Proposal Preparation Guide

This Proposal Preparation Guide contains important information intended to assist faculty and staff in the preparation of sponsored-project applications. 

Developing a new proposal begins when you decide to apply to a specific funding opportunity. For competitive proposals, the process can take from one to twelve months, depending on the number of collaborators involved and the complexity of the project as well as sponsor requirements. We recommend starting the process at least 6-8 weeks prior to the sponsor's due date when possible. Note: Your department or school/college grants office may require even more lead time. 

Feeling short on time and tempted to submit a proposal on your own? 

• Please be aware that if a proposal is submitted without an OPAS review, the University still requires an OPAS review prior to award set up. 
• If anything is out of compliance with university policies, the university may not be able to accept the award. 
• When the UMass Proposal Submission process is by-passed, award set-up is often delayed.
• If the budget is inadequate in terms of required costs (for example, cost share, indirect costs, fringe or tuition costs), the PI may need to cover required costs from other unrestricted funds. 

We encourage you to follow the established University procedures from the beginning to avoid such situations. If a proposal is submitted without OPAS review and the sponsor decides to award it, an Internal proposal must be routed in Kuali for an award to be set up. The proposal will still need to follow the same internal review process and requires the same internal approvals as a new proposal. OPAS will review the proposal and submit any additional documents required by the sponsor prior to award. This step is required prior to an award being accepted by the university. Feel free to contact OPAS with questions or reach out the R&E Help Desk.