No, the blame would lie with the one who could not meet the deadline.  If
they cannot meet deadlines, how can they conduct a project for which they
will have -- surprise!-- external deadlines.  I have enough to blame
myself for without taking blame which rightfully belongs to others.  It
may be a shame, but I'm not to blame.

Our deadlines are necessary for the protection of the university.  We
need to be certain that proposals going out properly represent the
university, only make commitments that the university is able to and
desires to meet, and does not unnecessarily cost the university needed
resources.

In a related issue, has anyone ever turned down an award that was
received for a proposal that was submitted without the sponsored program
office's knowledge?  Probably not.  Money in hand, and all that.  But
then, maybe you never have that happen at your institution.

Bob

J. Robert Howell                               Phone:    (812) 464-1967
Accounting Services Manager            Fax:      (812) 464-1958
University of Southern Indiana           E-mail:
xxxxxx@smtp.usi.edu
8600 University Boulevard
Evansville  IN  47712