University College Proposal Submission Checklist

Proposal Submission Checklist

Being organized is one of the important steps you can take to ensure a successful proposal. Use the following checklist to help:

Consider the timeline outlined below as the minimum amount of time needed for each step. Allowing even more time per step allows for a better review and more feedback on your proposal. See also Agency Forms and Guidelines (hot link: https://www.research.psu.edu/osp/prepare-proposals/agency-forms-and-gui…) if needed.

  • 10 business days prior to the proposal submission deadline
    • Contact the Manager of College Grant Relations to establish a proposal submission timeline and to start developing a budget.
    • Review the Request for Proposals (RFP) to ensure all proposal elements are identified
    • Check to make sure human subjects and IRB reviews have been addressed (if appropriate).
  • Six to seven days prior to the proposal submission deadline
    • Ensure the proposal has been prepared according to the format specified in the RFP (if appropriate).  
    • Check the guidelines one last time to ensure all required proposal pieces, including appendices and letters of commitment, are complete and in the proper order.
    • Spellcheck AND read to catch misspellings or grammatical errors that a computer program will not catch.
    • Finalize budget
  • Five business days prior to the proposal submission deadline
    • Send the proposal and all required attachments by email to the Manager of College Grant Relations.
    • Provide your contact information to the Manager of College Grant Relations in case questions or problems must be addressed.
  • Three business days prior to the proposal submission deadline
    • Review and approve the electronic Proposal Internal Approval Form (ePIAF).
    • Allow enough time for the chief academic officer, campus financial officer, chancellor and/or dean to approve the proposal prior to submission.
    • Email the Manager of College Grant Relations with approval to submit once the review is successfully completed.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS