counsel's Office. We work with the Office of Research Compliance (ORC) to ensure that all reserach involving human subjects, animal subjects, biohazards and radioactive materials are in compliance with federal and state regulations. We keep the faculty abreast of both internal and external funding opportunities. We also work hand in hand with the Office of Contracts and Grants (OCG) in the oversight of grants administration. Lastly, the OSP acts as a liaison to sponsor agencies in negotiating agreements and resolving grant issues.

Specifically the OSP staff:

• Assists faculty in identifying funding sources for specific projects and obtains and interprets guidelines;
• Identifies potential funding sources and disseminates information to faculty with similar interests;
• Acts as liaison with potential funding source if requested by Principal Investigator;
• Coordinates research and sponsored programs activities in the development of interdisciplinary and multi-institutional projects;
• Assists Principal Investigator with review of proposal narrative;
• Coordinates the internal transmission process for proposals with relevant units (i.e., Office of Contracts and Grants, Office of Research Compliance or Office of Technology Transfer)
• Reviews proposal for formatting and compliance with sponsor guidelines;
• Verifies documentation for subcontracts and/or consultants;
• Secures the appropriate signatures beyond the department and dean;
• Secures signatures on standard assurances and certifications of the University compliance with federal regulations;
• Contacts potential sponsors, as needed, to obtain forms not already on file in OSP or for guidance and clarification regarding the submission of a proposal;
• Maintains copy of proposal, as well as internal processing forms, as depository of official University file of grants and contracts;
• Acts as a negotiator and liaison between the Principal Investigator and the funding agency on issues that arise prior to funding;
• Forwards copies of award document to Principal Investigator if proposal/project is funded; notifies all signatories; reviews award terms and conditions;
• Coordinates negotiations and reviews revisions if proposal is funded and obtains authorizing signature to accept award;
• Forwards fully executed award to the Office of Contracts and Grants;
• Prepares and negotiates subcontracts, teaming agreements, Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs), and other types of contractual agreements;
• Notifies all signatories if proposal is NOT funded; obtains reviewer comments and assists Principal Investigator  with evaluation and/or revision; assists with resubmission;
• Maintains an electronic library on potential funding resources and programs;
• Offers grant/contract related workshops, seminars and meetings;
• Completes and submits close-out documents as required; and
• Maintains database of university-wide proposal and award activity