Lifecycle Sponsored Projects

The award lifecycle at Howard University consists of six stages, which are grouped into two phases: pre-award and post-award. Below is a clear explanation of each stage.

 

 

Pre-Award

1. Find Funding
   The process begins with a researcher developing an idea and seeking funding. Once a funding source has been identified, the researcher should notify the Research Development & Strategic Planning (RDSP) office and the relevant academic department about the intent to submit a proposal.
2. Develop Proposal
   The researcher, in collaboration with the RDSP, will prepare a proposal that includes a statement of work, budget, budget justification, and other necessary materials. The proposal must then be uploaded into the appropriate sponsor system, if required. Before submitting any proposal to a funding agency, it must go through Howard University's internal review process via Cayuse.
3. Submit Proposal
   After all departmental reviews and approvals are completed and any pre-award compliance concerns have been addressed, the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) will review the proposal. The AOR may request revisions or submit the proposal to the sponsor as the authorized signatory.
4. Award and Sub-award Negotiation & Acceptance
   Upon receiving a Notice of Award or Selection, the researcher should forward it to the Sponsored Program Pre-Award Office. The AOR will review and negotiate any terms and conditions, addressing any unacceptable items, and will communicate with the researcher as needed. Any outstanding compliance concerns must be resolved before accepting the award. Only the AOR has the authority to accept and execute the award.

Post Award

5. Award and Sub-award Management & Reporting
   The Sponsored Programs Office Post-Award will create an award number in the financial system, and the researcher will be notified that funds are available for expenditure. Efforts should not commence until the award number has been established. The researcher will then move into the management and reporting stage of the project, during which they must adhere to the administrative requirements, cost principles, and specific terms and conditions related to the award.

6. Closeout
   Project closeout is an administrative process managed in collaboration with the Sponsored Programs Office Post-Award Team. The requirements for closing out a project are determined by contractual provisions and/or agency regulations.

    

This section of the website was designed to guide researchers through every stage of the award lifecycle and provide answers to frequently asked questions.

 We are here to support you at every stage of the process, so please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions along the way.