Below are some general questions concerning the administration of research projects at the SMHS. For questions specific to proposal budgets, please see the "Budget" section of this website.

 How long does it take to route a proposal for signatures?

It normally takes three days to route a completed proposal for signatures.

 Who needs to sign my grant proposal?

Your proposal needs to be reviewed by the UNDSMHS Grant & Contract Officer, your department Chairperson, the SMHS Associate Dean for Research, the Dean, and the Associate VP for Research before you are allowed to submit it to the sponsor. This process may take up to three days to complete.

 How do I verify my PAC Report?

Once you have received your effort certification report (or PAC Report), you have thirty (30) days to review and sign this report certifying that the effort percentages shown are accurate.

 Where can I find the Proposal Routing Form?

The SMHS Proposal Routing Form can be found on the Research Administration website under the resource titled "SMHS Proposal Routing Form". This form is a fillable PDF which allows you to complete the boxes and then print it out for signature.

 What is the current indirect cost rate for UND?

The current indirect cost rates for UND can be found on the "F & A (Indirect Cost) Rates" section of the Research Administration website.

 What is the current fringe benefit rate for UND?

The current fringe benefit rates for UND can be found on the "Budget" section of the Research Administration website. Keep in mind that the fringe benefit percentages shown are approximations used for budgeting purposes. Once your proposal is funded, the actual fringe benefits will be charged to your grant project.

 What is the current salary amount for GRA's or GTA's?

The current graduate student salary amounts for the SMHS can be found on the "Budget" section of the Research Administration website.

 Do I have to follow my budget line items exactly?

Most of the time you are not restricted to follow the budget line items to a "T". You usually have the flexibility to overspend one line item (such as travel), while underspending another line item (such as supplies), as long as you do not exceed the total direct costs awarded.

 My proposal requires a subcontractor. What information do they need to provide to me?

It is university policy that you obtain a commitment letter, scope of work, and budget from your subcontractor before your proposal is sent to the sponsor. This information obtained from the subcontractor shows a commitment toward your project and is essential to writing the subcontract agreement once your project is funded.

 My budget does not include equipment, but I need to purchase some equipment. What do I do?

You need to contact the UNDSMHS Grant & Contract Officer about your situation, as the purchase of equipment in leau of other direct costs will affect the indirect expenses of your project. Also you need to conside that equipment purchases are normally unallowable on grant funds unless they have been specifically budgeted in the proposal.