Frequently Asked Questions
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How far in advance of the proposal deadline should I contact ORSP?
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Can I get help with my budget? When does it have to be completed?
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What are DU’s Facilities and Administrative rates (formerly indirect costs)?
How do I start the process?
Your first step is to review our pre-award assistance procedures and complete our Proposal Submission Form. Please contact Julia Arno, ORSP Director, 257-0141, if you have questions about the information requested on the form.
How far in advance of the proposal deadline should I contact ORSP?
It’s always best to contact ORSP as soon as you know you are planning to submit a proposal. You should complete and forward the Proposal Submission Form at least four weeks before your deadline to ensure ORSP has the staff resources available to work with you.
Do I need to contact the Dean or Chair of my department?
Yes! The Department Chair must sign the Proposal Submission Form after your preliminary meeting with ORSP staff. This form will be provided to you by ORSP. It is the responsibility of Department Chairs to review all proposal ideas with the appropriate Dean.
Do I need to contact the Provost's Office?
Yes. Any proposal that obligates University resources requires the Provost's signature and approval. ORSP will submit a draft of your proposal and budget to the Provost for his review. Adequate time will be scheduled for this review and to address any questions that may result. The Provost's Office will also receive a copy of your signed Proposal Submission Form.
Can I get help writing and editing my proposal?
Yes, with at least three to four weeks notice, ORSP can assist you with the writing and editing of your proposal.
Can I get help with my budget? When does it have to be completed?
Yes, Julia Arno, ORSP Director, and Jeff Bialik, V.P. Finance and Enrollment Management, will assist you in the preparation of your budget in accordance with guideline and reporting requirements. Budgets should be completed at least two weeks before the submission deadline.
What are DU’s Facilities and Administrative rates (formerly indirect costs)?
Facilities and Administrative costs are shared expenses related to Dominican's facilities and administration. Administrative costs are defined as general administration and general expenses such as the central office of the University President, financial management, general counsel, management information systems, departmental administration, and sponsored-projects administration.
The University has a government negotiated indirect cost rate of 40%. Indirect costs will be included in all grant proposals submitted, but every funding agency determines the indirect cost rate that will be paid, if any. All faculty and staff submitting grant funded proposals through Dominican must include in the proposal budget the maximum amount of indirect costs permitted by a specific funder up to 40% (the Dominican indirect cost rate). In most cases, funders will not allow the maximum 40%. But, for example, if a funder permits 15%, the proposal budget must include indirect costs of 15% (unless otherwise advised by the grant guidelines).
Indirect costs that are included in university-based grants and government contracts are divided as follows: 25% of the indirect costs are allocated for use by the Principal Investigator, 25% for use by the department/division where the grant is located, 25% to the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, and 25% to Business Services for general university overhead expenses.
How will I know if my grant gets funded?
Award notification is individual to each agency. A small foundation may call with the good news. Larger foundations and government agencies are more likely to send an email if it was an on-line submission or a notification letter and grant agreement. As most proposals submitted by Dominican faculty and staff are submitted with a cover letter from President Joseph Fink or Ken Porada, Provost, written notification may be sent to the President’s or Provost's office. In any event, you should contact ORSP staff as soon as you receive notification of funding. Copies of all reviewers’ comments should be forwarded to ORSP as well; these are helpful if and when amended proposals are resubmitted.
What happens after my grant gets funded?
ORSP and Business Services will work with you to revise the budget, if necessary, set up an account to receive and distribute the funds and complete the reporting requirements of the granting agency.
Can I contact ORSP for general help?
Please do contact us by e-mail or phone. We look forward to discussing your project ideas.
