Application Instructions:

Proposal Format:

Each proposal is limited to 8 pages of single spaced text including figures and tables (12 point font, 1 inch margin on all sides, with page numbers) but excluding references. A separate cover page (form is attached) should include the following information:

• Project title
• Name, email address and Banner identification number for the PI and any other key personnel.
• Total proposed budget
• Proposed project dates and duration
• A maximum 50-word project summary in lay language
• Signatures of PI, department head(s), dean(s), and director(s).
• An electronic (pdf) copy, plus a hard copy, should be submitted to the dean's office.

I. Research Plan:

Provide a brief description of the federal agency, consortium, or private foundation program announcement or RFP to which the EFG proposal will respond, and describe the research effort from which the EFG will be developed. Emphasize the roles of key personnel, the cutting-edge and novel aspects of the project, and how they will be integrated or coordinated to establish a strong platform for the EFG. This section should include a description of the proposed research or creative activity, specific objectives, procedures and methods, and literature review in sufficient detail for reviewers to assess scholarly merit and relevance to the targeted external program announcement or RFP program.

• Education and Training Plan:

If the targeted program announcement or RFP has a major educational or training component, describe the ways in which these themes will be addressed in the EFG. If special methods of recruiting, retaining and educating students from underrepresented groups are envisioned, descriptions of these methods should also be outlined.



• Economic Development/Technology Commercialization:

If applicable, describe activities in the anticipated EFG that will involve industry partners or technology commercialization. This description should include brief descriptions of any industrial collaboration that will be fostered, and the potential for development of commercially viable intellectual property. Questions related to USU policy on industry partnerships or intellectual property should be addressed to the Technology and Commercialization Office at 797-9607.

II. Management Plan:

Describe the strategies that will be used to manage the RC project and subsequent EFG, and provide a time line for major project activities. If the project includes multi- or interdisciplinary partnerships, describe how these interactions will be managed.

III. Budget:

Provide a summary budget (please use the attached form) and justification. Each proposed RC expense must be fully justified, with an expectation that this expense will lead to enhanced potential for the EFG. Indicate what portion of the budget will be used to support faculty; students; postdoctoral researchers; to pay for supplies and equipment needed to generate preliminary data for the EFG; and to pay for travel required to complete the research project. For faculty receiving 10 or fewer months of base support, one month of additional salary support plus benefits is allowed (salary funds are to be spread over the fiscal year in which the award is made). An explanation of any departmental or college contributions to the project must also be included. Finally, only if required by the agency, describe college/department commitments such as cost sharing, F&A restrictions, etc.

• Matching Commitments:

No specific commitment is required. However, one measure of the importance of this project is the extent to which other internal units are willing to commit funds to ensure the success of the EFG. Examples might include providing student help, travel or administrative support, and other expenses associated with proposal development.

IV. Appendices:

The following appendices are required:

1. Vita information (2-page maximum per person) for the PI and any co-PIs.
2. Scope of work summaries for all key personnel.
3. Specific information related to the full program announcement or RFP(s) for the EFG to which a proposal will be developed and submitted, including the anticipated submission date. If a current version of the program announcement or RFP is not available, then the most recent published version should be provided, along with correspondence from a cognizant program director to indicate that a similar announcement will be issued in the near future.
4. Completed USU Conflict of Interest disclosure form (available at http://www.usu.edu/research/programs/forms.cfm).
5. Identification of any Special Requirements (use attached form).
6. List of current and pending support for PI and any co-PIs (use attached form)
7. One-page description of any current or pending projects that are related to the proposed seed grant project. This description must include an executive summary and list of specific objectives for the project.

More Information

For additional information on the RC program, please contact the Vice President for Research Office at 797-1199.