Electronic research administration forces new policy on grant submissions

Electronic research administration forces new policy on grant submissions—Complete proposals should be sent to ORSP 3 working days before sponsor deadline

To ensure effective processing of grant proposals, the MUSC Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) is implementing a policy change with respect to submission of proposals to ORSP for administrative review and institutional signature. Complete applications are now due in ORSP three (3) working days prior to the due date at the agency or organization that sponsors the funding program. The change is necessary because of electronic submission requirements and electronic research administration (ERA) practices by various sponsors, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and other federal agencies that are major sources of support for MUSC.

ERA requirements remove much of the flexibility previously available with paper submissions. Some MUSC investigators have already proposals rejected because of technological delays in the electronic submission pipeline or incomplete applications. Barriers like these are not in ORSP’s control at the local level. Therefore, the University Research Council (URC) and the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost (VPAA) have endorsed the new recommendation that completed applications be submitted to ORSP three (3) working days prior to the agency deadline.

Bottlenecks and traffic jams in the electronic transfer process as the deadline approaches require that fully assembled proposals should be uploaded and transmitted well before the final day and hour to ensure receipt at the sponsor’s end with an on-time date stamp. The recommendation applies to all grant and contract submissions, both electronic and paper. Dillard Marshall’s team in ORSP will work closely with investigators who need to make revisions to paper proposals until the eleventh hour. During the transition to total electronic submissions, the staff of ORSP will work closely with all investigators to ensure minimal disruptions.