Martha,

This may seem obvious, but based on my experience, I would say the number
one reason proposals should be reviewed by a central office is to ensure
that the budget is realistic; reasonable; includes only those costs that are
allowable by the agency and does not "double dip" in way; does not exceed
the amount specified by the agency available for award; and most important,
that the institution's negotiated fringe benefit rates and indirect cost
rates are applied to the appropriate base, or if there exists an IDC
limitation by the agency, that it is used.

Besides budget issues, all proposals submitted should be in line with the
university's mission, and in today's environment, with federal $'s
shrinking, coordination of faculty that share similar interests/field
experience and expertise is imperative. Strong collaborative efforts are
viewed favorably by reviewers, and proposals which duplicate efforts are
not. A central university office, offering service and support to faculty
pursuing external funding for research, training, or community service
projects can prove instrumental in increasing the competitiveness of a
proposal, and in coordinating efforts between faculty.

That's my two cents worth-have a good day!

Nancy Hutchinson
Grant Development Specialist
Nova Southeastern University
xxxxxx@nsu.acast.nova.edu

>Dear Colleagues:
>
>A philosophical question for general discussion:
>
>
>Why should a central university office review and approve proposals before
>they are submitted to external sponsors?
>>
>----------------------------------------------------------
>Martha M. Taylor,   Director               (334) 844-4438
>Contracts and Grants Administration         FAX (334) 844-5953
>307 Samford Hall
>Auburn University,  AL  36849-5131
>xxxxxx@mail.auburn.edu
>
>