Cover Letter:
Many sponsors, such as NIH, suggest a cover letter requesting a specific peer review group. If a cover letter is not suggested, the OSRP Director will write one for the proposal package before it is mailed.

Abstract:
Most sponsors request a summary of your project and generally limit it to 250 words or a single page. The abstract typically includes the project title, the goals and objectives of the proposed project, the target populations to be served, and a timeline.

Face Page or Face Sheet:
Most sponsors will include a “face page” in their forms. This sheet is typically the initial page of the application and requires such information as a proposal title, funding amount requested, funding period, institutional contact information, tax identifications and DUNS numbers, and the signature of the University’s authorized official. This information is available on the OSRP Web site (www.srp.missouristate.edu).

Budget and Budget Justification:
The proposal budget preparation may range from very simple to complex. Sponsors generally require a budget justification explaining why budget items are necessary to the proposal research or program. Please refer to the Proposal Budget section of this guide for more detailed budget information.

Biosketch(es), Résumé(s), and Vitae:
Sponsors often require a biographical sketch of all key personnel involved in the project. Information typically includes position held, educational background, relevant published articles, and past or current grant funding.
The proposal narrative section typically includes the following:

• Introduction:
  This section provides background information about the University or unit that will implement the project or background information about the proposed research.
• Need for the Project:
  The target population may be identified in this section and a case is made for the proposed project services or research. Cited data is included to support the need for the project.
• Plan of Operation/Research Plan/Approach:
  This section of the narrative provides a blueprint of the work you propose to do. Project goals and objectives are listed along with activities that support the goals and objectives. This section shows what you intend to do, why the work is important, what has already been done, how you will do the stated work, and when the work will be done (timeline). You also may be asked how you will disseminate the information or product developed by the sponsored project.
• Key Personnel:
  This section convinces reviewers that you have the expertise to conduct the proposed project. The Principal Investigator (PI) or Project Director (PD) is designated by the University to be responsible for the project design, conducts of the project, fiscal management of the project, and project reports. Co-PIs are responsible for the project design and conduct of the project. The PI and Co-PI have separate but equal roles and responsibilities, except for those specifically defined for the PI. Other key personnel may include a Postdoctoral Research Associate, a faculty expert, graduate students, and other independent contractors/consultants not on the Missouri State payroll.
• Evaluation:
  Developing an evaluation plan shows reviewers how you will monitor the progress of your proposed project and how you will measure the overall success of the project as it relates to your proposed goals and objectives.
• Human and Animal Assurances:
  Proposed projects that involves human subjects or animals are typically required to supply some or all of the following information
• Human Subjects education documentation
• Institutional Review Board (IRB) for Human Subjects Approval Data

Institutional Laboratory Animal Care and Use Committee (ILACUC) Approval Date

Representations & Certifications:
Proposals may require the University to certify that Federal regulations are adhered to at the institution. This requirement is common for proposals resulting in contracts.

• Checklist

• Statement of work

• Subcontract information

• Letter of Intent

Other various sponsor forms

To ensure that you meet all the sponsor requirements, read and follow the sponsor’s program guidelines. Any questions can be directed to a OSRP staff member.