1. 10/28/08 1Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Competing for Funding at the National Science Foundation Oct. 28, 2008 Lucy Deckard L-Deckard@tamu.edu Office of Proposal Development Texas A&M University L-Deckard@tamu.edu

2. 10/28/08 2Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Unit of Office of Research and Graduate Studies; Unit of Office of Research and Graduate Studies; Supports Texas A&M faculty in the development and writing of research and educational proposals: Supports Texas A&M faculty in the development and writing of research and educational proposals: center-level initiatives center-level initiatives multidisciplinary and multi-institutional research teams multidisciplinary and multi-institutional research teams research affinity groups research affinity groups junior faculty research junior faculty research diversity in the research enterprise diversity in the research enterprise

3. 10/28/08 3Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development O ffice of Proposal Development OPD-WEB OPD-WEB (http://opd.tamu.edu/) OPD-WEB (http://opd.tamu.edu/)http://opd.tamu.edu/ Funding opportunities Funding opportunities Junior faculty support Junior faculty support Proposal development resources Proposal development resources Grant writing seminars and workshops Grant writing seminars and workshops Grant writing workbooks and toolkits Grant writing workbooks and toolkits PI perspectives on competitive proposals PI perspectives on competitive proposals

4. 10/28/08 4Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development For more info Go to http://opd.tamu.edu, click “Seminar Materials”, then “Seminars by Date” and look for this seminar (first link) Go to http://opd.tamu.edu, click “Seminar Materials”, then “Seminars by Date” and look for this seminar (first link) http://opd.tamu.edu For an electronic version of this presentation For an electronic version of this presentation For additional resource materials For additional resource materials Articles and presentations by NSF program officers Articles and presentations by NSF program officers Lists of helpful NSF links Lists of helpful NSF links “Toolkit” on NSF “Toolkit” on NSF

5. 10/28/08 5Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Overview Before you start Before you start Things you need to know about competing for research funding Things you need to know about competing for research funding NSF NSF Organization and culture Organization and culture Funding mechanisms Funding mechanisms Finding where you fit Finding where you fit Writing the proposal Writing the proposal What happens after you submit What happens after you submit Other agencies Other agencies Q&A Panel Q&A Panel

6. 10/28/08 6Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Grad Students and Postdocs: Start Before the Clock Starts Ask advice from faculty who have been successful in getting funding Ask advice from faculty who have been successful in getting funding Take courses and workshops on writing proposals Take courses and workshops on writing proposals Volunteer to help write a grant proposal Volunteer to help write a grant proposal Apply for fellowships, dissertation grants, conference travel grants Apply for fellowships, dissertation grants, conference travel grants Network within your field Network within your field

7. 10/28/08 7Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Moving to a Faculty Position: Establish a Research Agenda What big questions do you want to answer in the first 5 years? In the first 15 years? What big questions do you want to answer in the first 5 years? In the first 15 years? Is the topic separated enough from that of your advisor to establish an independent career, but builds on your grad work Is the topic separated enough from that of your advisor to establish an independent career, but builds on your grad work Is it a topic you are passionate about? Is it a topic you are passionate about? Do have publications that will support this line of research? Do have publications that will support this line of research? Is your agenda in an exciting, high-impact area of scholarship? Is your agenda in an exciting, high-impact area of scholarship? Is your topic in an area that is currently funded by agencies or likely to be funded soon? Is your topic in an area that is currently funded by agencies or likely to be funded soon?

8. 10/28/08 8Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Network Talk to senior colleagues, department head Talk to senior colleagues, department head What are the expectations in your department regarding funding? What are the expectations in your department regarding funding? When should you start pursuing funding for your research? When should you start pursuing funding for your research? Where have they been funded? Where have they been funded? If possible, find “grant mentors” If possible, find “grant mentors” Attend conferences and seek out program directors from agencies, colleagues in your area who have been well-funded Attend conferences and seek out program directors from agencies, colleagues in your area who have been well-funded Determine where you expect to seek funding and work to become part of that community Determine where you expect to seek funding and work to become part of that community

9. 10/28/08 9Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Be Strategic New faculty are very busy! Use your time wisely. New faculty are very busy! Use your time wisely. Outline grant submissions for the first 2 or 3 years as part of your overall career plan Outline grant submissions for the first 2 or 3 years as part of your overall career plan Understand expectations in your field, institution and department Understand expectations in your field, institution and department Get to know your agency(ies) and programs Get to know your agency(ies) and programs Use start-up funds to position yourself to be competitive (pubs, preliminary data) Use start-up funds to position yourself to be competitive (pubs, preliminary data) Allow enough time to prepare a well-written proposal Allow enough time to prepare a well-written proposal Learn the process at your institution Learn the process at your institution

10. 10/28/08 10Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Build a Track Record Publish on the topic Publish on the topic Pursue smaller grants first Pursue smaller grants first Collaborate with more senior researchers Collaborate with more senior researchers Be sure your contribution is identifiable Be sure your contribution is identifiable Division of resources and outputs should be defined before submitting the grant Division of resources and outputs should be defined before submitting the grant Generate preliminary results Generate preliminary results

11. 10/28/08 11Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Consider Applying for New Investigator/Early Career Grants Find out what grants are available in your discipline specifically for early career researchers Find out what grants are available in your discipline specifically for early career researchers Will not be competing with senior researchers Will not be competing with senior researchers Still expect a track record Still expect a track record Publications Publications Preliminary data Preliminary data Understand expectations for these grants (e.g., NSF CAREER, NIH K99, DoD YIP) Understand expectations for these grants (e.g., NSF CAREER, NIH K99, DoD YIP)

12. 10/28/08 12Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Persevere Intelligently Plan on rejection Plan on rejection Funding rates typically 20% or lower Funding rates typically 20% or lower Even the best researchers are declined more than they are funded Even the best researchers are declined more than they are funded Agencies expect you to revise and resubmit Agencies expect you to revise and resubmit Ways to respond to a declined proposal Ways to respond to a declined proposal Get discouraged and stop applying Get discouraged and stop applying Disregard reviewers’ comments and resubmit Disregard reviewers’ comments and resubmit Learn from reviewers’ comments and revise intelligently Learn from reviewers’ comments and revise intelligently Pursuing grants is like honing in on a target Pursuing grants is like honing in on a target

13. 10/28/08 13Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Discussion

14. 10/28/08 14Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Things You Need to Know About Competing for Research Funding

15. 10/28/08 15Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development It’s not about you… It’s about the funder Understand what the funder is trying to accomplish by giving this grant Understand what the funder is trying to accomplish by giving this grant Funder’s mission and culture Funder’s mission and culture Program objectives Program objectives Review criteria Review criteria Understand the funder’s organization and procedures Understand the funder’s organization and procedures Where does the money come from? Where does the money come from? How are proposals reviewed? How are proposals reviewed? Who will make the decisions related to your proposal? Who will make the decisions related to your proposal?

16. 10/28/08 16Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development A Proposal is Not an Academic Article Must be persuasive Must be persuasive Must communicate passion Must communicate passion Must communicate impact Must communicate impact Must be easy to understand by readers with various backgrounds Must be easy to understand by readers with various backgrounds Must tie research to the goals of the funder Must tie research to the goals of the funder Focuses on future, not past Focuses on future, not past Must inspire confidence in researchers’ abilities and resources Must inspire confidence in researchers’ abilities and resources

17. 10/28/08 17Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development You must convince the reviewers… This is a project that should be done This is a project that should be done It supports the goals of the agency and program It supports the goals of the agency and program It will yield significant results It will yield significant results It is more important (or cooler or more significant) than other proposed projects It is more important (or cooler or more significant) than other proposed projects You (and your team) are the right people to do it You (and your team) are the right people to do it You have the skills and resources to be successful You have the skills and resources to be successful You have thought through the project You have thought through the project And most importantly, you must…. And most importantly, you must….

18. 10/28/08 18Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Intrigue the Reviewers

19. 10/28/08 19Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development “There is no amount of grantsmanship that will turn a bad idea into a good one, but there are many ways to disguise a good one.” William Raub, former Deputy Director, NIH

20. 10/28/08 20Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development The National Science Foundation Organization of NSF Organization of NSF Types of funding opportunities Types of funding opportunities NSF’s mission and goals NSF’s mission and goals Proposal requirements and Evaluation Criteria Proposal requirements and Evaluation Criteria Review Process Review Process

21. 10/28/08 21Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development NSF Structure Divided into directorates: Divided into directorates: Biological Sciences (BIO) Biological Sciences (BIO) Computer and Information Science and Eng (CISE) Computer and Information Science and Eng (CISE) Education and Human Resources (EHR) Education and Human Resources (EHR) Engineering (ENG) Engineering (ENG) Geosciences (GEO) Geosciences (GEO) Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE) Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE) Office of Polar Programs (OPP) Office of Polar Programs (OPP) Each directorate divided into divisions and programs -see http://www.nsf.gov/staff/orglist.jsp Each directorate divided into divisions and programs -see http://www.nsf.gov/staff/orglist.jsphttp://www.nsf.gov/staff/orglist.jsp Submit most proposals to specific disciplinary program Submit most proposals to specific disciplinary program Also cross-cutting programs Also cross-cutting programs

22. 10/28/08 22Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Funding Opportunities Helpful NSF web pages to search for funding opportunities Helpful NSF web pages to search for funding opportunities Guide to Programs Guide to Programs http://www.nsf.gov/funding/browse_all_funding.jsp “About Funding” http://www.nsf.gov/funding/aboutfunding.jsp “About Funding” http://www.nsf.gov/funding/aboutfunding.jsp http://www.nsf.gov/funding/aboutfunding.jsp “Active Funding Opportunities” (by due date) “Active Funding Opportunities” (by due date) http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_list.jsp?org=NSF&ord=rcnt Award Search http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/index.jsp Award Search http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/index.jsp http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/index.jsp

23. 10/28/08 23Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Types of Funding Opportunities Program Description or Program Announcement (“unsolicited”) Program Description or Program Announcement (“unsolicited”) Administered by disciplinary “programs” within directorate and division Typically due once or twice per year (sometimes due dates; sometimes “target dates” or “windows”); 1 – 3 PIs Follow Grant Proposal Guide (GPG) for formatting, eligibility, etc. http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/pappguide/nsf08_1/gpg_index.jsp Note: New GPG will take effect Jan. 2009 http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/pappguide/nsf09_1/index.jsp Synopsis of research interests and abstracts of funded proposals on web site

24. 10/28/08 24Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Types of Funding Opportunities Solicitations Solicitations More focused than program announcements More focused than program announcements Often tied to particular agency initiative Often tied to particular agency initiative NSF-wide and cross-cutting opportunities NSF-wide and cross-cutting opportunities Often apply for limited period of time Often apply for limited period of time Give specific format, criteria and other requirements that may differ from GPG Give specific format, criteria and other requirements that may differ from GPG Supplements Supplements Additions to existing grants Additions to existing grants Research Experiences for Undergraduates, Research Experiences for Teachers, Research Opportunity Awards, etc. Research Experiences for Undergraduates, Research Experiences for Teachers, Research Opportunity Awards, etc.

25. 10/28/08 25Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Types of Funding Opportunities Dear Colleague Letter Dear Colleague Letter Informs research community of upcoming opportunities, special competition for supplements, etc. Informs research community of upcoming opportunities, special competition for supplements, etc. Grants for Rapid Response Research (RAPID) Grants for Rapid Response Research (RAPID) quick-response research on natural or anthropogenic disasters and similar unanticipated events quick-response research on natural or anthropogenic disasters and similar unanticipated events Up to $200K for 1 year Up to $200K for 1 year Early-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER) Early-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER) Up to $300K for 2 years Up to $300K for 2 years High risk, exploratory research High risk, exploratory research Both RAPID and EAGER will take effect in Jan 2009 and are reviewed internally (be sure to talk to the Program Manager) Both RAPID and EAGER will take effect in Jan 2009 and are reviewed internally (be sure to talk to the Program Manager)

26. 10/28/08 26Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Funding Opportunities In addition to research grants, NSF funds… In addition to research grants, NSF funds… Instrumentation Instrumentation Conferences and Workshops Conferences and Workshops Doctoral Research in Selected Areas (Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grants) Doctoral Research in Selected Areas (Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grants) International Travel International Travel Graduate Student Fellowships Graduate Student Fellowships

27. 10/28/08 27Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development NSF Culture and Mission Strategic Goals, 2006 - 2011 Discovery Discovery Advance frontiers of knowledge Advance frontiers of knowledge Emphasize areas of greatest opportunity and potential benefit Emphasize areas of greatest opportunity and potential benefit Establish nation as global leader in transforming science and education Establish nation as global leader in transforming science and education Learning Learning Cultivate a world-class, broadly inclusive S&E workforce Cultivate a world-class, broadly inclusive S&E workforce Expand scientific literacy of all citizens Expand scientific literacy of all citizens Research Infrastructure Research Infrastructure Build nation’s research capability through investments in advanced instrumentation, facilities, cyberinfrastructure and experimental tools Build nation’s research capability through investments in advanced instrumentation, facilities, cyberinfrastructure and experimental tools

28. 10/28/08 28Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development NSF Strategic Goals (cont’d) Stewardship Stewardship Support excellence in science and engineering research and education through a capable and responsive organization Support excellence in science and engineering research and education through a capable and responsive organization

29. 10/28/08 29Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development NSF 2009 Priority Areas (NSF-wide Investments) http://www.nsf.gov/news/priority_areas/ http://www.nsf.gov/news/priority_areas/ Adaptive Systems Technology Adaptive Systems Technology NSF Centers Programs and Funding NSF Centers Programs and Funding Climate Change Science Program Climate Change Science Program Cyber-enabled Discovery and Innovation Cyber-enabled Discovery and Innovation Cyberinfrastructure Cyberinfrastructure Dynamics of Water Processes in the Environment Dynamics of Water Processes in the Environment National Nanotechnology Initiative National Nanotechnology Initiative Networking and Information Technology R&D Networking and Information Technology R&D Science and Engineering Beyond Moore’s Law Science and Engineering Beyond Moore’s Law Selected Crosscutting Programs Selected Crosscutting Programs

30. 10/28/08 30Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development NSF Culture Each directorate has its own culture and priorities Each directorate has its own culture and priorities Get to know the directorates and divisions that could fund your work Get to know the directorates and divisions that could fund your work Read web site – goals, priorities of directorate, division, programs Read web site – goals, priorities of directorate, division, programs Get to know program directors Get to know program directors Use funded programs data base to find out what has been funded recently - http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/index.jsp Use funded programs data base to find out what has been funded recently - http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/index.jsp http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/index.jsp Volunteer to serve as reviewer Volunteer to serve as reviewer Attend NSF national and regional workshops Attend NSF national and regional workshops

31. 10/28/08 31Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development NSF Funds… Basic research, not development Basic research, not development How basic depends on directorate, program How basic depends on directorate, program Novel ideas (but high risk projects will require more extensive track record) Novel ideas (but high risk projects will require more extensive track record) “Transformative” research “Transformative” research Projects that improve STEM education and diversity Projects that improve STEM education and diversity High impact (not incremental) research High impact (not incremental) research

32. 10/28/08 32Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Finding Where Your Research Fits at NSF Talk to colleagues in your area Talk to colleagues in your area Use the website (see articles in your packet) Use the website (see articles in your packet) Look at program descriptions Look at program descriptions Look at funded programs Look at funded programs Demonstration: http://www.nsf.gov/staff/orglist.jsp Demonstration: http://www.nsf.gov/staff/orglist.jsphttp://www.nsf.gov/staff/orglist.jsp Ask the Program Officer Ask the Program Officer E-mail and/or call with questions E-mail and/or call with questions Be prepared to answer the question, “What is your research objective?” in 25 words or less Be prepared to answer the question, “What is your research objective?” in 25 words or less Visit NSF Visit NSF Look for them at conferences Look for them at conferences Attend NSF national and regional workshops Attend NSF national and regional workshops http://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/outreach.jsp

33. 10/28/08 33Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development RFPs: Analyzing an NSF Solicitation Who is eligible to submit? Who is eligible to submit? What is the funding level and funding period? What is the funding level and funding period? What is NSF’s objective? What is NSF’s objective? What are the review criteria? What are the review criteria? What is the review process? What is the review process? Do they refer to reports, other programs? Do they refer to reports, other programs? What projects have been funded in the past? What projects have been funded in the past?

34. 10/28/08 34Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Grant Proposal Guide http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/papp guide/nsf09_1/gpg_index.jsp http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/papp guide/nsf09_1/gpg_index.jsp Default authority for formatting, page length, etc. Default authority for formatting, page length, etc. Includes info on Includes info on Biosketches Biosketches Budgets Budgets Additional documents Additional documents Procedures Procedures Exceptions from GPG must be detailed in solicitation Exceptions from GPG must be detailed in solicitation

35. 10/28/08 35Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Charles Mingus on Grant Writing Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity.

36. 10/28/08 36Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Connect to Review Criteria Through-out proposal point out explicitly how program components address review criteria Through-out proposal point out explicitly how program components address review criteria Address each criterion separately Address each criterion separately Make this easy to find Make this easy to find Make this concise Make this concise

37. 10/28/08 37Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Performance Expectations: Review Criteria Intellectual Merit Intellectual Merit How important is the proposed activity to advancing knowledge and understanding within its own field or across different fields? How important is the proposed activity to advancing knowledge and understanding within its own field or across different fields? How well qualified is the proposer (individual or team) to conduct the project? How well qualified is the proposer (individual or team) to conduct the project? To what extent does the proposed activity suggest and explore creative and original concepts; is it potentially transformative? To what extent does the proposed activity suggest and explore creative and original concepts; is it potentially transformative? How well conceived and organized is the proposed activity? How well conceived and organized is the proposed activity? Is there sufficient access to resources? Is there sufficient access to resources?

38. 10/28/08 38Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Review Criteria Broader Impacts Broader Impacts Advance discovery while promoting teaching, training and learning Advance discovery while promoting teaching, training and learning Broaden participation of underrepresented groups Broaden participation of underrepresented groups Dissemination Dissemination Societal benefits Societal benefits Improve infrastructure for research Improve infrastructure for research Discuss throughout proposal AND in separate section in both Project Summary and Description Discuss throughout proposal AND in separate section in both Project Summary and Description Special Criteria Special Criteria Program specific Program specific Listed in solicitation under “Proposal Review Information” Listed in solicitation under “Proposal Review Information”

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42. 10/28/08 42Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development NSF Proposal Sections: Examples Project Summary (typ. 1 page) Project Summary (typ. 1 page) Project Description/Research Narrative (typ. 15 pgs) Project Description/Research Narrative (typ. 15 pgs) Literature Cited (typ. no page limit) Literature Cited (typ. no page limit) Budget (forms) Budget (forms) Budget Justification (typ. 3 page max) Budget Justification (typ. 3 page max) Biosketches (typ. 2 pages per person) Biosketches (typ. 2 pages per person) Current and Pending Projects (no limit) Current and Pending Projects (no limit) Equipment and Facilities (no limit) Equipment and Facilities (no limit) Supplement Documentation (e.g., letters of collaboration; limits vary) Supplement Documentation (e.g., letters of collaboration; limits vary)

43. 10/28/08 43Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development The Project Summary The most important part of your proposal! The most important part of your proposal! Provides reviewers with a context for your proposed research Provides reviewers with a context for your proposed research Helps reviewers understand your research topic Helps reviewers understand your research topic Persuades reviewers of the need for your research Persuades reviewers of the need for your research Assures reviewers of your qualifications Assures reviewers of your qualifications Assures reviewers of your access to appropriate resources Assures reviewers of your access to appropriate resources Outlines your research objectives Outlines your research objectives Describes your expected outcomes Describes your expected outcomes Demonstrates the significance of your research Demonstrates the significance of your research Must include intellectual merit and broader impact, separately discussed Must include intellectual merit and broader impact, separately discussed

44. 10/28/08 44Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Example Project Description Outline Introduction and Overview (typically 1 – 2 pages) Introduction and Overview (typically 1 – 2 pages) Statement of problem/question/hypothesis Statement of problem/question/hypothesis Overview of the project Overview of the project Overall goals Overall goals Significance and Intellectual Merit Significance and Intellectual Merit Background and Current State of Knowledge (typ. 2 – 3 pages) Background and Current State of Knowledge (typ. 2 – 3 pages)  Preliminary Data or Prior Work conducted by the PI(s) (varies depending on amount of prior work; no more than 4 pages)  Research Plan (typ. 5 – 8 pages) Detailed goals and objectives Detailed goals and objectives Methodology Methodology Plan of work (e.g., tasks, milestones, schedules) Plan of work (e.g., tasks, milestones, schedules) Expected outcomes Expected outcomes Broader Impacts (typ. ¾ - 1.5 pages) Broader Impacts (typ. ¾ - 1.5 pages) Scientific broader impacts (benefit to your broader field, other scientific fields, and to society in general) Scientific broader impacts (benefit to your broader field, other scientific fields, and to society in general) Education and diversity (benefit to students, integration of research and education, etc.) Education and diversity (benefit to students, integration of research and education, etc.) Dissemination (how will others find out about your research?)Results of Prior NSF Support Dissemination (how will others find out about your research?)Results of Prior NSF Support Results of Prior Support (1 short paragraph for each prior project) Results of Prior Support (1 short paragraph for each prior project) Only required for PI/co-PIs with NSF funding in the last 5 years. Only required for PI/co-PIs with NSF funding in the last 5 years. List award #, funding period, amount, PI and describe goals and results (esp in terms of papers published and students graduates) List award #, funding period, amount, PI and describe goals and results (esp in terms of papers published and students graduates) Note: many PIs put this at the very front of the project description; I think it should go in the front if the prior projects are closely related; otherwise, put it at the end. Note: many PIs put this at the very front of the project description; I think it should go in the front if the prior projects are closely related; otherwise, put it at the end.

45. 10/28/08 45Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Introduction/Overview Provides a framework for the reviewer Provides a framework for the reviewer Remainder of proposal will flesh out this framework Remainder of proposal will flesh out this framework Opportunity to make important points up front Opportunity to make important points up front Communicate your excitement! Communicate your excitement!

46. 10/28/08 46Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Goals State specific, measurable goals of your project State specific, measurable goals of your project Tie to program/agency mission and goals Tie to program/agency mission and goals If hypothesis-based research, state your hypothesis If hypothesis-based research, state your hypothesis Discuss expected outcomes Discuss expected outcomes

47. 10/28/08 47Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Background/Literature Review Spend some time researching this Spend some time researching this This section should tie closely to your proposed research This section should tie closely to your proposed research What are the holes in current knowledge that your work will fill? What are the holes in current knowledge that your work will fill? How does your research extend and advance knowledge in the field? How does your research extend and advance knowledge in the field? Do not be dismissive of previous research Do not be dismissive of previous research Be thorough in citing important work but be concise Be thorough in citing important work but be concise

48. 10/28/08 48Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Significance Explain explicitly why proposed research is important Explain explicitly why proposed research is important Tie to agency and program goals Tie to agency and program goals Relate to review criteria Relate to review criteria Make this easy to find Make this easy to find

49. 10/28/08 49Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Preliminary Data Understand the expectations of the agency and program Understand the expectations of the agency and program How much preliminary data is expected? How much preliminary data is expected? Higher risk research will require more preliminary data Higher risk research will require more preliminary data Less experienced researchers will generally need more preliminary data Less experienced researchers will generally need more preliminary data Preliminary data should strengthen reviewers’ perception of your chance of success Preliminary data should strengthen reviewers’ perception of your chance of success

50. 10/28/08 50Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Research Plan Be very clear about how you will accomplish your stated goals and objectives Be very clear about how you will accomplish your stated goals and objectives Include details Include details What, specifically, will you do when you get the money? What, specifically, will you do when you get the money? Schedules and milestones are often helpful Schedules and milestones are often helpful This is especially important if you are a relatively new researcher This is especially important if you are a relatively new researcher Address any potential dead ends, roadblocks, show-stoppers and how you will deal with them Address any potential dead ends, roadblocks, show-stoppers and how you will deal with them Avoid ambiguous terminology – be very specific! Avoid ambiguous terminology – be very specific!

51. 10/28/08 51Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Project assessment and evaluation How will you know if you were successful? How will you know if you were successful? Describe what will be measured in order to assess how well project met each of its objectives Describe what will be measured in order to assess how well project met each of its objectives Who will conduct assessment? Who will conduct assessment? Discuss logistics Discuss logistics Formative assessment: conducted throughout project and results fed back to improve project Formative assessment: conducted throughout project and results fed back to improve project Summative assessment: final assessment at end of project Summative assessment: final assessment at end of project

52. 10/28/08 52Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Connect narrative text to budget Budget categories are defined by the funding agency Budget categories are defined by the funding agency Be sure activities discussed in narrative are reflected in budget Be sure activities discussed in narrative are reflected in budget Connect narrative text to the budget to ensure appropriate balance and proportion, Connect narrative text to the budget to ensure appropriate balance and proportion, If a budget justification section is requested, use it to complement and deepen the narrative detail If a budget justification section is requested, use it to complement and deepen the narrative detail

53. 10/28/08 53Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Beware of Boiler Plate Thinking of proposal narrative as “boiler plate” will result in a mediocre, disjointed proposal Thinking of proposal narrative as “boiler plate” will result in a mediocre, disjointed proposal Begin each proposal as a new effort, not a copy & paste Begin each proposal as a new effort, not a copy & paste Be very cautious integrating text inserts Be very cautious integrating text inserts Strong proposals clearly reflect a coherent, sustained, and integrated argument grounded on good ideas Strong proposals clearly reflect a coherent, sustained, and integrated argument grounded on good ideas

54. 10/28/08 54Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Points to Emphasize State benefits of your research clearly State benefits of your research clearly Why is it important and how is it novel? Why is it important and how is it novel? How will it advance knowledge in field? How will it advance knowledge in field? Societal benefits Societal benefits Research Plan should be specific and detailed Research Plan should be specific and detailed Clearly state measurable goals and outcomes Clearly state measurable goals and outcomes Discuss how you will address any possible problems Discuss how you will address any possible problems Be sure to emphasize integration of education and research Be sure to emphasize integration of education and research Measurable goals (e.g., number of students, diversity goals, etc.) Measurable goals (e.g., number of students, diversity goals, etc.) Connect to existing NSF projects if possible Connect to existing NSF projects if possible

55. 10/28/08 55Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Submission Submit through Fastlane web interface Submit through Fastlane web interface Must be registered (check with proposal administrator) Must be registered (check with proposal administrator) Also can use Grants.gov Also can use Grants.gov Must route proposal and budget for approval Must route proposal and budget for approval

56. 10/28/0856 Research & Education Communities Proposal Preparation Time Org. submits via FastLane NSFNSF NSF Prog. Off. Prog, Off. Anal. &. Recom. DD Concur Via DGA Organization MERIT REVIEW DGA Review & Processing of Award Proposal Receipt to Division Director Concurrence of Program Officer Recommendation Returned Without Review/Withdrawn Mail Panel Both Award NSF Proposal & Award Process & Timeline Decline 90 Days6 Months 30 Days Proposal Receipt at NSF DD ConcurAward

57. 10/28/08 57Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Review Process May be ad hoc or panel review (at least three reviewers) May be ad hoc or panel review (at least three reviewers) Proposal rated: Proposal rated: Excellent, Very good, Good, Fair, Poor Excellent, Very good, Good, Fair, Poor Comments included as feedback Comments included as feedback NSF tries to return reviews within 6 months of due date NSF tries to return reviews within 6 months of due date

58. 10/28/0858 NSF Panel Review (most research divisions)  The panel is an advisory committee composed of ~10-20 people depending on # of proposals  Each proposal must receive at least 3 reviews  In panel, each reviewer describes his/her views of the proposal to the rest of the panel  The panel as a whole then discusses the proposal  The proposal is then placed in a funding recommendation category (e.g. Fund, Fund if Possible, Do not fund)

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61. 10/28/08 61Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Pained by reviewer comments? Get over it!

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63. 10/28/08 63Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Resubmitting proposals Take reviewers’ comments to heart Take reviewers’ comments to heart Somewhere between advisory & mandatory Somewhere between advisory & mandatory Assess next step: Assess next step: Start over Start over Major renovation Major renovation Minor renovation Minor renovation Re-conceptualize Re-conceptualize Drop the idea Drop the idea

64. 10/28/0864 Tips for Success Review proposals that have been funded Review proposals that have been funded  Contact PI’s Have more than one person read your proposal prior to submission Have more than one person read your proposal prior to submission  Peers AND scientists not in your area. If Rejected – Try Again If Rejected – Try Again  Talk with the Program Officer  Pay attention to Reviewer’s comments  Attend a Grant-writing workshop

65. 10/28/08 65Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Resources NSF web site: www.nsf.gov NSF web site: www.nsf.govwww.nsf.gov Info on divisions and programs Info on divisions and programs http://www.nsf.gov/staff/orglist.jsp http://www.nsf.gov/staff/orglist.jsp http://www.nsf.gov/staff/orglist.jsp Guide to Programs Guide to Programs http://www.nsf.gov/funding/browse_all_funding.jsp http://www.nsf.gov/funding/browse_all_funding.jsp http://www.nsf.gov/funding/browse_all_funding.jsp Tip to search within web site go to google and search: “keyword site:www.nsf.gov” Tip to search within web site go to google and search: “keyword site:www.nsf.gov” Office of NSF director (recent speaches): Office of NSF director (recent speaches): http://www.nsf.gov/od/ http://www.nsf.gov/od/ http://www.nsf.gov/od/ NSF Grant Proposal Guide NSF Grant Proposal Guide http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=gpg http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=gpg http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=gpg Gives requirements, formats, etc. Gives requirements, formats, etc. Awards search of funded proposals Awards search of funded proposals http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/ http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/ http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/ NSF E-mail notifications NSF E-mail notifications https://service.govdelivery.com/service/multi_subscribe.html?code= USNSF&custom_id=823 https://service.govdelivery.com/service/multi_subscribe.html?code= USNSF&custom_id=823 https://service.govdelivery.com/service/multi_subscribe.html?code= USNSF&custom_id=823 https://service.govdelivery.com/service/multi_subscribe.html?code= USNSF&custom_id=823 Get up to date information via e-mail Get up to date information via e-mail http://www.drexel.edu/provost/graduatestudies/hazelrigg.pdf NSF Regional Grants Conferences http://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/outreach.jsp

66. 10/28/08 66Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development The NSF CAREER Program Duration: 5 years Duration: 5 years Funding level: “minimum” $400K total (except min. $500K total for BIO directorate) Funding level: “minimum” $400K total (except min. $500K total for BIO directorate) Eligibility: Eligibility: Have a PhD Have a PhD Untenured, holding tenure-track Asst. Prof. position or equivalent Untenured, holding tenure-track Asst. Prof. position or equivalent Have not competed in CAREER more than two times previously Have not competed in CAREER more than two times previously Have not won a CAREER award Have not won a CAREER award Due: Typically third week in July; exact date depends on directorate Due: Typically third week in July; exact date depends on directorate CAREER page: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5262&org=NSF&sel_or g=NSF&from=fund CAREER page: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5262&org=NSF&sel_or g=NSF&from=fund http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5262&org=NSF&sel_or g=NSF&from=fund http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5262&org=NSF&sel_or g=NSF&from=fund

67. 10/28/08 67Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Success Rate for New Investigators: CAREER Compared to Other Awards (From presentation at Fall 2007 NSF Regional Grants Conference; Year not Specified)

68. 10/28/08 68Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Other Agencies that May Fund Your Project National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Institutes of Health (NIH) US Department of Agriculture (USDA) US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Department of Education (DoED) Department of Education (DoED) Department of Defense (DoD) Department of Defense (DoD) Department of Energy (DOE) and National Labs Department of Energy (DOE) and National Labs Environmental Protection Agencies (EPA) Environmental Protection Agencies (EPA) National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Endowment for Humanities (NEH) National Endowment for Humanities (NEH) National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) And more, plus private foundations…. And more, plus private foundations….

69. 10/28/08 69Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development To Find Funding Opportunities Grants.gov lists all federal grants Grants.gov lists all federal grants http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ Advanced Search Advanced Search Learn about the agency of interest Learn about the agency of interest How do they announce funding opportunities? How do they announce funding opportunities? Do they accept investigator-initiated proposals? Do they accept investigator-initiated proposals? What are their mission, goals and culture? What are their mission, goals and culture?

70. 10/28/08 70Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Basic Research Agencies vs. Mission Agencies NSF and NIH are Basic Research Agencies NSF and NIH are Basic Research Agencies Independent research vision, mission Independent research vision, mission Decisions made mainly on basis of peer review Decisions made mainly on basis of peer review Relatively stable research agenda Relatively stable research agenda Long-term investments Long-term investments EPA, USDA, NOAA, DoD, etc. are mission agencies EPA, USDA, NOAA, DoD, etc. are mission agencies Mainly near-term objectives Mainly near-term objectives Scope of Work tightly defines research tasks/deliverables Scope of Work tightly defines research tasks/deliverables Can change quickly with change in political leadership Can change quickly with change in political leadership Funding decisions may be based on peer review, geographic location, other factors Funding decisions may be based on peer review, geographic location, other factors

71. 10/28/08 71Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Intramural vs. Extramural Research Some agencies fund only research by outside scientists - extramural research Some agencies fund only research by outside scientists - extramural research NSF and DARPA NSF and DARPA Some agencies fund research by internal scientists – intramural research Some agencies fund research by internal scientists – intramural research NIST and the National Labs NIST and the National Labs Many fund both intramural and extramural research Many fund both intramural and extramural research E.g., NIH, DoD, USDA, etc. E.g., NIH, DoD, USDA, etc. Often a good idea to develop relationships and collaborate with internal scientists Often a good idea to develop relationships and collaborate with internal scientists Some agencies encourage faculty to participate as visiting researchers during the summer Some agencies encourage faculty to participate as visiting researchers during the summer

72. 10/28/08 72Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development To Find out More Information on Other Agencies See OPD Website Compilations and Directories of Funding Agencies Compilations and Directories of Funding Agencies http://opd.tamu.edu/funding-opportunities/compilations-and- directories-of-funding-agencies http://opd.tamu.edu/funding-opportunities/compilations-and- directories-of-funding-agencies Proposal Resources by Agency http://opd.tamu.edu/proposal-resources Proposal Resources by Agency http://opd.tamu.edu/proposal-resources http://opd.tamu.edu/proposal-resources Toolkits for Investigators Toolkits for Investigators http://opd.tamu.edu/the-craft-of-writing-workbook/toolkits

73. 10/28/08 73Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Federal Awards Made Databases NIH Computer Retrieval of Information on Scientific Projects (CRISP) NIH Computer Retrieval of Information on Scientific Projects (CRISP) http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/ NIH Extramural Awards By State and Foreign Site NIH Extramural Awards By State and Foreign Site http://grants.nih.gov/grants/award/state/state.htm NSF Award Data NSF Award Data http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/ NASA NSPIRES Past Solicitations and Selections NASA NSPIRES Past Solicitations and Selections http://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/solicitations.do?metho d=past&stack=push http://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/solicitations.do?metho d=past&stack=push Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Grants On-Line Database (GOLD) Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Grants On-Line Database (GOLD) http://www.gold.ahrq.gov/

74. 10/28/08 74Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Federal Awards Made Databases USDA Current Research Information System USDA Current Research Information System http://cris.csrees.usda.gov/ Department of Defense (DoD): Congressionally Directed Medical Research Department of Defense (DoD): Congressionally Directed Medical Research http://cdmrp.army.mil/scripts/search.asp Department of Defense (DoD) SBIR/STTR Awards Department of Defense (DoD) SBIR/STTR Awards http://www.dodsbir.net/awards/Default.asp

75. 10/28/08 75Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Federal Awards Made Databases Department of Education (ED) Grant Awards Department of Education (ED) Grant Awards http://www.ed.gov/fund/data/award/grntawd.html Department of Energy (DoE) Project Summaries Department of Energy (DoE) Project Summaries http://www.osti.gov/rdprojects / http://www.osti.gov/rdprojects / Department of Health and Human Services Department of Health and Human Services http://taggs.hhs.gov/AdvancedSearch.cfm Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Grants Information and Control System Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Grants Information and Control System http://www.epa.gov/enviro/html/gics/index.html Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Grants Awarded Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Grants Awarded http://www.imls.gov/search.asp

76. 10/28/08 76Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Federal Awards Made Databases National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Recent Grant Awards http://www.neh.gov/news/recentawards.html National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Recent Grant Awards http://www.neh.gov/news/recentawards.html http://www.neh.gov/news/recentawards.html Federal R&D Project Summaries and Awards Federal R&D Project Summaries and Awards (NIH, NSF, EPA, DoE, USDA, & SBA) http://www.osti.gov/fedrnd / http://www.osti.gov/fedrnd / Health Services Research Projects in Progress Health Services Research Projects in Progress grants and contracts awarded by major public and private funding agencies and foundations. grants and contracts awarded by major public and private funding agencies and foundations. http://www.academyhealth.org/hsrproj/search.htm Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration state by state summaries of awards made http://www.samhsa.gov/statesummaries/index.aspx state by state summaries of awards made http://www.samhsa.gov/statesummaries/index.aspx http://www.samhsa.gov/statesummaries/index.aspx

77. 10/28/08 77Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development Funding from Foundations Foundation Center (Find Funders) Foundation Center (Find Funders) http://foundationcenter.org/findfunders/ http://foundationcenter.org/findfunders/ http://foundationcenter.org/findfunders/ Foundation Finder Foundation Finder http://lnp.foundationcenter.org/finder.html http://lnp.foundationcenter.org/finder.html http://lnp.foundationcenter.org/finder.html 990 Finder 990 Finder http://foundationcenter.org/findfunders/990finder/ http://foundationcenter.org/findfunders/990finder/ http://foundationcenter.org/findfunders/990finder/ http://foundationcenter.org/findfunders/990pffly.pdf http://foundationcenter.org/findfunders/990pffly.pdf http://foundationcenter.org/findfunders/990pffly.pdf http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/tutorials/demystify/ http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/tutorials/demystify/ http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/tutorials/demystify/

78. 10/28/08 78Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development