Like many sponsored programs offices, we have problems at the
University at Albany with faculty "dropping off" proposals for
processing the day before major federal deadlines.  I would
appreciate any input on how your institution deals with PIs who
deliver grant proposals for processing and submission at the last
moment.

Specifically, how many days prior to the sponsor imposed deadline
does your institution's sponsored programs office require for
proposal review, approval, and mailing?  What consequences, if any,
result when a proposal arrives at the sponsored programs office after
that date?  We are seriously considering imposing an office deadline
three business days prior to the sponsor deadline after which there
would be no guarantee of University review and endorsement of the
proposal, and the PI would be responsible for making his/her own
arrangements for delivery to and payment of an overnight currier.  Do
any institutions currently have a similar policy?  What is your
policy and how is it working?

Our goal is not to alienate our faculty.  Obviously, there will
always be some extreme extenuating circumstance which will preclude
the PI from providing the sponsored programs office with a three
business day "window."  On the other hand, the problem occurs
frequently enough that we must do something.  I would be grateful for
any insight.  Feel free to e-mail me directly at xxxxxx@albany.edu.

Mark

Mark Abbey
Associate for Sponsored Programs
The Research Foundation of SUNY
University at Albany, Admin 216
1400 Washington Avenue
Albany, New York  12222
Phone:  (518)442-3505
Fax:    (518)442-3560
e-mail:  xxxxxx@poppa.fab.albany.edu