Career Awards at the Scientific Interface
FAQ: APPLICATION FORMAT/LOGISTICS
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 application prior to submitting a full application?
Yes. All applicants to the program must submit a preproposal application first. Everyone who submits a preproposal will not necessarily be submitting a full application. Preproposals will be reviewed by the Interfaces in Science Advisory Committee and selected candidates will be invited to submit a full application.
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 (1) preproposal application?
No.
Do I need to be nominated by my institution to submit a preproposal application?
No. Eligible candidates may self-nominate by submitting a preproposal application by the preproposal deadline.
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 as to whether they have been selected to submit a full application.
Can letters of collaboration be included in the preproposal application?
No, letters of collaboration are not part of the preproposal. If extra materials such as collaboration letters are included, your preproposal application will be rejected out of fairness to other applicants.
Do I need to submit a proposed budget with my preproposal application?
No, a budget is not part of the preproposal. If extra materials such as a budget are included, your preproposal application will be rejected out of fairness to other applicants.
I have two postdoc mentors at two different institutions. Does it matter which one is the primary mentor?
Yes. If your mentors are at two different institutions, the primary mentor should be the one located at the institution where you will be doing the proposed work (the institution entered in the "Institutional Information" page of the online application) and who holds a faculty appointment at an accredited degree-granting institution in
Can I add a postdoc mentor if I am invited to submit a full application?
You may add a mentor, but may not change the primary mentor whose name is associated with your preproposal.
Accessing the Application
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 until it has been submitted.
Please note that all preproposal applications must be submitted by September 1, 2011 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 a saved application for BWF programs, click the appropiate link on the Program Application page. 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.)
Can I receive a copy of my online application form?
You can print a copy of your application as you are completing the online application form by clicking the "Printer Friendly Version" link at the top of the page. You may also click the "Email Draft" link to email a copy of the application. Please note that BWF will not accept emailed applications.
Preproposal Form
What is the Preproposal Form?
The Preproposal Form is the only attachment that must be completed and uploaded to the preproposal application prior to submission. It requires re-entry of some of the information from the online application and provides signature lines for the applicant and the postdoctoral mentor. In addition, it includes fields where the applicant can provide (1) a description of the Ph.D. work, (2) a description of the proposed work, and (3) a list of up to five of the applicant's top publications.
How do I access the Preproposal Form?
The three-page Preproposal Form can be accessed on the Forms and Resources page on this website.
Who needs to sign the Preproposal Form?
The applicant and the applicant's primary postdoctoral mentor must sign the preproposal form. E-signatures are accepted.
What is an e-signature?
BWF considers an electronic signature (or e-signature) an image of a person’s actual signature or an official digital signature. Typing a person’s name or initials into a form is not acceptable.
Can I include figures, tables, graphs, diagrams, and/or pictures in the section of the preproposal form asking for a description of the proposed work?
No.
Do I need to include references in the description of the proposed work?
No. References are not required in the preproposal. If you are invited to submit a full application, references can be included at that time.
Can I include submitted manuscripts in the list of publications?
No. Only papers that have been published or are "in press" (accepted for publication) should be included. When entering this information on the form, be sure to use the appropriate format (indicated on the preproposal form).
I have publications from my graduate (and undergraduate) studies, but they are not necessarily relevant to the research I am proposing in the preproposal application. Should I include them on the preproposal application form?
Yes. Up to five of your top publications should be included on the preproposal application form, even if they are not relevant to the research being proposed. When entering this information on the form, be sure to use the appropriate format (indicated on the form).
How do I submit the preproposal form?
After completing the preproposal form, including the required signatures, upload and attach the form to the preproposal application. The form will then be submitted electronically with the application. Faxed, emailed, or hard copy documents will not be accepted.
Can the preproposal form be sent separately (i.e., faxed or emailed)?
No. The preproposal form must be uploaded and attached to your application, then submitted electronically by the preproposal application deadline. Faxed, emailed, or hard copy documents will not be accepted.
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 919-991-5116.
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 7.0 & 8.0
Mozilla Firefox 3.0, 3.5, & 3.6
Safari 3.2 & 4 (for Mac)
Google Chrome 4
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 at: http://www07.grants.gov/help/download_software.jsp#pdf_conversion_programs.
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’m having trouble with the electronic application, whom can I contact for help?
For problems with the electronic application, please contact Debi Vought by email or phone at 919-991-5116.