All proposals for sponsored research funding regardless of whether submitted in hard copy form or electronically, must be routed through the Department of Contracts and Grants (DCG) for approval before submission. Only DCG administrators are recognized as authorized organizational representatives to approve proposals on behalf of the university. Prior to DCG approval, all proposals must be approved by the Vice Dean for Research.  Vice Dean approval is obtained by the USC Dornsife Research Office located in the Bovard Administration Building, ADM-304. The USC Dornsife Research Office only requires a copy of your Administrative Shell.

Administrative Shell Submission Process

Principal Investigator >>>> USC Dornsife Research Office >>>> DCG >>>> Sponsor

Administrative Shell Components*:

• Proposal Approval Record (current PAR forms) or (ePAR)
• Proposal Cover Page (Generic Cover Sheet template)
  
• Project Summary or Abstract
• Budget with Justification (Generic Excel Budget Template)
• Solicitation or Announcement

*Administrative Shell components must be delivered to ADM-304.

For complete USC Federal Rate Agreements (fringe and indirect costs), click here.

Popular Extramural Information

• NIH Salary Cap Summary
• Standard Due Date Schedule - Submission dates for competing NIH applications
• NIH Grant Writing Tips Sheet
• NSF Guide - Proposals due January 18, 2011 and thereafter