I'll pass along how one PI I know managed to deliver a proposal to NSF,
from Arkansas, on the due day.
Took it to the local airline counter and sent it as a counter-to-counter
package.  Called a taxicab company in DC.  Hired a cab to go to the
counter and pick-up the package and deliver it to NSF.  Asked the cabbie
to send notification of its delivery.  I guess the PI paid for the cab by
credit card.
It worked.  Did he get an award?  No.

We're professionals here.  Don't try this at home <g>.

And no, Johnnie, I'll not divulge who this was although I but you can
guess.

Doug Wilde
xxxxxx@engr.uark.edu