Sponsored Programs Frequently Asked Questions

I have lost my NSF Fastlane password and I need to login. What can I do?

To have your password changed you can reset your password for yourself at the following website by selecting the Password Reset tab.
https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/jsp/homepage/proposals.jsp
You can also call (7-4933) or email (sponsored.programs@oregonstate.edu) sponsored programs and have the password reset.

I have never registered for a Fastlane account, what do I need to do to be able to register?

To register for a fastlane account you will need to supply the information from the following form to sponsored programs.
http://oregonstate.edu/research/osprc/forms/NSFFastlaneRegistration.pdf

I am filling in my Agency cover page and they are asking for a Tax Identification Number, where can I get this information?

The TIN number and other frequently OSU information is available at the following site. Be aware that this information changes frequently so it is a good idea to bookmark this page as opposed to printing the information out.
http://oregonstate.edu/research/osprc/rc/submission/common.html

I am submitting a proposal via Fastlane and am collaborating with another university, how do I manage the collaborative proposal submission?

Procedures for submitting collaborative proposals to NSF depend on whether OSU is the lead institution. Consult the Grant Proposal Guide for guidelines and instructions on submitting collaborative proposals to NSF.
http://nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?gpg

I am submitting a proposal with a subaward to another University, what kind of documentation do I need from the other University?

For proposals in which Sponsored Programs is the lead organization and is subcontracting with another organization, Sponsored Programs needs to approve a project narrative and budget for the subcontractor. A signed letter or email from the organization's authorized representative must be included along with a copy of the organization's negotiated F&A cost rate if available.

I am submitting a proposal to another University as a subcontractor, what do I need to send through Sponsored Programs for approval?

A proposal being submitted to another organization in which OSU is a subawardee under the organization requires the same University approval as other proposals. At a minimum Sponsored Programs needs a proposal transmittal form and a project narrative and budget representing OSU's portion of the project. In addition, the lead organization should be contacted by the investigator to determine if any additional information is needed.

What does Sponsored Programs need to sign my NIH Grant Progress Report?

Sponsored Programs needs a copy of all information being sent to NIH, a completed Proposal Transmittal Form and the original PHS cover sheet for signature.

I am submitting a revised budget that needs a signature from an authorized organizational representative. What does Sponsored Programs need to process this information?

For a revised budget that needs authorized organizational representative signatures, Sponsored Programs needs a copy of the new budget and any other materials being submitted to the agency. In addition, if any changes have been made to the project narrative a copy of the new narrative should be supplied as well. If the sponsor does not request signature of the authorized representative then Sponsored Programs does not need to review the revised budget.

The agency I am applying to limits indirect costs to 10%, what do I need to do for Sponsored Programs to accept this rate?

If the sponsor limits or does not allow F&A costs then the investigator must provide a copy of the sponsor guideline stating the F&A cost policy to sponsored programs with their proposal. Sponsored Programs will accept this limitation if it is a standard policy applied across all applicants for the sponsor or the sponsors specific program.

I am new to the proposal process and need to know what Sponsored Programs needs to review and sign my proposal?

Sponsored Programs needs to approve at a minimum a proposal check off sheet, project narrative and a budget. In addition, any other forms being submitted to the sponsor must also be submitted through sponsored programs for approval.

What is the turn around time for proposals?

Sponsored Programs requires a minimum of two working days and prefers a minimum of three working days to process a proposal. Under extraordinary circumstances the office may be able to review proposals with a shorter turn around time if the office is notified in advance.

What kind of documentation is required for showing cost share in a proposal?

Any University cost share commitments should be indicated on the proposal transmittal form and the form signed by the appropriate authorizing official for the source of those funds. External commitments need to be documented by letter or email from an authorized official.

I am writing a multi year budget, how much should I increase budget categories each year?

Sponsored Programs encourages investigators to include a reasonable increase in all budget categories to account for inflation in subsequent budget years. Typical increases for salaries and fringe benefits are 1-3% per year and for tuition 5-10% per year.

What is the difference between a subaward and a procurement?

When budgeting work being performed from an outside organization it is important to properly identify the work as being a subaward or a procurement. OSU has developed a document that explains the difference between the two types of activities.
Subcontract Vs. Procurement