PRE-PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
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To ensure the most competitive proposal, it is critical that the principal investigator make the following assessments prior to approaching a potential funding source:

:: The needs and priority interests of the funding agency.
:: Their own qualifications and project requirements.
:: The infrastructure and management scope of the project.
:: The financial scope of the project.

The PI should also:

:: Conduct a literature review.
:: Consult colleagues about the proposed project, and solicit ideas and assistance.
:: Review government regulations and other requirements, e.g., security, licensing.
:: Review relevant government regulatory and compliance issues and become familiar with  any prominent ethical considerations that may be related to the proposal.

Identification of an Agency's Needs
To begin, it is advisable to research the agency's areas of interest, general purpose, and activities and previous grant disbursements. This will help determine eligibility and gauge the competitiveness of the proposal. In addition to researching materials and resources available through the Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development (OVPRED web site at http://research.unm.edu), it is advisable to contact agency staff and determine their interest in the proposal concept. This can be accomplished by telephone, office visit, letter of intent, or a combination of these. Agency program officers often welcome this type of contact.

The PI’s Qualifications and Project Requirements
It is essential to assess the PI’s ability to execute the project—not only to determine capabilities and expertise but to consider essential questions such as availability of staff, safety and security requirements, equipment, time, and other institutional support, including financial commitments.

Budget Requirements
Define the financial scope of the proposed project early in the process in order to determine whether the project's needs can be met by the agency.

Literature Review
An exhaustive bibliographic search is recommended. This can help avoid duplication of existing studies, as well as identify studies that can support the work and provide citations that will enhance the proposal presentation. This search may also include contacting previous award recipients engaged in similar research.

Consultation with Colleagues
Ongoing consultation with colleagues is recommended through the entire proposal development stage. Frequently, colleagues may have valuable agency contacts to share. OVPRED–Research Development Services is available for consultation.

Regulatory Review
Government regulatory requirements may increase sponsored project costs. A review of human subjects requirements, animal care requirements, conflict of interest disclosure requirements, OSHA, HIPAA, security, Department of Commerce Export Control, and FAR/DFAR requirements should be conducted to identify specific costs such as animal care, drug testing, hazardous waste disposal, security safeguarding, or export control licensing requirements. These costs should be included in the budget as direct costs when applicable.