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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who should I contact if I want to submit a proposal through Harvard University?
    Contact your assigned Portfolio Manager (Portfolio Distribution list) at the SEAS Research Administration office.
  2. What is the difference between SEAS RA and HU-OSP?
    When a PI decides to submit a proposal s/he will contact SEAS Portfolio Manager responsible in assisting the PI in the entire proposal submission. The central OSP (HU-OSP) reviews and submits the proposals on behalf of the PI. HU-OSP has the authority to sign off on all grant agreements and contracts on behalf of the President and Fellows of Harvard College; SEAS Research Administration office or PI do not.
  3. What is the legal name for Harvard University?
    The legal name for Harvard University that should be used in all grant proposals and agreements is President and Fellows of Harvard College (on behalf of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences). 
  4. What are the proposal submission deadlines to HU-OSP?
    The submission deadline to HU-OSP is 5 business days prior to the sponsor deadline.
  5. If I want to make changes to my proposals or current award(s) (request a no-cost extension, re-budgeting, supplemental funds, etc), who should I contact?
    For any changes on your proposals and current award(s), you should contact your SEAS Portfolio Manager.
  6. I want to find out to-date expenditures and the balance on my current award. What should I do?
    For expenditures and balances on all your awards, contact your Portfolio Manager.
  7. I am interested in applying for a grant, but I don't know where to begin. What should I do?
    If you are seeking funds to support your project, contact your SEAS Portfolio Manager who will assist you with the first steps.
  8. I received a notice from the sponsor in regards to taking action on my submitted proposal(s) or current awards, but I don’t know what to do with it.
    Make sure to forward any notices from the sponsor to your Portfolio Manger so that the first steps towards award setup can take place right away.
  9. I received an award that has been negotiated and fully signed. Where is the action memo?
    Once the award agreement gets fully signed and all approvals and certifications are completed, HU-OSP will initiate a new account set up. This process can take anywhere from one to two weeks.
  10. I received a check for my grant. Who should I forward it to?
    Any checks related to your grants should be forwarded to your Portfolio Manager. We will then promptly forward it to HU-OSP for processing.
  11. As the PI, am I allowed to negotiate the terms and conditions of my award?
    No. Only HU-OSP is allowed to negotiate the terms and conditions on your behalf. However, as the PI, you will have a chance to review the award and point out any clauses that you want modified (for example, the report due dates, etc.).
  12. How will I know HU-OSP submitted my proposal?
    Your Portfolio Manager will coordinate proposal submissions, and will notify the PI via email, within one to two business days, that his/her proposal was submitted by HU-OSP to the sponsor.
  13. I would like to hire an independent contractor/consultant to work on my sponsored project(s). Where do I begin?
    In order to hire a consultant on a sponsored project, you need to contact the HR to help you with the hiring process. Once you receive clearance from the HR, your Portfolio Manager can help you draft a consultancy agreement.
  14. I received a software license agreement that needs to be reviewed and signed by someone at Harvard. Where do I go?
    Your Portfolio Manager will help you coordinate review of software license agreements and, if needed, forward them to the appropriate contact person at the Office of the General Counsel.   Software license agreements are typically signed by SEAS. 
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