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Sponsored Research

In support of the research enterprise, UC San Diego works with over 1,300 different types of sponsors and agencies. Each one can have unique and nuance policies and guidance. In research administration, sponsor refers to the external entity with which UC San Diego enters into an agreement and can impact how you prepare the proposal and manage the agreement. This information provides key content on how best to work with various types of sponsors. Click here to view the Sponsored Research Administration's website.

 

Sponsor Types

UC San Diego works with various sponsors and agencies, click on each one to get additional information on important information related to those types of sponsors:

 

Solicitations

Sponsor guidelines and funding opportunities provide the primary instructions that need to be followed for the proposal to have the best chance of being reviewed and accepted. By reading the funding opportunity (also called a funding opportunity announcement) you will be able to better guide and advise your PI to avoid common mistakes that may hurt the chances of the proposal or that may even disqualify it. Reading the funding opportunity is the first thing you should do when your PI says they would like to submit a proposal. This will also be requested by the Sponsored Projects Office (SPO) so that they too can read it and check it during their review before the proposal to fix any errors before submission.

While funding opportunities/announcements are sometimes referred to as solicitations, there is a difference between solicited and unsolicited announcements.

 

  • Solicited – a sponsor releases a specific call for proposals. It will define specific areas of research or specific topics or types of projects. Often have a limited opportunity to apply.
  • Unsolicited – a sponsor will have broad guidelines allowing for a wide range of innovative ideas. Will often have a large window to apply.


Funding opportunities often go by a variety of names and acronyms, such as:

  • RFA - Request for Application
  • RFP - Request for Proposal
  • RFQ - Request for Qualifications; Request for Quotation
  • BAA - Broad Agency Announcement
  • PA - Program Announcement
  • PON - Program Opportunity Notice

 

TIP: Always obtain the opportunity and read it thoroughly, making notes of any special instructions and/or important information of note.

Sponsored Research Administration Resources

The Sponsored Projects Office (SPO) prioritizes the support of Research Administrators (RAs) and other customers to ensure that they have the resources and support needed when working on sponsored research activities. Click here to access trainings and guidance for sponsored projects.