Once the preliminary discussions have taken place, the investigator
should forward the INTENT TO SUBMIT A GRANT FORM (Appendix D) to the
Office of Sponsored Programs. This form allows the OSP to plan for
future work and anticipate needs of proposal writers. This form does
not bind the individual to writing the proposal, and therefore, it
should be submitted as soon as an idea is conceived and seriously
considered to be placed in writing.
Appropriate preceding clearances are obtained on the SIGN-OFF
SHEET (Appendix E) which must be completed and forwarded with the
proposal to the OSP. Only the completed proposal should be submitted
for approval. At the time of submission, the proposal pages must be in
the correct order for copying and submission. The OSP will obtain for
you all necessary signatures on the Sign Off Sheet. The INFORMATION
FORM (Rev. 4/98) (Appendix F) must accompany all applications for
funding (other than gifts) and other correspondence to sponsor
agencies. The Information Sheet must be completed, signed by the
principal investigator and appropriate supporting letters should be
attached to the form.
It is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator to
thoroughly answer the Yes/No questions on the Information Form. By
signing the Information Form, he/she is certifying the accuracy of the
question responses and the corresponding details relating to the
questions.
The Information Form questions highlight relevant project
issues which require compliance with other formal institutional review
mechanisms, as well as University and governmental policies and
regulations. Accurate responses enable the University, OSP and
departmental administration to advise the Principal Investigator
regarding compliance with institutional, sponsor, and government
policies and regulations. Willfully false information in federal
grants, cooperative agreements, and contract proposals is a criminal
offense.. Signatures of the following individuals are required for
integrity of the educational program and allegiance to the mission of
the University. The Department Chair and Provost must be allowed two
days for review of your proposal. The Vice President for Finances and
Director of Sponsored Programs should be given a minimum of six work
days due to revisions that may be required. Responsibilities of the
individuals signing off are serious and deserve the courtesy of time to
fulfill these obligations.
Department Review
The Departmental chair’s
signature on the Sign-Off Sheet signifies that he/she has thoroughly
reviewed the document, approved the project's impact on the Department,
checked the budget and the forms for accuracy, and certified that the
project is in compliance with the goals of the department.
It is expected that the Departmental Chair’s review will
include careful evaluation with respect to salary recovery, program
income under the project, cost projections, other support declarations,
redistribution of effort, resources and environment commitments, and
use of human subjects or vertebrate animals. The Departmental Chair’s
signature on the Information Sheet signifies that these obligations
have been considered. "Per" signatures or signature of an individual
other than the Departmental Chair will be accepted only after written
authorization by the Departmental Chair.
Computer Center Director
Proposals
requesting major computer equipment and/or campus network connections
must be reviewed by the Director of the Computing and Network Services
for compatibility with other PC’s and computing equipment on campus.
Depending upon the proposed use of the unit, writers will be given
information with respect to specifications for hardware, accessories,
and software. The Director’s signature is not required for all
proposals.
Provost
The Provost has the overall
responsibility of determining the appropriateness of the project and
project changes on behalf of the University. He is interested in all
matters that have an impact on the academic program, i.e., requirements
for hiring new faculty, faculty workloads, additional space
requirements or renovations, new courses and other changes in the
curriculum.
Vice President for Financial Affairs
Budgets
are reviewed for accuracy and compliance to University and government
policy. The signature of the Vice President for Financial Affairs is
required on the Sign Off Sheet for every proposal.
Office of Sponsored Programs
The Office of
Sponsored Programs reviews documents in preparation for institutional
approval, including award and post-award documents. Fisk University
budget accounts will not be established until this review and approval
has occurred. Grants, contracts and similar forms of funding assistance
are legal agreements between the sponsor organization and the
University. They are formally approved only by an institutional
official. Applications for funding and correspondence requiring
institutional endorsement are reviewed to verify that University and
sponsor requirements have been followed; to assure that the School has
the resources and facilities to carry out the project; and to assess
the potential impact of the research activity on the Department,
Division and University. In the interest that only quality products
leave the institution, the OSP reviews proposals for conformance to
guidelines and the elimination of typographical and budget errors. The
signature of the Director of Sponsored Programs is required on all Sign
Off Sheets.
The OSP requires that you submit your documents for review at least ten
working days before the mailing deadline. OSP staff members will
process your applications well in advance of the day they are due at
the sponsor's office. The OSP, once all required signatures are
obtained, will copy the proposal in the required number and arrange for
delivery by courier (two days prior to the receipt date). You will be
notified of the courier’s delivery of your proposal to the funding
agency and you will be provided with a copy of your proposal for your
files.
Sufficient lead time is especially critical prior to major
application deadlines. The volume of work being processed just prior to
these dates is extremely heavy.
Errors and omissions which are not purged before the papers reach our office slow down the approval process for everyone.
The OSP will assist you in meeting genuine emergencies, but even
genuine emergencies are not appropriate cause for complete disruption
of the schedules of our institutional officials. Your patience,
understanding and cooperation will be appreciated.