Re: e-GAPS Allen Mehta 14 Mar 2000 12:34 EST

The problem described below seems to be a on-going theme in
submitting proposals to the sponsors. Each sponsor having a web
site to collect the proposal information, but each site has removed
the authorization aspect of what universities need to manage
proposal submissions.

We at the GAMS consortium(grant application management
system) have for several years been attempting to work with the
sponsors to allow us to submit via EDI a fully developed proposal
using the GAMS software system. More information at
www.gams.org. The intent in this case was to allow a single
software frontend to develop the proposal, the budget with real time
integration with institutional data, validate the budget and sponsor
rules and then  include get all approvals from deans, committees,
etc... Based on the sponsor selected the GAMS system will either
print all the forms for that sponsor or allow it to be sent via EDI.

Today we are working with several of these agencys include NSF
and NIH to submit to them via GAMS EDI functions. It also allows
schools to manage and retain the information at there level.

I believe that the best approach for the sponsors is to support the
EDI submissions and if need be continue to support there own web
sites for schools who do not have the need to verify or authorize
proposal submitted.

Date sent:              Tue, 14 Mar 2000 09:57:37 -0600
Send reply to:          Research Administration Discussion List <xxxxxx@HRINET.ORG>
From:                   Nancy Peterson <xxxxxx@WINONA.MSUS.EDU>
Subject:                Re: e-GAPS
To:                     xxxxxx@HRINET.ORG

I know several of the RESADM people have contacted the Education Department
about e-gaps.   The responses we received have been less than satisfactory.
They say they can't use a system like NSF's Fastlane because they have
applicants from numerous organizations that don't hve anything like an SRO
to coordinate submissions.  And they say they can't impose any ADDITIONAL
requirements in their electronic application process that are not part of
their hard copy application process (which makes no sense to me -- since
hard copies require signatures as proof of institutional approval).

My Academic Vice President has told his Deans that if any faculty member
submits a proposal without advance approval, it will be turned down.  (A
gentleman I spoke to in Arkansas said his institution did this with a very
large award that many faculty knew about.  He said they have not had a
problem since then.)

Unfortunately, it may take drastic measures such as turning down awards to
have an impact on e-gaps.  Until the Education Department is swamped with
numerous garbage-quality proposals, and finds itself committing time and
resources to processing and budgeting for proposals that are going to be
turned down, it seems bound and determined to not re-consider its position.

**************************************************************************

Nancy Kay Peterson
Director of Grants & Sponsored Projects
Somsen Hall Room 202-C
Winona State University
Winona, MN  55987

Phone:  507.457.5519
Fax:       507.457.2415
xxxxxx@winona.msus.edu
http://www.winona.msus.edu/grants/

 Charna K
 Howson               To:     xxxxxx@HRINET.ORG
 <xxxxxx@UNC        cc:
 G.EDU>               Subject:     e-GAPS
 Sent by:
 Research
 Administratio
 n List
 <xxxxxx@hri
 net.org>

 03/14/00
 09:20 AM
 Please
 respond to
 Research
 Administratio
 n Discussion
 List

I have just finished reading about the US Dept. of Ed's e-GAPS
system in response to an inquiry from a PI who plans to submit
two proposals electronically in April.  My review of the Web
site and documentation indicates there is no institutional
blessing required, just the assumption that the PI got it before
hitting the electronic send button.  I'm not excited about this
one!!

Would anyone who has had previous experience with the system
provide me with guidance, insights, concerns either by e-mail or
by phone?  I am supposed to discuss the system with my PI later
this afternoon.

Thanks for the help,
Charna

----------------------
Charna K Howson
Associate Director
Office of Research Services
100 McIver Building, UNCG
P.O. Box 26170
Greensboro, NC 27402-6170
Phone:  336 334-4316
Fax:    336 334-3140
E-mail: xxxxxx@uncg.edu

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Allen Mehta
Associate Director
USC Software Systems
(626)-457-4150
FAX (626)-457-4155

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