Dear Members of the BC Research Community,

For this inaugural edition, the intent is twofold. First, by formally launching an OSP Newsletter, it is our intent to establish a tradition of sharing timely and valuable information vital to everyone involved with research and sponsored program activity at Boston College. Secondly, we ask that you “partner” with us and share your thinking on what you need to know to make your work more productive and professionally rewarding. Please send your thoughts and ideas to OSPnews@bc.edu.

In this edition, we have included the formal definition of what constitutes a “sponsored project” at Boston College. OSP, like similar offices at campuses with large research programs, often receives questions – generally from smaller colleges and universities, professional associations, and profit and non-profit organizations – asking for a definition of a sponsored project. As you will see, the definition itself is quite informative. more

Congratulations! You’re funded….now what?

The award you have received is likely the culmination of hard work, care, expertise and perseverance. Now that you have been funded, the same attitude and commitment will help you manage your project effectively. You, the Principal Investigator have primary responsibility for both the financial and technical management of the sponsored program. It is of utmost importance that you read and understand the terms and conditions of the award. Check the award notification carefully. Do the beginning and end dates of the project and the amount of the funding correspond with your expectations? If you have questions or concerns, contact your OSP pre-award administrator immediately.

• One of many factors may necessitate corrections to the budget. If you need to make transfers among budget categories because the sponsor cut your budget or simply because your requirements have changed slightly since the proposal, contact your pre-award administrator.

  Remember, before making the request, review the award document for sponsor guidelines and restrictions (some budget revisions will require prior approval from the sponsor). more

Big changes are coming to the federal grants submission process. Soon, all 26 Federal grant-making agencies will require electronic application through the web portal of Grants.gov. Recent announcements from NSF, NIH, NEH, and ED discuss their transition strategies and timeline. As the various federal agencies incrementally require submission of grant applications via the Grants.gov portal, existing application forms will be replaced with the federal-wide Standard Form 424 R&R (Research & Related).

Be prepared! You can find out more about Grants.gov by visiting the website at www.grants.gov. Also, check out the links below and watch for upcoming training opportunities from OSP. more

Top of Page