All sections of the preproposal application must be completed. Applications that are not in compliance with instructions will be rejected out of fairness to all applicants. All attachments must be uploaded as Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files.
A complete preproposal application consists of the following:
- Online data entry of applicant and general preproposal information.
- Upload of requested attachments in a single PDF file.
Applicant and General Preproposal Information (online data entry)
The preproposal application contains online data entry screens requesting such information as primary investigator contact information, co-investigator contact information (if applicable), and the name of the institution where the grant will be administered. The project title for the proposed work is also requested.
Upload of Requested Attachments (online data entry)
A minimum of two (2) and a maximum of four (4) documents are requested as attachments for a complete preproposal application. A list of the attachments is shown below, followed by instructions for each. Standard word processing software (e.g., MS Word or WordPerfect) can be used to prepare the attachments. However, all documents MUST be converted to Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files, and combined into ONE (1) single PDF file, in the order shown, prior to being uploaded to the preproposal application in the BWF grant application system.
- Completed and signed Preproposal Form
- Two- to four-page NIH style curriculum vitae (CV) for the primary investigator
- Two- to four-page NIH style CV for first co-investigator, if applicable
- Two- to four-page NIH style CV for second co-investigator, if applicable
Use the following naming convention for the combined PDF file: Last Name, First Name – Project Title (e.g., Smith, Sarah – Project Title).
Completed and Signed Preproposal Form (required; template provided)
Using the Preproposal Form provided, the candidate must complete the form, including the required signatures, and include it as the first two pages of the combined PDF file. Completing the form requires re-entry of some of the same data that was entered into the online system, as well as entry of additional data pertinent to the preproposal. Candidates are responsible for ensuring that the information in the Preproposal Form matches the information entered into the online application. Faxed, emailed, or hard copy documents will not be accepted.
Both an MS Word version and a PDF version of the Preproposal Form are provided. Either version can be used. However, all documents must be converted to Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files and combined into one single PDF file prior to being uploaded to the preproposal application and submitted to BWF.
If you choose to use the MS Word version of the form, you must correct any changes to the form resulting from input of data prior to converting to PDF format. Data should be completed in the space provided. The form must respect the original character limits in the relevant fields and the original margins on all sides of the form.
If you choose to use the PDF version of the form, you must use Adobe Acrobat to complete and save the form to your system prior to uploading it to your application. (Using Adobe Reader will not work properly, neither will using Preview on a Mac.)
Two signatures are required on the preproposal application form – (1) the primary investigator’s signature, and (2) the signing official responsible for sponsored programs (or grants and contracts) at the administering institution. E-signatures are accepted on the form; typed names are not accepted.
Two- to four-page NIH-style CV for the Primary Investigator (required)
A two- to four-page NIH-style CV for the primary investigator is required, and must be included in the combined PDF file. Be sure to include a list of relevant publications. Do not go beyond the four-page limit for the CV.
Two- to four-page NIH-style CV for a First and Second Co-Investigators (required if applicable)
In addition to the primary investigator, up to two co-investigators may be named in the preproposal application. If co-investigators are identified in the preproposal, a two- to four-page NIH-style CV for each co-investigator is required, and must be included in the combined PDF file. Be sure to include a list of relevant publications. Do not go beyond the four-page limit for each CV.