CVM- Research: Frequently Asked Questions
What is PINS (Project Information and Navigation System)? PINS is an electronic system
where faculty enters proposals for approval by PIs, co-PIs, department heads, colleges, and
Sponsored Programs (SPARCS). Proposals are entered for New, Supplement, Continuation or
Revised as well as NIH Progress Reports. PINS is accessed through Mypack Portal:
For
Faculty & Staff
Manage My Projects
Proposals &Project Management
PINS (Under Pre Award)
PINS User Manual: http://www.ncsu.edu/sparcs/pins/pins_user_manual.pdf
Is a Postdoctoral Associate eligible to be a PI on a grant proposal? No, postdoctorals are
considered trainees or apprentices and are not eligible to be the PI, unless otherwise stated in
the RFP/Solicitation. For more information refer to:
http://www.ncsu.edu/sparcs/policy/pi_eligibility.php.
Why are NIH Progress Reports entered in PINS? NIH no longer requires the PI to sign the
face page of the Progress Report for noncompeting grants. The signature is replaced with the
institution compliance requirement. NC State meets the compliance requirement by having the
PI process the progress report through PINS. For more information see the NIH notice number
NOT-OD-06-058 at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-06-058.html and
NCSU’s requirements at: http://www.ncsu.edu/sparcs/policy/nih_progress_reports.php
What dollar amount is entered in PINS for NIH Progress Reports? The dollar amount for
funding is $0 in PINS. This is because the funds are already accounted for in the system at the
initial proposal and if the dollar amount is reentered at the time of the progress report they will
be doubled.
Do I need an eRA Commons User ID and if so, how do I obtain a Commons ID? As of
10/9/2009, all post doctorates who contribute to a project for at least one person month of effort
must obtain an eRA Commons User ID. Contact the Research Office (Jeneal Leone or Laura
Cullins) to set up the Commons ID through eRA Commons. Information needed is an e-mail
address and date of birth. Please see NIH Notice Number: NOT-OD-09-140 at
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not-od-09-140.html
Are TSAs (Testing Service Agreements) entered in PINS? No, although TSAs are now
processed through SPARCS rather than Purchasing, they are not processed through PINS.
SPARCS signs the TSA. SPARCS also requires a checklist to be submitted with the TSA
before signatures. The TSA document must be signed by SPARCS before work is started.
Forms are accessed at: http://www.ncsu.edu/sparcs/forms/tsa.php
What is Cost Sharing and when do I use Cost Sharing? Cost sharing indicates that more
than one sponsor will share in the expenses for a project. The most frequently used cost share
is when a sponsor provides most of the funds and the University provides the remainder of the
funds. Most commonly used cost share items are PI Salary and fringe benefits and the related
indirect costs. Cost sharing should only be used when requested by the sponsor and only cost
share the minimum amount required. For more information refer to:
http://www.ncsu.edu/sparcs/budgeting/cost_sharing.php
What are the NIH page limits for the Research Strategy? Research Strategy is typically
limited to 12 pages. The Research Strategy includes the following:
 Significance
 Innovation
 Approach
 Preliminary Studies for New Applications
 Progress Report for Renewal/Revision Applications
Please see NIH Notice Number: NOT-OD-09-149 at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/noticefiles/not-od-09-149.html
Is a Personal Statement part of the NIH Biographical Sketch? Yes. Current form and
example form is accessible at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/2590/2590.htm
What is happening with the NIH, AHRQ, and NIOSH error correction window? For
submissions to NIH, AHRQ, and NIOSH on or after January 25, 2011, there will no longer be an
error correction window. The application viewing window is not being affected. The twobusiness-day application viewing window will still be available in eRA Commons. The applicant
may still view the application and reject and submit a corrected application prior to the
submission deadline. Please see Notice NOT-OD-10-123 at
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not-od-10-123.html
Is there a difference between a stipend and salary? Yes, salary is for services (working) and
stipend is for scholarship to defray cost of living expenses. A stipend is for a learning
experience and can include travel, books, supplies, etc. A stipend is not an employment
obligation.
What are NCSU’s DUNS#, EIN# and Congressional District number?
DUNS#: 042092122
EIN#: 56 6000 756
Congressional District: NC-002
If I receive a check for a grant funding, where do I send it?
Julie Brasfield
Contracts and Grants
2701 Sullivan Drive, Suite 240
Admin Services III, Box 7214
Raleigh, NC 27695-7214
Phone: 919-515-2153
Fax: 919-515-4693
What is PAR (Prior Approval Request) System? PAR is the system used for the PI or
Bookkeeper to request the following:
Rebudgets
No-Cost Extensions
Pre-award Costs
Subaward Requests/Modifications
Equipment Acquisitions
Travel Requests- Foreign and Domestic
Change in Scope/Objective of Project
Change in Principal Investigator
Other (BA-148- requesting a project segment)
Additional Resources can be found…
1. NCSU ID Numbers and Important Info:
http://www.ncsu.edu/sparcs/proposal/project_info.php
2. Budget Guidelines: http://www.ncsu.edu/sparcs/budgeting/index.php
3. Conflict of Interest (COI) and Notice of Intent (NOI):
http://www.ncsu.edu/sparcs/coi/index.php