Office of Sponsored Programs & Research

Office of Sponsored Programs & Research

Office of Sponsored Programs and Research

Welcome to the Office of Sponsored Programs & Research (OSPR).

We serve faculty and staff by providing comprehensive resources related to external funding for sponsored projects. The OSPR provides support in developing proposals for funding from federal, state and local grants, contracts, foundations and related associations.

We assist with project award negotiations and post-award grant administration to ensure responsible project administration and compliance with University policies and procedures, federal and/or state laws, and contractual obligations. We also provide guidance in post-award matters such as no-cost extensions, budget modifications, extension requests, spending plans, preparation of travel and purchase requisitioning for grants, and compliance with all terms and conditions of the grant, contract and/or subcontracts.

How to get started

If human subjects are being used, contact the Institutional Review Board or Robert Skwarecki, IRB chair, at Ext. 4175.

The OSPR will assist you in obtaining the sponsor's guidelines. Read the guidelines carefully! If your goals and objectives meet those of the sponsor, you're ready to begin. We're here to help during your decision phase.

Talk to your department chair about your plans. He/she will be better prepared to approve your project if familiar with it. Your chair may also suggest that you present your idea to the dean. Always obtain approval up front!

Writing the proposal

The OSPR will review your draft for completeness and adherence to the guidelines. We will provide editorial revisions and suggestions for formatting improvements. We'll also assist with preparation of the project budget and the budget narrative. A well-justified budget is critical to a strong proposal!

What next?

The sign off process is necessary to provide documentation of institutional commitment for your proposal. The routing sheet has information about your proposal such as the amount of funds requested, amount and type of institutional commitment, indirect costs, project title, principal investigator(s), and the sponsor.  Please complete the Automated Routing Sheet, attaching all required documents. The OSPR will review the information and begin the approval process.

Contact us

Karen Primm, Contractor for Grant Services
724-938-1662
724-938-1620 (fax)
primm@calu.edu