Pre-Award Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a repository of FAQs to help guide PIs and Research Administrators in the pre-award process.

  • What is pre-award research administration?

    Pre-award research administration refers to the processes and activities involved in preparing and submitting research proposals to external funding agencies. The GMO provides support in proposal development, budget preparation and grant application validation. The GMO will assist PIs in navigating the complexities of grant requirements and help optimize proposals for success.

  • What types of funding opportunities can we apply for?

    The GMO assists with all federal, state and federal flow-through (when MSM will be a subawardee) funding opportunities. The Office of Institutional Advancement (OIA) assists with private foundations and industry funding opportunities.

  • How do I start the process of submitting a grant proposal?

    The first step is to complete and submit an electronic Intent to Submit (e-ITS) form. It is available at Intent to Submit (ITS). Upon submission, it will route to various offices for review and someone will reach out to assist with next steps.

  • What are the key components of a grant proposal?

    A typical grant proposal includes sections such as the project narrative, budget, budget justification, letters of support, biographical sketches of key personnel and compliance information (e.g., IRB, IACUC).

  • How do I create a project budget and justification?

    The GMO will guide you through developing a detailed budget and justification that accounts for direct costs (personnel, equipment, materials and supplies, travel) and indirect costs (overhead). They ensure the budget and justification are aligned and complies with the sponsor’s guidelines.

  • What is the difference between direct and indirect costs?

    Direct costs are expenses directly associated with the research project, such as salaries, materials and supplies and equipment. Indirect costs are general operational expenses, such as administrative support, that are necessary for the project but not directly tied to it.

  • When does a PI need to submit the proposal to the GMO for review?

    The proposal must be submitted to the GMO 10 business days before the sponsor’s deadline. This allows time for necessary adjustments and validation checks. Upon validation, the GMO routes the proposal to the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) for final review and additional compliance checks 5 business days before the sponsor’s deadline.

  • What is an Authorized Organization Representation (AOR)?

    An Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) is the individual designated to submit proposals, sign certifications and legally bind MSM to the terms and conditions of a proposal.

  • What happens if a proposal does not follow the sponsor’s guidelines?
    Failure to follow sponsor guidelines could lead to rejection of the proposal.