1. New Scientists and Project Plans Building a Plan for Success OSQR

2. What is the “Big Deal” about Project Plans? Foundation of research within ARSFoundation of research within ARS Contract between Program Development (NPS), Management (Area), and the Science TeamContract between Program Development (NPS), Management (Area), and the Science Team Part of the ARS culturePart of the ARS culture OSQR

3. Why Should I Care? There are two critical documents you write in ARSThere are two critical documents you write in ARS –Project plans –RPES case materials Both of these documents represent your capabilities and accomplishments as a scientistBoth of these documents represent your capabilities and accomplishments as a scientist OSQR

4. Foundations of Excellence NP’s SY’s Project Plans External Review (OSQR) Stakeholder Input Scientific Impact via Problem Solving OSQR

5. Project Plans Project Plans Annual Reports (421’s) Annual Performance Impact of science (RPES) OSQR

6. ARS Research Program Cycle OSQR Objectives (PDRAM) Project Plan ImplementationAnnual Reports Years (1-5) NP Assessment Report NP Stakeholder Workshop Peer Review Quality of science is built at this step

7. Role of Project Plans Define and outline what you are going to address during a five year periodDefine and outline what you are going to address during a five year period Define your interactions with other project team membersDefine your interactions with other project team members Enhance your productivity and impactEnhance your productivity and impact Build collaboration with other scientistsBuild collaboration with other scientists OSQR

8. ARS Program Structure Each person supports the research program of the scientist National Program Leaders Area Directors Scientist Lead Scientist Research Leader Center, Institute, Laboratory Director OSQR

9. Your Role in Project Plans Contribute your expertise to one or more objectives within a project or to one or more projectsContribute your expertise to one or more objectives within a project or to one or more projects Member of a research team responsible for the successful conduct of a research projectMember of a research team responsible for the successful conduct of a research project Responsible for development of products (papers, technology transfer, CRADA’s) from the research projectResponsible for development of products (papers, technology transfer, CRADA’s) from the research project OSQR

10. What is in a Project Plan? Background of the problemBackground of the problem Gaps in our knowledgeGaps in our knowledge Objectives that address the gapsObjectives that address the gaps Approach and procedures to meet the objectivesApproach and procedures to meet the objectives Processes to ensure the success of the projectProcesses to ensure the success of the project Critical milestones to document progress toward the goalCritical milestones to document progress toward the goal OSQR

11. Project Plan Template Title and Investigator(s)…….1 Signature Page……………...2 Table of Contents……….…. 3 Project summary (250 words)…. 4 Objectives (< 1 p)…………...5 Need for research (1-2 p) Scientific Background (5-7 p) Prior Accomplishments (2 p) Approach & Procedures (6-15 p) Milestones & Outcomes (  1 p) Literature Cited Past Accomplishments of Project Team Members Issues of Concern statements Appendices (letters plus other material) 15 - 30 pages OSQR

12. Lead Scientist Responsible for project plan development and implementationResponsible for project plan development and implementation Evaluates and documents the progress of the project plan through the five year cycleEvaluates and documents the progress of the project plan through the five year cycle Interfaces with stakeholders in providing information on project and program impacts on customer needsInterfaces with stakeholders in providing information on project and program impacts on customer needs Prepares research papers and summaries of the research findings from the projectPrepares research papers and summaries of the research findings from the project OSQR

13. Scientists Develops and implements project plans according to guidelines and documents progress and changes for incorporation into annual reportsDevelops and implements project plans according to guidelines and documents progress and changes for incorporation into annual reports Interfaces with stakeholders in providing information on project and program impacts on customer needsInterfaces with stakeholders in providing information on project and program impacts on customer needs Prepares research papers and summaries of the research findings from the projectPrepares research papers and summaries of the research findings from the project OSQR

14. Peer Review Reference Sources OSQR Web Site http://www.ars.usda.gov/osqr) http://www.ars.usda.gov/osqr) Program Overview Program Overview OSQR Project Plan Writing Video OSQR Project Plan Writing Video Project Plan Information, Format Project Plan Information, Format Peer Review Manual Peer Review Manual OSQR Staff National Program Staff OSQR