As those who have prepared multi-investigator proposals know, there are many tasks related to the planning phase and coordination of these efforts that need to be completed before or in parallel with tasks that are managed by research administration staff.  It can be a daunting task to assemble the materials required from all participants, and institutional information may be necessary in the response to a particular center grant announcement.

The Center Grants Coordinator can assist you in pulling together a complex center proposal, especially those involving interdisciplinary initiatives and faculty and students from different schools.  The Center Grants Coordinator can:

• Ensure proposals are responsive to specific requirements in requests for proposal (RFP) and comply with proposal preparation guidelines for the funding agency

• Coordinate all proposal requirements including letters of commitment for cost-sharing requirements, space requirements, sub-award budgets and commitment forms, and other certifications as needed

• Work with finance staff to prepare the budget; ensure the budget reflects all aspects of the proposal and is responsive to the RFP

• Coordinate with institutional representatives in the Office of Sponsored Research or the Research Management Group regarding specifics of the proposals and resolution of any open issues that could impact timing of proposal submission

• Develop strategies to increase number and quality of proposals submitted for extramural funding

• Research and identify funding opportunities

• Locate funding opportunities that complement faculty program needs

• Screen RFPs for research projects, instrumentation, and facilities grants

• Match RFPs with particular faculty or research groups

• Review RFPs for troublesome terms and conditions; alert faculty and OSR contract officers of such language