Pre-Award Unit
The Office of Research Excellence (ORE) has compiled useful resources for the initial phase of proposal submission here for principal investigators and research support staff.
Questions: [email protected]
INTENT TO SUBMIT & PROPOSAL INTAKE
The George Washington University Research Pod 2 Intent to Submit is a system created to increase productivity by simplifying communication between administrators and PIs in proposal preparation. This nine question form will replace having to complete and submit the more intensive “Intent to Submit a Proposal” form to GW Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP). The tool will also be useful in increasing utilization of staff resources; the internal database will allow Pod managers to identify areas of need for allocation of staff, additional support, or management of high submission activity. After a sponsored research administrator (SRA) is assigned to the proposal, the SRA will reach out to the principal investigator to collect the remainder of the information needed to begin work on the proposal. This is a Proposal Intake, and can take the form of a meeting, a phone call, or an email. Collection of both intent and intake for proposals will allow our Pod to analyze pre-award proposal information to better service research efforts.
All GWSPH proposal applications must complete an entry
Questions: [email protected]
BUDGET TEMPLATE
In order to streamline the budget building process, GWSPH designed a simplified template that can be adapted to most use cases (eg. proposal submission, rebudgets, budget modifications, etc.). To receive a copy of the template, contact the ORE.
Template request: [email protected]
FACILITIES & OTHER RESOURCES
The ORE has compiled a document with descriptions of all facilities and other resources available at the George Washington University for proposal preparation. To receive a copy, contact the ORE.
Document request: [email protected]
GWSPH DIRECTORY
- Department Directory
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Biostatistics & Bioinformatics
Environmental and Occupational Health
Define Funding
LOCATE SPONSORED FUNDING SOURCES
Identifying funding opportunities can be considered the first stage in the sponsored projects lifecycle. Here at GW, and within the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health (GWSPH), there are various resources for those seeking extramural funding and intramural opportunities.
EXTRAMURAL FUNDING
Extramural funding entities vary from international and domestic sources, and those may be from government agencies, foundations, and corporations. The following are resources to help navigate the funding sources landscape.
- Pivot
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Pivot is a searchable database of funding opportunities from federal and non-federal sources including foundations and commercial sponsors. GW subscribes to this service to offer its users the ability to customize their searches, and to routinely have those searches e-mailed directly as they are published. Enter search terms to browse by keyword or explore the latest funding opportunities and research trends.
Link: Pivot
Questions: [email protected] or 202-994-6255 for Pivot access and training
- Corporate & Foundation Funding
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GW Corporate & Foundations Relations Funding Database: A select list of funding opportunities from GW Corporate and Foundation Relations.
Link: Funding Database
Questions: Corporate & Foundations Relations contact list by School
Philanthropy News Digest (PND): PND publishes RFPs and notices of awards as a free service for United States-based grant-making organizations and nonprofits.
Link: Philanthropy News Digest
Foundation Directory Online (FDO) Quick Start: FDO Quick Start has information on any U.S. foundation on your prospect list. Find the foundation searching by name, EIN, location, and assets or giving range. Search the IRS Forms 990 and 990-Private Foundation (PF) for those funders by those facets or by keyword.
- GW Office of Sponsored Projects
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Several funding resources are available through GW’s Office of Sponsored projects.
Samples include: Federal sponsors, international funding, and sources for travel and travel-related support.
Link: Office of Sponsored Projects
Questions: [email protected] or 202-994-0728
- International Support
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GW supports international research and new foreign collaborations by providing funds that may be used for travel and travel-related living expenses and/or project-related costs. Projects designed to generate new external funding, research strategies and collaborations receive the highest priority.
Link: GW International Research Support Programs
Questions: [email protected] or 202-994-6255
INTRAMURAL FUNDING
GWSPH has many opportunities for funding to support investigators, doctoral and master’s candidates, in addition to our research administrative staff.
Research Faculty
Intramural funding available for Research Faculty at GWSPH.
- Collection and analysis of pilot data to improve reviewed extramural grant applications
- Promising initiatives responsive to an active funding announcement (such as an open NIH RFP)
- Fostering research innovation that can attract future funding (demonstrated by RFPs from a donor agency currently open or expected in the near future)
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion which can be addressed as a research topic, through a diverse research team, or research focused on a neglected topic or population
- Research projects by new/junior investigators (up to 40% of awards will be dedicated for Assistant Professors
- Research Innovation Award Program
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Milken Institute School of Public Health (GWSPH) RIAs aim to encourage innovation and creativity in public health research, and support research initiatives aimed at generating extramural grant funding. Faculty who have a primary appointment in GWSPH and may serve as Principal Investigators only are eligible to apply for this award.
In general, GWSPH will give priority to applications that serve one of the following areas:
- Collection and analysis of pilot data to improve reviewed extramural grant applications
- Promising initiatives responsive to an active funding announcement(such as an open NIH RFP)
- Fostering research innovation that can attract future funding (demonstrated by RFPs) from a donor agency currently open or expected in the near future
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion which can be addressed as a research topic, through a diverse research team, or research focused on a neglected topic or population
- Research projects by new/junior investigators (up to 40% of awards will be dedicated to Assistant Professors)
- Investigators who have not yet received an RIA will be given special consideration.
FOR THIS SPECIFIC ROUND - SPRING 2024
For this specific round of Innovation Awards, the GWSPH Research Committee has decided that applications must include consideration or a focus on one or both of the following two themes:
1. Use of big data, predictive analytics, or crowd sourced information for public health; and/or
2. Development or application of any form of Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Learning (ML) for improving population health in the United States or globally.FUNDING AND PROJECT DURATION
The following rules apply to these awards:
- Funding under this mechanism may be awarded for one or two years, and cannot exceed a total of $25,000 per year (up to a total of $50,000 total for two years).
- Projects must be completed in the projected time frame and in general funding cannot be extended.
- The actual award of grants and number of awards made will depend on the availability of funding and the quality of the applications received.
- Funds will not be issued for similar projects currently supported by other funding mechanisms.
- Investigator salary support, rent, and hospitality costs are not allowable budget costs.
- Upon receipt of an award and the Department Chair’s approval, up to ten percent of the Principal Investigator’s salary support may be available via Department funds (contingent on department approval – please contact your chair prior to submission).
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applications should be submitted by 15 March 2024 in PDF format using Arial 11-point font (1 inch margins) and include:
- A Research Plan consisting of: A half-page summary of specific aims; a two-page summary of the project addressing significance, innovation, and approach/methods; and a half-page timeline for project activities and plan for obtaining extramural funding upon completion
- An up-to-date biosketch (most current NIH Biosketch Form) for PI and all Co-PIs listed highlighting the relevance of prior research funding or the proposed project;
- An up-to-date Other Support for the Principal Investigator including current and pending funding (Other Support, instructions and template included);
- A budget and budget justification (template included)
APPLICATION REVIEW PROCESS
Applications will be scored by the GWSPH Research Committee based on following criteria: (1) innovation (20%); (2) research approach (40%); (3) project team (10%); (4) significance (10%); and (5) potential for leading to a subsequent successful grant application (20%). Applications not addressing or including one or both of the themes stated above will be considered unresponsive. The length of the proposal (1 or 2 years) and the total funding are not a criteria that will be considered in the score. All decisions will be final.
Decisions of awards will be shared with applicants by 17 May 2024.
It is anticipated that work will start by 15 June 2024.
EXPECTATIONS OF AWARDEES
Award recipients are expected to acknowledge support of work funded by this program in publications and presentations as appropriate. A final report must be submitted to the GWSPH Office of Research Excellence within 60 days of the end of the award. A link to the final report form will be provided to you via email.
Questions and final applications should be sent to [email protected].
- Mentor Match Review Awards
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Milken Institute School of Public Health (GWSPH) Office of Research Excellence (ORE) is committed to providing principal investigators (PIs) with opportunities and tools to develop the most competitive and compelling research proposals. The Mentor Match Review Awards (MMRA) are provided as a service by the ORE with the aim of harnessing expertise existing throughout the country in promoting research excellence within GW SPH.
The MMRAs are designed to support a mentoring process between a GWSPH investigator and an expert in the investigator’s field of research. This initiative allows SPH investigators to partner with experts in their fields to solicit advice and input, including obtaining critical scientific review of their draft proposals. This preliminary advice and critique are instrumental in the development of the proposed project and can often serve as the difference between a successful and unsuccessful grant. Ideally, the process would evolve into a collaborative research relationship between the PI and the mentor. The amount of $500 is awarded for review and critique of draft proposals prepared in response to NIH R03, R21 or similar funding mechanisms (approximately 6-10 pages) and $800 for NIH R01 or similar funding mechanisms (approximately 11-25 pages).
It is recommended that GWSPH PIs initiate the MMRA process 2-3 months prior to a grant submission deadline. The first step is for the PI to identify possible mentors. Mentors should be experts in the relevant field of study who have a history of successful grantsmanship. Experience with the relevant funding agency or sponsor is ideal. Getting an early start allows time to draft the proposal ideas, engage the mentor, receive the mentor’s critique, and incorporate the mentor’s comments into a final proposal. Mentor Match Research Review Award recipients have benefited from successful proposals and on-going collaborations with mentors.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
Please be mindful and plan ahead, allow at least 4-weeks prior the sponsor deadline date.
To receive an application, please email [email protected].
NEXT STEPS IN THE MMRA PROCESS
Your request for MMRA consideration will be sent to the Senior Associate for Research (SADR) for review. Once our SADR has approved, your identified Mentor Reviewer will be asked to agree to the terms outlined in a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) that will be provided by ORE. This agreement aims to ensure the confidentiality of your work.In the meantime, if you have questions please email [email protected].
- ORE will also send to you review criteria for you and your mentor to use. Expect a completed NIH-type scientific critique with rankings. Please initiate conference calls or meetings to discuss your Mentor’s findings.
- Once the scientific review is completed, please send a copy to [email protected]. At that time ORE will initiate honorarium payment to your reviewer.
- Research Enhancement Awards
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Milken Institute School of Public Health (GWSPH) Office of Research Excellence (ORE) is pleased to offer Research Enhancement Awards (REAs) to support investigators in their research missions. REAs can provide nominal support to cover expenses and costs that may not be covered by other resources associated with a specific, active research project (This is an active award/funded project that a funding agency has obligated for a particular project).
WHO MAY APPLY FOR A REA?
REAs are open to all GWSPH full-time faculty, full-time specialized faculty hired on the research track, full-time research scientists, and post-doctoral fellows.
WHAT IS THE FUNDING LIMIT OF EACH AWARD?
Each REA may be granted for up to a maximum of $1,500 per investigator. Only one award per investigator may be funded in a 12-month period. Accordingly, anyone who has received a REA may apply for another REA 12 months after the date of receiving the initial award.
WHAT MAY REA FUNDS BE USED FOR?
The funds may be used to support future research-related activities or expenses on an active research project, which are not covered by other resources, including: travel (e.g., conference attendance for oral presentations, meetings with official research collaborators, NIH network meetings), purchase of data, purchase of specialized equipment, and publication fees.
A REA is not intended to reimburse past expenses or provide salary support.
WHEN ARE APPLICATIONS DUE?
ORE accepts applications on a rolling basis. There is no application deadline. Using the Research Enhancement Award Application Form, eligible faculty, research scientists, and post-doctoral fellows may request one award only in a 12-month period. Due to limited funding, applications shall be reviewed on a first come, first served basis and prioritized with other funding requests received by ORE.
REA APPLICATION PROCESS
Following the steps below, interested GWSPH faculty, research scientists, and post-doctoral fellows may apply for Research Enhancement Awards (REAs):
- Applicants must complete the Research Enhancement Award Application Form.
- The ORE will receive, and track applications submitted to [email protected] and will forward submissions to the GWSPH Senior Associate Dean for Research for review.
- Within two weeks of receiving the application, notification of an approved or disapproved requested will be sent via [email protected].
- Expenditures related to approved REA applications should be processed through the Investigator's Departmental Administrator or grants management staff (see below for more details).
The expense reporting and reimbursement process for REA awards includes the following steps:
- The email notification of REA funding shall accompany the expense receipts or purchase orders forwarded to grants management staff for processing.
- Grants management staff will apply approved REA expenses to the ORE Banner account.
- Funds requested by Investigators, but not utilized in accordance with the approved request, will be retained by the ORE. REA funds can only be used for the purpose for which they were requested. Investigators must seek ORE approval for any changes to the approved purpose.
Application Form: Research Enhancement Award Application
Send Submissions and Questions to [email protected]
- International Support
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GW supports international research and new foreign collaborations by providing funds that may be used for travel and travel-related living expenses and/or project-related costs. Projects designed to generate new external funding, research strategies and collaborations receive the highest priority.
Link: GW International Research Support Programs
Questions: [email protected] or 202-994-6255
Students
Intramural funding available for GWSPH students.
- Expenditures made during the course of the project.
- The award's contribution to the student's dissertation research.
- The student's success in the program.
*Please note that unspent funds will remain with ORE.*
- Doctoral Professional Development Award
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ELIGIBILITY
Doctoral candidates (DrPH or PhD) currently enrolled in the GWSPH who have successfully completed their comprehensive exams may apply for funds from the GWSPH Office of Research Excellence (ORE) to support expenses associated with their dissertation research and dissemination of findings.
Note: This award can only be granted once during a Doctoral candidate's studies, having met all of its requirements.
CRITERIA
Doctoral candidates must submit a brief application summarizing the primary aims, research questions, hypotheses, proposed methodology, strengths and limitations, and a timeline. Each application must be accompanied by a letter of recommendation/support from the student's dissertation committee chair. Individuals may only receive one Doctoral Professional Development Award while at GWSPH.
USE OF FUNDS
Funds may be used to support the following types of activities.
- Dissertation-related travel (e.g., data collection site visits, meetings with collaborators)
- Purchase of research equipment
- Purchase of research supplies and software
- Research-related professional membership fees
- Professional journal subscription costs
- Publication fees
- Software costs
APPLICATION DEADLINES
Application submissions will be accepted on a rolling basis contingent on the available ORE budget. Applications must be submitted to ORE ([email protected]) at least two months before funds are needed.
AWARDS
Up to $1,500 in funding will be awarded per applicant.
Notification of decisions will be sent from ORE via email to the awardee, his/her dissertation Chair, and Departmental Finance Manager. Award spending information and requirements will be included in the notification. Students who do not receive awards will also be notified.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
A completed Doctoral Professional Development Award Application must be submitted and contains the following.
1. Completed application form.
2. The application should include a two-page, single-spaced Project Description (font size 11 points with one-inch margins). Figures and references are not included in the two-page limit. The Project Description should be written for a general audience using non-technical language whenever possible to be understandable by research faculty in other fields. It should consist of the following components:
- Summary of the Primary Aims and Research Questions
- Hypotheses
- Proposed Methodology
- Strengths and Limitations
- Proposed Timeline
3. Letter of recommendation/support from the student’s dissertation Committee Chair.
4. Budget and budget narrative using the template.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The required forms and components should be merged into a single PDF and submitted via email to [email protected]. Use the following format for the file name: Lastname_Firstname_Application_Doctoral_Professional_Development_ Award_Date of Submission.
FINAL REPORT
Awardees must submit a two-page Final Report within 30 days of the award end date or 30 days before graduation (whichever comes first) outlining the following points.
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- Capital Connection Fund
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FUNDING FOR CURRENT STUDENTS
Scholarships, assistantships, and various other funding opportunities are available through several different groups.
Link: Funding for current students
CAPITAL CONNECTION FUND
For Master's students:
The GWSPH Alumni Association established the Capital Connection Fund to provide financial assistance for students engaged in off-campus research, internship, conference and other professional development activities. Contributions of alumni, faculty, and other friends of the Milken Institute School of Public Health help to make these opportunities possible (Make a Gift).
INTRAMURAL FUNDING OUTSIDE GWSPH
GW offices such as the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) offer funding to support investigators and collaborative research groups.
- University Facilitating Fund (UFF)
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The purpose of the University Facilitating Fund (UFF) is to foster the creation of new research projects and scholarly activities for full-time university faculty. Awards range from $5,000-$25,000 per fiscal year.
Eligibility: Applicants must be regular full-time university faculty who are continuing in service at the university the following academic year. The PI must be in a school other than Law School, SMHS and the GWSPH (Faculty members in the Law School, SMHS and the GWSPH cannot serve as the principal investigator (PI) but may be listed as an investigator).
Link: University Facilitating Fund (UFF)
- Cross-Disciplinary Research Fund (CDRF)
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The Cross-Disciplinary Research Fund (CDRF) supports the establishment of collaborative partnerships within Centers and Institutes or between investigators from two or more schools that apply for external funding opportunities. These awards will provide up to $50,000 per year for two fiscal years.
Eligibility: CDRF applicants must meet the eligibility requirements of being a principal investigator (PI) on an externally funded project.
Link: Cross-Disciplinary Research Fund (CDRF)
- Clinical & Translational Science Institute (CTSI-CN)
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The Clinical & Translational Science Institute (CTSI-CN) is the Research Support Center for GW investigators conducting health-related research. It offers investigators with resources, tools and services for every stage of their research. The CTSI-CN's mission is to advance clinical research and accelerate the application of research findings, to ultimately improve the health outcomes of the population.
The CTSI-CN provides funding opportunities to GW investigators including Pilot Awards, Voucher Awards, Team Science Awards, and KL2 Career Development Awards. These funding opportunities support research relevant to health and well-being, and are not limited to pediatric research. Information about current funding opportunities is available through the CTSI-CN website.
Link: CTSI Funding Opportunities
To receive notification of upcoming solicitations, register for the CTSI-CN Newsletter by becoming a CTSI-CN member.
Link: CTSI Homepage
For specific questions related to the application, budgeting and award-setup contact Lydia Prentiss at [email protected]
Proposal Development & Submission
SPONSORED VS. NON-SPONSORED PROJECTS
What are the differences between Sponsored and Non-Sponsored projects?
- Sponsored
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- Grant funds are restricted funds and are used in accordance with an agreed upon statement of work or proposal.
- Project deliverables, project reports, and financial reports are usually required.
- Sponsored projects are subject to review and approval by the Office of Sponsored Project (OSP) within OVPR before submission to sponsor for funding consideration.
- PIs are encouraged to contact their department grant administrators as early as possible for support.
- Non-Sponsored
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- Proposals not meeting the criteria outlined above may be considered and/or classified as gifts.
- These can be unrestricted funds, most often do not require deliverables, project reporting, or financial reports.
- Gifts are coordinated through GW's Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations within the Division of Development and Alumni Relations.
NIH APPLICATION SUPPORT
The Do's and Don't of NIH Applications
- NIH R01 Applications
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Watch this recording to follow two of our senior GWSPH faculty as they share their knowledge and expertise on writing, submitting and winning NIH R01 grants.
PROPOSAL BASIC DEFINITIONS
The following are four different categories of proposal. Determine the type of proposal that is being submitted as they have different requirements.
- Solicited Proposals
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- Submitted in response to a program announcement (PA) or request for proposal (RFP) released from a sponsoring funding agency
- Unsolicited Proposals
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- No specific request from the sponsoring agency
- Application submissions may be accepted on a rolling basis may have no specific deadline
- Invited Proposals
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- No specific request from the sponsor
- May or may not have a specific application deadline
- Limited Submission
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- Limited number of applications accepted by sponsor
- GW OVPR will initiate an internal competition to determine the proposal(s) that will move forward
PROPOSAL PREPARATION
Roles & Responsibilities
Levels of Responsibility and Eligibility
- Defining Principal Investigator (PI) Responsibility
The Principal Investigator (PI) is responsible for overall management of the scientific, technical, financial, compliance, and administrative aspects of the sponsored project in accordance with relevant sponsor regulations, university policy, the Faculty Handbook, and the OVPR Sponsored Projects Handbook.
- Defining PI Eligibility
The GW Faculty Handbook states to be eligible as a PI they "... must be a regular or research professor (rather than in limited-service status) or have an appointment as a research scientist or higher."
PI Eligibility Exception Request
- Exceptions to Eligibility
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n the rare circumstance in which an individual affiliated with GW wishes to serve as a PI but does not meet the eligibility criteria set forth above, a formal request for an exception to this guidance must be submitted to the Senior Associate Dean for Research for consideration (please see application process below to request an exception -- Obtaining an Approval for PI Eligibility Exception Request). Requests for exceptions are project-specific, and approval applies only to the project specified in the request form.
Link: PI Eligibility Form
- Obtaining an Approval
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When a PI Eligibility Exception is needed, please follow the steps below using a PI Eligibility Exception Request Form. Review and signature approval from the Senior Associate Dean for Research is required.
Please be mindful of the process and plan accordingly to meet sponsor submission deadlines. If needed, PI Eligibility Exception Request forms should be submitted to the Office of Research Excellence (ORE) at least 7 days before the sponsor's submission deadline. To facilitate processing, especially for requests requiring a quick turnaround for approval, please forward a note to the ORE mailbox ([email protected]).
- Principal Investigators (PIs) are encouraged to work with their department administrators to facilitate completion of the PI Eligibility Exception Request Form.
- On the form, PIs must already obtain approval from their Department Chair before sending to ORE for review and approval.
- Send the request form via email to [email protected] with the below format:
- Email subject line: PI Eligibility Exception Request -- PI Name
- In the body of the email, include:
- Deadline when proposal is due to the sponsor;
- Name of OVPR Pre-award Sponsored Projects Administrator (SPA) assigned to work with the PI.
- Attach the completed "PI Eligibility Exception Request" along with (a) Current letter of appointment, (b) Curriculum Vitae or Resume, (c) proof of completion of Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) course on protection of human subjects and (d) any other essential supporting documents to the email.
- Copy Lauren Scannelli, Administrative Coordinator, Office of the Senior Associate Dean for Research.
- Copy Department Chair (PI's designated department chair).
- Timeline for PI Eligibility Requests
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Department Research Administration
Engagement of Research Administration (RA) early in the process is highly encouraged. RAs are responsible for assisting PIs with the proposal development and facilitation of electronic routing for approval consideration.
Other institutional signing officials
The Signing Official (SO) or Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) has institutional authority to legally bind the institution in grant-administration matters by providing signature approval on grant application submissions.See the Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) for more in-depth Institutional Information.
Proposal Process Flow
Start early, plan ahead, and be organized. To help facilitate sponsored project application process review from our Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) within the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR), it is expected that Principal Investigators (PI) and their departmental administrator provide a complete application package in advance of the sponsor deadline date for review and approval through GWSPH and for OVPR.
Proposal Tracker
The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health (GWSPH) Proposal Tracker is a system created to increase productivity by simplifying communication between administrators and PIs in proposal preparation. This form will replace having to complete and submit an “Intent to Submit a Proposal” form to GW OVPR. The tool will also be useful in increasing utilization of staff resources; the internal database will allow researchers to identify areas of need for allocation of staff, additional support, or management of high submission activity. Collection of intent-to-submit proposals from all GWSPH departments will allow our School to analyze pre-award proposal information to better serve research efforts.
All GWSPH proposal applications must complete an entry
Link: Proposal Tracker
Pre-Application Requirements
- Letter of Inquiry - General presentation of a program idea and generally does not require AOR/OVPR approval
- Concept Paper - Would highlight key features of an anticipated proposal
- Letter of Intent - Express the intention to submit a proposal. Some sponsors may require AOR approval. If budgeting information is required, standard OVPR routing procedures apply.
Questions: [email protected]
Proposal Kick-Off Meeting
As soon as a PI is interested in submission of a proposed project for sponsor consideration, a kick-off meeting is highly recommended to establish the following:
- What’s in the RFA? Identification of sponsor requirements and proposal components
- Discuss and establish a timeline for submission
- Schedule future proposal follow-up meetings leading to application submission
- Discuss proposed project
- What activities are anticipated and who would likely staff the project?
- Will there be domestic or international collaborators and in what capacity will their contribution be to the project; programmatic or provision of services?
- Are Human Subjects involved? Animals? Radioactive material?
Link: Proposal Kick-off Meeting Roadmap
SUBRECIPIENTS
GW is a member of the FDP Expanded Clearing House Initiative.
Effective January 2019, GW implemented the Federal Demonstration Partnership (FDP) Expanded Clearinghouse Initiative. This initiative authorizes FDP member institutions to use online organization profiles in lieu of subrecipient commitment forms. Pass-through entities can utilize this publicly-available information when issuing subawards or monitoring subrecipient organizations.
To find out more information, and to check if the collaborating organization is a member, go to GW OVPR Subrecipients.
Complete supporting documentation for each proposed subaward
- Subrecipients that are non-Federal Demonstration Project (FDP) member institutions, or foreign entities, must complete the GW Subrecipient Commitment Form (PDF).
- Letter of intent (statement of collaboration)
- Scope of work to be performed (describing the Subrecipient’s specific role within the GW project)
- Budget
- Narrative Budget Justification
- Biosketches of Key Personnel/Technical Representative, in agency required format (if required by sponsor)
- Small Disadvantaged Business Contracting Plan, in agency required format (for federal subcontract budgets exceeding $750,000 only)
- Negotiated F&A
Consultant Inclusion
- Consultant letter(s) of commitment (to include consulting rate, if paid consultant) and Biosketch (if required, sponsor specific).
- Check proposal application guidelines for sponsor specific requirements for consultants.
FACILITIES & ADMINISTRATIVE (F&A) COSTS
Rate Agreement
The University negotiates F&A cost rates with the federal government annually (https://controller.gwu.edu/fa-rate), in keeping with the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200-Subpart A-§200.56). These rates should be applied consistently to all federally-funded research projects.
It is expected that investigators seeking external funding for proposed projects will employ the full F&A cost rate on proposal budgets, as stated in the federally-negotiated rate agreement maintained by the University Controller. There are, however, circumstances where consideration may be given to reduce the negotiated F&A or indirect cost rate (IDC). IDCs that fall below the GW published F&A rates may occur when either the F&A rate is restricted by federal statute or regulation, or when the sponsoring organization limits these rates.
To locate the current F&A rates visit Institutional Information within the Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP).
To determine which F&A rate to use and apply within a proposal project application for sponsor consideration, see OSP Categorization of Sponsored Projects.
Exceptions to the GW Approved Rates
Federally negotiated F&A cost rates generally will be applied on all proposals for sponsored projects unless:
- The F&A rate is limited by federal statute or regulation.
- The sponsoring organization has a published, consistently applied policy limiting F&A
Any investigator planning to use an F&A or IDC rate other than the GW-approved F&A rate or the sponsoring organization’s published rate will require to submit a request for exception.
For an exception to be granted, the following are required:
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sponsor documentation
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approval by the GWSPH Senior Associate Dean for Research, and
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approval by the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) Associate Vice President for Research.
Information on IDCs published in the sponsoring organization’s funding announcement, or acknowledgement from the sponsoring organization via email is sufficient to document the sponsors position on IDC rate.
Timeline for Request
Please be mindful of the process and plan accordingly to meet sponsor submission deadlines. If needed, IDC Reduction/Waiver Request forms should be submitted to the Office of Research Excellence (ORE) at least 5 days before the sponsor’s submission deadline. To facilitate processing, especially for requests requiring a quick turnaround for approval, please forward a note to the ORE mailbox ([email protected]) alerting staff that an IDC Waiver request is impending.
Indirect Cost (IDC) Reduction Request
In the rare circumstances when a request for IDC reduction is needed, please follow the steps below. Review and signature approval from the Senior Associate Dean for Research is required, and ORE staff will route to OVPR for final approval.
- Principal Investigators (PIs) are encouraged to work with their department administrators to facilitate completion of the IDC Reduction/Waiver Request Form.
- On the form, PIs must provide a strong rationale for the request, such as strategic alignment, expected return on investment, etc.
- Send the form via email to [email protected].
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3.1 Subject: IDC Reduction/Waiver Request—PI Name
3.2 In the body of the email, include:
3.3 Rationale for waiver;
3.4 Deadline when proposal is due to sponsor
3.5 Name of OVPR Pre-award Spnsored Projects Administrator (SPA) assigned to work with the PI.
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- Attach the completed “IDC Reduction/Waiver Request Form” to the email
- Copy Lauren Scannelli, Administrative Coordinator, Office of the Senior Associate Dean for Research ([email protected])
- Copy Department Chair (PI’s designated department chair)
It is the mission of the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health (GWSPH) to encourage “individual faculty and staff research productivity for GWSPH as a whole, as measured by: extramural direct research support, F&A support, and average proportion of faculty time devoted to research.” Sponsored research projects provide a means of achieving these objectives through direct costs, as charges attributable to individual projects to fulfil project goals, and indirect costs. These indirect costs, also known as Facilities and Administrative (F&A) rates (or overhead) represent research-related costs that cannot be allocated to a sponsored project or activity. Indirect or F&A rates support lab space, utilities and centralized administrative staff, among other things. See GW Policy Statement for further information.
Sponsored Research and Procedure Guidance: The Office of Sponsored Projects provided an in-depth Sponsored Projects Handbook detailing policies and procedures pertaining to sponsored projects.
COST SHARE
Cost sharing is an institution’s contribution to the total cost of a sponsored project. These are costs not covered by the sponsor and can be in the form of cash, equipment, in-kind contributions by GW and third parties, and/or faculty effort. Some sponsors prohibit cost sharing, check the sponsor guidelines carefully prior to considering its inclusion within the application. Additional information may be found on the OSP site. The GW Cost Sharing on Sponsored Agreements Policy may be found on the Office for Ethics, Compliance, and Privacy site.
Cost Sharing: The portion of the cost of a sponsored project borne from either university funds or another allowable source of funds (such as a separate non-federal sponsored project award), or some combination thereof, rather than by the external sponsor.
Additional information covering cost share may be found on the OVPR site under Institutional Support.
- Mandatory Cost Sharing
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A requirement for Cost Sharing identified by the sponsor in the sponsored project, notice of award, program guidelines or other written communication. A good example of mandatory cost-share is an executive salary cap where the sponsor specifies a fixed amount of salary that may be included and charged against the sponsored project.
- Voluntary Committed Cost Sharing
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Voluntary Cost Sharing that is committed to by the university in the proposal for a sponsored project.
- Voluntary Cost Sharing
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Cost Sharing provided by the university other than in fulfillment of a Mandatory Cost Sharing requirement. Voluntary Cost Sharing may be either committed or uncommitted.
- Voluntary Uncommitted Cost Sharing
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Voluntary Cost Sharing that the university undertakes without having committed to do so, either in the proposal for a sponsored project or otherwise.
Cost Sharing on Sponsored Projects
Requests for voluntary cost sharing are more likely to be approved if the project utilizes full Facilities and Administrative Cost Rates and clearly supports the school’s overall mission.
Note that requests for cost share are to be well in advance of the proposal deadline.
Requesting Cost Share
Here are guidelines to be followed in order to request institutional cost-share:
- PIs are to complete a request for cost sharing and notify their Department Chair.
- Requests must originate from the senior associate dean for research for GWSPH.
- The school(s) must confirm its portion of the cost share before requesting approval from OVPR or the Provost.
Steps involved: Request a Cost Share
Include the following information:
- Brief overview of the project (3 to 4 sentences)
- Amount of cost share being requested
- Break-down between entities (OVPR, Provost and School(s))
- Confirmation of the school’s portion of the cost share
- What expenses will be covered by the cost-sharing
- Reason for the cost share, such as:
- Sponsor mandates it;
- Makes the proposal more competitive; or
- Insufficient funds to complete the project without cost-sharing
- Sponsor name
- Total project amount
- Indirect cost rate used and dollar amount
- Duration of proposed project
- Other supporting information, or documents, that may be relevant to the request
Cost share requests must to be submitted by GWSPH’s senior associate dean for research to the Vice President for Research and GW’s Provost directly and copy the following:
- Sponsored Projects Administrator (SPA)
- Gina Lohr ([email protected]) in OVPR
- Iyanna Ndomale ([email protected]) in OVPR
- Heather Holmes ([email protected]) in the Office of the Provost
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
All proposal packages are required to include the Conflict of Interest and Financial Disclosure Form completed by all principal investigators (PIs), and senior/key personnel. According to GW’s policy on COI, faculty and investigator activities shall be conducted in a manner that avoids inappropriate conflicts of interest and commitment.
Financial Conflict of Interest (FCOI)
Federal regulation regarding public health service (PHS) funds mandates training, disclosure, and proposal/award management requirements. Supplemental disclosure forms must be submitted by PIs submitting applications for funding consideration. A list of PHS funded agencies is found within OVPR.
MULTI-SCHOOL ROUTING
A multi-school routing form (MSRF) is used when GWSPH Principal Investigators (PIs) are collaborating with another school or entity within GW but outside of GWSPH. MSRF requests Key Personnel to declare whether there is a Conflict of Interest (COI) or not and to confirm the last Financial Conflict of Interest (FCOI) supplemental disclosure date with GW if the application will be submitted to a Public Health Service sponsor. Submit forms to the Office of Research Excellence (ORE) at least 5 days before the sponsor’s submission deadline.
When an outside GWSPH entity is requesting approval of a MSRF from the Senior Associate Dean for Research (SADR), please follow the steps below:
- Principal Investigators (PIs) are encouraged to work with their department administrators to facilitate completion of the MSRF.
- On the form, PIs or the departmental administrator, must obtain approval from the department Chair prior to sending to ORE for request for SADR signature approval.
- Send the form via email to [email protected] (see below for email format).
Email format for the MSRF:
- Subject line: Multi-School Routing Form - PI Name
- Include deadline when proposal is due to the sponsor and name of OVPR Pre-award Sponsored Projects Administrator (SPA) assigned to work with the PI in the body of the email
- Attach the cmopleted "Multi-School Routing Form"
- Copy Lauren Scannelli, Administrative Coordinator, Office of the Senior Associate Dean for Research ([email protected])
- Copy Department Chair (PI's designated department chair)
Link: Multi-School Routing Form
PROPOSAL REVIEW & SPONSOR SUBMISSION
PROPOSAL PACKAGE FOR SUBMISSION TO OFFICE OF SPONSORED PROGRAMS:
Submission Deadline to OVPR
The Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) within the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) provides pre-award review for all proposal application packages for sponsor consideration. All proposals are required to use Cayuse 424 for either a system-to-system submission or for submission directly to sponsor specific systems. All proposal packages are required to be routed through Cayuse 424 for compliance review and GW approval.
Prepare EARLY to submit early to OVPR at least 5 BUSINESS DAYS prior to sponsor deadline.
A completed proposal package is expected to be routed and approved in Cayuse 424 prior submission to sponsor. The expectation from OVPR is to have a complete proposal package reach OVPR electronically 5 full business days prior sponsor deadline and adjust the timeline to accommodate for holidays that would impact the review and approval process. Please be aware that in certain circumstances, OVPR may ask for supporting budget documentation in the event that the sponsor’s format is not consistent with institutional practice.
Cayuse Access
Cayuse 424 is GW’s web-based system-to-system application tool for creating, reviewing, approving and/or submitting sponsored project proposals for sponsor support consideration. Cayuse integrates with many federal application systems such as Grants.gov and is used for routing of non-federal research proposals.
CAYUSE 424
To gain access to the system you will need the following:
Login to Cayuse 424 using your GW UserID and password
Unable to log-in? Contact your designated OVPR Office of Sponsored Projects Research Administrator
- Cayuse Support
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Email: [email protected]
Phone: (503) 297-2108 x 201 (Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 8:00 pm ET, except Cayuse company holidays)
Cayuse Help Center (registration required)
- Add a Professional/Institutional Profile in Cayuse
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Working with an institution or organization not found in the Cayuse Institutional profile? Send the following information to your designated OVPR Office of Sponsored Projects Research Administrator:
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE (for OVPR/OSP)
Name:
Institution:
Address:
Email Address:
Telephone:
Sponsored Projects Approvals
Requires approvals: Agreements that include the following are considered Sponsored Project Agreements (most cases). For additional information about the deferrization between grants and gifts visit GW Corporate & Foundation Relations.
- Required progress, technical, milestone, or final reports or other deliverables, excluding stewardship reports on gifts or routine updates to the awarding entity.
- Detailed financial reports to the grantor/sponsor at any time during the life of the project and/or the right to perform a detailed financial audit of the award expenditures.
- Requirement or stipulation that spending must align with proposed budgets as it creates a level of accountability beyond stewardship reporting.
- Federal government or federal pass-through funding, subject to audit and other compliance requirements issued by the Office of Management and Budget (excluding federal student financial aid programs handled through the Office of Student Financial Assistance).
- Funds that will be re-granted or subcontracted by the university to non- university entities.
- The use of animals, human subjects, recombinant DNA or hazardous agents requiring the review of the Office of Research Integrity and Compliance in the Office of the Vice President for Research.
- Intellectual property provisions, indemnification or hold harmless provisions, provisions containing restrictions on publication of research results, and/or other contractual provisions that place risk on the university.
- Intellectual property provisions, indemnification or hold harmless provisions, provisions containing restrictions on publication of research results, and/or other contractual provisions that place risk on the university.
Signing Authority for MOUs (More content coming soon!)
The Dean of our school is the ONLY signing authority
Templates have been vetted by Office of General Counsel (OGC)
Process for approval:
- MOUs establish a relationship between GW and other organization
- Basis for specific contracts
More coming soon!
Institutional Information for GW
What you will find:
- GW Institutional Codes and Numbers such as;
- Entity Identification Number (EIN/IRS)
- Animal Welfare Assurance Number (OLAW)
- CAGE Code: The Commercial and Government Entity Code
- Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number
- And more…
- GW Current Fringe Rates
- GW F&A Rates for Organized Research and Other Sponsored Activities
- GW Official Contacts
- GW Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR)
- GW Business Official or Financial Officer
- GW Payment Information
- Cognizant Agency for Audit
- Cognizant Agency for Indirect Costs
- GW Annual Reports
- Other Financial Documents
Award Negotiation & Acceptance
AWARD/CONTRACT REVIEW
Coming soon!
AWARD AGREEMENT
Coming soon!