Getting Started
To prepare for the development and submission of a proposal, start by contacting your department or center administrator for assistance. They will work with your DCG Contract and Grant Officer to facilitate proposal preparation, routing and submission. All Units are required to use Cayuse SP to route and approve proposals.
Proposal Preparation Resources
- Elements of a Proposal
- Ethics and Compliance
- Guide to Institutionally Limited Proposals
- Postdoc Mentoring Narrative for NSF Proposals
- Data Management Plans and Archives
- Face Page Information
- Creating a BioSketch in SciENcv
Budget Preparation Resources
- Elements of a Budget
- 2022 NIH Salary Cap
- Guide to Cost Sharing
- Proposal Rates at a Glance
- Minimum Salaries for Graduate Assistants
- Minimum Salary for Postdoctoral Scholars
DCG Service Commitment for Proposal Review and Submission
The Department of Contracts and Grants is committed to supporting USC Investigators by assuring timely submission of complete and accurate proposals that have the best chance possible of success in the sponsor review process. To succeed in this goal, DCG offers a Service Commitment for Proposal Review and Submission. Complete proposals, including all required approvals in Cayuse SP, should be received by DCG at least three business days prior to the proposal deadline. Proposals received in advance of this deadline will receive priority treatment. To meet this deadline, investigators are strongly encouraged to obtain all needed proposal approvals at least one week in advance of the due date.
Checklists for Submitting a Proposal
1. A Draft Proposal, Budget and Budget Justification
2. Solicitation or Request for a Proposal
3. Certifications and Representations (if applicable)
4. Financial Disclosures and Complete Training (if required)
5. Scope of Work, Budget, and Approval from Subcontractor’s Institution (if applicable)
6. Commitment Letters from Consultants and/or Collaborators (if applicable)
Steps For Submitting a Proposal
For a detailed, step-by-step guide to submitting proposals, please see our step-by-step guide for proposal submission.