A carefully prepared proposal or application is critical to the success of any extramural funding opportunity. As you develop your proposal, pay close attention to the guidelines accompanying the Request for Applications (RFA) or Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). These guidelines outline the sponsor’s funding priorities, areas of interest, funding levels, application requirements, formatting instructions, page limitations, and other submission criteria. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the proposal being deemed noncompliant and excluded from review. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) supports faculty and staff in securing external funding for research, creative, and innovative projects. ORSP provides comprehensive assistance throughout the proposal development and award lifecycle, including: <ul> <li>Identifying and evaluating external funding opportunities</li> <li>Advising on proposal development and project narratives</li> <li>Developing, reviewing, and verifying project budgets</li> <li>Calculating fringe benefits and indirect cost rates</li> <li>Ensuring compliance with sponsor requirements, university policies, and applicable regulations</li> <li>Facilitating internal review and approval processes</li> <li>Coordinating the official submission of proposals through sponsor portals and other required systems</li> </ul> Early engagement with ORSP is strongly encouraged to ensure adequate time for proposal development, review, and submission. Proposal Review and Submission The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP)  is committed to supporting faculty and staff through the timely review, approval, and submission of high-quality proposals. Prior to submission to the sponsoring entity, the collaborative process of review and approval involves the Principal Investigator (PI), department chair, dean, ORSP, and Provost’s Office. As part of the review and approval process, ORSP evaluates proposals to ensure: <ul> <li>Compliance with sponsor guidelines, terms, and conditions</li> <li>Accuracy, completeness, and allowability of budget components</li> <li>Adherence to university policies and applicable regulations</li> <li>Completion of required internal approvals and documentation</li> </ul> Engaging ORSP early in the proposal development process allows investigators to address potential issues, strengthen proposal components, and improve the likelihood of a successful submission. To support investigators throughout the proposal process, ORSP has established procedures and guidelines outlined in <a href="https://www.uww.edu/policies/procedures-by-category/compliance-and-risk-management-procedures/uww-730a-grant-proposals-and-agreements" class="extLink" title="UWW 730">UWW Procedure 730.A: Grant Proposals and Agreements</a>. Investigators should also consult the <a href="/x525008.xml" class="intLink" title="Roles and Responsibilities">Roles and Responsibilities Matrix</a>, which outlines the responsibilities of Principal Investigators, departments, colleges, and ORSP throughout the proposal and award lifecycle: