Old Dominion University has a Research Foundation which submits all
proposals and administers all its awards.  I have signature authority on
all proposals and have been delegated to sign awards as well; though
this is done primarily by our Director of Finance.  (Oh yes, the Executive
Director of the Foundation has signature authority as well).  It is to be
noted, however,  that no proposal is submitted by the Foundation unless
and until University review has been completed (this includes, chair,
dean, and Vice President for Research).  We use our internal routing
sheet to secure this permission from the University.  As one colleague
mentioned was true for him, unless my initials appear on the form
detailing the budget, it won't be signed up the chain.  Also, most deans
and the Vice President will call me to clarify any issue.

Maxine Lippman
Director of Preaward Services
  and Contracting Officer
Old Dominion University Research Foundation
P.O. Box 6369
Norfolk, VA  23508-0369
(804) 683-5685 (voice)
(804) 683-5902 (fax)
xxxxxx@pobox.hprf.odu.edu