Yeah, we have a policy-- we have to have a copy of the proposal before we
deposit the check...

Actually, we have a policy (two weeks before the deadline) but if your
institution's anything like ours, the person with the power to actually
deny a submission is a PI himself and, at least, very sympathetic to their
needs (if not the worst offender himself!).

I have tried to overcome this by emphasizing the service aspects of our
department and how earnestly we desire to help them and make things easier
for them.  I don't know if it has helped.  Actually, having good communication
with the PI's secretary is the most effective way to avoid surprises...

Ultimately, it's useless...