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• These guidelines supersede previous versions.   

• Proposals must include all components in the order listed below. Incomplete proposals or those that do not follow the guidelines will be withdrawn from funding consideration. 

• Proposals must be submitted as a PDF though the .  

• Proposals must be submitted before the close of business (5:00 PM) on the deadline date. 

• Questions concerning proposal preparation should be directed to the Office of Research and Grants.  

Assemble the PDF in the following order (note page limits): 

1. Cover Page 
   Complete . Signatures of Principal Investigator, Co-Investigators, and Department Chair are required. By signing, the Department Chair acknowledges that the PI has appropriate FTE time for research and their support for the project.
2. Plans for Submission of External Grants (1 page, single-spaced) 
   1. Describe detailed plans for seeking extramural funding. Provide information such as the specific funding agency or study section, funding mechanism, and due date. Include a link to the call for proposals or announcement, if available.
   2. Describe why you think you will be successful in securing extramural funding for this project. 
   3. Describe your track record with this funder. 
   4. Describe your expertise with this research topic.
3. Project Synopsis (1 page, single-spaced)
   Provide an NIH style Specific Aims page. If needed, guidance on producing a specific aims page can be gained from your colleagues, the NIH, or the web (for example: ). 
4. Key Personnel and Mentor Support (1 page, single-spaced)
   Include a list of each investigator(s) name, department, and time commitment to the project. Describe the partnerships between all key personnel and how that contributes to the success of the project. Describe any mentorship you are receiving to support your success in securing external funding.
5. Project Timeline and Milestones (1 page, single-spaced) 
   Describe the project timeline and milestones. Include time for IRB/IACUC/IBC approval processes and subject/patient enrollment, if applicable. A Gantt chart, or similar, is acceptable. 
6. Detailed Budget and Justification
   Complete the and include a budget justification for each expense. Refer to the RSAC Budget Form for information on Allowable and Unallowable Costs and Budget Justification. 
7. Budget Narrative (1 page, single-spaced)
   Describe how RSAC funding will make your proposal more competitive for external funding. Also describe why RSAC funding is required and why this work cannot be funded from Research Incentives, Startup, Institute, or other funding sources. 
8. Response to Reviewer Criticisms
   Use form for resubmissions only.
9. Appendix (optional)
   Additional details may include: 
   1. Biosketch in NIH format or the equivalent for all key research personnel ().
   2. Documentation of regulatory approvals (IRB/IACUC/IBC Approvals, etc., if applicable). Proof of submission may be used if approval is pending. 
   3. Letters of support or cooperation 

As part of the peer review, all applications: 

• Will be assessed on the likelihood of success of extramural support for the proposed project. 
• Will receive a written critique. 

RSAC may utilize external reviewers, based on areas of expertise, to assist in proposal evaluation. Final funding recommendations will be made to the Associate Dean for Research and Innovation by RSAC, taking into consideration the availability of funds. 

Review Criteria
Reviewers will consider each of the review criteria below and give a separate rating for each.  

Proposal Details 

• Is there a clear and reasonable plan and timeline for submitting for extramural funding? Does the PI have expertise with this research topic and a sufficient track record with the target funding agency?
• Does the project synopsis succinctly describe the significance, aims, and expected outcomes of the research? Are the methods appropriate to the specific aims of the project?
• Does the PI have appropriate personnel involved in the research to accomplish the aims? Is appropriate mentorship being provided if necessary?
• Is there a clear and reasonable project timeline with appropriate milestones?
• Is the budget reasonable and are the costs clearly justified? Did the PI clearly articulate how RSAC funding will increase the competitiveness of this project for extramural funding? 
• Is there clear rationale describing why RSAC funds are needed and this project cannot be completed using research incentive, start-up, institute and other sources of funding?