Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA) is a University central resource that provides guidance and support to the research community at Columbia University. SPA is responsible for reviewing grant applications before they are submitted to the sponsor. Although grants are awarded to a faculty member known as the Principle Investigator (PI), GSAPP faculty may not submit proposals for external funding without first obtaining approval from the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP) Dean’s Office and SPA.

1. The PI (or PI designee) will notify Janet Reyes, jr180@columbia.edu, of his/her intent to submit a grant proposal 2-3 weeks prior to the agency submission deadline. The University limits the eligibility of persons who may serve as Principal Investigators (PIs). Eligibility information is available at https://research.columbia.edu/content/pi-eligibility-sponsored-projects.

2. Details and guidance for creating and assembling grant applications can be found in the Sponsored Projects Handbook and also on the SPA website.

3. The GSAPP Finance Office is also available to assist the PI (or PI designee) with preparation of the budget: verifying the correct fringe benefits rate, indirect costs rate(s) or administrative fee(s), or other applicable University rates that must be included in the budget.

4. SPA requires a complete version of the full proposal packet from the PI (or PI designee) at least 5 days in advance of the agency deadline. The full proposal must have prior Dean’s Office approval. SPA will review the proposal to ensure compliance with agency and University policies. The proposal may not be submitted to the agency without SPA approval.

5. A complete proposal packet includes completed and approved RASCAL, proposal narrative and supporting documentation, and Dean’s Office-approved budget. Include with the proposal any special program announcements or agency guidelines that the PI is required to follow in the proposal’s preparation. This enables the Finance Office and SPA to review and advise the PI of any special handling requirements.

6. SPA will review the complete proposal packet and advise the PI (with a cc to Janet Reyes) of any corrections or changes.

7. Once written approval is given by SPA, the PI (or PI designee) may then proceed with submitting the proposal to the agency.

Sites that may assist with the preparation and submission of proposals:

• Sponsored Projects Administration website

• RASCAL Homepage (for proposal preparation including a help site)

• Columbia University Institutional Information