Proposals describe the work to be undertaken, its significance, the qualifications of the proposer(s) to carry out the tasks, and the resources available to support the program. They usually include an estimate of the costs that will be incurred. Because successful proposals result in awards that are legally binding agreements on the University, care must be taken in their preparation.

Preliminary/ Pre-Proposal Planning
For anyone contemplating conducting research at GW, the first thing to verify is eligibility to conduct research.

Steps in Proposal Planning
To provide an initial orientation to the process of proposal preparation and to facilitate advance planning, this link presents the main steps in the Pre-proposal Process.

Timelines for Proposal Phases
This link gives an approximation of how a Principal Investigator might plan the proposal development process.

Proposal Writing Resources
These references may be useful when writing a proposal. The best guidance for proposal writing, however, can often be found in the program guidelines.

Pre-Proposal Contact with Sponsors
In limited circumstances, some solicitations require or restrict certain pre-proposal communications and activities. It is especially important for the Principal Investigator to contact his/her RSC to determine the most appropriate approach for addressing any such pre-proposal submission requirements.

Electronic Proposal Submissions
Please review the upcoming and ongoing changes in proposal preparation as more federal agencies begin to require submitting proposals electronically.

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