Roles and Responsibilities

The individual designated by the University, and approved by the Sponsor, who will be responsible for the scientific/technical design, conduct and reporting of a sponsored project.

The unit within a particular college at the University that provides administrative support for sponsored projects.

Colleges (or Schools) house individual departments, grouped by specific disciplines, which provide the overarching financial, supervisory and administrative oversight to its departments. They must agree to any PI assignments, cost share, direct cost transfers, and course releases. 

RDSP works with faculty and staff on the strategic and conceptual preparation for funding. This includes strategic planning, opportunity scouting to identify new federal and foundation funding opportunities, proposal planning support for large and complex grants, capacity building by offering workshops and consultations on grant writing and proposals, limited submissions, proposal editing and faculty development. 

On behalf of the University, and with the delegation of signature authority on behalf of HU, OOR facilitates the submission of all sponsored projects proposals, negotiates and executes agreements, provides sponsored projects education and communication, and assists faculty, staff, and students in managing projects which are awarded to the University

SPO Pre-Award supports and advances sponsored projects ensuring compliance, technical preparation, and submission of proposals. This includes proposal budgeting, Cayuse and routing management to internal approvals of proposals, proposal compliance review with sponsor guidelines, , institutional policy, and Uniform Guidance, proposal submission, sponsor communications, institutional signature for approval or proposal on behalf of the University and award handoff to for setup. The goal is to empower researchers and enhance the University's status as a leading research institution.

SPO Post-Award maintains official HU financial oversight of sponsored project accounts on behalf of the University, invoice sponsors or draw down funds from sponsors, submit financial reports, cost analysis (fringe benefit and F&A rates), assist faculty, staff and students in the financial aspects of sponsored awards, payroll adjustments, primary responsibility for effort reporting and serve as the primary point of contact for auditors.

Advances Howard University’s innovation pipeline by protecting intellectual property, moving research discoveries toward real-world impact, and building collaborations with industry. With an enhanced commercialization pathway, TTU is focused on expanding licensing, startup development, and strategic partnerships that strengthen Howard’s research enterprise and sustain its R1 status.

OPC provides the following services: establishes and administers procurement contracts effectively; procures facilities, goods and services for best value; Delegates procurement authority to promote efficiency; provides value-added physical distribution services; ensures University business is conducted in a fair and open environment, in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

The VPR's Office provides oversight and support to SPO-Pre Award, Tech Transfer and SPO-Post Award, and compliance offices including the Export Compliance Office, develops, implements and provides training on Federal and University research policies and regulations; and leads, facilitates and supports existing and new research initiatives across the campus.

The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) provides legal counsel, litigation and legal risk management, labor and employment advice, contract and policy review, and assistance.

 The Office of Human Resources helps HU to attract, recruit, hire, and retain its workforce. In addition, they facilitate the paying of wages and stipends of individuals working on Sponsored Programs.