All proposals requesting funding from external sources (local, state, and federal agencies; foundations; and businesses and corporations) for support of research, education, service, and other projects are to be submitted through the Office of Sponsored Research and Programs (OSRP).This policy has a two-fold purpose.

1. Funding organizations require the signature of an authorized University representative on the application or cover letter before they will review the proposal. Missouri State authorized representatives include the President, the VP for Academic Affairs, and the Associate VP for Academic Affairs/Dean of the Graduate College.  Faculty, other faculty administrators, and university staff are not authorized to sign and submit proposals for external funding.
2. OSRP is required to review proposals and budgets to ensure they are consistent with MSU's mission and that the project will be conducted in accordance with federal and state regulations and University policies and procedures. A proposal package containing all required documents is to be forwarded through appropriate administrative channels for review and approval.  This is accomplished by submitting an Internal Approval Form (IAF; PDF document).  The form and instructions can be downloaded into MS Word and/or PDF. Hardcopies of the form and instructions are also available at the Office of Sponsored Research and Programs in Room 407 of Carrington Hall. The applicant is responsible for providing all information requested on this form and for obtaining all the required signatures before submitting the proposal to the OSRP. This process is followed whether the proposal is to be submitted in hard copy or electronically via e-mail or online systems.

For hard copy submissions, OSRP staff will obtain the signature of the University's authorized representative, prepare a transmittal letter, assemble the required proposal copies, and courier the proposal package by FedEx or another courier or by certified mail.

Federal agencies have been mandated to develop electronic submission systems.  Those currently in use include the National Science Foundation (FastLane); U.S. Department of Education (e-Grants); National Institutes for Health (eRA Commons); and the Corporation for National and Community Service (e-Grants Classic).  Ultimately, Grants.gov will be THE single access point for over 900 grant programs offered by the 26 Federal grant making agencies. Guidelines for electronic proposal submissions may vary by agency, however, all Missouri State proposals to be submitted electronically are to be coordinated through the Office of Sponsored Research and Programs.

Timeline for Proposal Submissions:  In most cases, hard copy proposals submitted two days in advance of the postmark deadline can be processed and mailed by OSRP. If there is insufficient time, OSRP will review the proposal and obtain a signature by an authorized University representative, but the applicant will be responsible for all other tasks.

Electronically submitted proposals must be submitted to OSRP three days in advance of the submission deadline.  This allows time for review of the proposal and budget and electronic submission of the proposal one day in advance of the deadline.  Waiting to the deadline day for electronic submissions may result in a missed deadline.

One exception to the University's proposal submission policy is for proposals submitted through the SMSU Foundation. Further information about these submissions can be found on the Missouri State Foundation website.

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