PRIMER: A View from the Other Side: Reconciling Pre- and Post-Award Perspectives on Sponsored Programs
Carolyn Elliott-Farino, Kennesaw State University And Shannon West, Kennesaw State University (Slides by Pam Whitlock, Retired, UNC Wilmington, Educational Consultant) TEAMWORK!
Two Parts of a Whole Pre-award Bring in the $$ Rewarded for volume Wear white hats “Yes, you can.” Post-award – Spend $ wisely – Rewarded for accuracy – Wear dark hats – “No, you can’t.”
Measured on proposal submissions Measured on awards received Pressure to bring in the $$ Pressure from faculty to get it out the door Pre-award Promises, Promises!
Increased proposals and funding Connect PI to appropriate funding opportunities Submit competitive proposals on time Ensure that proposals are compliant with sponsor, state, and institutional regulations Terms and conditions negotiated quickly, and favorable to institution Pre-award Vision
Discuss project ideas with faculty Provide tailored editing support Follow submission rules for agency and organization Get the proposal OUT THE DOOR Keep faculty happy so they’ll submit again Role of Pre-award
Impact on post-award colleagues?
Rules, rules, rules Auditors Sponsor documentation NO! you can’t go to England (or Las Vegas, either)! Post-award Where the Rubber Meets the Road
Post-award View RULES everywhere Accounts set up correctly Budget fits organizational mold Approvals, modifications Subcontracting Closeouts Reports, reports, reports
Role of Post-award Maximize dollars spent by researcher Make it easy to spend money Legally responsible Institution Sponsor Keep PI out of jail Withstand audit
Good budgets Manageable award terms Clearance through the university Awards configured correctly Institutional commitments confirmed How Pre-award Supports Post-award
Be aware and sensitive about other’s needs to do their job Learn a little about the other’s responsibilities Clearly outline responsibilities TALK, TALK, TALK Breaking the Noise Barrier
Budget management Cost sharing Reporting Changes in project Cash recovery Organizational policies and procedures F&A, F&A, F&A!!!! Common Ground
Keep the Conversation Going The message Know needs of others Talk The barriers Distance Different focus The desired outcome Smooth transition and simplified grant management
Shared forms Checklists Discuss streamlining Identify duplicate efforts and eliminate Consider technology Seek opportunities to learn about the other side’s role COMMUNICATE Ways to make life worth living
Things to Remember… Communication is NOT a one way street Successful project management starts during proposal development Building a team takes effort…but not as much as working separately!
We’re All On the Same Team! Talk Cooperate Know the rules Design proposals with execution in mind Alert administration and finance of special issues Look for ways to achieve objectives