USM Undergraduate Catalog 2008-2009

Office of Sponsored Programs

[Pre-Award Services | Post-award Services]

Pre-award Services

The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) is responsible for encouraging externally funded initiatives in support of program-related activities of academic, research and development, and administrative units; and serves as the major resource to faculty and staff who wish to pursue such projects. The Office maintains information on and promotes awareness of funding opportunities, assists in refining project ideas and matching them with a potential sponsor’s priorities and requirements, assists in the preparation of grant applications, and serves as the final approving authority for such applications.

OSP subscribes to a number of governmental and foundation references and a variety of supplementary materials useful to grantseekers. In addition to having access to many on-line funding sources, OSP maintains a subscription to an online funding opportunities database via the Community of Science. This is accessible by all faculty and staff and can be invaluable to individuals seeking to do their own searches.

OSP publishes a monthly newsletter during the academic year that provides information on funding opportunities for scholarly, creative, or research oriented projects; highlights currently funded projects; and provides recognition for faculty and staff awards.

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Post-award Services

The OSP provides financial management assistance and administrative support to principal investigators and project directors after an award is received. Services include: review and approval of all award documents, preparation and submission of financial reports, requests for reimbursement, budget revisions, amendments, etc. These services are a collaborative effort on the part of OSP staff and project staff. Services continue through the termination date, ending with the submission of the final program and final financial reports. Increasingly, governmental agencies are turning to OSP to provide management and approval for post-award modifications. In many cases, such requests can be approved and processed by OSP with proper notification to the sponsor. Additional information is available online: www.usm.maine.edu/osp.

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