Sponsored Project Lifecycle

Find Funding

The Find Funding phase is when researchers and project teams actively seek and identify external funding sources that align with their research objectives and institutional goals. Office of Research and Creativity (ORCA) helps with identifying funding opportunities.

Visit Grant Databases to start your search for funding opportunities. For questions and additional resources contact ORCA’s Project Manager, Deanna Marcelino at deannamarcelino@unomaha.edu. Identifying funding opportunities is outside the scope of OSP support.

Proposal Preparation

The Proposal Preparation phase is next when funding sources are identified. In this phase, researchers and project teams create a comprehensive proposal for external funding, which involves activities such as:

• Project conceptualization
• Literature review
• Budget development
• Proposal writing
• Compliance checks
• Collaboration
• Peer reviews
• Submission planning

A well-crafted proposal is essential for securing funding and advancing the project to subsequent phases.

Proposal Submission

The Proposal Submission is the phase in the sponsored project life cycle where the meticulously prepared project proposal is officially sent to the funding agency for consideration.

This phase involves assembling and submitting all required documentation, following agency-specific guidelines and deadlines, and effectively communicating the project's merits and potential impact. Successful proposal submission is a crucial milestone on the path to securing external funding for the project.

Award Negotiation & Acceptance

In the Award Negotiation and Acceptance phase, OSP collaborates with the PD/PI, and funding agency to reach a consensus on the award's terms and conditions. Negotiations may involve budget adjustments, scope of work revisions, and legal agreements. Upon mutual agreement, OSP formally accepts the award, marking a crucial milestone towards project initiation.

All formal notices of award will be received by the university authorizing official which in most cases is the Office of Sponsored Programs. If the PD/PI receives any award notification, it should be immediately sent to OSP.

Award Set-Up

The Award Set-Up phase is a process where sponsor-funded projects have financial accounts created within the university financial system, Systems Applications and Products in Data Processing (SAP). SAP manages the posting of expenditures, invoicing, reporting and tracking of sponsored funds.

Award Management

The Award Management phase covers post-award activities from the establishment of an account in UNO's financial system until the closeout process begins. It encompasses processes to ensure compliance with university, state, sponsor, and award-specific policies and terms, maintaining fiscal and programmatic compliance.

Award Close-Out

The Award Close-Out phase procedures for an award encompass a range of activities, such as fulfilling reporting requirements to the sponsor, conducting financial reconciliations, completing institution-specific forms and reports, and wrapping up account-related tasks.

Upon project completion, Post-Award is available to guide you in finalizing the award and meeting your obligations to the sponsor.