FY25 PDW #2: On the Horizon: Everything before the funding opportunity
Panel Summary:
Presenters: Whitney Riggs, Rachel Levinson, Quyen Wickham
Federal Budget Process and Funding Agencies
Whitney highlighted that the President's annual budget is due to Congress in February, and Congress then develops its budget. Commerce, Justice, and Science appropriation subcommittees fund various departments and agencies. The funding levels can change depending on the political majority in Congress. The budget process is typically politicized, leading to frequent government shutdowns and the need for continuing resolutions. Rachel added that during a continuing resolution, agencies cannot fund new programs and may restrict money for existing programs until an appropriation is made.
Faculty Involvement in Funding Program Changes
Whitney explained that faculty members can submit requests to their office, ideally through a one-on-one briefing, which will then be submitted to the delegation for prioritization. The team also includes outside consultants with contacts within the Appropriations Committee to help advance ASU priorities.
Influencing Research Priorities and Funding Strategies
Rachel emphasized the importance of faculty members engaging with professional societies to influence research priorities and funding. She highlighted the role of Request for Information (RFI) processes in shaping agency programs and the need for universities and companies to weigh in on these processes. Rachel also advised against revealing proprietary information in RFI responses. Rachel explained the importance of public input in establishing new programs within agencies. She suggested avoiding direct calls to program managers and suggesting an email introduction and a conversation at their convenience. She encouraged researchers to explore funding opportunities from multiple agencies or program officers, depending on their research topic.
Engaging Agencies and Preparing for Research Projects
Quyen discussed various tools and strategies for engaging with agencies and preparing for research projects. He highlighted the Heilmeier Catechism, a tool from the DARPA that is gaining traction among multiple agencies. Quyen also recommended using logic models, particularly in the humanities and social sciences and emphasized the importance of creating a concise summary statement and an elevator pitch for projects. He advised faculty to engage proactively with program officers and to prepare for potential RFPs by studying past ones.
Original Kick-off Invitation:
Proposal Development Workshops (PDWs) are webinars on key milestones along the funding and proposal development journey. Presenters provide best practice and ASU-specific insight across all facets of proposal development. Starting with understanding the funding landscape, finding a solicitation, developing a proposal, and preparing a budget, each webinar is a quick look at best practices.
This session describes how faculty can better position themselves for funding success before a funding solicitation is published; it answers the question, "Where did that proposal come from?” The PDW will present a brief overview of the federal budget process and pre-RFP engagement across different research agencies, how funds are allocated, and effective communication with funders. The session will describe how to find key strategy documents, the importance of conferences and workshop participation, participating in agency committees and decision-making processes, and creating impactful elevator pitches and project briefs.
These sessions are appropriate to all stages of research from any discipline for any sponsor.
PDW’s are held approximately every other week at 11am AZ through the academic year.
Presenters: Rachel Levinson, Whitney Riggs, Quyen Wickham
Register here: researchacademy.asu.edu/fy25-pdw-horizon-everything-funding-opportunity
Questions? Please contact ResearchDevelopment@asu.edu