Not Funded - Now What? Jackie Davis, MA, CRA Associate Director, Pre-Award Operations

Agenda  Review Process  Learning from Reviewer Comments  Become a Reviewer!  Questions

(Typical) Review Process  Orientation Session  Prior proposal review & comments  Round 1 (submitted scores & discussion)  Round 2 (revised scores & discussion)  Funding decision

It’s not like this…we promise!

Not Funded? First Steps…  If not initially provided, request reviewers’ comments.  If still not provided, request debriefing, if at all possible.  Share comments and notes with SPA, your Chair, and others. These comments/conversations will help as you decide if/how to revise your proposal.

Learning from Reviewer Comments  Note: frequent reviewer comments are summarized in the following slides. These are quite usual in revision proposals for resubmission – and can also be beneficial in preparing a new proposal.

Learning from Reviewer Comments Sponsor Fit  Did it support both the mission of the sponsor and the specific program you are applying for? Tips  Review the mission of the sponsor and their purpose for the program – even the legislation on federal or state opportunities. Contact the sponsor in regards to suitability.

Learning from Reviewer Comments Communication  Reviewers can be distracted by typos, poor grammar, or an unclear narrative outline. They also notice when the proposal language is not clear or concise. Tips  Follow the guidelines!  Have colleagues review your proposal – both inside and outside your field. SPA does have funding available for external reviewers, if requested.

Learning from Reviewer Comments Idea / Conceptual Analysis  Reviewers often cite the PI for not providing enough the thought process behind the research plan or for not including potential obstacles and contingency plans. Tips  Conduct a thorough lit review  Demonstrate how your project fits into the broader picture.

Learning from Reviewer Comments Work Plan / Methodology  Reviewers are looking for:  How, when, and by whom the work will be done  How the data will be analyzed  The necessary skills and resources are available to complete the research Tips  Review your project, step-by-step, and be realistic about your timeline.  Ensure you have the proper expertise  Be sure your work plan has the proper controls and analysis.

Additional Tips  Understand the review criteria  How are the points/percentages applied?  What are reviewers look for on each criterion?  Do your budget and narrative match?  Are your budget requests addressed and justified in your narrative? Does your narrative describe needs you are not requesting?  Are your other proposal package materials relevant, beneficial, and complete?  CV/Biosketch: Does it fully describe your qualifications?  Letters of support v. Letters of commitment  Revise and Resubmit!

Become a Reviewer! Note: you don’t have to have been funded by a sponsor to be a reviewer!  Professional association/listserv communications.  Make connections with sponsor staff and reviewers at conferences.  NSF: the Program Officer / Program Director who oversees the Directorate or specific program of interest.  NIH:  US Dept of Ed / IES: Program Officers; G5 system utlized  Have a short CV or biosketch ready to share that highlights your qualifications and expertise in that specific area.

Questions? Jackie Davis |