1. Tips on Proposal Preparation Prepared by Michelle Kelleher, Science Assistant, Division of Environmental Biology mkellehe@nsf.gov Ph: (703) 292 7208 Clarity is key!

2. A good proposal is a good idea, well expressed, with a clear indication of methods for pursuing the idea, evaluating the findings, and making them known to all who need to know. A Good Proposal A Competitive Proposal is… All of the above Appropriate for the Program Responsive to the Program Announcement

3. What Makes a Proposal Competitive? • Likelihood of high impact • New and original ideas • Succinct, focused project plan • Knowledge of • subject area or published, relevant work • Experience in essential methodology • Clarity concerning future direction • Sound scientific rationale • Realistic amount of work • Sufficient detail • Critical approach

4. Reasons For Funding A Competitive Proposal • Likelihood of high impact • PI Career Point (tenured/“established”/ “beginning”) • Place in Program Portfolio • Other Support for PI • Impact on Institution/State • Special Programmatic Considerations (CAREER, RUI, EPSCoR) • Diversity • Educational Impact • “Launching” versus “Maintaining”

5. Budgetary Guidelines • Amounts • Reasonable for work - Realistic • Well justified - Needs established • In-line with program guidelines • Eligible costs • Personnel • Equipment • Travel • Participant Support • Other Direct Costs (including subawards, consultant services, computer services, publication costs)

6. Simple tips for a better proposal • Follow formatting requirements carefully • (1 inch margins, <15 characters per inch) • Compliance check before submitting • (FastLane won’t do it for you!) • Be available by email to fix compliance problems (proposals may be returned if NSF can’t contact you) • Suggest reviewers • Include all conflicts of interest in your CV • Respond explicitly to previous reviews • (Panels are asked to comment on this) • Emphasize readability; avoid verbiage • Talk to your Program Director!

7. Myths about NSF • Only funds researchers from elite institutions • Once declined…always declined • Only funds “normal” science • Advisory committees make funding decisions

8. Advice • Learn to love rejection • Contact the program officer with specific questions • Revise and resubmit • Collaboration is good, if appropriate • Discover alternative funding sources

9. Do’s and Don’ts • Talk to your Program Officer • Less verbiage, more readability • Anticipate objections or criticisms • Justify your budget • Don’t be greedy • Follow the rules • Give yourself plenty of time • Study reviews carefully

10. A good proposal is a good idea, well expressed, with a clear indication of methods for pursuing the idea, evaluating the findings, making them known to all who need to know, and indicating the broader impacts of the activity. Summary

11. Call Your Program Director! Ask Us Early, Ask Us Often!! • Consider setting up a convenient time to call • Plan ahead – give everyone plenty of time to prepare for a productive, informative conversation

12. Grants.gov • Standardized, government-wide, online application process • 50% of NSF solicitations posted by FY06 • Planned replacement of FastLane (undetermined future year) • Registration of new institutions takes time – check in advance! • Currently available announcements: MO/MIP, FIBR, LTREB, RCN, REU, CAREER, ADVANCE, RIG/CAA, OPUS, RET, ROA • Comprehensive guide available at www.nsf.gov