Here we summarize the key points of the limited submission process; full details can be found in the limited submission SOP.

PI Responsibilities and Timeline

PIs are responsible for notifying OSP-AS of their intention to submit to any limited submission oppportunity using our interest form.  We will collect expressions of interest until the cutoff date (typically 8 weeks before the sponsor deadline, with exceptions listed below).  OSP will also consult with REDI liaisons to identify interested PI(s).

If the number of internal applicants is less than or equal to the number of proposals that JMU can submit, all internal applicants shall automatically be selected as the candidates.   However, if there are more internal candidates than the number of proposals JMU can submit, OSP will coordinate with the appropriate unit or college(s) to organize an internal competition.  

If a PI submits an expression of interest after the cutoff date, and the number of already-selected JMU internal applicants is less than the sponsor limit, the PI will automatically be selected as a candidate, unless consulting with REDI liaisons identifies other internal applicants in excess of the sponsor limit.  In this case, an internal competition will also occur.

Internal Competitions: Who Decides

In general, the selection in an internal competition will be made by the smallest relevant administrative unit. 

• If all applicants are within one department, OSP will contact the department's AUH (unless the AUH is an applicant, in which case the relevant dean’s office will be contacted). 
• If all applicants are within one college, OSP will contact the relevant dean’s office. 
• If applicants are distributed between different colleges, OSP will contact all the relevant dean’s offices to collaborate. 
• If applicants are distributed between divisions, leadership of the relevant divisions will be consulted.

Departments, colleges, and divisions are encouraged to develop appropriate internal policies regarding limited submission internal competitions.

Internal Competitions: Required Materials

If an internal competition is required, PIs will generally be requested to submit the following:

• A short description of the project.  Generally, the format will match a component of the proposal (e.g., the project summary section).
• A short description of the PI/team.  When possible, the format will match the biosketch or other similar required proposal material.
• An optional short statement with other relevant information for the committee.  This may include if the PI/team has a related planning grant, for example.  If a project requires cost-sharing, PI(s) should describe their plan for how this will be provided here.

This gives sufficient information to choose between internal candidates without burdening PI(s) who may not proceed to develop a proposal.  These materials will shared with the entity identified above.  PI(s) who are not selected to proceed should consult with the Office of Research Development on alternative funding opportunities. 

Unless otherwise indicated below, the cutoff date for a limited submission opportunity is 8 weeks before the sponsor deadline. All internal candidates who express interest before this date will be considered.  After the cutoff date, generally the first candidate to contact OSP will be selected, as outlined in our limited submission SOP. 

A select number of prestigious fellowships or other awards do not follow the usual limited submission process.  These are listed below, along with the unit that is reponsible for determining the appropriate nominee(s).  If you are interested in one of these opportunities, please contact the listed unit.