What is the Preproposal Form?

The two-page  Preproposal Form is an attachment that must be completed, signed, and included as the first two pages of the combined PDF file that is 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 primary investigator and the institutional official. In addition, it includes fields where the applicant can provide a description of the proposed work and contact information for up to three co-investigators.

Who needs to sign the Preproposal Form?

The primary investigator and the signing official at the administering institution must sign the preproposal form. Scanned signatures and e-signatures are accepted. Typed names are not accepted.

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.

What types of information should be included in the description of proposed work?

The description of proposed work should be written to a group of well-educated scientists who are not necessarily experts in your field. Describe the work being proposed, its potential to lead to significant innovation in regulatory science, how your approach to the problem is distinct, and how the translation of possible results of the research will improve the regulatory process.

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 and should not be included. If you are invited to submit a full application, references can be included at that time.

How do I submit the preproposal form?

After completing the preproposal form, including the required signatures, include it as the first two pages of the combined PDF file, then upload and attach the combined PDF file 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 included as the first two pages of the combined PDF file, which is uploaded and attached to your application, then submitted electronically by the preproposal application deadline. Faxed, emailed, or hard copy documents will not be accepted.