If a Federal funding announcement states that a proposal could be funded in the form of a grant, cooperative agreement, or contract – Who should I work with at the Office of Sponsored Programs and why?
Federally funded research can be awarded to the University in many formats. When developing a proposal for submission to the Office of Sponsored Programs, the funding announcement should be reviewed to determine if the funding sponsor intends to issue a grant, cooperative agreement, or contract. (See definitions for these funding types.)
Within the Office of Sponsored Programs, if the funding announcement states that the potential award may be given in the form of either a grant, cooperative agreement, or contract, you should work with your designated Federal Contract Officer.
As was described in a previous Tip of the Week, Federal Grants and Federal Contracts have significant differences. One of those differences is that a Federal Contract has more restrictions and therefore could result in unintended consequences if the proposal is not reviewed as a Federal Contract. Thus, treating the proposal initially as a possible Federal Contract ensures that all necessary steps are taken. If after the initial proposal is submitted, it is determined that the funding will be given as a grant or cooperative agreement, it will be passed on to the Grants Management Services team for processing.
Further questions regarding Federal Contracts can be directed to orfedcon@pitt.edu. Further questions regarding Federal Grants or Cooperative Agreements can be directed to chriscra@pitt.edu.