TO: Robert C. Bates, Provost and Executive Vice-President
FROM: James N. James N. Petersen, Vice Provost for Research
DATE: January 14, 2006
SUBJECT: LIMITED SUBMISSION” GRANT PROPOSAL AGENCY DEFINITIONS FOR “UNIVERSITY SYSTEMS”
We have seen a growing trend from federal and non-federal agencies to limit the number of grant/contract proposals which an institution is allowed to submit, and an incre.1sing trend to limit such submissions based on various definitions of “University System.” Because these limitations impact faculty throughout the system, I wanted to outline the philosophy and mechanism that we are using to manage these “Limited Submission” proposals.
Here are a few examples of eligibility definitions and how WSU fits within the definitions:
Example 1: NSF’s “Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (SSTEM)” defines institution as: An institution that is part of a larger system is considered separate for this purpose if it is geographically separate and has its own chief academic officer.
Therefore, WSU could submit the maximum number of allowed proposals per each campusof the WSU System since they are geographically separate and .1ave their own chancellors. If the limit were one, then one could be sent from WSU Pullman, one from WSU Vancouver, etc.
Example 2: NIH’s “Framework Programs for Global Health” defines institution eligibility as: “… Separate institutions may be defined as those having separate grants administration capabilities … “
Therefore, WSU could only submit the maximum number of allowed proposals as a whole system since the urban campuses do not have separate grants administration capabilities. If the limit were one, then only one could be submitted no matter which campus it came from.
Our objective is to ensure that WSU submits as many high quality proposals as possible, within the constraints imposed by agency policy. Therefore, to the extent possible, we plan to take advantage of our multi-campus system to maximize our opportunities. Because the individual grant programs within the various agencies have different definitions of “University System,” however, careful review of the Program Announcement is critical.
To facilitate the process, the Office of Grant and Research Development (OGRD) has developed an on-line database and webpage (http://informer.ogrd.wsu.edu/inter::1alasp?type=:limited) that communicates limited submissions opportunities as well as an on-line process fer reviewing these proposals. Moreover, OGRD notifies all Associate Deans of Research/Vice Chancellors of Research of such limited submission opportunities, and the constraints imposec, so that we can submit the greatest number of high quality proposals possible.
For reference, see the original PDF.