OSP Services

Proposal Development and Submission
Whether you have a general or specific research idea, OSP will assist you in focusing on a fundable project, and will help you develop a brief prospectus defining your project costs. OSP maintains an excellent collection of resource materials on funding opportunities, program guidelines, and proposal preparation.

• Using our Faculty Database, we can review appropriate publications, and circulate relevant program announcements to you at your request if you have a specific area of interest.
• We can assist you in costing out your project by making you aware of all the potential expenditures that you may face. This process may determine the ultimate success of your project.
• Agencies may require various certifications, financial statements, compliance affidavits, etc. We are prepared to see that these required items are properly completed and included in your submission.
• Finally, staff can assist in tracking the status of your proposal and negotiating the details of an award.

Contacting Funding Agencies
Contact with a sponsor may be vital to the success of your proposal. With our consultation, it also may be expedient for you to contact an agency's program staff to develop a personal relationship and solve technical program-related issues.

So Noted
OSP puts out a monthly newsletter, So Noted, during the academic year to bring the USM community information on funding opportunities for scholarly and creative activities, extramural awards and other recognitions.

Project Management
As the department responsible for assisting in the administration of all externally-sponsored projects, OSP sets up cost centers, monitors projects for compliance with award conditions, and assists in preparing invoices/financial reports to sponsors.

COS Database
OSP's subscription to the Community of Science's Funding Opportunities Database provides all USM faculty/staff with the ability to run individual searches for your research pursuits. The website is http://www.cos.com. Click on "COS Funding Opportunities" at the top of the page, and then select "Search COS Funding Opportunities."

Frequently Asked Questions
This document outlines the grant process at USM.