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Proposal Preparation and Pre-Award Services
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Overview
Many changes to the way UW faculty and staff submit proposals to external funders and sponsors have been initiated in 2008. The most comprehensive change is the way a proposal is transmitted through the campus offices that help process a proposal. The paper transmittal form (also known as the "t-form") has been replaced by WISPER, the WISconsin Proposal Electronic Routing system.
WISPER
Proposal-related documents can be attached to a WISPER record, and signatures and approvals of the PI, Department Chair, and Division/Dean's office are all handled electronically.
In addition, the WISPER system has functionality to intake budget revisions that may be required at time of an award, and will aid the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs (RSP) in collecting necessary fiscal, commitment and cost share details for award setup.
Federal Sponsors
Another major shift in the past few years is the federal government's move to a streamlined proposal process for all federal departments that sponsor research. Grants.gov is becoming the single portal for all proposals for federal grants. In response to this, and to provide a easier, more efficient experience for UW faculty and staff, the UW has purchased the Cayuse system-to-system software, which will help with proposal preparation and submission and is a superior product to the grants.gov freeware. Cayuse and other electronic proposal submission systems (NSF Fastlane, for example) are used in tandem with the WISPER system to successfully deliver a proposal to the sponsor on time.
Non-Federal Sponsors
It is important to note here also that most proposals submitted to non-federal, external sponsors are subject the same policies and procedures, including the creating of a WISPER record and approvals from the Department, Division, and RSP before the proposal is made to the sponsor.
Training
With these changes, and all the changes that external funders have implemented in the area of electronic, online proposal submission, training is a very important component to efficient and less stressful proposal submission and award setup. There are many online, face-to-face, and hands-on training opportunities available on an ongoing basis, and this office is also available for customized, audience-specific training to individual groups and departments.