Key Terms
Principal Investigator (PI). The individual responsible for conceiving and implementing a project (also called Program Director). In preparing a proposal for an outside source, the PI agrees to manage the resulting grant or contract in compliance with the terms, conditions, and policies of both the sponsor and the University. See the PI Handbook.
Pre-Award. The period before the university receives an award — from the initial idea through proposal submission. It includes intent to write, internal approval of pre-proposal documents, proposal development, and proposal submission.
Participant Costs. Costs paid to (or on behalf of) participants or trainees — but not employees — of a workshop, conference, seminar, or similar activity, including stipends or subsistence allowances, travel allowances, and registration fees. Participants are not required to provide a service to the University. These funds cannot be used for project staff travel or for the PI to attend an event.
Internal Processing Form (IPF) Package. The current process for routing documents for internal review and approval prior to proposal development. It includes the Internal Processing Form, scope of work or proposal abstract, budget spreadsheet, budget justification, support/commitment letters, and any agency documents requiring a live signature.
Proposal Development. The process of developing your proposal application based on the agency announcement/opportunity guidelines. Following these guidelines is critical — proposals that don't meet the requirements may be rejected without review.
Post-Award. The process after the award notification is received in the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP). OSP reviews the award for compliance, then the award is processed with Restricted Funds Accounting (RFA) and a Post-Award Meeting (PAM) is scheduled with the PI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do I contact to find funding opportunities? The Office of Research Development and Services (RDS) can help you search for funding based on your areas of interest. Contact Director Brittany Maday at bmaday [at] desu.edu.
Where do I go for assistance with proposal development? Start within your college (your dean's office); RDS can also assist. Contact Brittany Maday at bmaday [at] desu.edu.
Can I get paid from a grant if I'm currently employed at the university? Yes — you can receive supplemental pay from grant funds, following the Supplemental Compensation Policy.
How are indirect costs calculated in a proposal budget? The calculations are on page 3 of the Institutional Fact Sheet.
How do I know what is allowed on my grant award? Once your award is processed, you attend a Post-Award Meeting (PAM) to review the terms and conditions, your approved expenditures, and guidelines for the award period.
What is the process for submitting proposals? The proposal submission process and related presentations are in the Reference Guides & Forms Library.
Who is responsible for submitting project reports? The PI is responsible for all technical reports; Restricted Funds Accounting (RFA) processes financial reports. The PI should work with both offices to meet deadlines.
Who do I contact about IRB/Human Subjects or IACUC/Animal Care? Visit the IRB & IACUC page or email Ms. Chanel Haman at chaman [at] desu.edu.
What is the purpose of the IRB? The Institutional Review Board reviews research projects to ensure they are conducted ethically, with participant safety as the priority. It is comprised of faculty and staff members with expertise in their professions.
Which IRB applications are available, and how long does review take? A researcher can submit an exemption form or a full application. Exemption applications take 3–7 business days; full applications can take up to 30 business days. An IRB calendar on the Sponsored Programs page lists submission deadlines and monthly meeting dates.
Is help available for IRB matters? Yes — email sponsoredprograms [at] desu.edu or chaman [at] desu.edu to set up a Zoom or Teams meeting.