First-time applications are generally less successful than second, third, or subsequent applications. This is particularly true for submissions to such agencies as the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.

If a proposal is turned down by a funding agency, OSRP strongly encourages PIs to revise the proposal, keeping in mind reviewers’ comments, and resubmit it. OSRP staff will assist PIs in reviewing and editing a second submission.

If a PI resubmits the proposal, it is important that he or she respond specifically to reviewers’ comments in the narrative of the revised proposal, pointing out changes made to strengthen the proposal in the areas judged to be weak and clarifying information that may have been misinterpreted in the initial review.