Preparation, Review and Submission of Sponsored Project Proposals

3.1 The submission of proposals for external funding is a function of Texas A&M University, the Research Foundation, or a TAMUS agency rather than the individual. A formal proposal to conduct a research or training project, or other sponsored activity, with an external agency represents an offer by Texas A&M University. In this regard, Texas A&M acts as the representative of the State of Texas.

3.2 Although University proposals for external support are often submitted by the Office of Sponsored Projects, Texas A&M University encourages that all University research proposals for external funding be processed by the Texas A&M Research Foundation. However, individual college guidelines may require that proposals for external funding be submitted through the Texas A&M Research Foundation, the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, the Texas Engineering Experiment Station, or the Texas Transportation Institute. On occasion the Texas A&M University Foundation administers research gifts. The principal investigator should consult the department head (or equivalent for interdisciplinary or intercollegiate faculty) or dean's office, for any special department, interdisciplinary or intercollegiate faculty or college policies governing proposal submission. All proposals committing University resources must be approved by the Office of Sponsored Projects.

3.3 To meet its responsibilities as the applicant, the University must give careful review to all proposals prior to submission. A proposal review requires that a "Document Review Approval Sheet" (commonly referred to as the “Routing Sheet”) accompany the proposal. The Routing Sheet must include appropriate endorsement signatures before being submitted to the Office of Sponsored Projects. Adequate planning should be exercised to avoid conflicts between the processing of the University review and external funding agency deadlines.

3.4 The President has delegated the primary responsibility for approving proposals for external support to the Vice President for Research. The Vice President for Research has delegated the signature authority for sponsor proposals and Routing Sheets to the Director of Sponsored Projects. In instances where the external sponsor requires approval at a level higher than the Director of Sponsored Projects, the document will be signed in accordance with the sponsor’s guidelines.

3.5 A University proposal for external funding will be reviewed and the proposal routing sheet signed by the principal investigator, department head or director (or equivalent for intercollegiate faculty), the respective dean or Vice President, and the Director of the Office of Sponsored Projects. The review and approval of proposal routing sheets may be delegated by each of these position occupants to designated representatives. Approval certifies:

3.5.1 that the proposal fits the mission of the department (or equivalent for interdisciplinary faculty), college, and University;

3.5.2 that the proposal complies with Federal, State, and University policies;

3.5.3 the commitments for cost-sharing or matching funds; and

3.5.4 the University’s commitment of facilities and resources should funds be awarded.