University of Northern Iowa
Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
Guidelines for Limited Submission Competition
Policy when a funder restricts the number of submissions per institution:
*All faculty and staff intending on submitting a proposal to a funding opportunity that restricts
institutional submissions must participate in an internal competition for the available slots.
*RSP will post opportunities known to have this restriction on the RSP website.
*In cases where more than the allowed number of submissions are proposed, RSP will first
attempt to form collaborations.
*All parties must submit materials by the “Internal Submission Deadline.” The required
materials will be determined by each opportunity.
*Proposals submitted previously to the limited program, but were not funded, will be given first
consideration. These PIs must submit their project summary, budget, and the reviewer’s
comments from the first submission by the “Internal Submission Deadline.” If the comments are
positive, the AVP of Research and Sponsored Programs may grant them a second chance to
submit without competing for a spot. The competition will close if no slots are available after
resubmissions are considered.
*Information for each competition, including internal deadlines and the materials needed for
internal review (such as proposal narrative and budget spreadsheet) will be disseminated
appropriately. Dissemination may include an announcement through UNI Online, posting on the
RSP website, and emails to Deans/Directors/Dept Heads along with other targeted groups.
Incomplete materials or materials received after the deadline will not be accepted unless there are
not enough interested parties to fill all available slots. After the internal deadline, submission
slots will be filled on a first-come first-served basis. The status of internal competitions also will
be appropriately disseminated.
*Once all materials are received, a custom-made committee is summoned. The committee will
typically be made up of both junior and senior faculty so that both peers and mentors can offer
review. The committee may either be interdisciplinary or academic area-specific depending on
the funding opportunity. RSP will work to form a pool of diverse faculty willing to sit on
committees if needed. Names in both the pool and on the committees will not be publicized.
*One committee member will be chosen as Chair. An RSP staff person will be a member of the
committee and will assist with co-facilitation.
*All proposals, accompanied by funder’s evaluation criteria, or, if not available, standardized
review criteria, are distributed to the committee after the “Internal Submission Deadline” has
passed.
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*RSP will also offer brief track record of PI grantsmanship – submitting progress report on time,
fulfilling cost share requirements
*If the number of proposals matches the number of allowed submissions, committee members
will be asked to review and submit their comments in writing to RSP. The committee will not
score proposal or convene in person.
*If there are more proposals than allowed submissions, the committee will prepare written
comments and score each proposal. The committee will then convene to discuss their comments
and determine ranking as a group.
*The highest ranking proposal(s) earn(s) the submission.
*The reviewers’ comments will be prepared and sent to all applicants.
*Those individuals with proposals going forward will then work with the RSP through the usual
submission process to get their proposals finalized and submitted to the funder by the program
deadline.
Policy when a funder does not restrict the number of submissions per institution, but the
University deems restriction necessary:
*When a funder does not restrict the number of proposals per funding cycle, but the University
has determined that limiting the number of submissions will make proposals more competitive,
RSP will conduct internal submission competitions per the above stated procedures. A list of
such funders, internal deadlines, and guidelines for each will be posted to the RSP website and
disseminated appropriately. An example of such funding opportunities iss the Black Hawk
County Gaming Association Grants.
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