NSF provides a model for how to meet with program officers at other federal agencies
The number one piece of advice we give faculty researchers when they begin their grant seeking activities is: meet with your research advancement professional!
The second piece of advice we give them? Meet with the program officer (aka program manager, or other agency representatives) for the program you are interested in applying to.
We encourage you to check out this perennial good advice here (remember when we could travel?): https://funding.asu.edu/proposal-development/visit-dc
Even if the National Science Foundation (NSF) is not an agency of interest, their recent blog on the topic is applicable to many other agencies.
Read the article here: https://beta.nsf.gov/science-matters/nsf-101-5-tips-how-work-nsf-program-officer
What are the five tips you ask?
- Do your homework
- Reach out as early as possible
- Continue to stay in contact with your program officer
- Please be patient
- Recognize that there are limits to what program officers can do
To learn more pre-proposal activities that will help you position yourself for success, check out 2020's Proposal Development Workshop on Understanding your Funding Landscape: https://youtu.be/mzcZyLtB6EI