Proposals submitted to these agencies must be reviewed by the office to assure compliance with University policy, state laws, and regulations of the federal government. The office also reviews budgets to verify that all appropriate charges are included in the cost calculations.
Kuali is the new cloud-based electronic research administration system used for all research proposal submissions. Link to Kuali.
Proposals require approval by department chairs, deans and OSR prior to submission.
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What are the fringe benefit rates?
Fringe Benefits are charged at actual fringe rates. For budgeting purposes, actual salary and fringe rates should be used; however, if a position is filled by an employee whose fringe rates are not yet determined, the following composite fringe rates should be applied. Composite rates should be charged for faculty buyouts.
FY2024 composite rates are:
Faculty Exempt Staff Non-Exempt Staff Contractual 30.0% 34.9% 55.6% 7.93%
FY2025 composite rates are:
Faculty Exempt Staff Non-Exempt Staff Contractual 30.7% 35.5% 56.6% 7.93% -
What are the overhead rates?
Different types of non-federally sponsored and special program rates require different levels of support. Consequently, the following on-campus and off-campus rates for each type of program have been established. Unless noted otherwise, the indirect costs rates are applied as a percentage of Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC).
Approved minimum rates are as follows:
Sponsored Research Programs On-Campus Off-campus Federal Grants/Contracts (for proposals submitted after 3/4/15) 60% S&W 30% S&W State Government - General 15% 15% Local Government 15% 15% Private/Corporate 50% 25% Non-Profit/Foundations 15% 15% S&W = Salary and Wages (does not include fringe benefits)
Proposal Writing Tips
Each funding agency has its own requirements for proposals. In general, the proposal should begin with a succinct, one-page summary of your project. It is often helpful to frame the proposal in terms of a problem that needs to be solved. Identify the issue, other approaches to a solution and their limitations (this should show familiarity with the literature on the issue), a plan of approach and expected outcomes. Delineate the program of activities as specifically as possible, including a timeline. This demonstrates organizational competence and sense of direction. Budget fully and accurately within the capacity of the sponsor to fund.
Other Non-UB Web sites* that may offer help on proposal writing are:
- Elements of Style
- Proposal Writing Short Course
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National Organization of Research Development Professionals (NORDP) Resources
*These Sites are not endorsed by UBalt, please use at your own discretion.