4.4.1 - Grants and Contracts

The Office of Research (OR), an organizational unit under the Office of the President, is the service and support office for external funding activities. This office provides services to support faculty throughout the proposal and grant process. The OR is responsible for all pre-award and post-award functions and provides a full array of services such as identification of funding sources, interpretation of guidelines, assistance with proposal development, technical writing and editing, budget development, proposal submission, award and contract negotiation, grants management, and project accounting and billing.

Faculty should notify the OR of their intention to submit a proposal at least two weeks before the sponsor’s deadline. All proposals for external grant or contract funding must be routed through Cayuse, KSU’s electronic grants management system; when proposal review and routing are complete, OR will submit the proposal. Please see the Sponsored Programs website for more information about routing and timelines and the Research Development website for information about funding opportunities and proposal support.

Once a grant or contract has been awarded to the University, the OR negotiates and finalizes the terms and conditions of the award with the sponsor. The OR works closely with faculty in the fiscal management of grants and contracts awarded to the University and assigns a Grants Manager to work with the project director throughout the life of the award. The OR is responsible for ensuring that the business interests of the University are protected and that the University complies with award provisions. The staff maintains auditable records in support of charges to grants and contracts and prepares and files fiscal reports required by the sponsor.

A few reminders:

• Kennesaw State University Research and Service Foundation is the legal applicant for all proposals submitted by faculty.
• Funds and resources of the University cannot be obligated without the required approvals in Cayuse.
• The Vice President for Research or designee is the official authorized representative for signing all contracts.
• Line-item budgets that include facilities and administrative costs (indirect costs) must accompany all proposals and awards; contact OR for assistance.