DCG Process

DCG process graph vertical
DCG Process

The Department of Contracts and Grants supports faculty and professional research staff in effectively securing and managing external funding. 

The DCG team:

  • Reviews, approves and submits proposals to extramural sponsors.
  • Negotiates and accepts awards on behalf of the University.
  • Executes outgoing subcontracts.
  • Coordinates pre-award and post-award actions.
  • Develops and maintains positive sponsor relationships.
  • Ensures institutional compliance with Federal and State regulations, sponsor policy and University policy.
  • Determines how agreements for research services will be processed.

DCG teams are assigned to each USC department, center and institute that administers externally funded research awards. To see which DCG Officer(s) are assigned to your specific unit, please visit the DCG Directory.

DCG Pre-Award Responsibilities

  • Review proposals for completeness and compliance with agency and university requirements (nontechnical).
  • Approve and endorse proposals on behalf of the University.
  • Submit proposals to agencies.
  • Manage electronic systems for proposal preparation, institutional approval, and submission to agencies.

DCG Post-Award Responsibilities

  • Negotiate favorable terms on behalf of the principal investigator (PI) and the University.
  • Accept awards on behalf of the University.
  • Establish and maintain awards in Cayuse Sponsored Projects.
  • Resolve post-award issues (rebudgeting requests, change of PI, disputes with subrecipients, questions about allowability of costs, etc.)
  • Serve as institutional point of contact for questions raised by sponsors (e.g., adherence to terms and conditions, compliance with reporting requirements, etc.)

DCG Subaward Responsibilities

  • Review requests for outgoing subawards for compliance with prime award terms.
  • Ensure compliance documentation required by the prime is complete prior to execution.
  • Draft, negotiate and execute subawards and amendments in compliance with sponsor requirements.
  • Approve supplier contracts in University financial system.

Did You Know DCG...

Offers a Certification Course in Research Administration
Offers Guides and Assistance for Your Cayuse SP Questions
Offers a Roles and Responsibilities Guide
Keeps You Up-to-Date with USC's Guide to Research
Offers Grants Management Training
Has a Slack Channel for Cayuse SP-Related Questions

Meet Our Team

Emi Kamei

Principal Subcontract Officer

Outgoing Subawards

Diana Kapadia

Subcontract Officer - UPC

Outgoing Subawards

Vanessa Dominguez

Subcontract Officer - HSC

Outgoing Subawards

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