General
Accessing the Application
Logistics
Signature Page Form

Is the BWF application deadline firm?

Yes.

Can I submit a paper application?

No. BWF requires that all applications for this program be submitted electronically. Paper applications will not be accepted. The electronic application is due to BWF by October 1, 2012 by 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time..

Do I need to submit a Letter of Intent prior to beginning an application?

No. BWF does not require a letter of intent prior to beginning an application for this program. However, you MUST be nominated by a degree-granting institution in order to apply to this program. An “institution” includes its medical school, graduate schools, and all affiliated hospitals or research institutes. You should contact the appropriate officials (generally the grants office, office of research, or office of sponsored programs) for information about the nomination process at your institution.

Can I change my application once submitted?

No.  Once your application is submitted, it cannot be changed.

Can support letters be sent separately?

No. All support letters (faculty sponsor letter, chief of service and/or graduate advisor’s letter, plus the two additional recommendation letters) must be uploaded and attached to your application and submitted electronically by the application deadline: 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time on October 1. Faxed letters will not be accepted.

To whom should my letters of recommendation be addressed?

Letters of recommendation should be addressed to the CAMS Advisory Committee and must be uploaded and attached to your application and submitted electronically by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on October 1. Faxed letters will not be accepted.

What is a “signature block”?

A signature block is found at the end of a letter and includes the letter writer’s name, title(s), department(s), and institution. It is usually found just after the closing of the letter (e.g., just after the word ‘Sincerely,’ or ‘Yours truly,’) and just under the letter writer’s signature. Here is an example of a signature block:

Jane Smith, M.D., Ph.D.
Chair and Professor, Department of Medicine
ABC University

If I attach a bibliography to my research plan, does it count toward the six-page maximum?

No. Also, glossaries of technical abbreviations and terms are acceptable and encouraged if they clarify the proposal to the general reader and do not count toward the page limit.

What about figures, tables, graph, diagrams, pictures included in my research plan? Are they included in the six-page limit or can they be included separately?

All figures, tables, graphs, diagrams, pictures, etc., included in your research plan count toward the six-page limit.

Do I need to submit a proposed budget with my application?

No, a budget is not required at the time of application for the CAMS program.

Are there font or margin requirements for the research plan?

Yes. Use standard 11- or 12-point type for the text, and no smaller than 9 to 10-point type for figures, legends, and tables. Text must be single-spaced, with one-inch or larger margins on all sides.  The font-size requirement is strictly enforced.

Do I need to complete an application in one session?

No, you can start an application and return at a later time to complete the application. When beginning a new application, you are required to establish a log-in and password. At any time during the application process, you may click the "save and finish later" button, exit the application, and return at a later time. Saved applications are accessed through a different link than the one used to begin the initial application. You may access saved applications on the BWF grant application system. Please note that all applications must be submitted by October 1, 2012, at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time.

How do I return to an incomplete application that I saved, but have not yet submitted?

To access saved application for BWF programs, visit BWF's grant application system. At the time you begin an application, you are required to create a login and password. The same information can be used to access a saved application. Note: There are two separate links to the BWF grant application system (one to start a new application and one to access a saved application.)

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 919-991-5134.

What internet browsers are compatible with the BWF Grant Application System?

Internet Explorer
Mozilla Firefox
Safari (for Mac)
Google Chrome

I forgot my userid and/or password. What should I do?

For a forgotten password or userid, visit the BWF grant application system 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.

If I’m having trouble with the electronic application, whom can I contact for help?

For questions with the electronic application, please contact Debra Holmes via email at or phone (919) 991-5134.

What is the Signature Page Form? How do I submit it?

The Signature Page Form provides signature lines for the Applicant, the Institutional Signing Official and the Dean or Department Chair from the nominating institution. An application is not considered complete without the Signature Page form. You must upload the Signature Page form with the original signatures by 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time on October 1, 2012.

Who needs to sign the three-page signature page form?

Three people must sign the Signature Page Form: 

1. The Applicant - in the signature box marked “Signature of Applicant." 
2. The sponsoring Dean or Department Chair - in the signature box marked "Signature of Dean/Department Chair.”  No letter of support is required from the Dean/Dept. Chair. 
3. The Official responsible for sponsored programs at the institution - in the signature box marked “Signature of Signing Official."

Can I fax the signature page form by the application deadline?

 No. Faxed documents will not be accepted.

Can I upload and attach an electronic version of the Signature Page (PDF file) to my application?

Yes. An electronic Signature Page form will be accepted if uploaded by 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time on October 1, 2012.