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Proposal Development

Research Development provides project management and programmatic support to help investigators in the complex process of developing and preparing large, interdisciplinary grant proposals.. Please contact us to schedule a consultation. Here is a list of support services we provide:

Proposal Development Process

Don’t have time to manage the proposal development process? Research Development generates a roles and responsibilities framework and a project timeline for all scientific and administrative team members at the start of the proposal development process. During proposal development, Research Development will monitor progress and notify specific team members of any upcoming action items and deadlines.

Facilitate Team Communication

Effective team communication is essential during large proposal development. Research Development works with PIs to set up concurrent team meetings for the scientific team, administrative team, and outreach/education team. Research Development coordinates team meetings by using Doodle polls, sending calendar invites, setting up AV conference meetings, preparing an agenda, and writing and disseminating meeting minutes. Leverage Research Development’s experience to identify best practices for file sharing and interactions between external partners and internal resources.

Strengthen Proposal Content

Ask Research Development for technical or strategic input to help strengthen the proposal content at any stage during the proposal development process. At an early stage, Research Development provides a writer’s outline based on the FOA description, requirements, and sponsor evaluation criteria. We guide the conceptual development and writing of proposal elements such as vision, administrative core, management plan, education/outreach, or data sharing plan. Research Development strategizes with PIs on conveying the overarching theme, strengths and weaknesses of proposal elements, overall integration of center components or partners, and incorporating feedback from reviewers. Research Development offers developmental editing of proposals at each stage of the proposal development process.  Applicants are strongly encouraged to send proposals to Research Development for final review at least 7 days prior to the sponsor due date for a thorough review.

Coordinate "Red Team" Review

Large proposals are required to undergo “Red Team” review. A “Red Team” is an independent group of experts (or senior faculty) that reviews the final draft for scientific merit, completeness and persuasiveness, and how properly it is weighted to the sponsor’s evaluation criteria. Research Development will work with the PI to identify and invite internal and/or external reviewers, provide honorarium, and facilitate the review process. A final draft should be submitted to the “Red Team” no later than 3 weeks before the sponsor’s deadline.

Support Site Visit

Research Development assists faculty in the preparation and organization of site visits. This includes setting up facilities, refreshments, handouts, AV equipment, agendas, and organizing a “mock” site visit rehearsal.  For reverse site visits, Research Development helps faculty prepare “white papers” and presentations, and set up meetings with federal agencies in coordination with Government Relations.