Routing a Proposal

To begin routing a proposal through the University for signature approvals, print a copy of the proposal routing form at http://www.nd.edu/~research/forms/ . This form serves as a checklist for many of the issues which pertain to sponsored program activity including conflict of interest. The form is required for all proposals, revised proposals and revised budgets. Questions? Contact the Office of Research.

Signatures and Approval for Submission
The proposal routing form requires the signatures of the principal investigator (PI), any co-PI’s; the department chairs and deans of the PI and co-PI’s or the Provost Office for centers reporting to that Office. Why? They sign for the following responsibilities:

STEP ONE
PI: intellectual quality of the work, reports, expenditures; assuring compliance with University and sponsor requirements

STEP TWO
Department Chair: confirm fiscal and departmental requirements are met, approve project

STEP THREE
Dean: confirm fiscal and college requirements are met, approve project

The assistant vice president for research gives final approval for submission and is responsible for seeing that University requirements are met.

Submission of Proposals
Please notify a research administrator in the Office of Research within 7 working days of the deadline that you plan to submit a proposal to ensure proper completion and appropriate review of all proposal components. The more time for review (budget, non-science portions, and compliance), the stronger the proposal can be when submitted. Also, allowing additional time before the deadline can potentially prevent a delay in submission due to internet slowdowns or system downtime.

In most cases the Office of Research is required to submit the proposal electronically via Grants.gov, NASA’s NSPIRES or NSF’s FastLane system.

If the sponsor requires the PI to submit the proposal electronically, it is still necessary for the PI to route and receive approval from our office to do so.

If proposal is to be mailed to sponsor, and final approvals are obtained, the PI may choose to mail the proposal or request that the Office of Research do so.  If the PI elects to mail the proposal, the Office of Research will contact him/her when submission approval is obtained.