Get help with large, complex proposals.
RPDS provides full-scale assistance for a few large, interdisciplinary proposals. For other proposals we offer more limited help. For all engaged in proposal development, RPDS provides proposal preparation advice and example-text that can be adapted for use in proposals.
to expand What services does RPDS provide?
For proposals selected for full-scale assistance, we work closely with PIs and staff to produce and submit the most compelling proposals possible. Specific assistance depends on the needs of the PI(s). Here’s a partial list of things we do:
- Review calls-for-proposals and advise PI(s) on funding agency requirements, communicating with agencies as needed for clarification.
- Create and regularly update proposal-production schedules.
- Assist in the identification of on- and off-campus collaborators to meet proposal requirements, for example: plans for outreach, dissemination of results, research training and diversity-enhancement.
- Provide detailed, constructive, editorial input on proposal text.
- Coordinate budget preparation in consultation with departments, subcontractors and OCGA.
- Complete required UCSD internal forms, e.g. RES Forms
- Review and provide guidance on budget justification
- Assist with preparation of proposal elements pertaining to compliance (e.g. animal use, human subjects protection), facilities and resources, data and resource-sharing plans, letters of support, and biosketches.
- For resubmissions, analyze reviewer-feedback and provide recommendations for addressing criticisms.
How are Requests for Assistance evaluated and prioritized?
A Selection Committee reviews Requests for Assistance, taking into consideration factors including but not limited to:
- Current and projected workload of RPDS staff
- Timeliness of request – 8 weeks or more before the due-date
- Degree to which the proposed research is multi-, inter- or transdisciplinary as evidenced by involvement of investigators from multiple departments and/or ORUs
- Extent to which the proposed research crosses campus (General Campus, Health Sciences, Scripps Institution of Oceanography) boundaries
- Budget size
- Likelihood of proposal success
- Anticipated campus impact
What is the relationship between RPDS and OCGA?
RPDS works in partnership with General Campus academics and staff to provide support for development of large, complex, multidisciplinary research proposals. RPDS expands UCSD’s capacity to pursue major research funding. OCGA is responsible for contract and grant management for UCSD. OCGA reviews, endorses, and submits proposals, negotiates and accepts contract and grant agreements, interprets guidelines, and promotes compliance with sponsor and University policies. RPDS and OCGA work together to best serve faculty who are developing multi-, inter-, or trans-disciplinary research proposals.