General
Are the BWF application deadlines firm?
Yes, both the preproposal and the full application deadlines are firm.
Do I need to submit a preproposal prior to submitting a full application?
Yes. All applicants to the program must submit a preproposal. Everyone who submits a preproposal will not necessarily be submitting a full application. Preproposals will be reviewed by the Regulatory Science Advisory Committee and selected candidates will be invited to submit a full application.
Can I submit a full application without having submitted a preproposal?
No.
Can I submit a paper application?
No. BWF requires that all applications for this program be submitted electronically. Paper applications will not be accepted.
Can I submit more than one application?
No.
Do I need to be nominated by my institution to submit a preproposal?
No. You may self-nominate for the preproposal. If you are selected to submit a full application, you will need to obtain approval from your institution. All full applications must be approved by an official responsible for sponsored programs at the institution where the work will be performed (generally from the institution’s grants and contracts office, office of research, or sponsored programs office).
I am changing institutions after submitting my preproposal. Can I change the institution on the full application to my new institution?
No. The institution submitted in the preproposal and in the full application must be the same. Invitations to submit a full application are based on the information submitted in the preproposal. If you moved to a new institution after submitting the preproposal, you cannot submit a full application, even if you've been invited to do so. Please contact BWF immediately.
When will I be notified as to whether I have been selected to submit a full application?
Applicants who submitted preproposals will be notified via email by mid-to-late February, 2014, as to whether they have been selected to submit a full application.
When will I be notified as to whether I have been selected for an interview?
Applicants who are selected for an interview will be notified by May 31, 2014. Interviews will be conducted June 24-25, 2014.
Can I change the co-investigator(s) on the full application?
No. The investigators are an important part of this consideration, thus cannot be changed.
Can letters of collaboration be included in the preproposal?
No. If extra materials such as collaboration letters are included, your preproposal will be rejected out of fairness to other applicants.
What is an e-signature?
BWF considers an electronic signature (or e-signature) to be either an image of a person’s actual signature (a scanned signature) or an official digital signature. Typing a person’s name or initials into a form is not acceptable.
I am a permanent resident. What documentation is required to verify my residency status?
BWF doesn’t require documentation of your permanent residency for the preproposal. If you are selected to submit a full application, your institution must verify your permanent residency status by completing and signing the Institutional Certification Form (ICF). The completed, signed ICF is required and must be uploaded to the full application as part of the combined PDF file prior to submission by the deadline.
Do I need to include a letter of nomination/approval with my preproposal?
No.
How do I name the combined PDF file?
Use the following naming convention for the combined file: Last Name, First Name – Project Title (e.g., Smith, Sarah – Project Title). Be sure to save a copy of the completed documents for your records.
Can I include cover letters or supplemental materials with my preproposal?
Do not include a cover letter or supplemental materials. If extra materials are included, your preproposal will be rejected out of fairness to all applicants.
Logistics
I completed my application. How do I submit?
Once the application has been completed and all attachments have been uploaded, click the "Review and Submit" button at the bottom of the last page of the application. Review your application. If the application is not missing required items, a “Submit” button should be available at the bottom of the page. If a submit button is not available, the application is missing (one or more) required fields or attachments. Any missing items should be noted in red near the top of the page. Once you have completed all required items and clicked the “Submit” button, you will receive an email confirmation. If you do not, please contact BWF immediately at 919-991-5120.
Can I change my application once submitted?
No. Once your application is submitted, it cannot be changed.
What internet browsers are compatible with the BWF Grant Application System?
Internet Explorer
Mozilla Firefox
Safari (for Mac)
Google Chrome
I forgot my user ID/password. What should I do?
For a forgotten password or user ID, access the BWF system log-in screen and click the forgotten password link.
How can I convert a document to a PDF file?
You can use standard word processing software (e.g., MS Word, WordPerfect) to prepare the documents for your application. However, you MUST convert ALL documents to portable document format (PDF) files prior to uploading and attaching them to your application.
A list of PDF generator software is available on the grants.gov website.
Please note that BWF does not endorse or take responsibility for any of the software programs listed on the grants.gov website. Please review vendor websites for additional information. For assistance with PDFs, visit Troubleshooting PDFs.
If I have questions about a particular program guideline or the electronic application, whom can I contact for help?
For problems with the electronic application, please contact Rusty Kelley by email or phone at 919-991-5120.