Re: FastLane Language Bill Kirby 21 Jun 1996 10:42 EST
FastLane derives its status information from status codes that are set in NSF's main proposal and award processing system. The data in FastLane are updated nightly, so the data are very current. The Division Director "concur" code is set AFTER the Division Director has ok'd (on paper) the NSF Program Officer's recommendation. At this point the proposal has not yet physically moved to the Division of Grants and Agreements. The DGA "received" code is set when DGA physically receives the proposal file and logs it in to their tracking system. Usually this is done within a day of receipt by DGA. Thus, FastLane is usually reflecting data entry events that follow the physical flow of paper. It would be usual, therefore, for there to be some delay between the program approval and receipt in DGA. Two weeks seems like it would be an unusual circumstance of some sort. Starting in September, 10 NSF Divisions and DGA will begin testing a fully electronic proposal file, which will essentially eliminate the physical flow of paper. This will also eliminate or greatly reduce the "delay" phenomena. By the way, FastLane DOES have an intentional 10 day delay in the notification of declination information to allow a personal notification prior to it's showing up on the web server. Bill Kirby NSF ______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________ Subject: FastLane Language Author: Research Administration Discussion Group <xxxxxx@health.state.ny.us> at NOTE Date: 6/19/96 7:52 PM With the advent of FastLane, we now have access to information that was once a mystery. Once upon a time, PIs waited patiently for award letters or phone calls. Now we can all watch the progress of proposals as they move from one desktop to another. Can anyone explain to me (so I can explain it to a faculty member) WHERE a proposal is for two weeks when it has been "concurred with by the cognizant Division" but "has not yet been received in the Division of Grants and Agreements." e.g., does "receiving" mean a data entry process or a hand-me-the-file process? (read: PI thinks his proposal file is lost someplace!) Thanks to anyone who can give me a new line of reasoning... For those still unfamiliar with FastLane, I append the status report: Status As of: 06/19/96 " A program recommendation for award was concurred with by the cognizant Division/Directorate on 06/07/96. However, no award is ensured and the recommended amount ($*****), duration (24 months) and effective date (07/01/96) are subject to change. The grantee institution assumes any pre-award costs at its own risk. NSF may request additional information. This recommendation has not yet been received in the Division of Grants and Agreements. " * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Elaine M. Lilly, PhD * Faculty Grants Coordinator University of St. Thomas * * * Mail # 5045 * * * 2115 Summit Avenue * * * St. Paul MN 55105-1096 612-962-6038 * xxxxxx@stthomas.edu * FAX 962-5406